Kevin Thomas Jr
 

I don't see how anybody can support this dude!!! What a spoiled brat. He always complains when he doesn't win. All the Usac drivers was ******** and moaning last week about a sprinkle out and Tommy and Crew busted their ass to get the track race ready and wants to throw Tommy under the bus for a one lane race track. Well I am sorry to tell ya KT but Ballou and Short passed more then 10 cars so there must of been another lane to pass. Way to call out a fan on the P.A to CLASS ACT way to be a role model. Wasnt happy with Leary's comments either accusing Kyle of cheating. Hope Kyle and crew kicks their ass during sprint week to shut it up. Rant over

I’m a KTJ fan but his comments were completely out of line tonight. He started on the front row of his heat and every opportunity to earn a starting spot up front.

My biggest complain is they wanted to race last week and didnt and Tommy got the show in and he still complains like what gives. He has every right to speak his mind but so does the fan on the other side of the fence that he called out over the P.A I dunno. I'm over it now just didn't think it was necessary at all.

When he flipped off the crowd as he was being pushed off track......loser!

I lost all respect for KTJ tonight and I’ve never respected Leary.. KTJ bitches every time he doesn’t win a race which is quiet a bit.. Leary saying Kyle is cheating bc Leary has never been caught cheating... stfu... 🙄

Well for starters, I didn’t flip the stands off. It’s was to one gentleman on the fence. I love tri-state and the fans that pack the place every night. And I appreciate the hard work Tom puts in at that place. But if y’all expect me or anyone that straps into these things 100 times a year to provide a show to expeess no emotion or read something off a note card so no one gets offended, well idk what to tell ya. I’m emotional. And most of the people on have never spoke a word to me. Just assumptions. Which is fine. Just want to say I applaud Tom and crew for getting that race in. And for the guy that I responded to on the mic, well don’t yell some mess at me if you can’t handle the response. Cause I would like to bet if the roles were reversed, I’d get the same reaction he did

I mean I’ve won more races than anyone in non wing sprints for the last 3 years. So I’m confused

Originally Posted by KT Motorsports:
I mean I’ve won more races than anyone in non wing sprints for the last 3 years. So I’m confused

Well... aren’t you proud of yourself! BLESS YOUR HEART!!

Originally Posted by btg1963:
Well... aren’t you proud of yourself! BLESS YOUR HEART!!

Lol actually yes. Thank you for your blessing. Means so much

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

Holy effin' ****, more and more posters on here are becoming like the hoseheads idiots. ***** when drivers don't do or say anything and ***** more when they do. I could give a crap less what KTj said or did, but I hope drivers like him or Robert Ballou never change. I can tell a lot of you have never been in a competitive or pressure situation in your lives and, ya know, you have no idea how you'd respond in one either. For your sake, I hope each and every one of you bitchers lead a perfect life. Damn, you idiots piss me off. And, sorry if anyone of you fine other posters on here are offended. :7::15::14::26::21:

You speaking your mind isn't the issue, its how big of a d-bag you come across as being when you do. Keep doing what you do on the track as you're exciting to watch but your tantrum act needs work.

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

...& no one signs their real full name (...we can figure out the KT Motorsports part, so that does work tho...)

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

Kevin,

Thank you for responding to this as it offers both sides to the story. I have no problem with you "tootin your own horn" allowing us as fans an awareness of who you are and how many races you have won. Bravo! The fans (your fans specifically) have expectations and love the thrill of what you bring night after night to the track. You are correct, most of us do not know you personally, therefore we rely on what we see to form our opinions and race fans pay close attention to detail.

Kevin - When you become a "public figure" in today's climate of social media, phone cams, etc. you give up the right of privacy and are held to a higher standard than "Joe Racefan" You see Joe Racefan can talk smack all day - he is NOT in your role as a professional race car driver.

You must under all circumstances keep you "emotional control" in check. What you did tonight was inappropriate and quite frankly you deserve to hear the comments of your fans/the public as they are giving you tremendous feedback on your past and present behavior. You did NOT "give the hand gesture to one "gentleman"-you gave it to the entire track. Unbecoming, unprofessional, and you cannot defend your action of poor judgment, loss of emotional control and overall bad behavior. Do you understand that parents are saying on this and other forums that their children witnessed what you did? Since you mention 3 years-has that not taught you anything about the consequences?

