1-10-12
I apologize for the year long gap between updates, but I am a busy man!
Currently, the car is sitting on the jig at TSM Enhanced. It is a little twisted and beat up, but when we are done, it will be ready to go. We do not currently know when or where we will kick off the 2012 season, but as soon as the car is done, we will be ready to roll faster and better than ever. I would like to thank our 2012 sponsors: Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469, Torres Consulting, TSM Enhanced, HAIRatage Solon, AMSOIL and EMD Wraps. I am looking forward to the 2012 season, and cannot wait to get back on the track.
1-20-11
Once again, I apologize for the lack of updates, but there has not been much racing over the winter, until the Wild West Shootout at USA Raceway on January 8th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 15th, and 16th. We got our car ready for the first weekend, and rolled out Saturday January 8th with a hope to find our way again after struggling in the last few races of the 2010 season, and that is what we did. After pulling a great pill, I started on the pole for my heat race. After a great start, and a few cautions, I was able to hold off a late race charge from the 2s of Stormy Scott as we battled side by side for the last 4 laps. That put me in the 10th starting spot for the main. In the main, my car was pretty fast. I worked my way up to 5th and was 5th or 6th the entire race. There was a late caution and I decided that I was going to have to make a move. With only 2 laps to go the field took the green, and when I went into turn 3, I over drove the corner and jumped the cushion and lost 2 spots. I wound up finishing 8th in the main. Our car was really good and we were pretty confident for Sunday's race.
With only a little bit of body damage to repair, and some tires to grind, we were ready to hit the track once again on Sunday January 9th on the 2nd day of the Wild West Shootout. After pulling a horrible pill, I had to start dead last in my heat race. I was able to make it up to 5th place, but that did not give me enough passing points to get to the a main, so I had to start 3rd in the b main. I thought I had a great shot to win the race, but I missed the setup big time by not tightening the car up enough, and locked in the last transfer spot, putting me in the a main in the 24th starting spot. We swung for the fence on our main event setup, and I think we hit a grand slam, or we would have. At the drop of the green flag I drove into turn one right up against the wall and passed about 5 cars, and I did the exact same thing going into turn 3, but coming out of turn four, there was a huge 8 or so car pile up and I had no where to go. I had to slid right into the wreak just hanging on. The crash knocked us out of the race and forced us to leave on "the hook." The car is not damage too bad, mostly rear decking and some front suspension damage. We decided to call it a week and not bust our humps during the week to race again. We are looking forward to the season opener on February 18th and 19th at USA Raceway. We look to kick off the 2011 season with a couple of strong finishes.
9-12-10
Sorry I haven't updated this thing in a few months, but I have been fairly busy with school starting back up and work, so the racing season has taken some what of a back seat. We have cut down on our out of town racing, so the last 3 races we have ran were here in Tucson. On July 10th, we had a good run going, until my power steering box locked up and I was forced from the race. Then, on July 24th, we had another good run coming, but an over heating problem and another power steering issue lead us to another DNF. With August 28th approaching, we decided to build a brand new body and deck. In doing so, we missed the August 14th race. We got the car done for the August 28th Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469 night at the races, but mother nature would not allow us to race, it was called early due to rain. So last night, September 11th, Cody Alvarez Racing hit the track for the first time in over a month. I won my heat race, and re-drew 8 for the main. Confident in our set-up, I knew I was going to have a great car under me for the feature. On the initial start, I made a mistake going into the first turn and I was unable to push forward like I hoped, but a lap 4 caution bunched the field back up. Re-starting 7th, I quickly was up to 4th, and when I was passing the guy for 3rd, my car died. Having to enter the pits, my crew had the hood off and was checking things out, but it wasn't until we got back to the trailer that we discovered a wire connected to the ignition switch had came unscrewed, causing the loss of power. Knowing we had a great car, the early exit from the race was pretty bitter, but also gives us a lot of confidence for our next race on September 25th at USA Raceway. I would like to thank all my sponsors who have helped us out all year: Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469, Torres Consulting, TSM Enhanced, and AMSOIL. My 2007 Shaw by TeamTSM.com is a real rocket ship, and everyone in our camp is looking forward to our next race to see what we can do. I would also like to thank my family and crew for all their dedication and commitment to this racing organization. Also, I would like to congratulate my teammate Robert Adams for his 2nd win in a row last night, but I have a feeling this 06 team just may have something for that 50 car next time!
