2005 News and Rumors - February
Dirt Racing
The soon-to-be-renamed Seymour Tri-Oval Raceway has scheduled a tentative opener of Sunday night, May 22. A practice is slated for May 15. However in light of the current track conditions many doubt if that will take place. Recently a unanimous vote was taken by NEW Dirt club members to stockpile new clay and put it on the recently reconfigured oval next spring. However one of the board members apparentlytook it upon himself to put the clay on the track over the snow, which has upset quite a few people. "We'll be lucky if we'll be racing by the end of June," said one NEW Dirt board member."There are no lights, no fencing, no guardrail. Things are a mess right now."Among the new names being tossed around for the now high-banked, third-mile clay oval are Cyclone Raceway or Cyclone Speedway. Joe Verdegan Column (02-10-05) Sources tell us they have spoken with the promoter of the Seymour track and he states everything is on according to plan. The track will open on the same date that appears on their schedule. (02-25-05)
A decade of time invested, a lifetime of memories returned. Over the past ten years, Seubert Calf Ranches has built a name in Dirt Late Model Racing that has become arguably one of the top sponsors in the nation. With a diverse selection of teams, drivers, and cars, Mike and Julie Seubert have helped many racecar drivers; both dirt and asphalt alike fulfill their goals on and off of the track. And now, Mike and Julie Seubert are announcing their “farewell tour” this season. Press Release (02-20-05)
The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series are proud to release their schedule for the 2005 racing season, marking the 46th year of sanctioning for the all dirt winged/410's of the Interstate Racing Association. Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts & Service Centers will again be the series title sponsor, while United Trailers is back on as an associate series sponsor. Thirty-four race dates at twenty-one upper midwestern venues within a five state region appear. Wisconsin's Dodge County Fairgrounds, Cedar Lake Speedway, and Wilmot Speedway host the most point shows with three each, while Iowa's Knoxville Raceway also appears with three. Press Release (02-14-05)
A little birdie tells us that a group of five investors are possibly looking into reviving racing at Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam. Recently the Dodge County Fair board decided not to host a weekly show this season because of dying attendance. Joe Verdegan Column (02-10-05)
More than 300 drivers, race officials and fans took part in the 2004 Luxemburg Speedway awards banquet at Rendezvous Pleasure Palace in nearby Nueren Saturday night. Seymour's Scott Mullen captured his first ever IMCA modfied track championship. A model of consistency all season long, Mullen escaped brother Brian's shadow with numerous top five finishes, including a $1,500 Labor day weekend victory. Scott Mullen beat out Algoma's Jeremy Jacobs by sixteen points with one week of points racing remaining. Press Release (02-06-05)
2004 IRA “Rookie of the Year” Andy Hunt is proud to welcome a new sponsor to his team. T&T Pools of Randolph (WI) have turned their love of the sport into support in the form of sponsorship for Andy’s #9A Maxim in 2005. The Hunt Motorsports #9A can be found racing with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Outlaw Sprint Series in 2005, as well as selected special shows. Press Release (02-06-05)
Asphalt Racing
The upcoming movie Dare To Dream - The Alan Kulwicki Story plans to officially opening April 1, 2005 [12 years to the day Kulwicki died] through out the state of Wisconsin and in select theaters in Tennessee. Plans are to open in North Carolina in May during the All Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600, and then to Alabama, Texas and Arizona. Jayski (02-27-05)
Madison International Speedway February Newsletter (02-26-05)
Justin Stuck and Paul Horning will be leaving the dirt of Seymour and giving the 1/4 mile asphalt at WIR a try this year. It will be a team effort with each man racing the car every other week. Justin has raced on the 1/4 mile at WIR before in 1998 as a sportsman driver. Paul has raced the dirt of Seymour in a street stock for a few years. They had the car over at Gracy's to get it set back up after the car was rolled the last time it was raced. (02-22-05)
