News - Pedal Down Promotions

Schmidt shimmers as 2025 Midwest Sprint Car Association champ

Wilke named top rookie, Larson claims most improved

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, Wis. was honored as the 2025 MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association champion at the annual MSA Awards Ceremony at Laack’s Ballroom in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 24. – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) January 27, 2026 – The MMW Industrial Supply Sprint Car Association extended a final tip of the cap to the top performers and key contributors during the 2025 campaign as drivers, crew members, team owners, series officials, sponsors, and fans gathered at Laack’s Ballroom in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., for the annual MSA Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The drivers and teams honored with 100 Percent Attendance Awards included Ben Schmidt of Plymouth

(champion), Kevin Karnitz of West Bend-Mayer Automotive Racing (second place), Brandon Berth of Cascade (third place), T.J. Smith of Greenville (fourth place), Chris Larson of Franksville (fifth place), Bill Taylor of Boltonville (sixth place) and Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade (seventh place).

Also picking up point fund recognition were Joseph Hintz of Burnett (eighth), Tony Wondra of Campbellsport (ninth), Eric Wilke of Genesee (10th), and Steven Ruh of New Holstein (11th place).

The first of eight special awards went to Eric Wilke, who earned the 2025 Rookie of the Year and 18th Place awards. Wilke edged Steven Ruh by three points, finishing with one top-five and seven top-10s in 19 A-main events.

Eric Wilke of Genesee, Wis. earned the 2025 MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association Rookie of the Year Award and 18th Place Award at the 2025 MSA Ceremony at Laack’s Ballroom in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 24. – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

Chris Larson captured the 2025 MSA Most Improved Driver Award after advancing eight spots from 13th to fifth in the final 2025 point standings on the strength of one top-five and 11 top-10 finishes in 21 main events.

Kevin Karnitz earned the Hard Charger Award, and Brandon Berth was recognized with the Best Appearing Car/Crew Award.

The 2025 MSA Hard Luck Award went to Joseph Hintz.

Dan Mayer, owner of the 63K Mayer Automotive Racing car driven by Kevin Karnitz, secured the 2025 Harry Neitzel MSA Mechanic of the Year Award.

Chris Larson of Franksville, Wis. collected the 2025 MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association Most Improved Driver Award at the 2025 MSA Ceremony at Laack’s Ballroom in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 24. – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

The 2025 MSA Person of the Year Award went to Butch Hafemann, who has served as a series official for many years.

The final award recipient to take to the podium was 2025 MSA champion Ben Schmidt, who topped Kevin Karnitz by 18 points to claim his third career MSA series title on the strength of six A-main victories, 15 top-five A-main finishes, and 17 top-10 A-main showings in 21 events for Team 35 Racing.

“We went through a lot of bad luck at the start of the year with breaking a steering rod one night and then having two more failures,” Schmidt said. “Despite that tough start, the team never gave up. We ended up with six victories, including my 50th 360 win. We also had an average finishing position of 1.6 in August and September, which is what got us the championship.”

Schmidt, who also won MSA titles in 2024 and 2011, went on to thank his Crew Chief, Dave “Dusty” Goeden, and every crew member, supporter, and sponsor of Team 35 Racing.

Brandon Berth of Cascade, Wis. was the recipient of the 2025 MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association Best Appearing Car/Crew Award at the 2025 MSA Ceremony at Laack’s Ballroom in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 24. – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

“Dusty is a great teacher, leader, and communicator for our team,” Schmidt said. “He makes sure everyone on the team knows what they need to do on a nightly basis. My crew and family do so much to keep the team going strong, and our sponsors are the best.”

To open the event, MSA President Dan Mayer was direct in reflecting on the 2025 season.

“It was a great year, and I think next year will be even better,” Mayer said.

Eric Mueller, who served as the master of ceremonies for the event, recognized 2025 series sponsor MMW Industrial Supply, the 2025 MSA Board of Directors, MSA workers, and retiring MSA announcer and historian George Baumann for his dedication to the MSA 360 Sprint Car Series since its inception in 1999.

Joseph Hintz of Burnett, Wis. secured the 2025 MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association Hard Luck Award at the 2025 MSA Ceremony at Laack’s Ballroom in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 24. – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

The 2026 MSA racing season is scheduled to roll off on Saturday, April 25, at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. In addition to 19 events at The Plymouth Dirt Track, the 25-event MSA season includes visits to Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie Wis. (Sunday, May 31 and Sunday, Aug. 2), Eagle River Speedway in Eagle River, Wis. (Saturday, July 4), Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. (Saturday, Aug. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 12) and Dodge County Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. (Friday, Sept. 4).

For more information on the Midwest Sprint Car Association, visit the MSA website at www.msasprints.com or visit the MSA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/msasprints.

Pedal Down Promotions is a full-service public relations and media services company devoted to helping clients effectively communicate with targeted audiences through a diverse array of promotional strategies and methods, including press releases, newsletters, profile and feature articles, website and social media content development, printed media, editing and layout, graphic design, and book publishing services.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Butch Hafemann of Campbellsport, Wis. was the recipient of the 2025 MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association Person of the Year Award at the 2025 MSA Ceremony at Laack’s Ballroom in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 24. – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

January 27, 2026 / by Jeff Pederson

Class of 2026 poised for Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame induction

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2026, which features five drivers, four dedicated to racing honorees and one racing family, will be inducted during intermission of the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. Among the inductees are drivers John Born, Brian Gilles, Terry Marten, Lanny Schirmer, Gib Wiser, track workers Dave Bohrmueller, Dale Baumann, Kim Baumann, Brian Triphan and the Sippel family.

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) December 1, 2025 – Five drivers, four track workers, and one racing family will be honored as part of the Class of 2026 during the fifth annual Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Induction Night event on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

In recognition of the spirit of competition and outstanding achievements at the Plymouth racing facility over the past 76 years, the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Committee was formed in late 2021 to recognize individuals who have exemplified dirt track racing at the highest level since The Plymouth Dirt Track’s inception in 1950.

The members of the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2026 will be honored during a special induction ceremony at intermission of the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis., on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2026 includes the following five drivers.

John Born

JOHN BORN – The Howards Grove, Wis. driver was a top contender in the Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Sportsman division, claiming 20 feature victories. In addition, he tallied 11 top-10 and five top-five point showings during his standout career, which spanned 13 seasons from 1979 to 1991.

Brian Gilles

BRIAN GILLES – One of the most highly successful competitors in the history of The Plymouth Dirt Track, the Plymouth, Wis. driver compiled seven track championships in the Super Stock and Grand National divisions during his standout 40-year racing career, including four consecutive track titles from 1999 through 2002 in Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Racing-sanctioned Super Stock competition. Under the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing banner, he claimed the 2010 and 2023 Grand National championships.

Terry Marten

TERRY MARTEN – The Sheboygan Falls, Wis., was one of the mainstays at the front of the pack in the ultra-competitive Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified division in the 1980s and early 1990s, claiming the 1989 track championship. He also raced in the EWSC Sportsman division and was a strong competitor in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car ranks.

Lanny Schirmer

LANNY SCHIRMER – The Plymouth, Wis. driver excelled in the Modified division, competing at The Plymouth Dirt Track from the late 1950s through 1968. He also played an instrumental role in the formation of the Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Association, which began sanctioning races at Plymouth in 1960.

Gib Wiser

GIB WISER – The Neosho, Wis. driver was a stellar competitor in the Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified division in the 1970s, earning six top-five point finishes, including the 1975 track championship.

Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2026 inductees in the Dedication to Racing category include longtime track workers Dave Bohrmueller, Dale Baumann, Kim Baumann, and Brian Triphan.

Randy Sippel

Members of the Sippel family will be inducted in the Racing Family category, including Tom Sippel and his sons, Randy and Scott.

The names of the Class of 2026 inductees will be etched on the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame, located underneath the grandstand at The Plymouth Dirt Track racing facility, along with the names of the previous four Wall of Fame classes.

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2026 Induction Night event will feature a driver meet-and-greet and autograph session before the racing program, as well as photo and memorabilia displays showcasing the racing careers and accomplishments of the Class of 2026 Wall of Fame honorees.

In addition, past Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame inductees from the Class of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 are invited to take part in the evening’s festivities, including the meet-and-greet autograph session. In the event of inclement weather on Saturday, July 11, a make-up date for the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2026 Induction Ceremony has been set for Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Class of 2026 inductees/family members and past Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame inductees wishing to attend are asked to contact Ken Schulz in advance at kenschulz91@gmail.com.

Pedal Down Promotions is a full-service public relations and media services company devoted to helping its clients effectively communicate with targeted audiences through press releases, newsletters, profile and feature articles, website and social media content development, printed media, editing and layout, graphic design, and book publishing services.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

December 1, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann traverses challenging 2025 campaign

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann picked up four top-10 main event showings during the 2025 410 Sprint Car racing season. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 26, 2025 – It took a stiff upper lip for Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing Team to plow through an assortment of mechanical maladies with dogged determination during the 2025 racing season.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver’s fourth foray behind the wheel of a 410 Sprint Car got off to a bumpy start with a string of motor issues to start the year.

Despite the setbacks, Hartmann rallied to tally four top-10 main event finishes, including a season-best seventh-place run at Beaver Dam Raceway on July 27.

In addition, Hartmann earned his second career fast qualifier award in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car event at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis., on May 25.

The 87A Hartmann Racing Team raced a diversified schedule in 2025, competing 16 times with the IRA, while also entering a total of 10 additional events sanctioned by the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws, Kubota High Limit Racing, and Midwest Open Wheel Association. The team also made its Knoxville Raceway debut on July 19.

Hartmann wrapped up the 2025 season with a solid 10th-place run in the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Sept. 27 to secure an 18th-place showing in the final IRA point standings.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver completed the 2025 campaign with four top-10 main event showings, one B main victory, four IRA dash appearances, and one fast qualifier award in 27 events.

“With everything we dealt with during the season, it was good to end it on a solid note,” Hartmann said following a top-10 showing in the team’s 2025 season finale at Plymouth.

87A Hartmann Racing 2025 sponsorship partners include Kristine Hartmann Pleasantview Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, The Dispensary, Metalcraft, Ludwig & Sons Trucking, Quasius Construction, Holler n’ Hills, Gibbsville Cheese, Hepfner Racing Products, and Berryman Racing Shocks.

Additional information on the 87A Hartmann Racing team can be found by visiting the team’s website www.team87a.com and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/87Ahartmannracing.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Shufflebotham Tree Service

Located in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, Shufflebotham Tree Service specializes in tree trimming, tree removal, brush chipping, lot clearing, stump grinding, and snow removal with fully insured service and free estimates.

Contact Andrew Shufflebotham and his highly skilled team, which has accumulated over 20 years of experience in the field, for your next tree trimming, removal, or clean-up project by calling 920-627-3849 or checking out the Shufflebotham Tree Service Facebook page.

To contact The Dispensary, call 920-395-2904 or visit https://www.thed8dispensary.com/sheboygan.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty

KRISTINE HARTMANN, REALTOR OF Pleasant View Realty, better known as “Every Race Fans Realtor,” has 25-plus years of experience selling real estate throughout Wisconsin.

Kristine’s passion for the sport of racing connects with her competitive drive and ambition as a realtor in the community.

Contact Kristine Hartmann with all your real estate needs and ask her about the special racing rates!

You can find her on Facebook @KRISTINE HARTMANN, REALTOR. Additionally, she can be found at the 87A trailer at any IRA race and would be happy to discuss racing and real estate.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/PVRKRISTINE, call/text 920-980-5542, or email kristine@pleasantviewrealty.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 27
IRA Events – 16
World of Outlaws Events – 6
High Limit Events – 2
Midwest Open Wheel Association Events – 2
Knoxville Raceway Events – 1
A-Main Victories – 0
Podium Finishes – 0
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 4
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 4
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 11
B Main Victories – 1
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 4
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

November 25, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz enjoys career ascending year

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz earned three A-main victories during the 2025, including the High Limit Racing Rayce Rudeen Foundation event at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. and a pair of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association races. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 25, 2025 – In his third full-time season of 410 Sprint Car competition, Travis Arenz broke through in impressive fashion.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver scored a monumental upset victory in the High Limit Racing Rayce Rudeen Foundation main event at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Thursday, June 5.

After pocketing by far the biggest first-place prize of his 18-season career, Arenz found himself the talk of the Sprint Car racing world with the bright lights of the Flo Racing cameras documenting his big win on the national stage.

That wasn’t the only winning the two-time Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion did in 2025.

He also tallied a pair of victories in Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track on May 17 and 141 Speedway on September 13.

The triumphs ran his career 410 Sprint Car A-main win total to four.