As a personal note- I believe that you came on here to cover yourself...after the sanctions placed on Robert Ballou last year and him being banned by a few track operators, it is very clear your compliments to Tommy H. were entirely disingenuous. You now are concerned that your actions may have consequences and you want to make sure to appease this track owner to avoid eviction or sanctions against you and perhaps other track operators will follow suit.

Personally, I believe you should be sanctioned. As you stated, you are a pro (over 100 times per you) and you are a role model. If this reaction to one fan breaks you down, perhaps you should seek professional help. Be proactive Kevin, tell us you will take a anger management class. When you are at the wheel of a machine that can potentially do bodily damage to another human being, it concerns me that you lack self emotional control.

Profanity - spoken or an a gesture by a public figure is NEVER acceptable and the fans who come out, drive the miles, and spend the money to see you race deserve more from you. Perhaps, you can tell us, moving forward what you will do to keep that image of role model and professional racer. The ball is in your court Kevin.

Kevin I love when a guy speaks his mind my biggest complaint is don't go making stuff up as a excuse that you lost a race. You said it was a one groove track and couldn't get round lappers.If you want to speak what's on your mind go right ahead just make sure what your saying are facts.

Originally Posted by LoganDaltry:
Kevin,

Thank you for responding to this as it offers both sides to the story. I have no problem with you "tootin your own horn" allowing us as fans an awareness of who you are and how many races you have won. Bravo! The fans (your fans specifically) have expectations and love the thrill of what you bring night after night to the track. You are correct, most of us do not know you personally, therefore we rely on what we see to form our opinions and race fans pay close attention to detail.

Kevin - When you become a "public figure" in today's climate of social media, phone cams, etc. you give up the right of privacy and are held to a higher standard than "Joe Racefan" You see Joe Racefan can talk smack all day - he is NOT in your role as a professional race car driver.

You must under all circumstances keep you "emotional control" in check. What you did tonight was inappropriate and quite frankly you deserve to hear the comments of your fans/the public as they are giving you tremendous feedback on your past and present behavior. You did NOT "give the hand gesture to one "gentleman"-you gave it to the entire track. Unbecoming, unprofessional, and you cannot defend your action of poor judgment, loss of emotional control and overall bad behavior. Do you understand that parents are saying on this and other forums that their children witnessed what you did? Since you mention 3 years-has that not taught you anything about the consequences?

As a personal note- I believe that you came on here to cover yourself...after the sanctions placed on Robert Ballou last year and him being banned by a few track operators, it is very clear your compliments to Tommy H. were entirely disingenuous. You now are concerned that your actions may have consequences and you want to make sure to appease this track owner to avoid eviction or sanctions against you and perhaps other track operators will follow suit.

Personally, I believe you should be sanctioned. As you stated, you are a pro (over 100 times per you) and you are a role model. If this reaction to one fan breaks you down, perhaps you should seek professional help. Be proactive Kevin, tell us you will take a anger management class. When you are at the wheel of a machine that can potentially do bodily damage to another human being, it concerns me that you lack self emotional control.

Profanity - spoken or an a gesture by a public figure is NEVER acceptable and the fans who come out, drive the miles, and spend the money to see you race deserve more from you. Perhaps, you can tell us, moving forward what you will do to keep that image of role model and professional racer. The ball is in your court Kevin.

I respect your opinion on a few subjects...
1) I agree I handled it a little harsh
2) I agree that the position that I am in that I should be a better role model

People just don’t understand my argument. I’m saying, on a track that is narrow to put the laps cars to the rear. It’s a mess. Now I know a lot of people will disagree. But more than likely they don’t pay the bills. I got a little heated. Which was wrong. But that needs to be a game time decision. The last thing some driver that worked his tail off all week just to get there wants, is to be in a rats nest on a tight track and get his things tore up. I know that’s always a risk. It could just be prevented.


Things that I disagree on...
1) you can’t tell me who the gesture was to. We’re you in my car listening to the guy? People give the finger for way less.
2) no one is covering their tail. I meant what I said. Just because people can’t understand the context of the argument, well that’s part of why there is an argument. All good
3) I appreciate the suggestion for anger management. But that’s a stretch man, come on. You don’t even know me.
4) that was to the guy that says I don’t win races. I just didn’t know how to work this site. Lol. Not really tootin my horn. Just stating facts like people seem to want.

