2004 News and Rumors

2004 News and Rumors - April

Dirt Racing

Steady drizzle and cold temperatures forced officials to cancel the season opener planned for Luxemburg Speedway Friday. The season will open next Friday night, May 7 with Y 100 as the evening's sponsor. A full show including IMCA modifieds, IMCA stock cars, IMCA hobby stocks and sport fours is on tap. The first of five street stocks specials will also be run as part of the regular program. Racing begins at 7 p.m. Press Release (04-30-04)

The Dodge County IRA post-race video with winner Wayne Johnson is now available. He talks about his numerous attempts of taking the race lead only to have a caution come out on that lap. He'd be back in 2nd place since the running order went back to the previous completed lap. You need Windows Media Player to play the video. IRA sprints (04-29-04)

Jay Drake captured his second straight USAC Valvoline National Sprint Car series event of the season, capturing the 30-lap feature, Saturday Night at the Raceway at PowerCom Park. Drake drove the Tony Stewart Motorsports owned Mopar sponsored Eagle/Mopar. Press Release (04-26-04)

J.J. Yeley scored an exciting last lap victory Saturday Night capturing the 30-lap USAC National Midget Series event at the Raceway at PowerCom Park, Beaver Dam. Yeley picked up a ride late in the week, and drove the Karl Warnke owned Stealth-Fontana to his 56th career USAC National victory. Dave Darland jumped into the lead, while attention turned to Brad Kuhn who started tenth. Kuhn was sixth after the first lap, gained two more positions the next lap, and on the third lap passed Darland for the lead entering turn three. A caution for the stalled car of Cole Carter bunched up the field on the fifth lap. Press Release (04-26-04)

Mother Nature won out over race car drivers and race fans planning on attending the Thunderhill Raceway car show and practice day scheduled at John Miles Park on Sunday, April 25. “The practice time will have to be scrapped for the pre-season, but the car show has been rescheduled to our opening Saturday event on May 1st,” according to co-promoter ‘Woody’ Wodack. Press Release (04-26-04)

It was a night of firsts at the Shawano Speedway, as A.J. Diemel won his first WISSOTA Late Model feature at the Speedway and Julie McDermid won her first IMCA Modified feature at the Speedway. Rod Snellenberger won the IMCA Stock Car feature, while Jeff Curtin won the Limited Late Model feature. Who Won (04-25-04)

A total of 89 cars representing nine different divisions across eastern Wisconsin took advantage of an open practice session at Luxemburg Speedway's third-mile, clay oval this afternoon. The field included 26 IMCA stock cars, 25 IMCA modifieds, 13 IMCA hobby stocks, 11 street stocks, six sport fours, five WISSOTA late models, two Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car supermodifieds, one limited late model and one grand national sportsman. "For the few hundred or so fans who came to watch this free practice session they got to see a variety of race cars," said track manager Rick Goral. Press Release (04-24-04)

The Karavan Trailer Sales Icebreaker 100 will hit the track at The Raceway at Powercom Park Saturday and all indications are there will be a record field in attendance for the first regular show of 2004. The event will be headlined by 100 laps of feature racing on the high banked clay oval led by Suburban Motors Harley Davidson Modifieds. A 20-lap feature event is tabbed for the class which could feature as many as 40 drivers for the opening night show. Press Release (04-21-04)

Wayne Johnson’s debut in the FATTFRO Motorsports #14AJ paid big dividends for his new owners as the quickly found victory lane in the team’s first race together at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in the 5th Annual “Rick Schmidt Memorial” IRA season opener. Besting the 30 car field in time trials,Johnson missed the clean sweep by finishing 2nd to Mike Kertscher in his heat race. “This is our first race trophy as a team and coming in the Rick Schmidt Memorial is so special,” stated car owner Scott Billish. “I got a call earlier this week and thought it was a practical joke when they (FATTFRO) asked me to drive for them,” stated Johnson. “I met with them and we said we’d try it. We decided to run this race instead of practice at Knoxville because this paid and that didn’t”. Additional Notes: Defending IRA champion Joe Roe qualified 2nd but his car was scratched for the rest of the evening due to motor problems. Ty Bartz crashed in hot laps and was done for the night. At the start of hot laps, Scott Biertzer blew up right after the green came out. Dan Owings and Bill Wirth were smoking at the same time and spent the night chasing mechanical gremlins. Press Release - Point Standings - IRA sprints (04-18-04)

The roar of engines filled the air for the first time in the 2004 racing season Saturday afternoon at the Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI. Heavy rains overnight drenched the speedway grounds, but the track crew did a commendable job and were able to prepare the racing surface with only a small delay. The wait was well worth it as a record number of cars representing seven different divisions took to the track to make preparations for the season ahead. Cars from the modifieds, grand nationals, stocks, legends, dirt devils, sprints and midgets took advantage of the opportunity for valuable track time on the fast high-banked 1/3 mile clay oval. Press Release (04-18-04)

Even though he plans on missing a few nights to chase big money specials across the country,one cannot count Seymour's Brian Mullen out entirely when it comes to defending his 2003 IMCA modified title at Luxemburg Speedway. Still, Mullen's aspirations to hit the road more frequently this summer have made his competitors breathe a little easier as they step to the plate to try and capture the division title at the third-mile, clay oval. With 17 of the top twenty points finishers from a year ago returning to do battle there are those betting there will be a new face at the awards banquet next winter when the champion's hardware is hauled out. Press Release (04-16-04)

USAC Triple Crown winner Dave Darland leads the list of drivers competing in both the USAC Valvoline National Sprint Car Series, and USAC National Midget Series doubleheader April 24 at the raceway at PowerCom Park. Press Release (04-16-04)

The youth moment in racing is very evident in the USAC Racing. Ten driver 24 years old, and younger are among the headliners entered in the upcoming April 24 USAC Valvoline National Sprint Car, and USAC National Midget Series doubleheader. Leading the enteries will be Bobby East, 19, of Brownsburg, Ind. East currently leads the USAC National Midget Series point standings, and has scored one win this season at the Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway. Press Release (04-16-04)

