News for the month of February

Dirt Racing

It is official that Marie Winker of Winker Motorsports has defaulted on her contract with the Kenosha County Fair Board to operate racing at the Wilmot Speedway. The fair board stated that "Every Request made by Marie had been met" yet she was still $26000.00 behind on her rent payments. It was this lack of payment that lead to the cancellation of her contract. The Kenosha County Fair Board stated Wednesday that the 50 year history of "racing at Wilmot Speedway WILL CONTINUE despite Winker's default" and that a new permoter will soon be named. (02-27-03)

Powercom Speedzone and The Raceway at Powercom Park have a new home online, their new Web site has alot of useful information. Plus once the racing season starts they will have a live feed on their Web site from a web cam . Check it out at wismotorsports.com (02-26-03)

Wisconsin's Midwest Sprintcar Association has spent the winter putting together a fifth season that is looking to be the biggest yet. The MSA is pleased to announce the sponsorship of Advance Auto Parts with 19 locations in Wisconsin and the #1 auto parts site on the Internet. With the 2003 season, the MSA looks to the schedule as a touring club. Schlafer has currently in the cue about 31 shows at 11 different venues. Chasin Racin (02-25-03) UPDATE: The 2003 partial schedule can be found at MSASprints.com (02-26-03)

Thunderhill Raceway held a banquet for the 2002 champions at Reef Sports Bar and Grill in Sturgeon Bay Saturday night. Press Release (02-23-03)

Vern Doxtator is the new president of N.E.W. Dirt, Inc., the club that handles operation of the Seymour Tri-Oval Raceway. The secretary is Yvonne Panske and treasurer is Randy Wietor. A new vice president will be named next month. Some 15 feet has been taken off the inside curve of the Tri-Oval in preparation for the upcoming season, rounding out the track and hopefully creating another lane for competitive racing in all divisions. Who Won (02-22-03)

The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series proudly announce their 2003 racing schedule consisting of thirty-five dates, bringing the 410/winged group to twenty-three different venues throughout seven upper-midwestern states. Who Won (02-22-03)

A company well-known in the racing community is the new sponsor for I.M.C.A.’s monthly Best Looking Car contest. The Cutting Edge in Boone will award a $100 product certificate to the winners of the monthly contest. Who Won (02-22-03)

Luxemburg Speedway will host a driver's informational meeting Thursday night, February 27 at 7 p.m. at the Rendezvous Pleasure Palace on County Highway N in the town of Luxemburg. Press Release (02-22-03)

We should know by April 1 if racing will continue on a weekly basis at Manitowoc County Expo Speedway next season. At the off season awards banquet, it was announced that the Expo needed to raise $35,000 - the amount of debt the race track incurred this season - if racing was to continue. Joe Verdegan Column (02-19-03)

Green Bay's Eddie Muenster is on the mend following back surgery last month. Apparently this winter Eddie aggravated an old motocross injury suffered many years ago. "They removed some chips and they say I've got a compressed disc," said Muenster. Eddie will be back at Shawano Speedway and Luxemburg Speedway to defend his titles, he will also be back at WIR on Thursday Nights. Joe Verdegan Column (02-19-03)

Tony Stewart, the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Champion, will rock Cedar Lake Speedway once again when he makes his second annual appearance on Friday night, June 27th, 2003. Tony will strap himself behind the wheel of both a WISSOTA Late Model and Modified car. Who Won (02-19-03)

Hales Corner Speedway will host Badger Midget Opener, the Midgets have been a fixture at the track for nearly forty years. It marks the first time the season opener has ever been held at the facility. Who Won (02-13-03)

Dodge County Fairgrounds is looking for additional funding, the article states there are many improvements that need to be done, but the money is not there. The stockholders agreed to explore the possibility of establishing a foundation to provide additional financial support for the fairgrounds. Who Won (02-10-03)

Thunderhill Raceway will host a banquet for the 2002 season at The Reef Sports Bar and Grill in Sturgeon Bay. The awards banquet will be held Saturday, Feb. 22 beginning at 6 p.m. Press Release (02-05-03)

There is a rumor that 2002 Nascar Champion Tony Stewart might be racing a sprint car at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth this year. Stay tuned for additional details in the coming weeks. IRA sprints forum (01-21-03) UPDATE: Tony is considering driving a 360 sprint at Plymouth. The MSA sprints is a 360 series based mostly in Wisconsin and raced twice at Plymouth last year. Could this be the answer? You'd think MSA would be at the top of the list. Nothing official has been announced at this point. Also, the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds hasn't released their 2003 schedule either. (01-22-03) UPDATE: At the Wisconsin Motorsports show yesterday, MSA had August 6th at Plymouth on their 2003 schedule listed as Tony Stewart night. Tony will be racing an MSA sprint car as was rumored here recently. It's the Wednesday night after the Nascar Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis. Elkhart Lake also has the CART race at Road America the previous weekend. A big week of racing! It'll be awesome to see Tony piloting a sprint car at a dirt track. (02-02-03)

