2007 News and Rumors - April
Dirt Racing
A very determined Mike Kertscher powered his way to victory in the 25 lap Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints FRAM DUEL at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway half-mile. A-MAIN FINISH; 1. Mike Kertscher 2. Donny Goeden 3. Scott Young 4. Scott Biertzer 5. Travis Whitney. Press Release (04-29-07)
The second of two inspection/practice days at Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, WI took place on Saturday April 28. Over sixty cars representing nine different divisions were on hand as drivers and crews used the opportunity to get their cars inspected and cleared for competition and then take to the fast 1/3-mile clay oval. On Saturday night May 12, the World of Outlaw Late Models invade Charter Raceway Park in an event that will also feature the Johnsonville Brats Modified Division. Gates will open at 3:00 p.m. with racing action beginning at 6:30 p.m. Press Release (04-28-07)
The Shawano Speedway has announced that the total payout for the feature events for its season ending special, Two Nights of Thunder, Sept. 28 and 29 will be in excess of $46,000. The special event will feature the Speedway’s regular divisons - WISSOTA Late Model, IMCA Modified, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Sport Mods and Fastrak Crate Late Model, and will be sponsored by Seubert Calf Ranches. Who Won (04-22-07)
Former asphalt late model driver Brian Joski of Green Bay held off stiff challenges from brothers Brian and Scott Mullen and went on to win the 20 lap IMCA modified feature during the season opener at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night. Who Won (04-22-07)
The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints opened their 2007 campaign with the annual Rick Schmidt Memorial at the half-mile Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedeway and a show that'll have people talking for quite a while, as race leader Mike Kertscher ran out of fuel just a 50 yards from victory, with 13th starting Steve Meyer roaring by for the win. Four others would squeeze by the coasting Kertscher as he coasted to a 6th place finish. Ironically the Kertscher machine was the only car to run out of fuel. Press Release (04-22-07)
The first racing event of the season at Charter Raceway Park will take place on Saturday May 5. The event will feature the five regular divisions at the Raceway with the Johnsonville Brats Modifieds, Grand Nationals, Dodge Central Credit Union Stocks, Gibbsville Cheese INEX Legends/Wisconsin Legends Racing Dirt Series and the Wally’s Auto Dirt Devils in action. The World of Outlaw Late Models will take to the fast high-banked 1/3 mile clay oval on Saturday night May 12. The Johnsonville Brats Modifieds will also be in action. Press Release (04-22-07)
Entertainment is the focus this year as the Potawatomi Thunderhill Raceway in Sturgeon Bay prepares for its 2007 season opener Saturday night, April 28th. The Raceway will once again feature a solid six division show, racing Saturday nights through August 25th, with four special events also on the schedule. Press Release (04-17-07)
The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints head trackside to open their 2007 campaign this Saturday with the Rick Schmidt Memorial on the Dodge Coounty Fairgrounds Speedway half-mile in Beaver Dam, WI. The 23 lap affair in honor of Schmidt's long time number has been the traditional IRA opener since Schmidt passed. Press Release (04-17-07)
The Forest County Potawatomi Thunderhill Raceway has set their practice for Saturday, April 21st. A Car show and safety inspection will also take place. The car show and inspection will start at noon. The best appearing cars in the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stockcars, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks, 4 cylinders, and Bombers will receive trophies. Press Release (04-11-07)
Track officials at Luxemburg Speedway have announced their open practice session slated to take place Friday, April 13 has been cancelled due to an abundance of cold, wet weather. "Basically we don't want to risk ruining the track," said track manager Rick Goral after a survey of the third-mile, clay oval. Who Won (04-10-07)
IRA has affiliated itself with ASA Racing, this relationship will provide IRA with increased media exposure, and allow our members to be covered under ASA's participant medical plan, which is unquestionably the best out there. Our members will have $500,000 in coverage available (the short track industry standard is around $15,000), and while we hope nobody ever needs its' benefits, it's great to know it's available. IRA Racing (04-8-07)