Despite missing three IRA events, Arenz capped the 2025 campaign eighth in the final IRA point standings.

Arenz, who has amassed a total of 74 career main event victories to date, capped the 2025 campaign with three A-main victories, five podium showings, nine top-five results, 14 top-10 finishes, six heat race victories, 13 dash appearances, three dash victories, and one fast qualifier award in 24 completed events.

With a total of six series and track championships under his belt, Arenz is looking forward to 2026.

“Plans for 2026 aren’t completely set yet, but I can say I will definitely be racing a Sprint Car,” Arenz said.

The 2025 Travis Arenz Motorsports sponsorship partners include Professional Plating Inc., Service One Transportation Inc., Don and Lynn Kiel, Oostburg Concrete, Wittkopp Funeral and Cremation Services, Pfeffer Trucking, Carbliss, Oostburg State Bank, PalletWorks LLC, Jensen Sales and Service, Roth’s Auto Restoration, Sonntag Plumbing Inc., Amy Bruechert Realty, Lake Auto Glass, Fastenal, Hair Fellers Barbershop, Arenz Auto Detailing and Duehring’s Tax Service.

Additional information on the Travis Arenz Motorsports team can be found by visiting the team’s Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Don and Lynn Kiel

Don and Lynn Kiel’s first date came when they attended a race at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., in June 1998, and they have been together ever since, marrying on Feb. 14, 2005. Lynn spent her working career in the banking industry, retiring in 2017 after 39 years as an assistant vice president at a local Manitowoc bank.

Lynn’s interest in racing started when she attended the races at the 141 Speedway as a child with her dad, Andy Endries. RIP ANDY!

Don’s interest in racing started when he bought Dean Divine’s Modified in the early 1970s. Don’s driving experience involved Modifieds and Mini Sprints, as well as 360 Sprint Cars at Manitowoc Expo Speedway in 2011 and 2012.

Don spent four years in the United States Air Force, enlisting the night of his graduation party. He was honorably discharged after four years in 1967 as an Airman First Class. Don was a Minuteman Missile electrician serving as team chief his last year and got to take part in the test firing of four Minuteman Missiles at Vandenburg Air Force Base in Lompoc, Calif. Don was based at F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyo. for 41 months.

Don started flying in Cheyenne at the age of 19, secured his first flying job three days after his honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force at age 22, and retired at age 60. He retired as Senior Captain on the 300-passenger Airbus A330-300 flying to London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. He has logged over 30,000 hours of flying time with a lot of stories to tell.

For a glimpse of Don’s career, Google Don Kiel Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame. For a view of his favorite aircraft that he owned for four years, check out the Warbird Takeoff by looking up Beech 18 Takeoff Great Radial Engine Sound on YouTube. Click on the 32-second video. Don and Lynn continue to fly his 1952 Cessna 170B, both on wheels and skis in the winter.

Don loves to say, “It’s pretty cool when your vocation and avocation are one and the same!”

“We started out sponsoring Travis Arenz by buying him a set of rear tires five years ago, and the rest is history,” Don Kiel said. “Travis is a very talented racer, from the tiniest detail to the actual racing. I love to watch Travis feel the track out and then work his magic. I sponsor Travis as I feel he is one of the best!”

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 24
IRA Events – 21
World of Outlaws Events – 2
High Limit Events – 1
A-Main Victories – 3
Podium Finishes – 5
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 9
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 14
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 16
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 18
Heat Race Victories – 6
B-Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 13
Dash Victories – 3
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1
IRA Point Standings Finish – 8^th

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Career Highlights
2008-2025

Total Career A-Main Victories – 74
Outlaw Compact 4-Cylinder A-Main Victories – 20
IMCA Northern Sport Mod/B Mod A-Main Victories – 20
MSA/PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-Main Victories – 30
High Limit Racing 410 Sprint Car A-Main Victories – 1
IRA 410 Sprint Car A-Main Victories – 3
2013 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Outlaw Compact 4-Cylinder Champion
2016 141 Speedway Northern Sport Mod Champion
2021 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Champion
2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Champion
2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Champion
2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Champion
2023 Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Apple Cup Rookie Award

November 25, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski posts memorable 2025 campaign

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski earned his second career 360 Sprint Car main event victory at the Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 12 and posted a 410 Sprint Car career-best second-place showing in Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association competition at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 6. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 24, 2025 – If the 2025 season were to be described in two words for the Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team, they would likely be learning and fun.

For one of the only times in the history of the Pokorski Motorsports racing effort, a full-time points run with a particular series or track was not the team’s focus for the 2025 campaign.

Pokorski split time behind 410 and 360 Sprint Car action, entering all but two events with Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association (IRA) 410 Sprint Car Series, while mixing in six Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing (PDTR) 360 Sprint Car contests.

Pokorski’s first dedicated season of 410 Sprint Car competition produced a mixed bag of results, striving to adapt to the distinct nuances of the high-horsepower, low-weight machines.

The highlight of the team’s 410 season came during the 25th annual IRA Jerry Richert Memorial weekend at Cedar Lake Speedway, when Pokorski steered his red No. 4 machine to a stellar 410 career-best runner-up finish on September 6.

Pokorski’s 360 Sprint Car campaign proved highly successful, led by a thrilling PDTR A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track on July 12, which featured a daring last-lap pass.

In 22 IRA 410 events, Pokorski posted one podium showing, one top-five, one top-10, five top-15, and eight top-20 A-main finishes. He also tallied one B main, heat race, and dash appearance on the way to a 16th-place finish in the final 2025 IRA point standings.

Alex Pokorski made his first career appearance at the Jackson Nationals at Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, Minn. on Saturday, September 20. – HW Designs photo

Paul Pokorski filled in for Alex once in 2025, recording a 19th-place A-main finish in IRA action at The Plymouth Dirt Track on June 21.

In his sixth season of 360 Sprint Car action, Pokorski tallied one A-main victory, four podium, four top-five, five top-10, six top-15 showings and two fast qualifier awards in six PDTR 360 Sprint Car events to place 22nd in the final point standings.

“The highlights of the 2025 season are our 360 win at Plymouth and our second-place finish with the IRA at Cedar Lake,” Pokorski said. “Going to the Jackson Nationals was also fun.”

“We expanded our notebook while going to numerous new tracks during the IRA season,” he said. “We expect 2026 to be similar schedule-wise.”

Those interested in joining the team as a sponsorship partner for the 2026 season are encouraged to contact Alex Pokorski via Facebook Messenger or email at ap4racing@gmail.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team 2025 sponsorship partners are Akright Auto, Mulch Express of Wisconsin, GR8, Lynch Buick, GMC of West Bend, Petersen Septic Systems, Professional Plating, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, Goeden Auto Body, Ace Hardware of Kiel and Sheboygan Falls, Novak’s Service Center, Cedar Valley Hunt Club, Germaine/Paul Kaphingst & Susie and Pedal Down Promotions.

For updates and additional information on the Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team, check out Pokorski Motorsports on Facebook at https://facebook.com/pokorskimotorsports or visit www.pedaldohttps://facebookwnpromo.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Mulch Express of Wisconsin

Mulch Express of Wisconsin served as strong supporter of the Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing during the 2025 racing season.

Based in Newton, Wis., Mulch Express of Wisconsin was founded in 2000 out of a desire to help control the cost and efficiency of installing mulch, bark, soil, and playground chips. Over the course of the past 25 years, the specialty landscaping company has found its niche as the go-to mulching provider for municipalities, school districts, commercial businesses, and residences throughout Northeastern Wisconsin.

In addition, Mulch Express of Wisconsin has proudly served one of the top motorsports facilities in the world as the official mulch provider of Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., as well as providing mulch services at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

As a former Wisconsin-based 360 Sprint Car competitor and current 410 Sprint Car owner, Mulch Express of Wisconsin owner Russ Wetenkamp is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team.

“We have a strong connection to Sprint Car racing, competing with our Gr8 car,” Wetenkamp said. “We feel Alex Pokorski is a good, up-and-coming Sprint Car driver and a great individual to represent our Wisconsin-based specialty landscaping company.”

To contact or obtain additional information on Mulch Express of Wisconsin, call 920-726-4840, send an email to mulchexpressofwi@gmail.com, or visit Mulch Express of Wisconsin on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Akright Auto

Located at 106 North Bluebird Lane in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Akright Auto has been a reliable source for auto parts since 1940.

With a highly trained staff of auto parts professionals, Akright Auto is well prepared to assist customers with vehicle repair needs with a wide assortment of affordable, high-quality auto parts available on-site. If a part is not available, Akright Auto offers next-day delivery services.

In addition, Akright Auto provides full auto salvage services and a 90-day standard warranty on all parts purchases.

Contact Akright Auto by phone at 920-467-4201, toll-free at 800-400-4201, via email at dakright12@gmail.com, or visit www.akrightauto.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
410 Sprint Car
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 22
Interstate Racing Association Events – 22
A-Main Victories – 0
Podium Finishes – 1
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 5
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 8
B-Main Victories – 1
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 1
Dash Victories – 0
IRA Season Points Finish – 16th

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
360 Sprint Car Statistics

Total Events – 6
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Events – 6
Midwest Sprint Car Association Events – 6
A-Main Victories – 1
Podium Finishes – 4
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 4
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 5
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 6
B-Main Victories – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 2
PDTR Season Points Finish – 22nd

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
410 Sprint Car
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 1
Interstate Racing Association Events – 1
A-Main Victories – 0
Podium Finishes – 0
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 0
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 0
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 1
B-Main Victories – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0

November 24, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Karen Meyer introduces ‘God’s Big World’

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 17, 2025 – Just in time for the holiday season, Plymouth, Wis., author Karen Meyer is delivering her latest book, “God’s Big World,” along with the companion “God’s Big World Coloring Book – Coloring His Creation: A Celebration of God’s Wonders.”

Geared to children between the ages of 2 and 7, Meyer’s 19^th and 20^th books offer a view into the Creation and the Nativity as conveyed in the Bible.

“The content of the book, which begins with Genesis One, led me to the thought that there are shepherds today, just as long ago, who take care of sheep,” Meyer said. “There is not only the Creation event, but there are the shepherds who heard the announcement of the birth of Christ. So, the book ends with the Nativity.”

The “God’s Big World” books were inspired by one of Meyer’s family members.

“It was time to dedicate a book to a great-grandchild whose father is a pastor,” Meyer said. “I thought the creation from Genesis One would bring a lot of colorful pictures for him to see and enjoy.”

Both books, which are illustrated by Russel Wayne, bring the Bible’s greatest stories to life for young readers.

“The ‘God’s Big World’ books are designed to give readers the enjoyment of the pictures and the story,” Meyer said. “The coloring book is to reinforce the story.”

To order Karen Meyer’s new books, “God’s Big World” and “God’s Big World Coloring Book – Coloring His Creation: A Celebration of God’s Wonders,” visit www.amazon.com.

For more information on Karen Meyer, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Karen Meyer’s new books “God’s Big World” and “God’s Big World Coloring Book” cover the Creation and the Nativity stories as told in the Bible.

November 17, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Authors confirmed for Lakeshore Book Show

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

The fourth annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Presented by Pedal Down Promotions will bring 27 authors to 3 Sheeps Brewing Company in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, November 1 from 11 am. to 3 p.m. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 13, 2025 – A diverse lineup of authors is on tap for the fourth annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing at 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. in Sheboygan, Wis., on Saturday, Nov. 1.

This year’s show will allow book enthusiasts of all ages and interests to meet a broad range of authors and purchase a wide array of books rooted in varied genres.

Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with free admission, 27 local and regional authors will be on hand for the annual event with 3 Sheeps Brewing serving as the host venue for the first time in 2025.

The nonfiction and fiction books showcased at this year’s show cover a wide range of topics, including true crime, personal memoir, travel, murder mystery, auto racing, self-help, military history, romance, Christian/inspirational poetry, medieval fantasy, comic books, children’s stories, and more.

Popular true crime and motorsports author Joe Verdegan of Dunbar, Wis., who wrote the Amazon No. 1 true crime best-seller “The Reformatory – Tales from Green Bay’s Maximum Security Prison” in 2020, is scheduled to return to the show for the fourth consecutive year. In addition to his acclaimed true crime book, “The Reformatory,” which details prison life at the Green Bay Correctional Institute, Verdegan has also released six additional books covering the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan auto racing scene during his fruitful career as an author.

This year, Verdegan will be taking pre-orders for his highly anticipated new book, “The Monfils 6 Case – 30 Years Later,” which is scheduled for release on Dec. 6. The book details one of the highest-profile cases in Brown County history in which six Green Bay paper mill workers were convicted in the 1992 death of Thomas Monfils.

The following authors are also scheduled to be on hand with copies of their books for sale during the event.

