Author: Jeff Pederson

Your fast track connection

87A Hartmann Racing Team displays grit in IRA Wilmot action

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann overcame engine woes to come away with a 19th-place showing in Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series competition at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 3. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 7, 2025 – Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing Team persevered through a challenge-filled evening of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car season competition to pull out a respectable showing in the Dick Colburn Classic at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 3.

Hartmann opened the night on a good note by qualifying 12th overall in the large 37-car field with a lap of 13.185 seconds. However, mechanical issues struck the team just as Hartmann was set to push off for the first 8-lap IRA heat race. After changing an MSD box in the work area and pushing off for the race, Hartmann pulled back into the pits without turning a single lap of heat race action.

After diagnosing a motor issue, the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing Team went about changing an engine for the B main. Stellar crew work allowed Hartmann to return to the track and start from the pole in the 12-lap B Main where he wound up second to advance to the Dick Colbun Classic main event.

With a fresh motor under the hood, Hartmann rolled to a 19th place finish in the 30-lap main event.

“It was another night where we struggled,” Hartmann said. “On a good note, we have the balance of the car right, so we are going in the right direction. On the downside, we hurt an engine before the heat race. But the team was able to get it changed in time to get us back out for the B main. It’s been a rough start to the season. One of these races has to go our way soon.”

This Saturday, May 10, Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing Team are scheduled to return to Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. with the IRA 410 Sprint Car Seres. The Badger Midgets and IRA Lightning Sprints are also on the card.

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, Rich’s Truck & Auto Repair, Gibbsville Cheese, Hepfner Racing Products and Berryman Racing Shocks.

All 2025 IRA events are streamed live on floracing.com

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 – TheD8Dispensary

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team is pleased to have TheD8Dispensary back as a sponsorship partner for the 2025 season.

Located at 2113 South Business Drive in Sheboygan, Wis., TheD8Dispensary is a medical cannabis dispensary offering pure Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC and THCP products with the largest variety in the surrounding area. TheD8Dispensary 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 TheD8Dispensary, 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.  Also, she can be found at the 87A trailer at any IRA race and would be happy to chat about racing and real estate!

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

 

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)
Friday, May 16 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 17 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 18 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 24 – Wilmot Raceway, Wis. (IRA 410)
Sunday, May 25 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA 410)

 

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 2
IRA Events – 2
World of Outlaws Events – 0
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 – 2
B Main Victories – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 7, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz tallies IRA top five at Wilmot Raceway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz turned in a fifth-place finish in the 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 3. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 7, 2025 – Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports Team continued their hot start to the 2025 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series campaign with a strong fifth-place showing in the Dick Colburn Classic on Saturday, May 3 at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion bolted out the gate by qualifying second overall in IRA qualifying with a lap of 12.899 seconds.

Arenz started fourth in the second IRA heat race before moving up a spot to record a third-place finish and punch a ticket into the 30-lap main event.

His qualifying and heat race efforts brought Arenz his second consecutive IRA dash appearance, during which he started second and raced to victory in the second four-lap dash to earn the outside front row starting spot in the 30-lap Dick Colburn Classic main event.

The A main proved to be a bit challenging for Arenz as he dropped to fourth after Paul Nienhiser snuck past on lap 11. Following the second of two caution flags, Arenz settled into fifth place, which is where he finished the race to record his second consecutive top-five A-main showing.

“The night went decently,” Arenz said. “We had speed, but not enough at the end to get the job done. I’m happy with the night. But I’m not satisfied.”

This Saturday, May 10, the Travis Arenz Motorsports Team will head back to Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. with the IRA 410 Sprint Car Series. The Badger Midgets and IRA Lightning Sprints are also on the card.

Arenz heads into an IRA event at Sycamore Speedway facility this Saturday, May 10 as the runner-up in the last two IRA events at the three-eighths mile semi-banked clay oval track facility in 2023 and 2024.

“I enjoy Sycamore,” Arenz said. “We’ve had two second-place finishes there in the last two years.”  It would be nice to leave that place on top instead of runner-up this year.”

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, Pallett Works, 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.

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 – Service One Transportation

Located at N5761 County Road M in Plymouth, Wis., Service One Transportation has been a proud supporter of Travis Arenz Motorsports since the team moved into the 360 Sprint Car division in 2018.

Service One Transportation opened its doors in 1997 when Dan Flagstad, Sr. decided to venture out on his own, following a distinguished career in transportation sales. Starting with a single driver and truck, Dan grew the business by providing unsurpassed service to the customers and living by the creed of “doing whatever it takes to get the job done for the customer.”

The customer-first philosophy continues today with current President and Owner Dan Flagstad, Jr., along with his partner, Mike Myszewski, who serves as vice president of operations and logistics. Under Dan’s leadership, Service One Transportation has experienced the innovation of a new generation, while retaining the customer and family-first philosophy started by Dan Sr.

Today, Service One has grown into a full-service logistics and transportation company with a large portfolio of services, including 53-foot dry van, dry bulk with rail car transport, blanket wrap transport and warehousing. Service One can handle all truckload, volume LTL and expedited shipments to 48 states and all Canadian provinces.

For a personalized transportation quote, contact Service One Transportation by phone at 1-888-988-3344 or 920-467-4793, email at dispatch@serviceonetrans.com or visit https://www.serviceonetransportation.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. 

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)
Friday, May 16 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 17 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 18 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 24 – Wilmot Raceway, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 25 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 2
IRA Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
Podium Finishes – 1
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 2
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 2
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 2
Heat Race Victories – 1
B-Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 2
Dash Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 7, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski posts IRA best at Wilmot, Illinois trip awaits

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski claimed a 13th-place finish at a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 3. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 6, 2025 – Alex Pokorski’s knack for compiling smooth, consistent results was on full display in the second round of the 2025 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season as he steered his No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team machine to an IRA career-best 13th place showing in the Dick Colburn Classic Saturday, May 3 at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis.

In his sixth career start in the seat of a 410 Sprint Car, the West Bend native qualified 15th overall in the stout 37-car field with a lap of 13.370 seconds around the three-eighths-mile semi-banked clay oval.

The sixth-year Sprint Car campaigner was scheduled to start third in the third 8-lap IRA heat race. However, when the pole car was penalized for jumping the initial start, Pokorski moved up a row to lead the field to the green flag from the pole. He fell back to third on the opening lap and held the spot for the duration to earn a transfer spot into the 30-lap Dick Colburn Classic A main.

After firing off from the 14th starting spot in the 24-car field, Pokorski used a strong start to move up to 11th when the first of two yellow flags was displayed on lap 4. On the restart, the 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Most Improved 360 Sprint Car Driver Award winner surrendered a pair of positions to move into 13th place.

Pokorski endured another caution flag on lap 20 to secure an IRA career-best 13th place A-main finish.

“It was fun racing with the guys around 11th to 14th in the A main,” Pokorski said. “The car felt stable and was better than when we were there last year with the 410.”

This Saturday, May 10, Alex Pokorski and the members of the Akright Auto Racing Team will venture south of the state border into Illinois for their debut appearance at Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. with the IRA 410 Sprint Car Series. The Badger Midgets and IRA Lightning Sprints are also on the card.

“This will be the first time I’ve raced out of the state of Wisconsin in a Sprint Car,” Pokorski said. “I haven’t done that since my karting days.”

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

All 2025 IRA events are streamed live on floracing.com

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 – Novak’s Service Center

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team would like to acknowledge the support of long-time sponsor Novak’s Service Center of Manitowoc, which is celebrating its 53rd year in business in 2025.

Novak’s Service Center is a locally owned, second-generation, family-owned, five-bay auto repair center, which has been serving customers in the Lakeshore area since 1972.

Novak’s Service Center offers comprehensive auto repair services, including 4 x 4 services, brakes, car and truck care, domestic cars and trucks, electrical services, electronic services, engine and transmission, engine maintenance, expired warranty care, general service, heating and cooling services, import cars and trucks, quick lube services, tires, towing, transmission and under-car services.

Located at 1320 Washington St. in Manitowoc, Novak’s Service Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To schedule an appointment, call 920-684-5737 or visit www.novaks1320.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.

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.

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.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team
Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Maple Park, Illinois (IRA 410)
Friday, May 16 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, May 17 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA 410)
Sunday, May 18 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, May 24 – Wilmot Raceway, Wis. (IRA 410)
Sunday, May 25 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, 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 – 2
Interstate Racing Association Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
Podium Finishes – 0
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 0
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 2
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 2
B Main Victories – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
360 Sprint Car Statistics

Total Events – 0
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Events – 0
Midwest Sprint Car Association Events – 0
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
B Main Victories – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 6, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann ramps up 2025 IRA campaign at Beaver Dam, eyes Wilmot  

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann started the 2025 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 26. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 30, 2025 – After an offseason filled with anticipation, the 2025 season went off and running for Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing team in the Glenn Hepfner Memorial event at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 26.

The sixth-year Sprint Car competitor kicked off the 2025 campaign by qualifying 15th in the 29-car field with a lap of 11.946 seconds on the high-banked third-mile clay oval.

The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner started fifth and came home fourth in the third 8-lap IRA heat race to earn a spot in the 30-lap main event.

After securing the 13th starting spot in the 25-lap A main, the Plymouth, Wis. resident hovered around the top 15 throughout the race before racking up a 17th-place finish.

“It wasn’t a good opening night for us,” Hartmann said. “We struggled with the balance of the car and found some issues. We hope to improve this week at Wilmot.”

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, Rich’s Truck & Auto Repair, Gibbsville Cheese, Hepfner Racing Products and Berryman Racing Shocks.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team will head to the IRA Dick Colburn Classic Open Wheel Spectacular at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 3.

Non-Wing Crate Sprint Cars, Winged Crate Sprint Cars and Lightning Sprints are also on the card.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m., and spectator gates open at 4 p.m. Hot laps will begin at 5:45 p.m., and racing will begin at 6:45 p.m.

In the event of rain, Sunday, May 4 is the listed rain date.

All 2025 IRA events are streamed live on floracing.com

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.

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.  Also, she can be found at the 87A trailer at any IRA race and would be happy to chat about racing and real estate!

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

 

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 3 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)
Friday, May 16 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 17 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 18 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 24 – Wilmot Raceway, Wis. (IRA 410)
Sunday, May 25 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA 410)

 

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2025 Statistics

Total Events – 1
IRA Events – 1
World of Outlaws Events – 0
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
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

April 30, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz rockets to IRA runner-up at Beaver Dam Raceway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz posted a strong second place finish in the 2025 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season opener at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 26. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 30, 2025 – Travis Arenz opened his 18th overall season of competition and third full-time campaign with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in stellar fashion by guiding his 25T Travis Arenz Motorsports team entry to an impressive second place showing in the Glenn Hepfner Memorial at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 26.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver turned in a strong seventh-place qualifying run in the 29-car field with a lap of 11.812 seconds on the high-banked third-mile clay oval.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion turned an outside front row starting position in the first 8-lap IRA heat race into his first heat race victory of the 2025 campaign.

Arenz then started on the pole in the second 4-lap IRA dash before coming home second to gain the fourth starting spot in the 30-lap headliner.

A wide, slick, multi-groove racing surface proved to be right in Arenz’s wheelhouse as he battled among the lead group of Jake Neuman, Blake Nimee and Scotty Thiel throughout the race. After dueling back and forth with Nimee and Thiel inside the top 10, Arenz finally seized control of the runner-up spot in the closing laps and held on to nail down a second place showing behind race winner Jake Neuman.

“Overall, I’m pleased with how the night went,” Arenz said. “I qualified decent, won my heat race and drew the pole for the dash. That’s pretty much my ideal night. I was happy with how the track progressed throughout the night. It made for good multi-lane racing for the feature. I felt like the car was really good. I can definitely see the 25T being in victory lane this season. To do that, I think I need to be a little more aggressive in traffic than I was on Saturday night.”