The opener at Shawano Speedway has been cancelled do to the recent weather. Shawano Speedway Forum (04-8-07)
Luxemburg Speedway and Langlade County Speedway in Antigo will be running the IMCA northern sportmod division weekly in 2007. Last year, Shawano Speedway was the first track to run the class on a weekly basis. As of early this week, 31 Northeastern Wisconsin drivers have purchased licenses to race in the division, which is basically a limited IMCA modified. Thunderhill Raceway in Sturgeon Bay will be running the sportmods five times in 2007. Green Bay Press Gazette (04-6-07)
Luxemburg's Benji LaCrosse is ready to defend his hometrack IMCA modified crown when the season opens Friday night, April 20 at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds. LaCrosse struggled with a new machine down in Florida during Speedweeks and was involved in a wreck during a spring race with yet a different car. Above it all, LaCrosse is poised to defend his home turf at the third-mile, clay oval. Press Release (04-2-07)
Asphalt Racing
De Forest's Andrew Morrissey made it two for two, as he passed Jeff Kendall on lap 53 to win the 60-lap Late Model Feature. Kendall, Ken Reiser, Pete Kempf, and Jason Weinkauf rounded out the top-five. Feature winners: Andrew Morrissey (SLM), Thayran Resin (Super Stocks), Steve Lichtfeld (Pure Stocks), Bob Armstrong (Bandits). Press Release (04-30-07)
After this weekend of racing, Daryl Gerke might have a clearer picture as to which direction his racing schedule will take him this year. "We plan on running 141 every Saturday," Gerke said. "The series has three races on Saturdays that we might have to miss 141. We're going to see where we're at after this weekend and make some decisions down the road." I've got a new Lefthander chassis I'm building to race as a limited at Kaukauna again, but I'm taking my time, building it as I can afford it," Gerke said. Green Bay Press Gazette (04-27-07)
The 24th consecutive race season of NEW Dirt, Inc. kicks off with the First Annual Seymour Speedway Car show this Sunday April 29 at Seymour Speedway, Outagamie County Fairgrounds in Seymour Wisconsin. The Oneida Nation Car Show will feature 28 Classes including Race Cars, Concessions, Badger State DJ's, and Dash Plaques for first 150 registered cars. Race drivers and fans will enjoy the race car practice on the track at 4PM. Press Release (04-24-07)
MIS E-News - April 27, 2007 (04-27-07)
The 2007 season is just about upon us. With only a few weeks to go in the off season, the team decided with so many super late model races on the schedule, we had better build another car for the SLM division. We now have 3 divisions to compete in during the 2007 season. The team will not only be looking for its first Limited Late Model track championship and it's third Madison Late Model championship, but also a few Super Late Model feature wins this year. The SLM car is a 2007 Lefthander with a 2007 Five Star Monte Carlo body which will house a Jeff Hamner 9:1 race engine. The MLM car is a 2007 Lefthander with a Five Star Ford Fusion body and a Ford Motor Sports crate motor. The LLM is also a 2007 Lefthander/Five Star Ford Fusion. Bobby Wilberg (04-25-07)
The talk of Terry Baldry driving the #8 Mike Butz Racing entry at Wisconsin International Raceway, is just talk at this point as no deal has been struck...yet. (03-28-07) UPDATE: We have not heard anything new to report, but we are hearing another drivers name being thrown into the mix. (04-14-07) ANNOUNCEMENT: Josh Bauer will pilot the #8 for Mike Butz Racing at Wisconsin International Raceway weekly. Neil Knoblock will the pilot the #8 at special events in the midwest including some at WIR. (04-16-07) UPDATE 2: Butz Racing tells us that the #8 Josh Bauer will drive weekly at WIR will be sponsored by Bellin Fast Care. Neil Knoblock will drive a second #8 car at special events around the state and running some events at WIR and the FRRC. (04-25-07)
Preseason pictures of John Meidam's 2007 car and Kyle Calmes 2007 car. (click links for pictures) (04-24-07)
Strupp Enterprises off to Elko Minnesota for ASA Midwest Tour Series opener. Strupp Enterprises (04-24-07)