Michael F. Dilley of Manitowoc, Wis. (military and war history author of “GALAHAD – A History of the 5307th Composite Unit,” “Elite Warriors: 300 Years of America’s Best Fighting Troops,” “Behind The Lines: A Critical Survey of Special Operations in World War II” and “Rangers, Scouts and Raiders: Origin, Organization and Operations of Selected Special Operations Forces” and “A Basic Introduction to Magic”).

Victoria Hamel of Los Palos, Ill. (author of the Marley Creek Romance Series featuring “No Gouda Without You,” “Too Kölsch For Comfort,” “Is This Love Fur Real?” “It App-ened One Night” and “Your Mr. Brightside”).

Katherine S. Hansen of Sheboygan, Wis. (personal memoir and author of “A Confluence of Rivers – A Memoir Through Digital Love Letters”).

Andrea C. Heckner of Janesville, Wis. (crime and suspense novelist and author of “The Farm – Secrets in the Heartland Book 1,” “Dismantling the Farm – Secrets in the Heartland Book 2,” “Remembering the Farm – Secrets in the Heartland Book 3,” “School Days-Secrets in the Heartland Book 4” and “Battered: Secrets in the Heartland-Book 5”).

Lori Helke of Kiel, Wis. (travel guide author of “100 Things to do in Sheboygan Before You Die” and “Wisconsin Harbor Towns-The Ultimate Wisconsin Road Trip and children’s book author of the “Beatrice the Little Camper” series).

B.T. Lane of Manitowoc, Wis. (poetry and self-help author of “Vernacular: A Collection of Poetry” and “Smashed: A Memoir of Alcoholism and Recovery”).

Joann Luke of Kohler, Wis. (children’s book writer and illustrator of “Pudge”).

Audrey Lynden, Bayside, Wis. (author of the Brit Brothers romance book series set in locations throughout Wisconsin, including Sheboygan and Milwaukee, “The Artful Bargain,” Baileys Harbor, “To Sense a Passion,” Baileys Harbor and Elkhart Lake-Road America “Freefalling in the Moonlight”).

Karen Meyer of Plymouth, Wis. (author of 17 children’s and young adult books, including, “Try to Catch Me,” “Papa Bear’s Fence,” “The Knight and the Evil Magician,” “Looking Forward to Christmas,” “Charlie and Chubby,” Ferdinand the Frog Prince,” “A Rooster Saw It All,” “A Valentine Heart” and “Teddy the Matchmaker”).

S.C. Mitchell of Sheboygan, Wis. (science fiction, fantasy, and romance author of several book series, including “Xi Force,” “Destiny,” “Destiny’s Legacy,” “Heavenly Wars,” “Demon Gate Chronicles,” and “Amulet of the Fallen God”).

Linda Jane Niedfeldt of Fond du Lac, Wis. (junior high-children’s historical fiction author of “Red as in Russian, Measles and Love,” “Green as in Springtime, New Life and God’s Will,” “White as in Christmas Snow, a Candle’s Glow and Heaven’s Robe,” “Gold as in October Sunsets, a Stray Dog and God’s Good Plans” and “Blue as in Sad Goodbyes, Changing Sky and Wedding Ties”).

Debra Oas of Kenosha, Wis. (author of five Cryptid Murder Mysteries featuring a different cryptid creature and taking place in various locales where she has lived – Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula “Sinister Bay,” Whitewater “Whitewater Witch,” Colorado “Mountain Walker,” northern Minnesota “Rune Stone Curse” and coastal North Carolina “Coastal Menace”).

Bonnie Paruch of Oshkosh, Wis. (children’s book author of “The City Ever Green”).

Robert L. Rogler of Kiel, Wis. (medieval fantasy author of “Heart of Light Book One – Madea’s Fate,” “Witch’s Valley Book Two – Madea’s Fate,” Shadows of Fate Book Three – Madea’s Fate,” and “Rendered Soul”).

Gail Scoates of Fond du Lac, Wis. (religious, self-help, animal causes author of “Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How Therapy Dogs and Faith Healed my Heart,” “Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How Therapy Dogs and Faith Healed my Heart,” “Gratitude and Reflection: Paws and Purpose for Everyday” and “Whiskers, Wags, and Woofs: Poems and Heartfelt Essays for Dog and Cat Lovers”).

L. Sutton Schleicher of Oconomowoc, Wis. (contemporary young adult novelist and author of “The Long December” set in the suburbs of Madison).

Shannyn Schroeder of Hanover Park, Ill. (romance novelist and author of the O’Leary Family, O’Malley Family, Doyle Family, Hot and Nerdy and Daring Divorcees series and standalone titles “Meeting His Match” and “Between Love and Loyalty”).

Rodney Schroeter of Random Lake, Wis. (comic book writer, biographical essayist, designer, and author of editor of “A Visit with Norman F. Pettingill” and editor of “Mission of Benevolent Greed,” “Human Interest Stuff,” “Aluminum Currents” and The Plymouth Review Current monthly newspaper).

Jason Schubert of Sheboygan, Wis. (romance author of “Seasons of Intimacy”).

Beth Stensvold of Sheboygan, Wis. (whimsical and educational children’s book author of “Hunting the Maybee,” “Big Mistake,” “Hippos are Fun,” and “What Would You Do?”).

Deb Vande Voort of Green Bay, Wis. (author of “Stories of Cabin: Lake Superior” focusing on the many dynamics of family relationships.).

Lisa Vihos of Sheboygan, Wis. (historical fiction novelist and author of “The Lone Snake: The Story of Sofonisba Anguissola,” “5-7-5 A Daily Haiku Journal” and “100 Thousand Poets for Change: 10+ Years of Poetic Activism” and poetry book author of “Fan Mail from Some Flounder,” “From Everywhere a Little: A Migration Anthology” and “Van Gogh Dreams.” Her newly released poetry book “Sheboygan Occasions” will also be available at the show).

Mary T. Wagner of Sheboygan, Wis. (slice-of-life blog essayist and author of “Of Bairns and Wheelie Bins,” “When the Shoe Fits – Essays of Love, Life and Second Chances,” “Running with Stilettos,” “Heck on Heels” and “Fabulous in Flats,” as well as the “Finnigan the Circus Cat” series of children’s chapter books (“Finnigan the Circus Cat,” “Finnigan and the Lost Circus Wagon” and “Finnigan the Lionhearted”).

Robert C. Weber of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. (98-year-old author of “The Significance of the Insignificant” personal memoir).

A.L. Wilder of Waupun, Wis. (dark romance and true crime novelist of the Legacy Series, featuring “Forged in her Fire” and “The Girl in Smoke”).

S.L. Wilton of Birnamwood, Wis. (Arthurian fantasy novelist and author of epic fantasy novels, “On Orion’s Shoulder,” “Crows and Wyverns,” and “Queen of Crows”).

The fourth annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Presented by Pedal Down Promotions will take place at 3 Sheeps Brewing Company in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, November 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

The 3 Sheeps Brewing Co. taproom will be open with drinks available for purchase throughout the event.

All attendees will be eligible to win various door prizes just for entering the show.

Additional and up-to-date information on the fourth annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing can be found on the Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Facebook event page, as well as the Pedal Down Promotions Facebook, X, and Instagram social media pages, or by contacting Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions via email at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com or by phone at 920-323-7970.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

October 13, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann rounds out 2025 with Plymouth top 10

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann closed out the 2025 season with a 10th place showing with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series at the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 27. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 1, 2025 – Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing Team capped the 2025 campaign on a positive note in Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series competition during the eighth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver opened the night by qualifying 13th in the 33-car field with an 11.821-second tour of the third-mile semi-banked clay oval.

After starting on the pole of the first IRA eight-lap heat race, Hartmann wound up second to earn the 13th starting position in the 30-lap Rick Schmidt Memorial main event.

Hartmann turned in a steady performance throughout the A main, racing near the top 10 before surging in the final laps to notch a solid 10th-place showing. It was Hartmann’s fourth top 10 A-main showing of the 2025 campaign.

“We started the night alright,” Hartmann said. “I felt like we unloaded with speed, just missing something. The heat race went alright. Anyone who saw that…well, they saw it. The feature felt snug right off the bat. With a full fuel load, I felt like I needed a softer throttle spring to roll the bottom better, but to cap off the season with a 10th place run, we’ll take it.”

He capped his fourth season of 410 Sprint Car action with four top-10 main event showings, one B main victory, four IRA dash appearances, and one fast qualifier award in 27 events.

The 87A Hartmann Racing Team raced a diversified schedule in 2025, competing 16 times with the IRA, while also entering a total of 11 additional events sanctioned by the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws, Kubota High Limit Racing, Midwest Open Wheel Association, and Knoxville Raceway.

Hartmann wrapped up the 2025 season with an 18th-place showing in the final IRA point standings, while competing in 16 of the series’ 23 completed events.

Additional information on the 87A Hartmann Racing team can be found by visiting the team’s website www.team87a.com and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/87Ahartmannracing.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – The Dispensary

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team appreciates the support of The Dispensary as a sponsorship partner for the 2025 season.

Located at 2113 South Business Drive in Sheboygan, Wis., The Dispensary is a medical cannabis dispensary offering pure Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC, and THCP products with the largest variety in the surrounding area. The Dispensary features the most compassionate and knowledgeable staff in the industry, which aims to provide assistance and answer questions about the natural benefits of medical cannabis dispensary products.

To contact The Dispensary, call 920-395-2904 or visit https://www.thed8dispensary.com/sheboygan.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty

KRISTINE HARTMANN, REALTOR OF Pleasant View Realty, better known as “Every Race Fans Realtor,” has 25-plus years of experience selling real estate throughout Wisconsin.

Kristine’s passion for the sport of racing connects with her competitive drive and ambition as a realtor in the community.

Contact Kristine Hartmann with all your real estate needs and ask her about the special racing rates!

You can find her on Facebook @KRISTINE HARTMANN, REALTOR. Additionally, she can be found at the 87A trailer at any IRA race and would be happy to discuss racing and real estate.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/PVRKRISTINE, call/text 920-980-5542, or email kristine@pleasantviewrealty.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2025 Statistics

October 1, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz drops curtain on remarkable 2025 campaign

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz closed out his third full season of 410 Sprint Car competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Sprint Car Series at the eighth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, September 27. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 1, 2025 – Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports Team capped a highly memorable 2025 campaign at the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season finale as part of the eighth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The 18th-year racer began the night by qualifying a strong third in the 33-car field with a lap of 11.554 seconds. Arenz then placed fifth in the third IRA heat race to earn a dash spot.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing champion then placed fourth after starting third in the second four-lap dash to gain the eighth starting position in the 30-lap Rick Schmidt Memorial main event.

Arenz’s participation in the main event proved to be short-lived, as he was involved in a four-car incident in turn two on lap three, which ended both his night and the 2025 season.

“The night started out on a positive note as I ran a third quick qualifying lap, but the night quickly started to take a turn in the opposite direction,” Arenz said. “With hurting the equipment I have in the last few weeks, I had to run my backup car again. I describe that car as temperamental and it really challenges my skills as a driver. It requires very technical adjustments and really makes you work for it. We fell back a few spots in the heat race, but I was able to get back into a transfer spot, which allowed a starting position in the dash. Very early on in the feature, I was, unfortunately, caught up in a wreck with nowhere to go, ending our night early.”

Arenz capped the 2025 campaign with three A-main victories, five podium showings, 14 top-10 finishes, six heat race victories, 13 dash appearances, three dash victories, and one fast qualifier award in 24 completed events.

The clear highlight of both his 2025 season and his entire racing career was a highly improbable $26,000 victory against the biggest names in the Winged Sprint Car business with Kubota High Limit Racing at the Rayce Rudeen Foundation event at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis., on Thursday, June 4.

Arenz also tallied two IRA A-main victories at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 17, and 141 Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 13, to finish 2025 with a career-high three 410 Sprint Car victories in a season.

On the downside, mechanical issues and on-track incidents forced Arenz to retire from a handful of main events early and to miss IRA events at Cedar Lake Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 6 and Jackson Motorplex on Saturday, Sept. 20. He ended the 2025 campaign eighth in the final IRA point standings.

Additional information on the Travis Arenz Motorsports team can be found by visiting the team’s Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Professional Plating

Located at 705 Northway Drive in Brillion, Wis., Professional Plating Inc. was established in 1979 when Bob and Pat Endries, founders of Endries International, sought a dependable source of plating for the fasteners they supplied to their customers. In May 1979, the zinc plating operation commenced, with the barrel line serving as Professional Plating’s sole production area. In June 1983, the company expanded its zinc plating capabilities with the purchase of a Cyclemaster rack line.

