2004 News and Rumors

2004 News and Rumors - February

Dirt Racing

The Midwest Sprintcar Association would like to let all of our fans know about the brand new msasprints.com! Our new site is up and better than ever - featuring everything our fans and drivers have enjoyed in the past, along with some great new features headlined by the MSA Forums. The forums will allow everyone in the organization to voice their feelings and thoughts in a friendly environment for all. We hope you enjoy the site - and racing will be here soon! Please take a minute to drop our new website admins a big Thank You! as they have put in well over 200 hours on site development - Chris Wiser & Scott Crawford. If there are any questions you can email us @ webmaster@msasprints.com - msasprints.com (02-29-04)

The Shawano Speedway car show planned for Fox River Mall Appleton has been cancelled. Please plan to attend one of the other scheduled shows. Press Release (02-27-04)

The Midwest Sprintcar Association (MSA) has teamed up with Racing Optics of San Clemente, CA., the home of the laminated tearoff system as co-sponsor of the B-main events in 2004. The winner of each Racing Optics B-Main for the 2004 season will receive a special certificate from Racing Optics. Tearoffs are a major part of visibility in dirt track racing and Racing Optics is the first company to introduce the laminated tearoff system. Ultra-thin tearoffs that Racing Optics offers enables a driver to apply more to his helmet than the standard tearoff. This allows a driver better visibility during a race which also increases safety. For more information you can check them out on the web at www.racingoptics.com. The MSA will run over 30 events in 2004 with Wilmot Speedway hosting 15 of them. Other venues on the schedule include Powercom Park, Powercom Speedzone, Monster Hall Raceway, Grant County and Angell Park to name a few. For a complete schedule and weekly race results check out our website at www.msasprints.com (02-29-04)

(Brian Mullen) We don't plan on it. We're probably done with the points, at least this year anyway. We've got a lot of specials we've gotta hit and I've got a brand new car to boot. Some of these big money specials around the country have some bigger, heavier tracks on the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS). Therefore you've gotta step up your motor program. Joe Verdegan Column (02-18-04)

Shawano Speedway is proud to announce Art Siefert as our 2004 flagman. Art comes to us with years of experience both as a flagman and as a driver. Art will be a great addition to our staff. Pit passes will go up to $20.00, and for each pass sold $3.00 will go into the drivers fund. Drivers must race in 80% of our weekly races to qualify for the fund. Press Release (02-14-04)

The IRA sprints have released their 2004 schedule which should be familiar to fans from recent years. Southern Iowa Speedway will kick off the season opener on April 10th. There are 4 open Saturdays this year to allow IRA teams to compete against the World of Outlaws at Princeton Speedway (MN), Powercom Park twice, and Plymouth, WI. Other schedule highlights include returns to Danville (IL) and Farley (IA). Initial visits to Arcadia (WI) and Davenport (IA) also dot the schedule along with the traditional stops in Knoxville, Superior, Lancaster, both Beaver Dam tracks, Antigo, Oshkosh, Cedar Lake, and Wilmot. The following schedule is NOT OFFICIAL and still has many dates that need to be firmed up. It has been released to give fans and teams some idea of how the 2004 schedule is shaping up. Also, be sure to visit the IRA display area at the Wisconsin Motorsports Show at the Midwest Express Center in Milwaukee, WI on February 7-8. 2004 IRA schedule - www.irasprints.com (01-26-04) UPDATE: The 2004 edition of the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series has the popular upper-midwestern winged/410 tour appearing at twenty-four facilities within a five state region. The thirty-eight race schedule kicks off April 10th with IRAs' first ever visit to Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, before their traditional Wisconsin home opener at the Dodge Co. Fairgrounds a week later on April 17th with the annual Rick Schmidt Memorial. Who Won (02-16-04)

The way it looks as of right now is that a race committee will be formed with Dale Hodkiewicz the day-to-day operations of the race track. "We've pretty much cancelled most big money specials for 2004," said Hodkiewicz. While Hodkiewicz said there will be some "changes" within the track's personnel he did guarantee that there would be a new flagman in the perch this season. Joe Verdegan Column (02-04-04)

Lemirande plans on campaigning his number 7/yellow colored racer in WISSOTA competition at Shawano Speedway weekly in 2004. "We also plan on running the new Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association (WDLMA) shows as well as all the late model specials this year at Luxemburg, too," said Lemirande. "I sold my IMCA modified to Ricky Mott and our total concentration will be on the late model." Joe Verdegan Column (02-04-04)