Now I’m gonna take this and learn from it. I apologize to the mothers and kids that got offended from my profanity. But my argument stands. I just need to do it a different way. I appreciate the people who voice their opinions. Good or bad. Just know facts as you said. See everyone at the races soon and have a safe Memorial Day!

Kevin I respect you for answering your critics and admitting you could have handled the situation better and although I never raced a sprint car I did race karts (huge difference) and completely understand how in the heat the moment it’s very easy to lose your composure. Best of luck to and your team the rest of the season!

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

KT Jr adds credibility to any show and is one of, if not THE biggest drawing card, as a driver in open wheel racing.

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

You even whined about slow drivers not knowing where the were going. I think that's part of the race. They all have to start at the bottom. Most are spending the own money to get started. They have a lot more to loose than the sponsored drivers. Both drivers for the 5K team had great cars that got damaged by other drivers but they didn't throw hissy fits like you. Just stay away from one of the best tracks in the state, if you don't like it. There are a major amount of young kids in the Haubstadt stands that don't need to hear you fit on the microphone. Very poor sportsmanship.

Originally Posted by KT Motorsports:
I mean I’ve won more races than anyone in non wing sprints for the last 3 years. So I’m confused

You’ve also blown more races then anyone in the last couple of years. Keep coming back so we can hear your stupid excuses for losing. Football and baseball players, umpires, and all sorts of professional athletes get heckled everyday. Grow a pair or roll back to Alabama.

Keep on racing the way you do KT. Most race fans love ya, some keyboard jockies don't. Either way you are a major draw to any track lucky enough to have you.

Got to wonder how many would get on AJ Foyt or Jack Hewitt's ass for saying some of exact things you do.

Originally Posted by KT Motorsports:
I respect your opinion on a few subjects...
1) I agree I handled it a little harsh
2) I agree that the position that I am in that I should be a better role model

People just don’t understand my argument. I’m saying, on a track that is narrow to put the laps cars to the rear. It’s a mess. Now I know a lot of people will disagree. But more than likely they don’t pay the bills. I got a little heated. Which was wrong. But that needs to be a game time decision. The last thing some driver that worked his tail off all week just to get there wants, is to be in a rats nest on a tight track and get his things tore up. I know that’s always a risk. It could just be prevented.


Things that I disagree on...
1) you can’t tell me who the gesture was to. We’re you in my car listening to the guy? People give the finger for way less.
2) no one is covering their tail. I meant what I said. Just because people can’t understand the context of the argument, well that’s part of why there is an argument. All good
3) I appreciate the suggestion for anger management. But that’s a stretch man, come on. You don’t even know me.
4) that was to the guy that says I don’t win races. I just didn’t know how to work this site. Lol. Not really tootin my horn. Just stating facts like people seem to want.

Now I’m gonna take this and learn from it. I apologize to the mothers and kids that got offended from my profanity. But my argument stands. I just need to do it a different way. I appreciate the people who voice their opinions. Good or bad. Just know facts as you said. See everyone at the races soon and have a safe Memorial Day!

Big respect for KTJ. A driver who can admit when he might be wrong and state his point with respect, as well.

I have to chime in on this one. First on the alleged comment by CJ that Kyle was cheating. I would think this would have been meant as a joke, the same way Kyle Larson’s comment about Hendricks was earlier this year. It was clear to me that was the intention but some thought different and an apology was issued. I’m sure that CJ, and everyone else knows just how tough Kyle Cummins is at Haubstadt.
Second, if I walked up to KT today, he wouldn’t know me from Joe Blow, but I have walked up to him on 2 different occasions. I asked him a couple questions and he couldn’t have been more accommodating in answering without any attitude or arrogance.
I’m going to be taking my grandkids to their first sprint car race this year sometime. I’ll buy them a pit pass and take them around to see the cars and if the situation is right, introduce them to some drivers. Kevin would certainly be one of the first, and I would expect a high five or a hand shake to make the kid feel welcome. That’s my opinion of KTJ.
As a person who has raised 2 sons and has 3 grandkids, I feel qualified in making this statement. If you’re worried about your children seeing someone getting flipped off in today’s world , I recommend you lock them in their bedrooms and turn off all access to the outside world because there are far far worse things going on. In fact I hope someone flips the bird when we’re there. I’ll use it as a learning tool. I’ll say “did ya see that son? that’s what not to do”. I’ll bet even KT could agree with that

