INTERVIEW WITH CT HELLMUND, PROMOTER OF THE NASCAR WEST GRAND NA


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May 15, 2008

Source: RacingWest / Janet Peery
Date: 03/22/2007

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INTERVIEW WITH CT HELLMUND, PROMOTER OF THE NASCAR WEST GRAND NATIONAL RACE AT KYLE TEXAS

The NASCAR Grand National West Series will be making its third appearance at the ever popular Thunderhill Raceway at Kyle, Texas Saturday, March 31.

RacingWest was given the opportunity to chat with Aryn White and Tavo “CT” Hellmund of Full Throttle, promoters of the event. This is the first part of a multi-segment interview.

RacingWest: First off, there is a rumor that CT fans don't want to hear and that is that you aren't driving this year! Why is that?
Tavo CT Hellmund: Right now I'm glad about it because honestly we're having 80 hour weeks getting ready for the event...and I can't even begin to see how I attempted to race the last couple of years as well. The big thing for me has been that I'm a racer 100% and I've always prided myself that no matter where we've shown up to race from coast to coast, from Late Models, Modifieds or Grand National Series, we've been one of the cars to beat. Quite frankly, the preparation on the racing side at our Kyle race has been minimal and the results show with 2 no finishes. It's been a hard pill to swallow and I just decided to focus on the promotion side this year for the event and I'll go run a few West races later in the year. I'm sure that when we drop the rag on the 31st, I'll regret it!!

RW: Well, I can certainly understand the work. You and Aryn White have been doing the "Texas Thunder" NASCAR Grand National Events going on three years now and everyone comes away with the mini NASCAR Cup feel you are able to recreate at Kyle's Thunderhill Raceway. Each year you have put on one of the best promoted West races of the year. What in the world can you do this year to top what you have done in the past?
CT: Terry Labonte as our Grand Marshal for one, and Justin racing... more of the fun, family festivities with our sponsor's tent and some great give-aways. One of our sponsors is participating with the Make a Wish Foundation in giving a terminally ill child the gift of a NASCAR racing experience with tickets, hospitality and pit passes.

RW: The Make a Wish foundation does a lot of good and I know the racing community appreciates all that is done for the kids. And what a great thing for the sponsor to get involved in. That is very cool about all the other festivities and I am sure the fans are excited to have the Labonte's at their track. What time are you opening the gates for the fans?
CT: 3:45pm and one lucky fan will win the "Ride of a Lifetime" with a few laps around the track with Terry Labonte just before the race starts!

RW: So can you tell us which car we will see the younger Labonte in?
CT: He's going to be in a brand new car with a composite body for Dick Midgley, in the number 9 sponsored by Main Street Homes. Main Street Homes is a great home builder based right here in Austin.

RW: Labonte will be one of several drivers that are racing the NASCAR Grand National for the first time in their careers…and for many it will also be the first time at Kyle. Can you give the rookies a little insight to what it takes to perform well at the track? You know since you aren't driving…how about a few secrets from a veteran?
CT:Well, it's a little unusual for a 3/8, but the racing surface is pretty smooth. It's definitely not a horsepower track, which is really good for fellow poor boy racers. The preferred line is on the bottom but you have to have your car work well in the middle to. There is a little trick getting off 4 and getting into 1 that is worth about a tenth on each end...yeah, I'll keep that to myself because you never know about next year! The usual suspects though are fast no matter what. There are about 5 of them that have it figured out.

RW: Are you having a practice at the track?
CT: Yes we are. Friday we'll be out there all day. As it's the first race of the season for the Grand National Division, there is a lot to fit in. Team members and folks who are on team list will be allowed. We'll be doing some radio promotions and media stuff, but the gates will not be open to the public.

RW: Are any of the local late model racers entered in the Allstate Texas Thunder 150? And if so who might they be?
CT: We'll be having the TSRS Late Models (Texas Super Racing Series) in a 50 lap race a little before the NASCAR race. It's the best run Late Model Series in the state and we think they'll put on a good show. They are not Super Lates, more like Late Model Stocks or Limited Late Models.

RW: Did any of the West racers look for a car to race the late model race?
CT: It seems like that would be a great opportunity for some extra seat-time. No they did not, which is surprising.

RW: Will there be any parking issues? I know that first event some folks had a tough time getting into the facility to park.
CT: We have worked out overflow parking with the surrounding business. We don't think it will be a problem... but come early!!

Stay tuned, ya'all...more news about the Kyle, Texas racing coming shortly!

Photo of David Gilliland racing at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, Texas by Charly/RacingWest.com