A note from the Danes Racing team after returning from Speedweeks in Florida. We returned in one piece amd we will be glad to go back to WIR and race with drivers that use their heads. We had a great time, the weather was in the high 70's during the day and in the low 50's in the evening, but we showed them southerns how the Wisconsin people can party. We are proud ouf our driver for using his cool and thankful to all the guys taht helped get the car and all the parts ready for several months before and the ones that could take time off of work to go with us. #95 Car Owners Ken and Darlene Danes. (02-21-05)
Madison International Speedway promoter Steve Einhaus and Five Star Race Car Bodies are putting on a Super Late Model Tech seminar. This seminar is for all tech officials in the area, for more information read the flyer. (02-20-05)
There have been rumors that the 7 time Rockford Speedway track champion (Bobby Wilberg) will make a return to racing the famed 1/4 mile track in 2005. More to come so stay tuned! Teams 2005 Schedule - Bobby Wilberg Racing (02-18-05)
Night 7 of Speedweeks at New Smyrna Speedway is Complete, local driver feature results: Bob Danes - 13th. Speed 51 (02-17-05)
Night 6 of Speedweeks at New Smyrna Speedway is Complete, local driver feature results: Bob Danes - 15th. It appears both Dale Nottested and Ryan Mathews have both indeed headed back home after suffering heavy damage to both their cars on Night 5. Speed 51 (02-16-05)
We have received pictures of the 2005 paint schemes of Doug Mahlik's ASA Late Model Ride and Brent Strelka's Late Model (02-16-05)
Night 5 of Speedweeks at New Smyrna Speedway is Complete, local driver feature results: Bob Danes - 9th, Dale Nottested 24th, and Ryan Mathews 29th. We understand Ryan Mathews was involved in a major accident that destroyed his car. Ryan was running in 4th place right behind David Rogers, Rogers got loose and Ryan went over the the right side of Rogers car. Ryan went straight into the wall and started flipping and ripping down the fence. At times the car was flipping in the air as high as the flag stand. Those in Florida tell us Ryan is ok, but will be heading home. New Smyrna Speedway (02-15-05)
Night 4 of Speedweeks at New Smynra Speedway is complete, local drivers feature results: Ryan Mathews - 10th, Dale Nottested 21st, and Bob Danes - 24th. New Smynra Speedway (02-13-04)
Night 2 of Speedweeks at New Smynra Speedway is complete, local drivers feature results: Ryan Mathews - 8th, Bob Danes 13th, and Dale Nottested - 22nd. New Smynra Speedway (02-12-04) Remember Mike Butz is crew chief for Bob Danes during speedweeks.
Night 1 of Speedweeks at New Smynra Speedway is complete, local drivers feature results: Ryan Mathews - 14th, Bob Danes 20th, and Dale Nottested - 28th. New Smynra Speedway (02-11-05)
Construction will begin this spring on a brand new, $1.6 million dollar multi-purpose race track, complete with an egg-shaped, third-mile, paved oval and a snocross track in the infield in Watersmeed, Michigan. Former late model driver and Dickinson County Racing Association (DCRA) President John Ostermann has been hired by the Lac Vieux Desert tribe to help design the facility. Joe Verdegan Column (02-10-05)
We have learned that Eddie Muenster will not race at Wisconsin International Raceway this season. Eddie will park his asphalt late model for the season and concentrate on running dirt tracks in the area. (02-04-05) UPDATE: Green Bay's Eddie Muenster will leave his asphalt late model collect dust this summer as he's decided not to compete at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna this season. "Basically I need a motor and the costs are just too much," said Muenster. "For a lot less I can race my IMCA modified at a lot of different tracks in this area." Both Eddie and his dad Jerry will be returning to Luxemburg Speedway's Friday night show full time in 2005. Joe Verdegan Column (02-10-05)
Tom Gee Motorsports has secured an associate sponsor for the 2005 race season. Along with the teams primary sponsor, Patriot Mortgage of Green Bay, the #36 car will have substantial sponsorship from Margarita's, also of Green Bay. The team would like to thank Tim & Jim at Margarita's for their generous sponsorship and are excited about the new addition to the team. (02-08-05)
