2004 News and Rumors

2004 News and Rumors - October

Dirt Racing

The promoter behind the stock car races held in Luxemburg has informed the Kewaunee County Promotions and Recreation Committee that he has rejected the committee's proposed per-event rent increase of $275 for the use of the fair grandstands. Lakeshore Motorsports Promotions, which in 2004 completed the third year of its five-year contract with the county, has been paying rent at $1,600 per evening of racing at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds. Green Bay News Chronicle (10-29-04)

Rumors have it that some kind of a shakeup could be happening at The Powercom Speedzone. The Powercom folks maybe looking at concentrating just on The Raceway at Powercome Park race track. (10-27-04) DENIED: The people at Wisconsin Motorsports who promote the races at both The Raceway at Powercom Park and Powercom Speedzone tell us there is no truth to this and that they will make 2005 stronger than ever. (10-29-04)

Fans battled the cold weather and lack of Hot Chocolate at the running of the Second Annual Indian Summer Classic on Saturday night. Coming home the WISSOTA Late Model Winner was Tim Buhler, The Modified Feature went to Wade Schutt, and Jeremy Christians cashed in for the Stock Car Feature. Lee Christjohn took home the winnings in the WISSOTA Street Stocks and Mark Arrowood took home the win in the Trucks. The WISSOTA Late Model Feature seen Rick Hanestad grad the lead, Tom Hassman second, and M.J. McBride third. Press Release (10-11-04)

Brad Mueller tells us he will run his first dirt race of the season this Saturday Night at Langlade County Speedway (Antigo). He will pilot the Suburban Harley Davidson #67 Dirt Works Modified. (10-04-04)

Fall has arrived and unfortunately that marks the end of the 2004 Interstate Racing Association points Championship chase. Mike currently sits a solid 2nd in the Championship standings. Be sure to stop out and watch this Saturday as Mike drives the Osborn and Son Trucking #80K to success in 2004! Team Press Release (10-04-04)

Simply put, the Fall Spectacular lived up to its name. Fueled by a record setting field of cars and exciting feature finishes, the curtain fell on the 2004 racing season in grand fashion Saturday night at the Luxemburg Speedway in Luxemburg. Despite dozens of visiting teams, all five features trophies went to drivers with plenty of Luxemburg experience. Wisconsin State Modified Champ Benji LaCrosse won a wild modified headliner, with other wins going to Shawn Kilgore in the stock cars, Fred Davister in the street stocks, Tony Schlei in the hobby stocks and Tyler Smith in the Sport 4s. A total of 174 cars packed the pits, comprised of 41 modifieds, 41 stock cars, 33 Sport 4s, 31 street stocks and 28 hobby stocks. Press Release (10-03-04)

Rain washed away a good portion of the first night of the Seubert Calf Ranches/Salmon Meats Fall Classic at Luxemburg Speedway. A total of 33 WDLMA late models were on hand, along with 38 IMCA-style modifieds, 38 IMCA-style stock cars and 33 street stocks on the first night of the two day event. The full program will be run on Saturday, October 2 at 5 p.m. Press Release (10-01-04)

Asphalt Racing

Reliable sources tell us that the owner of Lakepark Pub had a falling out with Greg Hauser a driver who he has supported for the last few seasons. We understand that the owner of Lakepark Pub has purchased the car that Mike King has built for his kid to run at WIR. Supposedly the owner will be putting this deal together and putting a driver behind the wheel whose only experience is racing 4 wheelers. This will be a limited late model deal for the 2005 season at Wisconsin International Raceway (10-29-04)

LTN Radio Network mentions that things at Wisconsin Dells Motor Speedway have taken a turn for the worse. We have all heard the rumors, but have kept from posting all them. You can listen to the Todd and Eddie Show and hear what is really taken place. Rumors are that Ho Chunk Casino might be buying the track. (10-27-04)

Sources tell us that Wisconsin International Raceway will hold a a large event on July 12th. This will be an event that will be promoted by Roy Kenseth and the new promoting company he has started. If this is the same event we have heard about than there are MANY things yet to be announced. (10-19-04) UPDATE: LTN Radio Network states that Roy will also rent the LaCrosse Speedway and run a race there this season also. (10-27-04)

