2004 News and Rumors - June
Dirt Racing
For 16 laps of Tuesday’s American Auto Sales Street Stock feature event at the Powercom Speed Zone Rich Garb was in his own league. A caution during lap 17 changed that, though, as Garb’s car failed to start when the field was reset and he was sent to the tail of the pack. That gave the lead to Dale Averkamp who settled into the top spot and then held on to win the 20-lap A-main event. Joe Roe of Winthrop Harbor, IL, topped the Interstate Racing Association sprint car A-main while Shawano’s Jasper Drengler was victorious in the Dirt Devil finale. Press Release (06-29-04)
After a couple showers slowed the program down on Friday night, the Feature Events were run on a smooth and very fast track. On hand were 27 WISSOTA Late Models, the biggest car count for that class this season! Gordie Seegert Jr. would come out the winner for the WISSOTA Late Model Feature, with Wade Schutt taking the top spot in the IMCA Modifieds. Larry Karcz Jr. would win an exciting IMCA Stock Car Feature Event, and Bruce Belland would take top honors in the WISSOTA Street Stocks. Sean Thayer would once again be the winner of the Truck Feature on Advantage Realty Night at the Races! Press Release (06-27-04)
In action at The Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Saturday night, John Stanton of Reeseville jumped into the lead at the start of the 20-lap Suburban Motors Harley Davidson/Buell Modified A-Main. Stanton, however, had the misfortune to lose his muffler and had to go to the pits when the caution flag waved on lap nine for an incident involving Rick Strommen of Beaver Dam and Jim Zdroik of Big Bend. Jay Schraufnagel of Beaver Dam had charged from his sixth row starting position to move into second on lap six. Press Release (06-27-04)
Thunderhill Raceway resembled an asphalt track on Saturday night after the competition was over. The smooth, glossy surface held throughout the night of a record turnout of IMCA Mods. In the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, Jeremy Jacobs sliced his way to his first 2004 win. Repeat feature winners included T Simon Jewelers IMCA Stock Car defending track champion Shawn Kilgore, May’s Sports Center IMCA Hobby Stock Keith Kickbusch, AmericInn Street Stock Aaron Thornton along with defending champ, Sport Four Ken Malcore. Press Release (06-27-04)
On lap #22, Kertscher drove his #80K deep into turn #3 to try a slide job on his mentor, but Mock powered back under Kertscher out of turn #4 for to regain the lead. Entering turn #1 on the next lap, Mock drove his #1M deep into the turn and while trying to diamond off the corner, the car just wouldn’t stick. As the car bicycled, Mock spun, ending his bid for the win and turning the lead over to Kertscher. Scott Neitzel, who recovered from early race tire problems followed Kertscher across the finish line with Scott Uttech finishing 3rd. Press Release (06-27-04)
De Pere's Doug Maurer came out on top of a see-saw battle with Green Bay rookie Tim Van De Hei to capture the Robinson Metal mid-season championship IMCA modified feature at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night. Maurer collected $1,100 for the victory, his first of the year. total of 38 IMCA modifieds were on hand, along with 33 IMCA stock cars, 16 IMCA hobby stocks and 18 sport fours. Press Release (06-25-04)
Race fans at Luxemburg Speedway will be able to see their local heroes as well as the Milwaukee-area racers from the Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association (WDLMA) when the dirt late models roar into town for the Springborn Racing/Razor 94.7 FM 40 at Luxemburg Speedway on Sunday night, July 11. Both WISSOTA style-cars and the UMP-type machines that competed weekly at the now defunct Hales Corners Speedway will be able to compete together under a common set of rules. Press Release (06-21-04)
Antigo Stock Car, Inc has announced that the starting time will be moved up by fifteen minutes. The new start time will be 7:15 P.M. This is due to the increasing car counts and the addition of the IMCA Stock Cars. This will give the track more time for racing, thus not having to cut any races short due to the curfew of the track. Press Release (06-21-04)
All Hail the New King of WI Sprint Car Racing! Steve Meyer outlasted the persistent challenges from Kurt Winker and Kurt Davis to claim the crown Saturday night at the Wilmot Speedway in front of the venue’s largest crowd of the season, as the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series honored one of it’s own fathers, Wayne Daun, on this Father’s Day weekend. It was a night for the underdogs as Scott Uttech picked up his first career fast time award in front of his hometown crowd by turning a lap of 13.984 seconds as the 15th car to trip the timing light. At the drop of the green, pole sitter Steve Meyer took the early advantage, but that was the only advantage that Meyer enjoyed as Kurt Davis was glued to Meyer’s rear bumper nearly the entire event. At the two-thirds mark of the 30 lap event, Davis and Winker stepped their efforts up as both got by Meyer while battling each other. Meyer retook the lead while in traffic and would be able to maintain a margin over Winker and as the checkered flag flew, you could literally feel the relief as Meyer ended a 2 year absence from victory lane, claiming the crown as the King of WI Sprint Car Racing! Winker finished 2nd with Davis settling for third. Joe Roe would finish 4th with brake problems while Scott Uttech used a late race charge to finish 5th. Press Release - Point Standings - IRA sprints (6-21-04)