Pictures of the new body.
6-27-10
With the great 2nd place finish in our back pocket from the previous week, Cody Alvarez Racing hit the road and hauled to El Paso Speedway Park on Friday night. We started the night in a very good way, capturing our 7th heat race win of the season. As we rolled out in a second starting spot, our eyes were on the prize. At the drop of the green flag I found myself with my hands full of an out of control race car. Fighting and fighting in the cockpit I watched as the cars kept rolling by me. I found myself in 8th place when a spin in front of me took out 2 cars. I restarted in the 6th position and when the field barreled 2 wide into the first turn a massive crash took out the front runners. I narrowly avoided the mad scramble of cars and found myself in 3rd place. On the ensuing restart, I dove under the 2nd place car, we battled for a few laps as he would edge away from me as I was still fighting my weird handling machine. 3rd is where we would end up, not a bad run for us, but we still can get the car a little bit better. Just something to work on for next Friday. At the Southern New Mexico Speedway Saturday night, Cody Alvarez Racing had another struggle. Carburetor problems would cost me a heat race win, and a very tight race car would force me to cross the line in an upsetting 13th place in the A main. We are really going to have to go back to the drawing board and figure out our set-up for the SNMS. I am going to have to forget our recent dismal performances at the SNMS, and look ahead and just get faster. Next weekend we will put our new set-up and fine tuning to the test as we once again travel the 300 miles to go racing.
6-20-10
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
After a terrible way to end the weekend last weekend, we worked really hard to get the car patched up to race condition throughout the week. I would like to thanks Steve Nelson, Erik Anderson, and Ron Anderson for the hard work while my dad was out of town to get the car ready. After a long and hard week, we were ready to hit the track. Amanda pulled me a really good pill, a #2, so that put me on the poll for the heat race. I walked away from the competition before a mid-race caution waved. I had to hold on to my top spot as the other competitors were breathing down my rear bumper. Fortunately for me, that's as close as they would come, and my rear bumper is all they saw. I took the checkered flag in first, what a great way to start the night. When we went to draw for our starting spots for the A main, I had originally pulled a 1 pill, but unfortunately we had to draw again due to a lack of pills in the bucket. I was not very happy with this outcome, and when I drew my other pill I pulled out a 6, that did not make me calm down at all. So the 6th starting spot was mine, and I was determined to get to the front as soon as possible because all the fast cars were in front of me. So the green flag drops for the main and coming to complete the first lap I was in 5th and a car spins right in front of me, I narrowly missed him and kept on my way. I restarted in the 4th spot with my eyes on the leader. When we restarted, I drove the car into turn one and found myself in 2nd place coming out of the corner. I tried my hardest to run down the leader but could not. Even with a mid race caution I was unable to keep my nose under him as he drove away from me. Us two leaders had a full straightaway advantage on the rest of the field, and a very strong 2nd place finish would be my outcome. I was very pleased with our performance, and I feel that if we keep progressing like we have been the last few weeks, we can get a win very soon. I would like to thank all my sponsors for their continuous support in the 2010 racing season: Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469, Torres Consulting, TSM Enhanced, AMSOIL, and Nitefly Design. I would also like to thank my parents, grand parents, my fiancé Amanda, and my whole family for their support, as well as my crew, they work very hard and have to put up with me on and off the track. Thanks to all the fans who come out and watch the races and who tell me that I do a good job, without you, there would be no racing, thank you fans!
