2004 News and Rumors - July
Dirt Racing
Sturgeon Bay's Billy "The Kid" LeMieux led all 25 laps en route to his first IMCA modified feature win at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night. LeMieux's heat win also netted him a sweep for the evening. A total of 31 IMCA modifieds were on hand, along with 32 IMCA stock cars, 24 street stocks, 17 IMCA hobby stocks and 20 sport fours. Kewaunee's Shawn Kilgore held off arch rival Rod Snellenberger in the closing laps to capture his sixth 22 lap IMCA stock car feature of the season. Algoma's Ed Anschutz won his fourth IMCA hobby stock feature of the season, which went green to checkered. Trailing Anschutz at the checkers were Tony Schlei, Keith Kickbush, Dave Lane and Tom Brumlic. Press Release (07-31-04)
Thanks to the Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association (WDLMA), the Potawatomi Thunderhill Speedway's biggest racing event of the 2004 season just got twice as big. Set for Wednesday night, August 11, the card will also include two of the Speedway's regular divisions, IMCA-style modifieds and stock cars, with increased winner's purses for both classes. It'll be possible for the late model over-all winner to pocket $2,500 in feature earnings, while the modifieds will race for $700 to win and the stock cars $350. Press Release (07-30-04)
We are told that Dave Gracyalny will be the new flagman at Seymour Tri Oval Raceway starting this Sunday evening. Dave will flag the feature races, but someone else will be doing the heats. (07-30-04)
Tim Van De Hei is his worst critic. The Green Bay rookie in the IMCA modified division gave himself a C-minus when asked what midterm grade he would give his performance in the 2004 campaign on the area dirt tracks. “I came out of the gate just horrible, and most of it was my own fault,” admits Van De Hei, a former area hotshoe in the IMCA stock car division. “I’ve gotta say the learning curve has been a steep one for us so far.” Full Story in Green Bay Press Gazette (07-29-04)
Point Standings for Langlade County Speedway as of July 23rd have been posted (07-28-04)
Tim Reichenberger and Frank Formiller, both of Oshkosh, came home victorious in their respective Street Stock and Grand National A-mains to highlight action Tuesday night at the Powercom Speed Zone. Russ Reinwald of Plainfield scored a convincing win in the Modified A-main while it would be Shawano’s Jasper Drengler winning the 20-lap Dirt Devil A-main. Press Release (07-28-04)
Track conditions were perfect for a cool night of racing action at the Langlade County Speedway. There were new cars on hand and a packed grandstands. The nightly sponsor was the Wisconsin Woodchucks Baseball Team. Luke Roffers blew by the competition to win the WISSOTA Late Model Feature Event, while Mike Wedelstadt had to battle for the top spot of the IMCA Modified Feature. Jeremy Christians was the winner of the IMCA Stock Car Feature, Jeremy Wolfe won his first Feature of 2004 in the WISSOTA Street Stocks, and Sean Thayer was the winner of the Truck Feature. Press Release (07-26-04)
The IRA Outlaw sprints will be making a stop at the Langlade County Speedway on Saturday, August 7, 2004. This will be their second appearance at the Speedway. Joining the sprints will be the WISSOTA Street Stocks and Antigo’s very own Truck division in a shootout race. Press Release (07-26-04)
Top modified drivers from throughout Wisconsin are expected to converge on the Powercom Speed Zone Tuesday night, August 10th for the Prestige Custom Cabinetry 30, a $2000-to-win special event that will kick off the 2004 Winnebago County Fair. A total payout of $10,000 has been posted for the program with all drivers making the feature event collecting at least $150. Gibbsville Cheese INEX Legend Cars and Corporate Impressions Dirt Devils will also compete. Press Release (07-25-04)
Officials at Luxemburg Speedway are preparing for the third annual Oldies 103.1 FM WOGB Luxemburg Legends night at the third-mile, clay oval Friday night, August 6 at 7 p.m. More than two dozen retired drivers who competed at the track during the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's will be honored during ceremonies at intermission. Some of those drivers will also take part in a pair of special legends races at the end of the regular program. Press Release (07-25-04)
On a an extremely fast and tacky Wilmot Speedway Saturday night, Danny Schlafer catapulted to the win in convincing fashion to notch his third Feature win of the season. The win helped Schlafer narrow his second place rank in the points chase on leader Doug Schenck. Danny Schlafer went on to win with a straight-away lead, Chris Wiser and Scott Conger posted their best ever MSA finishes following in second and third respectively. David O'Neal was able to nurse his car to a fourth place finish barely edging out the last lap charge of Semmelmann. On Thursday, A special week-night "Thursday Nite Thunder in the Park" race on the third-mile PowerCom Park track saw David O'Neal make it two straight A-mains, and the points battle for the top spot between Doug Schenck and Danny Schlafer continue to be close and very intense. O'Neal kept charging forward and was 3rd on lap eight and second on lap eleven. After running down race leader Wondra, O'Neal moved to the point on lap 15 and was on his way to winning his 7th career MSA, A-Main event. Wilmot results - Powercom results - MSA points - MSA sprints (07-25-04)
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 Algoma’s Jeremy Jacobs squeezed by with his second feature win of the season. Jeff “Pepe” Vlies, Brussels, won his first T Simon Jewelers IMCA Stock Car feature of the year. May’s Sports Center IMCA Hobby Stock Joe Hegnet, Sturgeon Bay, took home his first main event win in only his sixth night out this year. AmericInn Street Stock Aaron Thornton, Maplewood, won his fourth feature of the year and Sport Four Ken Malcore came away with his fifth feature victory. Press Release (07-25-04)
Jay Schraufnagel of Beaver Dam claimed his fifth win of the season in driving to victory in the 20-lap Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson/Buell Modified A-Main on Coca Cola Lakeshore Division/WXRO Night at the Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Saturday night. Roger Lee of Wind Lake won his fourth A-Main of the season in the Northwoods Paper Converting Grand Nationals division. Dannon Tessmer of Allenton led from start to finish to pick up his second win of the season in the 20-lap Dodge Central Credit Union Stocks A-Main. Press Release (07-25-04)
