2008 Racing News and Rumors - August
Dirt Racing
The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series is NOT competing this Sunday, August 24th at the Langlade County Speedway. The marquee in front of the fairgrounds venue incorrectly states that the IRA, which is the upper-midwest's premier sprint car series will be racing there on that date, however that is not the case. "We want to make it extremely clear that the IRA 410 Outlaw Sprints, the only sprint car series to have ever competed on the ultra-fast - half-mile in Antigo, is not currently scheduled to be in Antigo this year at all. Press Release (08-21-08)
The Interstate Racing Association sprint car series made their final appearance at Charter Raceway Park Saturday night. They, along with the regular divisions put on a fantastic show in front of a crowd of diehard race fans. Brooke Tatnell took the lead on lap five of the IRA A-Main event and never looked back. Mike Kertscher worked hard to keep pace but was unable to reel him in close enough to make a serious challenge for the lead. The event had a hard time getting started with four cautions in the first three laps involving eight different drivers. Press Release (08-17-08)
With only four regular season nights of racing left, Plymouth Dirt Track kicked off this Saturday night featuring the Grand National division with on track driver introductions before heat race. The Grand National division also had a 30 lap A-main feature. In the feature, Loren Lubach, Sheboygan, started on the inside of the fifth row, and was able to drive through the cars ahead of him quickly using every inch of race track available. A couple of cautions helped Lubach get to the front more quickly. Brad Dahmer, Sheboygan Falls, started 11 was able to charge up to second place. Matt Yancey, Sheboygan Falls, was third. Brian Kaat, Plymouth, held on to a fourth place finish after starting on the pole for the feature. Chad Kistner, New Holstein, was fifth. Press Release (08-17-08)
Rain showers hit the Forest County Potawatomi Thunderhill Raceway about one hour into the program, putting an end to the scheduled night of races. With the rainout there are only two scheduled points nights remaining before the 2008 track champions are crowned. Press Release (08-17-08)
Hometown driver Benji LaCrosse continued his domination at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night by winning his fourth straight 25 lap IMCA modified feature at the third-mile, clay oval. The win was LaCrosse's sixth of the season here. A total of 128 cars were on hand, including 40 IMCA modifieds, 25 stock cars, 26 northern sportmods, 22 hobby stocks and 15 sport fours. Press Release (08-17-08)
The IRA Outlaw Sprint Series has plenty of racing yet this season. While many series and tracks wrap up their season around Labor Day, IRA keeps on running all the way through September. Ten races remain on the IRA point schedule beginning with a pair this weekend, Aug. 15-16. IRA headlines the Kenosha County Fair in Wilmot WI this Friday before taking a short drive north to Charter Raceway Park for Saturday's show. Press Release (08-12-08)
The 2008 racing season at Charter Raceway Park is winding down but the action was heating up on Saturday night. Double points were on the line as all five divisions competed. A non-stop A-Main in the Modified ranks took just about six minutes to complete the 20 laps and give a win to Aaron Rake. Press Release (08-12-08)
It was Miller Night at the Races this past Saturday at Plymouth Dirt Track. The grandstands were full and the weather was great. Rezutek used the high groove to hold off Brad Mueller, Random Lake, and Russ Scheffler, Waukesha, who were door to door for a handful of laps. Scheffler was able to get around Mueller for second. Mueller was third. Craig Schueffner, Sheboygan Falls, was fourth. Rick Scheffler, Waukesha, rounded out the top five for the Late Model feature. Press Release (08-12-08)
Hometown driver Benji LaCrosse of Luxemburg passed Denmark's RM Van Pay for the lead on lap 14 and cruised to victory in the 25 lap IMCA modified feature at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night. The victory was LaCrosse's fifth of the year and his third straight at his hometrack. Press Release (08-12-08)
The Forest County Potawatomi Thunderhill Raceway is preparing for this Wednesday's IMCA special on the opening night of the Door County Fair. Racing will get underway at 6:30 p.m.and will feature the IMCA modifieds, stock cars, hobby stocks, sport mods and 4 cylinders. The show will be a draw/redraw format, with $1,000 paid to the winner of the modified feature, $600 for the stock cars, $400 for the sport mods, $300 for the hobby stocks and $125 for the 4 cylinders. Press Release (08-8-08)
