2004 News and Rumors

2004 News and Rumors - August

Dirt Racing

Jay Schraufnagel didn’t miss a beat Tuesday night at the Powercom Speed Zone as the modified division point leader won his third straight A-main in the division to highlight Budweiser night at the track. Schraufnagel’s victory was his sixth at the track in 2004 and extended his point lead over Benjamin Brinkman, the driver that chased Schraufnagel to the checkered flag. Press Release (08-24-04)

Point Standings for Langlade County Speedway as of August 20th have been posted (08-24-04)

Thunderhill hardcore fans were treated to another great night of feature racing on Saturday night. Without any race event rainouts since the end of May, drivers are now starting to feel that the end of the season is near. Many competitors race two to three times weekly and it has taken it’s toll on man and machinery. Although car counts have dropped at times, the action was hot once again right to the end of the night at 9:30 pm with five exciting racing divisions. Press Release (08-22-04)

In action at the Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Saturday night, Craig Priewe of Beaver Dam drove to his second win of the season in the 20-lap Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson/Buell Modified A-Main on Curt’s Service Inc. Night. Priewe worked the outside grove to slip by Joe McGrath of Neosho on lap eight to take over the lead and race to the checkered flag. McGrath stayed close and finished in second ahead of Jim Zdroik of Big Bend. Eddie Lemay Jr. of Milwaukee charged from the sixth row to finish in fourth. Steve Mueller of Mukwonago drove to fifth. Press Release (08-22-04)

Hometown driver Benji LaCrosse won both his heat and the 25 lap IMCA modified feature at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night, giving him a clean sweep for the evening. A total of 31 IMCA modifieds were on hand, along with 28 IMCA stock cars, 22 street stocks, 18 IMCA hobby stocks and 21 sport fours. Press Release (08-20-04)

Jay Schraufnagel continued his dominating ways at the Powercom Speed Zone Tuesday night as the Beaver Dam driver walked away with the 20-lap Budweiser Modified A-main to highlight action at the track. Scott Sohrweide of Chilton topped the 20-lap Miller Lite Grand National finale while Hartford’s Trevor Schmidt won the 20-lap A-main for the American Auto Sales Street Stocks. Dustin Schwandt took home top honors in the Corporate Impressions Dirt Devil A-main. Press Release (08-17-04)

It was an action packed night of racing with 143 cars on hand at the Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Saturday night for Hometown Glass and Improvement Night. Jay Schraufnagel of Beaver Dam powered his way to his seventh win of the season in the 20-lap Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson/Buell Modified A-Main. Schraufnagel moved up quickly from his sixth row starting position to take the lead away from Bill Lemay of Lannon on lap seven. Press Release (08-16-04)

A daring last corner move by Nick Anvelink prevented Russ Scheffler from a two feature sweep of the Forest County Potawatomi Late Model Shootout Wednesday night at the Thunderhill Speedway in Sturgeon Bay. Scheffler commanded the first 25 lap headliner, but the spotlight race had to be the second feature as the two late model stars crossed the line in what may have the closest feature finish in Thunderhill history. Press Release (08-12-04) MORE: In the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, Algoma’s Todd Dart put on a clinic of his own, taking the feature win on both fair nights, dealing three main event wins to Dart, the defending 2003 track champion. Charlie Kroll, Algoma, won his third T Simon Jewelers IMCA Stock Car feature of the season. May’s Sports Center IMCA Hobby Stock Marcus Moede, Casco, scored his first feature win. AmericInn Street Stock rookie Todd Polster, Baileys Harbor, won his third feature and Sport Four Ken Malcore of Milwaukee came away with his sixth feature victory. Kelsey Racing was the special night’s sponsor. Press Release (08-14-04)

A cool night greeted fans at the Langlade County Fairgrounds in Antigo on Friday night. The nightly sponsor was Co-Advantage Credit Union of Antigo. It was also the Dale Quirk memorial race. Tom Naeyaert jumped to the lead of the WISSOTA Late Model Feature with Terry Anvelink in a close second and M.J. McBride in third. Luke Roffers took the inside line around McBride to take over the third spot. Press Release (08-14-04)

Green Bay rookie Tim Van De Hei took the lead on a lap five restart and survived several caution periods to win his first 25 lap IMCA modified feature at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night. Van De Hei's heat win also netted him a sweep for the evening. A total of 38 IMCA modifieds were on hand, along with 29 IMCA stock cars, 17 IMCA hobby stocks and 19 sport fours. Press Release (08-13-04)

Following a victory lane interview with Wade Schutt at Shawano Speedway Saturday night, one fan quipped, “All that’s missing is the cape.” The Superman reference was made in part because the Shawano driver has been a dominant force on ½-mile, dirt ovals in Northeastern Wisconsin so far this season, winning 12 IMCA modified features between Langlade County Speedway in Antigo and Shawano Speedway. But this fall Boone will take a backseat to a different project the team has lined up for 2005. “We’re going to head down to Florida and do some racing during Speedweeks in February,” Schutt said. “It’s a different kind of competition down there. We’ll take a year off from racing at Boone and we’ll give it a try.” Full Story Green Bay Press Gazette (08-13-04)

Three of the top dirt track racing divisions in the United States will take part in the Triple Crown at The Raceway at Powercom Park on Saturday night, August 28th as the Interstate Racing Association sprint cars, Badger midgets, and Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association will all be in action. Press Release (08-13-04)