6-13-10
Coming off a very impressive weekend two weeks ago at USA Raceway, and a much needed "break" from racing last weekend, Cody Alvarez Racing was well rested and confident for the weekend to come. When we unloaded at El Paso Speedway Park on Friday, our goal was to finish a lot better then we had been. We have had many minor problems every time we go there, but this time, all was fixed. With a fast heat race draw, and a set-up that was a little off, I would slip from my 2nd starting spot back to 4th after taking the initial lead at the drop of the green flag. Concerned about our dismal performance, we went to work on the car. After some minor adjustments we were ready to roll out for the main. I would start 2nd, and at the drop of the green flag I would slip back to 3rd. After a quick caution and a bunch up of the field, I was in a prime position to attack. As we restarted I shot to 2nd and would battle for the lead, but eventually we would finish 3rd. A good night for us overall. We learned a lot about the car and another good run just added to our already high self esteem for the weekend. As Saturday night came upon us we had some what of a good finish streak going, and we looked to continue that at the Southern New Mexico Speedway. I would start 4th in my heat and after a first lap crash which the entire field would get some piece of, I found myself checking out from the competition and winning my heat. The car felt great, our set up was on, now it was time for me to try and bring it home. I would start 4th on the grid and find myself bottled up in that position until the caution flag flew. As the green flag flew on the restart, I was in a four car battle for 3rd thru 6th, with the two leaders in my sites. I would get the better of the battle and find myself passing for 3rd on the low line coming out of two when the unthinkable happened. As I was under the car for the 3rd position, I got spun out. The car behind me locked on to my back bumper and just kept driving me around and I was caught in the middle of the track with the other competitors scrambling to avoid a major pile up. Unfortunately a car who was running mid pack had no where to go but thru my right side door and frame rail. It was a bad break for all the cars involved in that crash, it could have very well been avoided and was completely unnecessary. I believe that they black flagged the driver responsible for turning me around, but I was not 100% sure on that matter. The car does not seem too bad, just RF suspension damage and the right side frame rail. We should have it all fixed up good as new by next weekend and be rolling strong once again. It was a bad way to end a race that seemed like the outcome was a top 5 finish. I would like to thank my crew and sponsors for the support in the 2010 racing year, and all my fans who root me on every week.
5-31-10
As Sunday rolled around, we had momentum and confidence on our side after the great run we had on Saturday. I had to start 6th in my heat and was only able to make it to a 4th place finish. I started 7th in the main and coming to complete the first lap, I was in 3rd. Battling for 3rd and 4th for half the race, and putting some distance from the field, an untimely caution flag flew, and bunched the field up. Restarting in the 4th spot, I had my sites set on the lead and planned my charge to the front. On the restart, I spun my tires, allowing two cars to slip under me and gain the preferred line. Frustrated and in shock, I quickly found myself in 9th position and a long ways away from the leader. I quickly had to regain my composure, and try and pass cars. I was only able to make up 2 spots. With a some what disappointing 7th place finish, the two race weekend was over. We had an overall good weekend, learning a lot and gaining confidence for the weeks to come. I would like to thank all my sponsors for their on going support in the 2010 race season: Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469, Torres Consulting, TSM Enhanced, AMSOIL, and Nitefly Design. As well as my crew, who week in and week out work their tails off to give me an awesome car to drive. Thanks to everyone, and we hope that next week will be just as rewarding as this past one.
5-30-10
Cody Alvarez Racing had a great night last night, finally getting the great run that we needed. I started 4th in my heat race and made a move to the outside going into turn one, it stuck and by the time the field was out of turn two, they were looking at my back bumper. Once in the lead I never looked back. I pulled a starting spot of 3rd for the A-main. When the green flag dropped there were 3 cars out front. I moved up to second and ran there for a while, sticking my nose in the lead multiple times. The high side of the track would prevail and beat me on the bottom. I would wind up a very respectable, and much needed 3rd place finish. I hope we can be as good tonight as we were last night. thanks to my sponsors and crew for the support and hard work. Let's go get it done tonight.
