2003 News and Rumors

2003 News and Rumors - October

Dirt Racing

The local hotshoes from Luxemburg Speedway will get the chance to show their stuff against some of the toughest modified competitors in the nation next season. Track officials are proud to announce the first ever appearance in northeast Wisconsin of the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) will be at Luxemburg's third-mile, clay oval on a special Thursday night event June 17. The IMCA stock cars will run in support of this event. "We talked with the officials from USMTS last season about nailing down a date but we just couldn't find one," said track manager Rick Goral. "With mods as our top weekly class we're confident our own locals will give the touring guys a run for their money that night." Press Release (10-14-03)

Officials from Luxemburg Speedway have announced the season opener for the 2004 season at the third-mile, clay oval will be Friday night, April 30. Once again, IMCA modifieds, IMCA stock cars, IMCA hobby stocks and four cylinder sport fours will compete every Friday night through Labor Day weekend. In addition, The first ever two day race event will be held as the first ever Luxemburg "Fall Challenge" will be held on Friday and Saturday nights September 24 and 25. Kewaunee County leaders have given the go ahead to a new lighting project at the track, which will mean new illumination on not only the track but the pit area as well. Installation of new, 90' poles will begin in mid-October and the entire project will be completed in time for the season opener. Press Release (10-14-03)

Steve Sinclair comments on the 2003 season as well as current news in the IRA October newsletter. Press Release (10-7-03)

Joe Roe celebrated his 9th IRA title at the Filskov Memorial in Plymouth. Check out his post-race video interview. 2003 Rookie of the year Mike Kertscher and Plymouth winner Todd Hepfner are also included. Look for extended interview coverage in 2004. IRA Video (10-7-03)

The Kim Mock Family, would like everyone to know how much we appreciate all the phone calls and well wishes for Kim. What and awesome community of racing people there is! We have heard from so many by mail and word of mouth, visits from people and people's sincere concern and well wishes for Kim. We are overwhelmed by the “Racing Family” who have shared, helped and prayed with us and for us, especially for Kim. To name names, is virtually impossible! Who Won (10-3-03)

For over twenty years, race fans and race teams have heard his voice at the Wilmot Speedway. For over twenty years, he has brought his own unique style of announcing and motorsports promotion to the track, supporting the racers, crews, families and friends of the sport every race night. And on October 4th, Mike Babicz, "The Voice of The Wilmot Speedway," will step away from the track that he has worked since 1980. Who Won (09-26-03)

Asphalt Racing

Eric (Peterson) has spent the past season as full time employee and crew chief for Ryan Mathews and will be signing a contract soon to continue in that position. Eric wants very much to get back to driving and may drive some for RDM Racing along with his crew chief duties. At the same time he is still persuing a Grand-American Road Racing Series ride for 2004. Eric Peterson Racing (10-30-03)

Hearing that Dan Hansen the 2003 Fox River Racing Club Wisconsin Sport Truck champion has purchased a new lefthander and is moving up to the Limited Late Model division in 04. (10-28-03)

Remember to check out our classified page to see the cars that are for sale: Ryan Manthei has his Mid American/Midwest Sportsman car, Doug Mahlik's has his hauler for sale and Gary Bock has his Limited Late Model for sale (10-28-03)

Just returned from the Fox River Racing Club's meeting were the president and secretary positions were up for election. The new officers are Brandon Blashe for President and Mark Derricks for Secretary. Voting results: President: Brandon Blashe - 77, Jeff Sachse - 31, Mike Bunnell - 17, Larry Groshen - 12. Secretary: Mark Derricks - 93, Jim Eagan - 39. (10-27-03)

Hearing that the Wisconsin Sport Truck club was approached by an officer of the Fox River Racing Club wanting the guys who race the trucks to come under the FRRC, whatever that means. Apparently there are some or were some concerns that the Sport Truck club would pick up and head to another track to run weekly. From what we have heard the Sport Truck Club is very happy and has no plans of moving to another track. Also been told the trucks are looking at running a different tire for the 2004 season, as they had problem with the tire they ran in 03. (10-26-03)

Being told that a gentlemen from Minnesota that is new to owning race cars has expressed interest in forming a 2 car effort to run specials at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2004. The drivers that the gentlemen is looking to put in the two cars are Dick Trickle and Johnny Sauter. (10-25-03)

Cory Podolski has stated he will run the USPRO Cup series in 2004, looks like Brent Strelka will also run this series in 2004. (10-21-03) UPDATE: We are hearing that Brent has registered to run the series, but hasn't decided if he will run it or not. (10-25-03)