Six drivers, with 13 career USAC driving Championships head the list of pre-entries for the upcoming April 24 USAC Valvoline National Sprint Car Series, and USAC National Midget Series event at the Raceway at PowerCom Park. USAC Triple Crown winner Dave Darland leads the list of entries for the event. Press Release (04-16-04)

Thunderhill Raceway 2004 Schedule - Five Divisions of Racing: IMCA Modified, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Hobby Stock, Street Stock divisions along with the Sport-4 class. Gates Open at 4:30 p.m. Races start at 6 p.m. Thunderhill Raceway is located at John Miles Park, the site of the Door County Fairgrounds, just off Highways 42/57, and west on County Trunk T. For more information call 920-743-7052 or 920-746-0387, the track phone number. Press Release (schedule is included) (04-15-04)

Sturgeon Bay’s Bryan “Woody” Wodack and Brian Duquaine are getting geared up for their second season and putting all the pieces together for some great Saturday night entertainment at Thunderhill Raceway (John Miles Park, Sturgeon Bay). Their season opener is scheduled for Saturday night, May 1st at 6 p.m. IMCA Modified, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Hobby Stock, Street Stock divisions along with the Sport-4 class will compete weekly on Saturday nights, with competition getting underway at 6 p.m. throughout the summer months. Forest County Potawatomi will again be the major sponsor at the track. Press Release (04-15-04)

Wisconsin Motorsports, Inc., announced today that the Karavan Trailer Sales Icebreaker at The Raceway at Powercom Park on Saturday night, May 1st will also be a salute to the fans of the now shuttered Hales Corners Speedway as a special free admission policy will be in effect for that group that night. To receive this special admission package the party must produce something that was tied directly to the now-closed Hales Corners Speedway in Franklin. Press Release (04-15-04)

Several of the nations best open wheel drivers will get tested twice during the running of the USAC Sprint Car/Midget doubleheader at The Raceway at Powercom Park on April 24th as they put their wares to task in attempting to win both 30-lap feature events. The program will mark the only appearance in 2004 of both the National Sprint Car and National Midget Series' in Wisconsin. Qualifying is slated to begin at 2:30 that afternoon with the first green flag to fall at 4:00 pm. Press Release (04-12-04)

The Raceway at Powercom Park, located just off of Highway 151 on Highway 33 east of Beaver Dam, has developed a schedule for the 2004 season that offers variety to hard-core Motorsports enthusiast along with a strong weekly racing program that is a great family entertainment value. For those looking for high speed and thrills the track will bring in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series twice in 2004 along with the Interstate Racing Association sprint cars, Midwest Sprint Car Association, and the United States Auto Club non-winged sprint cars. Open wheel racing fans will also be treated to both USAC and Badger Midget racing during the summer. And, for the first time ever, the Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association will be making an appearance at the high banked, high-speed 1/3-mile clay oval. Press Release (04-12-04)

Brandon Czarapata's decision not to defend his 2003 IMCA stock car championship at Luxemburg Speedway has got his foes licking their chops. The Horicon driver became a father during the off season, and it's that family time that will curtail his Friday night racing for much of the upcoming 2004 season. "I'll be at Luxemburg the first few weeks," said Czarapata, who beat out Pulaski's Rod Snellenberger by a mere three points despite not qualifying for a feature race one night last year. "I'll hit a couple of the big money specials they'll put up. But I've gotta curtail my racing a little bit right now." Press Release (04-08-04)

The Saturday night April 10th IRA/NMRA Searsboro Telephone Spring Challenge at the Southern Iowa Speedway has been postponed. Approaching inclement weather, combined with forecast temperatures dipping below freezing at night, forced McTwo Promotions with full support from IRA and NMRA to push back this highly anticipated event. The event has been rescheduled to Friday night May 14th. "We're gonna make a positive out of a negative," stated event co-promoter Terry McCarl in regards to the new date. "From an IRA standpoint the new date couldn't be any better,this gives our teams a chance to turn this race into a 3-day Spring Challenge as we can make the short drive from Oskaloosa to Knoxville for our show there on Saturday, then hit Dubuque Sunday on the way home," said IRA President Steve Sinclair, adding "we're looking forward to our inaugural sanctioned event at Osky and appreciate the cooperation we're receiving from McTwo and Knoxville for allowing us to create this great combination, throw in Dubuque and we've got one heckuva great weekend May 14- 16." McTwo had quite the prize closet developing for this race and all the goodies will carry over. Arizonas' Calvin Landis will be on hand Friday night May 14th at Southern Iowa Speedway in attempt to try and defend his Spring Challenge crown, having won the inaugural event last year. For information regarding the May 14th Spring Challenge or Front-Row & Ultimate Challenge events, please contact McTwo Promotions at (515) 957-0020. IRA sprints (04-09-04)

Brian Bruechert is pleased to announce a new primary sponsor of his IMCA Stock Car for 2004. Brian will be driving the #5, 1st Rate Mortgage Stock Car this season. The 1st Rate Mortgage Stock Car will be a brand new Terminator Chassis with a 1987 Buick Regal body. We are also pleased to announce the addition of several new associate sponsors this season. Air Control Heating and Cooling of Kewaunee, Pathar Distribution Inc, "Boiler Doctor" Kewaunee Bowl, Lake Effects Pub of Kewaunee, M.A.D. Enterprises, Odyssey Boats & Avery Auto Salvage have all joined our racing team in 2004. Brian Bruechert (04-07-04)

As of Tuesday night, everything is ON for this Saturday nights IRA Opener & The Searsboro Telephone Spring Challenge at Southern Iowa Speedway. We are watching the weather, it was 75 degrees there today, and will continue to look at the weekend forecast. We strongly suggest IRA members check out the website Thursday night or Friday morning for updated information, or call the IRA office at 815-759-9269 Friday. McTwo Promotions has many items in their prize closet for this special event. We will be in contact with McTwo Thursday night, and hopefully we'll have weather similar to last years un-sanctioned Spring Challenge, 70 sunny degrees. IRA Sprints (04-06-04)