Green Bay's Ben Kroll will says he'll run the Planet Pages Mid-Am stock car series this season. "I'll start off running the series and see where I'm at points-wise sometime after July," said Kroll. Joe Verdegan Column (02-01-03)

Bob Zegers has stepped down from his duties as vice president of N.E.W. DIRT, the club that operates Seymour Tri-Oval Raceway on Sunday nights. This season Seymour will run a $1,000-to-win IMCA modified special on Thursday night, July 3 as well as host a WISSOTA Challenge Series event this summer. Joe Verdegan Column (02-01-03)

After being the track photographers for 14 years at Shawano Speedway Dan and Mary Lewis will be shooting pictures at another area track on Saturday Nights. It appears the whole dispute had to do with the Lewis' being able to bring in there souvenir trailer. Watch for a news release shortly as far as where Dan and Mary will be heading on Saturday Nights. (01-23-03) UPDATE: Dan and Mary Lewis will be heading to Thunderhill Raceway on Saturday Nights in 2003. Joe Verdegan Column (02-01-03)

Asphalt Racing

Late Model drivers from Norway Speedway will make the trip to Wisconsin International Raceway on Thursday nights at least once a month. (02-27-03)

Norway Speedway has signed on Sierra Mist as the Late Model division sponsor, the class will now be called "Sierra Mist Late Models." Norway Speedway (02-22-03)

Cory Podolski and NPR Motorsports have had a change of plans, they were planning on running for Rookie of the Year in the Late Model class this season at WIR. New plans are to run the 2003 season in the Limited Late Model division and then move up to Late Model in 2004. (02-22-03)

Madison International Speedway will host a special three race series for area sportsman drivers in 2003. The series is designed for sportsman cars that race at Jefferson and Columbus Speedways. Who Won (02-22-03)

Slinger Super Speedway will welcome the Midwest Sportsman Championship Series in 2003. The series will include a limited schedule for Midwest Sportsman series cars that will bring an improved field to participating tracks. The series will visit Slinger Super Speedway as well as Lake Geneva Raceway in Wisconsin and Rockford Speedway in Illinois. Press Release (02-18-03)

As Speedweeks at New Smyrna Speedway came to an end, Scott Hantz took the Super Late Model win. Erik Darnel made it down for the last night of racing and half way through the race he made contact with the wall and was done for the evening. 2003 Speedweeks Champs: Super Late Model - Wayne Anderson, Late Model - Jason Boyd, Modifieds - Ted Christopher. Karnac (02-17-03)

With only one night left after this evening, everyone is taking all they can get. Junior Hanley won the Super Late Model feature, no Wisconsin drivers ran this evening. Wayne Anderson was crowned Super Late Model champion and Jason Boyd was crowned Late Model Champion. Karnac (02-15-03)

The nights are running by really quick as tonight was the 7th night, Junior Hanley won the Super Late Model feature last evening. Terry Schoppenhorst had back luck last evening as he finished dead last in the feature. In Late Model action Joey Miller was involved in an accident and 51 Sports Racing reports the Miller team is loading up after last evening. Karnac (02-14-03)

Night six at New Smyrna Speedway, Junion Hanley was leading the Super Late Model feature when he had clutch problems which gave the win to Wayne Anderson. Wisconsin driver Terry Schoppenhorst continues to run well after severely damaging his car early in the week, he finished in 7th place this evening. Joey Miller came back after being dqed last night to finish in 5th place in the late model feature. Karnac (02-13-03)

Night five at New Smyrna Speedway James Powell III won the Super Late Model feature, Wisconsin driver Terry Schoppenhorst finished in 16th place. Joey Miller started on the pole for the late model feature and held on to take the feature win or so he thought. After the races in post race inspection Miller was disqualified for a weight infraction, the win went to Jason Boyd. Karnac (02-12-03)

Night four at New Smyrna Speedway results show James Powell III taking the Super Late Model feature win. Wisconsin driver Terry Schoppenhorst must have gotten the car put back togethor as he finished 11th this evening. Other Wisconsin drivers Jenn Weinfurter didn't run this evening and Ryan Matthews has not shown up for Speedweeks. ASA racer Joey Miller finished 5th in the Late model feature. (02-11-03)

Buco Racing has announced that Schnieder National will be returning as the primary sponsor for the 6th season. No mention of who the driver will be, we have heard some names, but waiting on official word from team. (02-10-03)