The Wisconsin Sport Trucks next meeting will be at the Colonial House in Freedom on November 12th, elections will take place. Wisconsin Sport Trucks (10-23-03)

Nate Van Wychen will be once again driving in the Limited Late Model division in 2004. Early reports were that the team was going to be moving up to the Late Model division. We understand that Nate's car owner Jeff Zwiers has purchased a different car, the former Brian Besaw car. Eric Thompson has purchased Jeff Zwiers car from the 2003 season and will run it full time in the Limited Late Model division at WIR in 2004. (10-20-03)

Former Rockford Speedway president Jack Deery has been hired as general manager of Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tenn. Deery, 51, had been Rockford Speedway's president for seven years before resigning in June. He had worked at the family-owned facility in full-time positions since 1976 and part-time jobs since 1962. Deery said he considered offers from other tracks before selecting Nashville. Rockford Register (10-13-03)

When Mark Schroeder put his racing operation up for sale this brought out alot of questions and lots of speculation. From what we have been hearing Mark will be racing in 2004, but will be scaling back his racing operation. (10-11-03) UPDATE: Mark tells us that no decision has been made for the 2004 season. He is looking at all options with a decision coming within the next month or so. (10-13-03)

Being told that Kevin Charles who races in the super stock division at 141 has purchased a car to race in the limited late model division at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2004. Understand the car was previously a car raced by Rod Wheeler. (10-11-03)

Matt Derrick's father tells us that Matt will be moving up to the Limited Late Model division at Wisconsin International Raceway driving a car for Mike Kelly (Winner's Circle Chassis) in 2004. Matt also has his street stock for sale that he ran in 2003. (09-21-03) UPDATE: They will be running the Limited Late Model class across Wisconsin, Northern Illinois and Upper Michigan. We are proud to announce Arbys as a sponsor with Matt Derricks Motorsports. Look for Matt and the car to be making appearances at different locations. Matt Derricks Motorsports (10-4-03) UPDATE 2: We are told the deal is pretty much complete, this was the same ride that Alan Spoehr was interested in. (10-5-03) UPDATE 3: The price for the super stock that Matt drove in 2003 has been lowered, for more information view our classified ads page. (10-12-03)

Doug Carpenter and the team are even more determined to have a winning season next year. They are already hard at work getting ready for 2004. (We are told they will be running a different car in 2004 driving a car purchased from Jim Duchow.) Doug Carpenter website (10-4-03)

We've been asked by many people if there is any truth to the rumor that Wisconsin International Raceway will be repaved. This is a rumor that appears to come around every single year. We have checked into this with a number of sources and we are now hearing that the track is presently getting bids. Depending on how the bids come back, paving will start soon so the track can cure before the 2004 season. As of this time we are told the plan is to repave the track. (10-4-03)

Dick Trickle, you're a legend in these parts and always will be. With that said, you're going down No, you have gone down. Twice this year, if you're counting. We are. all-time number of Late Model victories ever recorded at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway. Nuttleman won No. 87 on April 26, then won two more features this summer to take over the top spot at 89. Sorry, Dick. You're still sitting on 86 wins. The pit gate's always open, however, should you decide to leave the south and rejoin us. LaCrosse Tribune (10-4-03)

Two spectators were hit and seriously injured when a sportsman car hopped a guardrail and struck them at LaCrosse Speedway. Eddie Hoffman won the CWRA race at LaCrosse this evening. 51 Sports Racing (10-3-04) UPDATE: According to several witnesses, the car hit, then popped over the retaining wall and crashed into an area used by other drivers and teams as a staging area. Two of the victims were thrown an estimated 25 feet before landing on the inside of the wall, according to witnesses. LaCrosse Tribune (10-4-03) UPDATE 2: Yes, it is true that Darin and his pit member, Chuck, were hurt very badly at this track. Darin has a broken lower left leg-currently in a soft cast, stitches above his left knee, multiple rib fractures, torn spleen-which they are monitoring very closely, and every bone in his face is broke and he will need multiple surgeries, the wall of his left eye was destroyed and the eyeball fell into his cheek, they examined the eye during surgery and said it was intact and very hopeful that he will not have a vision loss. They are also monitoring a spinal fluid leak in the forehead area-hopeful that will also correct itself. They are currently keeping him very sedated and he is on a ventalator that they hope to take him off of later this afternoon pending a possible surgery this afternoon. He is going to be seen by many surgeons today and after we talk to them we will let you know more. Chuck, however, is not doing as well. He was airlifted from the track and is in critical condition. He did go unresponsive at the track and has been so every since. He moved his hands and feet slightly when he first arrived at the hospital. He also is on a vent and is being heavily sedated. He has multiple injuries as well, broken left leg and left arm, the right leg was mangled pretty good and a lot of muscle damage is done and they are monitoring this very closely so his foot gets the proper blood supply, he also has multiple rib fractures, and a heck of a road rash across the forehead. He needs a few surgeries as well, but nothing will be done until his condition improves. Who Won Message Board (10-4-03)