Next up for the Travis Arenz Motorsports team is the IRA Dick Colburn Classic Open Wheel Spectacular at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 3.

Non-Wing Crate Sprint Cars, Winged Crate Sprint Cars and Lightning Sprints are also on the card.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m., and spectator gates open at 4 p.m. Hot laps will begin at 5:45 p.m., and racing will begin at 6:45 p.m.

In the event of rain, Sunday, May 4 is the listed rain date.

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, Pallett Works, 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.

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 – 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 after 39 years in 2017 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 A 330-300 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!”

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.

 

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 3 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)
Friday, May 16 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 17 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 18 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 24 – Wilmot Raceway, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 25 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)

 

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Statistics

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

 

April 30, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski surges to solid showing in 2025 IRA opener

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski (4) posted a 14th place showing in the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series 2025 season opener at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 26. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 29, 2025 – In his first full season of 410 Sprint Car competition, Alex Pokorski crafted a smooth start to the 2025 season behind the wheel of the No. 4 Akright Auto machine at the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Glenn Hepfner Memorial at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 26.

The West Bend native, who recorded in a runner-up showing in the 2024 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car point standings, opened the night by timing in 21st in the 29-car field with a lap of 12.110 seconds around the high banked third-mile clay oval.

After rolling off seventh in the third 8-lap IRA heat race, Pokorski advanced two spots to place fifth and claim a direct transfer spot into the 30-lap A main.

The sixth-year Sprint Car competitor started 17th in the IRA headliner before dropping back to 20th in the early going. He then rallied in the second half of the race to advance six positions and nail down an IRA career best 14th place A-main showing in just his fifth career 410 Sprint Car start.

“It was fun to have the team back together and to be racing again,” Pokorski said. “We put down a solid benchmark to try to improve upon. The team did well with getting the car set up and adjusting as the track changed throughout the night.

“I’m still getting used to the 410 car, so I learned a few things,” he said. “I could have done better in qualifying. When you qualify well, that makes the rest of the night easier. Hopefully, we can do that this week at Wilmot.”

The Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team is set to compete in the IRA Dick Colburn Classic Open Wheel Spectacular at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 3.

Non-Wing Crate Sprint Cars, Winged Crate Sprint Cars and Lightning Sprints are also on the card.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. and spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 5:45 p.m. and racing at 6:45 p.m.

In the event of rain, Sunday, May 4 is the rain date.

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

All 2025 IRA events are streamed live on floracing.com

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 – Mulch Express of Wisconsin

The Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team is excited to have Mulch Express of Wisconsin back on board as a sponsorship partner for the 2025 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 to-go 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, Mulch Express of Wisconsin owner Russ Wetenkamp is thrilled to have the opportunity to once again partner with Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team for the 2025 Sprint Car campaign.

“We have a strong connection to Sprint Car racing after several years of competing in the 360 Sprint Car division with the number 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 served as 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, along with 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.

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.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team
Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 3 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, May 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Maple Park, Illinois (IRA 410)
Friday, May 16 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, May 17 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA 410)
Sunday, May 18 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, May 24 – Wilmot Raceway, Wis. (IRA 410)
Sunday, May 25 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, 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 – 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 – 1
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 1
B Main Victories – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team
360 Sprint Car Statistics

Total Events – 0
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Events – 0
Midwest Sprint Car Association Events – 0
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
B Main Victories – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

April 29, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Schmidt outduels Goeden to take PDTR 360 Sprint Car season opener

Richards, Zdroik, Zellmer secure A-main wins

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 26, 2025 – Two-time and defending Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth topped five-time track champion Donny Goeden of Kewaskum to fire up the 2025 season in victorious fashion in the 25-lap Akright Auto PDTR-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main on a chilly spring evening at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, April 26.

Two-time and defending Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt earned his 26th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in the 2025 season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, April 26.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Jake Richards of Neshkoro won the 25-lap Oostburg Automotive Grand National main event.

Jim Zdroik of Hartford chalked up the win in the 25-lap Sheboygan Flooring B Mod A-main.

Adam Zellmer of Horicon racked up the A-main triumph in the 20-lap Midwest Legends Dirt Series main event.

Polesitter Brandon Berth of Cascade jumped into the lead on the opening circuit of the 360 Sprint Car main event before back-to-back cautions involving Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade and Joseph Hintz of Burnett bunched the field on lap 2.

On the restart, three-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Donny Goeden, who started outside the front row, bolted in to challenge Berth from the top spot. The two drivers battled side by side over the ensuing lap before Berth clipped an infield tire sending his car flipping in turn two on lap 3.

Former PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett was also involved in the incident, which forced him to retire from the race on his first night back in his familiar No. 7 car after suffering serious burns last June.

Goeden, who began his racing career in the Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified division at Plymouth in 1985, controlled the restart before Ben Schmidt, who started fourth, maneuvered past fifth starter T.J. Smith of Greenville and dove under Goeden to assume the lead exiting turn four on lap 4.

Schmidt fended off Goeden over the next two laps before the race was slowed for the fourth time for Eric Wilke of Genessee, who spun in turn three on lap 6.

Smith and Goeden exchanged second place on the restart, which helped Schmidt build up a half-straightaway cushion. On lap 11, Schmidt caught the rear of the field, which helped Goeden close in to pull even with the two-time PDTR 360 Sprint champion on lap 13 as the two Sprint Car stalwarts weaved their way through lapped traffic.

Schmidt successfully negotiated the slower traffic to stretch his lead to a full straightaway over the final 10 laps en route to his 26th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory and 47th Midwest Sprint Car Association triumph. The victory pulled Schmidt into a tie for second on the all-time PDTR 360 Sprint A-main victory list with Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee.

Goeden, who owns 40 career A-main victories and five total track titles in Winged Super Modified (two) and 360 Sprint Car competition (three) at Plymouth, had to settle for second, sixth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend placed third, Smith wound up fourth and Clayton Rossmann of Wadsworth, Ill. charged from the 14th starting spot to place fifth.

“We went backward at the start,” Schmidt said. “It took a few laps for us to move forward. Then I was able to get past Donny after an early restart. It’s always good to finish ahead of a great driver like Donny. He’s been doing it really well for a long time here at Plymouth. To me, he’s the G.O.A.T. It feels good to be standing here in victory lane for the sponsors, crew and everyone that supports this team.”

The start of the Grand National main event was delayed by a six-car incident in turn three upon the drop of the original green flag. When the race got underway, polesitter Jake Richards bolted into the lead with fourth starter Jeff Richards of Montello sneaking into second.

After a yellow slowed the race on lap 4 for a spin involving 86-year-old two-time track champion Dick Hed of Plymouth, Jake Richards proved to be the class of the field over the final 21 circuits as he opened up a half-lap gap over Jeff Richards on lap 13 and cruised during the second half of the race to post his second career PDTR Grand National A-main triumph.

Jake Richards of Neshkoro claimed his second career 2025 season opening victory in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, April 26.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Jeff Richards finished second, Dustin Weiss of Iron Ridge drove up from the 13th starting position to place third, Jeff Steenbergen of Johnson Creek advanced 11 spots to take fourth and three-time PDTR Grand National champ Don Sorce Jr. of West Allis placed fifth after starting 16th.

Defending PDTR B Mod track champion Travis Schmidt of Plymouth took the lead of the B Mod main event from the pole with second starter Jim Zdroik of Hartford securing second.

Schmidt opened a solid lead in the first half of the race. However, contact with an infield tire while working through slower traffic forced him out of the race and handed the lead to Zdroik.

Zdroik held tight to the top spot over the final 12 circuits on the way to his first career PDTR B Mod A-main victory.

Geoff Zdroik of Rubicon, who started seventh, finished second, Vince Jung of Iron Ridge moved up from the ninth starting position to place third, 13th starter Cole Thomas of Franklin was fourth and eighth starter Brandon Knepprath of Boltonville wound up fifth.

Jim Zdroik of Hartford notched his initial B Mod A-main triumph in the 2025 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, April 26.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

The 20-lap Midwest Legends Dirt Series main event was hindered by five yellow flags and one red flag in the first 10 laps.

Once the race settled into extended green flag action, polesitter Hayden Schmuhl of Beaver Dam held the lead in the closing laps before Zellmer worked his way up from the fifth starting spot to wrestle the lead away from Schmuhl in lapped traffic on lap 17.

Zellmer held on to secure the victory in the lone scheduled Midwest Legends Dirt Series event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in 2025. Alex Haese of Manitowoc claimed second after starting sixth, Schmuhl wound up third, Ryan Sullivan of Waupun worked his way up 10 spots to secure fourth and Cal Swenson of Hortonville took fifth after starting 11th.

Adam Zellmer of Horicon raced to victory in the Wisconsin Legends Dirt Series A-main in the 2025 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, April 26.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Brandon Berth earned the overall PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car fast qualifier award with a quick lap of 12.926 seconds.

Dustin Weiss won the 12-lap Grand National B Main and Cole Thomas was victorious in the 12-lap B Mod B main.

The first event of the 2025 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by Mayer Automotive, produced a packed pit area featuring 111 total entries, including 32 Grand Nationals, 30 B Mods, 26 Legends and 23 360 Sprint Cars.

The next PDTR racing program on Saturday, May 3 will showcase the 2025 Seubert Calf Ranches Super Six Late Model Series opener.

The PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals and B Mods will also be in action.

Grandstand gates open at 4 p.m. with qualifying at 4:30 p.m. and racing to follow.

Weather information for all Plymouth Dirt Track Racing events 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.

For more information, visit www.plymouthdtr.com or check out Plymouth Dirt Track Racing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 1-Ben Schmidt [4]; 2. 27G-Donny Goeden [2]; 3. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [6]; 4. 69S-TJ Smith [5]; 5. 09-Clayton Rossmann [14]; 6. 3-Justin Erickson [8]; 7. 69-Bill Taylor [11]; 8. 2-Chris Clayton [21]; 9. 14J-Joseph Hintz [3]; 10. 3BK-Billy Kreutz [13]; 11. 46-Steven Ruh [20]; 12. 57-Tristan Furseth [19]; 13. 16-Anthony Knierim [12]; 14. 55P-Brady Portschy [16]; 15. 11-Tony Wondra [9]; 16. 51-Chris Larson [17]; 17. 9C-Cole Stella [18]; 18. 30-Doug Wondra [22]; 19. 24X-Eric Wilke [10]; 20. 22B-Brandon Berth [1]; 21. 7-Lance Fassbender [7]; 22. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [15]; 23. (DNS) 5-Kevin Seidler

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 1-Ben Schmidt[1]; 2. 14J-Joseph Hintz[3]; 3. 24X-Eric Wilke[2]; 4. 69-Bill Taylor[4]; 5. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach[5]; 6. 51-Chris Larson[7]; 7. 9C-Cole Stella[8]; 8. 30-Doug Wondra[6]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 69S-TJ Smith[2]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender[1]; 3. 27G-Donny Goeden[4]; 4. 3BK-Billy Kreutz[3]; 5. 09-Clayton Rossmann[5]; 6. 55P-Brady Portschy[7]; 7. 2-Chris Clayton[6]; 8. (DNS) 5-Kevin Seidler

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz[2]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth[1]; 3. 3-Justin Erickson[3]; 4. 11-Tony Wondra[5]; 5. 16-Anthony Knierim[6]; 6. 46-Steven Ruh[4]; 7. 57-Tristan Furseth[7]