Sources tell us that Dan Hansen is going to school at the same place Kyle Calmes is and that pretty much all Dan Hansen's equipment is up for sale. (10-26-04)

Sources tell us that they are hearing Jason Van Handel the 2004 Fox River Racing Club Sport Truck Champion has sold his truck and will be taking the 2005 season off. (10-26-04)

Sources tell us that Karl Moderson drive of the #94 Wisconsin Sport Truck has sold his racing equipment off and has retired. (10-26-04)

Wisconsin Sport Trucks held their banquet this past weekend and the following drivers won these awards: WIR Champion: #99 Jason VanHandel, Away Champion: #99 Jason VanHandel, Co Rookie of the year: #66 Jeff Van Handel and #02 Kyle Quella, Most Improved Driver: #82 Dustin Jaloszynski, Best Appearing Truck: #20 Scott Blomquist. (10-26-04)

Sources tell us that Terry Baldry will pilot the same #96 car he drove this past season for Maynard Motorsports, but his schedule will change as he will run at all Midwest Allstar Racing Series (MARS) Events in 2005. (10-26-04)

Sources tell us that Kyle Calmes and the whole Calmes Racing team will be racing down south for the 2005 racing season. With Kyle going to a Nascar college down south, the team has made the decision to race down south. These are all the details we have at this time. (10-10-04) UPDATE: We understand that nothing has been decided at this time, it all depends on where they could run the car down south otherwise they will most likely be back racing around here. (10-18-04) UPDATE 2: Sources tell us that Gary Natrop will pilot the #9 Limited Late Model that Kyle Calmes drove this past season. Kyle is in North Carolina attending a 52 week Nascar school. (10-26-04)

Promoters of Langlade County Speedway have announced the running of the 2nd Annual “Indian Summer Classic.” The race will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2004. Forest County Potawatomi and Fire-Up Fireworks will sponsor the race. After the racing festivities there will be a spectacular fireworks show! The show will include WISSOTA Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, WISSOTA Street Stocks, and Trucks. WISSOTA and IMCA rules apply with no claim. The top four will be teched, and there will be national WISSOTA points. The payout is over $40,000. There will be 24 cars in the feature plus one provisional. Draw and Redraw will be used. Press Release (09-26-04)

This Fox River Racing Club held their monthly meetings this evening and alot was discussed. Nominations were taken for Vice President and treasurer again. Matt Maynard who was nominated for vice president at the last meeting has since declined due to not being able to dedicate enough time and it wasn't fair to his race team or the whole club. Scott Vanderloop also declined the nominations. Jeff Zwiers was nominated for Vice President and he accepted while Scott Vanderloop was nominated for treasurer and he will think about it. Electronic Scoring was also discussed and apparently a local business has offered to pay for the equipment and software through sponsorship. (10-25-04)

2000 Lefthander with 2000 Monte Carlo body, ported motor, muncie tranny, winters quick change rear end, wide five hubs extra 8" and 10" rims, extra body parts, turn key asking $13000, call Gene after 8pm at 920-849-2078. (10-24-04)

Tom Gee Jr. tells us his Limited Late Model Championship Spec motor has been sold to Jeff Zwiers, the owner of the #24 driven by Nate Van Wychen this past season. Tom also tells us there are some other racing parts that he has available for sale on our message board classified ads. (10-22-04)

Sources tell us that John Ostermann is no longer running Norway Speedway. We understand John has been hired by some construction company to build and design race tracks in the UP. (10-18-04) UPDATE: We are told that John Ostermann's term for president was up and he didn't wish to run again. The new president is Gene ???? who works at Pepsi in Iron Mountain, MI. John Ostermann has been hired by Coleman Engineering. (10-19-04)

Sources tell us they are hearing that Kris Kelly and team maybe entertaining the thought of running weekly at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2005. (10-18-04) UPDATE: Now being told by team sources that the team has no plans of running weekly at WIR and has had no thoughts of it. (10-18-04)