The first ever Great Lakes Maintenance Showdown at Zone, a special event for street stock drivers, will take place at the Powercom Speed Zone on Friday night, August 6th. Featuring a $3,500 payout just for the street stock division, the Showdown at the Zone will also see the Gibbsville Cheese INEX Legend cars in action as well as Corporate Impressions/SignMakers Dirt Devils. Pit gates for the special event will open at 3:30 pm with racing to begin at 7:00 pm. Press Release (07-23-04)
Troy Weich of Fond du Lac beat Oshkosh driver Frank Formiller to the line by less than six inches to win the 20-lap Grand National A-main to highlight action at the Powercom Speed Zone Tuesday night. Eric Scribner of Kiel topped the 20-lap modified finale while it was hometown driver Jerry Kope winning the street stock A-main. Ron Koenig topped the Dirt Devil A-main. A total of 91 cars checked into the pit area for the show led by 31 Budweiser Modifieds. The American Auto Sales Street Stock class boasted 27 entries while there were 17 Miller Lite Grand National Stock Cars and 16 Signmakers Dirt Devils. Press Release (07-20-04)
Fertile, Iowa's Kelly Schryock took the lead on lap three and threaded his way through lapped traffic to win the caution-free 40 lap United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) modified feature at Luxemburg Speedway Monday night. A total of 37 USMTS modifieds were on hand, along with 32 stock cars and 16 hobby stocks. Press Release (07-20-04)
Point Standings for Langlade County Speedway as of July 2nd have been posted (07-19-04)
Points standings for Luxemburg Speedway as of July 2nd have been posted. (05-19-04)
Russ Reinwald of Plainfield powered his way into the lead on lap fourteen and raced to his first win of the season in the 20-lap Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson/Buell Modified A-Main on Suburban Drywall Night at The Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Saturday night. Russ Scheffler of Waukesha led most of the way in capturing the Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association 25-lap A-Main. Roger Lee of Wind Lake picked up his third win of the season as he cruised to the win in the Northwoods Paper Converting Grand Nationals 20-lap A-Main. Press Release (07-18-04)
Picture perfect weather and track conditions added up to another successful race night at Thunderhill Raceway on Saturday night. In the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, the fast track conditions led to some great multi-lane racing as DePere’s Dean Maurer swept the modified events after an earlier heat win in only his fourth trip to the “HIll” this season. Charlie Kroll, Algoma, won his second T Simon Jewelers IMCA Stock Car feature of the year. May’s Sports Center IMCA Hobby Stock points leader Ed Anschutz, Algoma, took home his second main event win along with his sweep. AmericInn Street Stock Aaron Thornton, Maplewood, won his third feature of the year and Sport Four Chad Williams came away with his fourth feature victory. Press Release (07-18-04)
Green Bay's Eric Van Iten shook off a race long challenge from Benji LaCrosse and points leader Scott Mullen to win his first 25 lap IMCA modified feature at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night. Van Iten also won his heat scoring a sweep for the evening. Zion, Illinois' Tony Schlei fought off a late race challenge from defending track champion Keith Kickbush to win his second 18 lap IMCA hobby stock feature of the season. Kickbush, Marcus Moede, Tom Brumlic and Mark Mincheski followed. Press Release (07-17-04)
The night was perfect for racing at the Langlade County Speedway on Friday night. Some showers on and off during the day did not stop the fans or the cars from pilling into the speedway. The WISSOTA Late Model Feature seen Todd Flannery take the checkers first with Wade Schutt winning another IMCA Modified Feature Event. B.J. Giese won his first ever IMCA Stock Car Feature Event, as did Jeremy Dake in the Truck Division. Bruce Belland would be victorious in the WISSOTA Street Stocks. Press Release (07-17-04)
Travis Whitney displayed the patience of a saint and the aggressiveness of a lion on Saturday night as he stormed back to victory lane at the Sheboygan County Fair Park. Todd Hepfner looked to carry on his success from the 2003 season as he established the time to beat half way through the 36 car field in time trials with a lap of 11.722 seconds, less than half a second off the track record. Brian Kristan clipped an inside tire while leading on lap #17, sending him on a slight detour and handing the lead to Whitney. Whitney was not alone in the hunt though as Joe Roe, Donny Goeden and Todd Hepfner were never far away and by lap #24, things got very interesting as Hepfner surged even with Whitney, challenging for the lead. Whitney again stayed high and held off Hepfner to pick up his first win of the 2004 season. “I knew I had enough car for Brian (Kristan)”, stated Whitney in victory lane, (but) “but I was just trying to stay patient. I didn’t see what happened to him but as soon as I got the lead, I knew Todd would be coming and when I saw him, I knew I was in for a fight.” Donny Goeden crossed third followed by Scott Neitzel who charged through the field after starting 18th and Steve Meyer. Press Release - Point Standings - IRA sprints (7-14-04)
Shawano's Troy Springborn passed Randy Markwardt of Sheboygan for the lead on lap eight and kept the lead through a pair of cautions and went on to win the Razor 94.7 FM 40 lap late model feature at Luxemburg Speedway Sunday night. The win capped off a banner weekend for Springborn, as he won features the two prior nights at ovals in Antigo and Shawano, respectively. A track record 33 late models were on hand, along with 37 IMCA modifieds, 31 IMCA stock cars and 14 IMCA hobby stocks. Press Release (07-12-04)