Andy Petree Racing [APR], which ran driver Paul Menard in a partial schedule of ARCA, Truck Series, Busch Series and Cup races this season, has signed Menard to a three-year deal that could move the 23-year-old to the Cup series by 2006. APR's plan for Menard is to run for rookie of the year honors in Busch next season, run a second season in the series in 2005 and, if both parties agree, move to Cup in 2006. That's Racin' Via Jayski (11-01-03)

Eddy McKean of Jerome, Idaho finally claim the prize that has eluded him over the last three years, a winner's trophy from Phoenix Int'l Raceway. McKean led the final twelve laps en route to a .158 second victory over Jeff Jefferson in the Cruise America "125" in the NASCAR Elite Division, Featherlite Southwest Series finale. Steve Carlson, Eric Holmes, and Brian Hoppe rounded the top five finishers Thursday afternoon. International Truck and Engine Corporation Midwest Series drivers faired well in the race: Steve Carlson - 3rd, Brian Hoppe - 5th, Tim Schendel - 6th, Paul Menard - 9th, Erik Darnell - 17th, Joey Miller - 27th, and Eddie Hoffman - 33rd. Nascar Touring (10-31-03)

ASA regular Mike Garvey starts 17th in the Busch Series race at Phonenix. BGN Racing.com (10-30-03)

The ASA Racing Series in preparation for its 37th season of competition is releasing 13 event dates of a planned 18 for the 2004 season. Along with the previously announced appearances at Kentucky Speedway on Friday, May 7 and Saturday, September 18 there will be a combination of traditional short tracks and other new superspeedways on the ASA Racing Series slate. 2004 Schedule - ASA Racing (10-30-03)

Howie Lettow and Ron Tretow have been released from the #11 Meijer ASA car. Go Go Motorsports will be moving the team to South Carolina where driver Toby Porter and company will take over preparations of the car. Speed 51 Ticker (10-30-03)

[Todd] Braun said he would like to have two teams next year, with a 25-race program for Casey Mears and 20 race for Jamie McMurray. Part of the Ganassi Racing development program, Braun's team also could see American Speed Association driver Reed Sorenson in the car at times. Scene Plus Via BGN Racing.com (10-30-03)

‘DW’ named Grand Marshall for the Toyota All-Star Showdown. Nascar Touring (10-29-03)

Joey Miller is on the pole for the Southwest Touring Series Cruise American "125" race. Other International Truck and Engine Corporation Midwest teams who made the trip are Eddie Hoffman 5th, Steve Carlson 9th, Erik Darnell 13th, Tim Schendel, 19th, Paul Menard 23rd, and Brian Hoppe, 27th. (wirphotos.net note: Steve Carlson is driving the EDS Motorsports car for this race.) Racingwest.com (10-29-03)

Travis (Kittleson) has made a name for himself within the ASA Series and is setting his next goal on driving a few NASCAR Craftsman Truck races in the near future, with his sights on Busch and Cup when the time is right. Travis (Kittleson) ended the 2003 ASA Series 2nd in Rookie points and 9th for the season. With Bob Steel Chevrolet as a sponsor adoring on the hood of the #30 R/T Racing car, Travis (Kittleson) will continue to run races in Florida this fall. The Motorsports News Network (10-27-03)

Just a short time into the practice sessions on Friday and Saturday, an obvious complaint started to develop among the Super Late Model teams. It is hard to bring the best of two (really four) series together under a common set of rules, so the teams and drivers had to give in some areas. One of the areas they gave in, but really didn’t want to, was with tires. “I don’t know why they made us run on these tires,” said Sunoco regular Junior Hanley, who failed to make the show after his engine seized up during qualifying. “I know why,” Junior stopped as he came up with the answer, “they probably got them for free.” Speed 51 (10-21-03)