Qualifying 1: 1. 1-Ben Schmidt, 13.309[3]; 2. 24X-Eric Wilke, 13.979[7]; 3. 14J-Joseph Hintz, 14.010[1]; 4. 69-Bill Taylor, 14.132[6]; 5. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 14.181[5]; 6. 30-Doug Wondra, 14.321[4]; 7. 51-Chris Larson, 14.354[8]; 8. 9C-Cole Stella, 14.903[2]

Qualifying 2: 1. 7-Lance Fassbender, 13.077[4]; 2. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.114[6]; 3. 3BK-Billy Kreutz, 13.293[8]; 4. 27G-Donny Goeden, 13.337[3]; 5. 09-Clayton Rossmann, 13.387[7]; 6. 2-Chris Clayton, 13.431[1]; 7. 55P-Brady Portschy, 13.792[2]; 8. (DNS) 5-Kevin Seidler

Qualifying 3: 1. 22B-Brandon Berth, 12.926[2]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.014[4]; 3. 3-Justin Erickson, 13.166[1]; 4. 57-Tristan Furseth, 13.397[7]; 5. 46-Steven Ruh, 13.428[3]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.443[5]; 7. 16-Anthony Knierim, 13.465[6]

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 8R-Jake Richards [1]; 2. 10R-Jeff Richards [4]; 3. 53W-Dustin Weiss [13]; 4. 62S-Jeff Steenbergen [15]; 5. 99-Don Sorce Jr [16]; 6. 80-Luke Scholten [7]; 7. 0-Brett Wenzel [5]; 8. 13-Josh Pierce [14]; 9. 14X-Will Sorce [8]; 10. 23-Scott Kafka [20]; 11. 5M-Jeff Muehlbauer [19]; 12. 95-Donny Kulow [18]; 13. 37-Ryan Minster [12]; 14. 6-Dick Hed [17]; 15. K9-Tyler Wilson [6]; 16. 35B-Ethan Beattie [2]; 17. 5R-Nate Ruh [3]; 18. 15-Derek Kaat [9]; 19. 84X-Marcus Hoeppner [10]; 20. 93-Mavrick Ruh [11]

B Main (12 Laps): 1. 53W-Dustin Weiss[6]; 2. 13-Joshua Pierce[1]; 3. 62S-Jeff Steenbergen[4]; 4. 99-Donald Sorce Jr[8]; 5. 24K-Tyler Kulow[2]; 6. 6-Dick Hed[13]; 7. 95-Donny Kulow[3]; 8. 5M-Jeff Muehlbauer[14]; 9. 23-Scott Kafka[11]; 10. 72E-Chad Espen[12]; 11. 42-Jason Juech[9]; 12. 25M-Darren Meyer[5]; 13. 11-Dylan May[10]; 14. 84-Mark Hoeppner[7]; 15. 27-Greg Goschey[17]; 16. 25P-Jonathan Persha[15]; 17. (DNS) 53B-Brad Weiss; 18. (DNS) 52W-Jack Wiroll; 19. (DNS) 45-Trent Bogart; 20. (DNS) 89-Justin Miller

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 37-Ryan Minster[2]; 2. K9-Tyler Wilson[1]; 3. 5R-Nate Ruh[4]; 4. 13-Josh Pierce[5]; 5. 25M-Darren Meyer[7]; 6. 42-Jason Juech[8]; 7. (DNF) 53B-Brad Weiss[3]; 8. (DNF) 89-Justin Miller[6]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 93-Mavrick Ruh[2]; 2. 10R-Jeff Richards[3]; 3. 15-Derek Kaat[6]; 4. 24K-Tyler Kulow[1]; 5. 53W-Dustin Weiss[7]; 6. 11-Dylan May[4]; 7. 27-Greg Goschey[8]; 8. (DNF) 25P-Jonathan Persha[5]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 80-Luke Scholten[2]; 2. 0-Brett Wenzel[4]; 3. 84X-Marcus Hoeppner[3]; 4. 95-Donny Kulow[7]; 5. 84-Mark Hoeppner[5]; 6. 23-Scott Kafka[6]; 7. (DNF) 6-Dick Hed[1]; 8. (DNF) 45-Trent Bogart[8]

Heat 4 (8 Laps): 1. 14X-Will Sorce[6]; 2. 8R-Jake Richards[3]; 3. 35B-Ethan Beattie[4]; 4. 62S-Jeff Steenbergen[8]; 5. 99-Don Sorce Jr[2]; 6. 72E-Chad Espen[7]; 7. 5M-Jeff Muehlbauer[1]; 8. (DNF) 52W-Jack Wiroll[5]

SHEBOYGAN FLOORING B MODS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 6Z-Jim Zdroik [2]; 2. 18Z-Geoff Zdroik [7]; 3. 67-Vince Jung [9]; 4. 91-Cole Thomas [13]; 5. 17-Brandon Knepprath [8]; 6. 66-Steve Lorier [15]; 7. 03W-Tim Warner [10]; 8. 89-Logan Brass [17]; 9. 73-Rory Welch [12]; 10. 3Z-Austin Zdroik [5]; 11. 33H-Barrett Hummelmeier [16]; 12. 67J-Dan Jung [3]; 13. 48B-Brad Keith [11]; 14. 99-Jordan Gracyalny [18]; 15. 14G-Craig Gessner [6]; 16. 4JR-Joel Seegert Jr [4]; 17. 3-Travis Schmidt [1]; 18. 29R-Ryan Kuehn [19]; 19. 48-Matt Urban [14]; 20. 69-Travis Kleindl [20]

B Main (12 Laps): 1. 91-Cole Thomas[1]; 2. 48-Matt Urban[5]; 3. 66-Steve Lorier[8]; 4. 33H-Barrett Hummelmeier[4]; 5. 89-Logan Brass[2]; 6. 99-Jordan Gracyalny[7]; 7. 29R-Ryan Kuehn[3]; 8. 69-Travis Kleindl[6]; 9. 59S-Spencer Long[16]; 10. 19-Parker Glander[11]; 11. 12D-Chris Gilson[12]; 12. 31W-Kelan Wolfe[15]; 13. 11B-Brad Buckman[13]; 14. 1X-Ryan Spoehr[14]; 15. XV-Don Marquart[9]; 16. 26-Ryan Pafford[10]; 17. 85B-Kevin Braaksma[18]; 18. (DNS) 55K-Kyle Dimmick

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 18Z-Geoff Zdroik[2]; 2. 6Z-Jim Zdroik[3]; 3. 3-Travis Schmidt[6]; 4. 91-Cole Thomas[1]; 5. 48-Matt Urban[4]; 6. XV-Don Marquart[7]; 7. 55K-Kyle Dimmick[8]; 8. 31W-Kelan Wolfe[5]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 14G-Craig Gessner[1]; 2. 67-Vince Jung[4]; 3. 3Z-Austin Zdroik[6]; 4. 89-Logan Brass[5]; 5. 69-Travis Kleindl[3]; 6. 26-Ryan Pafford[7]; 7. 85B-Kevin Braaksma[8]; 8. 59S-Spencer Long[2]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 67J-Dan Jung[5]; 2. 4JR-Joel Seegert Jr[1]; 3. 17-Brandon Knepprath[3]; 4. 29R-Ryan Kuehn[2]; 5. 99-Jordan Gracyalny[6]; 6. 19-Parker Glander[4]; 7. (DNF) 11B-Brad Buckman[7]

Heat 4 (8 Laps): 1. 03W-Tim Warner[1]; 2. 48B-Brad Keith[3]; 3. 73-Rory Welch[2]; 4. 33H-Barrett Hummelmeier[5]; 5. 66-Steve Lorier[7]; 6. 12D-Chris Gilson[4]; 7. 1X-Ryan Spoehr[6]

106.5 THE BUZZ MIDWEST LEGENDS DIRT SERIES

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 117-Adam Zellmer [4]; 2. 76-Alex Haese [6]; 3. 59S-Hayden Schmuhl [1]; 4. 95-Ryan Sullivan [14]; 5. 19X-Cal Swenson [11]; 6. 87-Dallas Ross [10]; 7. 49-Ayden Erickson[5]; 8. 99-Rob Maule[17]; 9. 54-Nate Werner[18]; 10. 47V-Dominic Van Riper [2]; 11. 51F-Tim Franz [16]; 12. 14T-Talyn Neuman [3]; 13. 78-Carson Grob [23]; 14. 37M-Daniel Mech [20]; 15. 17F-Faith Zellmer Schultz [12]; 16. 80-Art Hahn [7]; 17. 33S-Mike Swenson [15]; 18. 7-Lilly Fassbender [9]; 19. 9D9-Mackenzie Maule [26]; 20. 53-Caleb DeYoung [19]; 21. 27-Russell Loof [24]; 22. 5K-Keith Carey [25]; 23. 80L-Jacob Loof [21]; 24. (DNF) 51S-Charlie Spoonmore [13]; 25. (DNF) 4C-Connor Carey [8]; 26. (DNF) 00B-Oliver O’Brion [22]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 47V-Dominic Van Riper[2]; 2. 14T-Talyn Neuman[3]; 3. 76-Alex Haese[1]; 4. 87-Dallas Ross[4]; 5. 51S-Charlie Spoonmore[7]; 6. 51F-Tim Franz[5]; 7. 78-Carson Grob[9]; 8. 5K-Keith Carey[8]; 9. 80L-Jacob Loof[6]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 80-Art Hahn[2]; 2. 59S-Hayden Schmuhl[4]; 3. 49-Ayden Erickson[3]; 4. 19X-Cal Swenson[5]; 5. 95-Ryan Sullivan[6]; 6. 99-Rob Maule[7]; 7. 53-Caleb DeYoung[9]; 8. 37M-Daniel Mech[8]; 9. 00B-Oliver O’Brion[1]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 117-Adam Zellmer[1]; 2. 7-Lilly Fassbender[4]; 3. 4C-Connor Carey[3]; 4. 17F-Faith Zellmer Schultz[2]; 5. 33S-Mike Swenson[6]; 6. 54-Nate Werner[5]; 7. 27-Russell Loof[8]; 8. 9D9-Mackenzie Maule[7]

April 27, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Wilton explores action romance in new novel ‘On Orion’s Shoulder’  

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 17, 2025 – After publishing a pair of interwoven epic fantasy novels, Wisconsin-based author S.L. Wilton travels down a different path with his latest novel, “On Orion’s Shoulder,” which takes a turn into the fast-paced, emotion-tinged world of action romance.

Published through Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis., “On Orion’s Shoulder” comes on the heels of his debut epic fantasy novel, “Queen of Crows” in 2021 and sequel “Crows and Wyverns” in 2024, which were both met with strong reader interest and critical acclaim, including nods as The BookFest Awards prize winners.

Wilton, a retired 20-year U.S. Army veteran, gleaned his inspiration for “On Orion’s Shoulder” from the silver screen.

“I watched the Kurt Russel film, ‘Soldier’ with the premise being soldiers are chosen at birth and raised to be merciless and obey orders through conditioning and training,” Wilton said. “At one point the old soldiers are replaced with new soldiers and their commander says they’re practically manufactured. I thought, what if they were manufactured? As I wrote the story I kept thinking, nature always finds a way, so maybe he changes and gains emotions and empathy. So, a love interest was added and the story fleshed itself out.”

Within the pages of “On Orion’s Shoulder,” Wilton vividly portrays a story brimming with conflict, suspense and love in far-away space.

“A remote mining colony in the Orion nebula comes under attack from an unknown species,” Wilton said. “A genetically engineered clone designed for the military is part of a unit sent to rescue the miners. Events unfold that leave the miners and the clone abandoned to their fate. The clone struggles to protect the miners and along the way learns about the joy and pain love can bring.”

“On Orion’s Shoulder” provides fans of Wilton’s first two novels with a fresh change of pace.