DePere Wisconsin’s Dan Lewis Photography has been the cornerstone of printed racing cards for drivers for 15 years. But for the 2004 racing season, Lewis has elected to join forces with another card distributor, Simes Graphic Designs, of Mandan, ND. Simes Graphic Designs has been marketing cards under the label Dacotah Racing Trading Cards and is taking on these type of print jobs for photographers nationwide. Press Release (04-05-04)

As 2004’s racing season is eagerly anticipated by all, the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint series would like to take a moment to recognize and welcome it’s newest sponsors. VMAC Racing, McCroskey Chevrolet, Arizona Race Mart and Keizer Wheels will be awarding nightly product certificates to competitors on the IRA circuit in addition to various promotions throughout the season. Press Release - IRA Sprints (04-05-04)

Tim Van De Hei admits he would sometimes ridicule some of his buddies who raced in the IMCA modified class in eastern Wisconsin whenever they'd spin out or crash. Van De Hei is one of the top newcomers who will compete for the rookie-of-the-year crown at Luxemburg Speedway this season in that division. Press Release (04-04-04)

We added a picture of Scott Mullen's #1 IMCA Modified to our 2004 Photo Gallery. (04-04-04)

The Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay is again hosting a car show on April 3rd, from 11am - 2pm. The location is 311 S. Oneida Street in Green Bay. Race cars, drag cars, racing boats, race trucks, go karts, soap box derby cars and more will be there. We will have pictures from this event when we return (03-28-04) Pictures from the car show (04-03-04)

Practice makes perfect. And that will be the case at the two Wisconsin Motorsports promoted tracks - The Raceway at Powercom Park and the Powercom Speed Zone - as three dates have been inked for drivers to fine tune their cars. The Raceway at Powercom Park will host one session. Set for Saturday, April 17th from 12 Noon until 4:00 pm the track will be open to any type of car provided that it passes the necessary safety inspection. Press Release (04-01-04)

Asphalt Racing

Sources tell us that next season Brent Strelka will switch over to the ASA Late Model series full time. (04-30-04) UPDATE: Team sources tell us their plans for 2005 are not set, but there are several different options they are looking at. They are concentrating on this season and will look ahead to next season at the end of the year. (04-30-04)

Sources tell us that Todd Verhagen has purchased a car previously owned by Randy Rasmussen and will race in the Limited Late Model division this season at Wisconsin International Raceway. We understand Todd will only race 6 Thursday Nights this season and will travel around to area tracks the rest of the year. He will then run the full season for rookie of the year next year, if this season goes well he will most likely buy a new Lefthander for next year. We are told that Todd will carry the #25 this season and then switch to #52 next season. (04-30-04)

As it turns 30 this year, the Fox River Racing Club wants only two things for its birthday. More cars and more fans at Wisconsin International Raceway. The two are closely related. More cars and better racing will draw more fans. More fans will mean more money for the club and, hopefully, more sponsors during a tight economy that has not been conducive to spending a lot of money on race cars. Full Story at Post Crescent (04-29-04)

One of the ways the Fox River Racing Club hopes to attract more fans to its Sunday afternoon and Thursday night programs at Wisconsin International Raceway is by appealing to the younger members of the households. The club is for kids ages 3-12. Membership is free. Each Thursday, a name will be drawn for the following Thursday’s grand prize. The winner will be notified and will be allowed to have his/her picture taken with their choice of the night’s fastest late model qualifier or their favorite driver, courtesy of track photographer Dan Lewis. They will also get to wave the green flag to start the dash-for-cash. The grand-prize winner will also get a prize such as a new bike, preseason Packers tickets or $100 Toys ‘R’ Us gift certificates. Full Story at Post Crescent (04-29-04)

By anyone’s standards except his own, Jeff Van Oudenhoven had a great racing season last year. The veteran driver from Appleton, who resides in Kimberly, won the traveling Midwest Allstar Racing Series, the prestigious Red, White and Blue State Championship series and the Budweiser Triple Crown, three of the four series in which he took part. In addition to the runner-up finishes, Van Oudenhoven has had his share of disputes with FRRC officials. Every year, he vows not to return. Both he and Butz want to move up to bigger and better things such as the NASCAR Autozone Midwest Series or the American Speed Association, but a shortage of money has been holding them back. Another big help is picking up Time Warner Cable and Road Runner as a major sponsor for the season. Full Story at Post Crescent (04-29-04)

Danny Heinritz was practicing at Wisconsin International Raceway this evening getting ready for the season opener on Sunday. (04-27-04)

Winner picked for week one, thanks to her dad siging her up for the club. Grand prize winner is Danielle Wynboom Who will be receiving a brand new bike donated by Dan Harrell & Callin Harrell Motorsports. (04-27-04)

The Fox River Racing Club will hold their final monthly meeting of the 2004 season this evening at the Darboy Club at 8PM. (04-26-04) UPDATE: We were unable to attend the meeting, but we are thankful to to the sources who gave us the details of the meeting. Club officials have decided to allow Late Model teams to buy 4 new tires on opening day and then 4 new tires on July 8th the night of the Triple Crown race. Last season teams bought 4 new tires the first and second week of the season. They will be increasing the Limited Late Model payout by $140.00 this season and they will be restructuring the Super Stock payout and pay $3.50 per point. The first week of racing this season will have rollback prices for the 30th year anniversary, fans will get into the races for $6.00 for Adults and $4.00 for Students. This season when a 1/2 mile driver is black flagged they will be intructed to pull into the 1/4 mile track and park on the white pad and have a conference with the official. They will be told why they were black flagged and they will be instructed to go into the pits for repairs or given a warning and sent back on the track. There was some discussion about team's sponsors putting money in the Late Model and Limited Late Model purses if the track owner would match it. (04-26-04)

Slinger Super Speedway was able to get their opening show in today. Brad "JJ" Mueller took fast time with Fransen and Konetski rounding out the top 3 with 39 Late Model taking time. Lowell Bennett took the win in the first feature with Eric Fransen and Brad "JJ" Mueller rounding out the top 3. In the second feature event it was Ryan Mathews taking the win with Chad Barker and Brad "JJ" Mueller rounding out the top 3. John Zimmerman took the semi feature win. (04-25-04) UPDATE: Full Results and story on Ryan Mathews first Late Model feature win since 2002 - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (04-25-04)

