TC Automotive Technology & Auto Body Repair

By JAKE BECKWITH
Texarkana Gazette

Even though they finished third in the Rising Star Championship race, Kemp Brothers Body Shop proved exceptional enough to take the grand prize Saturday in the first Bulldog 100 go-cart [mini-NASCAR®] competition at Texarkana College.

Driving the No. 1 car, the drivers and pit crew members for Kemp Brothers were able to compensate in other key areas in order for a computer to declare them the big winners.

"It was a blast. It does not get any better, I guarantee it," said Bill Sackett, one of the drivers for the Kemp Brothers car. He credited teamwork with helping win the big prize.

Other winners at the Bulldog100 include Fay J Packaging, which took first place in the Rising Star Championship, and ALCOA Mills Products, which first place in the Bulldog 100 Championship. The 43 go-carts in competition were divided into two separate championship races.

Final times used to determine the winners of the Bulldog 100 Championship and Rising Star Championship races were found using data from transponders located inside of each go-cart that measured the time taken to complete each lap around the track, said Chuck Phillips, one of the Bulldog 100 event staffers. Phillips said he received nothing but positive feedback from those participating in the event.
"We've been preparing for this race for many weeks and all the contestants seemed to have a good time," he said. "One man came up to me and said he felt 10 years old again."
"Every penny from the hot dogs to the soda to the cars go to the Rising Star Scholarship Fund. Not any money goes anywhere else," said Benny Murphy, director of the tech tent crew.

One driver determined to perform well in the Bulldog 100 was Liberty-Eylau Independent School District's Superintendent Scott Niven. While racing in the final qualifying heat before the championship races, Niven managed to successfully balance his go-cart on just two wheels as he turned sharply around the final corner before finishing the race. "To me, it kindled my competitive spirit. Everyone out there wanted to win," he said. "I'm focused on driving. Sometimes you have to take a little risk to get a return. Just like anything in life. "After it was over, there was great sportsmanship between the teams." Nivens laughed when asked if his daring performance on the race track was indicative of his usual driving skills. "I try to drive a little better on the highway," he said. Niven said he was already looking forward to next year's Bulldog 100 competition and fund-raiser. "It is a lot of fun. The college has been a great host, trying to cater to everyone's needs," he said.

KTBS New's Rick Rowe and Erin Moore alternated as drivers for their company's go-cart at this year's Bulldog 100. Moore said there was a noticeable shift in approach on Saturday's qualifying races as opposed to Friday's mandatory practice laps.
"Once you get out there, your mind focuses on doing the best you can. It is a lot more competitive. Yesterday was strategy. Today is competition," Moore said. "Yesterday, you learn more about the car, the track and the pit. Today, you do what you learned."

Mary Anthony, who by day is a sales representative for KTBS News, is also a member of the KTBS pit crew. She said it was important for KTBS to participate in the Bulldog 100 because "it is a great event and a great cause. It is a way for us to be a part of the (Texarkana) community."

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[edited Texarkana College] The BULLDOG 100 is in no way affiliated with NASCAR®
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