2005 News and Rumors - January
Dirt Racing
Calumet Country Racing Association January Meeting Minutes (01-26-05)
The promoters of Luxemburg Speedway's weekly, Friday night program and a Kewaunee county committee have agreed to terms for renting the fairgrounds in 2005. Late last year the Kewaunee County Promotions and Recreation Committee had proposed a per-event rent increase of $275 per night for use of the grounds. Track operators Lakeshore Motorsports Promotions flatly rejected the proposed increase. On Monday, January 24 the committee backed off on it's earlier demands and agreed to keep the rental agreement of $1,600 per evening the same. The committee's vote was unanimous. Press Release (01-26-05)
Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car (EWSC) has been awarded the contract to promote weekly, Saturday night racing at Manitowoc County Expo Speedway's third-mile. After running at Plymouth for 44 years Plymouth is heading in a different direction, opting for the 360 sprinters, late models and grand nationals. With both programs running on Saturday nights, it will be interesting to see 1) whether or not the EWSC limited drivers stay loyal to their club and run Manty, sell their equipment or upgrade to run at Plymouth. 2) How many EWSC supermods will be fielded at Manitowoc. 3) How many Plymouth super stocks will upgrade to grand nationals. Joe Verdegan Column (01-19-05)
Asphalt Racing
After a dominating season in the Wisconsin Sport Trucks during the 2004 race season Jason Van Handel is expected to move up to a higher division for the 2005 season. Jason was asked about this toward the end of the 2004 season, but didn't know what his plans would consist of. We are now told that his sport truck has been sold. (02-01-05)
Tom Gee tells us his main sponsor has changed it's name. Mikel Bushmaker has left the umbrella of Five-Star Mortgage and has started his own company, Patriot Mortgage of Green Bay. His new phone number is (920) 965-0700. They have signed a two year deal with Mikel, having Patriot Mortgage on as their primary sponsor in the Late Model Division for both the 2005 & 2006 seasons. The team is still looking for secondary sponsorships to help them jump to Late Models. The team will carry the #36 of a childhood short track racing hero of Tom's, Joe Shear (01-25-05)
Sources tell us that Brad Mueller has no plans to race at WIR this season, but he will be back at Slinger Super Speedway weekly. (01-25-05)
Have heard from some teams that plan to run the full Fox River Racing Club schedule this season, that the pay scale maybe the deciding factor if they race elsewhere or not. Teams tell us they have been offered tow money, money to cover travel expenses from Madison International Speedway to run there weekly. (01-24-05)
To clear up alot of speculation and rumors that have been circulating about the Maynard Motorsports we went to the source to get the facts. In a phone conversation with Maynard Motorsports team owner Matt Maynard he let us know what has taken place and the plans for 2005. Terry Baldry will be driving the #96 for Maynard Motorsports, this was a decision made by Terry Baldry. Matt tells us that Terry approached him about driving his car. A few of the team members from the Buco Racing team did leave and are now part of Maynard Motorsports team, this was a decison made by the crew guys to join the Maynard team. The Maynard Motorsports team's plans right now are to run Wisconsin International Raceway, Wisconsin Challenge Series, Midwest Allstar Racing Series (MARS) and plan to travel to Norway Speedway quite a bit during the 2005 season. The team will have a couple new sponsors for the 2005 season, these are NOT any of the sponsors that were on the #00 car. (01-24-05)
We have yet to hear from the Buco Racing team after drive Terry Baldry moved on to Maynard Motorsports for the 2005 season. In articles written after the 2004 season, Buco Racing owner Mark Patton stated that they would stay involved in racing as long as Terry was the driver. (01-4-05) UPDATE: Sources tell us there is alot of iffyness surrounding the Buco Racing team. Apparently Tim Dooley (Team crew chief) left the Buco Racing team with Terry Baldry. We understand that 2 other team members left including Todd Patton whose relation owns the Buco Racing Team. All members of the Buco Racing team that left are now part of the Maynard Motorsports team. (01-16-05) UPDATE 2: From what we're hearing BUCO Racing still plans on fielding their car this year, with a couple of NASCAR Re/Max/AutoZone hotshoes as being rumored to possibly replace Baldry. Joe Verdegan Column (01-19-05) UPDATE 3: One driver whose name comes to mind with the above information would be Brian Hoppe. (01-20-05)