Speedweeks at New Smyrna Speedway get underway on Friday Night and go for 9 straight nights. Local drivers who are pre registered are Ryan Mathews, Bob Danes, and Dale Nottestead. We have a contact that will be at all 9 nights of racing and will fill us in with all the details each night. (02-09-05)
The 2004 SLM car was sold over the off season to Jared Ziegler who is planning on racing in both divisions at MIS in 2005 as well. Two new chassis have already been built for our up and coming 2005 season and we are continuing to assemble them as the 2005 season will be upon us before we know it. Bobby Wilberg Racing (02-07-05)
Wisconsin Sport Trucks Meeting Notes: Todd Luckow and Jack Effertz spoke to the club on updates with the Jr. Pro series. Building has moved. New location will be provided at a later date. Canada would like to bring their sport trucks to the USA for a blue/gray away series. Charlie Haven spoke to the club regarding the PSI silencer. Charlie stated he just received the silencer on 1-18-05 and did not have a chance to test. This item will be tabled until further testing. WI Sport Trucks (02-07-05)
Team 16 who has had Eric Fransen behind the wheel of their car for the last 6 years will have a new driver behind the wheel after Eric Fransen moved to North Carolina. The team had narrowed it down to 3 drivers which were Eric Peterson, Brian Johnson Jr. and Nick Schumacher. The new driver is Nick Schumacher who will drive the #16 full time at Slinger while running select Midwest Allstar Racing Series (MARS) races and Nascar Elite Midwest Series Racings LTN Radio (02-06-05)
Sources tell us that Rod Wheeler will drive a brand new Lefthander Chassis car powered by a brand new B & B Racing Engine. Rod will drive for Donagene Motorsports a team that is owned by Rod's parents. (02-04-05)
Ryan Manthei to run full time at Norway Speedway in 2005 with select events at I-94 and Wisconsin International Raceway. There is also a question and answer portion on Ryan's website about 2005 plans and things that took place during the offseason. Manthei Racing (02-04-05)
With the generous support from The 10th Frame in Appleton, We will be changing our number from #01 to #10 for the 2005 Racing Season. We would also like to welcome new sponsors Cooney's Embroidery & Sportwear in Appleton and Tigers Auto Repair in Menasha aboard as new sponsors for the 2005 Season. Andy Monday.com (02-04-05
Touring Racing
Schwanke Engines of Springfield, MN has been selected as up builder for the American Stock Car League (ASL). Future up building or service of the GM V-8 engines will carry Schwanke Engines new 5700 seal series. Field service repair will only be done by Schwanke Engines during a compeitive events beginning with the season opener Saturday night, April 30 at I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO. ASL-Midamracing.com (02-28-05)
The ASA Late Model Series held the Owner/Drivers Meeting for the 2005 season. With over a hundred in attendance the series made one of their biggest announcements yet. GM Performance Parts has signed on to be a major sponsor in the series. The series will now be known as the ASA Late Model Series presented by GM Performance Parts. Speed 51 (02-28-05)
Vercauteren said tracks that have long been associated with ASA are wanting race dates, including I-70 Speedway, Winchester Speedway, Berlin Raceway, LaCrosse Speedway, Nashville, Illiana, Hawkeye Downs, Elko and Madison International. He said Road America in Wisconsin is interested in a date and talks are taking place with Gateway Raceway and the Milwaukee Mile. Herald Bulletin (02-27-05)
Vadnais Racing Inc., with the delivery of an updated new chassis, is positioned to add a second car to its already successful racing program. Vadnais Racing has taken delivery of a new Hamke Midwest Tour Car. The team is currently preparing the car for the 2005 NASCAR Midwest Series schedule. Director Joe Vadnais states: "We are taking 2005 very seriously and are gearing toward considering an ARCA or Busch project in 2006. Right now we are looking for talent to enhance our proven team and successful development program." Racingwisconsin via Smokersracin (02-26-05)
NASCAR has released the following tentative 2005 schedule for the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series. Nascar Touring (02-26-05) NOTE: The schedule list a race at Wisconsin International Raceway which will not take place. (02-26-05)
The 2005 Midwest Series will break new ground as a California driver attempts to run the entire schedule. Nick Joanides, of Woodland Hills, California, has signed on to compete in the entire Midwest Series schedule, including the opener, the Spring Classic 150, April 2-3, at Rockford (Ill.) Speedway. But Joanides will log his travel miles via the air, showing up on race weekends to drive Dave Stammer's EDS Motorsports #45. Nascar Touring (02-26-05)
The ASL will visit MIS on Saturday, June 18 with a rain date of June 19. "That's going to be one big weekend of racing at MIS with the Mars Series here on the 17th and the ASL in action on the 18th," added Einhaus. Press Release (02-26-05)
Hans Head and Neck Support Device has become a participating contingency sponsor for all of the Mid-American Stock Car, Inc. divisions. At each of over 60 races run this year at Midwestern paved tracks Hans will present a $100 certificate. The certificate will be presented to the team with the fastest qualifying time. Press Release (02-26-05)
Tech-One Race Cars of Monee, IL has announced plans for 2005 contingency awards for both the Midwest AllStar Racing Series (MARS) late models and the Mid-American Stock Car Series. Owner Joe D'Ambrose announced his company would award the MARS late model rookie of the year a chassis certificate worth $3,500. Press Release (02-26-05)
Past Champions Mid-American Stock Car Divisions (02-26-05)
Preliminary List of Drivers Expected to be regulars in MARS Late Model Series 2005 (02-26-05)
Two-time Slinger Speedway late model stock car champion Brad Mueller is headed to MARS. No, he hasn't rented a Mars surface rover. But, he is expanding his 2005 auto racing schedule to include the Midwest AllStar Racing Series (MARS) in addition to his Sunday night trips around the high banked Slinger quarter-mile paved oval. He will be running an experimental Schwanke fuel injected sealed motor. Press Release (02-23-05)
I-70 Speedway management is proud to announce that the inaugural season of the newly formed American Stockcar League (ASL) will open at the high banks of I-70 in Odessa, MO on Saturday night April 30th. Press Release (02-21-05)
Madison, WI stock car racer Chad Wood and his American Stockcar League (ASL) late model Monte Carlo appeared on the MuzikMafia TV program Saturday night, Feb. 19 on the CMT TV. Wood, his car and hauler were featured on the show along with members of the MuzikMafia. Press Release (02-20-05)
Five Star Race Car Bodies of Twin Lakes, WI has announced a major contingency program with Mid-American Stock Car, Inc. and the American Stockcar League (ASL). Five Star will present two race car body packages to competitors in the ASL Series and one each to competitors in the MARS Late Model Series, Mid-American Stock Car Series and Mid-Am Super Truck division. Press Release (02-20-05)
Scott Performance Wire of Moorseville, NC has announced that it will be a participating sponsor for the newly formed American Stockcar League (ASL). "I'm glad to see these cars racing. Press Release (02-20-05)
Sources tell us that the ASL Series schedule will consist of 8 races in total. We are hearing the payout will be $4,000 to win and $500 to start each race. We understand that Country Joe Racing is heavily involved in this series. Drivers who have already signed up include Butch Miller, Bryan Reffner, Kevin Cywinski and Jimmy Spencer's son. (02-20-05)
Sources tell us that Wisconsin International Raceway will hold a American Stockcar League (ASL) Series race on August 2nd, 2005. The race will consist of a 150 lap race. (02-20-05)
Sources tell us that there will not be any NASCAR Sanctioned races at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2005.There was one date for the Midwest Series at WIR listed on the proposed schedule, but that has since been taken off the schedule. The reason for the dropped date is due to the sponsor backing out. (02-20-05)
Turbo Blue Racing Gasolines of Linwood, PA has been named the official fuel for the Midwest AllStar Racing Series Late Models, the Mid-Am Super Truck Series and the Mid-American Stock Car Series. All Mid-Am Series competitors will display Turbo Blue decals on their race vehicles and teams will be using Turbo Blue at paved track events in seven states during the 2005 season. Press Release (02-17-05)