Sources tell us that Cliff Ebben could very well be driving Jim Duchow's backup car in special events at Wisconsin International Raceway this season. (04-24-04)

Sources tell us that Bobby Bemmels will be running this season in the Limited Late Model division. We are told Bobby was out testing the car the other day at Wisconsin International Raceway. (04-23-04) UPDATE: We understand the #02 that was testing the other day might have very well been Dan Hansen and not Bobby Bemmels. (04-24-04)

Been hearing for the last year that Troy Nelson will race weekly at WIR this season and continue to hear rumors that he will. Anyone able to confrim it or give us some information???? (04-14-04) UPDATE: He didn't race at Golden Sands Speedway last night, so he may very well be running WIR this season. (04-24-04)

Today the Fox River Racing Club will be holding practice at Wisconsin International Raceway from 10am-4pm. The pit gates open at 9am and there will be teching taking place for the first hour. The cost is $25.00 per car and pit passes will be free along with the grandstands will be open. (04-24-04) UPDATE: We have posted pictures from the practice session, we apologize if we failed to get a picture of your car. We will take pictures off all cars at the season opener. (04-24-04)

Country Joe Racing drivers Kevin Cywinski and Joey Miller both tested a Dodge at Kentucky Speedway. Might they run this body at the speedway events only or could this be a prelude to a manufacturer change? ASA Racing (04-20-04) UPDATE: “When we were at the Banquet last year, we were able to see Reed's (Sorenson) car with a Dodge body. We liked the looks of the Dodge car but we had the Monte Carlos from last year. We figured we would use them at the short tracks and put the Dodge body on for the speedways and see if there was any difference.” County Joe Racing (04-22-04)

We are also hearing that a couple tracks, mainly Madison International Speedway are looking at the rules that WIR has for their Late Model division and at possible getting their rules closer to each others. (04-23-04)

Sources tell us there are a couple more Late Model teams that are tossing around the idea of running at WIR this season, they will for sure run the Sunday night races in May. We weren't able to find out any names as of yet. (04-23-04)

We understand the pace vehicle at Wisconsin International Raceway will be a brand new Ford Lightning Pickup truck with a supercharger. (04-23-04)

Sources tell us there will be one less crate engine being run at Wisconsin International Raceway in the Limited Late Model division this season as Jerry Van Handel will be running a Spec Engine. (04-23-04)

Bob Danes, Pat Braunie and Matt Derricks were testing this evening at Wisconsin International Raceway. Picture of Bob Danes car - Picture of Pat Braun and Matt Derricks Cars. (04-22-04)

Sources tell us that Danny Heinritz has indicated he will be racing at Wisconsin International Raceway this season, we haven't been able to find out if it will be fulltime yet. The team did purchase a new ACE Motor for this season. (04-21-04) UPDATE: Sources tell us they have been able to confirm that Danny will be running Wisconsin International Raceway weekly this season. (04-22-04)

Sources tell us they heard that 4 crate engines failed last weekend at Madison International Speedway. Not sure what failed on the engines or what caused them to fail. Comments from people that were there said the engines sound like a tractor engine rather than a race car engine. (04-22-04) UPDATE: We are told that there were only a couple that failed and they were due to valve lash not be adjusted and the other was due to something in the drivetrain. (04-22-04)

Sources tell us they overheard it mentioned that Brandon Blashe will race a Late Model during the Red, White and Blue Series at Wisconsin International Raceway this season. No mention of what car he might be driving, we are sure we will receive some more details on this. (04-20-04) UPDATE: Brandon tells us he is working on a deal to run the Red, White and Blue Series at WIR in a Late Model, he should know if it's a done deal by the end of April at which time he will release the details. (04-21-04)

We told that Jeff Van Oudenhoven, Mike Gardner, Scott Vanderloop and Chris LaRocque were all testing on Saturday at WIR. (04-19-04) UPDATE: Were told that teams are expressing interest in practicing this week, but as far as we can find out no one tested at the track this past weekend. (04-20-04) UPDATE 2: Apparently there was a misunderstanding as we are told there were cars practicing Saturday, infact we are told there were ALOT of cars. (04-21-04)

Sources tell us Gary Natrop will run as much as he can this year, but he will miss a couple of weeks that he is committed to elsewhere. (04-19-04)

BUCO Racing would like to announce that Smet Construction Services has come on board as an additional sponsor for the 2004 season. (04-18-04)

We are hearing from race teams that the checks they received at an area race track last weekend have bounced. In talking with other teams, it appears they have had the same problem. (04-18-04)

Last evening was the first night of Saturday Night racing for Madison International Speedway, fans who were at the track tell us there was a great crowd on hand, but the same couldn't be said for the car count. There were 12 Late Models, 26 ASA Late Models and only a handful of both Midwest Trucks and Sportsmans. (04-18-04)

It was Mike Calinoff's desire to have Mauston's Kelly Bires racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this season. But when a deal with Dodge fell through, those plans changed. Bires, who works full-time for FitzBradshaw Racing will get behind the wheel in an ARCA Re/Max Series race for the team May 27 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. "Things change, situations change, different opportunities come up," Calinoff said. Wisconsin State Journal (04-17-04)

Dells Motor Speedway in Wisconsin Dells could soon have a new creditor. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. included millions in track owner Bryan Severson's loans in an April 6 auction of 57 loans from the failed First National Bank of Blanchardville. Severson said the track will run for the remainder of the 2004 season. "For the track (the auction) means absolutely nothing," said Severson, who said he has contingency plans in place to secure his $800,000 note on the -mile track. Wisconsin State Journal (04-17-04)

The Fox River Racing Club will hold it's car show today from 11AM-4PM at Tornado's Bar and Grill which is located right next door to the Timbler Rattlers Stadium. I personally won't be in attendence, but we will have people there to take pictures for us. (04-17-04) UPDATE: We have pictures posted from the car show on our Photo gallery. (04-17-04)