Looking at our 2003 Fox River Racing Club's drivers list, there are alot of new teams and teams that are moving up. In the Late Model division there are 6 teams running for Rookie of the Year honors, 4 of those teams are either new teams or teams that have moved up. In the Limited Late Model division there are currently 5 teams running for Rookie of the Year honors, including those teams there are a total of 7 new teams. The Sport Trucks have 3 teams running for Rookie of the Year honors, with a total of 4 new teams for the 03 season. (02-10-03)

Wayne Anderson won the Super Late Model feature event, Wisconsin racer Terry Schoppenhorst was in a wreck that damaged his car pretty bad, a picture of it. WI Results: Schoppenhorst 22nd and Jeff Weinfurter 30th. Joey Miller finished 7th in late model feature (02-09-03)

Speedweeks in Florida has started, some teams from the area have headed down to run the 9 straight nights of racing. In Super Late Model action Wisconsin drivers Terry Schoppenhorst and Jeff Weinfurter finished 12th and 19th in the feature. We have been in contact with track pr and they expect alot more teams from the area to arrive today, alot were caught in the snow. (02-08-03)

We have added alot of drivers plans for the 03 season. There are alot of new teams and rookies in the late model and limited late model divisions. If you are interested in running the Sizzlin 4's division, the rules are now available by clicking here. (02-08-03)

We were told that there was a shakeup taking place with the #9 and #89 team cars that raced at WIR weekly in 02. We were told that both teams wouldn't be running in 03 at all and that all equipment would be sold off. (02-04-03) UPDATE: Apparently what is happening is the car that Gregg Haese drove in 02 is being sold and Brad Mueller will run Sid's #89 at Madison occasionally. This leaves Gregg Haese looking for a ride for the 03 season. (02-04-03)

Touring Series

Rick Beebe returns to the ASA Racing Series in 2003 and will again be driving for Don and Marilyn Fanetti. While the Fanettis live in Wisconsin, the team will again work in Beebe’s race shop next to his home just outside Kansas City (MO). ASA Racing (02-27-03)

Noah Yoder and Yoder Racing Team has announced that two-time Kil-Kare (OH) Speedway Late Model Track champion Kris Stump has been signed to drive for the full 2003 ASA Racing Series season. ASA Racing (02-27-03)

For the 2003 season, the American Speed Association has instituted a safety rule, that states competitors can either change tires or fuel the car, but not both. This change was meant to bring more safety into America’s Premier short track stock car series. ASA Racing (02-26-03)

Justin Drawdy, of Ft. Pierce (FL), after four years of racing super late models in the Sunshine State, makes a move to the ASA Racing Series. Justin will be running for rookie of the year honors in ASA this season. ASA Racing (02-26-03)

When Speed channel broadcast the American Speed Association races this season you will see a familiar face of Jim Tretow. ASA Racing (02-21-03) UPDATE: Jim Tretow will occupy the role of analyst from a broadcast position in the booth. 51 Sports Racing (02-26-03)

Go-Go Motorsports announces that Pennsylvania native Ryan Hemphill will take over as driver of the number 11 Meijer Chevrolet for the 2003 ASA Racing Series. 2002 Rookie of the Year David Stremme moves to the Busch Series, joining the Phoenix Yellow Freight team. ASA Racing (02-21-03)

Gary St. Amant will drive for Frankie Grill in 2003 in the American Speed Association, the car will carry the family #7 and will be sponsored by Jani King. ASA Racing (02-20-03)

Scott Hansen will be team manager, crew chief and mentor for upcoming driver Ian Huffman. The team has plans to run in ASA for 2 years and then move up to the Busch series after that. The ASA car will carry car #03 and will be sponsored by The Medicine Shop. Joe Verdegan Column (02-19-03)

Timber Wolf smokeless tobacco has signed a one year deal to be the primary sponsor of his #52 Chevrolet for the 2003 ASA season. Three-time ASA Champion Butch Miller will drive the #52 Timber Wolf Chevrolet in pursuit of his fourth series title SS Racing (02-19-03)

Ken Smith, Owner of SS Racing, announced today that new “Max-Out” High Drain Juice™ Fresh Alkaline Batteries and Refreshable Juice™ NiMH Batteries will sponsor his #04 Chevrolet for the 2003 ASA season. Zach Niessner will drive the #04 in (8) races in preparation of his quest for Rookie of the Year in 2004. SS Racing (02-19-03)

When the 2003 ASA Racing Series rolls into Elko Speedway it will mark the only time during the 17-event season that the series drivers will compete for 400 laps. ASA Racing (02-14-03)

Country Joe Racing is testing in Lakeland, Florida with driver Kevin Cywinski and Joey Miller in preparation for the season opening event. 51 Sports Racing (02-14-03)

