By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions
(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 24, 2020 – After enduring a six-week delay to the start of the 2020 racing season due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) public health emergency, competitors and fans alike were eager for dirt-track racing action and Adam Miller and Miller Family Motorsports obliged by serving up the Quarantine 30 presented by Professional Plating Inc. at Gravity Park Speedway in Chilton, Wis. on Saturday, May 23.
Although steady rain washed out all three A-main events shortly after the completion of all heat race action, a large contingent of race-starved fans were treated to some side-by-side preliminary race competition and witnessed a new track record established in 360 Sprint Car qualifying before the event was halted due to saturated track conditions.
With heat race action completed, the event was deemed officially with prize money distributed evenly through the A-main fields in the 360 Sprint Car, A Modified and B Modified divisions.
In 360 Sprint Car heat race action, Justin Miller of Plymouth nipped fast qualifier Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum by a half car length to claim his first victory behind the wheel of Mayer Automotive 15M car in the first heat race. Three-time Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh won heat race two and Kevin Karnitz of West Bend claimed the win in the third 360 Sprint Car heat race.
Shane Wenninger earned fast qualifier honors in 360 Sprint Car qualifying with a new track record lap of 11.922 seconds.
A Modified heat race victories went to Cody Schroeder of Manitowoc (heat one) and Brad Lubach of Kiel (heat two).
B Modified heat race wins were recorded by Randy Lemieux of Sturgeon Bay (heat one), rookie Trevor Frank of Sheboygan (heat two) and Shaun Bangart of Chilton (heat three).
The event featured a total of 60 entries, including 19 360 Sprint Cars, 17 A Modifieds and 24 B Modifieds.
“I would like to thank everyone that came out – drivers, fans and crews,” first-time race promoter Adam Miller said. “It was a blast. It was not the ending we wanted, but mother nature never is forgiving. I know the Sprint Car guys collectively would like to get back to Gravity Park at some point in the future. Several people said they would be happy if we were able to get another show there.
“Thanks to Professional Plating Inc. for stepping up and supporting the show,” he said. “Also, thanks to the A Mod and B Mod drivers that came out to support the event. We had some areas to improve, but overall we thought it went well. Also thank you to BMG Designs, The Possi Family in honor of Judy Davis, Justin Miller, Bette Miller, Karen and Dave Miller, RC Custom Design, Cupcake Wonders, Oostburg Concrete, Colin Miller, Frank Motorsports for their generous support. Thanks also goes to Gravity Park Speedway and track owner Bob Schneider for working with us and helping make this happen. The track was fast, wide and the Sprint Car A Main was going to be something.”
360 SPRINT CARS
Date of Race: May 23, 2020
QUALIFYING
1, Shane Wenninger 11.922 (new track record) 2, Brandon McMullen, 3, Kurt Davis 4, Ben Schmidt 5, Adam Miller 6, Kevin Karnitz 7, Justin Miller 8, Josh Teunissen 9, Mike Decker 10, Tyler Tischendorf 11, Justin Erickson 12, Paul Pokorski 13, Tyler Davis 14, Blake Wondra 15, Austin Hartmann 16, Bill Taylor 17, Robbie Pribnow 18, Chris Larson 19, Mike MacFarlane.
HEAT 1
1, Justin Miller 2, Shane Wenninger 3, Ben Schmidt 4, Bill Taylor 5, Tyler Davis 6, Tyler Tischendorf.
HEAT 2
1, Brandon McMullen 2, Josh Teunissen 3, Adam Miller 4, Justin Erickson 5, Robbie Pribnow 6, Blake Wondra.
HEAT 3
1, Kevin Karnitz 2, Mike Decker 3, Chris Larson 4, Austin Hartmann 5, Mike MacFarlane 6, Kurt Davis.
A MAIN
Rained out
A MODIFIEDS
HEAT 1
1, Cody Schroeder 2, Hunter Parsons.
HEAT 2
1, Brad Lubach 2, Steve Schneider.
A MAIN
Rained out
B MODIFIEDS
HEAT 1
1, Randy Lemieux 2, Geoff Jeche.
HEAT 2
1, Trevor Frank 2, Tim Warner.
HEAT 3
1, Shaun Bangart 2, Tim Schmuhl.
A MAIN
Rained out
Thanks for taking the time for a great event. Had a great time even up to the point that it started raining. Keep up the good work!