2005 News and Rumors - April
Dirt Racing
Opening night at the Luxemburg Speedway was highlighted by some awesome on track action. The chilly crowd was thrilled by an IMCA modified duel between Jared Siefert and Benji LaCrosse. Siefert eventually came out on top as the checkered flag flew. LaCrosse finished a close second with Dart, Mike Klenz, and Eddie Muenster rounding out the top five. Press Release (04-30-05)
This Saturday night, April 30th, Forest County Potawatomi Thunderhill Speedway is set for their season opener, which is sponsored by WDOR. This year will mark the 13th season for Thunderhill Speedway. In action will be the IMCA Modified, IMCA Stockcar, IMCA Hobbystock, Street Stock, Thunderbomb, and 4 cylinder classes. Press Release (04-28-05)
This Saturday, (April 30th), will mark the 46th year the Interstate Racing Association went trackside to open a racing season. This year's site will be the half-mile at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series will headline the affair, with support from IMCA-style Modifieds. Press Release (04-28-05)
Team Owings Motorsports of McHenry, IL has announced that it has acquired the assets of Ebler Motorsports of Gurnee, IL including the services of long time IRA driver Fred Ebler for the 2005 season. "This will be my last year driving, and I wanted to go out with a bang," said driver Fred Ebler. "By combining our resources, I will have a very good chance at a Top 10 points finish. Press Release (04-28-05)
The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series officially gets underway this coming Saturday night, April 30th, at the Dodge Co. Fairgrounds Speedway. The "Horsepower Half-mile" is the site for the annual Rick Schmidt Memorial and gets the IRA's point season into full swing. Press Release (04-25-05)
Track officials from Luxemburg Speedway are busy preparing for the season opening stock car race on Friday night, April 30 for KICKS 104.9 FM night. 2005 will mark the fourth season that Lakeshore Promotions has headed up the weekly, Friday night program at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds. Racing on the third-mile, clay oval begins at 7 p.m. Press Release (04-24-05)
The roar of engines filled the air Saturday afternoon at The Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, WI as cars took to the track for the first time this season. The event was the first of two inspection/practice days scheduled at the track. The second inspection/practice day will take place on Saturday April 30. The inspection/practice days are very valuable to the drivers and their teams as it allows them to have their cars go through the inspection process prior to the first racing event of the season. Press Release (04-24-05)
Racing at Shawano Speedway has been cancelled for this evening due to the weather. (04-23-05)
"I Love the Smell of Methanol in the Morning..." By Paul Pittman (04-18-05)
With the threat of rain throughout the area, the familiar sound of 410 sprint car motors filled the air of Oskaloosa as the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series sanctioned the 3rd Annual Searsboro Telephone "Spring Classic". Wayne Johnson bested the field in time trials as the final car out by turning a lap of 15.876 seconds, edging out last year's quick qualifier Kerry Madsen. Heat race wins went to Travis Whitney, Mike Kertscher and Mike Moore and Ricky Logan picked up the season's first B-Main win. Press Release (04-18-05)
Thunderhill Speedway track officials have announced that a car show and practice day will be held at the third-mile, clay oval on Saturday, April 23. Press Release (04-16-05)
Joe Verdegan column: Area season to begin at Shawano. (04-15-05)
The 3rd Annual Searsboro Telephone "Spring Challenge" is ready to kick off the 2005 racing season for those who have endured a long off-season in the mid-west. Sanctioned by the Interstate Racing Association and promoted by McTwo Promotions, the "Spring Challenge" brings together the best of the Knoxville Raceway and the top teams of the IRA for a one night stand at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa (IA) for $2500 to win. Press Release (04-12-05)
"School Is Now In Session!" By Paul Pittman (04-11-05)
Luxemburg Speedway track officials have announced that a car show and practice will be held at the third-mile, clay oval on Friday, April 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. The car show and practice are open to driver's in any divisions. Cars can be put on display on the midway behind the grandstand beginning at 4:30 p.m.. The practice session for all divisions will commence at 6 p.m. Press Release (04-6-05)