Reed Sorenson has teamed up with Bud Gebben and will complete full time in ASA in 03. 51 Sports Racing (02-14-03)

Dwayne Buggay will compete in the ASA series with assistance from Mike Garvey, Dwayne hopes to collect the rookie of the year honors. ASA Racing (02-13-03)

Fluid Media has been hired by ASA to assist with marketing, branding, creative services and public relations support. ASA Racing (02-13-03)

Action Performance has signed on as a marketing partner for the American Speed Association (ASA) ASA Racing (02-12-03)

WJP Motorsports announced that Chris Roth will return to the team as crew chief after last years crew chief Joe Shear left to pursue BGN opportunity. ASA Racing (02-11-03)

Gary St. Amant appeared at the World of Wheels in the Mansfield Motorsports booth, pictures from the show. ASA Racing (02-11-03)

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that David Stremme might have a part time Busch Grand National deal all signed. David plans to run full time in the ASA series in 03. (10-24-02) UPDATE: BGN Racing is reporting that Dale Earnhardt Jr's Busch team is one possiblity (11-01-02) UPDATE: We have been informed by a source within the David Stremme camp that David will run part time Busch Grand National in 03 for Chip Ganassi Racing. (11-01-02) UPDATE: Your read it here first in November that David Stremme would be driving for Chip Ganassi, it was reported today that he will split time with 3 other drivers behind the wheel of the #1 Yellow Freight BGN ride. Jayski (12-21-02) UPDATE: David Stremme will run 7 races in 2003 starting with Gateway May 10th, 2003. Depending on how he developes he could be running full BGN in 04. LTN Radio (01-12-03) UPDATE: David Stremme will only be sharing the #1 James Finch BGN car with Jamie McMurray. ThatsRacin (02-10-03) UPDATE: 51 Sports is reporting David Stremme will NOT be driving the #11 Meijer car in ASA this year, Ryan Hemphill will instead take over the wheel. We believe this has to do with David driving half the Busch Grand National Schedule. (02-11-03)

Fuel Safe has joined the ASA Racing Series family of corporate sponsors for the 2003 season. The high performance manufacturer will award a $150 product certificate to the highest finisher in each of the 17 events that utilizes Fuel Safe product. ASA Racing (02-08-03)

From his prior position as the series’ Technical Director, Joe Balash, has been promoted by ASA President and CEO Steve Dale to the position of Operations Director, involving himself in virtually all areas of operations with ASA. ASA Racing (02-08-03)

VP Racing Fuels has extended their agreement the American Speed Association to be the exclusive supplier for the 2003 ASA Racing Series. ASA Racing (02-08-03)

Bumper To Bumper announced today that a multi-year sponsorship contract has been signed with Star Motor Sports. Brian Hoppe will drive the Bumper To Bumper #51 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the Star Motor Sports Racing Team in the 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, sponsored by International Truck. Who Won (02-07-03)

Penske has inked a three-year deal, giving them presence on both the race cars and around each of the 17 events during the 36th season. ASA Racing (02-07-03)

ASA will continue to use the ASA 5700 fuel-injected V8 engines they have used since the 2000 season. This engine will be in use through the 2004 season. ASA Racing (02-07-03)

We have been reading and hearing that Peter Hernandez the runner up in the Mid American Series may have an ASA ride for the 03 season. Although we have not seen any official reports as of yet. Just something that we are keeping our eye out for more information on. (02-04-03)

Hearing Jani King has left the #86 ASA race team as the team sponsor. Being rumored that Gary St. Amant will move over to that team and bring AC Delco with him. There were some rumors that Gary St. Amant's team was being bought from him, so maybe this all does have some truth to it. (11-09-02) UPDATE: It appears that what we were told might very well be true, Scott Hansen mentioned the same thing on the Todd and Eddie Show. (12-09-02) UPDATE: 51 Sports Racing is reporting that Gary St. Amant will drive the Frankie Grill #86 for 2003. (12-19-02) UPDATE: There has been no mention of what the sponsor will be yet, earlier reports were Jani King would not be back. (01-07-03) UPDATE: It was officially mentioned during an ASA interview that Gary St. Amant will be driving the #86 Jani King sponsored car for Frankie Grill Racing. (02-03-03)

Kenny Schrader is on the pole for the Southwest Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. Starting lineup for Remax teams in attendence are the following: Tim Schendel - 10th, Eddie Hoffman - 11th, and Erik Darnell - 15th. Phonix International Raceway (02-01-03)

The Milwaukee Mile facility is undergoing reconstruction to prepare for its 100th anniversary. A few pictures were found on a forum at Seventhgear.com. A CART race is planned for Saturday night in June. (02-01-03)