We have opened up a page with pictures of teams 2004 paint schemes. If you have pictures of your race car for the 2004 season feel free to email them to us. We are still awaiting the arrival of paint schemes from some teams that have contacted us, plus we will have some this weekend from car shows and events. (03-29-04) UPDATE: We added pictures of John Meidam's #3 Super Late Model. (04-04-04) UPDATE 2: We just added pictures of the #00 Buco Racing Super Late Model that Terry Baldry pilots. (04-04-04) UPDATE 3: We just added pictures of Andy Monday #01 Super Late Model. (04-05-04) UPDATE 4: We have added pictures of Tom Gee Jr.'s #17 Limited Late Model. (04-05-04) UPDATE 4: We have added a picture of Matt Kocourek's Super Late Model with the 2004 ABC Dodge Intrepid body package. (04-07-04) UPDATE 5: We have added pictures of Eddie Muenster's Super Late Model and Brett Piontek's Mid American car. (04-12-04) UPDATE 6: We added a picture of Ryan Mathew's Late Model and pictures of Sarah Blashe's Super Stock. (04-16-04)

Sources tell us they are hearing Ron Breese will be in an ASA Late Model for car owner David Bailey at MIS this weekend. Have been unable to confirm it yet. (04-16-04)

We understand the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe will make it official on May 1st who the team(s) will be that they will sponsor on the asphalt this season. (04-15-04)

Jamie Iverson and the whole Iverson Motorsports will make their return to Wisconsin International Raceway fulltime this season. The familiar #97 will carry the Dow Dawson Trucking sponsorship, there is a new sponsor, but it isn't finalized at this time. (04-15-04)

Been hearing for the last year that Troy Nelson will race weekly at WIR this season and continue to hear rumors that he will. Anyone able to confrim it or give us some information???? (04-14-04)

We (Brewcrew Motorsports and driver Rod Brew) plan to open our season in Kaukauna with their spring opener ( May 16th). We are still undecided as to whether we will run the entire MARS Series or just run select events and specials. Other shows of interest are: Wisconsin Dells, Grundy County, La Crosse, and a few WCS events! The team has also signed on Ideal Doors as an associate sponsor. Brewecrew Motorsports (03-29-04) UPDATE: With all of the changes that have taken place this off season, the team will compete in fewer events as compared to previous years. While we believe a lot of good things have occurred this off season, unfortunately we won't be able to travel as much as we did in 03. The car is now in the assembly stage and has been completely repainted. Some of the biggest adjustments and adversity that we have had to work with this off season are: Change in ownership and loss off primary sponsor, Relocation of the race shop to Tainter St Menomonie, Wisconsin, and Relocation & opening of a new fabrication shop Stout St Menomonie, Wisconsin. As of now, we plan to run the Red, White, & Blue State Championship Series at Kaukauna along with a few other specials later in the year. BreweCrew Motorsports (04-15-04)

Williams Motorsports which fields cars for Terry Korth and Ryan Manthei in the Super Late Model division have set up a website to keep their fans, sponsors and others informed during the season. You can access their website by going to jwilliamsmotorsports.com (04-14-04)

Wisconsin International Raceway 2004 Season Schedule (04-14-04)

The new car is nearing completion upon receiving a transmission from Haas Performance sometime this week. Also, if all goes well, we are looking at testing this Saturday, April 17th at WIR! Andy Monday (04-13-04)

The Red, White and Blue Series at Wisconsin International Raceway will once again be sponsored by Pepsi and Y100 radio station. (04-14-04)

Sources tell us JJ Smith and Anthony Brothers racing will be picking up their motor this week and are planning on testing Saturday at Wisconsin International Raceway. I know other teams have expressed interest in practicing on Saturday also, but were not sure if it will happen or not. (04-14-04)

John Meidam and Meidam Motorsports will continue to carry the Budweiser/Tri County Distributing sponsorship this year, but they have brought on Furnishing by Ludwig and Curb Creations as new sponsors for the 2004 season. The team will also continue to run Goodwin Competition Engines. (04- 07-04)

Ryan Mathews had pictures of his 2004 cars up on his website. Looks like the team has 4 cars available to them: a 2004 Ford Taurus Super Late Model, A 2004 ABC Monte Carlo Super Late Model, a 2004 Monte Carlo ASA Car and a car ran last season. Photos of 2004 cars - RDM Racing (04-07-04)

Doug Carpenter and team are ready to go! Testing is just around the corner and the season opener at WIR is less than a month away! Finishing touches are being put on the car. After a long winter the team and driver are getting anxious to hit the track again and looking forward to a successful season!! Photos of the 2004 car (04-07-04)

Dells Motor Speedway owner Bryan Severson said that the 1/3-mile track in Wisconsin Dells will open its season April 10 despite rumors to the contrary. Severson did admit the track was struggling financially, partly due to the closing of the First National Bank of Blanchardville, where the loan on the track was financed. Wisconsin State Journal (04-07-04)

Jim Ebben will be a new face at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2004. Jim will drive in the Limited Late Model division running a crate engine. He will be the 5th different team to run a crate engine in 2004. (04-06-04) UPDATE: Jim is the son of road racer Cliff Ebben who many of you know. Jim tells us he purchased a Late Model Lefthander from Brett Bauer and is converting it over to a Limited Late Model. Jim is thinking abour running the #18,a number his dad ran when he raced at WIR, but is not positive at this time. (04-07-04)

We have setup a countdown till the 2004 Fox River Racing Club Season Opener. (03-12-04)

Late Model racer Brett Bauer has sold his car and will be taking a couple years off from racing as he has just started his own business. (04-07-04)

We added a whole bunch of information to the 2004 Fox River Racing Club Drivers list, specifially the Wisconsin Sport Trucks. (04-04-04) UPDATE: Check the page now, the file wasn't uploaded with the changes. (04-06-04)

Buco Racing welcomes new associate sponsors Julie's Cafe and Hungry Howie's Pizza for the 2004 season. Buco Racing (04-05-04)

Thank you again for your support in the 2004 race season. For those of you who haven't heard, I will be joining Mike Butz Racing to race the Late Model division at WIR in 2004. I have enclosed a schedule for 2004 and also a few pictures of the car which is nearing completion. Press Release (04-05-04)