One of the most anticipated open wheel racing events of the season in the state of Wisconsin kicks off the season at the Raceway at PowerCom Park on Saturday May 7. For the second straight season the track will host a USAC Valvoline National Sprint Car Series, and National Midget Car Series doubleheader. Press Release (04-5-05)
After a long winter's rest, 2004 Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series Champion Scotty Neitzel is ready for the green flag, signalling the chance to defend his title. "We intend on running for the championship again but also want to run some outside shows again which we did not do last year to only concentrate on the championship," stated Neitzel. Press Release (04-5-05)
Asphalt Racing
A big thank you from Roger to all club members and drivers who came out and helped paint the bleachers. When working together as a club alot can get done! In 4 1/2 hours all the bleachers were completed with 100 gallons of paint! The painted bleachers make a big difference! (04-30-05)
We have posted a picture of both Rich Loch's Late Models that he will run this season at Slinger and at all area track specials. Photo Gallery (04-29-05)
We understand Callin Harrell will run a number of the Thursday Night races at Wisconsin International Raceway in the Late Model Division. (04-29-05)
What lap times will it take to make it into the dash in the Late Model division this season at WIR? We understand that teams were turning 19.2's and 19.3's on old tires while testing at the end of last season. (04-29-05)
We're told that there were 3 cars practicing on Tuesday Night at Wisconsin International Raceway including Jeff Van Oudenhoven in the #8 Mike Butz Racing car. (04-29-05)
We are told the bump going in turn 1 on the half mile at Wisconsin International Raceway will be ground off before the season starts. All the cracks will also be filled in. (04-29-05)
The new lights have arrived at Wisconsin International Raceway today. The new lights will be getting put together tomorrow and installed over the coming weeks. (04-28-05) UPDATE: The brackets were being put up today and starting next week the lights will be going up. It appears there will be 4 large globe lights on EVERY pole. Even the poles that had no lights, will now have 4 lights. The track should be bright when it is completed. (04-29-05)
After returning on a semi regular basis last season, Lowell Bennett will return to Wisconsin International Raceway weekly. Lowell will also run all the special events at WIR. Lowell Bennett Motorsports (04-28-05)
Mike Gardner and team have announced their 2005 sponsors and their schedule for the season. Team plans to run Thursday Nights at WIR and the Red, White and Blue Series along with the June special at WIR. Gardner Racing (04-26-05)
Loch-Lagina Motorsports is pleased to announce the implementation of the “One fan at a time back to the stands” program as our way of increasing awareness of some of the greatest short track racing at our local speedways and to encourage all local race teams to support the tracks we race at and help bring fans “back to the stands”. Press Release (04-26-05)
Jeff Zwiers tells us that the Late Model that Nate Van Wychen will pilot this season is a former Tim Rothe car that was last raced 2 years ago. The car is a 99 Lefthander which they brought down and had updated with all 2004 updates. The car will be powered by Goodwin's house motor from last season. (04-25-05)
Sources tell us that when Carl Edwards comes to WIR this season for the June 21st special event that he will pilot a car for Lamers Motor Racing. This will be one of the cars that Jim Duchow will race this season. (04-25-05)
There isn't a whole lot to report from the Fox River Racing Club meeting that took place this evening. Electronic scoring will not be used during this season, but is still being discussed for upcoming seasons. There is a deal being worked on right now that could bring electronic scoring in the coming years. All the Thursday nights are sponsored for the season except the season opener. (04-25-05)
We understand super stock driver Terry Miller will be moving up to Limited Late Models full time at WIR this season. Were told the team has registered the #6, at this time we don't know what car Terry will be driving. (04-24-05) UPDATE: Terry Miller has purchased the Limited Late Model car that Nate Van Wychen drove in 2004 for Zwiers Racing. Terry also bought the motor that Tom Gee Jr. raced last season from Zwiers Racing. The car will be a Dodge Intrepid body and will carry the #7. (04-25-05)