Over the past 44 years, Professional Plating has grown into one of the largest electroplaters in the Midwest, in addition to a large powder coating operation and an electrocoat facility.

Today, Professional Plating offers a wide range of services, including coating and plating, quality systems, trucking, shipping, and packaging.

In addition, Professional Plating has been a five-time Products Finishing Top Shops Benchmarking Survey Award winner for both plating and powder coating, taking home the prestigious award each year that it has been offered.

For more information on the top-of-the-line services Professional Plating has to offer, call 920-756-2153, email larry.dietz@proplating.com, or visit https://www.proplating.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Statistics

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Career Highlights
2008-2025

October 1, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Eighth AAUW Girls STEM Day Conference scheduled at Sheboygan South High School

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Zain Abhari, a research assistant and PhD candidate in the Bergmann Lab of the Physics Department at UW-Madison, will be the keynote speaker at the eighth annual AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day Conference on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Sheboygan South High School.

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (September 29, 2025) – The American Association of University Women (AAUW)-Sheboygan Branch will hold its eighth annual Girls STEM Day Conference on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Sheboygan South High School, located at 1240 Washington Ave. in Sheboygan, Wis.

Established in 2017, the Girls STEM Day Conference connects sixth- through ninth-grade girls with the various applications of STEM by highlighting the core fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

The conference, which runs from 8:15 a.m. to 12 p.m., beginning with check-in from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., features nine unique STEM-inspired sessions, along with a presentation on X-rays, lasers, and optics by keynote speaker Zain Abhari from 8:15 to 9 a.m.

Abhari studies ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy and nonlinear optics as a research assistant and PhD candidate in the Bergmann Lab of the Physics Department at UW-Madison. Her work focuses on developing new ways to probe femtosecond and attosecond dynamics, using both tabletop setups and large-scale facilities. She has conducted experiments at a variety of international facilities across the globe.

The eighth annual AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day Conference is set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at Sheboygan South High School.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to choose three of nine available 45-minute STEM learning sessions running between 9:15 a.m. and noon.

This year’s STEM sessions cover a broad array of topics including: architectural design (Architecture – Designed Awareness presented by Anne Blanke, Samantha Lee, Sydney Goetsch, Taylor Kadletz and Macey Mentink of Abacus Architects), robotics (Robotic Surgery presented by Dr. Jessica Leszcynski of Prevea Health), veterinary science (A Look Inside the Bovine Hide presented by Dr. Ellen Hooker, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture veterinarian), forensic science (Crime Scene Investigation presented by Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department Detective Tyler Wuestenhagen), applied chemistry (Chemistry Escape presented by Bree Lybbert of UW-Green Bay), the science of color and appearance (The Science of Color: “Huedunit” presented by Megan Doege, Megan Sprenger, Samantha Kraft and Shari McWilliams), emergency medicine and nursing health care (Blood and Body Works by Aurora Regional EMS Community Educator Jean Zemke), role of pigs in human medicine (Medical Devices Made from Pig presented by Aubrey Doherty Johnsonville Sustainable Swine Resources) and food science (The Amazing Science of a Grilled Cheese Sandwich presented by Dave Taylor of Sargento Cheese).

Over the past seven years, the AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day Conference has granted area girls a rare opportunity to learn directly from STEM field experts and experience the wonderful world of STEM through various hands-on activities.

“We began this program to encourage girls in the middle grades to pursue their interests and skills in STEM areas,” AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Member and Girls STEM Day Conference Co-Chair Lori Bryne said. “Our presenters are women who are successful in their STEM fields. We also like to have a keynote speaker who can be a role model for girls. The girls who attend are always enthusiastic, and many come back again.”

The eighth annual AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day Conference is set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at Sheboygan South High School.

The registration fee is $10 per student, which includes instruction and supplies.

Checks should be made out to the AAUW Wisconsin Foundation.

The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 31.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Bemis Manufacturing, HC Denison Co., Feingold Family Foundation, Frank G. & Frieda K. Brotz Family Foundation, Grover Family Foundation, Masters Gallery Foods, Northland Plastics, Richco Structures, Rockline Inc., Saco AEI Polymer, Satori, and The Vollrath Company.

In-kind donors are JoAnn Gadicke, Judy Hangartner, Dolcye Johnson, Laura Lienau, Old World Wisconsin Sausage Inc., and Z Spot Espresso & Coffee.

Founded in 1881, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances equity by empowering women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

“Many Sheboygan County businesses and foundations have donated to make this Girls STEM Day Conference happen,” Bryne said. “We really appreciate our donors because they help us grow and expand our program.

The AAUW-Sheboygan Branch grants scholarships each year to non-traditional women students.

To register or for more information on the AAUW-Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day Conference, visit https://aauw-106470.square.site/ or call Sheboygan Branch AAUW member and Girls STEM Day Conference Co-Chair Lori Bryne by phone at 920-458-9224 or via email at loribryne@yahoo.com.

September 28, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Clayton tallies first win, Karnitz takes first PDTR 360 Sprint Car title

Julien, Kuxhouse, Neau notch Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships victories

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Chris Clayton of Waldo notched his first career Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory during the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at the Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 27. – JW’sCar and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 27, 2025 – It was a night of firsts to cap off the 2025 Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track 360 Sprint Car season as Chris Clayton of Waldo posted his first career A-main win and Kevin Karnitz of West Bend nailed down his first PDTR 360 Sprint Car season championship before a large, enthusiastic crowd at the eighth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 27.

After earning a runner-up showing in the 25-lap 360 Sprint Car main event, Ben Schmidt of Plymouth earned his third overall and second consecutive Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car championship.

In the 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main, Logan Julien of Oconomowoc raced to victory in the IRA Rick Schmidt Memorial Race. At the same time, Blake Nimee of Yorkville, Ill. nailed down his first IRA series title.

Tyler Kuxhouse of Antioch, Ill., racked up the win in the 20-lap Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car main event as Adam Taylor of Wheatfield, Ind., wrapped up his first series championship.

Mike Neau of Pleasant Prairie secured the 20-lap IRA Lightning division A-main victory, and Brian Strane Jr. of Paris posted his first career season championship.

After the initial start was negated when polesitter Chris Larson of Franksville spun in turn one, original outside front row starter Chris Clayton blasted into the lead on the drop of the green flag in the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A main.

Clayton wasted no time in building up a solid lead along the inside lane of the third-mile semi-banked clay oval. Meanwhile, fifth starter Ben Schmidt mounted a charge to work his way into fourth on lap 3 and third on lap 4. Three laps later, Schmidt vaulted into second in his quest to capture the 2025 MSA season title.

Ben Schmidt of Plymouth secured his third overall and second consecutive Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car series championship during the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at the Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 27. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Clayton went on to earn his first career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory and second career MSA main event win in his 13th season of competition.

“I like running the bottom,” Clayton said. “I really don’t run anywhere else. I just catfished around the bottom and it worked well tonight.”

Schmidt came home second to complete his third overall and second consecutive MSA title. Fourth starter Brandon Berth of Cascade wound up third, Tony Wondra of Campbellsport worked his way up from the ninth starting spot to place fourth, and third starter Billy Kreutz of Kiel completed the top five.

“The guys gave me another great car,” Schmidt said. “I wasn’t sure how the track was going to shape up. The car has been awesome all year. We had two motor DNFs, which kind of took us out of the Plymouth points. I want to congratulate Kevin [Karnitz] on his Plymouth championship. Last year, we had it locked up before the last night. This year, it was a little more exciting being separated by only four points. I hope you guys liked that little battle we had tonight.”

Kevin Karnitz of West Bend nailed down his first career Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car season title at the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at the Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 27. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

On the strength of his ninth place finish, Kevin Karnitz claimed his first career PDTR 360 Sprint Car championship.

“This feels great,” Karnitz said. “I want to thank the crew and Dan and Debbie [Mayer] for giving me the opportunity to drive for them and all our partners. We couldn’t do any of this without them. These things are won in the shop. We had zero DNFs this year due to anything mechanical or anything else. I couldn’t be happier. I finally did it at my home track – my first championship. Thinking back to when I used to sit in those stands, it’s bittersweet.”

Logan Julien utilized a huge jump along the low line to catapult into the lead from the third starting spot on the opening lap of the IRA 410 Sprint Car main event. The second year IRA competitor wasted little time in opening up a substantial lead over the field before the red flag was displayed on lap 3 for a four-car incident in turn two involving Travis Arenz, Max Guilford, Justin Erickson and Cruz Dickerson.

Following the restart, the 16-year-old Julien worked the low groove to build up a solid cushion over fourth starter Joel Myers Jr. of Santa Rosa, Calif., before the slowing car of Jack Dover drew a yellow flag on lap 15. Another caution flag appeared on lap 26 when Max Guilford spun in turn two.

Julien and Guiford dueled in close quarters over the final five laps. However, Julien held off Guilford’s advances to record his fourth career IRA A-main victory and a $7,000 first-place prize.

Logan Julien of Oconomowoc recorded his fourth career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory during the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at the Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 27. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Myers Jr. had to settle for second, fifth starter Jordan Goldesberry was third, Kyle Schuett of Philo, Ill., who started second, placed fourth, and ninth starter Blake Nimee tallied a fifth place showing to secure his initial IRA season championship.

Polesitter Allen Hafford of Beach Park, Ill., got the jump on the initial start of the 20-lap Wisconsin wingLESS main event, while fifth starter Greg Alt of Watertown, Adam Taylor, who started fourth, and third starter Tyler Kuxhouse mounted a duel for second. The pace slowed on lap 8 when Rusty Egan contacted the turn two wall, on lap 14 for debris, and for the stopped car of Eric Wilke on lap 15.

Hafford paced the first 13 laps before Kuxhouse used a low move in turn three to gain the top spot shortly after the lap 14 restart. He never looked back on the way to his third A-main triumph of the 2025 season.

Hafford wound up second, Ryan Zielski of Oconomowoc mounted a huge charge from the 14th starting spot to place third, second starter Tim Cox placed fourth, and fourth starter Adam Taylor reeled in his first Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car title with a fifth place showing.

After the original start was waived off when Matthew Gifford flipped his machine in turn two, outside front row starter Mike Neau bolted into the lead at the start of the 20-lap IRA Lightning Sprints main event. He was never headed on the way to his first A-main victory of the 2025 campaign.

Brian Strane Jr. moved up from the fourth starting spot to place second on the way to his first career IRA Lightning Sprints season title. Chad Stouthamer of Big Bend started and finished third, polesitter Jacob Irwin of Genoa City finished fourth, and Mark Heinert of Waukesha advanced from the 13th starting position to complete the top five.

Ben Schmidt claimed overall fast time honors in PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car hot-lap-group qualifying in 12.511 seconds.

Jack Dover of Springfield, Neb., won the 12-lap IRA 410 Sprint Car B main.

Logan Julien earned the overall fast qualifier award in IRA 410 Sprint Car Series qualifying with a top lap of 11.410 seconds.

Brian Strane Jr. of Paris seized the fast qualifier award in IRA Lightning Sprints qualifying with a lap of 13.950 seconds.

The final event of the 2025 PDTR campaign, sponsored by Schwaller Painting & Staining and Jensen Sales & Service, attracted a field of 92 total entries, including 33 IRA 410 Sprint Cars, 22 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, 22 Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and 15 IRA Lightning Sprints.

The 2025 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Awards Ceremony will take place Saturday, Oct. 11, at Racers Hall in Plymouth at 7 p.m. The event honors the top three points finishers, along with the rookie of the year and most improved award winners in the PDTR Late Model, 360 Sprint Car, Grand National and B Mod divisions.

Off-season news and information about the 2025 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season will be posted on the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram pages, as well as the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing website – www.plymouthdtr.com

The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds is located at 229 Fairview Drive in Plymouth, Wis.