Roltek Racing Transmissions of Hartland, WI is the first official contingency sponsor announced for the newly organized American Stockcar League (ASL), "Roltek Racing Transmissions is very proud to be involved with the American Stockcar League," said company president Todd Bombaci. "We want to do our part to make sure this series gets off to a sucessful start," he added. The company will present a certificate worth $3,500 to the 2005 ASL rookie of the year at the series banquet Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Leathem Smith Lodge in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Press Release (02-17-05)
Lorz Motorsports is joining forces with the American Stockcar League (ASL Series) for the 2005 season. The team is currently looking for a driver with financial backing to run the complete 2005 ASL Schedule. Lorz Motorsports (02-15-05)
Erik (Darnell) was tabbed as the #1 Alternate driver for Roush Racing's "Race for the Ride program." Erik will be running in select ARCA Races this season in a Roush Racing Ford Taurus prepared by Roulo Brothers with sponsorship from Simply Wow Cleaners/Degreaser. First ARCA Race wil be March 26th at Nashville Super Speedway.Erik will also run select Autozone Elite Series races along with some Craftsman Truck Series races. Erik will also run Late Models races in Wisconsin Challenge, MARS and ASL series races when time permits. Erik Darnell (02-15-05)
The Mid-American Stock Car Series will sanction two races on the quarter-mile paved 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, WI during 2005. This is a change from the previously announced three races because of a scheduling conflict at another race track. The two dates for series events are now Saturday nights, June 25 and Sept. 3. Press Release (02-12-05)
Some 56 race teams have already registered cars for the new American Stock Car League (ASL) since the group's organizational meeting Saturday, Feb. 5 and 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10. Most teams are former competitors in the American Speed Assocation National Tour, but some teams are new and will be completing fresh cars for the 2005 season. Press Release (02-12-05)
Jenny White of Topkea, KS is the first female driver to register a car for the newly formed American Stockcar Series (ASL). The new series has two stops on her home track. The series will contest 150-lap races on the high-banked half-mile I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO Saturday night, April 30 and Friday night, Sept. 30. Jim White, Jenny's dad, is happy that Mid-American Stock Inc. has picked up the division for 2005. "We bought this car for the ASA Touring Series. Press Release (02-09-05)
The 2005 race schedule for Loch-Lagina Motorsports and driver Rich Loch is taking shape and includes races in four different series and possibly more. The team will be entering races in several race series' this year. There are several highlights on the 05 schedule for Rich and the team including first time stops at I-70 speedway in both the MARS, CRA, and ASL divisions. The Anderson 400, at Anderson Speedway in Anderson, Indiana will also be a first for the team. Other event highlights will be full time racing at Slinger Super Speedway, The Red, White and Blue Races at WIR, as well as late season trips to Salem and Nashville. The schedule will also see the addition of several races for the newly formed ASL schedule. Press Release (02-09-05)
However those people might now have something to put their faith into thanks to the birth of the American Stockcar League. Gary Vercauteren is spearheading the drive for a series to hit the road in 2005 using the same basic rules and equipment of the ASA National Tour. At this moment, we have 41 registered cars for next season,” said Vercauteren. “We have had 84 inquiries and we have eight definite race dates. Tracks are also calling us expressing interest. The problem is that it’s February and their schedules for the season are set, but there are tracks are trying to move things around to accommodate us.” Speed 51 (02-09-05)