About 200 drivers, pitcrew, families and friends gathered Friday, January 23rd, in celebration of the 2003 race season at Thunderhill Raceway, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The awards banquet was held at the Reef Sports Bar in Sturgeon Bay. IMCA Modified driver Todd Dart, of Algoma, was crowned the Thunderhill Raceway Champion, his fourth championship in the past six years. IMCA Stock Car driver Shawn Kilgore, Kewaunee, won his division’s track title. In the inaugural season for the IMCA Hobby Stocks, Sturgeon Bay’s Joe Hegnet took home first place. Troy Muench, Green Bay, won the Street Stock title and in the Sport 4’s, Algoma’s Ken Malcore took home the first year championship honors for that division. Who Won (02-03-04)

Asphalt Racing

As we get to the part of the offseason where the news kind of slows down, we will be opening 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. If needed we could stop by and take pictures for you with our digital camera. (02-28-04)

A visitor posted on our message board that they received an email from the Dick Trickle Fan Club that stated Dick would be racing at Wisconsin International Raceway May 31st with the Autozone Midwest Series. (02-26-04) UPDATE: Sources have confirmed this will happen and it is a done deal. Watch for more information as far as what car he will drive and such soon! (02-28-04)

Remember to check out our classified page to see the cars that are for sale: Doug Mahlik's has his hauler for sale, Gary Bock has his Limited Late Model for sale, Brian Hoppe has his Nascar Touring car for sale and Kyle Waush has his Late Model car for sale. (01-30-03)

Super stock racer #59 George Schwalbach will make his return back to Wisconsin International Raceway in 2004. We are told the car is being blasted and painted at this time. (02-24-04)

We just returned from the Fox River Racing Club's monthly meeting, there isn't a whole lot of new information to post. Meeting was pretty much an overview of everything that has already been discussed. Those wishing to purchase a membership need to do so by the April Meeting otherwise the price goes from $30.00 to $50.00. A car show was discussed and the final details are being worked out, watch for updates on that here at wirphotos.net (02-23-04)

Morgan Motorsports team learned about a month ago that Kippley Performance Engines of Sauk City will no longer be building motors. Rick Kippley was offered a job down South building motors with Bill Elliot's race team. Morgan Motorsports (02-13-04) UPDATE: Our main focus for the 2004 season will return once again to Slinger Super Speedway. However, Madison has decided to not allow concept motors to compete at the track which means the Morgan Motorsports team will have to focus on Slinger, Lake Geneva, and possibly the Dells. The new car has arrived. Morgan Motorsports (02-22-04)

Brent Strelka won't be racing WIR weekly in 2004 due to the fact that he is starting his own business and won't have the time to commit to running weekly. Brent has purchased a 2002 Lefthander and a crate engine and will pick and choice where they race. The plan is to run the 1st 2 races at Madison, all the FRRC races in May, ASA race at Madison on May 8th, a majority of the rest of the Thursday Night races at WIR, a few more Madison Shows on Saturdays, the Red, White & Blue Series, and the Wisconsin Challenge Series race at 141 Speedway. The team would alos like to run the ASA races at Grundy, IRP, and Cedar Rapids if they have the time for it. (02-22-04)

Andy Monday has announced the complete line up of sponsors for the #01 Mike Butz Racing Super Late Model in which he will drive at Wisconsin International Raceway weekly on his website. Watch for a new Andy Monday website in the near future, we understand it is still being put together at this time. (02-08-04) UPDATE: Andy has announced his Official 2004 schedule which includes defending his Limited Late Model Red, White & Blue Series Champinship. (02-22-04)

We understand that Ryan Manthei has purchased Rick Spoo's Late Model car. No word on the teams plans for 2004 yet. (01-04-03) UPDATE: Ryan Manthei will once again drive for Williams Motorsports in 2004, but will move up to the Late Model division. Ryan will pilot a car purchased from Rick Spoo with power coming from a B & B ACE engine. Ryan tells us his plans are to run the full MARS Schedule and hit a few Wisconsin Challenge Series races. They will fill in the rest of their schedule with races at WIR and Norway Speedway. The plan is to hit as many Norway Shows as possible. They are looking at running 5-6 FRRC shows at WIR and they will look at how they are running and evaluate that then. (02-21-04) UPDATE 2: A picture of Ryan Manthei's 2004 Late Model another quality lettering job by Victory Vinyl Custom Lettering (02-22-04)