We are still open to any news and information that any of you may have, if you have something you would like us to add please email us. We haven't really had the time this season to do alot of searching for news. (01-18-05)
The IDEAL Door Monte Carlo made its way to Marshfield Super Speedway in the month of November for an all day test session. We were very pleased with the progress made on the 1/2 mile flat track. Our tentative 2005 plans are to run ten (10) to twelve (12) events in the 05 season (pending sponsorship). We are in the early stages of talks with several corporate sponsors for the up coming season. We hope to have our 2005 plans finalized early in the first quarter of the new year. We will announce our formal 2005 plan as soon as we possibly can. Thanks for supporting BreweCrew Motor Sports and all of our corporate sponsors throughout the years. 2005 will mark our seventh (7th) consecutive season of competition throughout the Midwest. Brewecrew Motorsports (01-17-05)
Team sources tell us if things go as planned Gregg Haese will run the full schedule at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2005. Were told he just got the chassis back from Pathfinder and it will have a new Monte Carlo body and be powered by a B&B Engine. (01-17-05)
For Sale: Lefthander Super Late Model, Turn Key, Race Ready! 1997 Chassis #550, 358 B&B cast iron concept head motor w/roller cam, w/2 barrel approx 465 HP. (01-16-05)
Sources tell us that Andy Kluck will place an order for a new chassis in the coming month, presuming it would be a Randercar. Would think the team would continue to run the crate engine in the 2005 season as they did this past season. (01-15-05)
A sneak peak of what appears to be Brad "JJ" Mueller's 2005 paint scheme. Will he race at Slinger weekly or will he race elsewhere? (01-11-05)
As you may have noticed our planned "vacation" for this week has been delayed. We are looking for more information from teams and tracks concerning the 2005 season. There doesn't appear to be much information out there like there has been in years past. (01-11-05)
AJ Miller tells us that his plans for the 2005 season will be the same as he ran in 2004. He will be back at WIR running in the Limited Late Model divison. (01-10-05)
Were told that Keith Romenesko is 95% sure he will run his car as a Limited Late Model in 2005. The car has been completely rebuilt after an accident during post season testing. If the choice is made to run as a Limited Late Model, the car will be powered by a crate engine. Keith is another working on a deal with a Late Model team from WIR, although we hear there are a few other drivers trying to put something together with this team also. (01-9-05)
Hearing Matt Derricks is working on a deal that will move him up to the Late Model division in 2005. This will be a new team that will be formed with ownership between the Derricks family and a local business owner. We are hearing the team is looking at running the Wisconsin Challenge Series schedule. Matt is fresh off an impressive season after making the jump to Limited Late Models from Super Stocks. (12-2-04) UPDATE: The Matt Derricks Motorsports team tells us they have nothing set for 2005 and are looking at all options, but have not found the funding to start up their own team. The team us very interested in any open rides and can bring sponsorship for any track in Wisconsin. If anything should come about, we are sure to post it. (01-9-05)
We're told that Jessie Gracyalny will be back behind the wheel of the #49 Super Stock in 2005 at Wisconsin International Raceway. The nights that she can't race due to work, Randy will be in the car. Also appears she could have a shot at running in a different division in 2005 also. (01-7-05)
Danes Farms Racing tells us they will be back at Wisconsin International Raceway driving in the Super Late Model division in 2005. As we reported earlier the team will head down to Florida to run Speedweeks. The team hopes they can improve on their performance after having an off year in 2004. (01-7-05)