These are the guys you see and hear about, the Snowball Derby guys. They showed why they win races down there. The 28 (Ricky Turner), I don’t know what button he hit but he sure turned it on in the end. Those guys were all a little bit better.” “I won’t go to Snowball because it’s not even. If you look at the race today they didn’t even throw the templates on the cars. We race the Midwest Series with template racecars and I’m out here racing against southern spaceships. Look at the front row, me and JR Norris, our cars look completely different. Maybe we’ll get that straightened out next year!” Speed 51 (10-21-03)

2002 ASA National Champion Joey Clanton won the BFGoodrich Traction T/A Tires 300 presented by Greased Lighting Orange Blast and Jani-King at Fairgrounds Speedway at Nashville. Series veteran Glenn Allen Jr. finished second with Mike Garvey crossing the line in third position. Wisconsin second-year racer Todd Kluever was fourth with former series champion Bryan Reffner filling out the top-five finishers. Robbie Pyle was sixth with Scott Lagasse Jr., Zach Niessner, Kevin Cywinski and Butch Miller rounding out the top 10. Kevin Cywinski is the 2003 Americah Speed Association (ASA) Champion. Full Field Results - ASA Racing (10-19-03)

Word around the garage area is that ASA nearly has its 2004 schedule complete. The series will reportedly run a total of 18 races with a minimum of five on speedways. Word in the garage area also has it that Salem Speedway, Toledo Speedway and I-70 Speedway may all lose races next year. 51 Sports Racing (10-19-03)

Defending American Speed Association champion Joey Clanton credited hard work by the crew to allow him to capture the pole position for the BFGoodrich Traction T/A Tires 300 presented by Greased Lightning Orange Blast and Jani-King today at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Zach Niessner, Mike Garvey, Robbie Pyle, and Greg Edwards rounded out the top 5. Local drivers Rich Loch, Dan Fredrickson, Erik Darnell, and Tim Schmitt. Full Qualifying Results - ASA Racing (10-18-03)

Midwest standout Brian Hoppe won the Patriot 200 late model event sanctioned by the Southern All-Stars and Sunoco Super Series at Fairgrounds Speedway at Nashville. Two-time Southern All-Stars Champion Ricky Turner finished second with Russell Fleeman crossing the line in third position. Charlie Menard and Chuck Barnes Jr. filled out the top-five finishers. Eddie Hoffman was sixth with Bobby Murany, Stanley Smith, Ron Breese Jr. and Jeff Lane rounding out the top 10. Local racer Brad Mueller finished 11th. Full Results - ASA Racing (10-18-03)

In April, at the 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, International Truck and Engine Corporation Midwest Series opener, the pit area was filled with optimism. While many teams hoped to finish in the top-10 in points and earn an invitation to the inaugural NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, a handful eyed the ultimate racing prize: A NASCAR Championship. Who Won (10-17-03)

It's no secret that Rich Bickle loves short track racing. Bickle is considered a legend across the Midwest where he dominated one bullring after another in his long and illustrious career. When Bickle came south to compete against NASCAR's best he took an immediate liking to Martinsville Speedway. Truck Series (10-16-03)

ASA/USPRO Cup series officials announced they have completed their 2004 rules and now have them available for racers to download on the USPRO Cup official web site. ASA/USPRO officials have also begun the process of registering drivers and their numbers next year. To date, over 40 teams have registered for USPRO next year and reserved their numbers. The rules meeting will be held after the first of the year and an announcement will be made as to the date and location once it is scheduled. Press Release (10-14-03)

Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar Racing Series Late Models final point standings have now been posted (10-12-03)

Interest for the Patriot 200 North/South Showdown at Nashville Speedway has caught the eye of some local drivers as they are on the entry list for the race schedule to take place October 18th. Drivers are: Ron Breese Jr, Erik Darnell, Ryan Mathews, Brett Sontag, Brian Hoppe, Ryan Hanson, Brad Mueller and Pete Moore. Full List of entries (10-7-03)

TC Motorsports will be fielding their number thirty-five Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the first time ever in a Busch Series race October 10 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway during the "Little Trees 300." In the car will be two-time NASCAR All-Pro Champion Wayne Anderson making his first attempt to qualify for a Busch Series race. Wayne Anderson.com (10-3-03) He failed to make the show (10-7-03)

Final Yellow Book USA Mid- American Super Truck Series point standings have been posted (10-6-03)

Final Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series points standings have been posted. (10-6-03)