We have added more information to our 2007 FRRC drivers plans page. We need more information!!!! Please email us any information you may have! (04-10-07) UPDATE: We have added a TON of updates! (04-11-07) UPDATE 2: We added a 2007 FRRC drivers List (04-14-07) UPDATE 3: Jason Vandenberg will return with a new car and Cory Kemkes will return weekly. (04-24-07)
Catch a Sneak speak of both David Prunty and Dale's Prunty's 2007 cars! (04-23-07)
"This might be my last year asphalt racing, because I think I'm going to go full-time dirt because it's close to home and it's just easier on the pocketbook," said (Brad) Mueller, who estimated he'd spent $20,000 on repairs since last spring. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (04-23-07)
When racing goes green this Saturday night at the Dells Raceway Park, fans in attendance will be witness to a new beginning at the famed one-third mile oval. The April 21st opener for this historical Wisconsin racetrack will be its first step back towards credibility. It all begins this Saturday, as DRP hosts five divisions of short-track action with Leo's Super Late Models, Schulz Chevrolet Limited Late Models, O'Brion Agency Super Stocks, Hillsboro Equipment Pure Stocks, and Two River Signs Bandits all in action. The Late Models will run a Grand Opening 75-lap Feature. Press Release (04-17-07)
Ryan Manthei tells us he has sold his late model and bought a Mid American car. He will follow the Mid American racing series and run at 141 Speedway. (04-17-07)
MIS E-News - Week of April 16th 2007 (04-17-07)
After 3 years, Josh has decided to part ways with GTR Motorsports. The shop is back where it began—at his dad’s house in Random Lake. The car parked in that shop is the same one that Josh drove last year at Slinger, only it has a new look! Plans for this year include running at Slinger Super Speedway where he was Late Model Rookie-of-the-Year in 2006. Josh Bauer.com (04-16-07)
Kris Kelly tells us he and the #1 M&M Motorsports Limited Late Model will make a return to WIR weekly in 2007. Last season the team raced at Slinger Super Speedway and the Big 8 Series. (04-13-07)
Jordan Thiel, the son of the owner of Thiel Cheese from Little Chute will pilot at Late Model at Wisconsin International Raceway. The new team will pilot a brand new Hamke Chassis with Dave Stammer crew chiefing the car full time. (04-11-07)
Dennis Prunty has released his 2007 season schedule which consist of running Slinger Super Speedway weekly plus select appearances in the ASA Midwest Tour and Wisconsin Challenge Series. Dennis Prunty.com (04-10-07)
Dale Prunty will make the switch over to the Late Model divison at Slinger Super Speedway plus run his modified car in select appearances. Also receive a discount on Milwaukee Mile tickets for the upcoming 2007 races when purchased through Dale Prunty. Dale Prunty.com (04-10-07)
Dave Feiler and the #96 Maynard Motorsports team will run the ASA Midwest Tour and the Wisconsin Challenge Series in 2007. Todd and Eddie Show (04-8-07)
In their first heads-up against Mother Nature, the old girl has won. The Dells Raceway Park has called off their inaugural practice and pre-tech session for Super Late Models and Limited Late Models, scheduled for Saturday, April 7, 2007, due to the forecast of below freezing temperatures. Press Release (04-6-07)
Lowell Bennett Motorsports has released their 2007 season schedule. The team will run Wisconsin International Raceway weekly along with all WIR specials. They will continue to race at Slinger Super Speedway on a weekly basis, plus their schedule shows the plan of running 5 ASA Midwest Tour races. Lowell Bennett Motorsports (04-6-07)
We are hearing that there could be a deal in the works that would bring Gregg Haese back to Wisconsin International Raceway weekly. We are working to find more details on this. (03-31-07) UPDATE: We understand Gregg Haese will be returning to the asphalt at Wisconsin International Raceway driving the #00 Buco Racing entry. Watch for more details on Friday! (04-2-07) UPDATE 2: Gregg Haese of Two Rivers will drive the Schneider National-sponsored No. 00 car on Thursday nights at WIR, in the track's Red, White and Blue state championship series and several times at Norway (Mich.) Speedway. BUCO Racing also will also team up with Greenleaf's Tom Hockers, who will not race this year. Hockers' machine will serve as a backup car. Green Bay Press Gazette (04-6-07)
Tim Rothe is in Nashville at Music City Motorplex for the running of the Spring Clash 150 for the CRA Series. We noticed Tim Rothe has Papa John's Pizza on board as a sponsor of his team. CRA Racing (03-31-07) On Track Photos has a picture of Tim's 2007 paint scheme. (you will have to search through the photos) (04-6-07)