Wisconsin Sport Trucks Meeting Notes: Seeing as there were no opposition the club made a unanimous vote to accept Rob Vandermoss as Vice President and Peggy Rusch as Treasurer. Todd Luckow spoke to the club about the Jr. Pro Series. Todd also spoke to the club about the shop that will be going up next to the “Pit Stop” and answered questions. Charlie Haven gave a presentation on silencers, It was accepted by the club that Charlie purchase a PSI silencer for testing and be reimbursed by the club. Next meeting will be held on January 19th, 2005 at the Colonial House in Freedom. Wisconsin Sport Trucks (01-4-05)
We are hearing Jeff Zwiers (car owner of the #24 Limited Late Model for Nate Van Wychen the last couple of seasons) is builing a Late Model for the 2005 season. We understand that Nate will pilot the car for Zwiers Racing, it was our understanding that Jeff was going to pilot this car until he ran for Vice President of the Fox River Racing Club. (01-4-05)
We understand it looks as though there could very well be a third Mike Butz Racing team in 2005. The #8 will continue to be driven by Jeff Van Oudenhoven and the #01 will be piloted by Andy Monday. The third car will be run at either Midwest Allstar Racing Series (MARS or Wisconsin Challenge Series races by a 16 year old phenom from Minnesota. (12-4-04) UPDATE: Wisconsin based Mike Butz Racing has added another car to its racing stable for the 2005 season, with the addition of 16-year-old Andy Hanson from Ramsey, MN. Hanson will pilot the number #42 Long Haul Trucking / Roll Tite entry in the entire Midwest Allstar Racing Series (MARS) Late Model schedule. Hanson will be teammates with three-time defending MARS Series Champion Jeff VanOudenhoven of Kimberly, WI. Press Release (12-24-04) UPDATE 2: We have confirmed that both Andy Monday and Jeff Van Oudenhoven will be in Mike Butz Racing cars again during this season. (01-4-05)
We are told that Jamie Iverson and the whole #97 Iverson Motorsports team will make the drive to Wisconsin International Raceway again in 2005. We understand the team will have an increased schedule and some new information that will be announced in the near feature. (01-2-05) UPDATE: Watch for a press release in 2-3 weeks when everything will be made official. Lets just say there are some good things that will happen to this team. (01-4-05)
Touring Racing
Roy Kenseth, owner of RK Race Promotions is pleased to announce that the Wisconsin Challenge Series will be sanctioning the “DeWalt All-Star Challenge” on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna, WI. The event will feature 2003 NASCAR Champion and 1994-95 WIR champion Matt Kenseth and other NASCAR stars. Press Release (01-20-05) UPDATE: Roy Kenseth, owner of RK Race Promotions, has announced that the DeWalt All-Star Challenge at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna, WI will now be on Tuesday, June 21, 2005. It will still be a Wisconsin Challenge Series sanctioned event. Press Release (01-25-05)
Veteran race car crew chief Howie Lettow has been named chairman of the compeition committee for the newly organized American Stockcar League which will have an organizational and informational meeting Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Best Western Hotal in Janesville, WI at 11 a.m. In addition, Mike Lemke has been named overall competiton and safety director for all five of the Mid-American Stock Car Series divisions included the new series, the Mid-Am Super Trucks, Stock Car Classics, Mid-American Stock Cars and Midwest AllStar Late Models. Lemke will continue to serve as competition director for the Midwest AllStar Late Model division. Press Release (01-28-05)
A meeting for ASA National Tour car owners is planned at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Best Western Hotel in Janesville, WI to discuss the formation of a new Midwestrn circuit for the cars on paved tracks in a four to five state area. The proposed name for the new racing series is the American Stockcar League and the events would be coordinated through the Mid-American Stock Car Series, Inc. of Baileys Harbor, WI. Press Release (01-26-05)