NE Wisconsin’s weather finally cooperated on Saturday for perfect weather for a night out at the races at Thunderhill Raceway. Track personnel were able to put together a completed program for the sixth week in a row. Patience was the key for most winners as the lineups proved challenging for the feature racers. In the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, the fast track conditions led to some great racing as Luxemburg’s Benji LaCrosse came away with his third 20-lap feature win of the season. Former track champion Craig Paque, Algoma, won his first T Simon Jewelers IMCA Stock Car feature of the year. AmericInn Street Stock Jeremy Wiitala won his third main in the past four weeks and Sport Four Chad Williams came away with the feature victory. Press Release (07-11-04)
In action at The Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Saturday night, Steve Mueller of Mukwonago picked up his first win of the season in the 20-lap Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson/Buell Modified A-Main. Roger Lee of Wind Lake led from start to finish to capture his second win of the season in the Northwoods Paper Converting Grand Nationals A-Main. Point leader Tim Doehling of Winneconne out battled Troy Weich of Fond du Lac to take second. Steve Seitz of Beaver Dam raced to fourth ahead of F.W. Formiller of Oshkosh. Press Release (07-11-04)
Fans were treated to some great side-by-side racing on Friday night. Track conditions were great and the action was non-stop. A total of 105 cars filled the pit area on Budweiser night. Troy Springborn took home top honors in the WISSOTA Late Model Feature. Wade Schutt added another Feature Win to his list in the IMCA Modifieds. Shannon Volkman returned to Victory Lane in the IMCA Stock Cars. Scott VanProoyen lead green to checker in the WISSOTA Street Stock Feature. The Truck Feature has only seen one winner this season, and Sean Thayer kept the streak running with a Truck Feature Win. Press Release (07-11-04)
Defending track champion Brian Mullen of Seymour chased down race leader Benji LaCrosse and passed him with two laps remaining to capture the caution-free 25 lap IMCA modified feature at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night. Mullen swept the division by winning his heat and became the first repeat winner in the division in seven weeks of racing. Press Release (07-10-04)
Paul Pittman has 2 new columns 'Happy Birthday America' and 'My Eyes Have Seen the Glory' (7-5-04)
A standing room only crowd watched K.J. Skelton claim three wins to pace the Midwest Sprintcar Association event on a very fast TNT Speedway. Skelton won his heat, a dash, and the 25-lap A-Main. With the three wins Skelton needs only five more to match the series best 59-wins recorded by Kurt Davis. Skelton and Mike Kertscher by winning the two dashes started the A-Main on the front row. Skelton maintained the point until lap seven when he slid high in turn two and Kertscher quickly ducked under for the lead. Then of lap 16 Kertscher went high going into turn three to lap a car and Skelton steer low under the slower car and was the leader coming off turn four. Kertscher was second with Jerry Ski coming on strong to claim third. Olejnik was fourth with Danny Schlafer fifth. Press Release - Point Standings - MSA sprints (7-5-04)
Travis Whitney scored his second fast time award in a row at the Echo Valley Speedway on Saturday night, but it was all for nought as the predicted rains that had already cancelled everyone else's program in the region hit the area during the second heat of the support division. The persistant drizzle, mixed with occasional showers made the racing surface unworkable and the ultimate decision to postpone the event neccessary. The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series will try for a third time to spin the Echo Valley program off on August 22nd, 2004, the day following the existing Farley (IA) show Press Release - IRA sprints (7-5-04)
Near perfect but overcast weather conditions and accurate calculations on track preparation gave Thunderhill Raceway drivers a perfect track on Saturday night. With rain forecast throughout the day and evening, track officials put it all together for a great show for the fans for the fifth night straight. In the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, Jay Matthias of Luxemburg poured it on with only four laps to go to take home his first 20-lap feature win of the season. Charlie Kroll won his first T Simon Jewelers IMCA Stock Car feature of the year. May’s Sports Center IMCA Hobby Stock feature winner Tom Brumlic took home his third feature trophy. AmericInn Street Stock Jeremy Wiitala won his second main and Sport Four Ken Malcore snatched his fourth feature in the past five weeks. Press Release (07-04-04)
The 25 lap IRA sprints feature at the Powercom Speedzone in Oshkosh got underway just after dusk and was slowed only once when Tim Vandevere lost the handle on his father’s #14 on lap #2. Prior to the yellow silk, Joe Roe was able to slip under pole sitter Scott Neitzel for the lead. On the restart, Roe held Neitzel off, who would later see Mike Rienke also slip by near the half-way point. Rienke’s #02 developed a smoke trail as the laps wound down but despite the lack of another caution, was in the process of reeling in leader Roe towards the end. Lapped traffic forced Roe to apply the binders on more than one occasion and Rienke took advantage. At the finish line however, Roe would cross first to claim his first win of the 2004 season. Rienke finished 2nd with Neitzel third. Whitney and Saturday night’s winner Mike Kertscher would round out the top five. Press Release - Point Standings - IRA sprints (7-3-04)
The beginning of the fourth of July weekend started in Antigo on Friday night. The grandstands were standing room only and the pits were filled as well on Fire-up Smokeshop and Fireworks night. Tim Buhler was the winner of the WISSOTA Late Model Feature. Mike Wedelstadt made a last lap pass to win the IMCA Modified Feature, and Larry Karcz Jr. fought his way to the front of the IMCA Stock Car Feature. Gary Kasperek took the checkers in the WISSOTA Street Stock Feature, and Sean Thayer remains undefeated in the ASCI Truck Feature Events. Press Release (07-03-04)
Pulaski's Jason Czarapata took the lead on lap twenty six and kept the lead through a late race caution to win the 30 lap IMCA stock car feature at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night. The race saw no less than four different leaders within the final thirteen laps of the contest. A total of 36 IMCA modifieds were on hand, along with 33 IMCA stock cars, 15 IMCA hobby stocks and nine 141 hobby stocks, who were making a guest appearance on the dirt for the first time ever. Press Release (07-3-04)
