2008 News and Rumors - February
Dirt Racing
The brisk winds of an exciting race season prevail at Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam. Manager, Carolyn Mueller recently announced that the five division Saturday evening program will start on May 10th and will end August 30th. Mueller was also excited about the return of the World of Outlaws on August 2nd. The “Duel at the Dam” series that features the IRA Sprints and the Badger Midgets has been expanded to three thrilling open wheel brawls on May 3rd, May 31st and July 12th. September is being reserved for rain dates and possible special events. Press Release (02-11-08)
71 drivers representing five different weekly divisions signed up to compete on Friday nights at Luxemburg Speedway as track officials held their annual winter meeting at Northbrook Country Club Friday night for the upcoming 2008 season. The breakdown of numbers of drivers per division who signed up to compete again in '08 were 26 IMCA stock cars, 13 modifieds, 11 hobby stocks, 15 sportmods and 6 sport fours. Press Release (02-3-08)
More than 325 drivers, race officials and fans took part in the 2007 Luxemburg Speedway awards banquet at Beverly Gardens near Denmark Saturday night. Second generation driver Jared Siefert of Green Bay capped off a career season. The IMCA modified competitor captured the division crown here at Luxemburg. In addition, he garnered titles at Shawano Speedway, Seymour Speedway, along with state, regional and national IMCA crowns. Siefert will have a brand new car at his disposal as he will defend all of his racing titles. Press Release (01-27-08)
We have learned that 2006 Harris Clash winner Jeremie Hedrick will be racing Friday nights weekly Luxemburg for the 2008 season. (01-16-08)
An informational meeting for drivers pertaining to the upcoming 2008 racing season at Luxemburg Speedway will be held Friday, February 1 at 7 p.m. at Northbrook Country Club in Luxemburg. Drivers will receive information packets, including copies of the rules. IMCA modifieds, stock cars, hobby stocks, northern sportmods will compete weekly along with sport 4's. Other issues that will be covered in this meeting will be rotating certain divisions on a weekly basis, muffler requirements, cutting laps for multiple caution flags and raising the frontstretch wall and filling in the ditch. Press Release (01-7-08)
It will be a year of new beginnings at Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam. In an organizational shake-up, Wisconsin Motorsports and Entertainment announced that Carolyn Mueller has been appointed as the new manager of Charter Raceway Park. Mueller, who has spent four years with the organizer working in accounting while scoring race events, is committed to grassroots racing and developing strong community ties. Beaver Dam Daily Citizen (01-6-08)
Tracy Wassenberg and his Team 30 Racing team will race Friday nights at Luxemburg Speedway and Saturday nights at Shawano Speedway. Team 30 Racing (01-1-07)
Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, WI has released its 2008 racing schedule along with an announcement concerning track operations for the upcoming season. The 2008 season schedule will once again feature a variety of racing entertainment that will be anchored by the regular five divisions of modifieds, grand nationals, stocks, legends and dirt devils. Special events on the schedule include the return of the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series scheduled for August 2. Press Release (01-1-08)
Top drivers will be honored at the 2007 Luxemburg Speedway awards banquet slated for Saturday, January 26, 2008 at the Beverly Gardens in Denmark. Champions in the IMCA modified, stock car, northern sportmod, hobby stock and sport four divisions will be crowned. Drivers finishing in the top 10 in points in the respective classes will receive awards. Sportsmanship and rookie-of-the-year awards will also be handed out.A cash bar is scheduled for 5 p.m. with a chicken and ribs dinner at 6 p.m. Press Release (01-1-08)
Brian Bruechert was tickled pink after winning the monthly Woody’s Hot Shot contest in October. He’s even happier now, after topping voting by fans and friends for the overall prize given this year. The IMCA Sunoco Stock Car driver from Kewaunee, Wis., earns a 3x5 foot banner complete with a car photo, 12 eight-inch custom designed numbers matching his car number, and a 2008 IMCA competitor’s license. IMCA (12-14-07)
Brad Mueller will make the switch to a Dirt Late Model weekly at Plymouth Fairgrounds. Brad will be be powered by a Pro Power Ford motor. Todd and Eddie Show (11-14-07)
The 48th annual Interstate Racing Association (O'Reilly Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints) Awards Banquet is slated for Saturday night December 15th at Turner Hall in Watertown, Wisconsin. Travis Whitney captured his second consecutive series crown, while Billy Hafemann earned United Trailers Rookie of the Year honors. 20 teams representing 3 states met eligibility requirements and will share in yet another record IRA point fund. Press Release (11-13-07)
Asphalt Racing
TK Motorsports has released thier 2008 season schedule which consist of the full ASA Midwest Tour schedule and Thursday Nights at WIR. We assume the Thursday Nights would be running a Limited Late Model for M&M Motorsports. (03-2-08)
The 2008 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Season at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway is just seven short weeks away. That is significant, which also brings the concept that this long winter will soon be over; the snow WILL melt....... soon! Racing in 2008 will begin at 7:30, at the request of many fans. 7:15 was a difficult time to meet for all of the agriculturally involved fans and participants. Racing Wisconsin (03-1-08)
Super Late Model driver Nick Hammer has his complete racing operation for sale on Racing Junk. The team is selling 2 Lefthanders, the hauler, 3 motors and setup equipment. The ad states that Nick is available to drive and/or maintain these cars. There is no information available on the teams website. (02-29-08)
Tanner Bohlin's #81 Limited Late Model is for sale on Racing Junk. We understand Tanner will be piloting an entry for Kemkes Racing while Cory Kemkes is in Nascar School (02-29-08)
Springstroh racing tells us 17 year old Tim Springstroh will be racing at WIR on Thursday nights in the Limited Late Model division. Springstroh Racing has bought another car and will also be racing some Big 8 races. The additional races have been determined at this time. (02-26-08)
The promoters say this is NOT your average county fair demolition derby and it’s nothing that you ever have seen. Darkhorse Racing will be putting on two great demos at the Rockford Speedway on Sunday, May 4th and Saturday, October 25 starting at 1 p.m. each day as big time demolition derby action returns to the famous track after a long hiatus. Press Release (02-26-08)
The 3rd. annual Wisconsin Racing Expo Show will be held on Saturday March 8th at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in the Wisconsin Products Building. The theme at this year's show is "Support Short Track Racing" We invited 30 race tracks or sanctioning groups to the show this year to come out and promote their track or group. They will have race schedules, rule books and possibly discount coupons. Come and check out what your favorite track or racing group has planned for 2008. Press Release (02-26-08)
Tim Satorius tells us he will be back in the fold at Wisconsin International Raceway for the 2008 season. Tim has fielded Late Model cars at Wisconsin International Raceway carrying the #93 with Andy Weyenberg and Troy Nelson over the years. Tim's son David will run for rookie of the year in the super stock division. David has been racing karts and snowmobiles since he was 7 years old, last season he raced street stocks at Seymour. The team has purchased Mike Gardners championship car from the 1990's which is a '88 Monte Carlo. The car will be red and carry the familar #93. The team is close to inking sponsorship with the Forest County Potwatomi. The car will carry sponsorship from Lake Park Pub, Monday & Associates, Cinders and The 10th Frame Bar & Grill. The team will be a team car as far as sponsorship goes with Troy Nelson who will pilot a Late Model weekly. (02-24-08)
Along with his (Matt Panure) announcing duties for the ASAMT, he will be the announcer for WIR’s Thursday Night racing program and Chilton on Fridays as well as the Mid-American Series, “According to everything that I have scheduled out, I won’t miss any ASAMT races.” Press Release (02-22-08)
For the third year in a row, the VIP packages for The Swiss Colony All-Star Challenge on Tuesday, June 24 at Madison International Speedway has sold out. But, don't worry, there are plenty of general admission tickets and pit passes available for the event featuring Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart. (02-22-08)
Thrive to Drive Motorsports tells us their team will race weekly at Wisconsin International Raceway and follow the ASA Midwest Tour for the full schedule. Kyle Calmes will continue to wheel the #9 Super Late Model. The team has the follow sponsors on board for the 2008 season Arbys, Orvs Pizza, Bayland building and Truck Country. (02-18-08)
Madison International Speedway 2008 Schedule (02-18-08)
MIS E-News Week of February 11, 2008 (02-18-08)
Pathfinder Chassis recently tested the 2008 chassis on the twist rig at Technosports in Moorseville, NC. The testing was to indicate how much flex the chassis would undergo during normal racing conditions. Pathfinder Chassis (02-8-08)
LP Motorsports tells us they will field 2 fulltime Limited Late Model teams for the 2008 season at Wisconsin International Raceway. Jessie Gracyalny Van Roy will be back in the #8 car with Gary Natrop driving the teams new entry, #58. The team will run out of town shows at Marshfield, LaCrosse Oktoberfest and possibly 141 depending on what they run for specials. (02-8-08)
The Van Oudenhoven camp tells us Jeff Van Oudenhoven's plans for the 2008 season will be the same as last year for the most part. Jeff will drive for the same team as last season along with Time Warner/ Road Runner sponsorship. The team will concentrate on WIR weekly and the Red, White & Blue Series, but will run special events as the year goes on. (02-8-08)
Team sources tell us that John Meidam will be back behind the wheel of the #3 Late Model for Sweere/Northland Racing in 2008. The team will run Thursday Nights weekly at Wisconsin Intenrational Raceway. The team has no plans to travel or run any special events. (02-8-08)
With the 2008 Fox River Racing Club season right around the corner we have started to kick things into second gear. By popular request we have brought back the 2008 FRRC Drivers Plans Page and 2008 FRRC Drivers List Page. As teams and drivers finish making their 2008 season they are encouraged to send an email to Corey with the information. (2-07-08)
Josh Bauer will run the full CRA Super Series schedule and compete for Rookie-of-the-Year! Josh Bauer (02-7-08)
Attention SUPER STOCK Drivers: Please keep in mind the 2008 Super Stock Rules have not yet been published and are not finalized. Specifically FRRC is recommending you DO NOT purchase headers until reading the finalized rules. There are going to be changes to the list of approved headers from the last club meeting and may be other important additions to these rules. 2008 rules will be uploaded here soon. FRRC Racing (02-7-08)
Rockford Speedway officials have announced the tentative schedule for the 61st season of racing. The season will begin on Sunday, April 6 and conclude on Sunday, October 19th with a similar theme, a four-cylinder enduro. The track will open on Saturday, April 5th with an open practice for all divisions starting at noon. It will also be the annual media day. The first racing event will take place on Sunday, April 6 with a 200-lap four-cylinder enduro starting at 1 p.m. 2008 Schedule - Press Release (02-6-08)
Strupp Enterprises is preparing for the 2008 season racing at Slinger Super Speedway and specials at area tracks. The team is looking for sponsorship for the #10 Super Late Model, #12 Super Late Model and #12 Limited Late Model. Strupp Enterprises (02-3-08)
Touring Racing
Ryan Gutknecht and Mark Kissinger who call Slinger Super Speedway their home track are looking to have a little fun in the Mid-American Stock Car Series this year. Kissinger is a former Thunderstock champion at Slinger Super Speedway while Gutknecht was the 2007 Rookie of the Year in that class. Racing Wisconsin (02-26-08)
The American Speed Association (ASA) is breaking new ground once again, by unveiling plans today for an innovative Short Track National Championship. The new plan allows competitors in any ASA Member Track’s premier division to compete against each other, regardless of geographical location. The winner will receive a prize even bigger than the bragging rights - the Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil Champion's Award and a chance to test behind the wheel of a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Press Release (02-26-08)
ASA Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment are proud to announce that Matt Panure has been named as the track announcer for the series 2008 season. Panure replaces Joe Verdegan, who has resigned to spend more time with his family and coaching football. Press Release (02-22-08)
ASA Midwest Tour officials along with Kwik Trip Stores, Inc. are proud to announce that Kwik Trip will return as the title sponsor for the 2008 season. For the second year in a row, the full series title name will be the ASA Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment. “This is a very good match for us,” Gary Gonczy, Marketing Director for Kwik Trip Stores, Inc. stated. “The support we got from everyone, especially the drivers and the race teams was phenomenal. They all did a great job of helping to market Kwik Trip to the race fans. We are very happy to be back as the title sponsor.” Press Release (02-22-08)
ASAMT officials have announced 12 of the 15 drivers that will make up the 2008 Touring Stars program for the ASA Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment. The Touring Stars program is a bonus program for the Touring Stars that compete at all of the ASAMT events. Press Release (02-20-08)
When you talk with Andy Monday, you can tell that he his riding a wave of momentum that he started at the end of 2007 racing season. He hopes to take this momentum into the 2008 ASA Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment season. “I have always looked up to this series, last year we really wanted to do it, but it was more of a money thing,” Monday recently stated. “But, we are building a new car so the budget may be tight, but with their base payout ($600 to start, $3000 to win at each 2008 event) it’s going to be affordable to run the series. It’s just a matter of finalizing the sponsorships for 2008 and see where we end up.” Press Release (02-20-08)
Big 8 Series officials have formed a Minor’s Eligibility Panel for approval of those drivers ages 14-15 that would like to participate in Big 8 Series competition during the 2008 race season. The panel will consist of both track promoters and veteran drivers whom will review a driver’s resume prior to allowing them to partake in race day activities. Those drivers between the ages of 14 and 15 that would like to have their eligibility reviewed by the panel are asked to submit a resume to the Big 8 Series offices at P.O. Box 1000, Rockford, IL 61105 or fax it to 815-654-8360. Press Release (02-18-08)
The race teams that participated in the ASA Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment Banquet back on January 26th at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI, left with more than just a check. Some received gifts that will help them prepare for the 2008 season. Hoosier Racing Tires was a big supporter of the inaugural season for the ASAMT with their support towards the point fund program. With their support along with the other sponsors, a total of $126,000 was handed out in cash and prizes at the banquet. Press Release (02-18-08)
ASA Midwest Tour has announced that Hawk Performance will continue their sponsorship of the ASA Midwest Tour for the upcoming 2008 race season. This will be the second season that Hawk Performance has been a sponsor with the ASA Midwest Tour. Press Release (02-18-08)
Tilton Engineering has entered into a marketing partnership with the ASA Midwest Tour for the 2008 ASAMT season with a contingency program through Tilton’s Sonic Racing Clutches product line. The product line is “Tilton for Short Track Racing” and features a full range of high quality clutches, bellhousings, flywheels, starters, and hydraulic release bearings. These components draw heavily upon the Tilton product lineage and are designed specifically for the rules and regulations of short track racing, while maximizing performance and reliability. Press Release (02-18-08)
There is one thing you will learn right away once you get to know Gary Gonczy, Marketing Manager for Kwik Trips Stores Inc. That is, don’t ask him if he has the first Saturday in March available, because that is a day where he takes is annual plunge…the Polar Plunge. Gonczy helped formed the relationship with Kwik Trip and the ASA Midwest Tour, is going to be participating in his 10th Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Wisconsin. Press Release (02-8-08)
Iowa Speedway announced that #18-Kyle Busch will compete in the July 20 ASA Midwest Tour Super Late Model race. "I enjoy going back to my roots to help promote Late Model events," Busch said in the release. "It gives me a chance to give something back to racing fans. The ASA super late model race in Iowa will likely be very competitive and, of course, I’d like to win it" Des Moines Register via Jayski (2-8-2008)
Nathan Haseleu has released his 2008 season schedule which consist of a full ASA Midwest Tour schedule, select CRA Super Series races, select ASA North Series races, Friday nights at Madison International Speedway and a partcial schedule of Wisconsin Challenge Series. Nathan Haseleu Motorsports (02-7-08)
A new season. A new name. Same determination. With the 2008 racing season quickly approaching one of the most respected ARCA RE/MAX Series (ARS) organizations announced that effectively immediately that the operation formally known as Country Joe Racing will become Win-Tron Racing (WTR). Win-Tron Racing will take on its second full year of ownership in the ARCA RE/MAX Series under the ownership of business partners Kevin Cywinski and Nate Thiesse. Auto Racing Tracks (02-7-08)
One of the reasons for the ASA Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment’s success in 2007 was how their rules were designed to work with the host track’s weekly rules in order to allow their weekly competitor to compete when the ASAMT visited their track. This process will again continue in 2008. “We are going to be visiting 13 to 14 different tracks in 2008 and we realize that we will be looking at 13 to 14 different rule packages,” Tim Olson, ASAMT President stated. “When Steve (Einhaus, ASAMT VP) and I started this series, we wanted to make sure that our rules were designed to be open for the weekly competitor to come and compete, just like the traditional ARTGO Series did in the 1970’s to 1990’s.” Press Release (02-6-08)
Two years ago, Tim Schendel and Dan Fredrickson had a point battle in the NASCAR Elite Division Midwest Series that literally came down to the final lap. In the end, it was Schendel claiming the championship by three points over Fredrickson. He would cap off the 2006 season by also winning the Toyota All-Star Showdown in Irwindale, CA. The 2007 season saw Schendel competing various NASCAR Busch East, ARCA, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events. But, in 2008, Schendel is staying close to home as he will be going for the ASA Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment Championship. Press Release (02-5-08)
2007 ASA Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment Champion, Nathan Haseleu, recently finished fifth in the speed51.com’s Super Late Model Popular Driver Award contest. Haseleu was among the 550 drivers listed on the ballot that was voted on by the fans. Press Release (02-5-08)
George Schultz Motorsports announced today the team has decided not to pursue full time racing in 2008. "We had a few things working for 2008, but nothing was solid enough to commit to a full season. After last season, the last thing we want to do is be in a less than ideal situation for me, the sponsors and my crew for 2008. We are trying to put together small deals to race a couple times in 2008 with big re-entry full time in 2009." commented owner George Shultz. George Schultz Motorsports (02-3-08)
Tim Olson, Steve Einhaus and Mike Lemke met with race teams the day after the ASA Midwest Tour’s Championship Banquet at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The meeting was an opportunity for the three to share their plans for the 2008 season. The biggest item to come from the meeting was the announcement of the minimum payoff at each 2008 ASAMT event. Each event will have a feature starting pay of $600 and $3,000 to win. Last year, it was $500 to start and $2,500 to win. Press Release (02-3-08)