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 2-Chris Clayton [2]; 2. 1-Ben Schmidt [6]; 3. 22B-Brandon Berth [4]; 4. 11-Tony Wondra [9]; 5. 3BK-Billy Kreutz [3]; 6. 46-Steven Ruh [8]; 7. 27G-Donny Goeden [11]; 8. 33M-Shane Wenninger [10]; 9. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [5]; 10. 69-Bill Taylor [17]; 11. 16-Anthony Knierim [7]; 12. 69S-TJ Smith [12]; 13. 24X-Eric Wilke [14]; 14. 57-Tristan Furseth [15]; 15. 51-Chris Larson [1]; 16. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [18]; 17. 12P-JJ Pagel [13]; 18. 98M-Ron Malec [16]; 19. 59-Ethon Stear [21]; 20. 20R-Chad Stouthamer [20]; 21. 68P-Frank Perko [22]; 22. 55S-Ryan Sawusch [19]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 46-Steven Ruh[3]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth[4]; 3. 33M-Shane Wenninger[1]; 4. 24X-Eric Wilke[2]; 5. 12P-JJ Pagel[5]; 6. 98M-Ron Malec[6]; 7. 20R-Chad Stouthamer[8]; 8. 55S-Ryan Sawusch[7]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 3BK-Billy Kreutz[1]; 2. 1-Ben Schmidt[4]; 3. 2-Chris Clayton[6]; 4. 51-Chris Larson[5]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor[2]; 6. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach[3]; 7. 59-Ethon Stear[7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 16-Anthony Knierim[2]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz[4]; 3. 11-Tony Wondra[1]; 4. 27G-Donny Goeden[3]; 5. 69S-TJ Smith[5]; 6. 57-Tristan Furseth[6]; 7. 68P-Frank Perko[7]

Qualifying 1: 1. 20R-Chad Stouthamer, 12.917[8]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth, 12.933[4]; 3. 46-Steven Ruh, 12.980[5]; 4. 24X-Eric Wilke, 13.019[6]; 5. 33M-Shane Wenninger, 13.108[7]; 6. 12P-JJ Pagel, 13.113[1]; 7. 98M-Ron Malec, 13.143[2]; 8. 55S-Ryan Sawusch, 13.731[3]

Qualifying 2: 1. 1-Ben Schmidt, 12.511[3]; 2. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 12.814[1]; 3. 69-Bill Taylor, 12.890[2]; 4. 3BK-Billy Kreutz, 12.899[6]; 5. 51-Chris Larson, 13.125[5]; 6. 2-Chris Clayton, 13.200 [4]; 7. 59-Ethon Stear, 13.220 [7]

Qualifying 3: 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 12.656 [6]; 2. 27G-Donny Goeden, 12.758 [2]; 3. 16-Anthony Knierim, 12.776 [4]; 4. 11-Tony Wondra, 12.941 [5]; 5. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.094 [1]; 6. 57-Tristan Furseth, 13.115 [3]; 7. 68P-Frank Perko, 13.291 [7]

BUMPER TO BUMPER INTERSTATE RACING ASSOCIATION 410 SPRINT CARS

A Main (30 Laps): 1. 85J-Logan Julien [3]; 2. 19-Joel Myers Jr [4]; 3. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [5]; 4. 9K-Kyle Schuett [2]; 5. 79-Blake Nimee [9]; 6. 2W-Scott Neitzel [6]; 7. 25-Danny Schlafer [1]; 8. 7-Scotty Thiel [14]; 9. 09-Clayton Rossmann [11]; 10. 87A-Austin Hartmann [13]; 11. 47-Todd King [7]; 12. 3N-Jake Neuman [16]; 13. 10V-Matt VanderVere [18]; 14. 53-Jack Dover [21]; 15. GR8-Will Gerrits [10]; 16. 3-Justin Erickson [22]; 17. 3BK-Billy Kreutz [23]; 18. 12-Corbin Gurley [19]; 19. 24-Scott Conger [24]; 20. (DNF) 1NZ-Max Guilford [17]; 21. (DNF) 96-Jake Blackhurst [12]; 22. (DNF) 25T-Travis Arenz [8]; 23. (DNF) 4D-Cruz Dickerson [15]; 24. (DNF) 99-Tyler Brabant [20]

B Main (12 Laps): 1. 53-Jack Dover[1]; 2. 3-Justin Erickson[6]; 3. 3BK-Billy Kreutz[3]; 4. 24-Scott Conger[4]; 5. 21H-TJ Haddy[10]; 6. 4K-Kris Spitz[5]; 7. 43-Jereme Schroeder[9]; 8. 26-Tyler Tischendorf[2]; 9. 68-Dave Uttech[7]; 10. (DNS) 52-Cody Schlafer; 11. (DNS) 55P-Brady Portschy; 12. (DNS) 4-Alex Pokorski; 13. (DNS) 70W-Logan Wienke

Dash 1 (4 Laps): 1. 25-Danny Schlafer[2]; 2. 85J-Logan Julien[3]; 3. 65-Jordan Goldesberry[5]; 4. 47-Todd King[4]; 5. 79-Blake Nimee[1]

Dash 2 (4 Laps): 1. 9K-Kyle Schuett[2]; 2. 19-Joel Myers Jr[4]; 3. 2W-Scotty Neitzel[5]; 4. 25T-Travis Arenz[3]; 5. GR8-Will Gerrits[1]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 79-Blake Nimee[2]; 2. 87A-Austin Hartmann[1]; 3. 47-Todd King[3]; 4. 1NZ-Max Guilford[5]; 5. 85J-Logan Julien[4]; 6. 3BK-Billy Kreutz[6]; 7. 68-Dave Uttech[7]; 8. 21H-TJ Haddy[8]; 9. (DNS) 4-Alex Pokorski

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 19-Joel Myers Jr[4]; 2. 09-Clayton Rossmann[2]; 3. 25-Danny Schlafer[3]; 4. 12-Corbin Gurley[6]; 5. 99-Tyler Brabant[7]; 6. 26-Tyler Tischendorf[5]; 7. 43-Jereme Schroeder[8]; 8. 53-Jack Dover[1]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. GR8-Will Gerrits[1]; 2. 2W-Scott Neitzel[3]; 3. 4D-Cruz Dickerson[5]; 4. 3N-Jake Neuman[2]; 5. 25T-Travis Arenz[4]; 6. 4K-Kris Spitz[7]; 7. 3-Justin Erickson[6]; 8. (DNF) 55P-Brady Portschy[8]

Heat 4 (8 Laps): 1. 9K-Kyle Schuett[1]; 2. 96-Jake Blackhurst[2]; 3. 7-Scotty Thiel[3]; 4. 10V-Matt VanderVere[5]; 5. 65-Jordan Goldesberry[4]; 6. 24-Scott Conger[6]; 7. (DNF) 52-Cody Schlafer[7]; 8. (DNF) 70W-Logan Wienke[8]

Qualifying: 1. 85J-Logan Julien, 11.430[5]; 2. 19-Joel Myers Jr, 11.487[17]; 3. 25T-Travis Arenz, 11.554[12]; 4. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 11.653[14]; 5. 47-Todd King, 11.666[11]; 6. 25-Danny Schlafer, 11.698[18]; 7. 2W-Scotty Neitzel, 11.719[28]; 8. 7-Scotty Thiel, 11.729[10]; 9. 79-Blake Nimee, 11.751[13]; 10. 09-Clayton Rossmann, 11.762[20]; 11. 3N-Jake Neuman, 11.792[9]; 12. 96-Jake Blackhurst, 11.813[31]; 13. 87A-Austin Hartmann, 11.821[1]; 14. 53-Jack Dover, 11.824[3]; 15. GR8-Will Gerrits, 11.863[15]; 16. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 11.868[21]; 17. 1NZ-Max Guilford, 11.888[33]; 18. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 11.903[24]; 19. 4D-Cruz Dickerson, 11.924[6]; 20. 10V-Matt VanderVere, 11.937[25]; 21. 3BK-Billy Kreutz, 11.962[26]; 22. 12-Corbin Gurley, 11.971[19]; 23. 3-Justin Erickson, 12.065[4]; 24. 24-Scott Conger, 12.208[16]; 25. 68-Dave Uttech, 12.212[30]; 26. 99-Tyler Brabant, 12.213[22]; 27. 4K-Kris Spitz, 12.263[23]; 28. 52-Cody Schlafer, 12.269[32]; 29. 21H-TJ Haddy, 12.317[7]; 30. 43-Jereme Schroeder, 12.360[27]; 31. 55P-Brady Portschy, 12.673[2]; 32. 70W-Logan Wienke, 12.805[8]; 33. (DNS) 4-Alex Pokorski

Hot Laps: 1. 1NZ-Max Guilford, 00:11.715[33]; 2. 96-Jake Blackhurst, 00:11.816[31]; 3. 2W-Scott Neitzel, 00:11.943[28]; 4. 25-Danny Schlafer, 00:11.949[18]; 5. 7-Scotty Thiel, 00:11.955[10]; 6. 3BK-Billy Kreutz, 00:11.973[26]; 7. 19-Joel Myers Jr, 00:12.016[17]; 8. 68-Dave Uttech, 00:12.047[30]; 9. 10V-Matt VanderVere, 00:12.131[25]; 10. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 00:12.135[14]; 11. 25T-Travis Arenz, 00:12.137[12]; 12. 09-Clayton Rossmann, 00:12.160[20]; 13. 99-Tyler Brabant, 00:12.178[22]; 14. 85J-Logan Julien, 00:12.209[5]; 15. 47-Todd King, 00:12.307[11]; 16. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 00:12.310[21]; 17. GR8-Will Gerrits, 00:12.320[15]; 18. 12-Corbin Gurley, 00:12.355[19]; 19. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 00:12.407[24]; 20. 79-Blake Nimee, 00:12.408[13]; 21. 43-Jereme Schroeder, 00:12.440[27]; 22. 3N-Jake Neuman, 00:12.533[9]; 23. 4K-Kris Spitz, 00:12.552[23]; 24. 53-Jack Dover, 00:12.589[3]; 25. 4D-Cruz Dickerson, 00:12.626[6]; 26. 52-Cody Schlafer, 00:12.636[32]; 27. 24-Scott Conger, 00:12.739[16]; 28. 21H-TJ Haddy, 00:12.819[7]; 29. 87A-Austin Hartmann, 00:12.844[1]; 30. 70W-Logan Wienke, 00:13.117[8]; 31. 55P-Brady Portschy, 00:13.355[2]; 32. 3-Justin Erickson, 00:13.434[4]; 33. (DNS) 4-Alex Pokorski

AUTOMETER WISCONSIN WINGLESS SPRINT CARS

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse [3]; 2. 38-Allen Hafford [1]; 3. 14Z-Ryan Zielski [14]; 4. 14-Tim Cox [2]; 5. 8T-Adam Taylor [4]; 6. 22-Greg Alt [5]; 7. 41-Dennis Spitz [10]; 8. 29J-Ralph Johnson [6]; 9. 7D-Josh Davidson [15]; 10. 26-Preston Ruh [19]; 11. 99J-Seth Johnson [11]; 12. 70-Chris Klemko [12]; 13. 29OG-Tom Eller [17]; 14. 17-Bryce Andrews [8]; 15. 11-Austin Hansen [16]; 16. 7-Trinity Uttech [18]; 17. 21T-Mitchell Reich [20]; 18. 4G-George Gaertner III [7]; 19. (DNF) 24-Eric Wilke [13]; 20. (DNF) 50-Rusty Egan [9]; 21. (DNF) 10V-Nathan Crane [22]; 22. (DNF) 69-TJ Smith [21]

Heat 1 (12 Laps): 1. 99J-Seth Johnson[2]; 2. 70-Chris Klemko[4]; 3. 24-Eric Wilke[5]; 4. 14Z-Ryan Zielski[9]; 5. 7D-Josh Davidson[1]; 6. 11-Austin Hansen[8]; 7. 29OG-Tom Eller[3]; 8. 7-Trinity Uttech[7]; 9. 26-Preston Ruh[11]; 10. 21T-Mitchell Reich[6]; 11. (DNF) 69-TJ Smith[12]; 12. (DNF) 10V-Nathan Crane[10]

Non-Qualifier Hot Laps: 1. 99J-Seth Johnson, 00:15.406[2]; 2. 11-Austin Hansen, 00:15.599[8]; 3. 14Z-Ryan Zielski, 00:15.761[9]; 4. 26-Preston Ruh, 00:15.837[11]; 5. 69-TJ Smith, 00:15.855[12]; 6. 29OG-Tom Eller, 00:15.925[3]; 7. 7D-Josh Davidson, 00:16.445[1]; 8. 10V-Nathan Crane, 00:16.841[10]; 9. 21T-Mitchell Reich, 00:17.176[6]; 10. 70-Chris Klemko, 00:17.336[4]; 11. 24-Eric Wilke, 00:17.396[5]; 12. 7-Trinity Uttech, 00:17.954[7]

A Qualifier Hot Laps: 1. 14-Tim Cox, 00:15.014[3]; 2. 29J-Ralph Johnson, 00:15.131[6]; 3. 38-Allen Hafford, 00:15.175[4]; 4. 41-Dennis Spitz, 00:15.235[10]; 5. 50-Rusty Egan, 00:15.317[9]; 6. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse, 00:15.338[2]; 7. 8T-Adam Taylor, 00:15.550[1]; 8. 17-Bryce Andrews, 00:15.589[8]; 9. 4G-George Gaertner III, 00:15.633[7]; 10. 22-Greg Alt, 00:15.713[5]