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

I'll change the lyrics to a song that was famous back in the 70's a little bit. "You don't tug on Superman's cape. You don't spit in the wind. You don't pull the mask off the ol' Lone Ranger. And you don't go to Haubstadt and blame Tommy Helfrich for you losing a race.":) And Kevin should know this. He's been racing there since he was like 14 years old. Half his life. No doubt, he let his emotions get the best of him. If he was thinking clearly, he would know doing this had a 100% chance of causing the crowd to turn on him. Especially on a night when the crowd saw drivers coming from the back of the field to contend late in the race and on a day that it would been totally understandable if they would have cancelled the evening's event due to the weather they had. And it's a loyal crowd, because they come there knowing that because of the care that Tommy takes, that's enabled them to see some of the best races they've ever seen. But he did anyway and he paid the price. But here's the good side of committing such a racing faux pas at a place like Haubstadt. These are racing junkies that come to this place. Their forgiveness can be bought. But not with money. Their currency is great races. So, if Kevin Thomas Jr shows up there in the future with his warrior spirit and brings the house down with one of those TSS Classics or forces another driver to do so, in order to beat him, then this crowd may not forget, but they will forgive him. At least till the next race.

As far as the personal insults go. I don't understand that. These guys risk their life and health doing what they do. We've all made mistakes. God knows I've said enough dumb ass things in my life that I've regretted afterwards. Especially when I was the age of some of these drivers. Fortunately for me, they weren't giving me a microphone when I was having my finest "Ya want to know what I think" moments.:3:

Jerry

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

Apparently KTJ needs help dealing with hecklers. Either you ignore them, or you thank them for coming tell them how great it is to hear from your fans. At least he can't hear them in the car. It's a lot worse when you play a stick and ball sport and hear the hecklers all game long while you are trying to focus, the urge to drill them with an errant pass is strong. If you are winning enough to get boo-ed, that is a badge of honor in this sport, it sure beats them not knowing your name. And ******** about track prep does not make you cool. If the track sucks the promoter most likely knows it and is not happy about it, this is dirt, it changes. If you want a perfect track every night, try asphalt.

We all weren’t super sensitive babies back in those days. Today you do one thing that somebody doesn’t like and they go straight to the keyboard. Not to mention some will post like they know you well, why’ll having never met the person they blast.

Garry Templeton. 8-26-1981.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by flagboy55:
I have to chime in on this one. First on the alleged comment by CJ that Kyle was cheating. I would think this would have been meant as a joke, the same way Kyle Larson’s comment about Hendricks was earlier this year. It was clear to me that was the intention but some thought different and an apology was issued. I’m sure that CJ, and everyone else knows just how tough Kyle Cummins is at Haubstadt.

Not sure that he was joking. You check his twitter feed?


https://mobile.twitter.com/CJ_Leary_...50007147782144

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

I don't know who said what, how it was said or done. I usually hear KTj Bashing himself if he loses or don't win. Anyway, If he did, He did. IDK.

However whitewashing this sport isn't the way to go either.

Karl and Steve would sit in victory lane and flip off the boo birds every night, point at the check and say where's your car and driver? and the next night more would come to see them.

Sammy and Earnhardt would punt or rattle peoples cages and get people hating on them (Including me) ANd they became legendary, Great racers not withstanding.

A fight on Nascars first live TV event launched 30 years of growth.

A.J never held back once giving anyone hell he felt deserved it and they loved him for it. Even punched people in victory lane after retiring and becoming a owner.

A Cussing tirade isn't good but a few cuss words for emphasis isn't bad either.

This sport isn't rated G, Not even PG, Wrecks, happen, people get hurt or killed, Emotions happen, Fights and some cussing happens and teams and drivers make moves that take your breath away to put on a show.


Without most or all the above, Why go watch.

The best sports to me have always had good guys and bad guys, Angelic teams vs demon teams etc.

So love on Cummins and hate on KTj. Either way, they both hate to lose.