Randy Rabinowitch of Kennesaw, GA has been named technical director for the newly organized American Stockcar Series (ASL). The series is being organized by Mid-American Stock Car, Inc. of Baileys Harbor, WI. Rabinowitch worked as an inspector for the American Speed Assocation for five year with his latest position being senior technical inspector. Press Release (02-09-05)
Austin Siebert of Grandview, MO will be among the rookie of the year candidates when the Mid-Am Super Truck Series opens its 2005 season at the half-mile Madison International Speedway in Oregon, WI Friday night, May 13. Press Release (02-08-05)
The Mid-American Stock Car Series, Inc. expects to sanction a total of 62 racing events in five divisions during 2005. The Mid-American Stock Car Series is opening at the Rockford Speedway in Rockford, IL April 2-3. The tentative opener for the new American Stockcar League is Saturday night, April 30 at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO. Opening day for the Mid-Am Super Truck Series is Friday, May 13 at the Madison International Speedway in Oregon, WI. Midwest AllStar Racing Series (MARS) late models begin the 2005 slate at I-70 Speedway Saturday night, May 28. The Stock Car Classics will begin the 2005 schedule Saturday night, June 11 at the LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway. Press Release (02-08-05)
Race season has kicked off for Dexter and BlackJack Racing. These first two races bring a lot of firsts for Dexter, first time racing at Phoenix International Raceway, and first time racing at Daytona International Speedway. On February 12th Bean will leave the snow-blanketed hills of the Coulee Region behind to hit the sandy beaches of Daytona, Florida racing in the Advance Discount Auto Parts 200. Bean will be racing for Andy Hillenburg, owner of the FastTrack Driving School and a former ARCA Series winner. Blackjack Racing (02-07-05)
Day-to-day control of the historic Milwaukee Mile racetrack will be back in the hands of an independent promoter before the season starts, officials at State Fair Park predict. State Fair Park board chairman Martin Greenberg said he hopes a search that has gone on for several months will yield a candidate within the next 60 days. The field of candidates has been trimmed from about a dozen to approximately half that size, according to Mark Perrone, the Mile's general manager. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (02-07-05)
Todd Hansen from Minneapolis, MN had an impressive 2004 race season. Todd was crowned the champion in the Super Late Model Division at I-94 Raceway, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, and was also the Super Late Model Champion at Fergus Falls Raceway in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. The team also competed in the Minnesota Late Model Challenge Series and took home the runner up honors, a series in which Todd dominated in 2003. Todd and his crew plan to run a full MARS schedule in 2005, in addition to running the Minnesota Late Model Challenge Series for the third consecutive year. Todd Hansen Racing (02-05-05)
Approximately 150 race car drivers and owners assembled for the organizational meeting of the newly formed American Stockcar League (ASL) in Janesville, WI. The car owners and drivers formerly competed in the American Speed Association which hasnÕt outlined any events for 2005. Gary Vercauteren, president of the Mid-American Stock Car Series, Inc., started out the meeting saying that his organization will be the sanctioning body of the new ASL series. Vercauteren has contacted 24 paved race tracks and indicated that there were already 10 confirmed dates for the 2005 season. ASL Racing (02-05-05)
Officials of the new American Stockcar League (ASL) have confirmed that the annual Rookie of the Year Award honoring former driver Pat Schauer will be continued. The ASL is having an informational meeting Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Best Western Hotel in Janesville, WI at 11 a.m. where the rookie of the year program will be officially announced. Schauer's widow, Mary Zwieg, was very excited to hear the news. "My boys were very disappointed to hear the American Speed Assocation was not running events this year. This announcement really makes my day. I am truely honored," she said. Longtime racer Rick Beebe has been named chairman of the ASL Rookie Recognition Program. Press Release (02-04-05)
