Kyle, Texas (June 20, 2010) – Fourteen year-old Texas Super Racing Series rookie sensation Austin Self started on the pole for the TSRS LM feature at Thunderhill Raceway (Kyle, Texas) Saturday night and led all 35 laps to claim his first checkered flag in a full-bodied stock car.
A multi-time champion in national Karting competition, Self’s team decided earlier this year to tackle the premier Late Model series in Texas without the young man ever having turned a lap in a stock car, let alone go up against some of the most experienced and successful teams in Texas and the Southwest.
Although Self has enjoyed more success than most thought possible this early in this season, the win is ample evidence that “the kid is for real.”
“It was nerve wracking with those veterans on my tail. I kept as calm as I could, but I get a lot more nervous leading than I do watching the guy in front of me lead,” Self said after the race. “I’m lucky to have a great team and to get a win this early in the season. We’re still learning and this is just the beginning. “
When asked who he wanted to thank, the young man immediately replied, “Jesus Christ is the Number One for me.” And almost as an afterthought he added, “And thanks to FEP for giving me a great car and to my crew Heath and JR and the guy who keeps me calm, Chris Baker, and my parents and “AM Technical Solutions.”
AM Technical Solutions gratefully acknowledges Nick Holt of Lone Star Speedzone, the author of this article. You can read Holt’s full article at www.lonestarspeedzone.com or at www.austinself.com.