Not going anywhere Wahoo. Everyone has handled situations bad in their life, you included. We learn from mistakes and grow from them, but run away from them will not happen. The Helfrichs are first class people and we will always come to this track. What’s always funny is you get on here and do the same things you are condemning people for. My son is hard on himself if he loses more than anything or anyone outside of the car, be it crew, track or others. He should have worded what he said better and kept his hands in his car last night, but he’s entitled to his opinion just as your unfactual rant is. So if you want to debate, debate. Otherwise your point is mute due to coming from a place of hate and plenty of time to think out your words. 2 wrongs don’t fix this issue. But seems to me that when it’s your opinion, it’s correct, but if it’s not 🤷🏼*♂️

You all act like this isn’t the 1000th time he’s thrown a fit. He has said over and over “I will learn from this” and then everyone forgets about it til the next time.

Always a fan of ktj,now a bigger fan.got to like guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve.

Originally Posted by Beinthecircle:
You all act like this isn’t the 1000th time he’s thrown a fit.

Exaggerate much? He admitted his mistakes and apologized for them. Moving on....

First off I want to apologize to Kevin Thomas Jr for the name calling. Wasnt the right way to handle the situation. I stand by every word I said besides the insult.I am just not keyboard jockey either. I go to 40 to 60 races a year across the whole midwest. I love when a driver speaks his mind but have facts first before just speaking out. All the Usac drivers were all up in arms last week about the race being cancelled and not making any money. I'd say majority of the teams were already at the track or really close when that last cell hit the track. Tommy could of easily cancelled the race because on my way home from work every single field I passed was under water. Tommy did Tommy things and got the track ready to race and it was definitely passable and the drivers were able to make some money. Was it the best we have seen Tri State? No but it wasnt by far to the extent that he carried on for it to be. Next time it rains just before the race I wont blame Tommy or crew one bit for cancelling after the treatment they got last night. Just be thankful for a change that your able to do the sport you love and quit taking things for granted. I could be totally wrong here but as far as I can remember I don't ever remember him getting out of a car and just flat out saying I got beat by the better driver tonight. It's always something. With that being said we should all move on and enjoy being able to go the races while we still can. See everyone during midget week.

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

Kid wheels the s---t out of a car and that's what we pay to see. Next time he should just walk up and punch the S---t out of the fan. And if your kids get upset over a middle finger imagine how bad they will feel when the local school makes a transgender bathroom. Anything else said is between him and Tommy ..

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

[QUOTE=Charles Nungester;514051]I don't know who said what, how it was said or done. I usually hear KTj Bashing himself if he loses or don't win. Anyway, If he did, He did. IDK.

However whitewashing this sport isn't the way to go either.

Karl and Steve would sit in victory lane and flip off the boo birds every night, point at the check and say where's your car and driver? and the next night more would come to see them.

Sammy and Earnhardt would punt or rattle peoples cages and get people hating on them (Including me) ANd they became legendary, Great racers not withstanding.

A fight on Nascars first live TV event launched 30 years of growth.

A.J never held back once giving anyone hell he felt deserved it and they loved him for it. Even punched people in victory lane after retiring and becoming a owner.

Wow!! Didn’t know KTJ won enough races and (wait for it) championships to be in the category of drivers you just mentioned. He says he has won the most non wing shows the last three seasons. Ok. Go win a title. Work hard and win with class. Not a hard concept is it. Most of these guys are hot heads. When the others you mentioned were racing society wasn’t as soft as it is today. He screwed up and now he moves on. People ragged on Ballou when he spoke so this isn’t new territory. Not sure if he flipped the crowd off tho. When ktj gets to the level of the all time greats then compare personalities. Until then shut up and drive.

As Bill Murray once said,"Lighten up Francis!" My take on all this a couple of tired and frustrated guys got in front of a mic and said some things they wished maybe they would like to take back. I was on the way to the car so I saw nothing and heard little of the confrontation with the fan. Kt apologized enough said. Before someone starts rumors, remember Kt and CJ will not be at the next scheduled race due to midget week. Buy your tickets now for the next episode 30 June USAC vs MSCS. I hear it's going to be "Treated Tire Night!

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

It wasn't Bill Murray, It was Sargent Hulka that uttered that phrase. as long as we're making corrections.

I forgot Sgt Hulka said it, One concert and five races later just got home (400) mile trip.

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

Originally Posted by oppweld:
I forgot Sgt Hulka said it, One concert and five races later just got home (400) mile trip.

Hope that You enjoyed the trip and wasn't trying to be mean spirited.
:6:

Re: Kevin Thomas Jr
 

Cracks me up....all the IMO complaining from some of the same that shame me for
being negative...lmao...