2007 Racing News and Rumors

2007 Racing News and Rumors - March

Dirt Racing

Kewaunee's Brian Bruechert admits he's tired of playing the bridesmaid role in Luxemburg Speedway's rough-and-tumble IMCA stock car division. After finishing second in the division point standings for the third time in his career last season, Bruechert is hoping 2007 is the year he can claim that IMCA stock car track championship that's eluded him since he began racing at the third-mile, clay oval in a street stock back in 1991. Press Release (03-19-07)

Charter Communications today announced a new partnership with Wisconsin Motorsports & Entertainment LLC for naming rights to its one-third mile banked oval clay race track located in Beaver Dam. This popular race track boasting an average of 130 racers per week with the likes of well known drivers such as Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahn and Kenny Schrader as past racers will now be known as Charter Raceway Park. Press Release (03-6-07)

Todd Behling announced on the Todd and Eddie Show that he is the new announcer at The Speedzone Raceway in Oshkosh. (03-6-07)

Winged sprint car driver Mike Kertscher has announced his new position as program coordinator at Road America. Press Release (03-2-07)

Asphalt Racing

Several DRP teams and drivers have contacted DRP with questions about the rules posted to the DRP site on 03.29.07. Joe Graziano advises he is presently looking into the questions being raised and will shortly speak with Scott Sauerbrei for clarifications of the issues being raised. On another note, Joe advises that the DRP opener will feature a 75-lap SLM feature, paying 2K to the winner. Press Release (03-31-07)

Tyler Bauknecht will be racing a Super Stock owned by Bill Phelps and Allen Trudell on Thursday nights at WIR and a couple Big 8 races to get him use to the car. Kyle Bauknecht will run a couple Big 8 races if his schedule allows. Kyle Bauknecht will run the Big 8 Series race at Wisconsin International Raceway on Tuesday August 7th. (03-31-07)

With Frank Kreyer off, trying to qualify the Culvers CTS entry for this Saturday's NASCAR race, Joe Graziano has rolled up his sleeves, burned the candle at both ends and put together DRP's divisions rules. Hot off the presses, they can be found on the DRP website or by clicking the below link: http://www.dellsracewaypark.com/downloads.html#DRP%20rules (03-30-07)

Thrive to Drive Motorsports and driver Kyle Calmes have released their *Tentative* 2007 schedule which consist of running WIR weekly and the full schedules of both the Wisconsin Challenge Series and ASA Midwest Tour. Thrive to Drive Motorsports (03-30-07)

The #50 Anthony Brothers Racing Late Model was at the World of Wheels this past weekend. Here is a picture of the car which has the name Mike Anthony above the door. (03-29-07) CLARIFICATION: JJ Smith will still be driving the #50 car for the Anthony Brothers, the team will field a second car for Mike Anthony who will run part time. (03-30-07)

Rod Wheeler is running the ASA Midwest Tour in 07 and the RWB series with support from Keith Kuchenbecker Const.. He will NOT return weekly at WIR. Rod will run selected Thursdays as time and schedule permits. (03-29-07)

Jeff Van Oudenhoven plans on racing weekly at WIR and some specials for team owner Hoppa Motorsprots. The #45 car will sit atop of a new Randercar chassis powered by a B & B Motor. The team will be sponsored by Time Warner Cable/Road Runner, Van Den Heuvel Electric Inc. Others to be announced, as details are still being finalized. (03-29-07)

Wisconsin International Raceway will once again have a Mustang GT for a pace car. Picture (03-29-07)

TK Motorsports and driver Kris Kelly signed TEMPSTAR Heating & Cooling Products as our primary sponsor. We'll be supporting two SLM cars with the TEMPSTAR logos. First race is ASA Midwest Tour race in Elko, MN. April 28th. (03-29-07)

Tony Strupp Jr, crew chief and head chef for the Strupp Enterprises team, has annonced the Lefthander is almost ready for the Rockford WCS opener. Big Red Machinery Movers and their CEO Gary Pomeroy will again be the main sponsor of the 12 car. The LLM will again be raced at Slinger and maybe a few other specials, with an announcement soon on the driver. Tony Strupp.com (03-29-07)

With 71 cars pre-registered and more expected on Sunday at the 141 Speedway, entrants for the Tisler Salvage April Fools Enduro, Sunday afternoon, April 1st, should top the 89 cars that took to the track in the annual New Year’s Day race! Drivers from 7 states, Canada and the Virgin Islands have all competed in the Tisler Salvage Enduro Series. Racing Wisconsin (03-29-07)

Gardner Racing and driver Mike Gardner have announced their 2007 season which consist of running WIR weekly and select events at Norway Speedway. Gardner Racing (03-24-07) UPDATE: The team is looking to obtain Primary Sponsorship for the 2007 Racing Season. If interested, please email us at gardnerracing45@yahoo.com. (03-28-07)

Fresh off his first Nextel Cup win of the season Kyle Busch has committed to racing in the 28th Annual Miller Lite Slinger Nationals July 17. Busch will be piloting his own Late Model prepared at Kyle Busch Motorsports by Wisconsin native Richie Waters. Post Crescent (03-28-07)

Dells Raceway Park Updates: The track will run Hoosier tires with a 3 new tires per night rule. The Super Late Models will be moved back in to the pit area in the middle of the track where a new tech building is being built. There are many sky boxes being built atop the concourse. The track will be serving Budweiser and Miller Beer....(thats gotta be a rarity!) In part from the Todd and Eddie Show (03-28-07)

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)

We understand WIR Late Model driver John Meidam just got back from 3 long days of Nascar driving school. The new team is finishing up the new car and are looking for good things in 2007. (03-28-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment is thrilled to announce a partnership with Wellman Products Group for the inaugural season of the Midwest Tour. Press Release (03-16-07)

All crate engines to be used for competition in the Madison Late Model class at MIS this season, must use dyno HP numbers obtained after Jan.1, 2007. Any dyno work done in 2006, during or after the season ended will not be honored for HP verification. The dyno facilities are looking for engines that have been "De-tuned" with the intention of lowering the HP numbers. Press Release (03-28-07)

Culver’s®, the restaurant chain known for its fresh, frozen custard and ButterBurgers®, is broadening its motorsports involvement from a regional program into the national spotlight with a limited 2007 entry into NASCAR. Long-time Culver’s Racing driver Frank Kreyer, moving up from regional late-models, will pilot a Culver’s-wrapped CRAFTSMAN truck in two events and a BUSCH Series car in four. Racing Wisconsin (03-24-07)

Doug, Arnie, Nick and Eric Mahlik stood shoulder to shoulder in a section of their Bellevue shop smiling for the camera. Monday's photo shoot is part of their plan to secure sponsorship for the two race cars run by Mahlik Motorsports. The Mahliks are among 53 teams that plan to run for the season championship of the new American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour, presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment. Full Story in Green Bay Press Gazette (03-20-07)

Madison International E-News - Week of March 19, 2007 (03-20-07)

Mark Martin recently bought a new Late Model chassis from Lefthander and than had Pathfinder tweak it. Ricky Carmichael will run this car down in Florida as part of his driver development. The Todd and Eddie Show reported there is a rumor that Mark Martin may bring that car up to the midwest and run some races in the area. (03-12-07)

Terry "Fig" Newton from Hoosier Tires suffered a massive heart attack on Monday night, Feb. 26. Sources tell us they spoke with Terry's wife on Friday and the clot still hadn't passed. (03-6-07) UPDATE: We are told Terry is now home and will be spending the next 30 days at home. (03-9-07)

Slinger sportsman driver Brad Keith, dirt racer Chris Carlson and Dale Prunty are among the 6 rookie Late Model drivers at Slinger Super Speedway in 2007. LTN Radio Network (03-6-07)

Carl Wegner of Wegner Motorsports recently had a heart attack but is doing well and supposedly getting back to work soon, everything at Wegner Motorsports is business as usual. Wegner supplies engines to some Busch and Truck Series teams. Jayski (03-6-07)

Hearing talk that Troy Nelson might be returning to Wisconsin International Raceway on Thursday nights. (03-6-07)

The #95 Danes Racing team will carry a yellow and black paint scheme for 2007. The car will be housed at Mike Butz Racing, but still owned by Ken and Darlene Danes. The car will still be driven by the Flying Farmer Bob Danes. (03-2-07)

Touring Racing

Rockford Speedway officials along with the Mid-American Series has announced that this year’s Mid-American Series feature event will be 60-laps in length to help celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the legendary speedway. Racing Wisconsin (03-31-07)

Frank Kreyer made his first Nascar Craftsman Truck Series start today and finished 28th, 7 laps down. Results from Truck Series.com (03-31-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment has signed 22-year-old Brandon Hill from Lake Geneva, WI as a competitor for the 2007 inaugural season. Press Release (03-30-07)

We would like to take a few minutes to send all of you a note updating you on the ASA Educational Series program. Many of you are in the process or have already been connected with an area high school to take part in the scholarship program. We have been working very hard to get this program up and running the last few months and we are very close to having everything finalized on paper. Liability insurance costs for the ASAES have amounted to a monumental figure, but we are moving forward as originally planned. Press Release (03-29-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment has signed 24-year-old Travis Sauter of Necedah, WI as a Touring Star for the inaugural 2007 season. On the off weeks from the ASA Midwest Tour, Travis would like to travel to some other venues and race in events at The Milwaukee Mile and Nashville’s Music City Motorplex. Press Release (03-28-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment has signed 34-year-old Rich Loch from Muskego, Wisconsin as participant in the ASA Educational Series and a contender for the inaugural championship. ASA Midwest Tour (03-24-07)

Terry's Ford - Peotone, IL, has agreed to a 2 year sponsorship with TK Racing - Orland Park, IL. The sponsorship was agreed upon by principal owner of Terry's Ford - Terry Kunes and TK Racing owner Tom Kmak. The recent sponsorship agreement will allow TK Racing to move forward with additional resources in order to be more competitive on the racing circuit. With the racing season in full gear Kmak is targeting higher profile races to get more exposure for his team and his sponsors. Press Release (03-24-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment has signed 22-year-old Dean Cornelius of Chaska, Minnesota as a championship contender for the inaugural 2007 season. “I’m sizing down my operation this year, and just trying to get a firmer focus with one car. ASA Midwest Tour (03-20-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment held its 2007 preseason informational meeting Saturday at the Chula Vista Resort Golf Course Club House in Wisconsin Dells. The Club House was packed with over 125 attendees. Press Release (03-19-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment is holding its 2007 preseason informational meeting Saturday March 17 at the Chula Vista Resort Golf Course Club House and Water Park in Wisconsin Dells. Press Release (03-16-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment is pleased to announce a partnership with PowerTrain Technology, Inc. (PTT) for the inaugural season of the Midwest Tour. Press Release (03-14-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment has signed 40-year-old Chris Grimes of Pulaski, WI as a championship contender for the inaugural 2007 season. “I think the Tour will advance all drivers involved. They will give more exposure to all teams and be an all around great series to be in,” Chris commented. Press Release (03-12-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment has signed 37-year-old Brad “JJ” Mueller of Random Lake, Wisconsin, as a championship contender for the inaugural 2007 season. Brad is sponsored by Pace American Trailers, Mueller’s Sales and Service, and Suburban Motors Harley Davidson-Buell. More information about Brad is available online at www.bmre89.com. Press Release (03-09-07)

Racing Speed Associates, L.L.C. dba ASA Racing**, a leader in short track racing which includes all ASA Member Tracks and various ASA Racing Regional Series situated throughout the United States, has provided a special member benefit for ASA Racing licensed participants in the 2007 season. ASA Racing has contracted for some of the broadest benefits available for participants in motorsports. The benefit plan provides coverage for covered medical expenses for an ASA member up to $500,000.00. Press Release (03-8-07)

To all Drivers and Media, After we announced the informational meeting at Chula Vista, the hotel has been filling up very quickly. As of this time there are only a few rooms left at Chula Vista and more rooms will open up daily due to cancellations of a large group function. If you are not able to reserve a room at Chula Vista at the $109 price and you are still considering the stay, you can call the Americ Inn at 608-254-1700 and reserve a room for $89 (listed under ASA Midwest Tour). Press Release (03-7-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment is pleased to announce Decatur, Michigan-based Torco Racing Fuels as the official fuel of the Tour. Press Release (03-7-07)

The United States Super Trucks will be an added attraction on The Milwaukee Mile’s popular NASCAR Busch Series race date, according to speedway officials. Who Won (03-6-07)

The American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment has over fifty drivers preregistered for full-time competition in the inaugural 2007 season. Press Release (03-6-07)

(Blake) Bjorklund has the security of knowing Haas is looking at him from a developmental standpoint. They picked him out of a group of 25 contending drivers to run in the Craftsman Trucks Series. Haas has two cars running in Nextel Cup, with designs on adding two more next year. If Bjorklund runs well this year, there's a chance he could get a couple of shots in Nextel Cup races at the end of this season and make the big leap in 2008. Star Tribune via Auto Racing Tracks (03-3-07)

ASA Midwest Tour President Tim Olson and VP Steve Einhaus have announced the time and location for the upcoming Informational Meeting for the 2007 racing season. The meeting will be held on Saturday March 17th at the Chula Vista Resort Golf Course Club House, beginning at 4pm. Press Release (03-2-07)

American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment driver Dan Lensing of Roscoe, IL has his eye on both the ASAMT Championship as well as the ASA Educational Series Championship with his team. Team Dan Lensing Racing and Beloit Memorial High School have partnered together for the upcoming racing season. Press Release (03-2-07)