Rod Wheeler is honored to announce his 2005 sponsorship with Athena Group. Athena Group is a IT consulting, Data management and Internet Service Provider located in Appleton. Together they will make a fast pair on and off the track. We also would like to welcome Keith Kuchenbecker Construction and C&J Northside Auto. Watch for future sponsorship announcements and 2005's schedule coming soon. (04-24-05)
Mother Nature will be the only one taking on the high banks of Slinger Super Speedway this weekend. With strong winds and high temperatures forecast in the 40’s the choice was made to postpone the weekend activities. Both the Saturday practice and Sunday Miller Lite Twin 75 lap features are rescheduled for next weekend. Press Release (04-23-05)
Been told the #8 of Mike Butz Racing will once again carry Time Warner Cable sponsorship for the 2005 season. The paint scheme of the car is black with florescent red. (04-22-05)
We hear that Mike and Matt Butz will be helping out the #36 team of Tom Gee Jr. this Saturday for the opener at Jefferson. The team hopes to make their first Super Late Model Feature on the tight quarter mile. (04-22-05)
MIS April E-News By John Wells (04-21-05)
Gary Bock tells us he will be back at Wisconsin International Raceway in the Limited Late Models with the same car as last season. (04-21-05)
Weekly Tuesday night practice sessions begin April 26 at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna, WI. The half-mile and quarter-mile tracks will be open for one at a time stock car practice at 3:30 p.m. The practice sessions run until darkness. Press Release (04-20-05)
We have added a picture of Gregg Haese's car that he will run at WIR this season. Photo Gallery (04-19-05)
Jason Schuler has gotten back into the race car building process and will race weekly at Madison International Speedway. Todd & Eddie Show (04-19-05)
A new column from John Ostermann (04-18-05)
Thoughts and prayers to Brandon Blashe, the Fox River Racing Club president and his family on the lost of Brandon's grandmother. Obituary (04-18-05)
It sounds like Terry Korth will get to do some racing this season afterall. At the conclusion of the 2004 season Terry car owner for the last couple of years decided to get out of racing. We understand Terry will run some races at Plover and possibly the Red, White and Blue Series. He will be driving a car for Pat Williams, the brother of his last car owner. We hear it could be a car that Pat Williams purchased from Mike Butz Racing, that was used as a backup car. (04-18-05)
Stay tuned through the weekend as we might have some interesting news to post. (04-14-05) UPDATE: The Monday Motorsports team will be purchasing the car we raced last season for Mike Butz Racing. It is in the best interest of both Mike Butz Racing and Monday Motorsports for the change to take place. Our plans our to race the entire WIR Schedule including the Red, White & Blue Championship Series, as well as the two Wisconsin Challenge Series events at WIR. Message Board (04-18-05)
After a great showing in 2004 Slinger Super Speedway has invited Limited Late Models back for five events in 2005. The Limited Late Models first race will be Sunday afternoon May 8th. Press Release (04-17-05)
The Late Model that Terry Baldry will pilot for Maynard Motorsports weekly at Wisconsin International Raceway this season will be on display at Shopko Hall in Green Bay this Saturday the 9th for the "Big Event For Kids." Event hours are from 9-5, pictures will be posted when made available to us. (04-6-05) UPDATE: A picture of the car has been posted in our photo gallery. (04-15-05)
Slinger Super Speedway opens for the 59th consecutive year April 24, 2005 with the Miller Lite Twin 75’s. Late Models will headline the event joined with the Midwest Modified and Midwest Sportsman divisions. Gates will open at Noon, time trials at 1:00 pm, and racing at 2:00 pm. This year Slinger will welcome back fans with a reduced opening day admission price. Press Release (04-13-05)
Monday Motorsports and Michelle Becher (Andy's Sister) have started the Monday Motorsports Fan Club. More Information (04-11-05)