Tim Schendel, of Sparta, Wis., recorded his second career NASCAR Elite Division, International Truck and Engine Corporation Midwest Series victory by winning the Oktoberfest 250 Sunday at LaCrosse (Wis.) Fairgrounds Speedway. Schendel led 154 of the event’s 250 laps and collected $5,250 for the victory. By virtue of his third-place finish in the Oktoberfest 250, Steve Carlson, of West Salem, claimed the 2003 International Truck and Engine Corporation Midwest Series championship – his fifth NASCAR title in the last six years. Full Field Results - Nascar Touring (10-5-03)

Series veteran Robbie Pyle won the Pep Boys 300 presented by Greased Lightning Orange Blast at Salem Speedway, the 16th event of the 2003 ASA Racing Series season. Rick Beebe finished second with $50,000 Rookie point's leader Reed Sorenson crossing the line in third position. Florida's Mike Cope finished in fourth with Rich Loch filling out the top-five finishers. Toby Porter was sixth with Todd Kluever, Bryan Reffner, Gary St. Amant and Greg Stewart rounding out the top 10. Full Field Run Down - ASA Racing (10-4-03)

Scott Hansen will crew chief for Mike Cope for the rest of the season and most likely for the 2004 season in the ASA series. ASA Telecast (10-4-03)

Wisconsin Super Late Model racer Travis Dassow to run full time in the ASA series in 2004 driving a second car for Wood Brothers Racing? Chad Wood stated during the telecast of the ASA race this evening that, that is a possibility. ASA Telecast (10-4-03)

Ryan Hanson, of Beloit, Wis., won the Bud Pole award for Sunday's Oktoberfest 250, the 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, International Truck and Engine Corporation Midwest Series season finale. Hanson toured the 5/8-mile oval at LaCrosse (Wis.) Fairgrounds Speedway in 19.377 seconds (116.117 mph) during Saturday afternoon's qualifying session to claim his second Bud Pole award of the season. Twenty-eight cars will take the green flag for Sunday's 250-lap event, scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. (Central Time) on Sun., Oct. 5. Racin Heat (10-4-03)

Erik Darnell and Joey Miller are on the entry list for the Nascar Southwest Series race at Phoenix Int'l Raceway for this weekends race. Who Won (10-2-03) Erik qualified in the 12th position while Joey Miller qualified 14th. Complete Qualifying Results (10-4-03)

Kevin Cywinski is on the pole for the Pep Boys 300 presented by Greased Lightning Orange Blast at Salem Speedway. Top 5 in qualifying : Cywinski, Donny Reuvers, Robbie Pyle, Mike Garvey, and Butch Miller. Wisconsin drivers: Rich Loch 6th, Todd Kluever 8th, Chris Wimmer 13th, Travis Dassow 22nd, J.R. Roahrig 23rd, Chad Wood 27th. The race takes place at 7pm tonight on the Speed Channel. Complete Qualifying Results (10-4-03)

Bill Prietzel is hoping to have a very unspectacular weekend during the Oktoberfest races at the LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway. Two years ago he was on the verge of locking up his second straight Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series title when he collided in turn one on the final lap with Stevie Campbell. His Dodge Averger flipped spectularily onto its roof in a shower of sparks and he lost the title by a few points to James Swan. Who Won (10-3-03)

The battle for the championship in the Yellow Book USA Mid-Am Super Truck Series will go down to the final event at the LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem Saturday night, Oct. 4 with racing starting at 5 p.m. in a number of divisions. Donnie Woller of Merrill, WI tops the super truck standings with 1,295 points while Andy Jirik of Lonsdale, MN is second with 1,251. John Vig, Jr of Shakopee, MN is still in the running for the title with 1,207. Who Won (10-01-03)

Sorenson Secures $50,000 Rookie Title With Salem Start. Producing his best career finish as runner-up at Illiana Motor Speedway in the CITGO/MDA 250 presented by Jani-King, Georgia’s Reed Sorenson has amassed his largest point’s lead in the ASA Racing Series $50,000 Rookie Standings. ASA Racing (10-01-03)

Brewco Motorsports and driver Joey Clanton have mutually decided to part ways and both will be exploring options to finish out the 2003 season. BGN Racing (10-01-03)

The American Speed Association (ASA Racing Series) season will make a pair of appearances at the state-of-the-art Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, Ky. in 2004. Officials have announced that events on Friday, May 7 and Saturday, September 18 will make up two of an expected 18 races on the ‘04 ASA Racing Series schedule. “A third of our 2004 schedule will be run on larger tracks than we’ll race in 2003,” said ASA President/CEO Steve Dale at the Kentucky Speedway test. ASA Racing (10-01-03) YIKES...