Johnson Takes Summer Sizzler Speedfast in Antigo!

Antigo, WI (Sep 14, 2007):  With temperatures hovering just above 40 degrees, the Forest County Potawatomi's "Summer Sizzler" presented by One Prospect Technologies seemed questionable, but promoters were determined to get the postponed event in.  The talent in the pit area also added to the motivation as several teams took advantage of the IRA's weekend of speed leading into the WoO's date at Charter Raceway Park on Sunday.  "This is probably one of the most talented field of teams we've had in a very long time", commented IRA President Steve Sinclair. 

  As weather conditions continued to test everyone in Antigo, the Osborn and Son Trucking Time Trials began as Scott Uttech hit the track first, setting the tone by breaking the previous track record set last year by John Sernett.  As driver's continued through the gambit, the track record continued to fall until Scott Young finally set the ultimate mark with a blistering 16.239 second lap.  With just 1.4 seconds separating all 27 cars in attendance, everyone came ready to race.

  Young's good fortune would be short lived as his Infinite Transport #3 flipped backwards end over end in turn #4, ending his shot at a $1500 bonus for a clean sweep courtesy of Verne's of Antigo.  Scott Uttech went on to pick up the win in heat one, with Scott Biertzer and Broke Tatnell claiming wins in the other two heat races.  Mike Reinke also fell victim to the heavy track surface and increasing speed as his rear end let go exiting turn two in his heat race while fighting for position with Donny Goeden.  Young would go on to win the B-Main over Reinke in a high speed duel. 

  Weather again became a concern at the start of the twenty-five lap feature as a mist began to fall, prompting officials to forgo the traditional four-abreast parade lap.  As the green flag fell, pole sitter Scotty Neitzel made a beeline for turn one with his sights set on a second visit to victory lane.  As the field entered turn three, Scott Winters ran out of real estate when he banged wheels in thick traffic, sending him on a wild ride and ending his night.  When the race restarted, it was Steve Meyer taking the advantage to lead the field into turn one.  Meyer's lead was short lived though as Tatnell got by Neitzel and then Meyer by lap two.  The yellow would slow action slightly when John Haeni lost the handle on his #21J.  On the restart, Tatnell got a good jump and started to put some distance on the field intent on claiming the $1000 bonus for a heat race - feature win from Verne's.  On the restart, Wayne Johnson positioned himself and made a run by Neitzle and Meyer and set his sights on Tatnell.  Neitzel worked his way by Meyer and laid claim to third by lap nine.  By lap eleven, Johnson had closed the gap on Tatnell and began using heavy lapped traffic to close in on Tatnell's back bumper.    Lap fourteen saw Tatnell get pinched between lapped cars in turn three, opening the door for Johnson who made a self described bonsai move for the lead.  Exiting turn four, Johnson would claim the lead.  Two laps later, Kurt Winker spun in turn four in front of the leaders, causing everyone to hold their breath.  With everyone getting by the helpless #48H, the stage was set for Tatnell to make a charge on Johnson.   The final ten laps went non-stop as Johnson and Tatnell set a torrid pace with laps speeds increasing every lap.  With laps winding down, the two leaders put plenty of distance on the field, however stayed within striking distance of each other.  As the white flag came out, Tatnell made one last effort to get by Johnson and exiting turn four, dived low to try and get by, but it would be Johnson defending his title as the Summer Sizzler Champion for the second straight year.  Neitzel would finish third followed by Meyer and Goeden. 

The series get back underway on Saturday at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, WI with another high speed half-mile track.  Then on Friday, (Sep 21st) the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series visit's the Oshkosh Speedzone with a trip to the Lasalle Speedway (Lasalle, IL) on Saturday, Sep 22nd.   Saturday, September 29th will mark the final race on the 2007 schedule as the series returns to the Plymouth Dirt Track for the annual Frank Filskov Memorial Classic.  For complete scheduling information, please visit the series website at www.irasprints.com.  Race information can be found by contacting the individual tracks.  The IRA Outlaw Sprint Series is an ASA affiliated series.

OFFICIAL RESULTS:  Forest County Potawatomi's "Summer Sizzler" Presented by One Prospect Technologies

Osborn and Son Trucking Time Trials:  Scott Young (Infinite Transport #3) 16.239 seconds (New Track Record)

Weld Racing Heat:  Scott Uttech (
MPD Race Products Heat:  Scott Biertzer (
Lane Automotive Heat:  Brooke Tatnell (
Behling Race Equipemt B-Main:  Scott Young (Infinite Transport #3)

Summer Sizzler (25 laps):  Wayne Johnson (CERMA Lubricants #14AJ), Brooke Tatnell, Scott Neitzel, Steve Meyer, Donny Goeden, Billy Balog, Ricky Logan, Mike Reinke, Travis Whitney, Scott Biertzer, Scott Young, Brian Kristan, Scott Uttech, Kurt Winker, Tim Vandeviere, Billy Hafemann, Bill Warren, John Hainei, Kurt Davis, John Sernett, Lance Fassbender, Joe Symoens, Bill Wirth, Scott Winters.

Lap Leaders:  Steve Meyer (1), Brooke Tatnell (2-13), Wayne Johnson (14-25)
LCK Transport Hard Luck Award:  Scott Young