Wisconsin Sport Truck drivers there is an emergency meeting at (Scott) Baker's shop on April 3rd at 11AM about the new Hoosier tire and the possiby a vote on the rule change. Sport Trucks (03-30-04) UPDATE: Sources tell use a vote was taken and the new Hoosier Tire was voted in, it was a 29-0 vote in favor of the new tire. There will be a four week run off on the American Racer tire which was run last season. (04-04-04)

John Meidam's Super Late Model and Scott Mullen's IMCA Modfied Cars sponsored by Budweiser will both be on display this weekend at the Fox River Mall. Cars will be there Friday, Saturday and Sunday, both John and Scott will be there Saturday from 1:00PM until 4:00PM to sign autographs. (04-02-04)

Tom Gee Jr. tells us he is heading to Dells Motor Speedway this weekend to practice and then will return next weekend for the Late Model Special there. They plan on going to Marshfield on April 17th to run with the late models for their opener. The next stop will be practice at WIR on April 24th before leaving to run the LLM Mid-State Touring Series race at Marshfield that night. Watch for pictures of the #17 Limited Late Model tomorrow evening or Saturday. (04-01-04)

Touring Racing

The winner of the Budweiser / WAPL Spring Classic 100 may take home us much as $5,000 in cash and contingency awards, making the race the richest ever 100-lapper run at the Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. The five-division racing program should provide a full afternoon of racing beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 16. The Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar late model and Yellow Book USA Mid-Am super trucks will both see action on the D-shaped half-mile paved track and will be joined by Fox River Racing Club limited late models. The Midwest AllStars feature will be 100 laps while the super trucks are schedule to go 40 laps and the limited late models will go 30 laps. Press Release (04-30-04)

Sources tell Speed51.com that Joe Balash has left the ASA Racing Series. This makes him the 4 person to leave the series in the last couple of months including Mark Gundrum, Mike Miller and Kyle Larson. Speed 51 (04-22-04) UPDATE: ARCA officials announced today the addition of Mark Gundrum to the administrative staff of the sanctioning body. Gundrum, 41, will join the full time staff in ARCA’s home office, overseeing the integration of the company’s Sales, Marketing and Public Relations departments. ARCA Racing (04-26-04)

The Limited Late Model Mid-State Touring Series made it debut last night at Marshfield Speedway. There were about 16 cars on hand for the event, local drivers Tom Gee and AJ Miller both won their heat races. In the feature event Tom Gee Jr. took the win while AJ Miller came home in eight place. (04-26-04)

The Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series 50 planned for Saturday night at the Elko Speedway in Elko, MN was rained out and has been reset for Saturday night, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. The second largest field of Yellow Book USA Mid-American drivers ever assembled at Elko Speedway had just completed practice when rain began to fall. Once the rain hit, it continued through the night, making it impossible to run the race on the 3/8-mile paved oval. Press Release (04-25-04)

Sun Prairie native Todd Kluever has plenty of experience with the sometimes rough-and-tumble world of short-track stock car racing. But nothing quite like this. Kluever's truck and trailer went into a ditch and rolled over about 100miles south of Atlanta on Interstate 75 in the early morning hours of March21 after the driver fell asleep while traveling to the American Speed Association season opener at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Fla. "I was fortunate enough that I do have insurance," Kluever said. "I'm going to recoup my losses. It's just the time and what it did to us as far as setting us behind and having to work our (tails) off to get everything back together. Wisconsin State Journal (04-24-04)

A truely diverse group of new drivers will take to the half-mile paved oval at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids, IA when the Yellow Book USA Mid-Am Super Truck Series begins Friday night, May 7. Qualifying begins at 6:45 p.m. with racing at 7:30 p.m. The 500-horsepower Yellow Book Super Trucks closely resemble the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks and kick off a 15-race schedule May 7. Press Release (04-23-04)Four-time USA Super Truck Nationals winner Danny Heinritz of Brussels, WI will be seeking to win the 2004 rookie of the year crown in the Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar Racing Series late model division beginning with a 100-lap race Sunday afternoon, May 16 at 1 p.m. at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Press Release (04-23-04)

Pace American Trailer has returned for the ninth straight year as a major supporter of the Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series and Mid-Am Super Truck Series. At last year's combined series banquet $6,800 was awarded to series teams that own Pace American trailers. The company is posting a $200 bonus award for each feature win for member teams that own Pace trailers. $100 bonus awards have been posted to drivers finishing second and tenth in the feature race. A $100 bonus award has also been posted for the winner of the last chance race at all series events for the two divisions. Press Release (04-23-04)

Darnell is just like a lot of 21-year-olds. He is young, anxious and full of energy. He doesn't yet know the meaning of tired and is ready to tackle any hurdle on with all of his might. And all of those characteristics will be put to the test this coming season, as Darnell and his Illinois-based race team are planning a full time run with the NASCAR Elite Division Midwest Series. But that isn't enough for Darnell, so he is also going to run the full Southeast Series schedule as well. Speed 51 (04-23-04)

What is going on with ASA alot of you must be asking yourself. Well we have finally been able to nail down what is taking place. Reliable sources tell us that when Steve Dale bought the American Speed Association he put a down payment down on purchasing it, he was due to make another payment within the last couple of months and failed to do so. What happens from this point on out, your guess is as good as mine. (04-22-04)

We are thinking that Jason Vandenberg may very well be back at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2004. Early reports were that he was going to run Madison International Speedway with the ASA Late Models, we don't have any details at this time. (04-18-04) UPDATE: Sources tell us that Jason Vandenberg will be racing Late Models at WIR this season. (04-19-04)

Part of the “American Dream” is to be your own boss; however, in auto racing that’s not always a plus. So when you have the opportunity to become part of one of the most successful teams in the series, the benefits generally outweigh the risks. Such was the case for American Speed Association driver, Davin Scites. The Frontstretch (04-22-04)

Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick today announced the signing of driver Kyle Krisiloff who will compete under the Hendrick banner in 2004 thanks to a developmental alliance that was also unveiled. Hendrick Motorsports has inked an agreement with Indianapolis-based SS Racing which will allow Krisiloff to compete in 13 American Speed Association (ASA) National Tour events in 2004. ASA Racing (04-21-04)

Lug hears rumors that a well-known former ASA champion is eying a return to the series at the speedway events near the end of the season. ASA Racing (04-20-04)

The ASA Late Model Series has altered the schedule, but remains at 14 races as previously announced. The September 12 race at Tri-City Motor Speedway has been replaced by a Saturday, September 11 event at Madison International Speedway. ASA Racing (04-19-04)

ASA National Champion Kevin Cywinski will race at the Twin 100's at Grundy County Speedway on June 19th in the Chicagoland event. Track sources have spoken with his owners this morning and everything is a go. The track along with Kevin is searching for an ASA Late Model ride for this race. Butch Miller's PR person has contacted the track expressing his interest in running this event, but his ASA Late Model will not be ready in time and he has asked for assistance in searching for a car for both events. Robbie Pyle will be driving in the ASA Late Model race and is searching for a Super Late. There will be an open test on Friday June 18th for all travelers and the track will be supplying practice tires for free if notified ahead of time. Camping Electrical hookups are available for self contained units. (04-19-04)

Several Midwest Series drivers made the trek to Nashville (TN) for the Southeast Series opener and after 150 laps, they made sure the SES regulars knew who was top dog. And, yet again, the Midwest Series was led by former series champion Brian Hoppe. Hoppe won Saturday night’s “Spring Classic 150” at Music City Motorplex (formerly Nashville Fairgrounds) in convincing style, dominating much of the final two-thirds of the race and avoiding several caution flags and wrecks that took out many of the top cars. Speed 51 (04-18-04)

Before the start of the NASCAR Busch Series season, Cambridge's Jason Schuler said he felt relieved to have landed a ride with Davis Motorsports. But after six unfulfilling runs, team owner Johnny Davis replaced Schuler with Gus Wasson last week in Nashville, Tenn. "The fact that we didn't run as good as I did in my own stuff is pretty disappointing," Schuler said. "I wasn't having any fun doing it. I kind of felt relieved." Schuler said he still maintains his short track car and would like to do some racing throughout Wisconsin. Wisconsin State Journal (04-17-04)

Wisconsin International Raceway will hold 2 Nascar Touring Autozone Midwest Series races in 2004. May 31st will be a200 lap race sponsored by Smirnoff Ice, Coor Light and Time Warner Cable. The second race wil be held on August 3rd which will be a 300 lap race sponsored by Oneida Bingo and Casino. (04-14-04)

There is a new Limited Late Model Series called the "Mid-State Touring Series" that we have been hearing alot about lately. There are 12 dates on the 2004 schedule which consist of dates at Marshfield Speedway, State Park Speedway (Wausau), and Pepsi Raceway Park (Tomahawk). We are told there is alot of interest in this series from teams all over the state. Wisconsin International Raceway's Tom Gee Jr. has indicated that he will be running as many of these races as he can fit into his schedule. 2004 Mid-State Touring Series Schedule (04-14-04)

Steve Carlson says that he has no great interest in records or trophies, at least while he is still driving. But based on a single sentence to this scribe, following his Rockford (Ill.) Speedway win, I think there is one record he’ll be very happy and proud to break. “Another win closer to Dick,” said Carlson from victory lane at the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series 2004 opener. Nascar Touring (04-13-04)

Bill Prietzel leads Bobby Gutknecht and Peter Hernandez in the Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series point standings going into the next event on the touring group's schedule Saturday night, April 24 at the Elko Speedway in Elko, MN. Practice begins at 3 p.m. with qualifying at 6 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m. Press Release (04-12-04)

Butch Miller, driver of the No. 52 Timber Wolf Chevrolet and winner of the SK Hand Tool 200, is scheduled for a live interview on Dave Despain's "Wind Tunnel" television program on Tuesday, April 20. The show runs on SPEED Channel from 10-11:00 p.m. Eastern. Viewers are invited to call in and ask questions. ASA Racing (04-08-04)

Bobby Hacker, a two-time late model champion at Rockford Speedway, used ever bit of his experience on the paved quarter-mile oval to hold off Bill Prietzel and Bobby Gutknecht in a wild three-wide finish to the Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series 57-lap feature race Sunday afternoon.Prietzel, the defending series champion, raced door-to-door with Hacker from lap 22 to the finish of the event which was run 57 laps in honor of the speedway's 57-year history. Rookie Mark Storlie, a graduate of the Elko, MN Speedway thunder stock ranks, set the early pace. Press Release (04-04-04)

Steve Carlson, of West Salem, Wisconsin, won the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, Spring Classic 250, Sunday afternoon at the Rockford (Ill.) Speedway. “I was pretty much just pacing myself and being patient the first 200 laps,” said Carlson. For Carlson, the nine-time and defending Midwest Series champion, the win was his 13th at the historic .29167-mile oval. Nascar Touring (04-04-04)

Justin Diercks, of Davenport, Iowa, captured his fifth career NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series Bud Pole fast qualifier award, Saturday evening at the Rockford (Ill) Speedway. Qualifying was in preparation for the 27th annual Spring Classic 250. Diercks bested a field of 23 competitors to start the 2004 campaign for the Midwest Series. Nascar Touring (04-04-04)

Mike Garvey’s engine was taken by ASA officials at the SK Hand Tool 200 in Lakeland, Fla., due to a broken throttle body seal. Following an inspection and engine dyno test at Lingenfelter Performance, Garvey’s engine met all series guidelines. ASA Racing (04-02-04)

ASA Leftovers from Lakeland Part 1 - ASA Leftovers from Lakeland Part 2. Speed 51 (04-01-04)

Breese isn't sure he'll be racing this season after losing his main sponsor. The DeKalb driver said as of early this week he didn't have a sponsor, but was negotiating a possible deal that could be completed in time for Sunday's race. "The car is ready to go, but right now I don't know," he said. "I guess I'd be going out on top," Breese said. And that may be the case, if a new sponsor can't be secured. Rockford Register (04-01-04)