Tyler Motorsports with Driver Jason Tyler has announced their intentions for the 2007 season which includes running the full schedule of events at their home track of the Madison (WI) International Speedway in Oregon, Wisconsin for the 2007 season with hopes of unseating two-time/defending ASA Late Model Division Champion, Bobby Wilberg. Jason Tyler Motorsports (04-5-07)
Cal Harrell will once again run in the Super Late Model division at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2007. Cal will pilot a brand new Randercar Chassis with a Ford Fusion body, powered by a brand new Ford Crate Motor. Cal will carry the #73 that he used through his LLM career. (04-4-07)
Brandon Conrad will be back at Wisconsin International Raceway for weekly racing action, plus run as many Big *8 races as his schedule allows. (04-4-07)
MIS E-News - April 2, 2007 (04-2-07)
Mitch Heimlich will become the new flagman for the Slinger Super Speedway in 2007. Todd and Eddie Show (04-1-07)
The first 3 weeks of the 2007 season at Slinger Super Speedway will have a 2pm start time. Todd and Eddie Show (04-1-07)
Touring Racing
Jonathan Eilen won the inaugural event Elko 125 for the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment on the high banks of Minnesota’s Elko Speedway Saturday. The event was a record breaker in many ways and phenomenal in all ways. Fifty-one of the Nation’s top Super Late Model racers brought their best equipment to try to make it into one of the twenty-eight starting spots in what became a historical event. Fifty-one cars beat the 23-year-standing Late Model record count of 48 cars in an ARTGO event at the Minnesota Fairgrounds. Press Release (04-30-07)
Nathan Haseleu and Jonathan Eilen battled in the closing laps of the Inaugural ASA Midwest Tour Race this evening at Elko Speedway (MN). TOP 10 Finishers : 1. Jonathan Eilen 2. Donny Reuvers 3. Dean Cornelius 4. Jason Schneider 5. Dave Feiler 6. Kenny Richards 7. Brandon Hill 8. Jacob Goede 9. Josh Vadnais 10. Jamie Iverson. ASA Midwest Tour (04-28-07)
Dan Fredrickson from Lakeville, MN sets fast time for the Inaugural ASA Kwik Trip Midwest Tour Race at Elko Speedway (MN) and takes home the Echo Power Equipment "Blow your Competition Away" Fast Time Award. ASA Midwest Tour (04-28-07)
The ASA Midwest Tour is pleased to announce sponsorship from Schaeffer Oil. Schaeffer Oil is based in St. Louis, Missouri, and has 10 warehouse facilities throughout the country, and 15 division sales managers supervising over 400 Schaeffer Advantage customer consultants. Schaeffer lubricants are strong in California, Washington, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina. Press Release (04-27-07)
Three-time ASA National Champion Kevin Cywinski will be among the top Late Model drivers in action when the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment takes to the track Saturday April 28th at the Elko Speedway. Cywinski will be running the Echo Outdoor Power Equipment number 79 in the inaugural race for the ASA Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment. Press Release (04-26-07)
The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment has signed Wade Lynn from St. Augustine, Florida for the inaugural 2007 season. Press Release (04-26-07)
The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment is gearing up for the Elko 125 Saturday with driver appearances scheduled. Minnesota racers Dan Fredrickson, Josh Vadnais, Donny Reuvers, and Adam Royle will be making special appearances throughout the day Friday at Kwik Trip, located at 16260 Kenrick in Lakeville. Press Release (04-25-07)
Sometimes, Tim Schendel must feel like his race suit is made of camouflaged material that is hiding him from the big-time race teams he is trying so hard to get noticed by. So the Sparta, Wis., man has decided to hit the road this summer and compete in the NASCAR Busch East Series, which mainly runs on the East Coast. The 13-race schedule involves a lot of travel, but the price will be worth it. Or so the tireless Schendel believes. LaCrosse Tribune (04-25-07)
ASA Midwest Tour Tech Advisory: There have been some recent issues regarding the failure of certain Bassett Wheels that could cause a severe incident during competition. Please see the attached tech advisory to inquire about the exchange of any effected wheels that you may have. (04-24-07) UPDATE: These are the right side Wide Five only! (04-25-07)