Asphalt Racing
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)
We understand Jeff Zwiers will be back behind the wheel of a stock car at WIR in 2005. No word on which division he would race in as he owns a Limited Late Model and is building a late model. Unclear how or if this will affect Nate Van Wychen's ride. (07-31-04)
Appears as though Andy Kluck will be done for the season as he has had to put 2 new front stubs on the car the last 2 weeks and the front stub was bent again last night. (07-30-04)
Thursday Night Thunder continued this even under perfect weather as the rain moved through quickly. Late Models: Fast Qualifier - Jamie Iverson 19.589. Dash: 1. John Meidam, 2. Jim Duchow, 3. Terry Baldry. Heat 1: 1. Tom Hockers, 2. Pete Vandermolen Jr., 3. Cliff Ebben. Heat 2: 1. JJ Smith, 2. Don Dix, 3. Troy Nelson. Semi Feature: 1. Eddie Muenster, 2. Tom Hockers. Feature: 1. Rod Wheeler, 2.Terry Baldry, 3. JJ Smith, 4. Mark Schroeder, 5. Tim Rothe, 6. Troy Nelson, 7. Jim Duchow, 8. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 9. Andy Monday, 10. Jamie Iverson. Limited Late Model: Fast Qualifer: Tom Spierowkski, 20.489. Dash: 1. Gary Natrop, 2. Tom Gee Jr.,3. Gary Bock. Heat 1: Brandon Conrad, 2. Dan Hansen, 3. Chad Smith. Heat 2: 1. Nate Van Wychen, 2. Jerry Van Handel, 3.Jay Kassera. Feature: 1. Jay Kassera, 2. Jerry Van Handel, 3. Tom Gee Jr., 4. Kyle Calmes, 5. Gary Natrop, 6. Chris LaRocque, 7. Tom Spierowski. Sport Trucks: Fast Qualifier: Jason Van Handel 16.451. Heat Winners Dan Vixmer and Nate Ortlieb while Brandon Wurzer took the semi feature win. Feature: 1. Jason Van Handel, 2. Todd Schutte, 3. Nate Ortlieb, 4. Andy Wilquet, 5. Scott Baker, 6.Charlie Haven, 7. Dan Vixmer. (07-29-04)
For the first time in more than 20 years, Cliff Ebben can forget about right turns. The national sports car champion from Appleton will compete tonight in the FRRC late model division at WIR for the first time since he was a club regular in the 1982 season. Appleton Post Crescent (07-29-04)
Congratulations to Tom Gee Jr. and his wife Susie on becoming proud parents of a baby girl yesterday. (06-27-04)
Ryan Manthei learned from his brother Chad at a young age how to race on a tight budget. When Ryan was 14, he sold popcorn in the concession stand at Seymour Tri-Oval Raceway. Chad raced street stocks at the time. “Chad was so broke, I’d give him my paycheck from working the following week at the track just so he’d have enough money for a pit pass,” Ryan joked. “Then after, Chad would get paid from racing that night, and he’d repay me with a trip to Seymour Pizzaria for a late-night snack.” Full Story in Green Bay Press Gazette (07-26-04)
Adam Royale of Farmington, MN. made the long trip payoof as he won the 100 lap feature for Super Late Models at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek Sunday night. Ken Reiser of Waukon, IA. led the firzt lap but quickly surrendered the lead to Dean LaPointe of Marshfield. Terry Baldry of Omro followed LaPointe to second. Press Release (07-25-04)
Greg Herrmann of Branch took the win in Mid-American feature race Saturday night at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek. It was the first win of the year for Herrmann who survived a series of mishaps, flying wheels and spins to get to the finish.Daryl Gerke of Whitelaw gave Herrmann everything he could handle pulling even on three different occassions but could not get by. Gregg Haase, Joe Kerkhoff and Jesse Fuller were third, fourth and fifth respectively. Press Release (07-24-05)
We are told Lowell Bennett was not at WIR on Thursday Night as he was preparing his Busch car for the IRP race which is next weekend. Most likely Lowell will miss this coming week also due to travel time to the Busch race. (07-24-04)
There will be a Limited Late Model special event at Wisconsin International Raceway on September 25th. This will be a race promoted by Brandon Blashe and Mark Derricks. More information such as payout, rules, schedule of events and all the information you are looking for will be posted right here on wirphotos.net. (07-23-04)
We have been hearing some "rumblings" about some teams and their plans for next season. Some of the rumors are more interesting than others, we will hold off on posting any of these rumblings until after the 2004 season is over or until we get some official information. (07-18-04) UPDATE: Alot of people are asking us what we have heard, we won't mention anything until the season is over so there isn't a conflict within the teams. Plus the last couple of season it wasn't worth posting rumors as it turned into a legal threat. (07-23-04)
It was mentioned during the evening at Wisconsin International Raceway, but the teams caught on after they took to the track. The track sprayed the outside groove on the half mile with a sticky compound which would bring more side by side racing. Before the feature events I heard alot of teams saying they thought it wasn't a necessary expense, but once they took to the track for the feature events they said they really liked it. (07-23-04)
Another round of Thursday Night Thunder, this evening was presented by the Kids Kart Club. In Late Models it was Jim Duchow taking fast time with a time of 19.496. Heat 1: 1. Eddie Muenster, 2. JJ Smith, 3. Terry Korth, 4. Bob Danes. Heat 2: 1. Pete Vandermolen Jr., 2. Troy Nelson, 3. John Meidam, 4. Andy Monday, 5. Jeff Van Oudenhoven. Dash: 1. Tim Rothe, 2. Mark Schroeder, 3. Rod Wheeler, 4. Jim Duchow. It was Jeff Van Oudenhoven taking the feature win this evening over Terry Baldry. Top 9: 1. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 2. Terry Baldry, 3. Tim Rothe, 4. Rod Wheeler, 5. Mike Gardner, 6. Mark Schroeder, 7. Andy Monday, 8. John Meidam, 9. JJ Smith. In Limited Late Models it was Tom Spierowski taking fast time with a lap of 20.448. Heat 1: 1. Pat Braun, 2. Jim Ebben, 3. Doug Carpenter, 4. Dan Hansen. Heat 2: 1. Gary Natrop, 2. Gary Bock, 3. Jay Kassera, 4. Andy Kluck. Dash: 1. Tom Gee Jr., 2. AJ Miller, 3. Tom Spierowski, 4. Kyle Calmes. Tom Gee Jr. took the feature win this evening with an outside pass on Gary Bock. Top 8: 1. Tom Gee Jr., 2. Gary Bock, 3. Kyle Calmes, 4. Matt Derricks, 5. Chris LaRocque, 6. Nate Van Wychen, 7. AJ Miller, 8. Callin Harrell. In Sport Truck Action it was Todd Schutte taking fast time with a lap of 16.461. Jason Van Handel took the feature win again this week over Jeff Van Handel and Scott Baker. Kevin Charles took the Super Stock feature win while Bryan Monday took the Sizzlin Four feature win. (07-22-04)