“My first two novels were high fantasy stories told from one point of view,” Wilton said. “‘On Orion’s Shoulder’ is a soft science fiction story with a strong romance thread written from two points of view. It will appeal to science fiction fans that aren’t too concerned with how it works, only that it works. With plenty of action and romance, it will satisfy a wide range of adult readers.”

“On Orion’s Shoulder” is available on several online book sales platforms, including amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and bookshop.org, as well as at yet-to-be-determined future in-person shows and events.

For more information on S.L. Wilton, his new novel “On Orion’s Shoulder” and previous releases “Queen of Crows” and “Crows and Wyverns,” visit https://slwilton.com, Facebook and X (Twitter).

For more information on “On Orion’s Shoulder” and “Crows and Wyverns” book publisher, Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com or call 920-323-7970.

April 17, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz gears up for third IRA go-around

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz is slated to fire up the 2025 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. – Travis Arenz Motorsports photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 2, 2025 – Following two successful seasons of full-time 410 Sprint Car competition, Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports team are aiming to be nightly contenders in Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series action during the upcoming 2025 campaign.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion is slated to open the 2025 season with an IRA-Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) co-sanctioned doubleheader event at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5.

After capturing his first career IRA A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track during his 2023 rookie season, Arenz’s top 2024 finishes came in the form of three runner-up showings in IRA action at Sycamore Speedway (May 11) and The Plymouth Dirt Track (Aug. 31) as well as in non-sanctioned competition at Wilmot Raceway (Sept. 21).

In 19 410 Sprint Car events during the 2024 campaign, the 2023 IRA Apple Cup Rookie Award winner collected eight top five A-main showings, 13 top 10 main event finishes and 14 top 15 A-main runs to go along with four heat race victories, 11 dash appearances, one dash victory and one fast qualifier award.

Despite missing nine IRA events primarily due to motor issues, Arenz posted an 11th-place finish in the final 2024 IRA point standings.

“The plan for this season is to complete the full IRA Sprints schedule,” Arenz said. “I am also looking to compete with the High Limit and Worlds of Outlaws series when they come to Wisconsin at a few of my favorite tracks. We’ve worked hard in the off-season to update and replace some equipment. We’re looking forward to getting started.”

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, Pallett Works, 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 after 39 years in 2017 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 A 330-300 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!”

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. 

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2025 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, April 4 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA-MOWA)
Saturday, April 5 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA-MOWA)
Saturday, April 26 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Final Statistics

Total Events – 19
IRA Events – 18
A Main Victories – 0
Podium Finishes – 3
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 8
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 13
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 14
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 15
Heat Race Victories – 4
B-Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 11
Dash Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1
Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Points Finish – 11th

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Career Highlights
2008-2024

Total Career A-Main Victories – 71
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
IRA 410 Sprint Car A-Main Victories – 1
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

April 2, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann opens door to IRA 410 season four

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann is scheduled to begin the 2025 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 1, 2025 – After learning the ropes of 410 Sprint Car racing throughout their first three seasons with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team will fire up year four with the IRA regional touring series in a co-sanctioned twin bill with the Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5 at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver is coming off a solid 2024 campaign which featured several highlights, including a career-best night in the seat of a Sprint Car at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. on Friday, July 19. The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year won his first career IRA dash to claim his initial A-main pole position. The third-year 410 Sprint Car competitor topped off the memorable evening with a career-best fourth-place A-main finish.

In 30 410 Sprint Car events during the 2024 season, Hartmann tallied one top five, nine top 10 and 16 top 15 A-main showings, while recording one dash victory in seven dash appearances and winning one B main on the way to finishing a career-best seventh in the final 2024 IRA point standings.

Hartmann is eager to begin another full-time run with the IRA while mixing in assorted starts with the World of Outlaws, High Limit, All Stars and FAST series to round out an ambitious schedule stacked with 43 events.

“I’m looking forward to this season,” Hartmann said. “The team put a lot of work in during the offseason. We are in the best position engine and car package-wise to contend for feature wins.”

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, Rich’s Truck & Auto Repair and Hepfner Racing Products.

“There are a lot of great partners who believe in this team this year,” Hartmann said. “I’m excited to display their logos on one of my personal favorite designs this year. I can’t thank this team enough for their hard work and dedication. Let’s hope for a great year ahead!”

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 – 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.  Also, she can be found at the 87A trailer at any IRA race and would be happy to chat about racing and real estate!

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/PVRKRISTINE, call/text 20-980-5542 or email kristine@pleasantviewrealty.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.

 

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2025 Schedule

Friday, April 4 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA)
Saturday, April 5 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA)
Friday, April 11 – Attica Raceway Park, Attica, Ohio (All Stars)
Saturday, April 12 – Attica Raceway Park, Attica, Ohio (All Stars)
Sunday, April 13 – Millstream Speedway, Findlay, Ohio (FAST)
Saturday, April 26 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 3 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)
Friday, May 16 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 17 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 18 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 24 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 25 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Tuesday, June 3 – 141 Speedway, Franic Creek, Wis. (High Limit)
Wednesday, June 4 – Red Cedar Speedway, Menomonie, Wis. (High Limit)
Friday, June 6 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Saturday, June 7 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Sunday, June 8 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Friday, June 13 – Jacksonville Speedway, Jacksonville, Ill. (IRA)
Saturday, June 14 – I-55 Raceway, Pevely, Mo. (IRA)
Friday, June 20 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 21 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, June 27 – Bloomington Speedway, Bloomington, Ind. (IRA)
Saturday, June 28 – Butler Motor Speedway, Quincy, Mich. (IRA)
Friday, July 11 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Saturday, July 12 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Friday, July 25 – Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, July 26 – Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, July 27 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 16 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Aug. 17 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Aug. 22 – I-96 Speedway, Lake Odessa, Mich. (All Stars)
Saturday, Aug. 23 – LaSalle Speedway, La Salle, Ill. (IRA)
Friday, Aug. 29 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 30 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Aug. 31 – The Hill Raceway, Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Sept. 5 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 6 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Sept. 12 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 13 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Sept. 19 – Jackson Motorplex, Jackson, Minn. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 20 – Jackson Motorplex, Jackson, Minn. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 27 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Final Statistics

Total Events – 30
IRA Events – 27
World of Outlaws Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 9
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 16
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 21
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 7
Dash Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Points Finish – 7th

April 1, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Karen Meyer embraces romantic comedy with ‘Try to Catch Me’

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

The new book release from Plymouth, Wis. author Karen Meyer is a romantic comedy novel titled “Try to Catch Me” published through Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis.

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) March 27, 2025 – After releasing a pair of books showcasing the children’s and medieval fantasy genres in 2024, the latest novel from Plymouth, Wis. author Karen Meyer, “Try to Catch Me,” delves into the world of romantic comedy.

Published through Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis., Meyer’s 18th book offers a light-hearted, witty and engaging story filled with love, humor, attraction, conflict and self-discovery.

“The story focuses on the main character, Charlotte, who is a single, young, gorgeous actress,” Meyer said. “She has so many offers for dates that she has trouble dealing with reality. Her friend, who had wanted to become a counselor, tries to help her.  The question throughout the book focuses on which direction Charlotte will choose in her quest to find love with someone special.”

With an extensive library of children’s and tween books on her shelf, “Try to Catch Me” sees Meyer step out of her comfort zone to pen a 202-page novel appealing to a new audience.

“A friend told me she liked a tween book I wrote so much she ended up reading it twice,” Meyer said. “I decided she needed a novel. I have dedicated this book to her. This book will appeal to youth and adult readers who like comedy and conflict filled with twists and turns.”

Over the past decade, Meyer has excelled in the children’s book genre since debuting “Hootch” 10 years ago. In April 2024, she released the children’s book, “Papa Bear’s Fence” before debuting a medieval fantasy novel “The Knight and the Evil Magician” in July 2024.

“I have released picture books for young children and chapter books for tweens over the years,” Meyer said. “Last year I wrote my first medieval fantasy novel and now I have this romantic comedy for youth and adult readers. Authoring books allows me to use my imagination. I enjoy connecting with readers.”

For more information on Karen Meyer and how to order her new book, “Try to Catch Me,” visit www.amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

For more information on “Try to Catch Me” and author Karen Meyer, contact publisher Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com or call 920-323-7970.

March 27, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Schmidt saluted as 2024 Midwest Sprint Car Association top star  

Berth claims most improved, top mechanic awards

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, Wis. was honored as the 2024 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association champion at the 2024 MSA Awards Banquet at Millhome Supper Club in Kiel, Wis. on Saturday, Feb. 1. – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) February 2, 2025 – The Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association topped off the 2024 season in celebratory fashion as drivers, crew members, team owners, series officials, partners, supporters, workers and fans convened at Millhome Supper Club in Kiel Wis. for the annual MSA Awards Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 1.

A total of 137 MSA supporters gathered to honor two-time MSA champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, Wis., along with 13 additional point fund-eligible drivers, who competed in at least 85 percent of the 17 official points race programs completed during the 2024 campaign.

The drivers and teams competing in all official MSA events in 2024 were recognized with 100 Percent Attendance Awards, including Ben Schmidt of Plymouth (champion), Brandon Berth (second place), Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team (third place), Justin Erickson (fourth place) Kevin Karnitz of West Bend-Mayer Automotive Racing (fifth place), T.J. Smith of Greenville (sixth place), Bill Taylor of Boltonville (seventh place) rookie Clayton Rossmann of Wadsworth, Ill.-Daywalt Racing (eighth place), Tony Wondra of Campbellsport (ninth place), Scott Conger of Eagle (10th place) and Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade (12th place).

Three additional MSA drivers and teams were honored for achieving 85 percent event participation during the 2024 campaign, including Chris Larson of Franksville (13th place) Spyder Akright of Sheboygan Falls and Paul Pokorski of West Bend-Akright Auto Racing Team (15th place) and the rookie tandem of Steven and Kevin Ruh of Ruh Racing (18th place).

The first of eight special awards went to Clayton Rossmann of Wadsworth, Ill., who claimed the 2024 MSA Rookie of the Year Award.

Brandon Berth of Cascade, Wis. earned the 2024 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association Most Improved Driver Award and Harry Neitzel Mechanic of the Year Award at the 2024 MSA Awards Banquet at Millhome Supper Club in Kiel, Wis. on Saturday, Feb. 1. Pictured with Berth (left) is crew member Nick TeBeest (right). – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

Brandon Berth of Cascade picked up the 2024 MSA Most Improved Driver Award, after improving seven spots from 9th to 2nd in the final 2024 point standings.

Ben Schmidt collected the 2024 MSA Best Appearing Car/Crew Award and the MSA Hard Charger Award for 55 passing cars in A-main competition during the season.

The 2024 MSA Hard Luck Award and 18th Place Award went to Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade

The 2024 Jim Wipperfurth Family MSA Person of the Year Award was presented to Competition Director Scott Bader.

“I got a chance to know Jim Wipperfurth when I first became involved with MSA,” Bader said. “The safety of the drivers was always his biggest concern. It’s an honor to receive an award in his name.”

The 2024 Harry Neitzel MSA Mechanic of the Year Award to Brandon Berth, who recognized crew member Nick TeBeest for his contributions to the team.

“Nick has been with me for every race I’ve been in I think,” Berth said. “This award is for him. Although I didn’t have a chance to get to know Harry, I know he was special to a lot of people. I’ve been lucky enough to win two Harry Neitzel Memorial Race trophies already, so I’m happy to pass this award along to Nick in Harry’s name.”

The final award recipient to take to the podium was 2024 MSA champion Ben Schmidt, who topped Brandon Berth by 94 points to claim his second career MSA season title on the strength of four A-main victories, 11 top-five A-main finishes, 13 top-10 A-main showings and six heat race wins.

“As a driver, sponsors and fans help you get to where you are in racing,” Schmidt said. “My crew needs to be thanked as well. I wouldn’t be up here without them. From the beginning of this team five years ago, it’s been a long road to get here. Adding Dusty [Dave Goeden] to the team a few years ago helped us elevate our game.