About 260 people attended the Fox River Racing Club Banquet last night. Terry Baldry was crowned the Late Model Championship while Andy Monday won Rookie of the Year honors and the best appearing Late Model. Mike Gardner won the most improved driver award while Tom Hockers won the Can do award. John Meidam and Bob McDonald won Gift Certificates towards HANS Devices. Tom Gee Jr. was crowned the Limited Late Model Championship while Dan Hansen was named Rookie of the Year. Tom Gee Jr. won the best appearing car award while Kyle Calmes won the most improved award. Gary bock won the can do award and Nate Van Wychen and Dan Peterman won the gift certificates toward HANS Device. Pat Bruan won the 5 start stock car body. Andy Casavant named the street stock champion while Jason Meulemans was named Street Stock Rookie of the eyar. Terry Van Roy was awarded best appearing street stock while Larry Raygo was the most improved driver while Derke Rosek won the can do award. Bryan Monday was named Sizzlin Four Champion and had the best apearing Sizzlin 4. Terry Van Roy was crowned Figure champion while Jeff Wohlrabe was voted best appearing figure 8 car. Jason Van Handel was named the sport truck champion. Tom Hockers, Kevin Charles and Dan Vixmer each won a case of beer for their rollovers this past season. (10-17-04)

Received this and thought it might be of interest to some of you. Stone, Vos Inc. of Bristol, TN. has announced that they will be holding a Motorsports Marketing Seminar on November 20th in Lansing, Michigan. The seminar, one of the first to ever be held in Michigan is tailored to short track racers and will consist of a 4 hour comprehensive program designed to enhance racers marketing programs. Press Release (10-15-04)

After many years of owning and operating several different teams in northeastern Wisconsin, Jack Williams has decided to retire from racing due to personal reasons. The #49 Team and Ryan Manthei would like to thank Jack for giving them the opportunity to race week in and week out. Press Release We would expect this will also affect Terry Korth whose car was owned by Jack Williams. Watch for more details. (09-26-04) UPDATE: We are told that all equipment owned by Jack Williams is up for sale at this time. This will affect Terry Korth and Ryan Manthei whose cars are owned by Jack. We are told that a couple of people have already looked at Korth's car. The reason for getting out of racing has nothing to do with anything that took place at any racing event. It's a personal thing that can't be avoided at this time. (09-28-04) ONE CAR SOLD: Dan Harrell tells us his race team has purchased the car that Terry Korth drove the last 2 seasons at WIR. (09-30-04) 2ND CAR SOLD: Ryan Manthei tells us he has purchased the #49 car from Jack Williams Motorsports. (10-11-04)

The Tom Gee Motorsports team informs us that their team has made a two year deal with Mikel Bushmaker @ Five-Star Mortgage to continue to carry their colors and primary sponsorship for both the 2005 & 2006 race seasons as they make the step to Super Late Models at WIR. (10-06-04)

Sources tell us the Sunoco Super Series will be at Madison International Speedway on July 4th for the Miller Nationals. The Hooters Pro Cup Series will be visiting Madison International Speedway in September for their Championship Series event tape delayed on Speed Channel. (10-06-04)

Wisconsin International Raceway has released the dates of special event races for the 2005 season. Spring Opener - May 15th, Red Race - June 11th, White Race - July 23rd, Blue Race - August 13th. Watch for more details on other events and details as the offseason developes. (10-04-04)

Menard said he is not going to run at the Fairgrounds Speedway full-time in 2005, instead opting to run a number of other regional series like the MARS, the Wisconsin Challenge Series, and perhaps even a few NASCAR AutoZone Elite Divison, Midwest Series races. Menard said the driver of the other Menards Team car, Andy Burgess, might very well run for the championship at the Fairgounds Speedway next season. LaCrosse Tribune (10-04-04)

Sources tell us that there are NO planned changes at Mike Butz Racing for the 2005 season. The rumors of Andy Monday being replaced in the #01 car are COMPLETELY FALSE. Infact we are told that it looks as though Andy may get to run more races during the 2005 season in area touring series races. (10-03-04)