Weather Conditions were perfect for a great night of racing action at the Langlade County Speedway. Before racing began, there was a small remembrance ceremony for the late Bud Lynn. The Lynn family was presented with a plaque for all the work Bud put in at the track ten years ago. The plaque was presented by a close friend of Bud’s, Jim Fleischman. A handful of Limited Late Models were on hand to pay tribute to Bud Lynn, a four wide salute, which included every car and driver signed into the pit area made their way to the track, with a moment of silence. Press Release (08-10-04)

The threat of possible rain showers in the area could not stop the race events at Thunderhill on Saturday night. Mild weather added to perfect track conditions equalled another successful race night at Thunderhill Raceway on Saturday night. In the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, Luxemburg’s Jay Matthias earned his second feature victory of the year. Matt Junio, Casco, won his second T Simon Jewelers IMCA Stock Car feature of 2004. May’s Sports Center IMCA Hobby Stock Tom Brumlic, Denmark, scored his fifth feature win. Rookie Todd Polster, Baileys Harbor, won his second feature and Sport Four Chad Williams of Brussels came away with his sixth feature victory. Press Release (08-8-04)

Craig Priewe of Beaver Dam drove to his first win of the season in the 20-lap Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson/Buell Modified A-Main on Triton Trailers Night at the Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Saturday night. Priewe became the third leader of the hotly contested event when he slipped by Larry Walter Jr. of New Berlin on lap seven. Press Release (08-8-04)

Mike Reinke broke into victory lane with authority at the Langlade County Fairgrounds by winning the IRA’s annual visit to the Antigo (WI) facility with authority, in front of a near capacity crowd. Reinke had lapped the field up to 10th place and was in the process of setting up 10th through 6th at the time. During this time, Travis Whitney had moved into 2nd place around Billy Warren, but had 5 lapped cars between him and the leader. On the restart, Whitney tried to get through the lapped cars, but Reinke had already amassed a sizeable lead. Scott Neitzel used that same lapped traffic 2 laps later in turn #3 to make a 3-wide move by Warren for 3rd. Reinke’s victory marked long absence from victory lane as the team prepares for a run at the Knoxville Nationals. “I was running and just waiting for something to happen. It seems like every time we have been running good, it seems like something happens,” Reinke said after the race. “I saw an orange car and thought it was Neitzel. I knew he was behind me and I figured he was coming so I knew I had to go.” Press Release - Point Standings - IRA sprints (08-8-04)

Coming from deep in the field, Danny Schlafer worked his way forward to the Midwest Sprintcar Association feature victory lane for the third Saturday in a row at Wilmot Speedway. Doug Schenck continues his grip on the points chase lead over Schlafer with a similar strong performance. fter a lap 22 caution for a Jim Lukey spin, Schlafer took command and had a seven car lead as he picked up his fourth Wilmot Feature checker, and MSA leading fifth season Feature. Schlafer also notched KSE Hard Charger honors having advanced 13 spots. O'Neal held out over Fassbender in a good contest for the second position, Schenck had steadily worked his way forward from the eighth row to finish fourth maintaining his remarkably consistent perfect mark of every 2004 race finishing in the top ten. On Friday night, The Midwest Sprintcar Association made their second appearance of the season at the Calumet County Fairgrounds. Doug Schenck after winning his heat race earlier won the 25-lap A-Main with a pass of Jerry Ski on the race's last lap. For Schenck, the two wins increased his series points lead and moved his MSA career wins total to 27. The pass came in turn two on the final lap when he moved under Ski, with a lapped car slowing Ski. The two remained very close and when they crossed the start/finish line and Schenck won by less than a car length. Dean Erfurth who started 10th, would finish very strong and wound up behind Ski on the final lap ahead of Troy Wondra. Semmelmann finished a career best fifth with Skelton in sixth. Wilmot results - Chilton results - Point Standings - MSA sprints (08-8-04)

The Great Lakes Maintenance Association presented the Street Stock Showdown at the Zone in a special Friday night program at the Powercom Speedzone in Oshkosh. In addition to the American Auto Sales Stocks, the Gibbsville Cheese INEX Legends and the Corporate Impressions/Signmakers Dirt Devils divisions were also in action. Press Release (08-7-04)

Luxemburg's Benji LaCrosse executed a five wide pass for the lead on lap two and collected his first 25 lap IMCA modified feature win at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night. LaCrosse also won his heat sweeping the division for the evening. A total of 33 IMCA modifieds were on hand, along with 30 IMCA stock cars, 16 IMCA hobby stocks and 16 sport fours. Press Release (08-7-04)

Picture perfect weather and perfect track conditions added up to another successful race night at Thunderhill Raceway on Saturday night. In the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, the fast, multi-lane track conditions led to some great side-by-side action as Luxemburg’s Benji LaCrosse showed off his skills, taking his fourth feature win of the season. Corey Haen, Sturgeon Bay, won his first T Simon Jewelers IMCA Stock Car feature of the year. May’s Sports Center IMCA Hobby Stock Tom Brumlic, Denmark, scored his fourth feature win on a last lap pass for the win. Press Release (08-1-04)

The Langlade County Youth Fair greeted fans to the Speedway on Friday night. The program was rushed a bit because of the weather. The Late Model Feature Made their way to the track and Tim Buhler would walk away with the Feature Win. The Street Stocks came out for their feature and it started to rain. The cars were called to the track after the five minute shower, and twenty minutes later were called off. Press Release (08-1-04)

Jay Schraufnagel of Beaver Dam raced to his sixth win of the season in the Suburban Motors Harley Davidson/Buell Modified 20-lap A-Main on Miller Beer/WOW Distributing Night at The Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Saturday night. Roger Lee of Wind Lake took the checkered flag first in the Northwoods Paper Converting Grand Nationals A-Main. Press Release (08-1-04)

Asphalt Racing

Sources tell us that Grundy Speedway Special Events Promoter Steve Einhaus has been hired by Madison International Speedway for the 2005 season. Steve will start his new role starting with this Saturday's events. Terry Kunes will still hold the promoter position vacated by Roy Kenseth, but Steve will work very close with Terry. (08-31-04)

Letter from Joe Verdegan: For a guy who's never at a loss of words either spoken or in print I'm finding it rather tough to come up with the right things to say to you this evening. Some of you may or may not now that my four year battle with cancer has been taken to the next level. On September 20 I'll be heading down to Freodert Memorial Hospital for a bone marrow transplant. I'll be down there for three weeks and will probably be off of work for the rest of the year. Over the years in the back of my mind I've always known this day was coming and in all honesty there hasn't been one single day since I was diagnosed on September 12 of 2000 when I haven't thought of this dreaded disease. Full Letter (08-31-04)

There were a number of subplots to Saturday night's feature race at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, but in the end it was Charlie Menard who stole the show. Menard, 31, is the new track king. Menard's win, combined with a third-place finish by Steve Holzhausen, clinched the track championship for the Eau Claire, Wis., man with one week remaining in the regular season. La Crosse Tribune (08-31-04)

The Trickle families wanted me to pass this information on to their "racing" families so they can know that they're all doing well, they're together, and take comfort in knowing their Mother is resting peacefully. Those of you who knew Lauretta Trickle better known as "Ma Trickle" knew how much she loved her family and racing. We have received some inquiries concerning where to send cards or flowers. We want you to know your thoughts and prayers are the greatest support. For those that would like to send something in memory of Lauretta, the family has asked that you make a donation to one of the memorial funds in memory of her grandson Chris Trickle or Great-Granddaughter Nicole Bowman. More Information (08-30-04)

Harn's Furniture Night for the Fox River Racing Club got in before the rains came. Late Models: Terry Baldry took fast qualifying honors this evening while Pete Vandermolen Jr. took the feature win over Mike Gardner and Mark Schroeder. This was the first win for Pete in 3-4 years, it was a popular win with the crowd! Limited Late Models: Tom Spierowski took fast qualifying honors while Jerry Van Handel took the feature win. Tom Spierowski was involved in an accident during the feature that put a hurting on his championship hopes. Sport Trucks: It was Jason Van Handel taking the feature win this evening. Tidbits: Eddie Muenster blew a motor during the Late Model feature event, a scary fire erupted under the hood and carried into the car. The fire basically lit the inside of the car up like a spot light inside the car. Eddie was able to pull the fire extinguisher and get out of the car. Eddie is fine, but does have 1st degree burns on his face. Sorry for not having more results, didn't get to write them down this week. (08-26-04)

Truckland Inc. of Kingsford sponsored last Friday night's event at Norway Speedway. The cooler temperatures made for a modest crowd but they were treated to plenty of hot action in the 4 divisions. Three-time track champion Bob Menor went on to win his second feature of the season over Mike Reichenberger of Appleton. Scott Degnan, Dick Coleman, and Peanut Stankowicz rounded out the top 5. Pete Polini won the B-feature with Brian Suhs finishing second and Adam Menor taking 3rd. Press Release (08-24-04)

Joe Kerkhoff of DePere took the win in Mid-American feature race Saturday night at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek. In the Super Stocks it was Don Wood of Maribel getting the victory over a charging Errol Berry. Press Release (08-21-04)

This evening was the Blue race, the final leg of the Red, White and Blue State Championship Series. Lowell Bennett took fast time with a lap of 19.400. Rod Wheeler was the winner of the first 50 lap race while Tim Rothe was the winner of the second 50. Lowell Bennett was the over all winner of the Blue race and the overall champion of the Red, White and Blue Series. Full Racestat Results - Final Points (08-21-04)

In the 33 years he has raced late model stock cars, Terry Baldry has had a lot of special moments. Winning his first Fox River Racing Club championship at Wisconsin International Raceway in 1982 was one of them. Taking his fifth title in a row last year to equal the feat that Scott Hansen accomplished from 1985 to 1989 was another. A man of few words, all Baldry could say was, “That was pretty cool,” after breaking a long-standing track record and winning the 50-lap feature to lock up his sixth straight title and 11th overall. Full Story Appleton Post Crescent (08-20-04)

Budweiser Triple Crown took place this evening at Wisconsin International Raceway. Late Models: Terry Baldry set a new track record this evening with a lap of 19.236. The previous track record was a 19.238 set by Butch Miller on August 5th, 1987. Heat 1: 1. Jamie Iverson, 2. Tom Hockers, 3. Robb Vanderloop. Heat 2: 1. John Meidam, 2. Mark Schroeder, 3. Mike Gardner. Heat 3: 1. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 2. Terry Baldry, 3. Troy Nelson. Feature: 1. Terry Baldry, 2. Lowell Bennett, 3. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 4. Jim Duchow, 5. Rod Wheeler, 6. Mark Schroeder, 7. Terry Korth. Limited Late Models: Fast Qualifer: Tom Spierowski 20.367 Heat 1: 1. Dan Hansen, 2. Doug Carpenter, 3. Dan Peterman. Heat 2: 1. Nate Van Wychen, 2. Chris LaRocque, 3.Matt Derricks. Heat 3: 1. Kyle Calmes, 2. Jerry Van Handel, 3. Tom Gee Jr. Feature: 1. Tom Spierowski, 2. Kyle Calmes, 3. Nate Van Wychen, 4. Jerry Van Handel, 5. Matt Derricks, 6. Jay Kassera. Sport Trucks: Fast Qualiifer: Jason Van Handel 16.467. Heat winners Dan Vixmer and Andy Wilquet. Feature: 1. Todd Schutte, 2. Kyle Quella, 3. Brandon Kucksdorf, 4. Jason Van Handel. Jim Kraft won the semi feature, Dan Dixmer was involved in an accident during the feature and was taken to the hospital, but did return to the track, appeared he had a broken arm. Super Stocks: Jessie Gracyalny and George Schwalback were the heat winners while Terry Van Roy took the feature win. (08-19-04)

Tidbits from WIR this evening. Greg Hauser was back behind the wheel of the #4 Limited Late Model car he drove the last couple of seasons. Eric Hopensberger had his Limited Late Model out this evening which carries a paint scheme very close to Terry Korth's car from the 2003 season, the car carries the number 56. Mike Schnieder's car may have looked the same bodywise, but we are told it is a newer car. (08-19-04)

We had heard that Brent Strelka was planning on moving up to the Late Model division in 2005 at Wisconsin International Raceway. With the confirmation that Brent has purchased the #8 car from Mike Butz Racing, that pretty much confirms what we have been hearing. (08-13-04) UPDATE: He was out with the car this evening. (08-19-04)

You might have noticed that Tom Gee Jr. has his limited late model motor up for sale in the classifieds ads. Maybe he plans to move up to late models next year??? We'll keep you informed as more details unfold. (08-18-04)

Sources tell us that Sarah Blashe was practicing a Super Late Model Tuesday night at Wisconsin International Raceway. Cory Podolski also had his #08 ASA Late Model out as well Andy Kluck had his Limited Late Model put back together and ready to contend for the Triple Crown and RWB Championship. (08-18-04)

We are told that Jamie Iverson won the feature event at Norway Speedway last evening. This makes it feature win number 7 of the season, Jamie has won every time he has raced there this season. He won his heat race, but there was no qualifying this evening do to it being fan appreciation night. (08-14-04) UPDATE: Iverson who has been perfect this season overtook Menor on lap 23 and went on to win his 6th feature of the season. Reichenberger was second and Adam Menor, Dick Coleman, and Bob Menor rounded out the top 5. Brett Whaley of Florence Wisconsin won the semi-feature followed by Joe Manninen, and Mark Miller. Press Release (08-18-04)

On the Todd and Eddie show they mentioned that Roy Kenseth has started a new company called RK Race Promotions which will be a company that will promote races at area race tracks .(08-17-04) UPDATE: Kenseth said he will promote two to three races next year which will feature Matt, and he is in discussions with organizers at The Milwaukee Mile, Dells Motor Speedway, Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna and La Crosse Motor Speedway about their interest in hosting a late-model event. Capital Times (08-17-04)

When the word came out that Roy Kenseth the promoter of Madison International Speedway had resigned there was some question as to why it happened. On this weekend's Todd & Eddie Show they went into detail on what sparked the resignation. On the entry form for the Miller Classic it was stated that the top 3 cars in the race would have their motors pulled and taken in to be dynoed. After the race Terry Kunes, the track owner decided not to pull the motors. Roy resigned and the motors were eventually pulled down. LTN Radio Network (08-17-04) UPDATE: When Kenseth was contacted at his Cambridge home Monday morning, he said the main reason he left MIS was over issues involving operation of the racetrack. "He got upset with me over how to run the racetrack," said Kenseth. "I understand that and that's OK. We basically agree that we disagree. He kind of wanted me to resign, he just didn't really ask me. He did it in a different way. "We discussed the issues and I think we're good on paper," said Kunes, who may switch race nights from Saturday back to Friday next season and is considering building a quarter-mile oval to attract more drivers. "But Roy is not the promoter of the track any longer." Captail Times (08-17-04)

In one of the best features of the year at 141 Speedway, Bob Schultz of Reedsville picked up his third feature of the year. However, it was no walk in the park for Schultz. In the Super Stocks it was Billy "the Kid" Gast getting his second feature win of the year. Mini Stock saw Chris Yerges of Green Bay get his first feature win of the year. Press Release (08-14-04)

We have gotten asked alot as to what was the problem with the #8 of Mike Butz Racing last night at Wisconsin International Raceway. After qualifying the car was found to be 2 pounds light, (I believe there was a piece of lead found on the track during practice). The #8 was disqualified after qualifying, the team did not run the heat race and only took a couple laps in the feature event. We have been told that, that car has been sold. We are told that eventually the other 2 cars will also be put up for sale. It appears there is some question as to what will take place the rest of the season. (08-13-04) UPDATE: Sources tell us that Brent Strelka has purchased the #8 that Jeff Van Oudenhoven drove last night at WIR. Sources also tell us that Mike Butz Racing and Jeff Van Oudenhoven will be at WIR next week and will continue out the season driving the car they started the season out with. (08-13-04)

We understand there could very well be a third Mike Butz Racing entry at the Blue race this season. The car that Jeff Van Oudenhoven started the season with that was heavily damaged has been put back together. Jeff has been driving a car purchased from Dave Adams who races at Norway. (08-4-04) UPDATE: We have heard several things since we first heard about the possible 3rd entry. We have heard it won't happened to who the driver is. (08-11-04) NOPE: Sources tell us this will definately not be happening, continue reading above in the newest information. (08-13-04)

Thursday Night Thunder at Wisconsin International Raceway results. Late Models: Fast Qualifier - Terry Baldry, 19.429. Dash: 1. John Meidam, 2. Andy Monday, 3. Terry Baldry, 4. Mark Schroeder. Heat 1: 1. Jason Vandenberg, 2. Robb Vanderloop, 3. Pete Vandermolen Jr. Heat 2: 1. Tom Hockers, 2. JJ Smith, 3 Rod Wheeler. Feature: 1. Rod Wheeler, 2. Jamie Iverson, 3. Terry Baldry, 4. Tim Rothe, 5. Terry Korth, 6. John Meidam, 7.Mark Schroeder, 8. Troy Nelson, 9. JJ Smith. Limited Late Models: Fast Qualifier - Tom Spierowski, 20.341. Dash: 1. Tom Gee Jr., 2. Gary Bock, 3. AJ Miller. Heat 1: 1. Dan Hansen, 2. Callin Harrell, 3.Brandon Conrad. Heat 2: 1. Nate Van Wychen, 2.Jim Ebben, 3.Gary Natrop. Feature: 1. Tom Gee Jr., 2. Tom Spierowski, 3. Matt Derricks, 4. AJ Miller, 5. Gary Natrop, 6. Kyle Calmes, 7. Jerry Van Handel, 8. Gary Bock. Sport Trucks: Fast Qualifier - Jason Van Handel, 16.062. Heat1: 1. Dan Magdanz, 2. Scott Bloomquist. Heat 2: 1. Todd Schutte. Feature: 1. Todd Schutte, 2. Jason Van Handel, 3. Scott Baker, 4. Karl Moderson, 5. Tyler Lind, 6. Nate Ortlieb. Super Stock heat winners were Jason Meyerhoffer Jr, Jason Muelemans and Sarah Blashe. Feature: 1. Tim Degroot, 2.Sarah Blashe, 3.Dylan Wenzel. (08-12-04)

If all goes well, Denny Lamers hopes to make his NASCAR debut this weekend as part owner in a car. The Appleton businessman will team up with driver and good friend Tony Ave to try to qualify a car for Sunday’s Nextel Cup Sirius at the Glen at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International Raceway. Lamers, a sports car aficionado and an accomplished racer in his own right, provided the car and an engine and Ave has taken it from there. Full Story Appleton Post Crescent (08-12-04)

We had been told that a certain team would be carrying a different sponsor for this evening's events at Wisconsin International Raceway, we are unsure if this will still take place. We are sure we will hear something in the morning about it. (08-11-04)

Steve Carlson isn't the type of driver who typically has to take advantage of other racers' mistakes to be successful. But as the West Salem native spent lap after lap in second place behind or next to Madison's Brian Hoppe during Tuesday night's Miller Classic, Carlson was looking for any way to get by. Carlson, who drove a car owned by Wayne Lensing for the first time, couldn't have asked for much more. "We showed up here in a brand new car that had never seen the race track," Carlson said. "We just had a pretty good car all day. That was a lot of fun." Wisconsin State Journal (08-11-04)

Results from Norway Speedway's Stateline Challenge that we received via cell phone. In late model action it was Jamie Iverson taking fast qualifying honors while Kris Kelly won the fast dash. It was Jamie Iverson taking the win in the 104 lap late model "Stateline Challenge Feature."Top 5: 1. Jamie Iverson, 2. Terry Baldry, 3. Jim Duchow, 4. Mike Gardner, 5. Bob Menor. This is the first time that an Iverson has won the Stateline Challenge. Jamie is 6 for 6 this season at Norway, each time this year he has raced at Norway he has won the feature. (08-6-04) MORE: Hyde's Jamie Iverson continued his dominance at Norway Speedway Friday. Over 2,000 fans showed up to watch the 18th annual Stateline Challenge. "Over the years the race has treated fans to some of the best short-track racing the Midwest has to offer," said Dickinson County Racing Association President John Ostermann, noting over 30 Pepsi late models from the U.P. and northeastern Wisconsin battled to win the 104-lap feature worth $1,000. Press Release (08-10-04)

The Mid-American feature event of the evening at 141 Speedway started with Jesse Fuller of Manitowoc led the pack to the green flag and continued until lap six when a caution flag came out for an incident invlving Bob Schultz, Jeff Tisler and Jason Mertes. On the ensuing restart, Herrmann got a tremendous run and passed for the lead, holding on for the win. Rabas took second ahead of Daryl Gerke, Gregg Haese and Monte Strouf. Press Release (08-7-04)

Jamie Birling was in action last night at Wisconsin International Raceway driving a Late Model that he purchased from Lowell Bennett. The chassis is the same one that Matt Kenseth won alot of his championships with at area tracks. (08-6-04)

Mike Gardner makes about a three-hour drive every Thursday from Gladstone, Mich., to Wisconsin International Raceway. That weekly trip finally paid off as Gardner picked up his first Fox River Racing Club 30-lap late model feature win on Thursday. “It’s great to win a race,” Gardner said. “But racing is like a roller coaster. Some days you’re up on top, like today, and next week, who knows, we may be in the fence.” Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (08-6-04)

Sources tell us Eric Hopfensperger has picked up a Limited Late Model and will run Red, White & Blue, some Thursday nights along with some specials. His main focus for 2004 will be going after the 2004 Super Stock championship, but he plans to move up to the Limited Late Model division full time in 2005. (03-30-04) UPDATE: We understand Eric was planning to have the car out a couple weeks ago as he has now sold his Super Stock car. (07-31-04) UPDATE 2: Overheard Eric mention that it looks like he will be out coming Thursday Night. (08-6-04)

Sources tell us that Andy Casavant the current points leader of the Super Stock class at WIR is looking to move up to the Limited Late Model class in 2005. (08-6-04)

It’s not too often that one leads a race at Wisconsin International Raceway from start to finish, but Jerry Van Handel of Freedom did on Thursday. Van Handel started in the front row and stayed there for 20 laps to win the limited late model feature, finishing ahead of Kyle Calmes of Freedom for his third win of the season at WIR. Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (08-6-04)

Thursday Night Thunder at Wisconsin International Raceway. Late Models: Fast Qualifier - Terry Baldry. Dash - 1. Rod Wheeler, 2. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 3. John Meidam, 4. Mark Schroeder. Heat 1 - 1. Bob Danes, 2. Tom Hockers, 3. JJ Smith. Heat 2 - 1. Tim Rothe, 2. Robb Vanderloop. Feature - 1. Mike Gardner, 2. Jim Duchow, 3. Terry Baldry, 4. John Meidam, 5. Tim Rothe, 6. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 7. Rod Wheeler, 8. Andy Monday, 9. Terry Korth. Limited Late Models: Fast Qualifer - Tom Spierowski. Dash - 1. Kyle Calmes, 2. Chris LaRocque, 3. Gary Bock, 4. Tom Gee Jr. Heat 1 - 1. Dan Hansen, 2. Doug Carpenter, 3. Chad Smith, 4. Brandon Conrad. Heat 2 - 1. Jay Kassera, 2. Nate Van Wychen, 3. Callin Harrell. Feature - 1. Jerry Van Handel, 2. Kyle Calmes, 3. Tom Gee Jr., 4. Jay Kassera, 5. Chris LaRocque, 6. Gary Bock. Sport Trucks: Fast Qualifier - Jason Van Handel. Heat 1 - 1. Kyle Quella. Heat 2 - 1. Jason Van Handel, 2. Todd Schutte, 3. Karl Moderson. Feature - 1. Jason Van Handel, 2. Todd Schutte, 3. Andy Wilquet. Super Stocks: Heat Winners were Randy Van Roy and Derek Rosek. (08-5-04)

Rockford Speedway has hired Gregg McKarns as the track's general manager, starting Aug. 16. McKarns, 25, will be responsible for many of the duties that had been handled by Deery's son, Jack, who resigned in June 2003 and wasn't replaced. Jack became the general manager of Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tenn., in October. Rockford Register Star (08-4-05)

Be sure to let NBC TV 26 know that you appreciate their support of the Fox River Racing Club. We understand that the tv station is interested in getting more involved in 2005. (08-2-04)

So far we have given out 4 bikes, 3 $100 gift certificates, 3 Busch race tickets, 2 Packer Tickets, a Nascar coat, 2 Famlyland tickets, 4 Timber rattler tickets, 8 Checkered Flag Racing News Subscriptions, 10--8x10 enlarged photographs posing by race cars, as well as 40 door prize packages, consisting of free hamburger coupons, Hoosier hats, race car T-shirts, go kart passes, as well as several other prizes. We have also given out 7 One Night Stays for the Holiday Inn Select, courtesy of Fox River Racing Club. Press Release (08-2-04)

Once again the skies cleared at Norway Speedway just in time for another night of exciting stock-car racing. The Pepsi Late Model division was enhanced by Wisconsin standouts Eugene Gregorich, Chad Devine, Joel Schultz, and Menominee, MI rookie Shawn Majkrzak. Pepsi Late Model driver Jim Duchow has put his run to the championship in high gear as he won his third feature of the season. Duchow's lead over defending champion Kris Kelly is 13 points with 5 races remaining. Press Release (08-2-04)

Touring Racing

Dexter Bean's spent a good share of the past year in an airplane, in the seat of a race car, in a motor home or in a truck going from race track to race track across Wisconsin, across the Midwest and across the country. Bean also raced in Las Vegas in March, and has hit nearly every asphalt track in Wisconsin at some point this summer. He's spent a number of nights competing in the Super Late Model class at the Dells Motor Speedway, and won his first feature race at that track this summer. It's all part of the plan to get Bean the necessary experience so he can run an ARCA car at Speedweeks this winter in Florida. He needs to be 18 years-old to run an ARCA car, and that will happen on Jan.5, 2005. "He's run two nights a week all summer," Dave Bean said. "We've got five cars — two Super Late Models, a Limited Late Model we run at the Dells, our regular Late Model we run here (Fairgrounds Speedway) and a AutoZone (touring series) car. He's run them all." "We plan to run the touring series (NASCAR AutoZone Elite Series, Midwest Division) next year," Dave said. "We've got the sponsors and the team ready to go." La Crosse Tribune (08-31-04)

All drivers want to win on their home track, but for those from Wisconsin, The Milwaukee Mile is the epitome. This afternoon, Stevens Point’s Bryan Reffner realized two dreams come true during the Lester Buildings 200 at the legendary one-mile track. ASA Racing (08-29-04) MORE: Reffner's drought comes to end (Complete results from both the ASA race and the MARS race are listed at the bottom of the column. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (08-30-04)

Sources have informed Speed51.com that this weekends American Speed Association (ASA) race that was to be aired on TV will no longer be televised. Speed51 will have more information on this in the coming days. (08-23-04)

Rich Loch will be putting Johnsonville Sausage as the primary sponsor on his No. 24 Chevrolet at The Milwaukee Mile this weekend, along with All Glass Aquariums. This is the home track for the team and they will have more than 600 Johnsonville Sausage employees, customers, family and friends in the stands. ASA Lug Nuts (08-24-04)

Todd Kluever will be busy at The Milwaukee Mile next Sunday. In addition to driving 200 miles in the No. 55 Sign-1-1/SK Hand Tool Chevrolet in the Lester Buildings 200, he also plans to race in the 50-lap MARS Late Model event which precedes the ASA National Tour event. Kluever is entered in the No. 53 car, owned by Jerry Gunderman, with hopes of winning the Governor's Cup. ASA Lug Nuts (08-20-04) UPDATE: Erik Darnell will also run the Midwest Allstar Series event. Speed 51 (08-20-04) UPDATE 2: Add Justin Diercks, Brad Mueller, Rich Bickle, Eddie Hoffman, Ryan Hanson, Brian Hoppe, Steve Carlson, Charlie Menard, Tim Schendel, Nathan Hassleu and Brad Mueller alll to the list of those who will participate in this weekends MARS race. Speed 51 Ticker (08-25-04) UPDATE 3: We are told that you can buy tickets for this event for 5 dollars by going to milwaukeemile.com (08-25-04)

Brian Hoppe, of Madison, Wisconsin, won the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series Cellular One 300 presented by Home Depot, Sunday afternoon at the Brainerd (Minn) International Raceway road course. Over the final 20 laps, Hoppe and Miller thrilled the fans, swapping the lead five times. Miller settled for runner-up honors with Castroville, California native Stan Silva completing the top three. Midwest Series championship point leader, Justin Diercks, of Davenport, Iowa, and Ryan Hanson, of Beloit, Wisconsin, rounded out the top five. Nascar Touring (08-22-04)

Joey Miller, of Lakeville, Minnesota captured NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series Bud Pole fast qualifier honors, Saturday afternoon, at Brainerd (Minn) International Raceway. Miller bested the 24-car field by touring the 3.1-mile road course at 99.414 seconds (112.258 mph). Stan Silva, of Castroville, California (111.278 mph), Erik Darnell, of Beach Park, Illinois (110.737 mph), Steve Carlson, of West Salem, Wisconsin (109.800 mph) and Davenport, Iowa’s Justin Diercks (108.222 mph) rounded out the top five. Nascar Touring (08-22-04)

Jamie Farrell of New Prague, MN won the 40-mile Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car and Super Truck race on the four-mile road racing course at Road America in Elkhart Lake Sunday. Farrell, driving a 2004 Ford super truck, won by four seconds over Brett Piontek of Green Bay in a 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo stock car. Farrell broke Dick Trickle's one-lap qualifying record the day before with a lap of 2:29.388 in a field of 31 cars and trucks. Press Release (08-22-04)

Wisconsin Limited Late Model State Championships will be held at Wisconsin International Raceway on September 24th and 25th. Click Here for more information and entry form. (08-21-04)

Matt Kenseth will run 15 races next season donning the green and white colors of Waste Management. The new paint scheme will debut this season in a one-race deal in Phoenix. BGN Racing (08-20-04)

Legendary stock car driver Dick Trickle will make his first ever appearance at Sauk Centre’s I-94 Raceway. Trickle will appear in the Fall Nationals to be held at I-94 Raceway September 18th and 19th. This will be Trickle’s only Minnesota racing appearance of the year. The Fall Nationals will feature nine different divisions of racing highlighted by the 150 lap Yellow Book USA Midwest Allstar Racing Series (MARS) Late Model Feature in which Trickle will participate. Trickle will be signing autographs both days as well. Press Release (08-20-04)

Lug heard through the grapevine that Steve Dale told the drivers in a meeting at Jennerstown that the 2005 schedule would be 18 races total. He said there would be 16 points races, and two "special" events. ASA Lug Nuts (08-20-04)

While his 2004 American Speed Association season may not be going just as planned, Travis Kittleson isn't just sitting around. Instead, the 24-year-old is making things happen. And one of those things will be his NASCAR Busch Series debut, which he hopes will come October 23rd in the Sam's Town 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park (TN). The team recently purchased a Busch car and will enter it in hopefully two to three Busch events this season. Speed 51 (08-18-04)

Justin Diercks won the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, Columbus 150, Saturday night at Columbus (OH) Motor Speedway. The win was his sixth of the season and extended his championship point lead to 45 markers over defending series champion Steve Carlson. Tim Schendel started from the pole and led every lap before Brian Hoppe brought out the second, and final, caution of the race on lap 131. With the caution, Schendel saw a four-second lead disappear. Nascar Touring (08-16-04)

The tightest point race in the 32 year history of the Red, White & Blue State Championship Series will be unraveled when the series concludes Saturday night, August 21 at the Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Qualifying on the D-shaped half-mile paved track begins at 5:15 p.m. with racing to start at 7 p.m. Twin 50-lap Yellow Book USA MARS Series features top the program along with a 30-lap limited late model feature. The Midwest Stock Car Classics will also hold a feature race on the half-mile track and the Vintage Modifieds will make their first ever appearance at the Wisconsin International Raceway. Four cylinder and figure 8 racing will also be included. Press Release (08-16-04)

Joey Miller likes to make noise and he made a lot of it on Saturday afternoon at Nashville Superspeedway in Nashville (TN). Joey made the most of his first career ARCA Re/Max Series start, winning the race by a wide margin after fighting back from two laps down during the early part of the event in his first race in Matt Hagans’ #9 Dodge. Country Joe Racing (08-14-04)

Ronnie Hawley, the 21-year old driver of the No. 37 Owens Corning/Woodshed Technologies ASA National Tour car, was injured in a Late Model accident at La Crosse (Wis.) Fairgrounds Speedway on July 24. He suffered a badly broken left forearm that required emergency surgery. Hawley, needing time to recover, is out of the #car for the rest of the year. In the interim, a Midwest driver with past success in ASA has tested the Team Woodshed Chevy, and plans for completing the 2004 ASA season are being worked out. ASA Lug Nuts (08-11-04)

Local driver Tim Rothe has tried hard to win the Midwest Series 300-lap showdown at his home track of Wisconsin International Raceway the last couple of years. And every year, bad luck seems to befall the Midwesterner. A small car count at WIR for the Tuesday night show, many believe because of the tough turnaround from the Pike Peak (CO) race on Saturday, allowed two teams to pull out their backups and put crew members in the seats for a little “start and park” action. Speed 51's WIR Midwest Series 'Left Overs' (08-8-04)

The last few years, Jeff Fultz has dominated the NASCAR Southeast Series. Now, the record books will show the same. Fultz tied Wayne Anderson’s all-time Southeast Series win record with a typical Jeff Fultz-like performance on Saturday night at Myrtle Beach Speedway (SC) in the make-up for a race that was washed out earlier this year. Fultz saved his tires, and used a little misfortune by race dominator Erik Darnell, to grab the lead late and capture his fourth win of the season and extend his championship points lead. Speed 51 (08-8-04)

The Midwest Stock Car Classics and Vintage Modifieds will be part of the final leg of the 33rd annual Red, White & Blue State Championship at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Qualifying begins at 5:15 p.m. with racing at 7 p.m. The Stock Car Classics return for the second year to the WIR half-mile paved oval featuring models such as1957 Chevies, 1963 Fords and 1970 Plymouth Superbirds mixed in several heat races. Press Release (08-6-04)

Yellow Book USA Mid-Am Stock Car Series Milwaukee Mile probable entry list (08-4-04)

Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar Racing Series {MARS} Late Models Milwaukee Mile probable entry list (08-4-04)

Yellow Book USA Mid-Am Super Trucks Milwaukee Mile probable entry list (08-4-04)

Steve Carlson, of West Salem, Wisconsin, won the rain shortened NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, Oneida Bingo & Casino 300, Tuesday night at Wisconsin International Raceway. The win was Carlson’s third of the year and moves him to within 25 markers of championship point leader, Justin Diercks of Davenport, Iowa. NASCAR officials called the race complete after 211 laps when persistent rain showers showed no sign of letting up. Nascar Touring (08-4-04)

Speed51.com is reporting that NASCAR Nextel Cup veteran Mark Martin will return to the ASA when the series runs at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and the Atlanta Motor Speedway for the final two races of the season. Catchfence via Jayski (08-2-04)

Bobby Stremme won the SK Hand Tool 100 at Indianapolis Raceway Park, his second ASA Late Model Series win of the 2004 season. “I had a blast running with Doug Mahlik,” Stremme said from the winner’s circle. “Jack Smith, side-by-side with him. Great guys I’m running with here. I’m just so excited. It’s a great day.” (Good run for Doug Mahlik) ASA Racing (08-2-04)

Madison International Speedway in Oregon, WI will play host to the touring Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series for the second time in its history Saturday night, August 7. Practice begins at 5:15 p.m. with qualifying at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 8 p.m. on the half-mile paved oval. Press Release (08-2-04)

Bill Prietzel of Franklin, WI leads the Yellow Book USA Super Truck point standings heading into a two race swing into Minnesota this weekend. The 500 horsepower super trucks will compete in 40-lap features Friday night, August 6 at the Fergus Falls Raceway in Fergus Falls and Saturday night, August 7 at i-94 Raceway in Sauk Centre, MN. Press Release (08-2-04)

Donnie Woller used the outside lane to pass the competition on his way to victory in the Yellow Book USA Mid-Am Super Truck 50-lap feature race Saturday night at Pepsi Raceway Park in Tomahawk before the largest crowd of the 2004 season. Woller, of nearby Merrill, was the fastest qualifier for the quarter mile paved oval with a time of 13.795. His time was a shade slower than his all-time Yellow Book USA one-lap record of 13.584 established in 2003. Press Release (08-2-04)