Sources tell us they spoke to Andy Monday and the car has already been restubbed and being put back together. They will have the car completed and ready to go for Thursday Night at WIR. The same could not be said for Terry Baldry, as we understand the car will not be completed in time for Thursday Night. Understand he will be driving someone elses car on Thursday Night, we will have more information as we find it out. (07-18-04) UPDATE: Terry Baldry drove the #96 car for Matt Maynard this evening at WIR, this is the same car that Terry has drove the car in at special events. (07-22-04)
While most people see cars when they attend local races, businesses and individuals that sponsor the cars see rolling billboards. That’s why their names are plastered just about any place they can find. Advertising on racecars makes good business sense. It’s a way for companies to get their names, products and services before a transfixed public and target specific groups of people, many of whom are very brand loyal. Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (07-19-04)
Scott Hansen was one of the most successful drivers to ever race at Wisconsin International Raceway. The Green Bay native won five straight Fox River Racing Club championships from 1985 to ’89, before becoming a star in the American Speed Association and a driver in the NASCAR Craftsman truck series. He was one of the first drivers at WIR to have Budweiser sponsorship. Surprisingly, he got about as much back then as the going rate to run this year. Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (07-19-04)
Racecars run on gas and oil, but there’s a lot more to it than that. At Wisconsin International Raceway in Buchanan, they are also fueled by beer, auto parts, insurance and even plasma. It’s those kinds of products and services that are the lifeblood of racing at any level. No matter what level you are on, racing is about speed, and a rule of thumb is how fast you want to go depends upon how much money you spend. Outfitting a race car on the local level is not cheap. A competitive late model car at WIR goes for roughly $50,000, which includes engine, body and chassis. Engines alone cost $20,000 to $25,000. Full Story Appleton Post Crescent. (07-18-04)
Joe Kerkhoff survived two late cautions to hold off Greg Haese en route to his second MidAmerican feature win of the year Saturday night at the 141 Speedway in Francis Creek. Joining Kerkoff in victory lane were Bill Gast in the Super Stocks, Jason Sand in the Mini-Stocks and Travis Rodewald in the Hobby Stocks. The Sport 4s were in the spotlight on the night, competing in the Pa Murray Memorial 50 lapper with Kraig Koehler taking the victory. Press Release (07-17-04)
Werner Electric Night at the Races this evening at Wisconsin International Raceway. Late Models: Mark Schroeder took fast time with a lap of 19.655. Tim Rothe took the dash win over Terry Baldry. Heat 1: 1. Eddie Muenster, 2. Andy Monday, 3. JJ Smith. Heat 2: 1. Pete Vandermolen Jr, 2. Terry Korth, 3. Mike Gardner. In the feature event it was Jim Duchow taking the win over Jeff Van Oudenhoven. Top 7: 1. Jim Duchow, 2. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 3. Lowell Bennett, 4. Tim Rothe, 5. John Meidam, 6. Rod Wheeler, 7. Tom Hockers. In the feature event the cars of Terry Baldry and Andy Monday's sustained heavy front end damage in seperate wrecks in the feature event. In Limited Late Models it was Tom Gee Jr. taking fast time. Heat 1: 1. AJ Miller, 2. Jerry Van Handel, 3. Chad Smith. Heat 2: 1. Nate Van Wychen, 2. Gary Bock, 3. Callin Harrell. In the feature event it was Jerry Van Handel taking the feature win. Top 8: 1. Jerry Van Handel, 2.Tom Spierowski, 3. Kyle Calmes, 4. Gary Bock, 5. Jay Kassera, 6. Nate Van Wychen, 7. Dan Peterman, 8. AJ Miller. Tough break for Tom Gee Jr. who was put to the back for a wreck he played no part in at all. In Sport Trucks it was Jason Van Handel taking the feature win over Todd Schutte. In Super Stocks it was Andy Casavant taking the feature win over Terry Van Roy. (07-15-04)
We took a whole bunch of pictures at Wisconsin International Raceway on Saturday afternoon during practice for the White race. We plan to get into the infield again this season and take pictures of those who we missed. Check out the photo gallery for the pictures. (07-14-04)
Sources tell us that Brandon Selle will give WIR a try at the Blue race. There is a good chance that he will race alot more at WIR in 2005, if all goes well he could run weekly. (07-14-04)
We understand there will be a line painted around the half mile at Wisconsin International Raceway to show where the lanes are. This will take the guess out of whether a driver needs to pick a lane or not. (07-14-04)
Repeat winners were the story of the night for the Speedway's regular divisions as John Senkbeil won for the third time in the Mini-Stocks, Matt Reinke was a victor for the second straight week in the Hobby Stocks and Terry Koenig won back to back events in the Sport 4 class. The WIR Sport Trucks paid their second visit of the season, with Sam Haven capturing the trophy for his first win of the year. Press Release (07-11-04)
We are told that Jeff Van Oudenhoven's car is hurt bad enough from the wreck last night that he won't race the #8 car tomorrow night at WIR for the White race. We understand a number of teams have offered their cars to the team, but no decision on which car they will borrow has been made. (07-9-04) Jeff drove Dave Adams car which is normally driven at Norway Speedway weekly. (07-11-04)
We understand Butch Haese, Slinger Super Late Model driver Gregg Haese's dad will be under going a Kidney Transplant on July 7th. Our thoughts and prayers on a speedy recovery. (06-18-04) UPDATE: Butch tells us that this kidney transplant wouldn't even be happening if it wasn't for his daugther Kristie donating one of her kidney's. (06-25-04) UPDATE 2: We understand that everything has gone well and both Butch and daughter Kristle are doing well. If everything continues to improve Butch could be released from the Hospital on Monday (07-9-04)