A record 16 races are planned for the Midwest AllStar Racing Series paved track late models in 2005. There are seven events listed for Wisconsin, seven events in Minnesota and two races planned in Missouri. One of the highlights of the 2005 slate will be a Sunday afternoon, Aug. 28 event on The Milwaukee Mile during the Governors Cup Weekend. Also on the card for the Aug. 27-28 weekend on the one-mile oval in West Allis, WI will be the USAC Sprint Cars, NASCAR Auto Zone Elite Series, Mid-Am Super Trucks, Mid-American Stock Cars and Midwest Stock Car Classics. Press Release (01-25-05)
Travis Dassow and T.D. Racing will be competing in the #92 car in the ASA Late Model Series in 2005. Travis will run the full season and compete for the Rookie Title in 2005. ASA Late Models (01-25-05)
Butch Miller will run a couple Nascar Craftsman Truck Series races along with a few CRA Super Series races in 2005 for SS Racing. Jarit Johnson will run the same kind of schedule for SS Racing. Chase Austin appears to be running Speedweeks at New Smyrna Speedway and running the full ASA Late Model Schedule. SS Racing Schedule (01-25-05)
ASA Late Model and LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway officials have announced that they have reached agreement to headline the second day the 36th annual Oktoberfest event. ASA Late Models (01-20-05)
Nascar Midwest star Ryan Hansen will run in selected ASA Late Model Series events in 2005. Driving the Prairie Ave. Concrete, The Swiss Colony, Virchow Krause & company Ford Taurus #60. Along with the ASA Late Model Series races Hansen will try to take home the track championship at Madison International Speedway in 2005. ASA Late Models (01-20-05)
Doug Mahlik of Green bay, WI and Midnite Motorsports will join forces to run a full season in ASALMS in 2005. Midnite Motorsports ran the full year with Cory Podolski, finishing 17th in owner point and placing a high of 7th at Tri-City Speedway. The new team is anxiously awaiting the start of the new season and competing with both the old and new competitors. ASA Late Models (01-20-05)
Brett Sontag the 2004 ASA National Tour Rookie of the Year will run a limited ASA Late Model schedule while also running some high profile Late Model shows in the area. Speed 51 Ticker (01-19-05)
Trevor Steweart will run the full MARS (Midwest Allstar Racing Series) schedule in 2005 since the ASA National Tour will not run in 2005. Speed 51 (01-17-05) UPDATE: Trevor Stewart from St. Cloud, MN who competed in the ASA National Tour in 2004, will pilot the #91 Grandstay Residential Suites Monte Carlo Late Model. Grandstay Residential Suites will stay on board as the primary sponsor for ETC Motorsports. All of the associate sponsors have returned and are very excited about the team touring in the Midwest. Curt Beckler will be returning to the team as crew chief, as well as the teams car chief Shayne Lingren. Stewart will compete in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway during Speedweeks in Florida. ETC Motorsports will kick off the MARS Season May 28th at I-70 Speedway in Odessa, Missouri. Speed 51 (01-19-05)
The Mid-American and Midwest Super Truck Racing Series have been comined into one division following several meetings to blend rules. Both series were begun in 1997 with the Mid-American Super Trucks using a sportsman style chassis and a 500 horsepower motor. The Midwest Super Trucks, which have raced primarily Friday nights at Madison International Speedway in Oregon, WI are built on a late model style chassis with a 400 horsepower sealed motor. Press Release (01-13-05)
Mike Garvey, a five-time winner with ASA in 2004, is also preparing to compete with the Hooters series next year and will be looking to make a limited number of starts in the NASCAR Nextel Cup. Herald Bulletin (12-9-04) UPDATE: Mike Garvey will make the switch from ASA to ProCup this season, but with the same WJ Plemmons team. Garvey is still working out the details, but says it is almost certain that he'll run the entire Southern schedule and the maximum number of Northern races the series allows in an effort to go after the ProCup Championship. Speed 51 (01-5-05)
The ASA Late Model Series Officials are happy to announce that Chad Wood of Wood Bros Racing will compete in the 2005 ASA Late Model Series. Speed 51 (01-5-05)
ASA Late Model Series officials and I-94 Raceway owner Tim Olsen have reached an agreement that will continue ASA’s tradition of racing in Minnesota on Labor Day. For the first time the ASA Late Model Series will venture into Minnesota to headline a Labor Day event that promises to be one of the best races in 2005. Speed 51 (01-5-05)