An update from Lake Geneva from those who are in the stands. Erik Darnell took fast qualifying honors this evening with Jamie Wallace, Jamie Iverson, Nathan Haseleu, Wayne Freimund and Donavan Morgan rounding out the top 6. Jamie Wallace won the fast dash with Jamie Iverson finishing 2nd. Tim Rothe and Gregg Haese are both at the race, but will have to race their way in. (10-02-04)

Touring Racing

Word circulating around the garage in Atlanta on Thursday is that ASA President Steve Dale has made good on the Lowe's Motor Speedway purse and recovered his equipment which was confiscated by track officials at Lowe's Motor Speedway two weeks ago. Jayski (10-29-04)

Justin Diercks, of Davenport, Iowa, capped off a dream season that saw him honored as the 2004 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series Champion, Saturday night at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. The title was the first for the 24-year-old Diercks. Justin’s dad, Steve, was honored as the championship car owner while Nick Carlson earned championship crew chief laurels. Russ Blakeley, of Palmyra, Wisconsin, accepted the Midwest Series Rookie of the Year award from Bud Porter, who was representing award sponsor AutoMeter. Nascar Touring (10-25-04)

19-year-old Joey Miller has three things he wants everyone to know; that he will compete with ARCA full-time in 2005; that he has intentions of winning races; and that he has his eye on the Rookie of the Year crown. This announcement, made Friday, expands on the news that Miller has formed a partnership with ARCA powerhouse Hagans Racing for 13 speedway races on the 2005 ARCA schedule. After much consideration, Miller will now compete full-time for the series' Rookie of the Year and National Championship honors. Country Joe Racing via Speed 51 (10-22-04

Richard Childress Racing is starting a driver development program just like many top Nextel Cup Teams are. Ed Cluka from the Todd and Eddie Show states that he heard Erik Darnell's name come up as one driver that is on Richard's list of drivers he is interested in. (09-29-04) UPDATE: Jayski is hearing that Erik is rumored to be one of 26 drivers participating in Roush Racing's Gong Show. All 26 drivers will run a roush racing craftsman truck and they will get it down to 6 drivers who will than test at another track before getting a shot at a ride with Roush. (10-22-04) UPDATE 2: Todd Kluever is another driver from the area that will be participating in the "Gone Show" for Roush Racing according to Jayski (10-23-04)

Rookie ASA driver Wade Day has informed Speed51.com that Appalachian Motorsports the team in which he drove for this season has closed their doors as of Friday. Speed 51 (10-20-04) UPDATE: Speed 51 is reporting that the team will run the race at Atlanta in hopes of getting their driver the Rookie of the Yar honors even though the team closed their doors. (10-22-04)

Todd Kluever will not run the ASA race in Atlanta scheduled for later this month. Speed 51 (10-20-04)

The ASA race at Atlanta will go on as planned, but the race will be shortened to 60 laps. Speed 51 (10-20-04)

By now, it is no secret what is going on in the ASA world. Financial problems plague the series. Unpaid bills run rampant. Unpaid teams are fed up. Things, so sad to say, are looking rather grim. But what does everyone have to say about this? No one really knows as everyone, from series owner Steve Dale to the series veteran drivers and owners, have been pretty quiet on the matter, hoping things worked out following a series of plans that were outlined earlier in the year. They sounded good on paper, but those plans fizzled just as quickly as they began. ASA's Future Still Uncertain Part 1 - Part 2 - Speed 51 (10-19-04)