Clayton Rossmann of Wadsworth, Ill. received the 2024 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association Rookie of the Year Award at the 2024 MSA Awards Banquet at Millhome Supper Club in Kiel, Wis. on Saturday, Feb. 1. – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

“We have 41 people at our table here tonight,” he said. “The camaraderie among all of us is amazing. We have fun together. There is a family aspect to our team that makes this different than it was back when I won my first MSA title in 2011. It’s truly a team effort, which means a lot to me.”

MSA President and Treasurer Sheila Leamer opened the awards program by offering her thoughts on the 2024 MSA season.

“We had a total of 23 scheduled nights this season and we lost six of them due to weather and curfew,” Leamer said. “We had 14 drivers who completed 85 percent of the schedule and 11 drivers who had perfect 100 percent attendance. We averaged 24 cars per night with a high of 29 on August 23 at Plymouth. Overall, we had eight different A-main winners during the 2024 season. I want to take this time to thank all of the drivers, car owners, sponsors, supporters, track workers and fans for all of their support during the season.”

Leamer acknowledged Spyder and Jackie Akright of 2024 MSA series title sponsor Akright Auto, along with MSA Wilmot Raceway race night sponsor Russ Wetenkamp of GR8 Company and Brian Julien of The Julien Shade Shop, which sponsored the MSA Safety Team in 2024.

She then recognized 2024 race event sponsors Buege High Performance (overall fast qualifier award sponsor), Behling Racing Equipment (heat race one and heat race three winner), R&H Racing Equipment (heat race two winner), Mayer Automotive (B main winner), Professional Plating (A-main hard charger award) and Butch and Janet Hafemann (A-main 18th place finisher and heat race four winner).

Leamer also thanked Cupcake Wonders for providing the flour for the start line, Rob Eisentraut of RC Custom Design for photography, graphic design and website and social media support, the MSA Safety Team, Paul Pokorski and Scott Bader for organizing contributions to the 2024 MSA contingency packages totaling $13,000 in products and certificates, along with her husband, Randy Leamer, scorers Angela Dulmes, Abby Kappers and Dakoda Tennyson and Donna Bader and Janell Ludwigson for 50/50 sales.

Competition Director Scott Bader was recognized with the 2024 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association Person of the Year Award at the 2024 MSA Awards Banquet at Millhome Supper Club in Kiel, Wis. on Saturday, Feb. 1. – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

Leamer then commented on her retirement as MSA president, board member and scorer.

“For 10-plus years, I’ve been involved with MSA in some capacity as a scorer, board member and president over the past four years,” Leamer said. “It was a hard decision to leave MSA. Serving as president wasn’t always easy. When decisions were made, they were always made in the best interests of the MSA. I congratulate all the drivers on a season well done. I wish everyone involved with MSA the best for the 2025 season and beyond.”

Longtime MSA competitor Paul Pokorski, who served as the master of ceremonies for the program, recognized 2024 MSA supporting businesses Spyder and Jackie Akright of Akright Auto, R&H Racing Equipment, Dan Mayer of Mayer Automotive, Rob Eisentraut of RC Custom Design, Brian Julien of Julien Shade Shop, Stephanie Adams of Cup Cake Wonders, Steve Buege of Buege High Performance, Butch and Janet Hafemann, Professional Plating and Russ Wetenkamp of GR8 Company, who received thank you plaque for their support in 2024.

MSA Competition Director Scott Bader acknowledged the efforts of 2024 series staff, including officials Fred DeBlaey, John Metzger and Lee Glomski; scorers Sheila Leamer, Abby Kappers, Erin Doherty and Angela Dulmes; flag men Steve Crass, Alex Gilhart and Todd Booker; announcer George Baumann, photographer, videographer and graphic designer Rob Eisentraut of RC Custom Design, race report writer Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions, 50/50 ticket takers Donna Bader and Janell Ludwigson and the members of the MSA Safety Team.

“I would also like to recognize and thank the push truck and wrecker drivers for all that they do to support our racing program,” he said. “Every member of the MSA staff helps out in many different ways all year long and all of their efforts are greatly appreciated. I also want to recognize the outgoing board members for all of their hard work and welcome the new members of the board for 2025.”

Drivers competing in 100 percent of the 2024 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) season schedule were recognized at the 2024 MSA Awards Banquet at Millhome Supper Club in Kiel on Saturday, February 1. Pictured left to right are Tony Wondra, Brandon Berth, Alex Pokorski, Ben Schmidt, Justin Erickson, T.J. Smith, car owner Dan Mayer for Kevin Karnitz, Bill Taylor, Clayton Rossmann, Katelyn Krebsbach and Scott Conger (in back). – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

Bader also thanked each of the five tracks on the 2024 MSA schedule, including The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. (Dave Mohs), Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. (Gregg and Angie McKarns), the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. (Steve Sinclair), Eagle River Speedway in Eagle River, Wis. (Pat Zdroik) and Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. (Chris Klemko).

The 2025 MSA Board of Directors includes Dan Mayer (president), Scott Bader, Ben Schmidt, Tony Wondra, Justin Erickson and Chris Larson.

MSA 2024 Banquet trophy and award sponsors included Professional Plating, Don and Lynn Kiel, Krebsbach Construction, Fred DeBlaey, Chances Pub & Grill, Pedal Down Promotions, Butch and Janet Hafemann, Mark’s Tree Service. RC Custom Design, Richard’s of Dunbar and Mayer Automotive.

MSA 2024 contingency product sponsors are R& H Racing Equipment, HRP, Behling, Waldo Oil, American Racer Tires, Boubin Tire, Buege High Performance, Super Shox, Vortex Racing Products, PDTR, Torsion Bear Rating, Afco Shocks, M&W Radius Rods, KSE, Karavan Trailers, Maxim Chassis, Winter Products, FK Rod Ends, Bell, Wilwood, XXX Chassis, Schroeder/PAC, Competition Specialists, J&J Auto Racing, Saldana, Pyrotech, DMI, Schoenfeld, Hilborn, Lane Automotive, Velocity Wings, MRI, Racing Optics, Allstar Performance, Corey Oil, Ultrashield, MPD, Race Bumpers, Mayer Automotive (American Racer) and Bumper to Bumper IRA.

The 2025 MSA brat fry and season kickoff fundraiser will be held on Sunday, April 13 at Sheboygan County Fair Park.

The 2025 MSA racing season is scheduled to roll off on Friday, April 25 at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis.

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.

February 3, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski plans IRA 410 Sprint Car focus in 2025

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski is planning to contest the majority of the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series schedule during the 2025 season. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) January 30, 2025 – After five overall and three full-time seasons of competition in the Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) 360 Sprint Car ranks, Alex Pokorski is poised to contest a majority of the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association (IRA) 410 Sprint Car Series schedule during the upcoming 2025 season.

At the controls of the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team entry, Pokorski is slated to fire off his first dedicated season of 410 Sprint Car action with the 2025 IRA Series season opener at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5.

“We’re planning to do mainly 410 racing this year with a goal of doing most of the IRA schedule,” Pokorski said. “At this point, we aren’t planning on the longer trips, but our goal is to hit 80 percent of the IRA races. I want to thank Spyder [Akright] for the opportunity to go 410 racing and run with the IRA this season. Everyone on the crew has done a great job getting our equipment ready to do this. Our sponsors have been very supportive too. We couldn’t attempt a season running a 410 Sprint Car with the IRA without their help.”

Aside from the intended slate of IRA events, the West Bend native is tentatively slated to sprinkle in a few MSA 360 Sprint Car races at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

“When we aren’t running with the IRA, we would like to do a few MSA races at Plymouth with the 360,” Pokorski said. “Since we don’t intend to run a full season for points this year, our schedule could change a bit as the season progresses. Depending on how our season goes, there are some options for us to race at different events from week to week.”

In 16 MSA and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car events during the 2024 season, Pokorski notched six top-five, 12 top-10 and 13 top-15 A-main showings to finish second in the final PDTR and third in the MSA 360 Sprint Car point standings.

In four 410 Sprint Car starts in 2024, Pokorski compiled one top 10 A-main finish, one heat race victory and one dash appearance.

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 – Akright Auto

Located at 106 North Bluebird Lane in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. Akright Auto has served as 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, along with 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.

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.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team
TENTATIVE
2025 Schedule

Friday, April 4 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA 410)
Saturday, April 5 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA 410)
Saturday, April 26 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, May 3 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, May 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Maple Park, Illinois (IRA 410)
Friday, May 16 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, May 17 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA 410)
Sunday, May 18 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, May 24 – Wilmot Raceway, Wis. (IRA 410)
Sunday, May 25 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, May 31 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (MSA 360)
Friday, June 6 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, June 14 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (MSA 360)
Friday, June 20 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, June 21 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, June 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, July 12 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (MSA 360)
Friday, July 25 – Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, July 26 – Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, Wis. (IRA 410)
Sunday, July 27 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, August 2 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, August 16 – Wilmot, Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA 410)
Sunday, August 17 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA 410)
Friday, August 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, August 23 – LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle, Ill. (IRA 410)
Friday, August 29 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, August 30 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA 410)
Sunday, August 31 – The Hill Raceway, Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (IRA 410)
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)
Saturday, September 27 – 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 4
360 Sprint Car
2024 Final Statistics

Total Events – 16
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Events – 12
Midwest Sprint Car Association Events – 16
A-Main Victories – 0
B-Main Victories – 0
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 6
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 12
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 13
Heat Race Victories – 4
Fast Qualifier Awards – 2
Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Points Finish – 2nd
Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association Points Finish – 3rd

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
410 Sprint Car
2024 Final Statistics

Total Events – 4
Interstate Racing Association Events – 3
A-Main Victories – 0
B-Main Victories – 0
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 1
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 3
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 1
Dash Victories – 0
Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Points Finish – 68th

January 30, 2025 / by Jeff Pederson

Class of 2025 set for Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame induction

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2025 includes drivers Don Diener, Al Goetsch, Kermit Schulz, Jeff Theobald and Randy Tracy. Dedicated to Racing honorees are Dave Deicher, Butch and Janet Hafemann and Russ Waldron. The Johnson and Melis families are set for induction in the Racing Families category.

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) December 2, 2024 – A distinguished group of five drivers, four track workers/car owners and two racing families are scheduled to be recognized as part of the Class of 2025 at the fourth annual Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Induction Night event on Saturday, July 12, 2025 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 75 years, the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Committee formed in late 2021 with a goal of recognizing 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 2025 will be recognized 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 12, 2025.

Former Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Modified competitor Don Diener of Sheboygan will be introduced as a member of the Plymouth Racing Class of 205 at the fourth annual Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Induction Night program at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2025 includes the following five drivers.

DON DIENER – The Sheboygan, Wis. driver recorded three top-five finishes in the highly-competitive Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Modified division point standings in the 1960s, including a third-place showing in the final 1966 point standings. He tallied five feature victories during his racing career at Plymouth.

Sheboygan Sportsman competitor Al Goetsch is among the Plymouth Racing Class of 2025 honorees, who will be honored at the fourth annual Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Induction Night program at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

AL GOETSCH – Known as “The Lips,” the Sheboygan, Wis. driver began his racing career in the Hobby Stock division in 1971 before earning the Sportsman Division Rookie of the Year Award in 1973. Goetsch registered four top-five finishes in the Sportsman division point standings, including a runner-up showing in 1982. He visited victory lane 11 times in feature race competition at Plymouth before retiring in the early 1990s.

Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Modified standout Kermit Schulz of Manitowoc will be honored with the Plymouth Racing Class of 2025 at the fourth annual Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Induction Night program at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

KERMIT SCHULZ – The Manitowoc, Wis. competitor began his racing career in 1958, earning a total of five top-five finishes in the Modified point standings at Plymouth, including a pair of third-place finishes in 1970 and 1971. Overall, Schulz picked up 13 main event triumphs at the Plymouth track prior to his retirement in 1980.

JEFF THEOBALD – The Sheboygan, Wis. driver earned back-to-back Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Sportsman division championships at Plymouth in 1979 and 1980 to go along with nine career feature victories at the track.

Two-time Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Sportsman track champion Jeff Theobald of Sheboygan is among the drivers included in the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2025, which will be honored at the fourth annual Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Induction Night program on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

RANDY TRACY – Known as “The Meat,” the Plymouth, Wis. racer began his racing career in the Plymouth Hobby Stock division at the age of 18 in 1972. He later moved up to Sportsman division before collecting six top-five finishes in the Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Modified point standings at Plymouth, including a runner-up finish in 1987. As a consistent front runner throughout his stellar career, Tracy wound up with a total of 19 feature victories at the Plymouth clay oval over 25 seasons of competition.

Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees in the Dedication to Racing category include and Sportsman-Modified racer and flagman Dave Deicher, Modified racer and track worker Butch Hafemann, track worker Janet Hafemann and car owner/mechanic Russ Waldron.

Longtime Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car campaigner Randy Tracy of Plymouth is set to be honored with the Plymouth Racing Class of 2025 at the fourth annual Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Induction Night program at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

Members of the multi-generational Johnson and Melis families will also be recognized as racing family inductees.

In addition, past Miss Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car and Plymouth trophy queens are invited to be recognized at this year’s Wall of Fame Induction Night program.

The names of each Class of 2025 inductee will be permanently 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 three Wall of Fame classes.

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2025 Induction Night event is scheduled to include a driver meet-and-greet and autograph session prior to the racing program, as well as photo and memorabilia displays showcasing the racing careers and accomplishments of the Class of 2025 Wall of Fame honorees.

The Johnson family’s long legacy of racing at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds will be recognized with induction to the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Saturday, July 12, 2025 in the Racing Families category. Pictured is Bill “Schwartz” Johnson III competing in his Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Modified.

In addition, past Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame inductees from the Class of 2022, 2023 and 2024 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 12, a make-up date for the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2025 Induction Ceremony has been set for Saturday, July 19, 2024.

Family members of 2025 Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame inductees and past Class of 2022, Class of 2023 Wall of Fame inductees are encouraged to attend the induction event at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

Class of 2025 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.

Past Miss Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car and Pymouth trophy queens planning to be present on for the Wall of Fame Induction Night program on Saturday, July 12 are asked to contact Jeff Pederson in advance at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com.

The Melis Family, which includes brothers Tim (Plymouth), Jim (Glenbeulah) and Chuck (Plymouth), will be recognized in the Racing Families category at the 2025 Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Induction Night event Saturday, July 12, 2025 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

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 2, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz finds success, endures setbacks in shortened 2024 IRA campaign

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Despite missing eight races due to various mechanical issues, Travis Arenz still managed to finish 11th in the 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series point standings.  – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 27, 2024 – On the heels of a stellar rookie season with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, during which he scored his first career 410 Sprint Car A-main victory and recorded a third-place showing in the 2023 IRA point standings, the 2024 campaign featured aslew of impressive performances and some untimely mechanical maladies for Travis Arenz and his Travis Arenz Motorsports Team.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion opened the 2024 campaign by ripping off his first career 410 Sprint Car fast qualifier award, topping the 30-car Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association field with a fast lap of 13.650 seconds on the high-banked Beaver Dam Raceway third-mile clay oval on Saturday, April 20.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver went on to post a sixth-place A-main finish to kick off the 2024 IRA campaign.

On Saturday, May 4, Arenz turned his first competitive laps at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., coming home eighth in an IRA A-main contested on a fast, heavy and challenging track surface.

One week later, Arenz recorded a runner-up showing for the second consecutive season in IRA A-main action at Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. on Saturday, May 11.

Arenz found the going quite rough as he returned to his home track – The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – for an IRA event on Saturday, May 18. In an A main contested on an extremely fast and treacherous track surface filled with six caution/red flag periods, Arenz recorded a 13th-place showing.

The following night at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. ended in heartbreak for the 17th-year competitor. Arenz was leading the main event and appeared to be headed to his second career IRA A-main victory when the third caution flag of the race brought the event to an early halt due to the track’s 10 p.m. curfew.

Since it did not reach the halfway mark, the race was not official. As a result, the A-main drivers split points and pay equally.

Six days later, Arenz recorded a fifth-place showing in an IRA main event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 25.

Following the Wilmot event, IRA officials engaged in the process of investigating the team’s equipment as traction control allegations were waged in the aftermath of Arenz’s top-five finish.

On Sunday, June 9, Arenz returned to Angell Park Speedway where he earned a spot in the IRA A-main event with a sixth-place heat race performance. However, motor issues brought the team’s evening to a premature end and left the team without a powerplant to continue the 2024 season.

After the Angell Park event, Arenz revealed that the IRA’s investigation of the team’s equipment confirmed its legality.

However, the team’s motor woes kept Arenz on the sidelines for the next six weeks of the season. Arenz returned to action for a three-race IRA western swing with events at Norman County Speedway in Ada, Minn. and River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. which netted A-main results of 14th, eighth and 22nd respectively.

Arenz returned home to mount a stirring run from the B main to place fourth after starting 20th in IRA action at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 27.

A doubleheader weekend of action at Wilmot Raceway and Angell Park Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18 netted a pair of eighth-place A-main performances for the 2023 IRA Apple Cup Rookie Award winner.

The annual Sheboygan County Fair event at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Aug. 31 brought out the best in Arenz as he stormed from the 11th starting position to take the lead from California’s Joel Myers Jr. on lap 21.

Following a back-and-forth slide-job duel with Myers Jr. in the closing laps, Arenz settled for a hard-fought runner-up showing.

The following night at The Hill Raceway in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. brought misfortune as Arenz’s 25T machine flipped following an early race battle for position with Jake Blackhurst.

Although Arenz returned to the race to place 16th, frame damage was discovered later, which prompted the team to prepare a backup car for the 24th annual Jerry Richert Memorial event at Cedar Lake Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 7.

True to his hard charging, “Mr. Excitement” moniker, Arenz stormed from the 16th starting spot to place fourth in the main event.

One week later, Arenz again mounted an inspired charge from the 12th starting spot to finish fourth in an IRA event at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 14.

In a non-sanctioned 410 Sprint Car event held during the Wilmot Raceway Fall Classic on Saturday, Sept. 21, Arenz started on the pole of the main event before coming home second behind race winner Blake Nimee.

Arenz closed out his 2024 campaign with a solid fourth-place showing in the 2024 IRA season-ending Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Sept. 28.

In 19 410 Sprint Car events during the 2024 campaign, Arenz collected eight top-five A-main showings, 13 top-10 main event finishes and 14 top-15 A-main runs to go along with four heat race victories, 11 dash appearances, one dash victory and one fast qualifier award.

Despite missing nine IRA events primarily due to motor issues, Arenz posted an 11th-place finish in the final 2024 IRA point standings.

“The one word to describe the 2024 season would be ‘frustrating,’” Arenz said. “A lot of things didn’t go as planned. On a positive note, I learned a lot this season and I was able to get more comfortable. Missing a handful of weeks due to the engine failure we experienced is not something I wanted to happen. That’s racing though. It was out of our control.”

At the close of the 2024 season, Arenz was non-committal about the extent of his racing endeavors in 2025, pointing to the need for additional crew help.

Those interested can send a direct message to Travis through the Travis Arenz Motorsports Facebook page.

The 2024 Travis Arenz Motorsports sponsorship partners include Professional Plating Inc., Service One Transportation Inc., Don and Lynn Kiel, Oostburg Concrete, Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Schoen’s Wildlife Removal, Premier Insurance Solutions-Craig Ladwig, Carbliss Hand Crafted Cocktails, Pallet Works, Lake Auto Glass and Service, Roth’s Auto Restoration, Hair Fellers Barbershop, Fastenal of Plymouth, Jensen Sales and Service, Amy Bruechert Reality, Duehring’s Tax Service, Everhope Show Cattle, Sonntag Plumbing Inc., Kriete Truck Center and Arenz Auto Detailing.

The 2024 Travis Arenz Motorsports team consisted of pit crew members Jerrod Gamb, Cameron Fritz, Bobby Bonelli, Keith Fellner and Emily Stadler.

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 was attending 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 after 39 years in 2017 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 A 330-300 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 Googling Beech 18 Takeoff Great Radial Engine Sound. 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!”

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. 

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Final Statistics

Total Events – 19
IRA Events – 18
A-Main Victories – 0
Top Five A-Main Finishes – 8
Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 13
Top 15 A-Main Finishes – 14
Top 20 A-Main Finishes – 15
Heat Race Victories – 4
B-Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 11
Dash Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1
Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Points Finish – 11th

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Career Highlights
2008-2024

Total Career A-Main Victories – 71
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
IRA 410 Sprint Car A-Main Victories – 1
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 27, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann finds comfort zone during ‘fun’ 2024 IRA season

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 26, 2024 – After learning the ropes of 410 Sprint Car racing throughout their first two seasons with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team enjoyed several highlights on the track and relished plenty of enjoyable times off the track during the 2024 campaign.

Austin Hartmann finished a career-best seventh in the final 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series. – HW Designs photo

The 2024 season kicked off on Friday, April 5, with a NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Series event at US 36 Speedway in Osborne, Mo.

Going up against a stellar 41-car field, the Plymouth, Wis. driver started on the pole of the C main before placing fourth to miss transferring to the Last Chance Showdown by two positions.

One night later, the team moved on to compete in a non-sanctioned 410 Sprint Car event at Farmington Empire Speedway on Saturday, April 6. After lining up fifth in the 25-lap A main, the fifth-year Sprint Car campaigner wound up with a seventh-place finish to secure the eighth top-10 A-main showing of his 410 Sprint Car career.

With temperatures in the mid-30s, Hartmann kicked off the 2024 IRA season with the inaugural Wisconsin Triple Crown event at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis., on Saturday, April 20. He came home with a 12th-place finish after charging up 10 spots from his 22nd starting position.

After suffering a flat tire in the early going of an IRA main event at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, May 4, Hartmann salvaged a 17th-place finish before notching a solid ninth-place A-main showing in IRA action at Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. on Saturday, May 11.

Competing in front of the hometown fans at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 18, the 2020 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner placed seventh in IRA main event competition.

One night later, Hartmann was running seventh when an IRA A-main at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. was halted short of the halfway mark due to the track’s 10 p.m. curfew on Sunday, May 19. As a result, all pay and points were divided equally among each of the 24 A-main competitors.

An incident in IRA main event action left Hartmann with a 24th-place finish at Wilmot Raceway on Saturday, May 25.

Utilizing the team’s backup car in a testing situation, Hartmann registered a 21stplace finish in a NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws event at Beaver Dam Raceway on Friday, May 31.

The team’s second visit to Angell Park Speedway on Sunday, June 9 netted Hartmann a 14th-place finish before placing 10th in IRA A-main action at Wilmot Raceway on Saturday, June 15.

A four-race Indiana swing with the IRA and Maverick Winged Sprint Car Series, which featured large car counts in the high 30s to mid-50s, saw Hartmann miss qualifying for A-main events at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, Ind. (seventh, B main 1), Bloomington Speedway (ninth, B Main 2) and Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind. (accident heat race 3, did not start C main) before tallying a 19th place A-main showing to cap the weekend at Terre Haute Action Track on Sunday, June 23.

Following a 19th-place IRA A-main showing at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday, June 29, Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team ventured west for a three-race swing with the IRA and Northern Outlaw Sprint Association (NOSA) at Norman County Raceway in Ada, Minn. on Thursday, July 18 following by a doubleheader at River Cities Speedway on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 in Grand Forks, N.D.

After placing 14th at Norman County Raceway, Hartmann put together his career-best night in the seat of a Sprint Car at River Cities Speedway on Friday, July 19, winning his first career IRA dash to claim his initial A-main pole position. The third-year 410 Sprint Car competitor came home with a career-best fourth-place A-main finish. One night later, Hartmann ended the weekend with a 16th-place main event finish at River Cities Speedway.

Following a 13th-place finish at Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, July 26 and a 12th-place showing at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 27, the team enjoyed a two-weekend break from IRA competition for the Knoxville Nationals.

Hartmann got back on track to place ninth at Wilmot Raceway on Aug. 17 before coming home 14th at Angell Park Speedway on Aug. 18. After a 15th-place run during the Sheboygan County Fair at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Aug. 31, Hartmann earned back-to-back sixth-place finishes in A-main action at The Hill Raceway in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. on Sunday, Sept. 1 and Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 6.

A motor failure relegated Hartmann to a 17th-place finish in the 24th annual Jerry Richert Memorial at Cedar Lake Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Hartmann bounced back to register a 10th-place finish at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 14 before closing out the 2024 campaign with a 15th-place finish at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 27 and a 16th-place showing in the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Sunday, Sept. 28.

In 30 410 Sprint Car events during the 2024 season, Hartmann tallied one top-five, nine top-10 and 16 top-15 A-main showings, while recording one dash victory in seven dash appearances and winning one B-main on the way to finishing a career-best seventh in the final 2024 IRA point standings.

In addition, Hartmann was recognized with the 2024 IRA Most Improved Driver Award.

“The 2024 season was one to remember,” Hartmann said. “We’ve built something special to me way beyond racing. From race days to teaching Ian Schultz how to golf, and then him kicking my butt on go-karts, there were a lot of good times. Eric Bergschultz also learned more about the car throughout the 2024 season. Mom [Kristine Hartmann] and Andy [Shufflebotham] have been nothing short of amazing in seeing the vision I have for this team, where we can go and how to do it. Karlee [Hartmann] is always there to support or give me grief when I need a reality check. They say when you’re having fun, time goes by quickly. Well, the 2024 race season was the quickest season I’ve experienced. I’m super excited for what 2025 will bring.”

The sponsorship partners for the 2024 87A Hartmann Racing team included Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Feldmann Sales & Service, Holler n Hills, Quasius Construction Inc., TheD8Dispensary, AF Inc., Metalcraft, Rich’s Truck and Auto Repair, Fastenal of Plymouth, Waldo Oil, RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Maxim Chassis, Berryman Racing Shocks and My Race Pass.

The 2024 87A Hartmann Racing team consisted of Eric Bergschultz, Ian Schultz, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham and Kristine Hartmann.

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 – 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 for the special Racing Rates!

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

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Final Statistics

Total Events – 30
IRA Events – 27
World of Outlaws Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 9
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 16
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 21
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 7
Dash Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Points Finish – 7th

November 26, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Post sets new standards of success in third 360 Sprint Car campaign

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Randy Post placed a career-best sixth in Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A-main action at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 20, 2024. – Trip Edge Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 25, 2024 – In his third season behind the wheel of a Sprint Car, Randy Post and the members of the Randy Post Racing Team tapped into a new level of car speed and cockpit confidence during the 2024 Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A-main season.

In the seat of his Luedtke Electric-backed No. 54 machine, Post opened the 2024 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association season by registering a 14th-place showing in the first 360 Sprint Car A main of the 2024 campaign at the Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 11.

After sitting out a rain-shortened PDTR-MSA event at The Plymouth Dirt Track on May 18 due to illness, the Oostburg, Wis. driver returned to the driver’s seat to make his first-ever appearance at the venerable Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. for an Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association event on Sunday, June 2.

In the 20-lap MSA headliner, Post drove a smooth and consistent race on a fast and rutted track surface, while preserving through four cautions and one red flag, to advance six spots en route to a 16th-place finish in his second MSA main event of the 2024 season.

After a pair of PDTR-MSA events at The Plymouth Dirt Track on June 15 and June 29 produced A-main finishes of 16th and 19th respectively, Post elected to skip an MSA event at Eagle River Speedway on Saturday, July 6 to address chassis and motor issues.

He returned to action with a vengeance to establish two career-best performances at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 20.

Post opened his breakthrough night by recording the 12th fastest qualifying lap in the 23-car field before claiming his first-career eight-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race victory in wire-to-wire fashion.

The 10-car main event inversion dice roll landed Post on the pole of the 25-lap PDTR-MSA A-main. The former Street Stock competitor ran second through the first 13 laps of the event before surrendering four spots in the second half of the race en route to an impressive sixth-place showing.

It was the second top-10 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main finish of Post’s career and his best-ever main event showing, which topped an eighth-place main event run in 2023.

Unfortunately, Post was unable to ride the momentum of his stellar night as motor woes plagued his efforts throughout the majority of the final two months of the 2024 campaign.

Post attempted to make his first career start at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, July 26. However, motor issues prevented him from turning a competitive lap.

Randy Post earned his first career Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car heat race victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 20, 2024. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

The lingering power plant problems kept the team’s No. 54 car off the track for the next three weekends of action before Post returned to action at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Friday, Aug. 23.

With a large field of 29 cars packed into the pit area, Post rolled off sixth in the 12-lap PDTR MSA B main and was holding his own in the sixth position until the halfway point when he was forced to retire from the race due to a throttle linkage issue.

The issue caused Post to miss the evening’s A-main event after finishing 11th in the B main.

With a 27-car field on hand for the annual Sheboygan County Fair Night racing program on Saturday, Aug. 31, Post launched from the sixth starting spot in the 12-lap PDTR-MSA B main needing to finish in the top seven to earn a spot in the 25-lap main event.

The Oostburg, Wis. resident endured a pair of caution flags and hovered in and around the seventh position throughout the race. On the final restart with two laps to go, Post’s No. 54 machine got shuffled back from seventh to ninth to miss out on an A-main berth by two spots.

With 25 PDTR-MSA Sprint Cars signed in for the final program of the 2024 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 28, Post qualified 19th overall with a lap of 13.246 seconds.

The third-year Sprint Car racer started fifth and came home sixth in the third eight-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race before rolling off 20th in the 24-car A-main field.

However, the main event was short-lived for Post as an incident in turn two on lap 4 ended his night and season with substantial damage to his No. 54 machine.

The Oostburg, Wis. driver was the first driver to retire from the race and scored with a 24thplace finish.

Post closed out the 2024 season with a 22nd place finish in the final PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings after competing in nine of the 13 events held at The Plymouth Dirt Track during the 2024 season, which included two rain-shortened racing programs on Saturday, April 27 and Saturday, July 13.

Overall, Post recorded one top-10 and two top-15 A-main showings, along with one heat race victory in 11 MSA events, which placed the team 20th in the final 2024 MSA point standings.

“This was the most challenging but rewarding year we’ve had,” Post said. “I can’t thank my crew guys and partners enough for sticking with us in the 2024 season as we had mostly returning partners. At this point, we are looking forward to doing it again in 2025.”

Sponsorship partners and supporters of Randy Post and the 2024 Randy Post Racing Team included Luedtke Electric, Sunset Auto, Akright Auto, Oostburg Automotive and Progress Manufacturing Inc.

Businesses interested in supporting the Randy Post Racing Team as a sponsorship partner for the 2025 season are invited to contact Randy Post via Facebook Messenger.

The Randy Post Racing pit crew for the 2024 campaign consisted of Kirby and Nicole Post, Tiffany and Thomas Chamberlain, Brendan Ostrowski, Erin Schneider, Colton Chamberlain, Heidi Haver and the Kaat Racing family.

The team is seeking an additional crew member for the 2025 season. Those interested can contact Randy Post via Facebook Messenger for more details.

For more information on Randy Post Racing, check out Randy Post Racing #54 on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/rpr54/ or visit www.pedaldownpromo.com.

Randy Post Racing Sponsor Showcase – Luedtke Electric

The Randy Post Racing Team would like to thank Luedtke Electric for serving as the team’s primary sponsor for the 2024 racing season.

Based in Oostburg, Wis., Luedtke Electric, located at 214 North 10th St. 10th St., was founded in 1960 when Fred Luedtke’s dream of owning his own business became a reality.

Fred’s sons began learning the trade when they were old enough to follow their dad around. As a third-generation company, Todd and his two sons continue in the tradition of a strong work ethic and a passion for all things that power up, plug in, and provide light.

As a family-owned and operated business, Luedtke Electric prides itself on providing solutions for electrical challenges and ideas for new projects with customers’ budgets and future in mind.

Luedtke Electric, which is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, specializes in residential wiring, service upgrades and light commercial, as well as custom residential and custom project lighting.

To contact or obtain additional information on Luedtke Electric, call 920-564-2022, send an email to brandon@luedtkeelectric.com or visit Luedtke Electric on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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.

Randy Post Racing
360 Sprint Car
2024 Final Statistics

Total Events – 11
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Events – 9
Midwest Sprint Car Association Events – 11
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 5
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Points Finish – 22nd
Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association Points Finish – 20th

November 25, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Spirited title chase, stellar runs highlight Pokorski’s standout 2024 campaign  

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski placed second in the final 2024 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint point standings at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 24, 2024 – In his fifth overall and third full-time season in the seat of Sprint Car, Alex Pokorski gained entry to the exclusive “title contender” club by mounting an inspired bid for the Plymouth Dirt Tracking Racing 360 Sprint Car championship behind the wheel of the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team entry to highlight an impressive 2024 campaign of Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car competition.

Pokorski opened the 2024 season with a seventh-place A-main showing in the Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 11.

Eight days later, the West Bend, Wis. competitor made his 410 Sprint Car debut in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association event at Angell Park Raceway in Sun Prairie, Wis., during which ended one spot short of transferring to the A main after finishing seventh in the B main.

On Saturday, May 25, Pokorski made his second career 410 Sprint Car start and qualified for his first career Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprint Car main event coming home with an 18th-place showing at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis.

An Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association event at Angell Park Speedway on Sunday, June 2 ended in disappointment as Pokorski was involved in an incident in the main event, which ended his night with a 17th-place finish.

Pokorski bounced back to earn a podium showing in PDTR 360 Sprint Car action on June 15, charging from the eighth starting spot to place third in the 25-lap main event.

After posting a seventh-place A-main showing in PDTR 360 Sprint Car competition on June 29, Pokorski registered a sixth-place finish in an MSA event at Eagle River Speedway in Eagle River, Wis. on Saturday, July 6.

Pokorski kept his streak of strong finishes going by placing fourth in an A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 20 to vault to the top of the PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings for the first time in his career.

The following weekend saw the 2023 MSA and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Most Improved Driver Award winner come home seventh in MSA A-main action at Dodge County Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis., the site of his first-career MSA A-main victory, on Friday, July 26.

One night later, Pokorski rebounded from an early incident and trip to the work area to salvage a 12th place run in A-main action at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

A familiar face returned to the seat of the No. 4 car for a PDTR 360 Sprint Car event on Saturday, Aug. 3 as Paul Pokorski filled in for Alex, who was attending a wedding. The 32-year racing veteran enjoyed a strong night charging from the 17thstarting spot to place ninth and earn the Hard Charger Award in the 25-lap A main.

Alex returned to the Plymouth Dirt Track to record a fifth-place A-main run in PDTR 360 Sprint Car action on Saturday, Aug. 10.

Alex gained more 410 Sprint Car seat time as he returned to Angell Park Speedway to notch an 18th-place finish in IRA A-main competition during the annual Corn Fest event on Sunday, Aug. 18.

After racking up a fourth-place A-main run in PDTR 360 Sprint Car competition on Friday, Aug. 23, Pokorski recorded a ninth-place showing in a PDTR 360 Sprint Car main event the Sheboygan County Fair on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Pokorski enjoyed a strong combo weekend of 360 and 410 Sprint Car competition during the Fall Classic event at Wilmot Raceway on Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21.

Following a solid fifth-place A-main showing in an Akright Auto MSA 360 Sprint Car event on Friday night, Pokorski turned in his best 410 Sprint Car run to date with a 10th-place finish in a non-sanctioned A main.

Pokorski rounded out the 2024 campaign with a fourth-place finish in the season-ending Akright Auto PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A main.

On the strength of his sixth top-five A-main showing of the 2024 season, Pokorski nailed down the runner-up spot in the final PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings, 50 points behind Ben Schmidt.

Pokorski also wound up third in the final 2024 MSA 360 Sprint Car point standings behind champion Ben Schmidt and runner-up Brandon Berth.

In 16 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car events during the 2024 season, Pokorski notched six top-five, 12 top-10 and 13 top-15 A-main showings. In addition, Pokorski tallied four heat race victories and two fast qualifier awards during the 2024 campaign.

In four 410 Sprint Car starts in 2024, Pokorski compiled one top 10 A-main finish, one heat race victory and one dash appearance.

“We did well this year and secured our highest finish in the point standings to date,” Pokorski said. “At this point, we plan to be racing a mix of 410 and 360 Sprint Car races in 2025.”

Paul Pokorski earned two heat race victories and two top-10 A-man finishes in seven events behind the wheel of Spyder Akright’s 53A car during the 2024 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car season at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Paul Pokorski also entered seven Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car events in Spyder Akright’s 53A car, during which he claimed two top-10 and three top-15 A-main showings, two heat race victories and one fast qualifier award.

Pokorski and Akright teamed up to place the 53A car 12th in the 2024 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car point standings and 16th in the final 2024 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association points race.

Sponsors and supporters for the 2024 Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team include Akright Auto, Mulch Express of Wisconsin, Lynch Buick GMC West Bend, Countryside Designs, Goeden Auto Body, Petersen Septic Systems, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, Professional Plating, Ace Hardware (Kiel and Sheboygan Falls locations), Cedar Valley Hunt Club, Real Estate Property Shop-Sue Erdmann, Bonafide Security Solutions, Novak’s Service Center, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

For more information on Alex Pokorski and the No. 4 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 – Akright Auto

Located at 106 North Bluebird Lane in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. Akright Auto has served as 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, along with 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.

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.

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
360 Sprint Car
2024 Final Statistics

Total Events – 16
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Events – 12
Midwest Sprint Car Association Events – 16
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 6
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 12
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 13
Heat Race Victories – 4
Fast Qualifier Awards – 2
Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Points Finish – 2nd
Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association Points Finish – 3rd

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
410 Sprint Car
2024 Final Statistics

Total Events – 4
Interstate Racing Association Events – 3
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 3
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 1
Dash Victories – 0
Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Points Finish – 68th

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
360 Sprint Car
2024 Final Statistics

Total Events – 7
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 3
Heat Race Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1
Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Points Finish with Spyder Akright – 12th
Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association Points Finish with Spyder Akright – 16th

November 24, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Rogler caps Madea’s Fate trilogy with ‘Shadows of Fate’

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

“Shadows of Fate Book Three Madea’s Fate” is the final entry in Robert L. Rogler’s Madea’s Fate medieval fantasy trilogy.

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 4, 2024 – The final chapter in the battle of good versus evil lying deep within the Northrend medieval fantasy world draws to a climatic, adventure-filled conclusion within the pages of Robert L. Rogler’s third and final novel in the Madea’s Fate Trilogy – “Shadows of Fate Book Three-Madea’s Fate.”

Published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis, Rogler’s fourth novel and capstone entry in the Madea’s Fate Trilogy wraps up the complex, intriguing and compelling family themes found in the series’ first two novels, “Heat of Light” and “Witches Valley,” while weaving together the various adventures of the action-packed three-book series.

“Although both heroes and villains from book one ‘Heart of Light’’ and book two ‘Witches Valley’ have come and gone, our main characters endure in the third novel as well,” Rogler said. “The villains who appeared in book two continue to plot and scheme in book three ‘Shadows of Fate’ as the storyline of the Madea’s Fate Trilogy concludes.”

With his daughter, Gabrielle, serving as the main inspiration for the story’s main character, Rogler wrote “Heart of Light Book One-Madea’s Fate” and now “Witch’s Valley Book Two-Madea’s Fate” with youthful readers in mind and, true to form, “Shadows of Fate” is no different.

Rogler is a retired Manitowoc Lincoln High School custodian who lives in School Hill, Wis., with his wife, Jennifer. His son, Logan, and daughter, Gabrielle, have each inspired characters in the Madea’s Fate Trilogy and his novel Rendered Soul, which was released in 2020.

“It’s been a wonderful experience writing all three novels in the trilogy,” he said. “I have to admit putting together a trilogy is a challenge, especially when it comes to choosing the direction of the story and considering the future of each character.”

Although “Shadows of Fate” marks the end of the Madea’s Fate Trilogy, Rogler says his career as an author is just getting started.

“After a short pause, I will continue to write with my direction pointing toward an illustrated children’s fantasy book,” Rogler said. “I would also like to expand on some of my characters from ‘Rendered Soul’ with a novel about Hucira and Torn, and where the Goddess Selorain may take them.”

The public launch of “Shadows of Fate Book three-Madea’s Fate” is set to take place at the third annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing presented by Pedal Down Promotions on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Sabbatical Brewing Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“I look forward to seeing many readers of the Madea’s Fate series at the Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing on Saturday, November 9 at Sabbatical Brewing in Manitowoc, which will provide a terrific opportunity to purchase ‘Shadows of Fate’ and my other novels as well,” Rogler said. “Readers can also follow me on Facebook on the Heart of Light page.”

“Shadows of Fate Book Three-Madea’s Fate” along with “Witch’s Valley Book Two-Madea’s Fate,” “Heart of Light Book One-Madea’s Fate” and “Rendered Soul,” are now available for purchase for $20 at Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Autographed copies are available by contacting Bob Rogler directly via email at rogler50@yahoo.com.

Readers are encouraged to write a review of “Shadows of Fate-Book Three Madea’s Fate” on Amazon.com and Goodreads.

For more information on Robert L. Rogler and his four medieval fantasy novels, contact Pedal Down Promotions via email at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, by phone at 920-323-7970 or by visiting www.pedaldownpromo.com.

November 4, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Lakeshore Book Show author lineup locked at Manitowoc’s Sabbatical Brewing Co. 

By Jeff Pederson - Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 17, 2024 – The list of authors scheduled to appear at the third annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Saturday, Nov. 9 at Sabbatical Brewing Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. is fresh off the press.

 The third annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing is set to feature books from 28 local and regional authors on Saturday, Nov. 9 at Sabbatical Brewing Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

True to the narrative of the two editions of the popular event, this year’s show will allow book enthusiasts of all ages, interests and genres to peruse and purchase a diverse array of books from a wide range of regional authors.

Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free admission, 28 local and regional authors will be on hand for the 2024 event.

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

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 third consecutive year. In addition to his acclaimed true crime book “The Reformatory” detailing prison life at the Green Bay Correctional Institution, Verdegan has also released six additional books covering the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan auto racing scene during his fruitful career as an author.

During this year’s Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing, Verdegan plans to unveil the release date for his next book “The Monfils 6 Case – 30 Years Later” detailing one of the highest profile and heavily debated cases in Brown County history in which six Green Bay paper mill workers were convicted in the 1992 death of Tom Monfils.

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

• Angel Mueller of Mishicot, Wis. (inspirational Christian poetry author of “Wheels Up – Grief to Peace”)

• 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”)

• Barbara Welnetz of Manitowoc, Wis. (fictional biography, mystery, suspense and romance author of “Voices From Tahoe”)

• Karen Meyer of Plymouth, Wis. (author of 16 children’s books, including, “Papa Bear’s Fence,” “The Knight and the Evil Magician,” “Looking Forward to Christmas,” “Charlie and Chubby,” Ferdinand the Frog Prince,” “Rooster Saw It All,” “A Valentine Heart” and “Teddy the Matchmaker”)

• S.L. Wilton of Birnamwood, Wis. (Arthurian fantasy novelist and author of epic fantasy novels, “Crows and Wyverns” and “Queen of Crows”).

• Ann Graf of Plymouth, Wis. (modern romance author of “Love the Illusion,” “Delusions” and “Final Flame”)

• 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,” and “School Days-Secrets in the Heartland Book 4”).

• Jane Yunker of St. Croix Falls, Wis. (historical romance and suspense novelist and author of “Mary Bishop,” “Alice: The Betrayal,” “Betty: The Rebel” and “Lizzie: The Homecoming” and “Love Through Time”).

• 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”).

• Tina Susedik of Eau Claire, Wis. (historical western romance and mystery author of “The Balcony Girl,” “The School Marm,” “The Proprietress,” “The Banker’s Wife,” “The Unconventional Blacksmith,” “Missing My Heart,” “Missing Innocence,” “The Photograph of Love” and “Love with a Side of Crazy”)

• Rodney Schroeter of Random Lake, Wis. (comic book writer, biographical essayist, designer and editor of “Misson of Benevolent Greed,” “Human Interest Stuff,” “Aluminum Currents” and The Plymouth Review Current monthly newspaper)

• 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”)

• 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?”)

• Stacy Ryan of De Pere, Wis. (autobiographical and self-help author of the “Whole New Life Series” featuring the books “46 Pays,” “140.6 Smiles” and “3 Words”)

• Carla Luna of Cedarburg, Wis. (contemporary romance author of “Blue Hawaiian,” “Red Velvet,” “White Wedding,” “Field Rules,” “Troy Story” and “Tour Wars”)

• James Lazarus of Manitowoc, Wis. (biographical novelist and short story author of “Jack Kerouac End,” “Those Visions of Johanna,” “Farewell, Danny Boy,” “Stories from a Small Town” and “Eight Stories”)

• R.L. Edinger of Two Rivers, Wis. (mystery and steampunk mystery author of “Journey Into The Knight,” “Lost City of Steam,” “The Cracksman Door,” “Shadows of Nikola Tesla” and “City of Lunara Rise from the Ashes”)

• Kathy Brandon of Manitowoc, Wis. (children’s book author of “The Adventures of Nonna and the Little Red Truck in Autumn” and “The Adventures of Nonna and the Little Red Truck in Summertime”)

• Jack Kruse of West Bend, Wis. (military historical fiction author of “Cauldron” and “Crucible”)

• Karen Cutler Drecktrah of Appleton, Wis. (biographical fiction author of “Little Ida – The Story of a Family Tree”)

• Jolene Hedtke of Marion, Wis. (children’s book author of “Porcupine and Frog” and “Porcupine and Frog – Trash or Treasure?”)

• Naomi Raddatz of Manitowoc, Wis. (children’s book author of “Bob’s Birthday Blobs”)

• 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”)

• Susan L. Fink of Manitowoc, Wis. (children’s book and self-care author of “Self-Care: Selfish or Sacred?: An Interactive Guide to Myths and Misunderstandings” and “Lila the Ladybug Learns About Self-Care”)

• S.E. Grosskopf of Manitowoc, Wis. (1930s pulp fiction, mystery, urban fantasy author)

• Susan Marlene of Two Rivers, Wis. (contemporary women’s fiction author of “Sisters & Friends – Hearts Forever Faithful”)

• Gail Scoutes 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”).

The Sabbatical 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 third 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, Twitter 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.

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.

October 17, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson