2006 News and Rumors - January and February


Dirt Racing

Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints release 2006 season schedule. (02-27-06)

Shawano Speedway Annual Car Show at Bay Park Square  March 18 & 19. Saturday kids will be allowed to sit in their favorite driver's cars. New IMCA Sport Mod will be on display. Contest to win a race ready IMCA Sport Mod and open trailer. Raffle tickets $5.00 will be available at the Car Show. Opening Race Day is planned for April 15 with inspection and practice 11 AM to 2 PM. (02-27-06)

Luxemburg Speedway track officials have released an aggressive, 22 date schedule which features 12 different divisions competing at the semi-banked, third-mile clay oval during the 2006 campaign. As in past years, the backbone of the track's slate will be it's weekly divisions which include IMCA modifieds, stock cars and hobby stocks, along with sport fours each Friday night. Lady 4's will run on a rotating basis. Press Release (02-24-06)

On a final note, the Gibbsville Cheese Legends will be returning for the World of Outlaws on June 14th (at The Raceway at Powercom Park). The legends will also appear along with the 360 Sprints on July, and also be hosting their “Qualifier on July 8th. The final of four “Duel at the Dam” series will also command their participation before the 2006-Season finale. Who Won (02-7-06)

Shawano Speedway is looking forward to 2006 race season with the opener planned for April 15, 2006. Track improvements are already underway.  New clay has been added in all corners and 3 & 4 have been widened.  The guardrail has been removed from 3 & 4 and the block wall has been extended through the corners. Annual car show at Bay Park Square Mall is March 17th and 18th in Green Bay. Shawano Speedway (02-1-06)

Economics 101: Class is in Session By Paul Pittman (01-30-06)

More than 300 drivers, race officials and fans took part in the 2005 Luxemburg Speedway awards banquet at Rendezvous Pleasure Palace in nearby Nueren Saturday night. Hometown driver Benji LaCrosse captured four features and was a model of consistency all season long as LaCrosse won the IMCA modified title by 44 points over Todd Dart of Algoma. It was a banner season for LaCrosse, who also emerged triumphant in the IMCA Supernationals in Boone, Iowa, dirt racing's biggest event of the year for modified drivers. Press Release (01-30-06)

RJS Racing is proud to announce that 2005 IRA Runner-up Scott Young has been hired to wheel the potent #1H outlaw sprinter in 2006.  "He's hungry, he knows how to win and more importantly, he wants to win," stated team owner Ron Wiuff about the decision to put Young behind the wheel. Press Release (01-30-06)

An informational meeting will be held for drivers Friday night, February 10 at 7 p.m. at the Rendezvous Pleasure Palace in Nueren regarding Luxemburg Speedway's upcoming 2006 season. Press Release (1-17-06)

Asphalt Racing

We (Mahlik Motorsports and driver Nick Mahlik) are currently getting ready for racing a full season at Wisconsin International Raceway in the Limited Late Model division in the #98 Rander Car Chassis Chevrolet Monte Carlo.   We are also planning on competing in several Madison International Speedway events along with selected Slinger Limited Late Model Specials. Mahlik Motorsports (02-26-06)

A track open since 1977 could hardly be considered in a building year, but that is exactly the position that Marshfield (Wis.) Super Speedway is in. The weekly Saturday night program will feature four main divisions, including Super Late Model, Super Stock, 4-Cylinders and Cruisers. Additionally, special events this season will include visits by the Wisconsin Challenge Series, Hoosier Outlaw Sprints and an Eve of Destruction. One of the most visible changes to Marshfield Speedway is the Level I ASA Member Track affiliation. Who Won (02-23-06)

Sources tell us Buco Racing will once again field a car, driver is unknown at this time. (02-22-06)

Appears Jeff Van Oudenhoven and the Mike Butz Racing team will not be racing Thursday nights at WIR, they will instead be following the ASA Late Model Series schedule (02-22-06)

Andy Monday tells us he has secured sponsorship from 105.7 WAPL / AM1570 The Score for the 2006 season. (02-20-06)

Dennis Prunty and the DDP Motorsports Team celebrated the 2005 season with a 7th place finish in the season standings. The 2006 season will bring Slinger and the WCS. DDP Motorsports (02-20-06)

Just 48 short days until the opening event of the 2006 Monday Motorsports Season! Andy is recovering well from shoulder surgery that was done on February 1st and he is right on target to be ready to go on April 1st. Andymonday.com (02-13-06)

For the 2006 season, the Team 16 Motorsports crew will be extremely busy as in addition to their select appearances with the ASALMS, Schumacher and crew will also run weekly back at Slinger in an attempt to win the track title and then filling any time with the ASALMS car at Madison on Friday nights. Who Won (02-13-06)

Sources tell us that Doug Mahlik will return to Wisconsin International Raceway in the Late Model division for the 2006 season. (02-13-06)

The Fox River Racing Club will tweak the points system for the 2006 season. In the past points for qualifying were given to the top 10 in qualifying, this season points will be given to the top 16. Points for heat races will be given to the top 10 in the finishing order. (02-13-06)

Kyle Bauknecht will continue to run weekly at Wisconsin International Raceway in the Limited Late Model division. In addition to running at WIR he will also run the specials at Marshfield Speedway and also run the Big 8 Series. (02-10-06)

According to the Wisconsin Sport Truck message board, driver Rob Vandermoss was involved in a back accident. Apparently Rob had a fell that broke his back and his right hand. Best wishes out to Rob on a a speedy recovery. (02-7-06)

Action Auto Service will field two cars for the 2006 season at Wisconsin International Raceway. Derek Schmitt will move up from the Sizzlin 4's and drive the #69 Super Stock while Trevor Howard will drive the #12 Sizzlin 4. (02-7-06) (Dale) Prunty told your scribe he was returning to defend his title rather than move to the late model fold. Racingwisconsin.com (02-7-06)

Brad Mueller took his third late model title in as many years, remarking, “That’s quite an accomplishment with the quality of drivers at Slinger. To do it without winning a race or leading a lap, it’s really an honor to be here.” Mueller will debut a new car when the season opener comes in April, since former sportsman champion Gary Lamonte purchased the championship late model recently. Racingwisconsin (02-7-06)

Chris LaRocque team members tell us the car might be sold, if it doesn't sell they will be racing again this summer. If the car doesn't sell they plan to run the Big 8 series, possibily every other week at Madison International Speedway and the Red, White and Blue. The team tells us they have no plans to run Thursday Nights this season. (02-1-06)

Madison International Speedway E-News for January 2006 (01-30-06)

Jamie Birling tells us he is selling his car complete as it's to hard to own his car and run his business. He is selling the car complete for $12,500. The car is a Lefthander with a B&B Ace Motor with only a handful of races on the car. Jamie is looking for a ride for the 2006 season. If anyone is interest in the car they can contact Jamie via email at jcbirling@earthlink.net or email us for a cell phone number. (01-25-06)

The Todd and Eddie Show is reporting that Scott Hanson was contacted by a late model owner at WIR about driving weekly for him if sponsorship could be found. We understand who the owner is and there is indication that this is being worked on. (01-25-06)

Sources tell us that Tim Rothe will definately be driving for himself for the 2006 season after driving for Kemkes Racing the last couple of seasons. Rumors are floating around as to who the new driver could possibly be and one is a driver who was on top at WIR at one time, but hasn't raced at WIR for many years. (12-29-05) UPDATE: Sources inform us that Kemkes has a new frame being built at randercar for a new car. Were told the new car will be driven by Nate Van Wychen, taking over the #05 ride. (1-12-06) UPDATE 2: When we reported the new driver could be someone "that hasn't raced at WIR for many years," apparently that could be for a second car, read rumor above. (01-25-06)

Not much to report from the Fox River Racing Club meeting on Monday evening other than Ed Howard is the new vice president. (01-25-06)

Sources tell us that Terry Baldry has picked up a ride for the 2006 season at Wisconsin International Raceway driving for Jerry and Cheryl Schnieder. The team will switch from it's long standing #1 to the #74 that is familar with Terry Baldry. More details and information in the coming days. (01-22-06)

Mike Reichenberger tells us he is close to landing a s ponsor for the triple crown races at WIR and to run at Norway. He has aquired a brand new Lefthander, his first new one ever in 26 years. If the right funding were to become available he would return to WIR weekly. He would entertain the thought of driving for the right Late Model deal or even a Limited Late Model deal at WIR. (01-20-06)