5-16-10
El Paso and Las Cruces did not go as well as planned for us this weekend. Friday night started out looking good. I won my heat by a mile. The car rotated very well and I had no issues. Went out for the dash and finished 2nd. Starting on the outside pole for the A main, we thought our chances of doing well was high. I ran 3rd for the first 7 laps and after a caution the car started to do the exact same thing as it did in Tucson the week before. So after a wild and crazy 30 laps, I pulled in and we discovered a major problem. Our RF lower control arm was hitting the rotor, which was causing major issues. We ended up 10th on Friday night, a disappointing start to the weekend. We got the car fixed Saturday afternoon and once again we were ready to hit the track at SNMS. Once again, the car was great in the heat and dash as I won the heat and finished 3rd in the dash. Starting in 3rd place for the A main, once again, we thought our chances of doing well were high. The green flag waved and I barreled into turn one, and the car just pushed right up the race track. I over adjusted the car and made it to tight, which had me hanging on to a very out of control race car for a grueling 30 laps. We ended up 11th, and once again had another finished that we did not expect. We are returning to action next weekend once again at El Paso Speedway Park, and Southern New Mexico Speedway, in hopes of better results. I would like to thank Chris for making his first trip with us to the races. He was a lot of help and he learned a lot. I also want to thank all my sponsors and crew as well for the never ending support! Thanks guys, and we will see you next weekend.
5-11-10
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!
I hope all the mothers out there had a very nice Mothers Day weekend. Cody Alvarez Racing hit the track at USA Raceway this past Saturday night and it was a night to hopefully be forgotten soon. I started 4th in the heat race and raced my way to 2nd in the first lap. A late race caution bunched the field up. I gave it my all but could not get passed the leader. The car didn't handle as well as we had hoped. The most important thing from the heat race was that I had finished high enough for the re-draw. I unfortunately pulled a 9, and that would be my starting spot for the A main event. At the drop of the green flag I knew there was something wrong. The car did not want to turn at all. It felt like I had no steering what so ever. I had to hang on for dear life for 25 laps, finishing 11th. Not a very good night for us but we will keep our heads up and keep on digging heading into our next event this weekend in El Paso and Las Cruces. Thanks to my sponsors and crew for the hard work this past weekend!
5-2-10
Friday night in El Paso we did not hit the set-up like we should have. I started on the pole in the heat race and finished 2nd, which qualified me for the pole in the main event. In the main I ran third for a while, then fourth, hanging on to a very tight race car. A caution with about 12 laps to go bunched the field back up. On the re-start, me and another car got tangled up and I lost about 4 spots. Struggling with the tight car, I would finish 8th. Not a horrible night, but not a finish we were hoping for. We learned a lot and have an idea of where to start for the next time we go over there. It was off to Las Cruces from there. After making some adjustments to the car in the afternoon, we unloaded at Southern New Mexico Speedway with Friday nights disappointing finish behind us. I started 8th, dead last, in the heat race and passed 3 cars, finishing 5th in a very wet and fast racetrack. I would start 11th in the A-main, and after narrowly missing a crash on the first lap would begin my charge to the front. The car was very fast and I was picking cars off one by one on the low line. After a handful of yellow flags I would find myself in 5th place. On the last re-start of the night, I would jump to the outside going into turn one and pick off the 4th place car, with my sites set on 3rd. On the next lap I would make a crucial mistake, jumping the cushion and allowing 2 cars by me, putting me in 6th. That's how the night would end. We were happy with the finish, knowing that the car ran really well, and having a great starting point for the next time we go to Las Cruces. I would like to thank all my sponsors for the support early into this 2010 race season: Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469, Torres Consulting, TSM Enhanced, AMSOIL, and Nitefly Design.
4-18-10
When we arrived at TSM Enhanced on Saturday, Steve knew right away what the problem was. While my crew got the car ready to go and I ground tires, Steve got everything fixed and rumbling once again. We were not very good "out-of-the-box". Along with the fastest heat race of the night, a slight push kept us from advancing our position, forcing me to the B main. We made slight adjustments to get the push out, or so we thought. Started on the pole for the B, and still had a bad push. Finished 2nd, and we were into the A main. We made some major adjustments to the car for the A, and it was way better. We started 18th, and finished 8th. Not too bad of a night for Cody Alvarez Racing, just wish we could have had a caution or two to bunch the field up. Thanks for the hard work guys, we will see you in El Paso and Las Cruces in 2 weeks!
4-18-10
Friday night in El Paso we had major carburetor issues. Car died on me in mud packing, and didn't run well at all in the heat race either. We tried to fix it between the heat and main but it didn't work. Made 2 laps in the A main and had to pull in. Not a very good night for us at all.