We hear that Matt Martin, (son of NASCAR driver Mark Martin) may very well race at Wisconsin International Raceway for a special event in 2005. We understand that it was up to the insurance company if they would make an exception for one night. (03-1-05) UPDATE: Sources tell us there was some talk, but that it won't happen. (04-8-05)
Countdown until the 2005 Fox River Racing Club Season Opener. (03-30-05)
The NBC26 limited late model owned by Dennis and Scott Stabane and driven by Kyle Bauknecht will be on display at the Tri- County Home and Garden show April 8-9-10. Stop out at the Tri County arena and meet Kyle and check out the great home and garden busineses on display. (04-8-05)
We understand Andy Monday won't be racing at Dells Motor Speedway this weekend as the team had planned. (04-8-05)
Team sources tell tell us Brent Strelka will run weekly at Wisconsin International Raceway along with running all the specials. The team will be launching a website in the coming days. (04-8-05)
Some guidelines for the ACE Engine from the alliance group (04-6-05)
We are told that Keith Romenesko has purchased the engine that was in the #1 Late Model at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2004. Keith plans to run the new motor in his Late Model at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2005. (04-6-05)
Certification day will be held at Madison International Speedway on Saturday, April 23. All certifications for the 23rd are on a first come first serve basis. The pits will be open from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. There will be no on-track activity on the 23rd. Press Release (04-5-05)
Jamie Iverson and the Iverson Motorsports team will once again race weekly at Wisconsin International Raceway. Jamie will pilot a brand new car which sits atop a new Pathfinder chassis. The car that has been run the last couple of seasons will be run at Norway Speedway weekly. We are told there will be at least one night that Jamie will miss at Norway Speedway in which you could see a past driver behind the wheel. The team will carry some new sponsorship for the 2005 season, watch for details in an upcoming press release. (04-4-05)
Norway Speedway Column by John Ostermann (04-4-05)
Jason Meulemans of Appleton was the "survivor" of the 300 lap compact car enduro race Saturday afternoon at 141 Speedway at Francis Creek. Meulemans started on the pole and spent the first twenty laps battling Todd Hebel and Jim Brooks for the lead. However on lap 21 incidental contact with a lapped car sent Jason to fifth place handing the lead to Brooks. He would lead until lap 39 when David Beyer came to the front . Press Release (04-3-05)
When NASCAR made some sweeping changes in its Weekly Racing Series format over the winter, Charlie Menard nearly made some changes of his own. Menard's plan to run the Wisconsin Challenge Series, the MARS series and some ASA Late Model races at Madison, Hawkeye Downs (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), West Salem and Illiana Speedway (Schererville, Ind.), in addition to about a dozen races at the Fairgrounds Speedway this summer still stands. La Crosse Tribune (04-2-05)
Monday Motorsports welcome's aboard Harley Davidson of Appleton as a new sponsor for the 2005 Racing Season! Andy Monday.com (04-1-05)
Touring Racing
Veteran racers Peter Cozzolino of Indianapolis, IN and Paul Paine of Mound, MN have both filed entries for the American StockCar League opener Saturday night, April 30 at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO. Cozzolino has entered the McDonalds Monte Carlo while Paine will drive the Justice Brothers Car Care Monte Carlo. Paine just completed a deal with his car owner Tuesday to run the entire schedule in the newly organized series. Press Release (04-28-05)
When many of the former ASA National Tour teams compete in the American StockCar League opener at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO Saturday night at 7 p.m. they will find procedure changes designed to reduce caution flag laps. Press Release (04-25-05)
Stock Car Classics Drivers List (04-23-05)
Appleton Rack and Pinions has posted $2,000 in contingency awards for the top three point finishers in the 2005 American StockCar League (ASL) standings. The certificates of $1,000 to first place and $500 each to second and third place for Appleton products will be awarded at the series banquet Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Leathem Smith Lodge in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Press Release (04-23-05)
A few small changes have been made to the final schedule of events for the opening race of the newly organized American StockCar League at I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO to give competitors the maximum amount of practice time. Press Release (04-23-05)
Former ASA Competitors causiously optimistic about ASL - Speed 51 (04-22-05)
Sunoco 92 octane racing fuel has been named the official fuel of the American StockCar League (ASL). The fuel will be distributed by Schwanke Racing Engines of Springfield, MN and will be available in 55 gallon plastic containers beginning at the ASL opener Saturday night, April 30 at I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO. Press Release (04-21-05)
A final tire test at I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO in preparation for the initial race of the newly organized American Stock Car League (ASL) went extremely well Wednesday, April 20. The opening race, a 150-lapper, is scheduled Saturday, April 30 at 7 p.m. on the high banked I-70 Speedway half-mile paved oval . Press Release (04-21-05)
2005 Mid-Am Super Truck Drivers List (04-20-05)
2005 American StockCar League Drivers List (04-20-05)
Intercomp has been designated the scales of the American StockCar League. The Minneapolis, MN based company provides teams with chassis setup, scaling and alignment products. Press Release (04-17-05)The Joie of Seating custom designed racing seats of Concord, NC has announced a contingency program for drivers competing in the American StockCar League (ASL), Mid-American Stock Car Series, Midwest AllStar Racing Series (MARS), Mid-Am Super Trucks and Stock Car Classics. Press Release (04-17-05)
Rick Beebe, a former competitor in both the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Busch Series, is among the early entries for the American StockCar League's first ever race at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO Saturday night, April 30. Beebe will drive a 2005 Ford Taurus sponsored by Lennox, Collis Equipment, Redline Oil, and Beebe Heating and Air Conditioning. Press Release (04-17-05)
Sharp Racing of Rockwall, TX has selected Georgia racing whiz Jonathan Davenport to drive their Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the newly formed American StockCar League (ASL) which opens Saturday night, April 30 at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO at 7 p.m. Davenport, who is expected to compete in six NASCAR Craftsman Truck races this year for Sharp Racing, had an incredible 105 feature wins in Legends Pro Series races in the span of four years. Press Release (04-16-05)
Sunoco, the official fuel of NASCAR, has increased its support of NASCAR racers across the nation. Beginning in 2005, Sunoco will sponsor the rookie of the year award in seven different NASCAR regional racing series. At the end of the 2005 racing season, a total of $15,000 will be paid to the top rookie drivers in the NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch North Series, the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series, the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and in each of the four series that comprise the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division (which includes the Midwest Series, Northwest Series, Southeast Series and Southwest Series). Nascar Touring (04-14-05)
Amercian Fabricating Company (AFCO) of Boonville, IN has announced contingency awards totaling $1,500 for the Midwest AllStar Racing Series (MARS) late models, Mid-American Stock Car Series and Mid-Am Super Trucks. Press Release (04-14-05)
Veteran NASCAR Auto Zone Elite division driver Ron White of Springhill, KS is headed to the Mid-Am Super Truck Series in 2005 with a brand new Chevrolet truck sponsored by At Most Energy. Press Release (04-13-05)
One of Florida's top young late model stock car drivers has entered the American StockCar League opener Saturday night, April 30 at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO. Jay Middleton of Lake City, FL will be driving the North Florida Medical Sales & Pharmacy Dodge Intrepid in the 150-lap feature on the high banked half-mile paved oval with racing beginning at 7 p.m. Press Release (04-13-05)
Andrew Morrissey of DeForest, WI has been named the driver of the Terry's Automotive Group Ford Taurus for the American StockCar League (ASL) 2005 season beginning Saturday night, April 30 at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO. "I plan to run the entire ASL schedule and race as much as possible at MIS and Slinger," Morrissey said. "I want to run the Red, White and Blue MARS races at Wisconsin International and make some of the NASCAR Auto Zone events," he concluded. ASL-Midamracing.com (04-12-05)