IRA LIGHTNING SPRINTS

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 16-Mike Neau [2]; 2. 22S-Brian Strane Jr [4]; 3. 5S-Chad Stouthamer [3]; 4. 63-Jacob Irwin [1]; 5. 55H-Mark Heinert [13]; 6. 13-Tucker Richards [6]; 7. 11S-Colin Sivia [8]; 8. 17-Jordan Funderburk [10]; 9. 18-Nick Petska [5]; 10. 9-John Kirk [14]; 11. 01-Ron Brannam [9]; 12. 74M-Max Brannam [12]; 13. 74-Tim Brannam [11]; 14. (DNF) 18G-Matthew Gifford [15]; 15. (DNS) 11-Derek Fortier

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 63-Jacob Irwin[2]; 2. 22S-Brian Strane Jr[4]; 3. 16-Mike Neau[3]; 4. 11S-Colin Sivia[5]; 5. 13-Tucker Richards[1]; 6. 55H-Mark Heinert[7]; 7. 74M-Max Brannam[6]; 8. 18G-Matthew Gifford[8]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 18-Nick Petska[2]; 2. 17-Jordan Funderburk[6]; 3. 11-Derek Fortier[1]; 4. 5S-Chad Stouthamer[4]; 5. 01-Ron Brannam[5]; 6. 74-Tim Brannam[3]; 7. 9-John Kirk[7]

Qualifying: 1. 22S-Brian Strane Jr, 13.950[8]; 2. 5S-Chad Stouthamer, 14.064[4]; 3. 16-Mike Neau, 14.071[1]; 4. 74-Tim Brannam, 14.167[13]; 5. 63-Jacob Irwin, 14.178[2]; 6. 18-Nick Petska, 14.201[7]; 7. 13-Tucker Richards, 14.214[9]; 8. 11-Derek Fortier, 14.334[10]; 9. 11S-Colin Sivia, 14.335[3]; 10. 01-Ron Brannam, 14.424[11]; 11. 74M-Max Brannam, 14.492[15]; 12. 17-Jordan Funderburk, 14.541[12]; 13. 55H-Mark Heinert, 14.595[6]; 14. 9-John Kirk, 14.821[5]; 15. 18G-Matthew Gifford, 15.328[14]

September 28, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski banks solid Jackson Nationals debut

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski placed 21st in the 47th annual Jackson Nationals main event with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, Minn. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 23, 2025 – In his first appearance at the prestigious 47th annual Jackson Nationals, Alex Pokorski acquainted himself quite nicely with the fast four-tenths-mile Jackson Motorplex in co-sanctioned Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association, Northern Outlaw Sprint Association, and Midwest Sprint Touring Series competition at Jackson, Minn., on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Behind the wheel of the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team 410 Sprint Car, Pokorski was fast right out of the trailer, qualifying 13th overall in the strong 35-car field with a lap of 15.565 seconds.

After starting on the outside of the front row in the second heat race, the fifth-year Sprint Car campaigner fell back to seventh in the running order. He pulled off the racing surface on lap 7 after experiencing smoke from an overflow of oil.

Based on the Jackson Nationals points formula, Alex earned the 17th starting spot in the 24-car A-main field. He drove a smooth and consistent race on the way to a 21st place showing in his first Jackson Nationals 30-lap main event.

“I really liked Jackson,” Pokorski said. “I felt comfortable right away on the top of the track. As the track changed from track work, we didn’t make the right changes. Eventually, the track came back to us as it dried out later in the feature. Being behind at that point, I spent the rest of the race trying to learn how to run the inside berm effectively. It was a bit challenging, but I had fun. It was encouraging to have speed early, and we learned some things on how to set up our car for bigger tracks.”

Pokorski is planning to make an appearance at the final event of the 2025 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season on Saturday, Sept. 27, at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

For schedule updates and additional information on the Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team, check out Pokorski Motorsports on Facebook at https://facebook.com/pokorskimotorsports or visit www.pedaldownpromo.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Wisconsin Bank & Trust, a division of UMB Bank, n.a.

The unique Wisconsin Bank & Trust, a division of UMB Bank, n.a., model leverages technology, efficiency and strength, enabling delivery of the best of both worlds: The resources and tools of a large company, combined with local decision-making, unmatched customer service, and in-depth understanding of customers and communities. In other words, local banking with the scale to compete at any level.

To contact Wisconsin Bank and Trust, email banker@wisconsinbankandtrust.com, call 608-203-1200 or visit https://www.wisconsinbankandtrust.com/.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Akright Auto

Located at 106 North Bluebird Lane in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Akright Auto has been a reliable source for auto parts since 1940.

In addition, Akright Auto provides full auto salvage services and a 90-day standard warranty on all parts purchases.

Contact Akright Auto by phone at 920-467-4201, toll-free at 800-400-4201, via email at dakright12@gmail.com, or visit www.akrightauto.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
410 Sprint Car
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 19
Interstate Racing Association Events – 19
A-Main Victories – 0
Podium Finishes – 1
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 5
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 8
B-Main Victories – 1
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 1
Dash Victories – 0

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
360 Sprint Car Statistics

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
410 Sprint Car
2025 Statistics

September 23, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz tallies 2025 victory No. 3 at 141

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz earned his third career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 13. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 17, 2025 – Although it may not be his home track, 141 Speedway is the next best thing for Travis Arenz.

After earning the signature win of his racing career on June 5 with the Kubota High Limit Racing Series, Arenz backed it up with his first career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main triumph at the unique third-mile semi-banked egg-shaped clay oval in Francis Creek, Wis., on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. competitor opened the night by qualifying 10th in the 25-car field with a lap of 11.232 seconds. After winning the first eight-lap heat race, Arenz won the first four-lap dash to claim the pole of the 30-lap main event.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing champion fell to second on the opening lap and trailed race leader Danny Schlafer until using a low move to seize the top spot on lap 17.

Arenz, who claimed the 2016 Northern Sport Mod title at 141 Speedway, would not be denied the rest of the way en route to his second IRA A-main victory of the 2025 season, third overall main event triumph of the current campaign, third career IRA A-main win, and 74th overall A-main victory in 17 seasons of competition.

He opened the doubleheader weekend by qualifying 12th in the 29-car field at Wilmot Raceway on Friday, Sept. 12. After finishing third in the third heat race, Arenz advanced from the 11th starting spot to claim a fourth place showing in the 30-lap main event.

“I ran our backup car this weekend,” Arenz said. “This car tends to react to changes differently than my other chassis do, so we made what he had work. The car was not very good at Wilmot early in the night. However, it got better, and we had a respectable fourth place finish. We weren’t as competitive as we should have been, but I knew finishing was important.

“At 141, the car was decent in the heat race and dash, but again I had to make it work,” he said. “The car was much better in the feature. After making a few adjustments, I was able to move around the track as I needed to earn another victory at 141.”

Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports Team are set to enter the 47th annual Jackson Nationals at the four-tenths-mile semi-banked Jackson Motorplex dirt oval in Jackson, Minn., on Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20.

The 410 Sprint Car portion of the event is co-sanctioned by the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association, Northern Outlaw Sprint Association, and Midwest Sprint Touring Series. RaceSaver 305 Sprint Cars are also on the card both nights.

Racing program on Friday, Sept. 19 features the Tweeter Memorial presented by Joel Pingeon Trucking for $5,000 to win and $500 to start.

The Bank Midwest Jackson Nationals presented by Wyffels Hybrids will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, for $12,000 to win and $1,200 to start.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. both nights.

All 2025 IRA events are streamed live on floracing.com.

Additional information on the Travis Arenz Motorsports team can be found by visiting the team’s Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Wittkopp Funeral and Cremation Service

Locally owned and operated with several locations in and around the lakeshore area, Wittkopp Funeral and Cremation Service features a dedicated and compassionate staff committed to offering a variety of funeral options, which will allow families to create a personal and meaningful experience of remembering and saying goodbye at an affordable price.

Whether planning a traditional funeral service or a memorial service with cremation, the staff at Wittkopp Funeral and Cremation Service will be there every step of the way to assist with the arrangements, while paying close attention to each detail.

In addition, Faithful Friends Pet Cremation Services treats the loss of a pet with dignity and compassion. When it is time to navigate through difficult times of loss, Wittkopp Funeral and Cremation Service will be there to care for the entire family.

For more information, contact Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes by phone at 920-682-0118, by email at info@lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com, or by visiting https://www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, September 19 – Jackson Motorplex, Jackson, Minn. (IRA 410)
Saturday, September 20 – Jackson Motorplex, Jackson, Minn. (IRA 410)
Saturday, September 27 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA 410)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 23
IRA Events – 20
World of Outlaws Events – 2
High Limit Events – 1
A-Main Victories – 3
Podium Finishes – 5
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 9
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 14
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 16
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 18
Heat Race Victories – 6
B-Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 12
Dash Victories – 3
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

September 17, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski looks west to Jackson Nationals

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski is slated to enter the two-night Jackson Nationals co-sanctioned by the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association, Northern Outlaw Sprint Association and Midwest Sprint Touring Series Friday, Sept. 19 and Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, Minn. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 16, 2025 – After completing an unremarkable weekend with Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series at 141 Speedway and Wilmot Raceway, the Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team plans to head west to Minnesota for the prestigious two-night Jackson Nationals.

Last weekend’s IRA doubleheader saw Pokorski qualify 16th in the 29-car field at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis., on Friday, Sept. 12, and 15th among 25 entries at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis., on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Due to mechanical issues, he did not complete a race on either night.

“We had electrical issues which held us back,” Pokorski said. “Our plan for this weekend is to go to Jackson and race both nights.”

Pokorski and the members of the Akright Auto Racing Team are set to enter the 47th annual Jackson Nationals at the four-tenths-mile semi-banked Jackson Motorplex dirt oval in Jackson, Minn., on Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20.

Racing program on Friday, Sept. 19 features the Tweeter Memorial presented by Joel Pingeon Trucking for $5,000 to win and $500 to start.

The Bank Midwest Jackson Nationals presented by Wyffels Hybrids will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, for $12,000 to win and $1,200 to start.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. both nights.

Check out the Pokorski Motorsports Facebook page for schedule updates.

All Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association events are available to view via live stream on floracing.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Goeden Auto Body

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team are pleased to have Goeden Auto Body as a returning sponsor for the 2025 racing season.

Located at 2417 Highway 28 East in Kewaskum, Wis., Goeden Auto Body has been in business since 1971. In 2015, David “Dusty” Goeden took over ownership of the family-owned business.

Goeden Auto Body specializes in quality, top-notch auto body repair, with a focus on collision work. Goeden also offers classic vehicle restoration and rust repair. In addition, it will work with all insurance companies. Goeden Auto Body uses PPG paints and clear coats, offers towing services, and a locked fenced storage area. Continuing the Goeden Auto Body tradition, free loaner cars are also available.

“At Goeden Auto Body, we were born to perform,” Dave “Dusty” Goeden, Goeden Auto Body owner said. “With over 50 years of doing business and our racing involvement on and off the track, we know how to treat our customers like winners. With every job, we push ourselves to improve our performance and deliver a winning product. We work with all insurance companies, provide free computerized estimates, and loaner vehicles while we repair your vehicle. Give us a call when you need a tow or some auto body work. Remember, you, not your insurance company, have the right to choose where to take your vehicle for repairs.”

For more information on Goeden Auto Body, call 262-334-2759 or e-mail goedenauto@gmail.com or visit https://goedenauto.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Akright Auto

Located at 106 North Bluebird Lane in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Akright Auto has been a reliable source for auto parts since 1940.

In addition, Akright Auto provides full auto salvage services and a 90-day standard warranty on all parts purchases.

Contact Akright Auto by phone at 920-467-4201, toll-free at 800-400-4201, via email at dakright12@gmail.com, or visit www.akrightauto.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team
2025 Remaining Schedule

Friday, September 19 – Jackson Motorplex, Jackson, Minn. (IRA 410)
Saturday, September 20 – Jackson Motorplex, Jackson, Minn. (IRA 410)
Saturday, September 27 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA 410)

*** Confirmed schedule updates will be posted on the Pokorski Motorsports Facebook page ***

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
410 Sprint Car
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 18
Interstate Racing Association Events – 18
A-Main Victories – 0
Podium Finishes – 1
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 5
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 8
B-Main Victories – 1
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 1
Dash Victories – 0

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
360 Sprint Car Statistics

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
410 Sprint Car
2025 Statistics

September 16, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Schmidt snags sixth 2025 MSA win

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, Wis. captured his 52nd career MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main triumph at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 13. – MSA Sprints photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 13, 2025 – Eyeing his second consecutive MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association title, Ben Schmidt of Plymouth drove with some extra determination on the way to his sixth MSA A-main triumph of the 2025 campaign as part of the second night of the Fall Classic at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis., on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Front row starter Steven Ruh of New Holstein outdueled polesitter Tristan Furseth of Cambridge to lead the opening circuit of the 25-lap headliner. On lap 2, Schmidt, who started fourth, slipped past Furseth to take over the runner-up spot.

