Darryl Wills Wins Championship in 12th Year of SWFM Series
By Sandy Magrath
The 12th Year of the Southwest Formula Mazda Series concluded at Eagles Canyon Raceway on
September 12th at the Texas Region SCCA Fall Roundup Double Regional. Eagles Canyon Raceway is in Decatur, Texas and the folks there are very hospitable and the track is great fun.
The weather, however, was very grumpy and everyone spent the entire weekend on their rain
tires. There were 8 FM’s present and all took the track for the morning Qualifying session
in the pouring rain. Davis Parr got the pole with newcomer Matt Stephenson qualifying 2nd
and Russ Hillenburg 3rd. Darryl Wills failed to get his transponder on his car for qualifying
and was not scored. But starting in the back (in the rain) didn’t keep Wills from his 11th
2009 Series win. Davis Parr finished the race in 2nd with Russ Hillenburg in 3rd.
Frank Newman, having his best finish of the year, finished 4th.
Champion Darryl Wills (L) being presented with his trophy and extras by Texas Autosports owner, Tim Magrath (R)
The 2009 Series Awards Presentation was held upstairs in the Eagles Canyon Raceway
Meeting Room following Saturday’s event. Frank Newman was crowned the Masters Champion
after battling for that title all season with David Vanhooser from Oklahoma. Newman, a
Motor Cycle Road Racer, just started racing FM’s this year. Russ Hillenburg, coming
to FM this year from Sprint Cars, was awarded Rookie of the Year.
The Top Ten were each awarded a case of Royal Purple and a fine bottle of wine with a
photo of their race car on the label.
Finishing the Series in 5th place was 17 year old John Logan. Louisiana racer Philip
Miller finished the Series in 4th with Russ Hillenburg taking the 3rd place Bronze Rotary trophy.
Davis Parr finished 2nd in the Series with 2 wins, 4 second place finishes, and 3 third
place finishes and was awarded the 2nd place Silver Rotary trophy.
Darryl Wills was crowned the Champion. Wills returned to the Southwest Formula Mazda Series
in 2009 after dedicating a handful of years to Sprint Car racing. Wills also won the SWFMS
Championship in 2003 and 2004. Wills was awarded the Gold Rotary Championship trophy.
Wills, along with many of the 09 Series participants, plans to run the 2010 Southwest Formula
Mazda Series. The 2010 Series looks to be better than 2009….and 2009 was AWESOME! We had a great bunch of drivers, some good competition, and a whole lot of fun! In 2010, Wills is setting his sights on being the only "4 Time" SWFMS Champion (Quad Boenker has also won 3) But Wills likes a challenge, so we need to get as many FM drivers as possible out to the races next year. If you think you’ve got what it takes, stop by our shop at Motorsport Ranch Cresson to check out the FM's and join us in 2010!
2010 will be Texas Autosports 14th year as a Formula Mazda dealer. Texas Autosports continues its quest to be the best in FM Parts Sales, Service, Arrive & Drive, Rentals, and Trackside FM Support.
2009 Southwest Formula Mazda Series Cash and Awards:
- Darryl Wills - $3,700. Cash, $750 Taylor Race Eng Certificate, 1 case Royal Purple,
8 Sessions at MSR-Cresson, Championship Royal Purple Jacket, Wine, Rotary Trophy
- Davis Parr - $2,700. Cash, $500 Taylor Race Eng Cert, 1 case Royal Purple,
8 Sessions at MSR-Cresson, Series Royal Purple Jacket, Wine Rotary Trophy
- Russ Hillenburg - $1,900. Cash, $250. Taylor Race Eng. Certificate,
1 Case Royal Purple, 8 Sessions at MSR-Cresson, Series Royal Purple Jacket, Wine, Rotary Trophy
- Philip Miller - $1,200. Cash, 1 Case Royal Purple. Wine, Trophy
- John Logan - $500. Cash, 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine, Trophy
- Frank Newman - 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine
- David Vanhooser - 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine
- Roger Addison - 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine
- Dave Zavelson - 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine
- Jeff Tucker- 1 Case Royal Purple, Wine
Rookie of the Year—Russ Hillenburg – Sparco Jumbo Gear Bag and Trophy
Masters Champion – Frank Newman - Sparco Jumbo Gear Bag and Trophy
Awarded throughout the Season:
- Goodyear Tires ($5,730. Value)
- 2 cases Royal Purple ($430 Value)
