The #20 Coalition to Salute America's Heroes Chevy Camaro, piloted by our talented driver Mark Mathias, was excited to begin the 2008 racing season at Thunderhill Raceway, Kyle, Texas, on April 12, 2008. The day started as a beautiful 70 degree day with clear skies, and became much cooler and windy, dropping to 50 degrees at race time.

The #20 began the 8-lap qualifying heat race starting in the #2 outside pole position on this vaunted 3/8 mile, D-shaped flat oval asphalt track. However, tire issues quickly placed Mark in the #6 position, battling an extremely tight race car the entire heat race. On Lap 6, while battling back for 5th place with the #51 car, we got into a racing altercation, causing damage to the right front of the race car. The #20 ultimately placed 6th in the 10-car field for the heat race.

In preparation for the feature race, we repaired the damage to the right front corner of the race car, made some wedge and air pressure adjustments, and prepared to battle the 20-car field in the main event.

The # 20 started the event in 4th position, and maintained his position for the first 25 laps of this 40-lap event, as the front 4 cars separated themselves from the rest of the field, with the 99 and 28 cars leading the way at a blistering pace. On lap 33, however, mechanical problems affected the 99, bringing him off the pace of the 3 following cars. On lap 34, Mark piloted the #20 into the 3rd position, despite the car becoming looser as the race grew to a close. Expertly guiding the car through lapped traffic, we finished the A-Line Super Stock 40-lap feature race in the 3rd position.

Westover Motorsports was proud to host Mike and Marie Greenstone, along with their daughter Gisella, to the evening’s event, as part of our ongoing partnership with the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes. The Coalition supports our veterans who have been wounded in the Iraqi (OIF) and Afghanistan (OEF) conflicts. The whole family was entertained and thoroughly enjoyed the racing experience, giving them a break from the everyday grind of recovery. Many thanks to the staff of Thunder Hill Raceway for assisting us in this endeavor!