Officials of Mid-American Stock Car, Inc. have announced that the popular Royal Rumble Mid-American Stock Car vs. Super Truck race will return to the half-mile paved track at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna Tuesday night, Aug. 2 as part of the Tuesday Night Shootout. The event will be highlighted by the American StockCar League (ASL) 150 race. ASL-Midamracing.com (04-12-05)
Mid-American Stock Car Series drivers are invited to attend open practice sessions at the 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, WI Saturday afternoons, April 16 and 23 from 2 to 6 p.m., according to track owner Matt Rowe. Press Release (04-11-05)
The Swiss Colony will be the primary sponsor for Bryan Reffner, allowing him to pursue the championship in the newly formed American StockCar League (ASL) beginning Saturday night, April 30 at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO. "Reffner MotorSports will race the full ASL series this year with The Swiss Colony as its primary sponsor," said team spokesman Jayson Edmunds. Press Release (04-11-05)
Roy Kenseth, Promoter of RK Race Promotions has announced that NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Carl Edwards will be competing in the Factory Motor Parts/AC Delco All-Star Challenge event. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 21st at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Pres Release (04-8-05)
Midwest Series "Leftovers" from Rockford - Speed 51 (04-8-05)
"It's an endless battle looking for sponsorships," said Craig Bjorklund, an Isanti, Minn., business owner whose son, Blake Bjorklund, 20, has been burning up Midwest racetracks for the last few years. The younger Bjorklund has plans to drive in about a half-dozen races this year in NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series, but he might not make it if he can't find a sponsor. Star Tribune (04-6-05)
Some guidelines for the ACE Engine from the alliance group (04-6-05)
Much like many of the other drivers throughout Wisconsin, Rich Loch will make his 2005 debut in the Wisconsin Challege Series "Dash for Cash 100" at Dells Motor Speedway. After appearing at the Wisconsin Dells, WI track for the first time since early 2003 on last Saturday's practice, Loch and the Loch-Lagina Motorsports crew are happy with the performance of their race car. Press Release (04-4-05)
Justin Diercks, of Davenport, Iowa, won the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series Spring Classic 150, Sunday afternoon at Rockford (Ill.) Speedway. Diercks inherited the lead on lap 30 when leader Dave Finney, of Sycamore, Illinois, crashed on a restart and held off a determined Josh Vadnais, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Nascar Touring (04-3-05)
Jeremy Miller pulled off a final lap pass to get around leader Mike Skaja and went on to win the Mid-American Stock Car Series 2005 opener at the Rockford Speedway Sunday afternoon. Skaja, in a rare Mid-American appearance at the Rockford quater-mile paved oval, led the first 49 laps of the race before Miller squeezed inside for the lead as the two cars darted past the finish line. Press Release (04-3-05)
Nathan Haseleu, of Arlington, Wisconsin, captured the Bud Pole fast qualifier award for the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series Spring Classic 150, Saturday evening at the Rockford (Ill.) Speedway. The event kicks off the 2005 season for the Midwest Series. Nascar Touring (04-3-05)
The (Nascar Midwest) series' schedule also is shorter so far this season. As of this week only eight races were scheduled, which is about four or five below normal. However, series officials are hoping to add a couple more soon. After this weekend the series will have two months off before resuming action June 4 in Denver, and then nearly another two months off until its next race July 23 at Pikes Peak International Raceway. Rockford Register Star (04-2-05)
Justin Diercks surprised everyone -- including himself -- last year when he captured the NASCAR AutoZone Midwest Series championship. The Davenport, Iowa, driver won six of 13 races and earned 11 top-10 finishes to clinch his first title. "When you go from winning zero to one races (a season) to winning six ... that's pretty amazing," he said. "It was a dream season for us." Rockford Register Star (04-2-05)