Randercar racing will be holding an open house for their new shop located right down the road from Wisconsin International Raceway. More Information (01-20-06)

We have put together a 2006 version of the Fox River Racing Club drivers plans page. If you have any information that would be helpful in us filling out the page please feel free to email me! (01-18-06)

Keith Romenesko has his 2005 season car up for sale on our classified ad's page. (1-17-06)

Sources tell us that Cal Harrell will drive the #96 Matt Maynard Motorsports car at Wisconsin International Raceway for rookie of the year. Dave Feiler will run the second car at Madison, Slinger and WIR specials (1-12-06)

Slinger Speedway completed its 58th year of racing during the 2005 season and the annual awards festivities capped off another successful campaign for the Worlds Fastest Quarter Mile Oval.  The Awards Ceremony took place at the Washington County Fair Park Saturday night January 7, 2006.  A wonderful dinner catered by the Charcoal Grill and Rotisserie preceded the awards while Comedian Billy Elmer provided entertainment after all the hardware was handed out. Press Release (1-12-06)

This year Slinger Speedway introduced a new award to recognize 3 drivers with a combined 90 plus years of continuous racing at Slinger Speedway.  It has been estimated they have accumulated well over 27,000 miles racing at Slinger Speedway………..not 27,000 laps, 27,000 miles!   Two of these drivers have raced at Slinger every year since 1974 and the other every year since 1975. Press Release (1-12-06)

 

Touring Racing

For the 2006 season, (Charlie) Menard will steer his 2006 Ford Fusion for a run at the ASALMS Challenge Division Championship! In addition, Menard will run select shows within the ASALMS Northern Division as well as the Wisconsin Challenge Series and weekly events at his home track of LaCrosse. Racingwisconsin (02-7-06)

(Joey) Miller’s success has landed him a full-time job driving in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Darrell Waltrip in 2006. However, he plans to join Bjorklund in the ARCA RE/MAX Series to complete a limited ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule of six events. Blake Bjorklund.com (1-26-06)

Country Joe Racing will return to the ARCA RE/MAX Series full time in 2006 after running a successful short track schedule in 2005.  The team has signed 19-year-old college student Blake Bjorklund to run the entire 23-race season schedule, beginning, of course, with Daytona. Speed 51.com (1-26-06)

Robert Yates, a household name in NASCAR, called ML Motorsports in late 2004 to try and set something up with the Warsaw-based team, hoping one of his young Robert Yates Racing development drivers could fill the void made with the dismissal of Jason Jarrett. This time, the two racing organizations came to an agreement, and 25-year-old Justin Diercks will run a “handful of ARCA races and 12 to 18 Busch Series races,” according to ML Motorsports Team President Ed Mullen. Times Union Via Smokersracin.com (01-26-06)

Also in a surprise announcement, Waltom Racing announced their new drivers for the 2006 season as Mouston, Wisconin pilot, Kelly Bires and Montgomery, Alabama Teenage sensation, 14-year-old, Hunter Robbins will team up to form a potent two car team within the Waltom Racing Stable. ASA Late Models (1-16-06)

The Mid-American 2006 Race Schedule was unveiled this weekend. The schedule promotes a busy but team friendly 14-race summer. Mid-American is excited to announce a return to two tracks this year missing from recent schedules. Grundy County Speedway, Morris, IL will host the Mid-American Series along with the ASA Late Model Series on Monday afternoon, Memorial Day, May 29th. The afternoon program promises many laps of excitement on the 1/3 mile semi-banked asphalt oval. Also back for 2006 is Golden Sands Speedway, Plover, WI. Golden Sands is also a 1/3 mile asphalt action packed track. Mid American Racing (1-16-06)

NASCAR has announced it will restructure its regional touring divisions beginning in 2007. Following the 2006 season, the four current Late Model Super Late Model veteran Ryan Mathews is taking a bold step in 2006.  The 25-year-old Wisconsin-native has made the big move south to North Carolina to make the next step in his racing career, which will include a part-time schedule of races in the ARCA Re/Max Series, driving for Eddie Sharp and his Sharp Racing team. Speed 51 (1-16-06)