Bud Gebben's Automotive Promotions stock car racing team will be going in a different direction this season, but left-hand turns and high speeds will remain the norm. Gebben will be pursuing checkered flags in the brand new ASA Late Model Series. Berlin Raceway Late Model driver Brian Campbell will drive for Gebben beginning with the May 8 season opener in Oregon, Wis. In addition, Gebben will field a second car for his son, Nick Gebben. Grand Rapids Press Via ASA Racing (04-01-04)

Sources tells us that Jamie Wallace and Brent Kirchner will also run for Rookie of the Year honors in the Autozone Nascar Touring Midwest Series. (03-31-04)

Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car entry list for Rockford season opener April 3-4. Press Release (03-31-04)

Ryan Hanson will be heavy-hearted as he races in this weekend's Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway. The Beloit driver's father died Wednesday after a long battle with cancer. Eben "Butch" Hanson, 50, was first diagnosed with bladder cancer 14 years ago. The funeral was Saturday. Ryan said it was his father's wish for him to continue racing. Rockford Register (03-31-04)

The wrenches have been turning and the wheels in motion at Russ Blakeley Motorsports, where in Whitewater, Wisc. the crew has been gearing up to take on the 2004 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series for months. Everything is in place and we've been ready to go for a while now," says Blakeley. “We’re looking forward to Rockford on April 4th and we’re really excited about what AutoZone and Rookie award sponsor, Auto Meter are doing with the series.” Nascar Touring (03-30-04)

2002 ASA National Tour Champion Joey Clanton will make his season debut at Lanier National Speedway on Saturday, May 1. The Stockbridge, Ga., will drive for Terry’s Motor Sports, as a teammate to $50,000 Rookie candidate Brett Sontag. ASA Racing (03-30-04)

Pictures of Competitive Edge Motorsports Busch Series car for 2004 that Mike Garvey will pilot are now available. Photo Gallery (02-20-04) UPDATE: The team has signed on Negotiation Seminar.com as their sponsor for the 2004 season, Mike and the team will make their debut April 10th at Nashville Speedway. Competitive Edge Motorsports (03-29-04)

Nathan Haseleu drove the #96 for M&J Motorsports in the Nascar Midwest Touring Series during the 2003 season. The 2004 plans for the team are to run the Autozone Southeast Series full time and run 6 Nascar Busch Series races. The goal for the 2005 season is to race the full Nascar Busch Series Schedule. M&J Motorsports (02-08-04) UPDATE: Nathan is also registered to drive the #87 in the Sunoco Super Series. (02-10-04) UPDATE 2: The team has released their 2004 schedule which consist of the full Autozone Midwest Series Schedule, some Southweast Series races, some Sunoco Super Series races along with some Late Model races at Slinger Super Speedway and Madison International Speedway. Nathan Haseleu (03-29-04)

ASA's 2003 Rookie of the Year Reed Sorenson turns 18 today, making him eligible for NASCAR. Sorenson, already signed on with Chip Ganassi Racing's driver development program, has plans to make some Busch starts this season. BGN Racing (02-05-04) UPDATE: Being part of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates is definitely an honor for me. Sorenson, who is part of the driver development program at Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, also plans to test the water in several other racing series during the 2004 season. Through a collaborative effort with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Sorenson will compete in select ARCA and NASCAR Busch Series races in 2004. Jayski (03-29-04)

The TK Racing team and driver fast Eddie Hoffman have released an agressive 2004 schedule. Over 50 dates have been set from Minnesota to Tennessee & Ohio to California The familar red and & White #8 will race for championship honors in the Nascar Autozone Midwest Series along with some Nascar Autozone Southeast Series Races, Sunoco Super Series races, Wisconsin Challenge Series races & the newly formed ASA Late Model Series. Press Release (03-28-04)

ASA Racing held practice today, Session 1 - Session 2 - Session 3. ASA Racing (03-26-04) Qualifying Results - Starting Line Up - ASA Racing (03-27-04) RACE RESULTS: Butch Miller took the season opener win followed by Travis Kittleson, Stephan Leight and Reed Sorenson. Wisconsin drivers Travis Dassow, Joey Miller, Todd Kluever all had problems that took them out of the race. Full Race Results (03-27-04)

After concerns were raised by several drivers about the planned method on double-file restarts, ASA officials went back to the original “choose” rule that was announced at the annual banquet. On restarts for the SK Hand Tool 200, each driver will be allowed to choose the low or high grove at the start-finish line. ASA Racing (03-27-04)

Mark Gundrum, who has been a staple in the ASA offices for the last five-plus years, has left his duties to pursue other opportunities. Several of the traveling officials with the series just found out the info this past weekend. Gundrum, who also owns a percentage of the series, served as the series Vice President. Speed 51 (03-27-04)

ASA Racing has changed their qualifying procedures for the 2004 season. Four cars will be put on the track at the same time giving them 6 laps, the fastest lap for each car will be their "keeper lap". The groups of cars will be picked at random. Speed 51 Ticker (03-25-04) UPDATE: Change is ok as long as it doesn’t screw someone,” said Bryan Reffner, one of the most vocal drivers during the meeting. “If a guy works hard while racing to get to where he deserves and gets it all taken away from him, then that isn’t right. I’m just looking out for all of us drivers. If you screw up your own, then shame on you. If you get screwed because they way they have the rules, then that isn’t right. If you can’t win races by having the fast car, then we shouldn’t even be out there. Speed 51 - Mike Copes Corner (03-26-04) UPDATE 2: ASA officials listened to the concerns of the drivers and changed qualifying to the way it has been done in previous seasons with one car making a qualifying run at a time. When it was announced at the driver’s meeting on Friday it was meet with a round of applause from the drivers. ASA Racing (03-26-04)

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ryan Hanson and the whole Hanson family. Butch Hanson Obituary (03-26-04)

Tim Schendel is riding a wave of optimism as he prepares for the Spring Classic on April 2-4 at Rockford Speedway. The Sparta, Wis., driver's hopes are fueled by his early-season success. He finished second in a NASCAR Southwest Series race in January at Phoenix International Speedway. Rockford Register (03-26-04)