4-11-10
Went to the dyno today and we were all happy of the results. Thanks to TSM Enhanced and Steve Nelson for the hard work put into the building of the new motor. Look forward to the season openers for Cody Alvarez Racing, Friday in El Paso, and Saturday here in Tucson.
4-4-10
HAPPY EASTER!
Looks like the motor will be done this upcoming week, and ready to dyno soon after. We are planning on attending the race on Friday the 16th at El Paso Speedway Park and Saturday the 17th here at USA Raceway. I hope everyone has a Happy Easter and a great upcoming week.
3-25-10
Looks like we're not going to be ready for the April 2nd, and April 3rd races. Motor will take a little longer than expected. We will gear up for April 16th at El Paso Speedway Park and April 17th at USA Raceway.
3-21-10
Car is pretty much ready to go. Made a few changes to the car this offseason and I am very optimistic about the 2010 racing season. Unfortunately we will not be ready for the USA season opener, the motor will not be done in time. We are going to shoot for the following weekend in El Paso and Las Cruces. I would like to Thank my sponsors who have already helped us out so much already this season. Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469, Torres Consulting, Steve Nelson at TSM Enhanced for all the chassis, shock and engine help, AMSOIL Racing and Doug Martin for the great synthetic oil (the best in the country), Jeremy Smith and Nitefly Design for the awesome looking wrap, my parents and my grandparent for supporting me for all my racing career, and my crew, without you guys, I could not do it week in and week out. Thanks everybody for the support!!!
3-20-10
Bought a 2004 Chevy Silverado Dually. Has a 6.6 liter Duramax Turbo Diesel with a 5 speed Alison Transmission. It's really nice and will be much easier to haul the racecar trailer every weekend. It will be ready Wednesday and there will be pictures up soon!!
2-28-10
Happy Birthday Tony!!!
The USA Raceway Banquet was a real blast. Got to thank all my sponsors on stage and collect my winnings. I got a plaque and a check. Ate some good food and hung out with Benji, Kevin and the office girls. Me and my dad had a good time. Car is just about ready to roll, just waiting on the power plant which should be done soon.
2-18-10
Cody Alvarez Racing is sad to announce that we will not be attending the Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469 picnic on February 27, 2010. There was an issue with the way the park rangers were going to set up the event. I would like to apologize to the Pipe Trades and to Torres Consulting as well as the rest of my sponsors for the unfortunate turn of events. I am looking forward to the 2010 season working with all of our sponsors. Thanks and can't wait until the first race gets here.
2-17-10
Cody Alvarez Racing is proud to announce that the Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469 and Torres Consulting will be rejoining the racing program as sponsors for the entire 2010 season. Thanks to these great companies for supporting Cody Alvarez Racing.
2-10-10
Cody Alvarez Racing would like to congratulate Steve and Taryn Nelson on the birth of their baby daughter Sydnie Makenna Nelson. Born Feb. 10th, 2010 at 6:11 p.m. I hope all is well with the three of you guys. Cannot wait to see the beautiful new girl. Congrats once again.
2-4-10:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!
The 2010 Schedule is out for all three tracks. Figured out we would have around 40 regular season races or so. Hope the year goes well so we can make all of them.
1-16-10:
With the new oil pan, pick-up, and pump on the motor, we were sure this was going to fix our problems. I finally drew a good pill and had a good starting spot for the heat. We started 4th and finished 3rd. Car ran really good and so did the motor. The car finally turns in the middle of the corner. Had to run the B-main, we started on the pole and took of. I was in 2nd after the first lap and me and the leader pulled away from the field. On lap 7 the car vibrated for one second in turn one and then shut off. We really do not know exactly what went wrong but we think it is in the motor. On a positive note, we finally got the car were it needs to be. Once we get our bad motor luck out of the way this 2010 season looks like it is going to be a very good one. I would like to thank all my sponsors: Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469, Torres Consulting, TSM Enhanced, AMSOIL, and Nitefly Design.