Hearing that Dan Hansen the 2003 Fox River Racing Club Wisconsin Sport Truck champion has purchased a new lefthander and is moving up to the Limited Late Model division in 04. (10-28-03) UPDATE: Sources tell us that Dan Hansen has no yet purchased a new lefthander. He would like to move up, but it takes alot of money to be competitive. (12-8-03) UPDATE 2: We understand that Dan Hansen has now purchased a Limited Late Model for the 2004 season, no word on whose car he purchased. (02-21-04) UPDATE 3: We are told that Dan Hansen purchased Bobby Bemmels car. (02-21-04)

Sources tell us Chris Grimes has purchased the #8 car that Jeff Van Oudenhoven drove during the 2003 season. (02-21-04)

Sources tell us Don Dix will be back at WIR in 2004 driving a Late Model for a car owner. (02-21-04) UPDATE: We have been able to confirm who Don will drive for by numerous sources. (02-21-04)

Wisconsin Sport Truck Meeting Minutes: The Dells race on April 10th was dropped from the away schedule. The tech. committee will consist of 3 drivers and one non driver. The three drivers will be 1) Scott Baker 2) Jim Kraft 3) Bob Barrington The non-driver and primary tech. inspector for Kaukauna will be Scott Bushman. Wisconsin Sport Trucks (02-21-04)

Congrats to Chris Clark, the long time announcer of the Nascar Touring races at Wisconsin International Raceway and announcer of Rockford Speedway. Word is Chris will be the announcer at Elko Speedway in 2004. Rockford Speedway Forum (02-19-04)

Two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip is coming to Rockford. Waltrip's appearance is being sponsored by Rockford Speedway, which will host the day's activities, and Motor Parts & Equipment Corp., which owns 12 area NAPA Auto Parts stores. NAPA sponsors Waltrip's Nextel Cup car and this is one of 12 corporate events Waltrip will participate in this year. Waltrip's race car and hauler also will be at the Speedway for fans to view. Rockford Register (02-19-04)

Very reliable sources tell us that Mike Reichenberger and Lee Tritt will be teaming up for the 2004 season. We understand they will pilot 2 brand new Pathfinder Chassis powered by NVR engines. (02-11-04) UPDATE: We are still trying to find out more on this deal, but it does sound like this deal is really happening. Watch for more information as we find it out. (02-14-04) DENIED: Mike Reichenberger tells us that he has not spoken to Lee Tritt about this at all. At this time there is nothing brewing for the 2004 season. He is still looking for sponsorship or to team up with someone to return back to WIR in 2004. (02-16-04)

Some 40 years ago, on those long, cold, dark Wisconsin winter nights, Dave Marcis would thumb through copies of Hot Rod magazine, looking at the NASCAR race reports and allowing himself to dream. "I still remember running my first year in late models and going up to Kaukauna and running the Dixieland 250 and it had Alan Kulwicki, Mark Martin, Rusty Wallace, Butch Miller, Trickle," said Robbie Reiser, an Allenton native who hung up his driver's suit and serves as Kenseth's crew chief. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (02-14-04)

All results from Speedweeks in New Smyrna Speedway are listed on by night on our Speedweeks 2004 page. (02-14-04)

Sources tell us that Jeff Steenbergen will race at Wisconsin International Raceway during the Sunday races in May. Jeff will also return to Wisconsin International Raceway for the Red, White and Blue Series. (02-10-04)

We added another photo gallery from Bob Bergeron that is from KK Sport Arena from the 1965-1966-1967 time. (02-09-04)

Calmes’ plans for this year are again to race limiteds at WIR. After that he and one of his crew members, Tom Schlimn, another Freedom senior, have been accepted into the NASCAR Technical School in Mooresville, N.C., where they will learn the finer points of setting up cars and building engines. Full Story at the Post Crescent (02-10-04)

We were told at the Blue race at WIR in 2003 that Doug Herbst had mentioned he was thinking about running a Limited Late Model at WIR in 2004. We haven't heard anything about this since, anyone know anything more? (02-09-04)

We are continuing to collect information for our 2004 Fox River Racing Club drivers plans page. If you have any information about your team or other teams plans please email Corey with the information. (02-08-04) UPDATE: Come on guys you should have some news or rumors on some teams plans for 2004!!! (02-09-04)