The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment will be taking to the high banks of the Elko Speedway Saturday for the Tour’s inaugural season opener. Fifty paid entries were received by the advance registration deadline Monday for the Elko 125. Press Release - Entry List (04-25-07)
The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment is gearing up for the Elko 125 Saturday with driver appearances scheduled. Minnesota racers Adam Royle, Jonathan Eilen and Benny Van Cleve will be making a special appearance at Weekend Freedom Lawn and Garden Equipment, an Echo Outdoor Power Equipment dealer, in Savage, Minnesota this Friday from 12-4 PM. Royle, Eilen, and VanCleve are on the roster for the inaugural event. Press Release (04-25-07)
Lefthander Chassis of Roscoe, Illinois will be awarding the American Speed Association Midwest Tour “Hard Charger” a 2008 Lefthander basic offset chassis valued at $2,600 at the conclusion of the 2007 inaugural race season. The “Hard Charger” is the driver who passes the most cars in each feature event, summed over the entire season. Press Release (04-24-07)
The Cars and Stars of the ASALMS Challenge Division were at the historic Toledo (OH) Speedway, located right across the Michigan/Ohio border in Toledo, Ohio on Saturday April 21, 2007 for the running of the Glass Breaker 200. After a thrilling side by side dual that lasted for almost 10 laps, West Bend, Wisconsin’s Travis Dassow passed Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the Year Points Leader, Derek Thorn with five laps to go to win his first career ASALMS Challenge Division Feature! ASA Late Model Series (04-22-07)
ASA Midwest Tour Memo (04-16-07)
In an effort to support “built motor” engine builders and the engine parts manufacturer industry, the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment is pleased to announce the give away of two engines valued at over $50,000 at the 2007 championship banquet, according to ASAMT VP Steve Einhaus. Press Release (04-16-07)
The ASA Midwest Tour announced today that they are searching for a qualified announcer to represent the series during the 2007 season and beyond. Interested parties must carry a minimum of three years experience in the announcing field and must have an auto racing background or knowledge of the sport. ASA Midwest Tour (04-10-07) UPDATE: Joe Verdegan will be the offical announcer for the 2007 season. Joe will miss the season opener, but will be at ever event starting with Jefferson. (04-15-07)
The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment is pleased to announce Scag Power Equipment as the Official Lawn Mower of the Tour. "Many Scag employees and Scag customers are die hard race fans," reported Chris Frame, Manager of Marketing and Technology for Scag Power Equipment. "Scag is proud to be the Official Lawn Mower of the ASA Midwest Tour. Press Release (04-11-07)
Hicks Racing and driver Jason Hicks have released their 2007 schedule. The team will run select races at the Dells Raceway Park, Madison International Speedway, Wisconsin International Raceway, Wisconsin Challenge Series and ASA Midwest Tour. Hicks Racing (04-10-07)
The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment has designated the 3035/3045 Hoosier compound as the official tire for the inaugural 2007 season. Press Release (04-9-07)
Dave Feiler and the #96 Maynard Motorsports team will run the ASA Midwest Tour and the Wisconsin Challenge Series in 2007. Todd and Eddie Show (04-8-07)
Nathan Haseleu (Pardeeville, WI) and Josh Vadnais (White Bear Lake, MN) put on a preseason demonstration of what ASA Midwest Tour events will be like this year at the Music City Motorplex (Nashville, TN) Sunday. The two raced side by side for the final several laps of the Spring Clash 150, a CRA Super Series special points event. Press Release (04-2-07)
Nathan Haseleu raced side by side with his friend and fellow northern driver Josh Vadnais for the last 10 laps of the CRA Super Series Spring Clash 150 before beating Vadnais to the line from the fourth turn to win. Wisconsin International Raceway regular finished 37th after being involved in an accident. CRA Racing (04-1-07)
The schedule for this year has been updated. Nathan Haseleu and The Swiss Colony team plan to compete in the ASA Midwest Tour, Wisconsin Challenge Series and Friday nights at Madison International Speedway (as the schedule allows). Nathan Haseleu.com (04-1-07)