1-15-10:
With the motor back together we decided to race the Friday night show. The motor fired up in the shop and ran fine. In the heat race the motor was running great. The car was a little tight but overall good. There was one problem though, while racing, we only had about 15-20 lbs. of oil pressure. So we loaded up and put our other oil pan, pickup, and pump on there. We are going to give it another shot on Saturday and hope pour problems are fixed.
1-10-10:
With the car all back together and patched up we were back for another day. In the heat race the motor dropped a cylinder forcing us to the back. When we pulled in we found a pushrod missing. Turns out that we sucked a valve. With Steve's help we tore the motor apart and fixed what needed to be fixed and it would be back running for the weekend.
1-9-10:
The first race of the year was under way. The Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469, Torres Consulting, TSM Enhanced, AMSOIL, and Nitefly Designs race team was all geared up for another exciting year. We did not do very well in the heat race forcing us to the B-main. As I was passing for the last transfer spot, the car on the outside of me decided it would be a good idea to turn left on the straightaway. It ripped the whole right side of the car off. We did not make the A-main. Left with a lot of work to do to get ready for the Sunday race, we wasted no time trashing on the racecar.
1-8-10:
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE! The 2010 racing season kicked off for the Cody Alvarez Racing team with our first practice of the year. All went well and the weekend looked optimistic. The new motor ran great!
12-18-09:
The Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469 Children's Party was a huge success. I was very happy to meet all the Pipe Trades big guys. They seemed to really like us and I hope our partnership lasts a long time. It was really cool to take pictures and sign autographs with all the kids! The new wrap turned out great and I look forward to the 2010 racing season which we all here at the Cody Alvarez Racing camp look very optimistic about. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a Happy new Year. Hope to see you all out at the track rooting us on!!
11-4-09:
2009 Season Recap:
We started out the year very optimistic, and we shattered many of our goals for the year. At the beginning of the racing season, we wanted to be a top five or six racecar every weekend, but as the year continued on, we became a contender week in and week out. Gaining knowledge and speed with every race, the Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469, Torres Consulting and Law Group, TSM Enhanced, AMSOIL #06 dirt modified drew ever so close to that all mighty win. We had two second place finishes, and many top fives throughout the year. We were able to make a name for ourselves, and gain respect from the fellow competitors. With a great 2009 season in the books, 2010 looks like it will be one to watch. I would like to thank all my sponsors for the support and the faith they had in me all year, and I look forward to working with you all in the 2010 season. Thank you.
10-31-09:
We had another bad night on our hands. Came from 8th to 3rd in the heat race, and started 7th in the main and within 5 laps was to 3rd with a great shot at the two leaders. About lap 8 or 9 the new motor sucked a #3 valve. Cracked the block and burnt up a piston. Does not look like we will make it to the big show in Las Cruces next weekend. All in all we had a pretty good year with two 2nd place finishes, a hand full of 3rd's and 4th's and plenty of top 5's and 6's. All that was missing was that all mighty trip to the winners circle, but we are getting closer and closer every night. I would like to thank my sponsors who helped me out in the '09 season. Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469, Torres Consulting and Law Group, TSM Enhanced, and AMSOIL. Thanks to everyone for a great season, I hope to be working with all of you in the future.
10-25-09:
The new motor is coming along very well. My Dad and Steve got the pistons all ground up and checked for clearances, and when I got there from work we put the pistons in. It's moving good and should be done early this week. We should be ready to go for the 31st at USA Raceway, going to be a very interesting night.
I would like to give a big thank you to Steve Nelson at TSM Enhanced for putting in the time and effort in rebuilding my motor. Thank you Steve, it's going to be "MAGNUM"!!!!!!
10-17-09:
The 06 modified had a bad night. 5 laps into the heat race the motor let go and it blew a huge hole in the oil pan. Leaving a big oil mess and an early retreat from the race.
10-3-09:
Due to a 5th place heat race finish, the 06 machine was forced to start seventh row outside, or 14th. I had my work cut out for me but I was up for the challenge. the green flag dropped and my pursuit to the front was on. Lap after lap I picked off cars. we had a great handling car, but just got out motored. A 6th place finish wrapped up a decent weekend for the Arizona Pipe Trades Local 469, TSM Enhanced, AMSOIL #06 car. Congrats to teammate Robert Adams for bringing home second.