Plymouth Dirt Track featured the Tech Squad Midwest Sprintcar Association this past Saturday night with a 30 lap feature for the sprint division and on track driver introductions. Lance Fassbender, Burnett, lead the feature flag to flag, but not without challenges from Wayne Modjeski, Oak Creek, and Earl Possi, Escanaba, MI. But Fassbender, who currently leads the point standings over Possi and Modjeski, was able to hold them off using the higher groove to his advantage. Modjeski, finished second. Jim Melis, Glenbuelah, in his second night back this season, finished third. Jason Johnson, Allenton, was fourth. Michael Emme, Manitowoc, was fifth. Possi faded back to finish seventh. Press Release (08-3-08)
Denmark’s Tim Czarneski held off New Franken’s Shawn Kilgore to pick up his second feature win of the season in the IMCA modifieds at the Forest County Potawatomi Thunderhill Raceway. Algoma’s Dave Bouche also found himself back in victory lane for the second time in the IMCA stock car division. Press Release (08-3-08)
Hometown driver Benji LaCrosse passed veteran RM Van Pay of Denmark for the lead on lap sixteen and weaved his way through lapped traffic to win the caution free, 25 lap IMCA modified feature at Luxemburg Speedway Friday night. A total of 129 cars were in attendance, including 40 IMCA modifieds, 31 stock cars, 23 northern sportmods, 22 hobby stocks and 13 sport fours. Press Release (08-2-08)
Asphalt Racing
After a summer of rumors, it sounds as though Jim Kemkes is moving down south to be with his son. It appears the whole Kemke Racing team is up for sale. We understand crew members are trying to keep the team together and looking at ways to buy the team. (08-29-08)
JJ Smith announced last night that he would be hanging up his racing shoes and calling it a career after last nights races. (08-29-08)
Last night was the final Thursday Night Thunder of the 2008 season. In Late Model action it was Jeff Van Oudenhoven taking fast qualifying honors. Heat winners were Cal Harrell and Kyle Calmes with Lowell Bennett taking the fast dash. It was John Meidam taking the feature win over Lowell Bennett and Mike Gardner. . In Limited Late Model action it was Kris Kelly taking fast qualifying honors. Heat winners were Coley Klockzein and Randy Van Roy with Todd Verhagen taking the fast dash. Kris Kelly took the feature win over Jim Duchow. Other Feature winners: Super Stocks - Dylan Wenzel, Sport Trucks - Jason Plutz, Sizzlin 4's - Scott Verboomen, Figure 8's - Jared Baughman. Champions: Late Models - Jeff Van Oudenhoven, Limited Lates - Jim Duchow, Sport Trucks - Ron Magdanz, Super Stocks - Andy Casavant/Gregg Hauer, Sizzlin 4's - Tom Schweitzer, Figure 8's - Jeff Wohlrabe. (08-29-08)
MIS E-News Week of August 25, 2008 (08-27-08)
This Sunday August 31 Bob Fish Pontiac Buick GMC presents the 2008 Labor Day Fireworks Extravaganza at Slinger Speedway. A 100 lap Late Model Feature will highlight the event along with a huge fireworks show! Late Models will be joined by: Limited Late Models, Midwest Sportsman, Thunderstock, Slinger Bee’s, one on one spectators, Speedway Guest Cars, those wild and crazy Figure 8’s and the Suburban Motors Harley Davidson MODS. Gates open at 3:45, Qualifying at 4:15, and Racing at 6:00. Press Release (08-27-08)
Fifteen year old Jesse Bernhagen has had an exciting two weeks of racing. Last week he was involved in a crash that landed him upside down on the track. He came back this week to lead the 40 lap Limited Late Model feature and taking the checkered flag for his first ever feature win. With two laps to go, Bernhagen was in the lead with Tim Syvrud right behind him when a huge oil leak caused the caution and the race was ended under caution due to the track conditions. Tim Syvrud, Nick Nolden, Mike Ehde, and Andy Niles rounded out the top 5 finishes in the Miller Lite Limited Late Feature. Press Release (08-25-08)
Lowell Bennett took a major step in securing his fifth track champion by securing the win in the KFC Pepsi Challenge Al Schill Jr. Memorial 77-lap late model feature Sunday night at the Slinger Super Speedway, besting Jeremy Lepak and Mike Strupp at the finish. Press Release (08-25-08)
Two Rivers Travis Groelle led wire-to-wire to win the caution plauged, 35 lap Mid Am Sportsman feature at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek Saturday night. Press Release (08-25-08)