It's quite a step from local- and regional-level late-model racing to Daytona International Speedway, but Jeff Kendall hopes he's up to the task. Kendall, who owns an auto repair shop in Montello, Wis., is driving a Pontiac purchased by Ed Szelagowski in time for December testing. Szelagowski, of Westfield, Wis., is a longtime backer of Kendall's short-track program through his company, Assembly Products. The two hope to enter a handful of NASCAR Busch Series events later in the year and are using the ARCA race to gain big-track experience. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (02-07-04) UPDATE: Jeff Kendall started 25th and finished race in 10th place, Nascar Midwest Series 2003 driver finished the race in the 8th. ARCA Racing (02-07-04) UPDATE 2: Kendall exceeds his hopes in ARCA debut (02-08-04)

On the Todd and Eddie Show Eddie mention that there are alot of rumors that Slinger Super Speedway is looking at running a Corvette Crate engine that Carl Wagner has put togethor. (01-11-04) UPDATE: It was mentioned on the Todd and Eddie Show on January 25th that the rules will stay the same for Slinger Super Speedway in 2004. If someone shows up with the Corvette Crate engine they will be allowed to race it and the track will evaluate it. LTN Radio (02-08-04)

Lets get this Kids Club growing!!!! Enrollment for the FRRC-4-Kids (2004 Season) has begun . The Kids Club is for ages 6-12. Information sheets will be available at several local business'. Look for them there or you can fill out the online entry form right here at wirphotos.net. When the form is filled out the information will be emailed to the representatives of the kids club. More Information (02-08-04)

Patty Butz has announced on our message board that it appears Mike Butz Racing will be fielding the #8 for Jeff Van Oudenhoven again in 2004. The teams plans are to race at WIR weekly and most likely will be participating in the MARS series. (12-30-03) UPDATE: Sources tell us that Mike Butz Racing and Jeff Van Oudenhoven will also run the Wisconsin Challenge Series full time in 2004. Were told there will only be 1 date conflict with MARS. (02-08-04)

Sources from New Smyrna Speedway in Florida tell us that there are a couple more teams from this area that are at the track for Speedweeks. Apparently alot of teams didn't pre enter for the 9 nights of racing. (02-05-04) All results from speedweeks are under the Speedweeks Section (02-06-04)

Scott Bushman tells us he has sold his Wisconsin Sport Truck to Jeff Van Handel, Jason Van Handel's little brother. (02-04-04)

Sources tell us that Todd Verhagen is still interested in racing on the half mile and is looking around at different cars. (02-04-04)

We are told the teams that expressed interest in running a crate engine at Wisconsin International Raceway in the Limited Late Model division are Jerry Van Handel, Kevin Charles, Brandon Conrad and Andy Kluck. (02-03-04)

Being told that Kevin Charles who races in the super stock division at 141 has purchased a car to race in the limited late model division at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2004. Understand the car was previously a car raced by Rod Wheeler. (10-11-03) UPDATE: We are hearing that this car is now up for sale. (01-31-04) UPDATE 2: Apparently is one of the drivers who is interested in running the crate engine. (02-03-04)

After the 2003 season we were told that Gary Natrop would only be racing specials in 2004 before moving up to the Late Model division full time in 2005. We are now hearing that Gary will be racing at WIR in 2004, but not sure what division. Anyone hearing anything more on this?? (02-03-04)

Bob Bergeron has sent us a bunch of old pictures from Wisconsin International Raceway. WIR Sportsman's from 1980-81 Gallery - WIR 1970's and 1980's Gallery (01-19-04) Bob has send us some more pictures today. Slinger Modifields 1966 - Slinger, Lake Geneva and Hales Corners Sportmans 1966. (01-20-04) We have added another batch of pictures from Bob Bergeron from WIR in the 1970's and 1980's. (01-23-04) UPDATE: We have added another batch of photos from WIR 1970's - 1980's taken by Troy Beck. (02-02-04)

Touring Racing

For the second annual NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown, NASCAR’s best regional touring drivers are headed back to California this fall. Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway, the site of last year’s inaugural event, will host the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown on Nov. 11-13, 2004. More than $500,000 in prize money and live national television coverage on SPEED Channel await the 70 drivers who will be invited to compete in this one-of-a-kind NASCAR event. Speed 51 (02-26-04)

Wimmer went on to say the influence his fellow Wisconsinites has had on him has been substantial. “It’s been huge,” he said. “I can remember going to the racetrack, being real little, and watching some of those guys. In the last couple of years, I’ve had the chance to race with Dick Trickle and some of the older guys and it was really, really neat. You get a little nervous around them, but it’s so fun to race these guys considering all the experience they have. They’ve just influenced me so much.” Speed 51 (02-26-04)

The American Speed Association has announced the 2004 ASA Late Model Series season finale will take place at the legendary 39th Annual National Short Track Championships at Rockford (Ill.) Speedway on September 26. ASA Racing (02-26-04)

23-year-old Travis Kittleson will be the first to tell you that he made his mistakes during his rookie campaign with the American Speed Association last year, but he feels the valuable lessons learned from those mistakes have made him a better racer. That could spell trouble for his fellow competitors in 2004, as Kittleson plans for an all-out onslaught on the 2004 ASA schedule in hopes of capturing the National Championship. Speed 51 (02-25-04)

After a successful part-time 2003 season with Terry Kunes and Terry’s Motorsports, Chicagoland Late Model standout Brett Sontag has announced plans to compete in the 2004 ASA National Tour campaign, gunning for the prestigious $50,000 Rookie Prize. ASA Racing (02-25-04)

Todd Kluever is registered to drive the #40 ASA Late Model for Gerry Gunderman. ASA Racing (Not sure if this will be just for the Madison event or not.) We understand that there is another driver who will also wheel this car at some races. (02-20-04) Jeremy Lepak will also wheel Gunderman's ASA Late Model in select events through the 2004 season. The Grundy Speedway event is one of the possible races. (02-24-04)

The Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar Racing Series race at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids has been moved from July 31 to Friday night, June 25. Series officials also announced that they plan to make a two-night swing in Iowa and Missouri as a Saturday night doubleheader has been schedule June 26 at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO for the late model and super truck divisions. Press Release (02-24-04)

The team has decided to skip the Atlanta race and will make their 2004 season debut at Martinsville with Chris (Wimmer) behind the wheel. MB Racing (02-23-04)

A field of at least 12 new drivers will be trying to chase down the rookie of the year title when the Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar Series opens Sunday afternoon, May 16 at the Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Press Release (02-21-04) UPDATE: You can add Andy Monday to the list of rookies for 2004. (02-22-04)

Three teams for Wal Tom Racing in ASA series in 2004? Appears Michael Lewis Jr. in the #4, Robby Pyle in the #63 and Stephen Leicht in #51. According to ASA Racing 2004 registered drivers list. (02-20-04)

Pictures of Competitive Edge Motorsports Busch Series car for 2004 that Mike Garvey will pilot are now available. Photo Gallery (02-20-04)

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: Reed Sorenson, a Woodward Academy senior, plans to race a full ASA schedule this season. He also has a developmental NASCAR Busch Series contract with Chip Ganassi. He plans to race in select Busch series events and run several Busch testing sessions in 2004. Daily Herald (02-20-04)

Catchfence.com has been informed that Michael Lewis, Jr, the USAC standout and a NASCAR Busch Series driver for Richard Childress Racing last season will head to the American Speed Association in 2004. Lewis, will join WalTom Racing as a second team entry, while having ASA sensation Robbie Pyle as a teammate. Howie Lettow will serve as crew-chief. Catchfence via BGNRacing (01-28-04) UPDATE: Michael has relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and begun working with WalTom Racing in preparation for his rookie season of ASA (American Speed Association) competition. Michael Lewis Racing (02-20-04)

RDM Racing is currently seeking sponsorship for the ASA National Tour. Several Sponsorships are available. For more information, please contact us. RDM Racing (02-20-04)

The 2004 season will prove to be another landmark year for Ryan Mathews and RDM Racing. Ryan will compete in no more than eight (8) ASA races this season to keep his “rookie” status, in essence “red-shirting.” This will preserve his rookie status for the full 2005 season when he will make a run for the ASA Rookie of the Year Jackpot. The 2006 season could prove to be Ryan’s biggest year yet, as he attempts to follow the paths of the many former-ASA drivers, including Dale Earnhardt and Rusty Wallace, to make the jump to the NASCAR series. RDM Racing (02-20-04)

We are told that teams that are running a crate engine this season in some of the touring series such as ASA Late Model will be allowed to run that engine in the Red, White and Blue Series at Wisconsin International Raceway this season. (02-19-04)

Texas teenager Casey Smith is ready to tackle the big-time. After two years of running American Speed Association races sporadically, 18-year-old Smith and his family-owned team will compete full-time with the series in 2004 in hopes of capturing the $50,000 Rookie of the Year crown and vying for the ASA National Championship.Smith's cars will have a different look this year. The team will run a Dodge-bodied car and will switch from the #08 they've run in the past to #19. They will also have technical help from legendary crew chief Joe Shear Jr., who guided NASCAR Cup Series driver Johnny Sauter to the 2001 ASA Championship and Rookie of the Year titles. Speed 51 (02-18-04)

While the countdown for the March 27 SK Hand Tool 200 at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Fla. continues, Toby Porter long ago began his preparations for a full assault on the 2004 ASA National Tour. Porter will start the new season behind the wheel of the Go Go Motorsports No. 11 Meijer car after taking over the coveted position for the final 12 races of the 2003 campaign. A major change during the off-season has been the move of Go Go Motorsports operations to Porter’s race shop in South Carolina. ASA Racing - More Pictures of the ASA Car (02-18-04)

Sources tell us that they spoke with Jeremy Lepak and unless someone offers him a ride he will probably only be doing a part time schedule in Gundermans car for the Midwest Series. They will also be launching the website redesign sometime in the second half of March. (02-17-04)

Loch-Lagina Motorsports will be making several major sponsorship announcements in the coming weeks. These announcements will be vital in the success and preparation of the team for the 2004 season. Photos of the 2004 car - Loch-Lagina Motorsports (02-15-04)

Butch, Vickie, Ryan and the crew would like to thank everyone for their support this year. Our plans for 2004 will be similar to 2003. We will run a full ITEMS schedule and run super late models whenever possible. Hanson Motorsports (02-15-04)

NASCAR has announced the 2004 racing schedule for the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, which begins April 4 at Rockford (Ill.) Speedway. Thirteen championship points events will comprise the series’ 2004 campaign, which marks the series’ 30th season and seventh year as a NASCAR-sanctioned division. Nascar Touring (02-12-04)

The 2004 Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series will open an 18-race 2004 schedule at the Rockford Speedway in Rockford, IL April 3-4 as part of the Spring Classic which includes the NASCAR Touring Series Late Models. The Mid-Am Stock Cars return to the Rockford Speedway quarter-mile paved oval after a one year absence. The series driver will also compete at the Rockford Speedway as part of the National Short Track Championship Sept. 25 - 26. The 18 races include 11 events in Wisconsin, three in Miinesota, two in Illinois and two in Iowa. One additional event may be added to the schedule Tuesday night, June 22. Press Release (02-12-04)

Track sources from Grundy County Speedway tell us that they have received alot of interest in their June 19th show which will feature twin 100 lap features. There will be a 100 lap Late Model feature and a 100 Lap ASA Late Model feature. The track has received alot of interest from Wisconsin drivers and even some big name ASA racers. The track got confirmation from Todd Kluever that he will run this show and Bryan Reffner confirmed with the track that he will run both events. (02-10-04) MORE: Sources tell us that Robbie Pyle will pilot a Howe house car for the ASA Late Model event and is looking to rent a Chicagoland Late Model for the event. Butch Miller and Davin Scites are already locked in for the ASA Late Model Series but still looking for Chicagoland cars also. Sources tell us that Jeremy Lepak is looking for an ASA Late Model ride for this event. Appears to be alot of upset Autozone Midwest Series drivers with this LaCrosse being added, understand Ron Breese will not run LaCrosse as he will be running Grundy that night. (02-11-04)

Very reliable sources tell us that LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway will be hosting a 2nd date for the Nascar Autozone Midwest Series on June 19th. (02-10-04) UPDATE: We understand that alot of people are upset now that this date has been set because alot of teams were planning to run the ASA Late Model show at Grundy Speedway which is the same night. We understand that Eddie Hoffman is one that was working on a deal to run a ASA Late Model, but will now have to run LaCrosse. (02-10-04)

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)

ASA officials announced today several changes have been made to their 2004 racing schedules that gives a glimpse into the future of the series. The June 26 event at I-70 Speedway has been cancelled for the ASA National Tour. The July 24 date at Toledo Speedway for both the ASA National Tour and the ASA Late Model Series has also been removed from the schedule. Though no specific reasons were given for the cancellations, in both cases it was a mutual decision between the tracks and ASA staff. ASA officials are examining alternatives to replace the Toledo Speedway date for the Late Model Series. ASA Racing (02-08-04)

Although his owner and sponsor have supported him since his drunken driving arrest last weekend, Scott Wimmer admits his future in racing remains in jeopardy. Wimmer has referred to the incident as a lapse of judgment and a tremendous embarrassment to himself and others. Wimmer said he enrolled Friday in a six-week class for people who have had problems with alcohol. He also expects eventual "repercussions" from NASCAR. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (02-08-04)

It was mention yesterday during the Todd and Eddie show that Jason Schuler is liquidating alot of his Busch Series stuff. We had heard he might be driving for someone else in 04. (01-19-04) UPDATE: Jason Schuler will be at Daytona behind the wheel of the #10 Johnny Davis Motorsports Chevy. BGN Racing (02-06-04)

Loch-Lagina Motorsports and driver Rich Loch are getting prepared for their run into the American Speed Association and its National Touring Series. With the backing of Louis Schmitt Plumbing, Viega, Keg-a-Que, PPC Plumbers, Mobil One, LTN Radio Network and All-Glass Aquarium, the team officially kicked off the season with an open house at its Franklin, WI shop. Press Release (02-05-04)

Speed 51 is reporting that sources tell them that a top ASA racer has been in contact with a couple top Pro Cup teams about a possible switch to that series. (01-19-04) Rumors and reports have the driver being Gary St. Amant. (01-19-04) UPDATE 1: I’ve had plenty of offers; everything from rides in the Nextel Cup Series to Busch to ASA to Pro Cup. But there hasn’t been anything that panned out as of yet; either that or the deals just fell apart.” St. Amant thought he had a pretty big deal in the works which would have actually seen him start his own ASA team with a young, hotshot rookie driver. But unfortunately, the deal fell apart this past week and left St. Amant looking once again. Speed 51 (01-19-04) CONFIRMED: Gary St. Amant has signed with Bullet Racing to race the Pro Cup Series in 2004. Speed 51 (02-03-04) MORE: St. Amant says he was ready for a change of pace. He needed things to change. ASA just wasn’t the same to him in 2003, where he suffered through one of his worst seasons as a Short Track driver. “I was just becoming disconnected with the series. I really started feeling it with the banquet. My not going to the banquet really opened my eyes. That was the first time since 1985 that I’ve missed an ASA banquet. Speed 51 (02-06-04)

The American Speed Association is pleased to invite all Late Model Series owners and drivers to a meeting on Saturday, February 28. This gathering will take place at the ASA headquarters in Pendleton, Ind., at 1 p.m. ASA Racing (02-04-04)

Car registration for the ASA Late Model Series continues to soar since the late 2003 announcement of the ASA Late Model Series. Approximately 100 teams have already signed up for a car number for the 2004 season. These respective teams represent 14 states with the most distant registrants coming from as far away as Texas, New York, West Virginia, Georgia and Nebraska. ASA Racing (02-04-04)

After two partial schedules with the ASA National Tour, Minnesota competitor Joey Miller has announced his intentions to compete for the $50,000 Rookie of the Year honors in 2004. Miller will drive a County Joe Racing entry with sponsorship from Great Clips and Country Joe Homes. ASA Racing (02-03-04)

Joey Clanton will race the full 2004 Craftsman Truck Series schedule for Curtis Key Motorsports. Speed 51 (01-22-04) CONFIRMED: We are proud to announce that Joey Clanton will be driving for Team Key Motorsports. Key Motorsports (02-03-04)

Indiana Late Model standout Bobby Stremme, the younger brother of 2002 ASA National Tour Rookie of the Year David, has announced his 2004 plans to compete in the ASA Late Model Series. Bobby, 24, will drive a No. 53 car owned by Rick Bruder and his brother David. Stremme will receive sponsorship from Innovator Trailers and Suspension Springs Specialists during the 2004 season. Noted chassis manufacturer Robert Hamke is building their 2004 car and will provide support during the upcoming 14-event schedule. ASA Racing (02-02-04)

When the NASCAR Grand National Division,West Series, officially opened it 2004 season, January 25th, at the Phoenix International Raceway there were some visitors in the starting line up. One of them was, of course, our favorite west coast visitor and eventual race winner Ken Schrader. But there was another visitor, lined up in the United Rentals 150, that I also thought was worthy of close scruitny and that driver was Clint Bowyer. Nascar Touring (02-01-04)