Saving the best for last, Wayne Johnson established the new track record at the Kankakee Motor Speedway as the next to last car out to qualify out of 40 cars on hand, turning the track in 11.600 seconds. Jason Johnson (LA), was the final car to time just missed the fast time with a lap just .047 slower. Heat Races went to Johnson, Jason Johnson (LA), Joe Roe and Terry McCarl. Jason Johnson (WI) and Mike Kertscher split the B-Mains. The feature appeared to be all Terry McCarl, as the pole sitter leader seemed to have things well in hand until dropping from the event on lap #13, turning the lead over to new track record holder Wayne Johnson. Johnson would suffer damage to his front end however, while working lapped traffic, ending his bid for a clean sweep. Danny Smith would inherit the point and lead for the remaining remaining laps, but Jason Johnson (LA) who spun on lap #8 and was relegated to the rear, was on a mission. A final restart set up a green-white-checkered finish as the 30 lap event closed. Smith would lead the final ¾ lap, by Johnson, having disposed of lapped traffic, used the top of the track and made a slingshot pass on the outside of Smith exiting turn #4 for the checkered flag. Press Release - IRA sprints (6-21-04)
A full grandstand witnessed some great racing action at the Speedway on Friday night. The track was a little rough from the previous week Off-Road races, but the drivers did their best as well as track personnel to make the show as smooth as possible. Gordie Seegert Jr was the winner of an exciting Late Model Feature with Wade Schutt taking the IMCA Modified Feature. Shannon Volkman was the winner of the IMCA Stock Car Feature with Gary Kasperek taking the win in the WISSOTA Street Stock Division. And to finish out the night, Sean Thayer won the Truck Feature for the fourth week in a row. Press Release (06-20-04)
Defending 2003 track champion, Todd Dart worked his way to the front of the Budweiser IMCA Modified feature event Saturday night at Thunderhill Raceway with surgical precision. It was the first feature win of the season for the Algoma driver. In the T Simon Jewelers IMCA Stock Car main event, Dave Bouche chalked up the win. Denmark’s Tom Brumlic took home the May’s Sports Center IMCA Hobby Stock feature event checkers for a second consecutive race night. Jeremy Wiitala won the AmericInn Street Stock feature and Ken Malcore won the Sport 4 main. Press Release (06-20-04)
Over one hundred and thirty cars were on hand for the Charter Communications Customer Appreciation Night at The Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI on Saturday night. Fifty-six modifieds took to the track in pursuit of the $500 to win and increased purse throughout the A-Main field.Jay Schraufnagel of Beaver Dam moved up quickly from his fourth row starting position to take over the lead on lap three of the Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson/Buell 20-lap Modified A-Main. Schraufnagel went on to capture his second win of the season. Press Release (06-20-04)
Little Suamico's Danny Deau led every lap en route to scoring his first 25 lap IMCA modified feature of the season at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night in a race that went caution-free. Deau also won a $300 bonus put up by one of his sponsors. A total of 37 IMCA modifieds were on hand, along with 33 IMCA stock cars, 17 IMCA hobby stocks and 15 sport fours. Press Release (06-18-04)
The Powercom Speed Zone will take Tuesday night, June 22nd off as Country USA takes over the Sunnyview Expo Grounds. Action will return to the track on Tuesday night, June 29th, with the Interstate Racing Association sprint cars headlining the card. Press Release (06-15-04)
Oshkosh driver Benjamin Brinkman skated around the Powercom Speed Zone Tuesday night and in the end he ended up the winner in the 20-lap Budweiser Modified A-main to highlight action at the 1/3-mile clay oval. Winneconne’s Tim Doehling topped a wild Miller Lite Grand National A-main, Eric Barth of Sauk City drove to the win in the Gibbsville Cheese Legend Cars, Jeff Jahnke won the American Auto Sales Street Stock finale, and Jasper Drengler of Shawano was the A-main winner in the Corporate Signs Dirt Devil division. Press Release (06-15-04)
Steve Kinser snapped Danny Lasoski’s three-race winning streak in Saturday’s hard-fought World of Outlaws Sprint Series “A” Feature at The Raceway at Powercom Park. “The King of the Outlaws” drove his #11 Quaker State Maxim past front-row starter Daryn Pittman early in the 32nd lap and led the final 7 2/3 laps for the first victory of his career at Beaver Dam’s 1/3-mile oval. Kinser’s eighth main event victory of the season increased his advantage in the World of Outlaws Sprint Series standings to 135 points over Lasoski. Press Release (05-14-04)
Recent wet weather across NE Wisconsin helped Sturgeon Bay’s Thunderhill Raceway put on a great show on another great track Saturday night at John Miles Park. Second year Budweiser IMCA Mod driver Benji LaCrosse won his second feature event of the season with Matt Junio taking a nail-biting win in the T Simon Jewelers IMCA Stock Car main event. Illinois veteran Tony Schlei held off a late-race challenge to take home the May’s Sports Center IMCA Hobby Stock feature event. Rookie Todd Polster won the AmericInn Street Stock main and Chad Williams won his second feature in the Sport Four class. Lakes Gas sponsored the night’s events. Press Release (06-13-04)
More than three inches of rain that had fallen within a three day period forced officials at Luxemburg Speedway to cancel the Seubert Calf Ranches Battle of The Burg III for dirt late models this evening. The event was to be the first ever at the track for the newly-formed Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association (WDLMA). Press Release (06-11-04)
Luxemburg Speedway track officials have announced that Gary Webb of Blue Grass, Iowa will compete in the Seubert Calf Ranches "Battle of The 'Burg III" Friday night, June 11. The 40 lap feature will pay $1,750 to the winner and will feature the first appearance of the Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association (WDLMA). The series blends together WISSOTA-style cars and UMP-type machines. During a career spanning 34 seasons Webb, a two time NASCAR regional champion, has racked up more than 500 career feature wins at 65 different dirt ovals across the United States. Press Release (06-08-04)
Jeremie Hedrick won a spirited battle over Brian Mullen and Jay Schraufnagel to win the 20-lap modified feature at the Powercom Speed Zone Tuesday night. The victory for Hedrick was his first ever at the track and marked the first time this season he had won a main event at any area track. Hedrick was stripped of a win earlier this season due to a post race infraction at the Shawano Speedway. Press Release (06-8-04)
A full pit area, a large crowd, and warm weather was the story in Antigo on Friday night. A pit area of 21 WISSOTA Late Models, 40 IMCA Modifieds, 16 IMCA Stock Cars, 17 WISSOTA Street Stocks, and 13 ASCI Trucks, made for great racing action on an almost summer-like night. The WISSOTA Late Model Feature went to Luke Roffers, Eric Scribner came home the winner of the IMCA Modified Feature, while Jeremy Christians was the winner of the IMCA Stock Car Feature Event. Scott VanProoyen brought the “57 Chevy” to Victory Lane in the WISSOTA Street Stock Feature, and Sean Thayer was the winner of the ASCI Truck Feature. Press Release (06-08-04)
Point Standings for Langlade County Speedway as of June 5th have been posted (06-8-04)
Points standings for Luxemburg Speedway as of June 4th have been posted. (06-8-04)
In the action packed Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson/Buell Modified 20-lap A-Main, Nick Woods of Beaver Dam grabbed the lead at the start. One lap later, Jim Zdroik of Big Bend wrestled his way into the top spot. With the rest of the field dicing it out for position, Brian Mullen of Seymour picked his way up through the pack from his seventh row starting position. Press Release (06-06-04)
With two rainouts from May in the history books now, Thunderhill Raceway fans enjoyed some of the best weather and racing action of the young season on Saturday night at John Miles Park with five exciting racing divisions. Northland Steel sponsored the night’s events. In the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds, Dan Ratajczak, aka “Frog Station Flash” was the winner of the 20-lap feature event after a daring three-wide move through the middle with five laps to go. Press Release (06-06-04)
Defending track champion Brian Mullen of Seymour grabbed the lead on lap three and carefully threaded his way through lapped cars to score the caution free, 25 lap IMCA modified feature win at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night. Kewaunee's Shawn Kilgore scored a clean sweep for the second straight week, passing Mike Franzke for the lead on a lap one restart and holding off Travis Van Straten to collect the 22 lap IMCA stock car feature of the season. Algoma's Ed Anschutz matched Kilgore's feats by sweeping action in the IMCA hobby stock division. Press Release (06-05-04)
Brooke Tatnell became the first repeat winner on the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint tour for 2004, and he did it with back-to-back wins as a substitute driver. With regular shoe Tyler Walker busy with Silver Crown and NASCAR Busch Series comitments, car owner opted to try for the duece with Tatnel after sweeping Jackson the week before. Although he didn't get the sweep, he did find victory lane in front of a packed house at Superior Speedway. Kim Mock set the pace in time trial, turning a lap of 13.338 seconds (101.215 mph), besting Ricky Logan by just .002 seconds. Heat race winners included Scott Uttech, Ricky Logan, Scott Biertzer and Shane Dayney while Kim Mock took the B-Main. Joe Roe set the early pace while Tatnel disposed of those ahead of him and quickly advanced to the second spot. Lap #13 saw a hair-raising double flip on the front stretch involving the #29 of Leigh Thomas and #4B of Scott Biertzer. Both climbed from their wrecked cars unscathed, but finished for the night. Tatnell worked lapped traffic effectively and pulled away from Roe by nearly a straightaway until getting squeezed by a lapped car, enabling Roe to make up some distance. Once clear of traffic, Tatnell powered on the the $2500 win in the 30 lap event in front of a cheering crowd. The first Austrailian to register a win at the Superior Speedway. Press Release - Point Standings - IRA sprints (6-05-04)
"Memorial Day Weekend (Part #1)" by Paul Pittman recaps the rainy (windy lousy etc!) IRA holiday race weekend. (06-01-04)
On a night when most people basicly wrote off any chances of trying to get a race event in, the track crew at the Jackson Speedway never said die and were determined to get the show in. It paid off as a field of 32 cars braved the strong winds and threat of rain to compete at the 3rd annual IRA/NMRA Competition on Saturday night. Brook Tatnell, subbing in Guy Forbrook's Wirtgen #5, set a new track record as the 11th car out to time with a lap of 16.523 seconds. Tatnell then took control of his heat race en-route to a sweep of the night's event. On the subsequent restart, the field was turned loose only to be stopped when Chad Meyer took a wild end-over-end flip down the front stretch while John Haeni also took a wild ride on the backstretch. Meyer walked away gingerly from his wrecked car, as did Haeni, who was later transported to the local hospital for observation. Tatnell got by Dobmier on the restart with Travis Whitney waiting in 3rd until the engine expired in his #9, brining out the caution. Tatnell would hold off Dobmier for the win, sweeping the night's affair with pole sitter Steve Meyer holding off a charging Mark Toews for 3rd and 4th respectively. Because of impending weather, the feature winner celebration was held off to allow the completion of the program. The series moves to the Echo Valley Speedway on Saunday night, May 30th for night #2 of the annual Memorial Day Weekend, which will also air live on the Sprint Car Network. Press Release - Point Standings - IRA sprints (6-01-04)
Although he lives in Cross Plains near Madison, Oconto Falls native Tim Lemirande considers himself a "northerner" when the dirt late models will converge at Luxemburg Speedway Friday, June 11 for the third annual "Battle of the 'Burg" sponsored by Seubert Calf Ranches of Dorchester, WI. The event marks the first time the fledgling Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association (WDLMA) will make a stop at Luxemburg Speedway. Press Release (06-2-04)
Continued heavy rainfall during the past week has left the Powercom Speed Zone under water and forced track officials to cancel the racing action Tuesday night, June 1st. It marks the first time in track history that back-to-back weeks have been scrubbed due to wet weather. The greater Oshkosh area received over nine inches of rain during the month of May making it one of the wettest months on record. The entire Sunnyview Expo Grounds is currently saturated. Press Release (06-1-04)
Asphalt Racing
Congrats to Matt Derricks who won his first race in a Late Model at Norway Speedway. Matt moved up from the street stocks at WIR to the Limited Late Model division at WIR and the Late Model division at Norway Speedway. Matt started 3rd row outside for his heat race and made all five passes on the outside and went on to take the win! (06-29-04)
Even under threatening skies and cool weather, the return of short track racing legend Dick Trickle lived up to all of the pre-event hype that it was given. The attendance at the speedway broke modern day record and another appearance by Trickle has already been planned for next year. However, Jamie Iverson of Hyde, Michigan, continued his domination at the speedway by recording a clean sweep for the first time in many years. Press Release (06-27-04)
Weekly competitor Dennis Rabas surprised a solid field of Yellow Book MidAmerican stars to win the 50 lap feature Saturday night at the 141 Speedway in Francis Creek. First time winners were the story of the night as Bruce Conard took his intital win of the season in Super Stocks, Paul Ray was a victor in the Mini-stocks, Matt Reinke won the Hobby Stock headliner and Terry Koenig bested a big Sport 4 field. Press Release (06-26-04)
Jamie Iverson had a clean sweep last night at Norway Speedway. Jamie set fast time, came from the back of the dash to win that and came from near the back of the feature to take the feature win. I believe this makes it 4 for 4 this season at Norway for Jamie. (06-26-04)
Last season there were rumors about plans that Wisconsin International Raceway had for improvements for the track. These were plans that we reported on, in which the track would be repaved. We understand from sources that the track will not be repaved, but new lighting will be put up at the end of the season instead. (06-26-04)
We are told Stan "The Man" Gracyalny was back at Wisconsin International Raceway last evening. Good to hear that Stan is doing better after facing some serious health problems. (06-25-04)
Team sources tell us that Todd Verhagen is finishing up his car and hopes to make the White race his first race of the year. They are hanging the body on the car and the motor is almost done. They plan to run the white race and 5 races after that this year. (06-25-04)
Thursday Night at Wisconsin International Raceway there was an accident that took place in the Limited Late Model feature which sent Gary Bock and Jack Pankratz to the hospital. Gary Bock posted on our message board that he is ok, but sore and that he spoke with Jack Pankratz and he appeared to be ok. People who had a chance to look at Gary Bock's car said the right side of the frame was bent, the center section was bent, the seat was bent, the steering shaft was bent and it appears that the motor was cracked. Team members of Jack Pankratz tell us the car is destroyed. (06-25-04)
Calmes starts up front and stays up front by Appleton Post Crescent (06-25-04)
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)
The 50-year-old Omro veteran was moved up from second to first when apparent winner Jim Duchow was disqualified because, in post-race inspection, his car was underweight, according to Fox River Racing Club secretary Mark Derricks, who is also the late model pit stewart. “He ran a great race and you hate to see that happen,” said Derricks. “But rules are rules and he’s not above them. After the race, his car did not pass the minimum weight requirement.” Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (06-25-04)
This evening was Children's Hospital Night at the races at Wisconsin International Raceway for Thursday Night Thunder. In Late Model action it was Lowell Bennett taking fast time with a lap of 19.421. Heat winners this evening were Keith Romenesko and Mike Gardner while Jamie Iverson took the fast dash win. In the feature event it was Jim Duchow taking the win followed by Terry Baldry, Rod Wheeler, Jeff Van Oudenhoven, Tim Rothe, Lowell Bennett, Andy Monday and Jamie Iverson to round out the top 8. In post race inspection Jim Duchow was found to be light on the scales and was disqualified. In Limited Late Models it was Gary Bock taking fast time with a lap of 20.375. Heat winners this evening were Jim Ebben and Pat Braun while Gary Natrop took the fast dash win. In the feature it was Kyle Calmes taking the feature win after starting on the front row; top 6: Kyle Calmes, Chris LaRocque, Jay Kassera, Callin Harrell, Nate Van Wychen and Tom Gee Jr. We understand Nate Van Wychen was found to be light on the scales after the races and was disqualified. There was a serious accident that involved many cars this evening which severely damaged the cars of Gary Bock and Jack Pankratz who were both taken to the hospital. Those that had a chance to look at the cars tell us they are both total losses. In Sport Truck action it was Jason Van Handel taking fast time with a lap of 16.310. Heat winners were Dan Vixmer and Tyler LInd. Todd Schutte was your feature winner this evening. More information and updates to come in the morning. (06-24-04)
When Rick Sweere decided limited late model racing was not for him, Pete Berken got a call. And when Berken didn’t want to do it any more, Tom Spierowski did. So far, Spierowski has been making the most of the opportunity. After a bad start last season, the 42-year-old Neenah driver recovered to finish fourth in Fox River Racing Club points. Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (06-24-04)
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dennis Piepkorn, Wisconsin International Raceway's Flagman and his family with the loss of his brother David. David Theodore Piepkorn “Popcorn,” 58, Little Chute, died unexpectedly Tuesday, June 22, 2004, at Appleton Medical Center, Appleton. Obituary (06-24-04)
Our thoughts go out to past Fox River Racing Club President and Figure 8 racer MIke Bunnel and his family due to the death of his wife this morning. Mike's wife has had diabetes since she was a teenager and has undergone a couple kidney transplants. (06-21-04) UPDATE: Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 24, 2004, at the Kessler Funeral Home with Rev. Roy Geenen officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. Thursday until the time of the service. Obituary (06-22-04)
There were no special attractions on Econo Foods night at Norway Speedway this past Friday. There was just good, exciting stockcar racing. Jamie Iverson of Hyde, MI might be enjoying one of his best seasons ever. He took fast time and finished third in the dash and feature at W.I.R. on Thursday night before coming to Norway. Here, he was the fast qualifier and won the feature event from the rear of the field. Iverson has won 3 of 5 feature events this season in the Pepsi Late Model division. Press Release (06-21-04)
Just a couple of weeks following his big MARS Late Model win, Blake Bjorklund kept his home track winning streak intact as he won the 40 lap Minnesota Late Model Challenge Series Feature at the I-94 Raceway in Sauk Centre. This was the third race of six scheduled for the Minnesota Late Model Challenge Series, which races at three different tracks throughout the state. Press Release (06-20-04)
Bob Schultz of Reedsville took the his second win of the year in the Mid-American feature race Saturday night at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek. In the Super Stocks point leader Randy Van Roy needed a borrowed ride to maintain his advantage over the field for the year. Jesse Behnke of Brillion took his first feature win in the Hobby Stocks outrunning fourteen year old Maxwell Schultz to the checkered flag. The Sport 4 class saw Bryan Monday take the victory over Jesse Sheffer and Rachel Gauger who were second and third respectively. Press Release (06-20-04)
Roy Kenseth can admit to making mistakes. But Madison International Speedway's promoter isn't long for living with them. Thus, after lackluster car counts so far this season, the half-mile Town of Rutland track has decided to eliminate its Midwest Sportsman division. The track also announced a rule change in its super late model division. Those cars will now only be allowed to run a two-barrel carburetor, and the track will enforce a two-tire rule, effective June26. The desired effect is to allow drivers to race more economically and competitively. Wisconsin State Journal (06-19-04)
It was just like old times Thursday night at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. The fans were back, and so was Lowell Bennett. In his first Fox River Racing Club event in more than two years, the 46-year old Neenah driver held off 10-time track champion Terry Baldry to score a very popular win in the 30-lap late model feature before about 3,000 fans, the largest crowd of the season. It took a concerted effort from the club officers to get Bennett to come back after he left in a huff following a dispute with club officers after the third race of the 2001 season. “Mark Derricks, the club vice president, came out to see me and he seemed like he really cared,” Bennett said. “Then Brandon Blashe, the president, called me. We worked out some issues, and that’s all I wanted anyway. I’m a racer, I love racing, and its fun to be here.” Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (06-19-04)
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)
Dan Fredrickson, picked up where he left off a couple of weeks ago by winning the 40 lap Minnesota Late Model Challenge Series race at Fergus Falls Raceway. Twenty of Minnesota’s best Late Model drivers took the green flag, with veteran driver Larry Button taking the lead. Press Release (06-19-04)
Lowell Bennett made the return to Thursday Night a big one as he took the Late Model feature win holding off Terry Baldry. Jamie Iverson took fast time this evening while Mark Schroeder took the dash win. In Limited Late Models it was Andy Kluck who took a hard fought win over Jay Kassera. This was the first feature win for the new crate engines. Unfortunately we don't have an further results then this as I was asked to fill in for a track personel that was not able to make this races this evening. Time didn't allow for me to write down any results. (06-17-04)
Dark skies and cool weather did not discourage 1351 people from attending the Scotty’s Muffler night at Norway Speedway this past Friday night. Maybe it was Doug Rose and his Green Mamba Jet meltdown that kept everyone warm and stunned the crowd for the 13th season in a row. But, the racing was just as hot as the defending track champion Kris Kelly of Norway won both of his races in a dominating fashion. Press Release (06-13-04)
We understand Wisconsin International Raceway announcer Carl King will retire from announcing at least on Thursday Nights after this week. (06-13-04)
Jimbo Schleis edged Don Wood to capture his first Super Stock feature win of the season Saturday night at the 141 Speedway in Francis Creek. oining Schleis in the winner's circle were Jason Sand in the Mini Stocks, Allen "Gator" Trudell in the Hobby Stocks, Sport 4 driver Jesse Sheffer and Jason Van Handel in the visiting Sport Truck class. Press Release (06-13-04)
Jim Duchow is off to a great start in the Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar late model racing series, but a terrible start at his home track, Wisconsin International Raceway. Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (06-10-04)
Join us this evening at Wisconsin International Raceway for Thursday Night Thunder. This evening is Round 1 of the Budweiser/WAPL Triple Crown Series which consist of extended features in both the Late Model and Limited Late Model divisions. Qualifying gets under way around 5 with racing at 7PM. (06-10-04) RACES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED FOR THIS EVENING. (06-10-04)
Bob Danes and Brent Strelka have been rubbing fenders on the track for the past three years at Wisconsin International Raceway. At first, it was in the Fox River Racing Club’s limited late model division. Then, last year, they tied for rookie of the year in late models, finishing tied for 16th. Neither minded sharing the honor. Strelka even preferred it that way. Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (06-10-04)
For years the Auto Value Challenge Series has brought together the best drivers from Upper Michigan and Wisconsin and last Friday night at Norway Speedway was no exception. Jim Duchow, driving the Lamers Motorsports Ford Taurus, won the Pepsi Late Model dash over Bob Menor of Wausaukee, Wisconsin. Iverson went on to win the $1,000.00 with Menor, Duchow, Kelly, Dave Adams, and Ryan Manthei rounding out the top 6. Press Release (06-06-04)
Jeff Zwiers tells us he is in the process of putting together a late model to run later this season. The chassis and parts are from Kemkes Racing's car from last season. Jeff tells us he will run the White and Blue race and some other races later in the season. Jeff Zwiers will be the driver for this season, perhaps Nate Van Wychen could move up next season. (06-04-04)
It has been a long time coming for truck driver turned late model racer John Meidam. “They said we were crazy when we did this three years ago,” said Meidam, who went straight to late models after several years of competing in the Wisconsin sport truck class. Thursday night, Meidam showed that he made the right move by winning his first Fox River Racing Club feature before a crowd of 2,800 at Wisconsin International Raceway. Full Story Appleton Post Crescent (06-04-04)
Rod Wheeler always says that he races for wins and not for points. Thursday night, he proved it. Although he’ll take a big hit in the point standings, Wheeler of Hortonville skipped the Fox River Racing Club late model race at Wisconsin International Raceway to attend the graduation of his daughter, Kristi, from Neenah High School. Rod and I had an agreement with this,” said Matt Maynard, who owns the 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that Wheeler drove to victory in the club’s last race on May 9. “You can only go to a daughter’s high school graduation once. Family comes before racing.” Full Story Appleton Post Crescent (06-04-04)
Watch for some interesting news about one area race track, the rumor this evening is that the track has been aquired by the bank. We have not been able to confirm it, but reliable sources tell us that it has already taken place. (06-04-04)
The Fox River Racing Club had a great evening for racing and a great crowd was on hand for the races. In Late Model action it was Terry Baldry taking fast time with a lap of 19.475. In the fast dash it was Mike Gardner taking the win over JJ Smith while Troy Nelson and John Meidam took the heat wins. In the semi feature it was Troy Nelson taking the win over Frank Kreyer who just barely held off Keith Romenesko. John Meidam took the feature win, his first win on a Thursday night in 3 years of trying. Top 10: 1. John Meidam, 2. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 3. Terry Baldry, 4. Eddie Muenster, 5. Dave Fieler, 6. Terry Korth, 7. JJ Smith, 8. Mike Gardner, 9. Andy Monday, 10. Tim Rothe. In Limited Late Models it was Tom Spierowski taking fast time with a time of 20.308. Tom Gee Jr took the fast dash when while Dan Peterman and Chris LaRocque took the heat wins and Eric Thompson took the semi feature win. Tom Gee Jr. took the lead from Andy Kluck with a few laps left and went on to take the feature win. Top 4: 1. Tom Gee Jr., 2. Kris Kelly, 3. Gary Natrop, 4. Tom Spierowski. In Sport Truck action it was Jason Van Handel taking fast time with Andy Wilquet and Todd Schutte taking the heat wins. Charlie Haven took the semi feature win while Todd Schutte took the feature win over Jason Van Handel and Dan Vixmer. Note: Rod Wheeler was not in attendence this evening as his attended a graduation of one of his children, Callin Harrell drove the car for a few laps in the semi feature. Brian Randerson made a return to WIR this evening. Don Dix had a problem with the motor in his #1 Late Model before he took any practice laps and didn't race this evening. (06-03-04)
Touring Racing
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)
Sunday’s NASCAR AutoZone Midwest 200 didn’t go exactly according to plan for Dick Trickle’s return to Wisconsin International Raceway. In his first visit since 1999 to the track where he won seven Red, White and Blue State Championships in the 1970s and 80s, Trickle believed he had a car that could win the race. Early on, it looked as if he might be right. In the second practice session, his silver No. 99 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was two-tenths of a second faster than everybody else. Full Story in Appleton Post Crescent (06-28-04)
Steve Carlson, of West Salem, Wisconsin, captured his second NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series win of the season, Sunday afternoon, at Wisconsin International Raceway in the running of the Midwest 200. In doing so, Carlson reassumed the series championship point lead. Nascar Touring (06-27-04)
The 32nd annual running of the Keith Fleck Miller 100 will be a memorable one in many ways. Charlie Menard of Eau Claire, WI led a barrage of drivers that shattered the previous Pavement Late Model record at Hawkeye Downs by a substantial margin. Menard turned the ‘Downs half-mile in 18.302 seconds, besting the previous record of 19.047 which was held by former Miller 100 winner Steve Carlson of West Salem. WI. 1. Menard 2. Justin Diercks 3. Steve Carlson 4. Jeff Van Oudenhoven 5. Johnny Spaw 6. Ryan Manthei. Hawkeye Downs Fairgrounds (06-26-04)
Dirt track racing star Chase Austin of Eudora, KS will make his paved track racing debut Saturday night, June 26 at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, Mo as part of the Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar Late Model 100 on the high-banked half mile. Austin, who has already signed a NASCAR contract, will face a stiff test from some of the Yellow Book USA Series drivers and regular late model competitors at I-70 Speedway. Press Release (06-25-04)
SPEED51.COM CONVERSATION WITH STEVE DALE - Dale Talks about the Current State of ASA. (Part One of Two) (06-23-04) Dale Talks about What the Future Holds For ASA - Part 2 (06-25-04)
The top drivers from the Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar late model stock car series will square off against the top drivers from Iowa and other states when the Miller 100 is held Friday night, June 25 at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids. Practice on the half-mile paved oval begins at 5 p.m. with qualifying at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. It will be the first appearance ever of the 600 horsepower Yellow Book Midwest AllStar cars at Hawkeye Downs. Two of the three top series drivers have never raced previously at Hawkeye Downs. Press Release (06-21-04)
Jeremy Miller of Rockton, IL is the man on the move in the Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series headed into the Firecracker 50 Saturday night, June 26 at the 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, WI. The "Rockton Rocket" has won the last two Yellow Book USA events with the Five & Drive Auto Sales 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. Press Release (06-21-04)
Bill Prietzel of Franklin, WI leads the Yellow Book USA Mid-Am Super Truck point standings going into a 50-lap race on the high banked half-mile at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO Saturday night, June 26. Racing begins at 7 p.m. The program includes the Yellow Book USA MARS late models and several other divisions. Press Release (06-21-04)
Justin Diercks, of Davenport, Iowa, made it two NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series wins in a row, Saturday night at the LaCrosse (Wis.) Fairgrounds Speedway with a dominating performance in the Kwik Trip Glazers 150. Diercks led all but one lap and cruised to a 2.297 second victory over West Salem, Wisconsin’s Steve Carlson. Sparta, Wisconsin’s Tim Schendel, Beach Park, Illinois driver Erik Darnell and Eric Fransen, of West Bend, Wisconsin rounded out the top five. Nascar Touring (06-20-04)
Jeremy Miller roared to victory in the Lynch Chev Pontiac GMC 40 Saturday night at the Lake Geneva Raceway before one of the largest crowds of the year. It was Miller's third career win in the Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series behind the wheel of the Five & Drive Auto Sales Grand Prix. Press Release (06-20-04)
Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) introduces the formation of a driver development program. The Sherrills Ford, N.C. based team, which already fields winning NASCAR Busch Series cars and competitive NEXTEL Cup cars with experienced drivers, will now field cars in the American Speed Association (ASA). They will compete in a limited number of events in late 2004 with plans to field a two-car team for the entire 2005 schedule. Jayski (06-18-04)
The top 16 drivers in the 2004 Yellow Book USA Stock Car Series point standings are all expected to compete in the Lynch Chev-Pontiac-GMC 40 Saturday night, June 19 at the Lake Geneva Raceway. Practice begins at 4:30 p.m. followed by time trials at 5:45 p.m. and racing on the one-third mile paved oval at 7 p.m. Late Models and super stocks will be included on the program. Press Release (06-18-04)
The American Speed Association today announced the cancellation of the July 4 ASA National Tour event at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colo. The reason given was anticipated event sponsorship did not materialize in time. ASA Racing (06-18-04)
In celebration of Father’s Day, former ASA and current NASCAR Busch Series driver Johnny Sauter has a special gift in mind for his dad, Jim. He’s fielding a truck for him to race in the “Black Cat® Fireworks 200” at The Milwaukee Mile on Friday night, June 25. ASA Racing (06-18-04)
But two weeks after the coming LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway event, (Tim) Schendel's driving career will take another giant leap forward when he'll make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at the Milwaukee Mile. Nascar Touring (06-18-04)
On behalf of the late George Appleton and the rest of the Appleton family we are very happy to announce the running of the 6th annual Appleton Memorial at Grundy County Speedway in Morris, IL on Sunday August 8th. Fred Appleton and the Promotions Group has joined forces with the well known local Ford dealership "Rod Baker Ford" of Plainfield, IL and its owner Rick Baker for a multi year agreement to sponsor the annual memorial. Press Release (06-15-04)
Terry Baldry emerged as the overall winner of the first race in the 33rd annual Red, White and Blue State Championship Series for Yellow Book USA late model Saturday night at the Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Baldry, a former Red, White and Blue and Yellow Book USA champion, held off a late charge from Jeff Van Oudenhoven to win the second 50-lap feature race by four car lengths. Lowell Bennett, John Meidam and Rod Wheeler rounded out the top five. Early leader Terry Korth came home in sixth. Press Release (06-13-04) UPDATE: Complete Racestat Result and Complete point standings (06-14-04)
Jeremy Miller never saw Wisconsin InternationalRaceway's half-mile paved track before Saturday night, but the Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series Series rookie adopted quickly as he was declared the winner of the 30-lap feature race Saturday night at the Kaukauna raceway. Press Release (06-13-04)
Word in the pits is that Dave Sensiba, the 1994 National Tour Rookie of the Year, is working on a deal that would put him in an ASA Late Model Series car for the rest of the season. Don't be surprised to see his name on an entry list as soon as the Grundy County Speedway race. ASA Lug Nuts (06-10-04)
Lug has heard rumors that a current Indy 500 driver is looking to move to stock cars, with the ASA National Tour high on the radar screen. This driver is quite well known among the fans and media. ASA Lug Nuts (06-10-04)
Jeff Van Oudenhoven of Kimberly will be the defending champion when the 33rd annual Red, White and Blue State Championship for late model stock cars gets underway Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Press Release (06-10-04)After reviewing the engine combination rules for the June 19th Twin 100's. Grundy County Speedway made a few minor changes to it's weight rules to better satisfy traveling drivers from the Wisconsin area utilizing the Ace motor. Press Release (06-10-04)
When the Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series hits the pavement on the half-mile track at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna Saturday night at 7 p.m. there will be many new faces in the field of drivers from a five-state area. The Mid-American cars join the Yellow Book USA MARS Late Models and the FRRC Limited Late Models in a three division program at kaukauna as the 33rd annual Red, White & Blue State Championship begins its 2004 run. Press Release (06-10-04)
NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series officials have penalized Jon Reynolds Jr., crew chief for the No. 60 Ford driven by Ryan Hanson, after a rules infraction at the June 5 Midwest Series event at Colorado National Speedway. Nascar Touring (06-8-04)
Justin Diercks scored his third career NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series win by taking the Auto Trader 150, Saturday night at Colorado National Speedway. Diercks took the lead after running side-by-side with Brian Hoppe for nearly 10 laps in the events waning stages. Once he was able to clear Hoppe, Diercks stretched his lead and took the checkered flag 1.879 seconds ahead of Hoppe. Ryan Hanson, Steve Carlson and Rick Carelli rounded out the top five. Nascar Touring (06-8-04)
Yellow Book Midwest Allstar Series point standings as of June 6th (06-8-04)
Blake Bjorklund recently graduated from high school and after a making a late race pass, Bjorklund graduated to a new level on the track as he won the Yellow Book USA MARS Late Model 100 lap feature at the I-94 Raceway in Sauk Centre. That surge in momentum set up a drag race coming out of the final turn and Bjorklund took the lead exiting the final turn to beat VanOudenhoven to the line with Dick right behind the top two. Press Release (06-06-04)
Donnie Woller loves coming to the I-94 Raceway and he has yet another reason to do so as he won the Yellow Book USA MARS Super Truck race. Art Christoffersen and Kyle Bauknecht fought it out on the opening lap, with Bauknecht taking the lead. Christoffersen and John Froelich tangled out of turn two, to bring out the race’s only caution on lap two. Press Release (06-06-04)
Speculation in the garage at Charlotte over the weekend is that Martin Truex Jr. will move to a DEI Cup seat next year, with his replacement in the Chance 2 Busch team likely being a current ASA National Tour "young gun." ASA Racing 'Lugnuts' (06-02-04)
The 33rd annual Red, White and Blue State Championship for late model stock cars is slated to begin Saturday night, June 12 at the Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Competition in the Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar Late Models will be highlighted by twin 50-lap feature races on the half-mile D-shaped paved track with qualifying at 5:05 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m. The Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Cars will make their first 2004 appearance at the Kaukauna track with the Graphix Products 30. Other divisions include limited late models, four cylinders and figure 8 cars. Preliminary races will be included in the late model, limited late and Mid-American divisions. Press Release (06-04-04)
A top Nextel Cup driver is on the verge of acquiring two ASA National Tour cars and is planning on fielding a team as a car owner, perhaps even before the end of the 2004 season. ASA Racing 'Lugnuts' (06-02-04)
Yellow Book Midam American Super Truck point standings as of June 2nd (06-2-04)
When a person thinks of short track racing they not only think about the excitement of the sport, but also the legendary names that come with it. On June 19, at Grundy County Speedway in Morris, Ill., some of the best drivers in Late Model racing will be tackling the 1/3-mile track for the Terry's Automotive Group Twin 100's. In one day, the fans can see both the American Speed Association's newly-developed ASA Late Model series and the Chicagoland Late Models compete in 100-lap events, some drivers attempting both races. What makes this race so big? Let's ask Twin 100 promoter Steve Einhaus. Press Release (06-2-04