The fans were treated to some great racing on Werner Electric Night at Madison International Speedway with five exciting divisions in action. Steve Rubeck of Monroe Center, Illiniois, won his fourth feature of the year in the Weaver Auto Parts Super Late Models and remained in contention for the track championship. Other winners included Brady Liddle in the Rockweiler Insulation Limited Late Models, Bret Schmidt in the Bryden Motors Area Sportsman, Max McNamara in the Pellitteri Waste Systems Legends, and Jody Schmidt in the Roto Rooter Bandits. Press Release (08-25-08)
Last night the Fox River Racing Club presented MCL Industries Night at WIR. With light rain showers in the area, everyone's eyes were on the sky. All heat races and dashes were cancelled and extended features were run to speed the program up. In Late Model action it was Tim Rothe taking fash time in qualifying. Kyle Calmes took the semi feature win. Jeff Van Oudenhoven took the 50 lap feature win over Terry Baldry. Jeff Van Oudenhoven only needs to start the feature next week to win the championship. In Limited Late Model action it was Kris Kelly taking fast time in qualifying. Jim Ebben took the semi feature win. Andy Kluck took the feature win over Gary Natrop. Jim Duchow holds a 24 point lead over Kris Kelly with one week left. Other feature wins: Super Stocks - Larry Raygo, Sport Trucks - Jeff Van Handel, Sizzlin 4's - Tom Schweitzer, Figure 8 - Terry Van Roy. (08-22-08)
The Legend will return to Oktoberfest again, but will not be behind the wheel this time. Wisconsin's most legendary driver Dick Trickle will make his only Wisconsin appearance at the 39th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, WI. "Due to health reasons, Trickle will not be racing this season," John McKarns, MotorSports President and Fest Organizer stated. "However, he plans to 'walk and talk, meet and greet' the racers, sponsors and fans at FEST and throughout the 'camper village.' Press Release (08-19-08)
Dells Raceway Park Points as of August 19th, 2008. (08-19-08)
Sunday Night August 24th, it’s the KFC Pepsi Challenge Al Schill Jr Memorial Night! We will be remembering Al Schill Jr with a 77 Lap Late Model Race and a 7 car 7 lap Late Model Strange Brew Trophy Dash. Friends of Al Schill Jr. have added $3000 to the Late Model Purse! The KFC Pepsi Challenge 77 lap Late Model Race will highlight the racing activities. Late Models will be joined by: Limited Late Models, Midwest Sportsman, Thunderstock, Slinger Bee’s, one on one spectators, Speedway Guest Cars, and those wild and crazy Figure 8’s. Gates open at 3:45, Qualifying at 4:15, and Racing at 6:00 pm. Press Release (08-19-08)
Slinger Super Speedway point standings as of August 17th, 2008. (08-18-08)
Jeremy Lepak raced to his third late model feature win of the season in the Transport Services 65 Sunday night at the Slinger Super Speedway. Bennett finally made his way around Dennis Prunty for second with five laps to go, but Lepak was too far ahead and he steadily drove to his third late model feature win of the season. Bennett settled for second place just ahead of Dennis Prunty while Nick Schumacher and David Prunty rounded out the top five finishers. Bennett’s second place finish unofficially gave him the season points lead over David Prunty by a mere six points as the fight for the track championship begins to wind down. Dale Prunty finished sixth and Matt Kocourek was seventh while Al Schill came out of the semi-feature to finish eighth. Dan Jung and Eric Fransen were ninth and tenth respectively. Press Release (08-18-08)
Blue Race Tidbits: Jordan Thiel was on hand with his #2 car with a Wegner LS motor. The team was unable to get oil pressure in the motor and after taking the oil filter apart they found metal shavings. Chris Grimes blew a motor in the feature event which left a hold in the block and parts hanging out the block. Terry Baldry dropped out of the feature event with engine problems, apparently the motor locked up tight. Jerry Schneider brought out his #28 car which he hasn't raced at WIR since 2002. Jeff Van Oudenhoven was running in the top 5 before the 50 lap mark and was making his way around the lapped car of Jerry Schneider which Jeff was spun out. (08-17-08)
Last night WIR hosted the final leg of the Red, White and Blue Series. Tim Rothe took fast time besting 23 cars that took qualifying laps. Tim Rothe held off Lowell Bennett to take the feature win. Top 5: 1. Tim Rothe, 2. Lowell Bennett, 3. Jeff Van Oudenhoven, 4. Mike Gardner, 5. Gregg Haese. Lowell Bennett was leading at lap 50 when the caution flew for a 10 minute break. The leader was given the option to bold on 4 different tires and start from the back. Lowell took the challenge, but came up one car short. Tim Rothe was the overall Red, White and Blue Champion. (08-17-08)
Manitowoc's Tim Conard flexed his muscle at 141 Speedway Saturday night, scoring a clean sweep by netting fast time, the heat and 30 lap super stock feature win. By virtue of his seventh place finish, Fremont's Dylan Wenzel captured the Gandrud Chevrolet Super stock series by nine ponts over Dave Gauger Jr. of Manitowoc. The six race series also competed in three Thursday night races at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Conard passed Dave Gauger Jr. of Manitowoc with five laps to go to collect the super stock feature win. Press Release (08-17-08)
Dave Klein and Dan Lensing capped off a great night of racing at Dells Raceway Park, an American Speed Association Member Track, with a finish that was close as a blink of an eye. The two would get the fans on their feet for a great finish in the Super Late Model feature event. With eight laps to go, Lensing would get past Trute for second and chase down Klein. Lensing would catch Klein with four laps to go and the battle was on. Lensing was looking for a way to get by him and on the last lap he went on the outside of Klein. Press Release (08-17-08)
On a beautiful night for racing and in front of a very energetic crowd, Rebecca Kasten held off a talented field of drivers to win her first-ever feature in the Rockweiler Insulation Limited Late Models on Swiss Colony Night at Madison International Speedway. Nathan Haseleu (Weaver Auto Parts Super Late Models), Bret Schmidt (Bryden Motors Area Sportsman), Chester Ace (Roto Rooter Bandits), and Max McNamara (Pellitteri Waste Systems Legends) were also feature winners. Press Release (08-17-08)
Its less than two months from the 39th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, WI. This year's Fest promises to be the best ever with some major changes to the four-day race program. The biggest news to come so far is the announcement that Super Late Models will be competing all four days. "We have added a "Futures" race on Thursday for the Super Late Models," John McKarns, MotorSports President and Fest Organizer stated. "The Dick Trickle "99" returns on Friday and the American Speed Association Midwest Tour "Stars and Cars" will be in action both Saturday and Sunday!" Press Release (08-17-08)
Thursday Night Thunder WAPL/Budweiser/Kurz Electric Triple Crown Night at the races. In Late Model action it was Jeff Van Oudenhoven taking fast time. Tom Gee Jr took the fast dash win while Dalton Zehr took the semi feature win. Tim Rothe took the feature win over Gregg Haese and Eugune Gregorich Jr. Jeff Van Oudenhoven still holds the points lead. In Limited Late Model action it was Jim Duchow taking fast time and breaking the track record. Andy Kluck took the fast dash win while Jessie Gracyalny Van Roy taking the semi feature. Kris Kelly took the feature win over Jim Duchow is a shortened event due to a lengthy clean up. Other Feature winners: Super Stocks - Nick Boldt, Sport Trucks - Ron Magdanz, Sizzlin 4's - Tim Richter, Figure 8- Terry Van Roy. (08-17-08)
The Coleman Racing Products-Mcgunegill Engine late model driven by Dalton Zehr would like to thank the people at WIR for letting us show case a new style engine package. Thanx to Jason Shultz, Tommy Gee, Jerry Schneider and any one else that helped with this engine test. We have heard that some regular WIR racers where upset when being beat by the test engine. Sorry if it caused any problems. Testing is always fun but we ran the car to ASAMT specs. 2750 lbs with a legal 4412 2bbl carb. I (Lumpy)was there to watch and gather important info on the test. Thanx again to Zehr Racing and Mark and crew for all the hard work. Milwaukee mile is the next big test. Also on a sad note one of Daltons grand parents passed away this week and he will be leaving to go to the funeral this week end. (08-17-08)
Thrive to Drive Motorsports Newsletter (08-13-08)
Sunday Night August 17th, it’s the Transport Services Fan Appreciation Night! Happy hour will be from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm with $1 beer, $1 soda, and $1 Old Wisconsin Hot Dogs. Plus, free beer and soda after the races and fan give-a-ways throughout the evening. Press Release (08-13-08)
MIS E-News Week of August 11, 2008 (08-13-08)
Dells Raceway Park officials have announced a new starting time for it's famous Saturday night racing program. Starting this Saturday, August 16th, the start time for racing will be moved from 7:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Graziano also announced the new Dells Raceway Park Stock Car Driving Experience. "I am real excited about this new and exciting program. We have two cars completed with four more being finished as we speak," Graziano said. "These are full size Super Late Model stock cars with an automatic transmission. We want every fan to have an opportunity to get behind the wheel have this unique experience." Press Release (08-12-08)
The Daytona Beach based Coleman Racing Products and Mc Gunnegill Engines late model will be at WIR for the Thursday Night Thunder. After a successful Monday practice Dalton and crew will hit the high banked 1/2 mile. Marty Zehr said we have corrected some problems on the 119 and found some things that where differant from the Schwanke G.M. test engine and the MEP SEALED engine. (08-12-08)
David Prunty took the lead from Jamie Wallace on a late race restart and drove to victory in the Kwik Trip Gilbert Brown Hall of Fame 60 presented by the Wisconsin Corn Growers Sunday night at the Slinger Super Speedway. Press Release (08-12-08)
Luxemburg's Frank Paul scampered past Luxemburg's Dave De Grave for the lead on lap nine and fought off Green Bay's Ryan Manthei to capture his first, 25 lap IMCA hobby stock feature at 141 Speedway Saturday night. The race was a milestone for Paul, as he captured the first ever IMCA sanctioned hobby stock feature on pavement in Wisconsin's history. Paul fought off De Grave, the current state points leader, and Manthei in the final laps for the victory. Press Release (08-12-08)
Steve Holzhausen took advantage of an opportunity to win the Ho Chunk Military Salute Night 50 at Dells Raceway Park. Cardell Potter, Travis Hancock, Brad Luck and Jody Schmidt also picked up feature wins on a great Saturday night of American Speed Association Member Track racing action. Press Release (08-12-08)
Vanderloop Leasing presented the Thursday Night Thunder last night at WIR. In Late Models it was Jeff Van Oudenhoven taking fast qualifying honors besting 28 cars. Heat winners were Marshall Beck and Pete Vandermolen Jr. with Mike Gardner taking the fast dash win. JJ Smith took the semi feature win. Gregg Haese made a bold outside pass taking the lead and eventually the win over Tom Gee Jr., Mike Gardner, Jeff Van Oudenhoven and Tim Rothe. In Limited Late Models it was Jim Duchow taking fast time and setting a new track record. Heat winners were Doug Carpenter and Tim Springstroh with Gary Natrop taking the fast dash win. 18 year old Becca Kasten took the feature win over Jim Duchow. This was Becca's first ever Limited Late Model feature win. Other Feature winners: Super Stocks - George Schwalbach, Sport Trucks - Dan Vixmer, Sizzlin 4's - Tom Richter, Figure 8's - Jeff Beschta. (08-1-08)
Although long past the point for a full moon on the calendar, if one weren't looking towards the sky Wednesday at Rockford Speedway, you would of swore the full moon was gleaming down on the quarter mile oval. Several oddities paired with good side-by-side racing were the key players in this edition of Wednesday night racing, presented by Yellowbook. Press Release (08-1-08)
Make your plans now to come to MIS on Friday for a big night of racing. See six divisions plus Twin 50's and the ASAES scholarship presentation. er 200 laps of feature racing is on tap at Madison International Speedway this Friday night for Laborer�s Union Local 464 Night. Highlighting the racing action will be Twin 50�s for the Weaver Auto Parts Super Late Models. One driver could win as much as $2500 on Friday night! Press Release (08-1-08)
Kevin Ramsell is proud to announce that he has joined racingone.com as one of its columnist. His columns will be called "Short Track Attack." Press Release (08-1-08)
Sunday Night August 3rd, it’s the Russ Darrow Toyota of West Bend Great Bike Give-a-Way! We will be giving away 50 – 100 brand new bikes to kids 11 and under! Many of the bikes will be specially decaled and autographed by Slinger Speedway racers. Press Release (08-1-08)
For the first time in 21 years IMCA sanctioning will return to 141 Speedway in Francis Creek for a one night special Saturday, August 9 as the local IMCA hobby stocks will take to the quarter-mile, paved oval in a fully sanctioned state, regional and national points special. The one night special is expected to draw many of the weekly competitors who race weekly at both Luxemburg Speedways on Friday nights and Thunder Hill Raceway in Sturgeon Bay, both third mile, dirt tracks. Press Release (08-1-08)
Touring Racing
For the second year in a row RK Race Promotions has teamed up with The Milwaukee Mile to promote the Wisconsin All-Star 100 with Matt Kenseth as part of The Mile's Annual Governor's Cup Weekend. On Sunday, August 24, Matt Kenseth will be joined by NASCAR points leader Kyle Busch and the best super late model racers in the Midwest in the Wisconsin All-Star 100 with Matt Kenseth event. Press Release (08-1-08)