ASA has had all of their assets repossesed following the Lowe's Motor Speedway event, in which the track is to pay the race purse. Following the Aaron's 99 of October 14, local and state law enforcement officers surrounded the ASA trailer and took possession of it, as well as the safety vehicles and the pace car. The future of ASA is uncertain to say the least, and the status for the final race of the season at Atlanta Motor Speedway is still up in the air, though at this point, competing that event would seem unlikely. Speed 51 (10-15-04) UPDATE: Our sources tell us rumors in the garage area at Charlotte and some NASCAR Nextel Cup races in previous weeks have Mark Martin and Ken Schrader interested in taking control of the series for the future. (10-15-04) MORE: As the rest of the teams returned their cars to the garage area, they saw they were not alone. Track officials, along with local law enforcement, quickly moved in and surrounded all of the ASA equipment, including the series' hauler, pacecar and several other vehicles and carefully watched all ASA employees while they broke down their equipment and loaded up. It started when track officials started moving in vehicles, including a boom truck, several large John Deere tractors, and even golf carts and other equipment and started parking them in front, around and behind the ASA tech truck, one of ASA's dually trucks, the series pace car and even the series new “safety truck.” Several officers and LMS officials closed in on the garage area and surrounded everything from the parts and equipment in the “tech area” and several even climbed behind the wheel of the ASA-owned cars. Speed 51 (10-15-04) REPOSSESSED: ASA's hauler, pace car, additional vehicles and other equipment were repossessed putting another nail in the coffin of the troubled sanctioning body. Racingone (10-15-04) UPDATE 2: Speedway president H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler stepped in and guaranteed the purse money to the teams that participated in the race, then after the race ended, he sent his track security officers and other workers to the ASA garage to secure the ASA's hauler and other equipment as "collateral." Thatsracin.com (10-16-04)

Drivers and teams are ticked off with ASA… again! Here’s the short story (we’ll get into the long one at some other time). For the third time this year, the series is not paying its race purses. The drama came to a head Wednesday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC, when many teams banded together to research a “boycott” of the inaugural event at the superspeedway. What happened instead was that teams rethought their approach for several different reasons. Kevin Cywinski was one of the ring-leaders of this well thought out potential boycott. Speed 51 (10-14-04)

Brian Hoppe, of Madison, Wisconsin, won the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, Oktoberfest 250, Sunday afternoon at LaCrosse (Wis) Fairgrounds Speedway. Hoppe dominated the race for his second victory of the season, leading 184 of the 250 laps that made up the Midwest Series finale. Steve Carlson, of West Salem, Wisconsin, took second away from Beach Park, Illinois driver, Erik Darnell, on the final circuit. Tim Schendel, of Sparta, Wisconsin and Eric Fransen, of West Bend, Wisconsin, rounded out the top five. Justin Diercks, of Davenport, Iowa, finished seventh in the 250-lap race and claimed his first career NASCAR Midwest Series championship, but it didn’t come easy. Nascar Touring (10-10-04)

Even though he grew up in Davenport, Iowa, surrounded by dirt-track racers, Justin Diercks quickly decided he preferred the fast, close-quarters action found on asphalt. Now he's just one decent finish away from his first NASCAR Midwest Series title, and soon Diercks could face an even bigger decision about where to race next. That winning has brought attention, including some feelers about moving up. Nothing is solid, but certainly Diercks hopes to get his shot in the Craftsman Truck Series or Busch Series and ultimately Nextel Cup. His path is the same one that worked for Matt Kenseth and Jamie McMurray, the Cup champion and top rookie in 2003. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (10-8-04)

Charlie Menard will be busy during the Oktoberfest Race Weekend, but he won't be driving in the longest race of the weekend — the Oktoberfest 250. Menard, the Kwik Trip Late Model track champion at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, as well as the Weekly Racing Series Midwest Region champion, said he could have borrowed Tim Schendel's AutoZone car, but decided he would be busy enough running a La Crosse Late Model and a Wisconsin Late Model car during the four-day event, which runs Oct. 7-10. LaCrosse Tribune (10-04-04)

Jonathan Eilen took advantage of Josh Bauer's misfortune to win the Yellow Book USA Mid-American Stock Car Series 45 Sunday afternoon at the Lake Geneva Raceway. Bauer set a new track record during qualifying runs among the 34 Mid-American cars on hand. He took the lead on lap 32 when he drove under Eilen in turn two. However, Bauer's motor let go on the final lap as he entered turn three. Press Release (10-04-04)