Sources tell us that Jack Pankratz has ordered a brand new Lefthander for next season. He won't race this season other than to maybe come out at the end of the year to shake the car down. We understand there are some different thoughts being tossed around, but no solid plans as to which division he will race in and such. (07-9-04)
Another night of Thursday Night Thunder was run this evening for Round 2 of the Budweiser/WAPL Triple Crown Series. In Late Models it was Jamie Iverson taking fast time with a lap of 19.487. Heat 1: 1. Keith Romenesko, 2. Ryan Manthei, 3. Bob Danes. Heat 2: 1. Robb Vanderloop, 2. Troy Nelson, 3. Andy Monday. Heat 3: 1. Terry Korth, 2. Jim Duchow, 3. Terry Baldry. Bob Danes took the semi feature win over Ryan Manthei and Don Dix. It was Rod Wheeler taking the feature win this evening over Terry Baldry. Top 9: 1. Rod Wheeler, 2. Terry Baldry, 3. Mike Gardner, 4. JJ Smith, 5. Terry Korth, 6. Eddie Muenster, 7. John Meidam, 8. Troy Nelson, 9. Jim Duchow. In Limited Late's it was Tom Spierowski taking fast time with a lap of 20.490. Heat 1: 1. Nate Van Wychen, 2. Jim Ebben, 3. Doug Carpenter. Heat 2: 1. Chris LaRocque, 2. Jay Kassera, 3. Kyle Calmes. Heat 3: 1. Matt Derricks, 2. Tom Gee Jr., 3. Callin Harrell. Andy Kluck took the feature win this evening over Kyle Calmes. Top 7: 1. Andy Kluck, 2. Kyle Calmes, 3. AJ Miller, 4. Chris LaRocque, 5. Gary Bock, 6. Jerry Van Handel, 7. Tom Spierowski. In Sport Trucks it was Jason Van Handel taking fast time with a lap of 16.453. Heat winners were Tyler Lind and Todd Schuette. Todd Schutte took the feature win over Dan Vixmer and Jason Van Handel. (07-8-04)
Another nice crowd was on hand this past Friday night at Norway Speedway to witness the goarmy.com mid-season championships. Pepsi Late Model mid-season champion, Jim Duchow, raced to a thrilling victory in the feature event. The Auto Value Super Stock feature was won by Mark Bubloni of Norway. Tom Neeley, Jeff Boettcher, Ryan Windell, and John Komp rounded out the top 5. Mike Bubloni won the B-feature followed by Tim Krans, Darren Peterson, and Matt Parkansky. Press Release (07-5-04)
Jim Brooks of Fredonia made it two in a row taking the victory Friday night in the 300 lap Tisler Salvage Compact Car Enduro race at 141 Speedway. Press Release (07-2-04)
Lowell Bennett stated in his interview after taking his heat win that he will make every week that he can as long as the car stays together. We will have to wait and see if Lowell return next week. Apparently he wasn't happy with a call that was made against him, sources tell us that Lowell was calm in the meeting afterwards and didn't appear to be upset. (07-2-04)
We are told that Bobby McDonald was out at WIR practicing on Tuesday Night. We are told that he had hoped to race last night, but it looks like this coming Thursday he will make it out. (07-2-04)
A great evening all together this evening at Wisconsin International Raceway as the weather was perfect, car counts were up and the fans came out in large numbers in support. In Late Models it was Jamie Iverson taking fast time with a lap of 19.637. There was no dash run this evening, but there were 3 heat races run: Heat 1: 1. Chris Grimes, 2. Ryan Manthei, 3. Keith Romenesko. Heat 2: 1. Terry Korth, 2. Jim Duchow, 3. Pete Vandermolen Jr. Heat 3: 1. Lowell Bennett, 2. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 3. Andy Monday. Semi feature was won by Eddie Muenster over Mike Reichenberger. The feature event was won by Terry Baldry after taking the lead from Rod Wheeler on a restart. Rod lost an axle in the rear end of his car, word we got was it broke when he shifted coming out of turn 4. Top 9: 1. Terry Baldry, 2. Mike Gardner, 3. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 4. Troy Nelson, 5. Jim Duchow, 6. Robb Vanderloop, 7. Pete Vandermolen Jr. 8. Tom Hockers, 9. Terry Korth. In Limited Late Models it was Tom Spierowski taking fast time with a lap of 20.659. Heat results; Heat 1: 1. Nate Van Wychen, 2. Jim Ebben, 3. Doug Carpenter. Heat 2: 1. Chris LaRocque, 2. Kyle Calmes, 3. Jay Kassera. Heat 3: 1. Matt Derricks, 2. AJ Miller, 3. Tom Spierowski. The feature event was won by Jerry Van Handel who ran a new motor this evening. Top 8: 1. Jerry Van Handel, 2. Tom Gee Jr., 3. Jay Kassera, 4. Andy Kluck, 5. Brent Strelka, 6. Gary Bock, 8. Tom Spierowski, 9. Kyle Calmes. In Wisconsin Sport Trucks it was Jason Van Handel taking fast time with a lap of 16.220. Heat winners werer Andy Wilquet and Todd Schutte. Feature event was won by Jason Van Handel followed by 2. Todd Schutte, 3. Dan Vixmer. (07-1-04)
Their limited late models were involved in a grinding four-car crash last Thursday during the feature at Wisconsin International Raceway in Buchanan. Both drivers were taken by ambulance to Appleton Medical Center. Bock complained of back and neck pain. Pankratz suffered from hip, knee and neck pain. Both had X-rays and Cat-scans that were negative. They were released early Friday morning. Bock’s Dodge Intrepid was a total loss, but he bought a car on Sunday and hopes to have it ready for tonight. It will take a couple of weeks before Pankratz can get his Chevrolet Monte Carlo race ready. “I bought Brian Randerson’s car,” said Bock, of Little Chute, who was the fastest qualifier before being involved in the wreck. Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (07-1-04)
Touring Racing
Eddie Hoffman, of Wheaton, Illinois, won the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, Freedom 150 Saturday afternoon at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Hoffman took the lead on lap 59 and survived a late race push from Auggie Vidovich, of Lakeside, California by just .620-seconds to score his first triumph of the year. Midwest Series championship point leader, Justin Diercks, of Davenport, Iowa finished third. West Salem, Wisconsin driver Steve Carlson and Colorado Springs, Colorado native Kevin Clark rounded out the top five. Nascar Touring (07-31-04)
Joey Miller claimed his second consecutive Pikes Peak International Raceway Bud Pole fast qualifier award, Saturday afternoon for the running of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, Freedom 150. Eddie Hoffman will start second on the grid with a lap of 27.393 seconds (131.420 mph). Defending NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Northwest Series champion, Jeff Jefferson qualified third. Ray Skillman and Kevin Clark rounded out the top five. Nascar Touring (07-30-04)
August 3rd when the Nascar Touring Midwest Series rolls into Kaukauna Wisconsin there will be some big name drivers at the event. It was announced that Bill Elliot will be at the track as will a number of other drivers yet to be announced. (07-12-04) UPDATE: The other driver is Sterling Marlin. (07-25-04) UPDATE 2: They will compete in a 10-lap match race in cars driven by Fox River Racing Club Thursday night regulars. Elliott, 48, of Dawsonville, Ga., will drive the No. 05 Chevrolet Monte Carlo owned by Jim Kemkes and driven by Tim Rothe, while Marlin 47, of Columbia, Tenn., will race the No. 96 Monte Carlo, owned by Matt Maynard and driven by Rod Wheeler. Appleton Post Crescent (07-29-04)
When it was released that Ron Breese Jr. wouldn't be racing this season there were different stories going around. Some said it was due to no sponsorship and some say it was due to traction control being found on the car at the Toyota Showdown at Irwindale Speedway last year. We are told that Ron lost his Nascar license for the 2004 season due to what was found on the car at Irwindale Speedway. (07-25-04)
Blake Bjorklund, an 18-year-old series rookie, has narrowed the gap between himself and point leader Jeff Van Oudenhoven going into the next Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar late model race at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna Saturday night, August 21 at 7 p.m. Bjorklund finished second in both 100-lap Yellow Book USA features this past weekend at Fergus Falls Raceway and I-94 Raceway. Van Oudenhoven was third in both features and also did not qualify as well as Bjorklund did at the two Minnesota tracks. As a result Bjorklund has closed the gap from 146 points going into the "Minnesota Swing 2004" to 109 points after the two events. Press Release (with updated point standings) (07-25-04)
Sources tell us that EDS Motorsports, #45 Nascar Midwest Series team might not be running the full schedule this year. It appears as though the team will not run at Pikes Peak and will not race at the Road Course. As far as the rest of the schedule it appears as though everything is up in the air, as there could be a "shake up". (07-12-04) UPDATE: We understand the team will now head to Pikes Peak. (07-25-04)
Dan Fredrickson completed a Minnesota Yellow Book USA MARS weekend sweep by winning the Minnesota Governor's Cup 100 at the I-94 Raceway in Sauk Centre on Saturday night. Fredrickson led the final 78 laps of the 100 lap event. Blake Bjorklund finished second to Fredrickson for the second consecutive night. Current MARS Late Model Points leader Jeff VanOudenhoven finished the weekend with a pair of third-place runs. Press Release (07-25-04)
Justin Diercks, of Davenport, Iowa, won the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, Al Schill, Jr Memorial 150, Saturday night at Lake Geneva (Wis) Raceway. For Diercks, the win was his fifth of the season and extended his championship point lead to 30 points over West Salem, Wisconsin’s Steve Carlson. “This is just unbelievable,” said Diercks. “And the thing that makes it even better is that I usually see Steve in my mirror. He is the king of short-track racing, in my opinion, and to beat him is just awesome.” Nascar Touring (07-24-04)
Lester Buildings has reached an agreement with the American Speed Association to become the "Official Commercial Builder" of the ASA National Tour through 2006. As part of the arrangement, Lester Buildings will provide a building certificate worth $25,000 to be awarded to in 2005 and 2006 to the owner of the ASA National Tour championship winning team. Catchfence (07-24-04)
Veteran driver Dan Fredrickson out-dueled teenager Blake Bjorklund in the closing laps to win the 100 lap Yellow Book USA Midwest Allstar Racing Series Late Model event at Fergus Falls Raceway. In qualifying, five drivers met or broke the track record, with fifteen-year-old Andy Hanson establishing the new record of 16.36 seconds. An all-time high of 25 Late Models attempted to make the 20 car starting field. Press Release (07-24-04)
The Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar Late Model Series swings into Minnesota for two events with Jeff Van Oudenhoven of Kimberly, WI as the current point leader. The Yellow Book USA late models will run 100-lap features at both Fergus Falls Raceway and I-94 Raceway. Both tracks are 3/8-mile paved ovals. Total prize money and contingency awards for the weekend make it possible for one driver to take home as much as $7,740. The two tracks are located one hour apart in central Minnesota. Press Release (07-23-04)
Yellow Book Mid American Series point standings as of July 17th (07-23-04)
Appleton Memorial Shaping up! The $5000 to win Appleton Memorial on Sunday, August 8th is still adding to it's purse and contingencies. "The sponsorship keeps piling in and we are putting everything into the race", states Appleton Rack and Pinion owner Fred Appleton. For a race only being 100 laps this is definetly a racers race when it comes to the pay, and wear and tear on a car, states Appleton. Press Release (07-23-04)
SS Racing has announced today that they will enter the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for a limited schedule in 2004. Current plans are to run Indianapolis Raceway Park, Richmond and Martinsville. The entry will be newly purchased 2004 Chevy Silverado entered through an alliance with Green Light Racing. SS Racing (07-23-04)
John Vig Jr, driving the MTI Financial Ford,scored his second straight win in the Yellow Book USA Super Truck Series by nailing down first place Friday night at Raceway Park in Shakopee, MN in the 60-lap main event before a capacity crowd. Vig, who also races in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, won the 50-lap feature race two weeks ago at the I-70 Speedway. Press Release (07-18-04)
Jeremy Miller continued his hot streak in the Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Saturday night in front of a full house Elko Speedway by winning the 50-lap feature Miller, driving the Five & Drive Grand Prix, zipped inside Tom Schmitzer on the backstretch of the 3/8-mile paved oval to take the lead on lap ten. Press Release (07-18-04)
Jamie Iverson of Escanaba, MI and Tim Rothe of Appleton captured 50-lap Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar late model stock car wins at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna Saturday night before 3,000 fans in the 33rd annual Red, White & Blue State Championship Series. Rothe leads the overall Red, White and Blue points going into the series finale Saturday night, August 21 at WIR with 153 points. Prietzel scores Yellow Book USA Mid-Am win after top two finishers are disqualified In the Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car division, Bill Prietzel of Franklin won the Harold and Regina Vercauteren Memorial 30 Saturday night at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna after top two finishers Jeremy Miller of Rockton, Il and Shawn Utphall of Racine were both disqualified due to techincal violations, Miller's car was too low in a post-race inspection and Utphall's had illegal ball joints. Press Release - Full Racestat Results - Complete Point Standings (07-11-04)
Country Joe Racing announced today that 19-year-old Joey Miller will compete in selected ARCA and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races to round out the 2004 season with the Country Joe Racing team. Miller had been a Rookie of the Year candidate in the American Speed Association, but with the recent “restructuring” of the remainder of the ASA season, the team has decided to take the up-and-coming young racer in a different direction. “Our plans were to place him in some NASCAR Craftsman Truck races anyway later this year, which was above and beyond his ASA schedule. Now we are going to seek a ride for him in both ARCA and the Truck series. That will give him the visibility that he needs and the chance to race on some of the tracks that he needs to run on.” Country Joe Racing (07-9-04)
Steve Dale, current owner of ASA, has opened his books and poured out his heart to the series he loves. In the last few weeks, he has been honest about the current state of ASA and the financial difficulty it is in, but is it a little too much too late? If you are a competitor, finding out midway through the season that two of your races have been cancelled, your TV exposure has been cut in half and the money you will receive throughout the season has been cut, or all together suspended, is a bitter pill to swallow. And while most support the effort Dale and the series are making to reinforce the series, most also wish he were more “up front” from the beginning. In fact, some feel this honesty is ill-timed. Full Story at Speed51 (07-7-04)
Veteran Short Track racer Mike Cope says that in light of recent events surrounding the American Speed Association, he will cut back his schedule and focus on both running his race track (Bronson Motor Speedway, FL) and building a Super Late Model to run selected shows around Florida and the Southeastern part of the United States. Mike Cope Racing (07-7-04)
A major soft drink manufacturer met with ASA in their Pendleton, Ind., offices on July 1. Could their be an official soda pop of ASA soon? ASA Racing 'Lug Nuts' (07-5-04)
Ken Smith, owner of SS Racing, has indicated to ASA officals that he will run at least two cars in each of the National Tour events, and enter a third in selected races. ASA Racing 'Lug Nuts' (07-5-04)
Justin Diercks, of Davenport, Iowa, won the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, July Spectacular 150, Sunday night at I-94 Raceway. The win was his third of 2004 season. Wheaton, Illinois driver Eddie Hoffman and Lakeville, Minnesota’s Joey Miller rounded out the top five. The second place run by Darnell was made even more impressive by the fact that the run came behind the wheel of Hoffman’s backup entry. In practice, Darnell hurt the engine in his Chevrolet and called upon his Illinois neighbor’s spare. Nascar Touring (07-4-04)
The American Speed Association, the source of considerable speculation over the past several weeks, today unveiled its operating plan for the remainder of the 2004 season before an audience of team owners. Regrettably, the organization did cancel one event off the previously published schedule, the August 21 event at Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford, Maine. This was done in a mutual decision with the track owner, Bill Ryan. ASA Racing (06-30-04)
Congrats to Cory Podolski and the whole team on a 7th place finish in this past weekends ASA Late Model Series race at Tri-City Motor Speedway. (06-29-04)
Yellow Book Midwest Allstar Series point standings as of June 20th (06-29-04)
The 32nd annual Red, White and Blue State Championship Series for late model stock cars continues Saturday night, July 10 at the Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Qualifying begins at 5:15 p.m. with racing at 7 p.m. on the half-mile paved oval. The Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Cars will be competing in the 14th annual Harold and Regina Vercauteren Memorial Race. A five-foot tall traveling trophy will be presented to the winner along with up to $1,200 in cash and contingency awards. Press Release (06-29-04)
The Yellow Book MARS and local Miller Lite Late Model 100 lapper featured a mix of out-of-town drivers and local weekly racers from I-70 Speedway. Van Oudenhoven and Bates were joined in the top five by Royale, Sawyer and Wilson. Ron Hartford and Rick Carver finished 6th and 7th with very smooth runs as well. Late Model heat winners were Sawyer, Royale and Carver. I-70 Speedway (06-28-04)
Sources tell Speed 51 that Butch Miller was seen looking at Pro Cup cars in North Carolina. Makes you wonder if ASA is really done for if teams are looking for cars to run in a different series. (06-28-04)
Dick Trickle didn’t win Sunday’s NASCAR AutoZone Elite Midwest 200 at Wisconsin International Raceway as he hoped. The 62-year-old Midwest Racing legend qualified eighth and finished a respectable sixth in a car owned by Little Chute’s Tim Rothe, but he sure helped Steve Carlson, the guy who won. Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (06-28-04)