Three laps later, Schmidt tracked down Ruh and the two competitors dueled side by side for the next three laps before the 2011 and 2024 MSA champ used a slide job to surge ahead in turn four on lap 8.

While Schmidt bolted out to a half-lap lead, sixth starter T.J. Smith of Greenville moved in to challenge Ruh for second. However, Ruh held strong to maintain the position.

While Schmidt began to slice his way through the rear of the field, Kevin Karnitz of West Bend worked his way up from the eighth starting position to engage in a hard-fought three-car battle for the runner-up spot.

Smith claimed second on lap 21 before Karnitz captured it for good one lap later, exiting turn two.

Meanwhile, Schmidt cruised to his sixth MSA main event victory of the 2025 season and 52nd career MSA triumph in the caution-free race.

Schmidt’s victory moved him into a tie with Danny Schlafer of Sussex for second on the MSA’s all-time A-main wins list.

Karnitz placed second, Smith wound up third, Ruh placed an MSA career-best fourth, and Furseth rounded out the top five.

“We were set up to run on the outside, but we had to go where they weren’t and crawled the bottom to get the lead,” Schmidt said. “I thought maybe I should push it a little harder near the end, but I didn’t want to go too hard because the cushion in turn two was pretty big. Even though I didn’t have good luck at this place for many years in either the 410 or 360, I’ve always had a lot of fun coming down here.”

Schmidt, who came into the second MSA event of the season at Wilmot Raceway with a slim two-point lead over Kevin Karnitz of West Bend in the MSA standings, opened the night on a high note by topping the 14-car field in qualifying with a lap of 13.701 seconds around the three-eighths-mile semi-banked clay oval.

Heat race victories went to Katelyn Krebsbach of Johnsburg and Kevin Karnitz.

The MSA is set to close out the 2025 season at the annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., on Saturday, Sept 27.

Spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m. with on-track action at 5 p.m.

For more information on the 2025 Midwest Sprint Car Association season, visit www.msasprints.com or check out the Midwest Sprint Car Association Facebook page.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com or call 920-323-7970.

MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association
Wilmot Raceway
Wilmot, Wis.
September 13, 2025

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 1-Ben Schmidt [4]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [8]; 3. 69S-TJ Smith [6]; 4. 46-Steven Ruh [2]; 5. 57-Tristan Furseth [1]; 6. 51-Chris Larson [5]; 7. 16-Anthony Knierim [3]; 8. 24X-Eric Wilke [12]; 9. 22B-Brandon Berth [10]; 10. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [7]; 11. 11-Tony Wondra [11]; 12. 33M-Josh Bilicki [9]; 13. 55S-Ryan Sawusch [13]; 14. (DNS) 69-Bill Taylor

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [1]; 2. 69S-TJ Smith [3]; 3. 57-Tristan Furseth [2]; 4. 46-Steven Ruh [5]; 5. 33M-Josh Bilicki [7]; 6. 24X-Eric Wilke [4]; 7. 55S-Ryan Sawusch [6]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [1]; 2. 51-Chris Larson [3]; 3. 1-Ben Schmidt [4]; 4. 16-Anthony Knierim [5]; 5. 22B-Brandon Berth [6]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra [7]; 7. (DNF) 69-Bill Taylor [2]

Qualifying 1: 1. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.796 [1]; 2. 57-Tristan Furseth, 13.824 [2]; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 14.011 [3]; 4. 33M-Josh Bilicki, 14.027 [4]; 5. 24X-Eric Wilke, 14.160 [7]; 6. 46-Steven Ruh, 14.361 [6]; 7. 55S-Ryan Sawusch, 14.724 [5]

Qualifying 2: 1. 1-Ben Schmidt, 13.701 [1]; 2. 51-Chris Larson, 13.897 [7]; 3. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.948 [5]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.990 [6]; 5. 16-Anthony Knierim, 14.073 [2]; 6. 22B-Brandon Berth, 14.224 [4]; 7. 11-Tony Wondra, 14.744 [3]

September 14, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz aims to regroup with IRA doubleheader

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz is set to compete in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association doubleheader weekend at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 12 and 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 13. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 10, 2025 – What was shaping up to be a promising weekend at one of the most prestigious events on the 2025 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series schedule, ended in early disappointment for Travis Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports team during night one of the 25th annual Jerry Richert Memorial at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 5.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. racer opened the night by qualifying 41st in the stellar 46-car field. He advanced to sixth from the 10th starting spot in the fourth 8-lap IRA heat race.

After starting fourth in B main 2, Arenz moved up to third to gain a starting spot in the 30-lap main event. The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion started 22nd and was running 18th when he hit the turn two wall and flipped on lap 18, which knocked him out of the race. He was scored 22nd.

Extensive damage to the car forced Arenz to withdraw from Saturday night’s racing program.

“There isn’t really anything to say about Cedar Lake,” Arenz said. “We’ll be back this weekend at Wilmot and 141.”

The team is now slated to compete in a doubleheader IRA weekend starting Friday, Sept. 12, at Wilmot Raceway, Wis., as part of the Wilmot Fall Festival, which will also feature the Winged Crate Sprints, Street Stocks, A Modified, and Bandits.

Hot laps are scheduled to start at 5:45 p.m. with racing at 6:45 p.m.

On Sunday, Sept. 13, the team is scheduled to enter an IRA event at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. Legends and IMCA Sport Mods are also on the card.

Racing is set to begin at 6 p.m.

All 2025 IRA events are streamed live on floracing.com.

Additional information on the Travis Arenz Motorsports team can be found by visiting the team’s Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Amy Bruechert Realty

Travis Arenz Motorsports is pleased to have Amy Bruechert Reality back on board as a sponsorship partner for the 2025 racing season.

Located at 1674 Eisenhower Road in De Pere, Amy Bruechert Realty has a passion for real estate. In her experience working as a realtor for over a decade, Bruechert has created lasting relationships while guiding both buying and selling clients to reach their real estate goals with honesty, prompt communication, expertise, and professionalism from start to finish, while working to make the process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

For more information on Amy Bruechert Reality, email amy.bruechertrealestate@gmail.com or call 706-482-8557.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, September 12 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, September 13 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA 410)
Friday, September 19 – Jackson Speedway, Jackson, Minn. (IRA 410)
Saturday, September 20 – Jackson Speedway, Jackson, Minn. (IRA 410)
Saturday, September 27 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA 410)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 21
IRA Events – 18
World of Outlaws Events – 2
High Limit Events – 1
A-Main Victories – 2
Podium Finishes – 4
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 7
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 12
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 14
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 16
Heat Race Victories – 5
B-Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 11
Dash Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

September 10, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann looks to shake off Cedar Lake setbacks with MOWA jaunt

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann is set to make his first starts of the 2025 with the Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) 410 Sprint Car Series at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Ill. on Friday, Sept. 12 and Spoon River Speedway in Canton, Ill. on Saturday, Sept. 13. – Photo by RC Custom Design

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 10, 2025 – In a season plagued by mechanical woes and on-track incidents, Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing Team saw the 2025 campaign continue on a similar note at the 25th annual Jerry Richert Memorial Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at Cedar Lake, Wis. on New Richmond, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6.

Hartmann began the opening night of the two-day program on Friday, Sept. 5, by qualifying 23rd in the stellar 46-car field. From there, Hartmann started eighth and failed to finish in the second heat race. The 25-year-old Plymouth resident started 12th in the first B main and again retired before the end of the race with mechanical woes.

Rain before the start of the racing program on Saturday, Sept. 6, prompted the format for the evening to change from qualifying and dash draw to heat race draw and passing points.

With 36 cars on hand, Hartmann drew the sixth starting spot and moved up to fifth in heat four. In challenging heavy, wet, and rough track conditions, the Plymouth, Wis. resident finished third in the B main to qualify for the 30-lap main event. Hartmann was scheduled to start 21^st, but he elected not to enter the feature race.

“It’s been a tough one, there’s no sugar coating it,” Hartmann said. “We’ve gotten pretty beat down to say the least. We found our issue at Cedar Lake to be the stumble valve. With how the track was and starting at the back, I didn’t see it worth risking another car to run Saturday’s feature. We’ll try it again this weekend with the MOWA series.”

The 87A Hartmann Racing Team is slated to head south of the border to compete in a doubleheader weekend with the Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) 410 Sprint Car Series, starting with the Carolyn Schuh Memorial on Friday, Sept. 12, at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Ill.

The Badger Midgets, Modifieds, DIRTcar Sportsman, and Street Stocks are also on the card. Hot laps start at 6:30 p.m. with racing at 7 p.m.

The Jacksonville Speedway event will be live-streamed on DirtVision.com.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, Hartmann and the team will travel with MOWA to Spoon River Speedway in Canton, Ill., to compete in the Tom Knowles Memorial.

MARA Midgets, DIRTcar Pro Late Models, and B Modifieds will also be in action.

Hot laps are scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. with racing at 6 p.m.

Additional information on the 87A Hartmann Racing team can be found by visiting the team’s website www.team87a.com and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/87Ahartmannracing.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Quasius Construction

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team is thrilled to have Quasius Construction on board as a returning partnership partner for the 2025 season.

Located at 1202 North Eighth St. in Sheboygan, Wis., Quasius Construction is a construction services company and contracting firm utilizing general construction, construction management and design-build delivery systems.

To contact Quasius Construction, call 920-457-5585, email info@quasius.com or visit quasius.com.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty

KRISTINE HARTMANN, REALTOR OF Pleasant View Realty, better known as “Every Race Fans Realtor,” has 25-plus years of experience selling real estate throughout Wisconsin.

Kristine’s passion for the sport of racing connects with her competitive drive and ambition as a realtor in the community.

Contact Kristine Hartmann with all your real estate needs and ask her about the special racing rates!

You can find her on Facebook @ KRISTINE HARTMANN, REALTOR. Additionally, she can be found at the 87A trailer at any IRA race and would be happy to discuss racing and real estate.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/PVRKRISTINE, call/text 920-980-5542, or email kristine@pleasantviewrealty.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
Upcoming Schedule

Friday, September 12 – Jacksonville Speedway, Jacksonville, Ill. (MOWA)
Saturday, September 13 – Spoon River Speedway, Canton, Ill. (MOWA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 24
IRA Events – 15
World of Outlaws Events – 6
High Limit Events – 2
Knoxville Raceway Events – 1
A-Main Victories – 0
Podium Finishes – 0
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 3
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 3
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 10
B Main Victories – 1
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 4
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

September 10, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski rebounds with IRA career best at Cedar Lake

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski earned his best career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series finish with a second place showing in the 25th annual Jerry Richert Memorial at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 6. Pokorski is pictured with his father, Paul. – Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 9, 2025 – Alex Pokorski flipped a streak of sour luck into something oh so sweet as the 26-year-old Sprint Car racer steering his No. 4 Akright Auto-backed car to a career-best second place showing with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in the 25th annual Jerry Richert Memorial at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 6.

Utilizing a borrowed motor from Russ Wetenkamp and the GR8 Racing Team, the West Bend, Wis. native started the two-night event on a strong note as he qualified eighth overall in a stellar 46-car field before placing third in the second heat race to earn a coveted spot in the 30-lap A main on Friday, Sept. 5.

However, a motor issue was detected after the heat race, which forced the team to scratch from the remainder of the program.

After bolting in another motor courtesy of GR8, Pokorski returned for night two of the Jerry Richert Memorial on Saturday, Sept. 6, with a $10,000 first place prize on the line.

Heavy rain delayed the start of Saturday’s racing program and forced the format to shift from qualifying and dash invert to heat race draw and passing points.

The heat race draw worked in Pokorski’s favor as he pulled the outside front row starting spot in the first 10-lap IRA heat race. The fifth-year driver used a good jump to outpower polesitter Tyler Brabant to take the lead on the opening lap.

Pokorski went on to lead every lap on the way to his first career IRA heat race win on the extremely tacky, narrow and undulating racing surface.

Pokorski rolled off from the third starting spot in the 30-lap Jerry Richert Memorial A-main and maintained third place in the first five laps. On lap 6, Pokorski fell to fourth when Logan Julien assumed the third spot.

Six laps later, Pokorski regained third when Julien crashed in turn two. On lap 17, Pokorski advanced to second when Kaleb Johnson hit the backstretch wall and flipped.

In his debut weekend of competition at Cedar Lake Speedway, Pokorski put together smooth and consistent laps down the stretch on the way to his first career IRA podium finish and IRA career-best second place A-main showing.

“We really needed a run like that after having such a poor run of luck lately,” Pokorski said. “That definitely lifted our spirits, and it made for a fun night. I’ve felt like we have had good speed lately. We just kept having issues that led to bad results. Some of them were mechanical failures, and others were the result of me trying too hard.”

The team is tentatively slated to compete in a pair of IRA events this weekend, starting on Friday, Sept. 12, at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis., and finishing on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis.

Check out the Pokorski Motorsports Facebook page for updates on the team’s plans for the upcoming weekend.

All Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association events are available to view via live stream on floracing.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Professional Plating

The Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team is pleased to have Professional Plating on board for the 2025 racing season.

Located at 705 Northway Drive in Brillion, Wis., Professional Plating Inc. was established in 1979 when Bob and Pat Endries, founders of Endries International, were looking for a dependable source of plating for the fasteners supplied to their customers. In May 1979, the zinc plating operation began with the barrel line being Professional Plating’s sole production area. In June 1983, the company expanded its zinc plating capabilities with the purchase of a Cyclemaster rack line.

Over the past 45 years, Professional Plating has grown into one of the largest electroplaters in the Midwest, in addition to a large powder coating operation and an electrocoat facility.

Today, Professional Plating offers a wide range of services, including coating and plating, quality systems, trucking, shipping and packaging.

For more information on the top-of-the-line services Professional Plating has to offer, call 920-756-2153, email larry.dietz@proplating.com, or visit https://www.proplating.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Akright Auto

Located at 106 North Bluebird Lane in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Akright Auto has been a reliable source for auto parts since 1940.

In addition, Akright Auto provides full auto salvage services and a 90-day standard warranty on all parts purchases.

Contact Akright Auto by phone at 920-467-4201, toll-free at 800-400-4201, via email at dakright12@gmail.com, or visit www.akrightauto.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com, or call 920-323-7970.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team
2025 Schedule

Friday, September 12 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA 410 – TENTATIVE)
Saturday, September 13 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA 410 -TENTATIVE)

*** Confirmed schedule updates will be posted on the Pokorski Motorsports Facebook page ***

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
410 Sprint Car
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 16
Interstate Racing Association Events – 16
A-Main Victories – 0
Podium Finishes – 1
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 5
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 8
B-Main Victories – 1
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 1
Dash Victories – 0

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
360 Sprint Car Statistics

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
410 Sprint Car
2025 Statistics

September 9, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Clayton low rides to first MSA victory

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Chris Clayton earned his first career MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis. on Saturday, September 6. – MSA Sprints photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 6, 2025 – The 13th season behind the wheel of a 360 Sprint Car proved to be a lucky one for Chris Clayton of Waldo as he turned in a dominating performance on the way to his first career MMW Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis., on Saturday, Sept. 6.

In the first MSA event to be contested at Outagamie Speedway since 2021, polesitter Tony Wondra of Campbellsport jumped into the lead on the opening lap of the 25-lap A main.

After dueling with third starter Chris Clayton for second in the early going, rookie Tristan Furseth of Cambridge used the high groove to shoot into second on lap three from his outside front row starting spot.

One lap later, Furseth bolted past Wondra along the cushion to seize the top spot with Clayton in tow on the fourth circuit. Working the inside lane of the multi-groove track surface, Clayton snuck under Furseth to take over the lead in turn three on lap 6.

Clayton wasted little time building up a substantial full-straightaway lead over Furseth on lap 10. Two laps later, two-time and defending MSA champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, who started fourth, worked his way under the high-riding Furseth to assume second.

After catching up to the rear of the field on lap 13, Clayton clung to the low line, driving with authority through slower traffic. Despite enduring some close calls and a few evasive measures while maneuvering around lapped cars, nothing could dampen Clayton’s determination in the final half of the race.

Meanwhile, Schmidt, Furseth, and sixth starter Kevin Karnitz dueled in close quarters for the runner-up spot starting on lap 16 before Schmidt finally separated himself.

Clayton went on to claim his first career MSA main event triumph by a huge half-lap margin in the caution-free race. With the victory, Clayton became the 11th different driver to claim an MSA main event victory during the 2025 campaign.

Schmidt placed second, Furseth secured his second podium finish of the 2025 MSA campaign with a third place finish, Karnitz wound up fourth, and Wondra rounded out the top five.

Heat race victories went to Kevin Karnitz, Katelyn Krebsbach of Johnsburg and Brandon Berth of Cascade.

Donny Goeden of Kewaskum claimed fast qualifier honors with a lap of 12.766 seconds around the third-mile progressive banked clay oval to establish a new 360 Sprint Car track record.

The 19th event of the 2025 campaign drew a field of 21 MSA 360 Sprint Cars.

Up next for the MMW Industrial Supply MSA Sprint Car Series is a return visit to Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis., as part of the second day of the second annual Wilmot Fall Classic on Saturday, Sept. 13.

Spectator gates open at 3 p.m. with hot laps at 5 p.m. and racing at 5:45 p.m.

For more information on the 2025 Midwest Sprint Car Association season, visit www.msasprints.com or check out the Midwest Sprint Car Association Facebook page.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com or call 920-323-7970.

MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association
Outagamie Speedway
Seymour, Wis.
September 6, 2025

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 2-Chris Clayton [3]; 2. 1-Ben Schmidt [4]; 3. 57-Tristan Furseth [2]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [6]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra [1]; 6. 69S-TJ Smith [7]; 7. 24X-Eric Wilke [11]; 8. 22B-Brandon Berth [8]; 9. 46-Steven Ruh [9]; 10. 7-Lance Fassbender [14]; 11. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [5]; 12. 51-Chris Larson [13]; 13. 27G-Donny Goeden [12]; 14. 69-Bill Taylor [15]; 15. 20R-Bradon Mattson [18]; 16. 34T-Tom Becker [19]; 17. (DNF) 33M-Josh Bilicki [10]; 18. (DNF) P1-Mark Chevalier [16]; 19. (DNF) 5-Kevin Seidler [17]; 20. (DNS) 6K-Kurt Davis; 21. (DNS) 09-Clayton Rossmann

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [1]; 2. 1-Ben Schmidt [3]; 3. 2-Chris Clayton [5]; 4. 27G-Donny Goeden [4]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor [2]; 6. 51-Chris Larson [6]; 7. (DNF) P1-Mark Chevalier [7]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [1]; 2. 69S-TJ Smith [4]; 3. 24X-Eric Wilke [2]; 4. 46-Steven Ruh [5]; 5. 7-Lance Fassbender [3]; 6. 34T-Tom Becker [7]; 7. (DNF) 5-Kevin Seidler [6]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 22B-Brandon Berth [3]; 2. 57-Tristan Furseth [2]; 3. 11-Tony Wondra [4]; 4. 33M-Josh Bilicki [5]; 5. 20R-Bradon Mattson [6]; 6. (DNF) 6K-Kurt Davis [1]; 7. (DNS) 09-Clayton Rossmann

Qualifying 1: 1. 27G-Donny Goeden, 12.766 [2]; 2. 1-Ben Schmidt, 12.773 [4]; 3. 69-Bill Taylor, 12.922 [7]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.005 [3]; 5. 2-Chris Clayton, 13.025 [6]; 6. 51-Chris Larson, 13.352 [5]; 7. P1-Mark Chevalier [1]

Qualifying 2: 1. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.014 [2]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender, 13.023 [5]; 3. 24X-Eric Wilke, 13.109 [3]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.122 [4]; 5. 46-Steven Ruh, 13.238 [6]; 6. 34T-Tom Becker, 15.476 [7]; 7. 5-Kevin Seidler [1]

Qualifying 3: 1. 09-Clayton Rossmann, 12.947 [5]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth, 12.968 [1]; 3. 57-Tristan Furseth, 13.021 [6]; 4. 6K-Kurt Davis, 13.126 [3]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.168 [4]; 6. 33M-Josh Bilicki, 13.514 [2]; 7. 20R-Bradon Mattson, 15.023 [7]

Hot Laps 1: 1. 27G-Donny Goeden, 12.973 [2]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.047 [3]; 3. 1-Ben Schmidt, 13.069 [4]; 4. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.094 [7]; 5. 51-Chris Larson, 13.412 [5]; 6. 2-Chris Clayton, 13.541 [6]; 7. P1-Mark Chevalier, 14.504 [1]

Hot Laps 2: 1. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.029 [2]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender, 13.063 [5]; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.154 [4]; 4. 46-Steven Ruh, 13.291 [6]; 5. 24X-Eric Wilke, 13.365 [3]; 6. 5-Kevin Seidler, 15.280 [1]; 7. 34T-Tom Becker, 16.699 [7]

Hot Laps 3: 1. 09-Clayton Rossmann, 12.955 [5]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth, 13.079 [1]; 3. 6K-Kurt Davis, 13.171 [3]; 4. 57-Tristan Furseth, 13.206 [6]; 5. 33M-Josh Bilicki, 13.311 [2]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.403 [4]; 7. 20R-Bradon Mattson, 16.220 [7]

September 7, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Runner-up, top 10s highlight IRA tripleheader for Arenz

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz posted a second place finish in the 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at The Plymouth Dirt Track during the Sheboygan County Fair on Friday, Aug. 29. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 3, 2025 – In one of the toughest stretches of the 2025 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series schedule, Travis Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports team came away with three solid top-10 showings, including a podium effort in a Labor Day Weekend tripleheader at The Plymouth Dirt Track, Beaver Dam Raceway and The Hill in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Friday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Aug. 31.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. resident kicked off the three-race weekend by qualifying 10th in the 28-car field at The Plymouth Dirt Track during the Sheboygan County Fair on Friday, Aug. 29.

Arenz went on to win the first heat race before placing second in the first IRA dash to claim the third starting spot in the 30-lap main event. The 18th-year competitor raced in the second and third positions throughout the hard-fought main event before coming home with a strong second place showing.

One night later, the team entered the Harry Neitzel Tribute-Jim Wipperfurth Memorial event at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday, Aug. 30, in a race that was billed as the final Sprint Car race at the facility, which is for sale.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion opened the night by qualifying 22nd in the 34-car field. After placing fifth in the second heat race, Arenz rolled off from the 18th starting position in the 30-lap A main.

Arenz marched through the field to gain 10 positions on the way to an eighth place showing.

With 22 cars on hand at The Hill Raceway in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., on Sunday, Aug. 31, Arenz turned in the second fastest qualifying lap before placing second in the second heat race and third in the second IRA dash.

Arenz started sixth in the A main before a caution flew on the opening lap for a spin involving another car. After the caution was called, Arenz spun in turn three as he attempted to slow down his machine. However, he was sent to the rear of the field for being part of the caution flag.

Racing from the rear of the field in the 21st spot, Arenz charged his way up through the field to break into the top 10 on lap 19. Five caution flags over the final 22 laps played to Arenz’s benefit as he moved up to post a seventh place showing.

“I wouldn’t consider it a super great weekend, but definitely decent,” Arenz said. “On a positive note, we were able to put a new car together for this weekend, and everything is in one piece. I wish we could have finished farther forward on Saturday and Sunday. We had a top-three car on Sunday in Sturgeon Bay, but when the yellow flew for another car, I lifted off the throttle coming into turn 3 in the slick. Unfortunately, the spin sent me to the tail on the first lap. However, we ended up finishing a solid seventh after coming back from 21st.”

The team is now scheduled to compete in the 25th annual two-night Jerry Richert Memorial event at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., this Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6. Limited Sprints and UMSS Traditional Sprints are scheduled to round out the card on both nights, with racing slated to start at 6 p.m.

All 2025 IRA events are streamed live on floracing.com.

Additional information on the Travis Arenz Motorsports team can be found by visiting the team’s Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Hair Fellers Barbershop

Travis Arenz Motorsports is proud to have Hair Fellers Barbershop on board as a sponsorship partner for the 2025 season.

Owned and operated by Ann Lange, Hair Fellers Barbershop is located at 622 Madison Ave. in Howards Grove, Wis.

To learn more or to make an appointment, call 920-254-5198 or visit Hair Fellers Barbershop on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com or call 920-323-7970.

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, September 5 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, September 6 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA 410)
Friday, September 12 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, September 13 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA 410)
Friday, September 19 – Jackson Speedway, Jackson, Minn. (IRA 410)
Saturday, September 20 – Jackson Speedway, Jackson, Minn. (IRA 410)
Saturday, September 27 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA 410)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 20
IRA Events – 17
World of Outlaws Events – 2
High Limit Events – 1
A-Main Victories – 2
Podium Finishes – 4
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 7
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 12
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 14
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 16
Heat Race Victories – 5
B-Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 11
Dash Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

September 3, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson