Author: Jeff Pederson

Your fast track connection

Alex Pokorski charges to career-best podium PDTR 360 Sprint Car showing

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski drove the Akright Auto Racing Team car to a career-best third place showing in a 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 13. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 16, 2023 – In his fourth season behind the week of a Sprint Car, Alex Pokorski put his improved comfort and confidence level at the controls of the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team 360 Sprint Car on full display as he stormed up seven spots to record a career-best third place finish in a 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 13.

The West Bend, Wis. driver bolted out of the gate in the second PDTR 360 Sprint Car event of the 2023 season at The Plymouth Dirt Track by qualifying second overall in the 28-car field with a lap of 12.930 seconds.

Pokorski then started and finished third in the first 10-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race to earn a berth in the 25-lap main event.

After starting 10th in the 23-car A-main field, Pokorski moved up to the high groove of the wide, black slick and smooth track surface and quickly began to work his way up through the field. On lap 4, Pokorski passed Kevin Karnitz before passing Tony Wondra on lap 5 to move into fourth in the running order.

The second caution flag of the race flew on lap 12 for the stalled car of Chris Larson, which allowed the field to bunch up behind race leader Brandon McMullen. Pokorski then used a low move on Ben Schmidt to advance to third place in turn one on lap 15.

Over the final 10 laps of the race, heavy lapped traffic and the increasingly rubber down track surface became more of a factor in the race as the majority of the field, including Pokorski, held tight to the low groove of the third-mile clay oval.

Pokorski stayed smooth in the closing laps to register a career-best third place A-main showing in a race won by Brandon McMullen.

“The car was set up nicely for qualifying, and we were really close to setting quick time,” Pokorski said. “We were a bit too loose in the heat race. I also made a few mistakes on the initial start and restart, but luckily, we still finished third. The car was really dialed in for the A main. The track did just what we were predicting, so we were ready for the dry slick early and the rubber that came later on. The car was fast from the beginning on the cushion. Later in the race, I was able to find the rubber right away and adjust my line.

“The fastest groove moved down the track as more rubber set in, which made it hard to pass in the last five laps or so,” he said. “The team has been really on top of setups, and we’ve figured out how to make this car fast, it seems. I have to thank them for giving me a great car in the two races so far this year. I think I have also been able to cut out some driver mistakes and improve my decision-making during the race. Those two or three factors paired with the new car Spyder [Akright] put me in have really made a big difference this year. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season!”

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team will return to PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 20 for an all-open wheel program also featuring the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series and Badger Midgets.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m., followed by grandstand gates at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m.

Sponsors and supporters for Alex Pokorski and the 2023 Akright Auto Racing Team include Akright Auto, Petersen Septic Systems, Goeden Auto Body, Novak’s Service Center, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, Homestead Auto, Cedar Valley Hunt Club, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

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.

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.

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
2023 Upcoming Schedule

 Saturday, May 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, May 27 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.
Saturday, June 3 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Sunday, June 4 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 2
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 2
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Award – 0

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 0
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 16, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Little Chute’s Lueders returns with two new Christian poetry, essay books

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 15, 2023 – Three and a half years after publishing her first Christian poetry book “To God Be The Glory!” in November 2019, Karen Lueders is back in an even bigger way.

Lueders, who was born and raised in Kaukauna and lived in Sheboygan for 20 years before moving to Little Chute in 2018 to be closer to family, has not just returned to share one new inspirational, motivational and devotional collection of Christian-themed writings, she has raised the stakes this time around by releasing a pair of books – “God’s Promise of Salvation” and “Nourishment for the Soul” simultaneously.

Published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis., “God’s Promise of Salvation” features 203 pages of Christian-themed poems, prayers, insights and thoughts compiled through Karen’s ongoing journaling endeavors.

“I thank God for allowing me to publish two new books,” Lueders said. “‘God’s Promise of Salvation’ includes a section called ‘seasons,’ which is a two-year collection of ‘spiritual reflections’ written on each season of the year. One theme runs through each section of the book…God’s Promise of Salvation. It’s the most important promise we will ever get in our lifetime. And it’s a sure promise. After death, God promises a glorious resurrection for those who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. Salvation is found in no other name. God’s ‘salvation promise’ puts a rainbow of eternal glory in your heart. Heaven is our home.”

Karen Lueders of Little Chute, Wis. has released a pair of Christian-themed books, titled “God’s Promise of Salvation” and “Nourishment for the Soul” through Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis.

Lueders’ second new book “Nourishment for the Soul,” also published by Pedal Down Promotions, is a 72-page compilation of Karen’s thoughts, Bible passages and notes compiled during her journaling process while striving to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

“This year I also wrote ‘Nourishment for the Soul,’” Lueders said. “In 2004, I felt God drawing me closer to live a healthier lifestyle. I was so excited about what He was doing in my life that I journaled my thoughts, shared Bible passages and wrote notes. I knew He was leading me on a health journey. I wanted to write a book at that time called ‘Nourishment for the Soul,’ putting God first, but it never happened. Life went on and I lost ‘Nourishment for the Soul.’ The dream of the book was gone, along with my desire to live a healthier lifestyle.

“Fast forward to the end of last year, I felt sluggish, discouraged and just blah,” she said. “The new year was coming and I told myself I needed to get healthier. I knew God had more for me than what I was giving myself. I prayed. 2023 rang in and I thought of ‘Nourishment for the Soul’ and all the notes, the journal. I thought that maybe I should get them out and read them. I thought it might motivate me. Well, I did just that. I not only started reading, but I started writing. And writing I did. I couldn’t stop. I wrote about four hours a day. It was constant  and the words flowed from me. Bible passages came to mind and with God-given thoughts, I kept writing. The book was done in two weeks. I couldn’t believe it that it was done in God’s way and God’s timing. And my soul so needed it. The Holy Spirit inspired it. I needed my own book to remind me to put God first. I am on a health journey now with my own book. The Bible passages help me nourish my soul first. I need His Word for my day. I thank and praise God for answering my prayers. I pray this book will help others on their health journey too. To God Be The Glory!”

Lueders has scheduled a book launch event in celebration of the publication of “God’s Promise of Salvation” and “Nourishment for the Soul” from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 10 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, located at 705 East Greenfield Drive in Little Chute.

Lueders will give a short presentation on her two new books at 10:45 a.m. with a book signing to follow.

“I never planned on publishing two books at the same time, but God knew,” Lueders said. “God is so amazing. With God, all things are possible, My prayer is that these books refresh the heart, nourish the soul and point readers to Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

For those unable to attend the book launch event on Saturday, June 10, copies of “God’s Promise of Salvation” and “Nourishment for the Soul” can be purchased at www.Amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. Karen Lueders can be reached at karenlueders@yahoo.com.

For more information, contact Pedal Down Promotions via email at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, by phone at 920-323-7970 or by visiting www.pedaldownpromo.com.

 

Karen Lueders
“God’s Promise of Salvation” and “Nourishment for the Soul”
Book Launch Presentation and Signing
St. Luke Lutheran Church
705 East Greenfield Drive
Little Chute, Wis.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

May 15, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Scheffler secures PDTR Super Six Late Model Series main event victory 

McMullen, Sorce, Sheppard notch A-main triumphs

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 13, 2023 – One week after leading all but the final two laps of the inaugural Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Super Six Late Model Series main event, Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha was not to be denied in the second Super Six Late Model Series A main of the 2023 season, as he led all 30 laps en route to victory on Saturday, May 13 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

Two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh utilized a start strong and an impressive finish in heavy lapped traffic to claim his first 25-lap Akright Auto 360 Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2023 season.

Will Sorce of Franklin successfully worked the middle and outside groove of the wide, smooth and slick track surface to punch his first ticket to Plymouth Dirt Track Racing main event victory lane in 2023 in the 25-lap Oostburg Automotive Grand National A main.

2018 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod champion Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam led flag-to-flag on the way to his initial main event triumph of the 2023 campaign in the 25-lap Next Step Insurance B Mod A main.

For the second week in a row, Taylor Scheffler started on the pole of the 30-lap 106.5 The Buzz Super Six Late Model Series A main and bolted into lead on the drop of the green flag with five-time defending PDTR Late Model champion Justin Schmidt of Cleveland sliding into second from his fourth starting spot on lap 2.

Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha claimed his seventh career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model A-main victory in the 30-lap Super Six Late Model Series main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 13. – RC Custom Design photo

On lap 5, Scheffler caught the rear of the field and began to slice his way through lapped traffic along the outside groove of the historic third-mile clay oval. Five laps later, Scheffler had built up a full straightaway cushion over Schmidt.

On lap 17, Scheffler was briefly slowed by the lapped car of Justin Green of Sheboygan Falls, which allowed Schmidt to cut the gap considerably. After Scheffler slid underneath Green on lap 14, four-time PDTR Late Model champ Brad Mueller of Random Lake moved in from his sixth starting position to pressure third starter Justin Ritchie of New London for third.

Mueller and Ritchie then engaged in three laps of heated back-and-forth dueling for the third spot until the first caution flag was displayed on lap 19 when Charlie Schmidt of Cedar Grove and the second-place machine of Justin Schmidt collided in turn four.

On the restart, Mueller worked past Ritchie into second and attempted to close the gap on the high-riding Scheffler along the outside line. The second caution flag of the race was displayed on lap 24 when Sawyer Specht of Sheboygan Falls spun into the turn four wall.

Following a green-white-checkered single-file restart, Scheffler held off Mueller over the final two laps en route to his seventh career PDTR Late Model A-main victory.

“It felt good to get this win tonight, especially after how the race ended last week,” Scheffler said. “I hit my marks and didn’t mess up tonight.”

Mueller, who edged Scheffler to claim the inaugural Super Six Late Model Series main event victory on May 6, had to settle for second. Ritchie took third, ninth starter Jim Schmidt of Sheboygan Falls took fourth and Bill Edler of Howards Grove, who started second, placed fifth.

Two-time Plymouth Dirt Track 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh notched his division leading 28th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main triumph in the 25-lapa main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 13. – RC Custom Design photo

In the 25-lap 360 Sprint Car A main, outside front row starter Brandon McMullen got a huge jump on the drop of the green flag from his outside second row starting spot and powered his way into the lead in turn four on the opening lap as 2011 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, who started third, took second in turn two on lap two.

One lap later, Chris Clayton of Waldo spun into the infield in turn three to bring out the first of two caution flags. On the restart, Schmidt attempted to slide his way past McMullen entering turn two, but the four-time Midwest Sprint Car Association champion fended off the challenge to maintain the lead.

On lap 4, 10th starter Alex Pokorski of West Bend used the high line to pass sixth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend to claim fifth in the running order before working around polesitter Tony Wondra of Campbellsport to grab fourth.

Meanwhile, McMullen built up a full straight away lead over Schmidt by lap 7. One lap later, McMullen caught the rear of the field and began to negotiate slower traffic, which allowed Schmidt to cut the gap.

Schmidt worked the high line to reel in McMullen on lap 13 before the second and final caution flag appeared when Chris Larson of Franksville spun into the infield in turn three.

On the restart, 2008 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Lance Fassbender of Burnett, who started seventh, ducked under Schmidt to assume second before Pokorski moved past Schmidt on lap 15 to take over third.

Over the final 10 laps, McMullen weaved his way through dense lapped traffic with Fassbender and Pokorski following close behind as the groove moved to the bottom of the track as rubber built up on the racing surface.

McMullen successfully negotiated the slower cars on the way to his division-leading 28th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car and 39th career Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main triumph.

“We normally don’t start the year too well, so it feels good to get one out of the gate,” McMullen said. “I saw Lance [Fassbender] on the restart and knew I had to get going. The crew always gives me a great car and I couldn’t do this without them.”

McMullen dedicated the victory to late PDTR 360 Sprint Car competitor Cole Possi of Rock, Mich., who passed away in March.

“This win is for Cole Possi,” he said. “It’s terrible what happened to him. I wish he were here tonight racing with us tonight.”

Fassbender placed second, Pokorski finished a career-best third, Tyler Brabant of Waupun placed fourth after starting 12th and eighth starter Will Gerrits of Waupun rounded out the top five.

Will Sorce of Franklin notched his fifth career 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 13. – JW’s Car and Raccing photos

Polesitter Dustin Weiss of Iron Ridge and second starter Brad Weiss of Cascade waged a heated side-by-side battle with the top spot for the first five laps of the 25-lap Grand National main event.

Dustin Weiss finally surged ahead in turn four on lap six before 2019 PDTR Grand National champion Tyler Kulow of Sheboygan, who started eighth, sixth starter Will Sorce and Weiss went three wide for second with Sorce grabbing the runner-up spot on lap 10.

Two laps later, Sorce worked the high groove to surge past Weiss into the lead, while seventh starter Justin Pearson of Horicon followed Sorce along the outside lane to take second on lap 13.

As Sorce settled into the middle groove of the third-mile clay oval, Pearson used a slightly higher line to try to reel in the leader. Pearson closed the gap momentarily on lap 20 before Sorce used some nifty moves in lapped traffic to pull away en route to his fifth career PDTR A-main triumph in the caution-free race.

Pearson took second, Donny Kulow of Plymouth, who started third, placed third, Dustin Weiss placed fourth and Brad Weiss completed the top five.

Polesitter Tim Sheppard bolted into the lead on the opening lap of the 25-lap B Mod main event as outside front row starter Marcus Hoeppner of Rubicon settled into second.

Former Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod champion Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam racked up his second career 25-lap PDTR B Mod A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 13. – RC Custom Design photo

On lap five, 2022 PDTR B Mod champ Andy Welter of Cedarburg, who started fourth dueled with third starter Shane Long of Sheboygan Falls for third. By lap 8, Sheppard had built up a half-lap lead over Hoeppner.

Sheppard caught the rear of the field on lap 11 as ninth starter Barry Maas of Cascade worked his way into third on lap 14 using the high groove.

Over the final 11 laps, Sheppard continued to pull away from the field on the way to his second career PDTR B Mod A-main victory in the non-stop event.

Hoeppner finished second, seventh starter Travis Schmidt of Plymouth placed third, Long finished fourth and Steve Lorier of Sheboygan worked his way up from the 10th starting spot to finish fifth.

Bill Taylor of Boltonville won the 12-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main.

Mitch McGrath of Waukesha was the top qualifier in the Late Model group qualifying session with a lap of 13.596 seconds.

Brandon McMullen turned the fastest overall lap in 360 Sprint Car group qualifying with a lap of 12.907 seconds.

The second event of the 2023 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by the city of Sheboygan Falls Fire Department, drew a total of 81 cars, including 17 Late Models, 28 360 Sprint Cars, 18 Grand Nationals and 18 B Mods.

The Plymouth Dirt Track will host an all-open wheel event on Saturday, May 20, featuring the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars and Badger Midgets.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m., followed by grandstand gates at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m.

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.

 

106.5 THE BUZZ SUPER SIX LATE MODEL SERIES

A Main (30 Laps): 1. 10S-Taylor Scheffler [1]; 2. 89-Brad Mueller [6]; 3. 70-Justin Ritchie [3]; 4. 79-Jim Schmidt [9]; 5. 77-Bill Edler [2]; 6. 9Z-Jayme Zidar [11]; 7. 9N-Tom Naeyaert [7]; 8. 24-Turk Letizia [5]; 9. 54-Kevin Baldry [17]; 10. 55B-Joe Bongiorno [14]; 11. 57M-Eric Michaels [10]; 12. 99-Sawyer Specht [12]; 13. 19J-Justin Green [8]; 14. 97-Justin Schmidt [4]; 15. 22-Charlie Schmidt [13]; 16. 74-Mitch McGrath [16]; 17. (DNS) 5X-Chad Ludwigson

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 10S-Taylor Scheffler [3]; 2. 89-Brad Mueller [2]; 3. 79-Jim Schmidt [4]; 4. 22-Charlie Schmidt [1]; 5. 54-Kevin Baldry [6]; 6. (DNF) 55B-Joe Bongiorno [5]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 77-Bill Edler [1]; 2. 24-Turk Letizia [3]; 3. 9N-Tom Naeyaert [4]; 4. 9Z-Jayme Zidar [2]; 5. 57M-Eric Michaels [5]; 6. (DNS) 5X-Chad Ludwigson

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 70-Justin Ritchie [1]; 2. 97-Justin Schmidt [3]; 3. 19J-Justin Green [4]; 4. 99-Sawyer Specht [2]; 5. (DNS) 74-Mitch McGrath

Qualifying 1: 1. 10S-Taylor Scheffler, 13.813; 2. 89-Brad Mueller, 13.919; 3. 22-Charlie Schmidt, 13.988; 4. 79-Jim Schmidt, 14.172; 5. 55B-Joe Bongiorno, 14.377; 6. 54-Kevin Baldry, 14.724

Qualifying 2: 1. 24-Turk Letizia, 13.692; 2. 9Z-Jayme Zidar, 13.828; 3. 77-Bill Edler, 13.908; 4. 9N-Tom Naeyaert, 14.054; 5. 57M-Eric Michaels, 14.768; 6. 5X-Chad Ludwigson, 14.768

Qualifying 3: 1. 74-Mitch McGrath, 13.596; 2. 99-Sawyer Specht, 13.825; 3. 70-Justin Ritchie, 13.899; 4. 97-Justin Schmidt, 14.006; 5. 19J-Justin Green, 14.455

 

AKRIGHT AUTO 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 98-Brandon McMullen [4]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender [7]; 3. 4-Alex Pokorski [10]; 4. 99B-Tyler Brabant [12]; 5. 21-Will Gerrits [8]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra [1]; 7. 35-Ben Schmidt [3]; 8. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [6]; 9. 53-Shane Wenninger [5]; 10. 69-Bill Taylor [18]; 11. 3-Justin Erickson [19]; 12. 1-Tommy Colburn [13]; 13. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [11]; 14. 2-Chris Clayton [2]; 15. 85J-Logan Julien [22]; 16. 53A-Spyder Akright [16]; 17. 69S-TJ Smith [15]; 18. 51-Chris Larson [9]; 19. 30-Doug Wondra [14]; 20. 54G-Scott Grissom [17]; 21. 12P-JJ Pagel [21]; 22. 22B-Brandon Berth [23]; 23. 66T-Tristan Koenings [20]

B Main: 1. 69-Bill Taylor [2]; 2. 3-Justin Erickson [4]; 3. 66T-Tristan Koenings [3]; 4. 12P-JJ Pagel [6]; 5. 85J-Logan Julien [10]; 6. 22B-Brandon Berth [7]; 7. 54G-Scott Grissom [1]; 8. 54-Randy Post [5]; 9. 21H-TJ Haddy [12]; 10. 5-Kevin Seidler [9]; 11. 38-Michael Klein [11]; 12. 39-Michael Decker [8]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 53-Shane Wenninger [2]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [4]; 3. 4-Alex Pokorski [3]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [5]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson [1]; 6. 12P-JJ Pagel [6]; 7. 39-Michael Decker [7]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 21-Will Gerrits [4]; 2. 2-Chris Clayton [3]; 3. 69S-TJ Smith [6]; 4. 53A-Spyder Akright [2]; 5. 54G-Scott Grissom [1]; 6. 66T-Tristan Koenings [7]; 7. 5-Kevin Seidler [5]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [3]; 2. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 3. 30-Doug Wondra [2]; 4. 51-Chris Larson [5]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor [1]; 6. 85J-Logan Julien [6]; 7. 21H-TJ Haddy [7]

Heat 4 (10 Laps): 1. 7-Lance Fassbender [4]; 2. 11-Tony Wondra [1]; 3. 1-Tommy Colburn [1]; 4. 99B-Tyler Brabant [5]; 5. 22B-Brandon Berth [3]; 6. 54-Randy Post [6]; 7. 38-Michael Klein [7]

Qualifying 1: 1. 98-Brandon McMullen, 12.907; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski, 12.930; 3. 53-Shane Wenninger, 13.284; 4. 3-Justin Erickson, 13.394; 5. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.529; 6. 12P-JJ Pagel, 13.576; 7. 39-Michael Decker, 13.617

Qualifying 2: 1. 21-Will Gerrits, 13.516; 2. 2-Chris Clayton, 13.566; 3. 53A-Spyder Akright, 13.669; 4. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.704; 5. 54G-Scott Grissom, 14.055; 6. 5-Kevin Seidler, 14.279; 7. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 14.280

Qualifying 3: 1. 35-Ben Schmidt, 13.307; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.438; 3. 85J-Logan Julien, 13.856; 4. 30-Doug Wondra, 14.032; 5. 69-Bill Taylor, 14.251; 6. 51-Chris Larson, 14.291; 7. 21H-TJ Haddy, 14.398

Qualifying 4: 1. 7-Lance Fassbender, 13.401; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth, 13.755; 3. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.806; 4. 1-Tommy Colburn, 13.836; 5. 99B-Tyler Brabant, 14.101; 6. 54-Randy Post, 14.372; 7. 38-Michael Klein, 15.931

 

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 14X-Will Sorce [6]; 2. E85-Justin Pearson [5]; 3. 95-Donny Kulow [3]; 4. 53W-Dustin Weiss [1]; 5. 53B-Brad Weiss [2]; 6. 34-Steven Weber [4]; 7. 24K-Tyler Kulow [8]; 8. 89-Brian Gilles [7]; 9. 6-Dick Hed [11]; 10. 80-Luke Scholten [17]; 11. 23-Matt Loehr [15]; 12. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [9]; 13. 72E-Chad Espen [12]; 14. 5C-Collin Skindzeleski [10]; 15. 8-Nick Goeman [14]; 16. 55-Don Singer [16]; 17. 42S-Jackson Specht [18]; 18. 15-Derek Kaat [13]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 34-Steven Weber [1]; 2. 89-Brian Gilles [2]; 3. 53W-Dustin Weiss [5]; 4. 6-Dick Hed [4]; 5. 15-Derek Kaat [6]; 6. (DNF) 80-Luke Scholten [3]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 14X-Will Sorce [4]; 2. E85-Justin Pearson [6]; 3. 72E-Chad Espen [1]; 4. 24K-Tyler Kulow [5]; 5. 23-Matt Loehr [3]; 6. 55-Don Singer [2]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 95-Donny Kulow [1]; 2. 53B-Brad Weiss [3]; 3. 5C-Collin Skindzeleski [2]; 4. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [5]; 5. 8-Nick Goeman [4]; 6. 42S-Jackson Specht [6]

 

NEXT STEP INSURANCE B MODS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 29S-Tim Sheppard [1]; 2. 84-Mark Hoeppner [2]; 3. 3-Travis Schmidt [7]; 4. 17S-Shane Long [3]; 5. 66-Steve Lorier [10]; 6. 22M-Barry Maas [9]; 7. 32Z-Andy Welter [4]; 8. 9L-Hunter Larson [6]; 9. 25-Jim Fischer [5]; 10. 29M-Ryan Mech [12]; 11. 59S-Spencer Long [16]; 12. 17-Brandon Knepprath [11]; 13. 5X-Tony Gates [15]; 14. 73-Rory Welch [14]; 15. 28-Rob Szemborski [13]; 16. 19-Parker Glander [18]; 17. 62-James Rautmann [8]; 18. (DNS) 54-Michael Stean

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 84-Mark Hoeppner [1]; 2. 9L-Hunter Larson [2]; 3. 25-Jim Fischer [5]; 4. 62-James Rautmann [6]; 5. 73-Rory Welch [3]; 6. 5X-Tony Gates [4]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 29S-Tim Sheppard [1]; 2. 3-Travis Schmidt [2]; 3. 22M-Barry Maas [3]; 4. 66-Steve Lorier [5]; 5. 28-Rob Szemborski [4]; 6. 19-Parker Glander [6]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 32Z-Andy Welter [3]; 2. 17S-Shane Long [4]; 3. 29M-Ryan Mech [2]; 4. 17-Brandon Knepprath [5]; 5. 59S-Spencer Long [1]; 6. (DNS) 54-Michael Stean

 

May 14, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann storms to career-best A-main showing at Wilmot Raceway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann recorded a career-best fifth place showing in the 25-lap 410 Winged Sprint Car A main Saturday, May 6 at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. – Victory Imagery Media Group photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 10, 2023 – After sitting idle for three weeks, Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team returned to action in impressive fashion by racking up a career-best fifth place A-main finish in a non-sanctioned 410 Winged Sprint Car event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 6.

With 24 410 Winged Sprint Cars checked in for the program, Hartmann turned in the fifth-fastest overall lap in his group qualifying session with a time of 13.248 seconds around the third-mile clay oval.

The fourth-year driver then lined up third in the second eight-lap heat race before turning in a fifth place finish to secure the fourth starting spot in the 25-lap A main. Hartmann drove a smooth and consistent race, while enduring a couple of restarts due to on-track incidents.

As the laps wound down, Hartmann executed a nifty move to slip past Kurt Davis utilizing the low groove and nail down a career-best fifth place finish in a race won by Bill Balog.

“We qualified fifth overall in the group qualifying session,” Hartmann said. “The heat race went alright. We were close on set up, but not great. The feature went pretty good. The car faded too quickly, but, all in all, we’ll take a fifth place finish. We are excited for the fun weekend ahead of us with the All Stars for two nights and also with the IRA on the second night.

“I’m super proud of my pit crew guys, Hunter Annis and Eric Bergschultz,” he said. “They’ve put in the work and used their minds to make this car faster every time it hits the track.”

The Plymouth, Wis. driver is set to compete in a pair of $6,000-to-win events with the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Car Series this weekend starting with an All Stars Series event at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Ill. on Friday, May 12.

Pit gates open at 4 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 5:30 p.m., followed by hot laps at 6:15 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team will then compete in a Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association co-sanctioned event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 13.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4 p.m., followed by hot laps at 6 p.m.

Both events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

All 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team recently debuted a new website, which can be accessed at https://www.team87a.com.

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

The sponsorship partners for the 2023 87A Hartmann Racing team include Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Competition Specialists, Schmidt’s Landscaping, Feldmann Sales & Service, Holler n Hills, Steinpreis Trucking, KSI Supply Inc., Quasius Construction, SwitchGear Brewing LLC, TheD8Dispensary, AF Inc., Hopf Farms, RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Berryman Racing Shocks and Maxim Chassis.

The 2023 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Hunter Annis, Eric Bergschultz, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham and Kristine Hartmann.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Competition Specialists

Headquartered at 1342 Earl St. in Menasha, Wis., Competition Specialists has been a high-performance race engine builder, specializing in oval track engines, since 1982.

Under the leadership of Steve Blom and Jason Johnson, Competition Specialists aims to carry on the tradition of reliable and powerful racing engines. With Steve’s 40-plus years of engine-building knowledge and Jason’s family tradition of building race-winning engines with his Hall of Fame great grandpa and grandpa, this newly formed partnership forged in 2022 brings proven winning power.

Competition Specialists builds a wide range of race engines for Sprint Cars, Dirt Late Models, Asphalt Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Sportsman and road course cars. In addition, the team of engine builders at Competition Specialists can build marine engines (inboard, small block and big block), hot rod engines (Mopar, Ford and Chevrolet) and other V-8 engines by request.

Competition Specialists features a full-service machine shop where detail is the highest priority from drop off to ready-for-assembly, including the ability to mill heads, blocks and injections. The machine shop also includes lathes to turn cranks and cams. The top-of-the line equipment showcased throughout the shop can also balance cranks, rods and flywheels, while providing the ability to flow cylinder heads for maximum horsepower.

Precision and inspection rank as a top priority for every part that comes through the Competition Specialists machine shop doors. Through a thorough evaluation and examination process, Competition Specialists’ technical staff can find cracks invisible to the eye by closely magnifying every inch of every part.

Contact Competition Specialists by calling 920-725-9384, emailing sales@competitionspecialists.com, visiting www.competitionspecialists.com or checking out the Competition Specialists Facebook page.

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
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, May 12 – Jacksonville Speedway, Jacksonville, Ill. (All Stars)
Saturday, May 13 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA/All Stars)
Saturday, May 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 21 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 4
IRA Events – 3
World of Outlaws Events – 0
All Star Events – 0
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
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 – 0
Dash Appearances – 1
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 10, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz equals career-best 410 Sprint Car showing at Wilmot Raceway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz (25T) of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. duels with Blake Nimee (79) and Bill Balog (17B), during a non-sanctioned 410 Sprint Car A-main at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 6. – Victory Imagery Group photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 9, 2023 – Three weeks after notching his first top-five A-main showing of the 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season at Beaver Dam Raceway, Travis Arenz upped the ante by doubling up on his career-best finish behind the wheel of a 410 Sprint Car, steering his Travis Arenz Motorsports 25T machine to a second place showing in a non-sanctioned 410 Sprint Car event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 6.

Arenz opened the program by qualifying third in the 24-car field with a lap of 12.939 seconds on the third-mile clay oval, during a group qualifying session.

The 16th year driver started fourth in the second eight-lap 410 Sprint Car heat race and quickly moved to the front, advancing three spots to earn his first heat race victory of the 2023 season.

After starting sixth in the 25-lap main event, the 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion drove a smart race, avoiding a few incidents along the way to finish in the runner-up spot behind race winner Bill Balog.

The second place showing equaled Arenz’s previous career-best 410 Sprint Car finish, which also came at Wilmot Raceway in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event on Aug. 27, 2022.

“We have struggled with qualifying this year so far, so qualifying third was definitely a good change in direction,” Arenz said. “In the heat race, the car was good. It just took a few laps to get rolling.

“Unfortunately, the car was a little too tight in the early stages of the feature,” he said. “Near the end of the race is when I felt comfortable and was able to turn decent laps and progress forward. More seat time behind the wheel of the 410 car is definitely what I need to keep getting faster.”

Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports team will compete in a Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series co-sanctioned event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 13.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4 p.m., followed by hot laps at 6 p.m.

All 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

The 2023 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, Pallet Works, DW Fence, Little Bears Tree Service LLC, Lake Auto Glass and Service, Myhre Construction LLC, Roth’s Auto Restoration, Hair Fellers Barbershop, Fastenal of Plymouth, Jensen Sales and Humphrey’s Turner Hall Bar & Grill, Amy Bruechert Reality, Cornwell Tools-Paul Epping, Advanced Engine Concepts, Inc., Duehring’s Tax Service, Everhope Show Cattle, HRP Wings and Behling Racing Equipment.

The 2023 Travis Arenz Motorsports team consists of pit crew members Greg Piedot, Jerrod Gamb, Emily Stadler, Cameron Fritz, Alex Wesenburg, Tony Fox and Trevor Hittman.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Oostburg Concrete

In 1946, six partners joined hands to form Oostburg Concrete Products. The original owners purchased special equipment to manufacture a wide range of concrete items, which they used during the summer months for construction work.

Oostburg Concrete Products’ recent investment in equipment allows the company to pour concrete through most of the winter months.

One of the original owners, Gordon Veldboom Sr. became the sole owner in 1959. Today, the company is owned and operated by Gordon J. Veldboom Jr., his wife, Helen, and their son, John.

Oostburg Concrete Products offers a complete line of concrete and masonry services, including footings, poured concrete walls, concrete floors, driveways, sidewalks, flatwork, fireplaces and exterior brick in stone.

Oostburg Concrete Products crews cover a large territory, including jobs in Brown, Calumet, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Winnebago counties.

For more information or to inquire about services, contact Oostburg Concrete Products by email at terry@oostburgconcrete.com, via phone at 920-564-3341 or by visiting http://www.oostburgconcrete.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
Upcoming 2023 Schedule

Saturday, May 13 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA/All Stars)
Saturday, May 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 21 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 4
IRA Events – 3
A Main Victories – 0
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 – 0
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

 Total MSA-PDTR Events – 0
A Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 9, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Alex Pokorski opens 2023 PDTR 360 Sprint Car campaign with top-five run

Alex Pokorski collected a fifth place showing in the 25-lap Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main, during the 2023 season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 6. – RC Custom Design photo.

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 9, 2023 – Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team set sail on their second season together in head-turning fashion by racking up a strong top-five A-main showing and scoring a heat race triumph in Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car action, during the 2023 season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 6.

With 22 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars checked in, Pokorski ripped off the sixth-fastest overall qualifying lap in 13.101 seconds around the third-mile clay oval.

By turning in the fourth quickest qualifying lap in his heat race group, Pokorski earned the pole position for the first 10-lap PDTR-MSA heat race. The fourth-year 360 Sprint Car racer outpowered outside front row starter Justin Erickson to grab the initial lead on the drop of the green flag.

On lap 2, the yellow flag appeared when Nick Daywalt spun in turn four. The ensuing restart saw Kevin Karnitz pull even with Pokorski along the high groove. However, Pokorski held strong along the inside lane to maintain the top spot.

Alex Pokorski earned a victory in the first 10-lap Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car heat race of the 2023 season Saturday, May 6 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – MSA Sprints photo

The red flag was displayed on lap 4 when Tristan Koenigs, Nick Daywalt and Kevin Seidler collided in turn two, which resulted in Daywalt’s car flipping on its side.

When the race resumed, the West Bend driver pulled away from Karnitz and the rest of the field to claim his fifth career PDTR-MSA heat race victory and seventh overall PDTR-MSA race win.

Pokorski then rolled off fifth in the 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car main event and held the fifth spot along the low groove during the first four laps of the race until Bill Taylor slipped past on lap 5.

Nine laps later, Pokorski battled back to move past Taylor and regain fifth place in the running order as the leaders worked through heavy lapped traffic on lap 14. Pokorski reeled in the fourth place car of Kevin Karnitz over the final 11 laps, but was unable to gain the position.

Pokorski went on to notch a fifth place showing, which equaled his career-best PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main finish at The Plymouth Dirt Track, in a race won by Ben Schmidt.

“The new car feels great,” Pokorski said of the Triple X chassis he is utilizing this season. “The chassis transfers weight nicely and the crew had it set up well all night. I think I could’ve done a little better in qualifying, but I was happy to win the heat race. The 63K [Kevin Karnitz] almost got me on the first restart, so I had to change up my start for the second one. I was a little too aggressive, though. It ruffled some feathers, but it ended up okay.

“The A-main track was fun to race on,” he said. “The track crew did a nice job maintaining it throughout the night. I was happy to finish in the top 5 and compete well. I think we had the second-fastest lap time in the feature, so the speed is definitely there. Now, it is about doing that consistently. I’m happy to be out competing with the Akright Auto team again this year!”

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team will return to PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 13 for a program which will also feature the Super Six Late Model Series, Grand Nationals and B Mods.

The May 13th PDTR racing program will also be You’re Our Heroes Night with all military, police fire and EMS personnel admitted free with valid identification.

Grandstand gates open at 4 p.m. with Late Model and Sprint Car qualifying at 4:30 p.m. and racing at 5 p.m.

Sponsors and supporters for Alex Pokorski and the 2023 Akright Auto Racing Team include Akright Auto, Petersen Septic Systems, Goeden Auto Body, Novak’s Service Center, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, Homestead Auto, Cedar Valley Hunt Club, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

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.

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.

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
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, May 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, May 27 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 1
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 1
Heat Race Victories – 1

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 0
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0

May 9, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Late heroics propel Mueller to first Super Six Late Model Series A-main triumph in 2023 PDTR lid lifter

Schmidt, Espen, Warner earn opening night main event wins

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

Brad Mueller (89, Late Model), Ben Schmidt (35, 360 Sprint Car), Chad Espen (72, Grand National) and Tim Warner (03W, B Mod) each picked up A-main victories during the 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 6. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 6, 2023 – While the air temperature was leaning on the cold side, the on-track action was anything but, as Plymouth Dirt Track Racing kicked off the 2023 season with a full slate of hotly contested season-opening A-main events Saturday, May 6 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

In the debut event of the Super Six Late Model Series, four-time PDTR Late Model champion Brad Mueller of Random Lake outdueled Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha in the closing laps to notch a thrilling season-opening victory in the 30-lap Sheboygan’s Country B93 Late Model headliner.

The PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main featured a heated battle among three former track champions as 2011 champ Ben Schmidt of Plymouth outbattled 2008 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett in the early going and fended off a spirited late charge from two-time track champ Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh on the final lap to secure a hard-earned victory in the 25-lap Akright Auto 360 Sprint Car A main.

In the 25-lap Oostburg Automotive Grand National A main, Chad Espen of West Bend outclassed the field on the way to victory lane, while two-time PDTR B Mod champion Tim Warner of Malone opened the 2023 PDTR campaign on a strong note by claiming victory in the 25-lap Next Step Insurance B Mod main event.

Taylor Scheffler used his pole position starting spot to seize the lead on the drop of the green flag of the 30-lap Super Six Late Model Series main event. By lap 5, Scheffler had built up a half straight away cushion over third starter Justin Ritchie of New London and on lap 10 his lead grew to a full straight away.

Four-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model champ Brad Mueller of Random Lake notched his 24th career A-main victory in the inaugural 30-lap Super Six Late Model Series main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 6.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos 

One lap later, Scheffler began to negotiate lapped traffic, which allowed Ritchie to gradually reel in the leader. As the laps wound down, Ritchie cut the gap to a quarter straightaway on lap 23.

Scheffler then found himself boxed in behind a lapped car along the low groove starting on lap 25, which allowed Ritchie and fourth starter Brad Mueller to pull in to challenge for the lead. On lap 28, Mueller ventured up to the high groove to bolt past Ritchie into second place before powering past Scheffler for the lead exiting turn four on the white flag lap.

Mueller went on to nail down his 24th career PDTR Late Model A-main victory and claim the $1,500 winner’s check in the non-stop event.

Ritchie snuck past Scheffler on the final lap to take second, Scheffler wound up third, Jim Schmidt of Cleveland, who started seventh, placed fourth and Late Model rookie Jayden Schmidt of Seymour, who started 10th, moved up to finish fifth in his debut appearance in a Late Model at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

“What a way to start the year!” Mueller exclaimed in victory lane. “I tried running the outside a little bit during the race in turns one and two, but the groove was way out there in turns three and four. I wasn’t too sure how it was going to go out there, but I had to try it. I got it to work just enough to get by Taylor at the end. I want to thank the fans for coming out to watch us. I know it’s probably not a lot of fun when it’s this cold, but we appreciate the support.”

Polesitter Lance Fassbender and outside front row starter Ben Schmidt waged an epic side-by-side duel during the first 10 laps of the 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main with Fassbender edging ahead of the high-riding Schmidt along the low groove on lap 2.

The two former PDTR and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champions dueled back and forth throughout the initial stages of the race until Schmidt ducked low on lap 11 to steal the lead away from Fassbender in turn four.

Former Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth earned his 16th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in the season-opening 25-lap main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 6.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Three laps later, third starter Brandon McMullen worked his way past Fassbender in thick lapped traffic to take over second and set his sights on the leader. On lap 18, McMullen closed to within striking distance of Schmidt as the leaders weaved their way through heavy lapped traffic on the wide, smooth and slick third-mile clay oval track surface.

On the final circuit, McMullen made a bold move around the outside of Schmidt to briefly surge into the lead in turn three. However, Schmidt battled back to regain the lead exiting turn four en route to his 16th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car and 33rd career MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in the caution-free race.

McMullen had to settle for second, Fassbender was third, fourth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend wound up fourth and Alex Pokorski of West Bend finished fifth after starting fifth to equal his career-best 360 Sprint Car A-main showing at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

Polesitter Don Singer of Waldo and outside front row starter Chad Espen raced side-by-side for the lead during the opening lap of the 25-lap Grand National A main before Espen rode the high line to take over the top spot in turn four on lap 2.

On lap 5, 2019 PDTR Grand National champion Tyler Kulow of Sheboygan, who started fifth, moved into third, while Espen built up a half straight away lead over Singer on lap 8.

Chad Espen of West Bend claimed his second career 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 6. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Two laps later, Kulow continued his charge to the front by moving underneath Singer to assume second in turn three. Espen got caught up behind a lapped car on lap 19, which allowed Kulow to close the gap considerably before the lone caution of the race appeared on lap 22 when Nick Goeman of Rubicon and Seth Westimayer of Horicon collided exiting turn four.

Following the single-file restart, Espen pulled away to notch his second career PDTR Grand National A-main victory. Kulow placed second, eighth starter Justin Pearson of Horicon finished third, Will Sorce of Franklin finished fourth after starting ninth and Singer rounded out the top five.

Polesitter Jonathon Baumann of Sheboygan led the opening circuit of the 25-lap B Mod main event before second starter Mark Hoeppner of Rubicon and fifth starter Tim Warner executed a high-low three-wide move to sweep around the sandwiched car of Baumann with Warner emerging with the lead along the low groove in turn three.

Two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod champion Tim Warner of Malone collected his eighth career PDTR B Mod A-main victory in the 25-lap main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 6. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Warner wasted little time building up a solid lead before four consecutive caution flags for multi-car spins and collisions slowed the pace starting on lap 9. When the race finally resumed, fourth starter Barry Maas of Cascade rode the high line to take over second.

By lap 17, Warner held a full straightaway cushion over Maas before Cory Kemkes of Appleton, who started ninth, swept past Maas for second with a high move in turn three on lap 22.

However, Warner would not be headed as he pulled away over the final three laps to post his eighth career PDTR B Mod A main victory and move into a tie with Justin Green of Sheboygan Falls for the top spot on the all-time PDTR B Mod main event victory list.

Kemkes finished second, Maas was third, Baumann finished fourth and 2018 PDTR B Mod champ Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam placed fifth after starting third.

Steven Weber of Plymouth won the 12-lap Grand National B main.

Brad Mueller was the top qualifier in the Late Model division group qualifying session with a lap of 13.525 seconds.

Lance Fassbender turned the fastest lap in 360 Sprint Car group qualifying with a lap of 12.713 seconds.

The 2023 PDTR season opener drew 90 cars, including 18 Late Models, 22 360 Sprint Cars, 27 Grand Nationals and 23 B Mods.

The second event of the six-race 2023 Super Six Late Model Series is scheduled to headline the next PDTR racing program on Saturday, May 13, along with the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals and B Mods.

The May 13th PDTR racing program will also be You’re Our Heroes Night with all military, police fire and EMS personnel admitted free with valid identification.

Grandstand gates open at 4 p.m. with Late Model and Sprint Car qualifying at 4:30 p.m. and racing at 5 p.m.

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.

SHEBOYGAN’S COUNTRY B93 SUPER SIX LATE MODEL SERIES

A Main (30 Laps): 1. 89-Brad Mueller [4]; 2. 70-Justin Ritchie [3]; 3. 10S-Taylor Scheffler [1]; 4. 79-Jim Schmidt [7]; 5. 24S-Jayden Schmidt [10]; 6. 9Z-Jayme Zidar [2]; 7. 97-Justin Schmidt [8]; 8. 19J-Justin Green [5]; 9. 77-Bill Edler [6]; 10. 22-Charlie Schmidt [12]; 11. 74-Mitch McGrath [11]; 12. 55B-Joe Bongiorno [13]; 13. 24-Turk Letizia [14]; 14. 87-Adam Janke [9]; 15. 57M-Eric Michaels [15]; 16. 99M-Mike Mullen [16]; 17. (DNS) 5X-Chad Ludwigson; 18. (DNS) 99-Sawyer Specht

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 10S-Taylor Scheffler [3]; 2. 79-Jim Schmidt [1]; 3. 24S-Jayden Schmidt [2]; 4. 87-Adam Janke [5]; 5. 55B-Joe Bongiorno [4]; 6. 57M-Eric Michaels [6]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 9Z-Jayme Zidar [1]; 2. 77-Bill Edler [2]; 3. 19J-Justin Green [5]; 4. 22-Charlie Schmidt [4]; 5. (DNF) 99M-Mike Mullen [3]; 6. (DNS) 5X-Chad Ludwigson

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 70-Justin Ritchie [1]; 2. 89-Brad Mueller [3]; 3. 74-Mitch McGrath [2]; 4. 97-Justin Schmidt [6]; 5. 24-Turk Letizia [4]; 6. (DNF) 99-Sawyer Specht [5]

Qualifying 1 (3 Laps): 1. 10S-Taylor Scheffler, 13.546 [2]; 2. 24S-Jayden Schmidt, 13.794 [3]; 3. 79-Jim Schmidt, 14.373 [5]; 4. 55B-Joe Bongiorno, 14.461 [1]; 5. 87-Adam Janke, 14.879 [4]; 6. 57M-Eric Michaels, 14.942 [6]

Qualifying 2 (3 Laps): 1. 99M-Mike Mullen, 13.650 [5]; 2. 77-Bill Edler, 13.686[4]; 3. 9Z-Jayme Zidar, 14.047 [1]; 4. 22-Charlie Schmidt, 14.291 [6]; 5. 19J-Justin Green, 14.600 [3]; 6. 5X-Chad Ludwigson, 14.838 [2]

Qualifying 3 (3 Laps): 1. 89-Brad Mueller 13.525 [6]; 2. 74-Mitch McGrath, 13.705 [4]; 3. 70-Justin Ritchie, 13.806 [1]; 4. 24-Turk Letizia, 14.054 [2]; 5. 99-Sawyer Specht, 14.231 [3]; 6. (DNF) 97-Justin Schmidt, 14.231 [5]

AKRIGHT AUTO 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [2]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [3]; 3. 7-Lance Fassbender [1]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [4]; 5. 4-Alex Pokorski [5]; 6. 53-Shane Wenninger [7]; 7. 69-Bill Taylor [8]; 8. 30-Doug Wondra [12]; 9. 11-Tony Wondra [6]; 10. 51-Chris Larson [14]; 11. 3-Justin Erickson [15]; 12. 21H-Tim Haddy [11]; 13. 85J-Logan Julien [18]; 14. 12P-JJ Pagel [10]; 15. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [9]; 16. 69S-TJ Smith [19]; 17. 53A-Spyder Akright [13]; 18. 54-Randy Post [16]; 19. (DNF) 22B-Brandon Berth [17]; 20. (DNS) 66-Nick Daywalt; 21. (DNS) 66T-Tristan Koenings; 22. (DNS) 5-Kevin Seidler

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 4-Alex Pokorski [1]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [3]; 3. 7-Lance Fassbender [4]; 4. 85J-Logan Julien [8]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson [2]; 6. (DNF) 66T-Tristan Koenings [6]; 7. (DNF) 66-Nick Daywalt [5]; 8. (DNF) 5-Kevin Seidler [7]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 69-Bill Taylor [3]; 2. 53-Shane Wenninger [5]; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [2]; 4. 21H-Tim Haddy [4]; 5. 12P-JJ Pagel [7]; 6. 53A-Spyder Akright [6]; 7. (DNF) 22B-Brandon Berth [1]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 11-Tony Wondra [1]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [3]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 4. 30-Doug Wondra [2]; 5. 69S-TJ Smith [7]; 6. 51-Chris Larson [5]; 7. 54-Randy Post [6]

Qualifying 1 (3 Laps): 1. 7-Lance Fassbender, 12.713 [4]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.079 [6]; 3. 3-Justin Erickson, 13.081 [1]; 4. 4-Alex Pokorski, 13.101 [5]; 5. 85J-Logan Julien, 13.211 [8]; 6. 66-Nick Daywalt, 13.429 [3]; 7. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 13.773 [2]; 8. 5-Kevin Seidler, 13.789 [7]

Qualifying 2 (3 Laps): 1. 21H-Tim Haddy, 13.197 [5]; 2. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.210 [3]; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.350 [6]; 4. 22B-Brandon Berth, 13.386 [2]; 5. 53-Shane Wenninger, 13.545 [4]; 6. 53A-Spyder Akright, 13.724 [1]; 7. 12P-JJ Pagel, 13.751 [7]

Qualifying 3 (3 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt, 12.881 [1]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen, 12.899 [6]; 3. 30-Doug Wondra, 13.473 [4]; 4. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.572 [7]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.627 [3]; 6. 51-Chris Larson, 13.857 [5]; 7. 54-Randy Post, 13.931 [2]

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 72E-Chad Espen [2]; 2. 24K-Tyler Kulow [5]; 3. E85-Justin Pearson [8]; 4. 14X-Will Sorce [9]; 5. 55-Don Singer [1]; 6. 53W-Dustin Weiss [7]; 7. 34-Steven Weber [16]; 8. 5M-Jeff Muehlbauer [13]; 9. 53B-Brad Weiss [11]; 10. 24-Donny Kulow [14]; 11. 6-Dick Hed [15]; 12. 89-Brian Gilles [4]; 13. 5-Collin Skindzeleski [19]; 14. 80-Luke Scholten [6]; 15. 14-Seth Westimayer [17]; 16. 8-Nick Goeman [18]; 17. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [12]; 18. 13-Josh Pierce [3]; 19. 23-Matt Loehr [10]; 20. 47-Nick Schumacher [20]

B Main (12 Laps): 1. 34-Steven Weber [3]; 2. 14-Seth Westimayer [2]; 3. 8-Nick Goeman [4]; 4. 5-Collin Skindzeleski [1]; 5. 42FJB-Jason Schilling [6]; 6. 44T-Paul Tod [7]; 7. 93-Mavrick Ruh [8]; 8. 187-Noah Wachowiacz [11]; 9. 41-Mark Haskins [5]; 10. 82H-Bristol Hitsman [10]; 11. (DNS) 22-Randy Dent

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 80-Luke Scholten [1]; 2. 53W-Dustin Weiss [3]; 3. 47-Nick Schumacher [5]; 4. 23-Matt Loehr [6]; 5. 53B-Brad Weiss [8]; 6. 42FJB-Jason Schilling [2]; 7. 44T-Paul Tod [4]; 8. 14-Seth Westimayer [9]; 9. 93-Mavrick Ruh [7]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 55-Don Singer [1]; 2. 89-Brian Gilles [8]; 3. E85-Justin Pearson [4]; 4. 5M-Jeff Muehlbauer [3]; 5. 24-Donny Kulow [5]; 6. 6-Dick Hed [7]; 7. 8-Nick Goeman [6]; 8. 34-Steven Weber [9]; 9. 187-Noah Wachowiacz [2]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 24K-Tyler Kulow [1]; 2. 13-Josh Pierce [5]; 3. 14X-Will Sorce [4]; 4. 72E-Chad Espen [9]; 5. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [7]; 6. 41-Mark Haskins [2]; 7. 5-Collin Skindzeleski [8]; 8. 82H-Bristol Hitsman [3]; 9. 22-Randy Dent [6]

NEXT STEP INSURANCE B MODS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 03W-Tim Warner [5]; 2. 07-Cory Kemkes [9]; 3. 22M-Barry Maas [4]; 4. 70-Jonathon Baumann [1]; 5. 29S-Tim Sheppard [3]; 6. 84-Mark Hoeppner [2]; 7. 3-Travis Schmidt [12]; 8. 17S-Shane Long [8]; 9. 29-Colton See [14]; 10. 32Z-Andy Welter [15]; 11. 9-Hunter Larson [17]; 12. 66-Steve Lorier [13]; 13. 117-Tony Fletcher [10]; 14. 73-Rory Welch [19]; 15. 25-Jim Fischer [21]; 16. 59S-Spencer Long [7]; 17. 89R-Kolton Roehl [11]; 18. 70JR-Jason Schilling [16]; 19. 96-Brian Konitzer [6]; 20. 19-Parker Glander [22]; 21. 62-James Rautmann [18]; 22. 26JK-Joey Krentz [23]; 23. 28-Rob Szemborski [20]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 70-Jonathon Baumann [1]; 2. 96-Brian Konitzer [2]; 3. 07-Cory Kemkes [3]; 4. 17S-Shane Long [6]; 5. 29-Colton See [4]; 6. 66-Steve Lorier [7]; 7. 26JK-Joey Krentz [8]; 8. (DNF) 28-Rob Szemborski [5]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 22M-Barry Maas [2]; 2. 29S-Tim Sheppard [4]; 3. 3-Travis Schmidt [1]; 4. 59S-Spencer Long [7]; 5. 9-Hunter Larson [3]; 6. 32Z-Andy Welter [6]; 7. 19-Parker Glander [8]; 8. 62-James Rautmann [5]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 03W-Tim Warner [1]; 2. 84-Mark Hoeppner [4]; 3. 89R-Kolton Roehl [2]; 4. 117-Tony Fletcher [5]; 5. 25-Jim Fischer [7]; 6. 70JR-Jason Schilling [6]; 7. (DNF) 73-Rory Welch [3]

May 7, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz charges to top-five IRA showing at Beaver Dam Raceway

2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series rookie Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. turned in a strong fifth place showing, after starting 15th in the 30-lap Jim Wipperfurth Memorial A main at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 15. – KulasJr8 Racing Images

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 20, 2023 – While the “R” after his name on the 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series full-time driver roster might indicate otherwise, Travis Arenz looked like anything but a rookie, storming from his 15th starting spot to claim a fifth place showing behind the wheel of the 25T Travis Arenz Motorsports machine in the 30-lap IRA Jim Wipperfurth Memorial A main Saturday, April 15 at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis.

After falling short of making the A-main starting lineup during both nights of the 2023 season opening IRA-Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) Morning Sun Farm Implement 410 Clash doubleheader weekend at 34 Raceway in his debut at the West Burlington, Iowa facility on April 7-8, Arenz returned to much more familiar footing for the third IRA event of the 2023 campaign at a track where he has visited victory lane in Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car competition and the results definitely showed.

Arenz opened the night by turning in the 17th fastest qualifying time in the 25-car field with a lap of 12.606 seconds around the high-banked third-mile clay oval.

After lining up sixth in the second eight-lap IRA heat race, Arenz wasted no time in working the high groove to maneuver around Jereme Schroeder and Austin Hartmann to take over fourth in the running order exiting turn two on the opening lap. The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver then held on to the fourth spot the rest of the way.

Following an incident involving Tim Haddy and Jereme Schroeder on the initial start, Arenz rolled off from the 15th starting position in the 30-lap IRA main event and used a nifty move on lap four to bolt past both Todd King and Jack Vanderboom.

After a caution for William Huck on lap 5, Arenz restarted 11th before passing Mike Reinke for 10th on lap 6 and Josh Schneiderman to seize ninth two laps later.

Following another caution for a spin involving Russel Borland on lap 9, the 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion restarted eighth and put together three consecutive flawless laps using multiple grooves of the well-manicured racing surface to slip past IRA front runners Scotty Neitzel, Danny Schlafer and Jake Blackhurst and grab fifth on lap 12.

Arenz held strong over the final 18 non-stop laps to secure a fifth place showing behind Blake Nimee (fourth), Brenham Crouch (third), Tim Estenson (second) and race winner Jordan Goldesberry.

“We didn’t get the gearing right, unfortunately, in qualifying,” Arenz said. “We even made a change after hot laps, but it definitely still wasn’t enough. I have an idea now where we need to be with this motor.

“I was somewhat happy with the heat race,” he said. “We moved forward and turned a few good laps. Overall, I was happy with the fifth place finish in the A main for how early in the season it is. Once I get more laps in with the 410 car, I’ll be aiming for top-three finishes every night.”

Following an off weekend, Arenz will return to Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series action with a doubleheader weekend of competition at two new tracks to the Travis Arenz Motorsports team, starting at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, April 29 and concluding on Sunday, April 30 with the IRA’s first-ever appearance at Mason City Speedway in Mason City, Iowa.

“I go to each new track with the same approach, which is to try to learn it as quickly as possible and watch previous film to see how the track unfolds over a complete night of racing,” Arenz said. “That will be my approach to racing at two new tracks to us, Cedar Lake Speedway and Mason City Speedway, during our next weekend of racing with the IRA.”

Pit gates open at 3 p.m. and spectator gates open at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m. for the Spring Open Wheel Spectacular at Cedar Lake Speedway, which also features Traditional Sprint Cars, Winged Limited Sprint Cars and 600cc Winged Micro Sprints.

Pits open at 3 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4 p.m., hot laps at 5 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. for the IRA’s inaugural event at Mason City Speedway, which also features USRA Stock Cars, USRA B Mods, USRA Hobby Stocks and Outlaw Mini Mods.

All 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

The 2023 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, Pallet Works, DW Fence, Little Bears Tree Service LLC, Lake Auto Glass and Service, Myhre Construction LLC, Roth’s Auto Restoration, Hair Fellers Barbershop, Fastenal of Plymouth, Jensen Sales and Humphrey’s Turner Hall Bar & Grill, Amy Bruechert Reality, Cornwell Tools-Paul Epping, Advanced Engine Concepts, Inc., Duehring’s Tax Service, Everhope Show Cattle, HRP Wings and Behling Racing Equipment.

The 2023 Travis Arenz Motorsports team consists of pit crew members Greg Piedot, Jerrod Gamb, Emily Stadler, Cameron Fritz, Alex Wesenburg, Tony Fox and Trevor Hittman.

Additional information on the Travis Arenz Motorsports team can be found by visiting the team’s Facebook and 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 actually 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 in the same!

“We started out sponsoring Travis Arenz by buying him a set of rear tires four 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
Upcoming 2023 Schedule

Saturday, April 29 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, April 30 – Mason City Motor Speedway, Mason City, Iowa (IRA)
Saturday, May 13 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA/All Stars)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

 Total IRA Events – 3
A Main Victories – 0
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 – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total MSA-PDTR Events – 0
A Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

April 20, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Mechanical misfortune spoils Hartmann’s IRA Beaver Dam Raceway effort

Austin Hartmann made his first Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series dash of the 2023 season Saturday, April 15 at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. – KulasJr8 Racing Images

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 19, 2023 – A promising start to the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Jim Wipperfurth Memorial ended in disappointment for Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team as a mechanical malfunction brought the evening to an early conclusion prior to the drop of the green flag in the 30-lap main event at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday, April 15.

Hartmann came out of the gate strong to click off the fifth fastest qualifying lap in the 25-car field with a lap of 12.046 seconds around the high-banked third-mile clay oval.

After the fourth-year Sprint Car competitor started third in the second eight-lap IRA heat race, he fell back to fifth on the opening lap as Brenham Crouch and Travis Arenz bolted past. Hartmann then maintained fifth in the running order for the remainder of the eight-lap heat race.

Hartmann drew the third starting spot in the second four-lap IRA dash and wound up fifth to claim the 10th starting spot in the 30-lap A-main event.

However, Hartmann did not turn another competitive lap for the remainder of the program. Shortly after pushing off for the 30-lap A main, a broken component in the driveline of the 87A Hartmann Racing machine forced Hartmann to leave the track and retire to the pit area for the remainder of the event. He was listed 22nd in the final race rundown.

“We made a few changes over the week to the car, and the car felt great in hot laps and in qualifying,” Hartmann said. “In the heat race, I got a bad start, but I knew I had to finish in the top five to make the dash, which we did. In the dash, I played around testing the car in different grooves of the track. While firing the car for the A main, the four studs holding the sliding collar over the torque tube ripped out. We don’t know the cause of that issue, but it ended our night early.”

Following an off weekend, Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team will resume Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series action with a doubleheader weekend of competition starting at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, April 29 and concluding on Sunday, April 30 at with the IRA’s first-ever appearance at Mason City Speedway in Mason City, Iowa.

“We will get the car fixed up for the next weekend of racing with the IRA on April 29 and 30,” Hartmann said. “I am super excited to get back to Cedar Lake Speedway with the success we had there last year in winning the B main at the Jerry Richert Memorial event. I will watch some film and study Mason City Speedway to get ready for the IRA’s first race at that track.”

Pit gates open at 3 p.m. and spectator gates open at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m. for the Spring Open Wheel Spectacular at Cedar Lake Speedway, which also features Traditional Sprint Cars, Winged Limited Sprint Cars and 600cc Winged Micro Sprints.

Pits open at 3 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4 p.m., hot laps at 5 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. for the IRA’s event at Mason City Speedway, which also features USRA Stock Cars, USRA B Mods, USRA Hobby Stocks and Outlaw Mini Mods.

All 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team recently debuted a new website, which can be accessed at https://www.team87a.com.

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

The sponsorship partners for the 2023 87A Hartmann Racing team include Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Competition Specialists, Schmidt’s Landscaping, Feldmann Sales & Service, Holler n Hills, Steinpreis Trucking, KSI Supply Inc., Quasius Construction, SwitchGear Brewing LLC, TheD8Dispensary, AF Inc., Hopf Farms, RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Berryman Racing Shocks and Maxim Chassis.

The 2023 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Hunter Annis, Eric Bergschultz, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham and Kristine Hartmann.

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.

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
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, April 29 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, April 30 – Mason City Motor Speedway, Mason City, Iowa (IRA)
Saturday, May 13, Wilmot Raceway, Wis. (IRA/All Stars)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 3
IRA Events – 3
World of Outlaws Events – 0
All Star Events – 0
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 1
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

April 19, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann fires up 2023 IRA season in Iowa, eyes return to Beaver Dam Raceway  

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann of Plymouth, Wis. opened his second full season of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series competition Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8 at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa. – KulasJr8 Racing Images photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 12, 2023 – With their rookie season of 410 Sprint Car competition now firmly planted in the rearview mirror, Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing team flipped the page to their second full campaign on the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series tour, during the IRA-Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) Morning Sun Farm Implement 410 Clash doubleheader race weekend Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8 at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa.

In his 34 Raceway debut on Friday, April 7, Hartmann signed in among a strong field of 48 competitors on hand to kick off the 2023 IRA campaign. Hartmann opened the night by turning in the 14th fastest qualifying lap in split field qualifying group B in 13.828 seconds.

After starting seventh in the eight-lap fourth heat race, Hartmann came home 10th. The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association Rookie of the Year Award winner then placed ninth after starting 10th in the 10-lap second B main.

With another 48-car field on hand on Saturday, April 8, Hartmann qualified 10th in split field qualifying group B with a lap of 13.020 seconds. After starting fifth in the fourth eight lap IRA-MOWA heat race, the Plymouth, Wis. resident came home seventh.

Hartmann then capped the 2023 IRA season opening doubleheader weekend event by placing sixth after starting third in the second 10 lap IRA-MOWA B main.

“At first glance, 34 Raceway reminded me of Beaver Dam Raceway,” Hartmann said. “The two tracks have very similar straightaways. The team and I set a goal for the weekend to get this new chassis figured out for different track conditions, as well as learn the new Hoosier tires. We took good notes on the car and track conditions that will hopefully help us coming up in the future when we make our return to 34 Raceway later in the season.”

Hartmann is now set to return to the site of his best career A-main finish this Saturday, April 15 as the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series makes its lone scheduled appearance of the 2023 season at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. Street Stocks and Legends also on the card for the annual Jim Wipperfurth Memorial event.

In the IRA’s last appearance at Beaver Dam Raceway on Sept. 17, 2022, Hartmann posted a career-best sixth place showing in the 30-lap Scott Semmelmann Memorial A main event.

Pit gates open at 4 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4:30 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.

“Our team is super excited to get back to Beaver Dam Raceway and use what we learned this weekend at 34 Raceway to help us there,” Hartmann said. “The new tires threw us for a loop, but we are excited to get more nights on them.”

All 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team recently debuted a new website, which can be accessed at https://www.team87a.com.

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

The sponsorship partners for the 2023 87A Hartmann Racing team include Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Competition Specialists, Schmidt’s Landscaping, Feldmann Sales & Service, Holler n Hills, Steinpreis Trucking, KSI Supply Inc., Quasius Construction, SwitchGear Brewing LLC, TheD8Dispensary, AF Inc., RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Berryman Racing Shocks and Maxim Chassis.

The 2023 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Hunter Annis, Eric Bergschultz, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham and Kristine Hartmann.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – SwitchGear Brewing Co.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team is pleased to welcome SwitchGear Brewing Co., located at 44D Gottfried St. in Elkhart Lake, Wis., on board as a sponsorship partner for the 2023 racing season.

Since opening in May 2017 in the historic feed mill in downtown Elkhart Lake, SwitchGear Brewing Co. has become well known throughout Sheboygan County and beyond for creating flavors for all beer connoisseurs using high quality ingredients.

SwitchGear Brewing Co.’s interior pays tribute to the history of Elkhart Lake, while relaying a modern, industrial vibe.

To contact SwitchGear Brewing Co., call 920-781-5120, email info@switchgearbrewing.com or visit https://www.switchgearbrewing.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
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, April 15 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, April 29 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, April 30 – Mason City Motor Speedway, Mason City, Iowa (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

 Total Events – 2
IRA Events – 2
World of Outlaws Events – 0
All Star Events – 0
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0 

April 12, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Travis Arenz Motorsports throttles up rookie IRA campaign at 34 Raceway  

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. kicked off his rookie season of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series competition Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8 at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa. – KulasJr8 Racing Images photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 11, 2023 – Facing off against a stellar field loaded with an impressive collection of the Midwest’s top 410 Sprint Car competitors, Travis Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports team launched their rookie season with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series during the IRA-Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) Morning Sun Farm Implement 410 Clash Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8 at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa.

With 48 drivers signed in to fire off the 2023 IRA campaign, Arenz qualified 15th in split field qualifying group A with a lap of 13.823 seconds around the three-eighths mile semi-banked clay oval.

In the first eight-lap IRA-MOWA heat, Arenz lined up eighth and passed Kris Spitz on the opening lap to take seventh. Five laps later, Tyler Drueke powered past to drop the 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champion to eighth in the running order.

A caution flag was displayed on lap seven when Austin McCarl stalled in turn one. Arenz restarted seventh and held the position through a green-white-checkered flag finish.

Arenz then lined up fourth in the first 10-lap IRA-MOWA B main, needing to place second to earn a coveted berth in the 30-lap A main. A good start launched the 2021 and 2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion past Cameron Martin into third on the opening lap.

On lap 4, Arenz used a nifty move to work around Tyler Drueke to gain second. However, Drueke battled back to slip past Arenz on the final lap to steal away the final transfer spot and relegate the Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver to a third place finish.

Arenz returned to IRA-MOWA action to close out the team’s 2023 season opening doubleheader weekend event at 34 Raceway against another stout field of 48 cars on Saturday, April 8.

A lap of 13.300 seconds placed Arenz 15th in split field qualifying group B. Arenz then placed ninth after starting eighth in the third heat race and closed out the event with a fifth place finish after starting seventh in the second 10-lap B main.

“I enjoyed racing at 34 Raceway,” Arenz said. “It’s a very nice facility and definitely an enjoyable track with two different corners, it seemed. It kind of reminded me of Manitowoc with the longer straights and tighter corners.

“Our goals for the weekend were to make the show and get laps,” he said.  “I got some bad habits from the 360 car that I need to work on. I was comfortable in the car for it being the first time I was in it. The car just needs some tuning and work.”

Arenz will return to much more familiar territory this Saturday, April 15 as the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series makes its lone scheduled appearance of the 2023 season at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. Street Stocks and Legends also on the card for the annual Jim Wipperfurth Memorial event.

Pits open at 4 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4:30 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.

“My approach going into this Saturday’s race at Beaver Dam Raceway is the same as it is every week, which is to go out and perform to the level I know I can,” Arenz said. “At the same time, I also know I need to continue to learn and get better.”

All 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

The 2023 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, Pallet Works, DW Fence, Little Bears Tree Service LLC, Lake Auto Glass and Service, Myhre Construction LLC, Roth’s Auto Restoration, Hair Fellers Barbershop, Fastenal of Plymouth, Jensen Sales and Humphrey’s Turner Hall Bar & Grill, Amy Bruechert Reality, Cornwell Tools-Paul Epping, Advanced Engine Concepts, Inc., Duehring’s Tax Service, Everhope Show Cattle, HRP Wings and Behling Racing Equipment.

The 2023 Travis Arenz Motorsports team consists of pit crew members Greg Piedot, Jerrod Gamb, Emily Stadler, Cameron Fritz, Alex Wesenburg, Tony Fox and Trevor Hittman.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Professional Plating

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

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

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

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

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

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
Upcoming 2023 Schedule

Saturday, April 15 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, April 29 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, April 30 – Mason City Motor Speedway, Mason City, Iowa (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

 Total MSA-PDTR Events – 0
A Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

April 11, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Alex Pokorski eyes improvement in second season with Akright Auto Racing Team

Alex Pokorski is set to kick off his second season behind the wheel of the Akright Auto Racing Team 360 Sprint Car Saturday, April 29 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 4, 2023 – With an up-and-down debut season of 360 Sprint Car competition behind the wheel of the Akright Auto Racing Team car tucked under his belt, fourth-year driver Alex Pokorski is aiming for a higher caliber of speed and consistency during the upcoming 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car season.

After two seasons of sharing time behind the wheel of his family’s familiar blue No. 4 Pokorski Motorsports 360 Sprint Car with his multi-time championship-winning father, Paul, Alex Pokorski took on full-time driving duties in the seat of the No. 4 Spyder Akright-owned Akright Auto Racing Team machine in 2022, which produced a mixed bag of results.

In 14 events at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., Pokorski completed his first full-time campaign with the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars 14th in the final 2022 PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings. In addition, he finished 15th in the 2022 MSA point standings, as his Akright Auto Racing Team No. 4 car competed in 17 of the series’ 19 events.

Pokorski’s 2022 MSA campaign featured one top-five, two top-10 and six top-15 A-main showings to go along with one heat race victory and one B-main triumph. The highlight of the 2022 season was a career-best-equaling fourth place A-main finish in an Akright Auto MSA 360 Sprint Car event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 27.

In addition, Pokorski’s father, Paul, who wrapped up his stellar career as a regular competitor during the 2021 season, entered a pair of MSA-PDTR 360 Sprint Car events at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on a fill-in basis during the 2022 campaign, while racking up one top-10 and a pair of top-15 A-main showings.

Pokorski is looking forward to returning for a second season with the Akright Auto Racing Team with plans to contest the full 19-event 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car schedule, as well as the majority of the 26-race 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association slate.

The team will fire up its 2023 season at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, April 29.

“We switched chassis manufacturers in the off season to Triple X, and a lot of the bolt-on components are new, so we are excited to see how this car performs,” Pokorski said. “The motor was freshened up, and we are in the process of getting the car ready to go for the season. We plan to run the full Plymouth schedule and as many outside MSA races as we can.”

In addition, the Akright Auto Racing Team is set to field a second car in a handful of select 2023 events with Paul Pokorski potentially getting behind the wheel on occasion.

“The plan is for Akright Auto Racing to have two cars out a couple of nights this year,” Pokorski said. “It has been plenty of work getting the cars ready, but we have had a lot of fun working with Spyder throughout the process. It is shaping up to be an exciting year, and I’m really enjoying this opportunity.”

Sponsors and supporters for Alex Pokorski and the 2023 Akright Auto Racing Team include Akright Auto, Petersen Septic Systems, Goeden Auto Body, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, Homestead Auto, Cedar Valley Hunt Club and Pedal Down Promotions.

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.

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.

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
2023 Upcoming Schedule
Saturday, April 29 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, May 6 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, May 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
Final 2022 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 16
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 6
Heat Race Victories – 1
Final Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Points Finish – 14th
Final Midwest Sprint Car Association Points Finish – 15th

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A/Akright Auto Racing Team 4
Final 2022 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 2
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
Heat Race Victories – 0

April 4, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann-87A Hartmann Racing to fire up second full IRA tour at 34 Raceway  

Austin Hartmann is set to begin his second season on the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series tour Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8 at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) March 22, 2023 – After turning in a 10th place showing in their rookie season of Winged 410 Sprint Car action with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Sprint Car Series in 2022, Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing team are ready to embark on another full season of competition against the Upper Midwest’s top 410 Sprint Car drivers and teams during the upcoming 2023 IRA campaign.

Hartmann’s five-and-a-half-month 2022 campaign racing wheel to wheel with many of the nation’s top 410 Sprint Car drivers at 13 different tracks in three states saw the Plymouth, Wis native enter 26 events, including 24 IRA races.

During his first year behind the wheel of a 410 Sprint Car in 2022, the 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car rookie of the year earned one top-10, eight top-15 and 17 top-20 A-main showings in 22 A-main appearances on the way to a 10th place finish in the 2022 IRA point standings. In addition, Hartmann posted one heat race victory, one B-main triumph, one fast qualifier award and six dash appearances during his initial IRA campaign.

The highlights of Hartmann’s 2022 season included qualifying for his first career NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Series A main at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on June 18, claiming his first career IRA fast qualifier award at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Sept. 3 and turning in a career-best sixth-place IRA A main showing in the Scott Semmelmann Memorial at Beaver Dam Raceway on Sept. 17.

The Hartmann 87A Racing team’s 2023 schedule features 37 races at 17 different tracks in six states, including 32 IRA events. The 2023 campaign will kick off with an IRA-Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) co-sanctioned doubleheader event at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team also plans to enter three NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series events during the 2023 campaign, including a NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series doubleheader at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17 and another NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, July 8.

Also on the team’s 2023 racing slate is a Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions Series event at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Ill. on Friday, May 12 and a return visit to Jacksonville Speedway with the POWRi 410 Outlaw Sprints League during Illinois Speed Week on Friday, June 23.

“I am very excited to get the 2023 season going and running the entire IRA Series schedule is again in our plans this year,” Hartmann said. “The team is eager to apply what we learned during our rookie season with the 410 and with the IRA last year and work on improving our consistency in the main events during the 2023 season.”

The 87A Hartmann Racing team recently debuted a new website, which can be accessed at https://www.team87a.com.

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

The sponsorship partners for the 2023 87A Hartmann Racing team include Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Competition Specialists, Schmidt’s Landscaping, Feldmann Sales & Service, Holler n Hills, Steinpreis Trucking, KSI Supply Inc., Quasius Construction, SwitchGear Brewing LLC, TheD8Dispensary, AF Inc., RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Berryman Racing Shocks and Maxim Chassis.

The 2023 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Hunter Annis, Eric Bergschultz, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham and Kristine Hartmann.

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 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 Hartman Racing
2023 Schedule

Friday, April 7 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA/MOWA)
Saturday, April 8 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA/MOWA)
Saturday, April 15 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, April 29 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, April 30 – Mason City Motor Speedway, Mason City, Iowa (IRA)
Friday, May 12 – Jacksonville Speedway, Jacksonville, Ill. (All Stars)
Saturday, May 13 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA/All Stars)
Saturday, May 20 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 21 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 27 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 28 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, June 2 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA/All Stars)
Saturday, June 3 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA/All Stars)
Saturday, June 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Maple Park, Ill. (IRA)
Sunday, June 11 – Angell Park Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, June 16 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Saturday, June 17 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Friday, June 23 – Jacksonville Speedway, Jacksonville, Ill. (POWRi)
Saturday, June 24 – Fairbury Speedway, Fairbury, Ill. (IRA)
Saturday, July 1 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, July 8 – Wilmot Raceway (World of Outlaws)
Thursday, July 13 – I-94 Speedway, Fergus Falls, Minn. (IRA/NOSA)
Friday, July 14 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, North Dakota (IRA/NOSA)
Saturday, July 15 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, North Dakota (IRA/NOSA)
Friday, July 21 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, July 28 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, July 29 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 19 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Aug. 20 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Aug. 25 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 26–Federated Auto Parts I-55 Raceway, Pevely, MO. (IRA/MOWA)
Friday, Sept. 1 – Dodge County Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 2 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Sept. 8 – Gondik Law Speedway, Superior, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 9 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 16 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 30 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

 
Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
Final 2022 Season
By The Numbers

 Total Events – 26
IRA Events – 24
World of Outlaws Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 8
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 17
Heat Race Victories – 1
Dash Appearances – 6
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1
A Main Appearances – 22
Final Interstate Racing Association Points Finish – 10th

March 22, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame to honor Class of 2023 inductees Saturday, July 15  

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2023, which features 11 drivers, five dedicated to racing honorees and three racing families, will be inducted during intermission of the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, July 15 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) March 13, 2023 – After enshrining 18 drivers, track workers and racing families among the inaugural Class of 2022, the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame will add a new set of 19 names to the list of esteemed honorees as part of the Class of 2023 Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, July 15.

In recognition of the spirit of competition and outstanding achievements taking place at the Plymouth racing facility over the past 73 years, the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Committee is dedicated to recognizing those individuals that have exemplified dirt track racing at the highest level since the track’s inception in 1950.

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2023, which includes 11 drivers, five track workers and three families, will be recognized during a short 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 15, which will feature 360 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Grand Nationals, B Mods and Vintage Modifieds.

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2023 includes the following 11 drivers.

                     Steve Edler

Steve Edler – The Sheboygan, Wis. driver earned three EWSC Sportsman championships in 1973, 1974 and 1976. Edler piled up 12 feature wins and 12 clean sweeps with 19 fast times in 1973. In 1974, Edler captured nine features, seven fast times, as well as three clean sweeps. In 1976, he had seven feature wins, two clean sweeps and 19 fast times.

                Frankie Heimerl

Frankie Heimerl – The West Bend, Wis. driver won six Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Modified features and took five fast times at Plymouth in 1981. Heimerl earned the EWSC Modified championship in 1983 and set a new track record in qualifying on July 9, 1983. He claimed his second EWSC Modified championship in 1990, capturing one feature victory and posting seven fast time honors along the way. Heimerl, who also competed on the Milwaukee Stock Car Club Modified circuit during his career, retired after the 1993 season.

                    Woody Klug

Woody Klug – The Cascade, Wis. driver began racing Modifieds in 1965 and won his first Modified feature that year. Woody placed second in points in 1966 and 1971. Klug was the EWSC Modified champion in 1970, winning a feature at 141 Speedway on June 7 and capturing another feature victory at Plymouth on June 13. Klug, who carried a Woody Woodpecker emblem on his car, notched three feature wins in 1971 before retiring.

                     Hal Kulow

Hal Kulow – A resident of Plymouth, Wis., Kulow set his first EWSC Modified fast time at Plymouth in 1958. In 1959, Kulow won 15 races, including eight features and six fast time honors. Kulow placed second in the EWSC Modified point standings in 1967, while setting three fast times, including a new track record of 14.61 seconds. He retired after the 1967 season.

                    Gary Laack

Gary Laack – Racing out of Glenbeulah, Wis., Laack enjoyed success at the Plymouth track in all three of the original EWSC divisions, posting multiple feature race victories in Modified, Sportsman and Hobby Stock competition and earning a grand title of nine championships. Laack was the 1976 EWSC Hobby Stock champion before claiming eight EWSC Sportsman titles in 1977, 1978, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990 and 1992. Laack moved to the EWSC Modified division in 1994, winning one feature race and posting two fast times, while placing ninth in the Modified point standings. He also finished second in the EWSC Modified standings in 1999 and 2004.

                    Ron Luedtke

Ron Luedtke – A resident of Lomira, Luedtke won his first Modified feature in 1979. Luedtke won the EWSC Modified crown in 1982 by winning six features, including a sweep at 141 Speedway on August 18, to go along with four fast times. He took second in the EWSC Modified point standings in 1983. Luedtke, who was known as the “Flying Farmer,” retired from racing in 1986.

                Michaels Brothers

John and Rodney Michaels – The Michaels Brothers racing team began competing in the EWSC Hobby Stock division in 1971. In 1977 and 1978, John and Rodney earned Hobby Stock championships, while winning seven Hobby Stock features in 1977. The Michaels Brothers won eight Hobby Stock features in 1978 before retiring in 1982.

                       Ken Painter

Ken Painter – Known as a fan-favorite throughout his career, Painter began racing in 1964. He took second in the Modified points race in 1969 before earning the 1971 Modified title aided by three fast times. Painter, who displayed a dinosaur on his cars, retired after the 1971 season. On Aug. 18, 1982, Painter won an Old Timer’s Race at 141 Speedway, while driving a Sportsman car.

                       Jim Pitzen

Jim Pitzen – The Plymouth, Wis. driver, who was commonly referenced in racing circles as “The Boomer,” began his racing career at Plymouth in 1985 and placed second in the EWSC Sportsman point standings in 1986, 1987 and 1992. Pitzen captured a total of four EWSC Sportsman titles in 1988, 1989, 1994 and 1995. He won four feature races and had nine fast times in 1988, while racking up a total of 32 feature EWSC Sportsman feature race victories during his career. He retired after the 1995 season before returning to compete in the Limited Late Model division at Plymouth in 2003 and 2004.

                   Scott Vollbrecht

Scott Vollbrecht – The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. competitor began racing in 1977. Vollbrecht secured EWSC Sportsman championships in 1982 and 1984. In 1982, he recorded five feature victories and had three fast times, while setting a Sportsman track record of 15.63 seconds. In 1984, Vollbrecht captured two feature victories and 11 fast times, along with one clean sweep.

            Donna Bader

Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees in the Dedication to Racing category include track workers Donna Bader, Beth and Tom Breher and Evie Robel, along with car owner and mechanic Glenn Haddy.

In addition, the Akright, Ruh and Wondra families will be inducted to the Plymouth Wall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023 in the Racing Families category.

The names of each Class of 2023 inductee will be permanently etched on the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame, located underneath the grandstands at The Plymouth Dirt Track racing facility.

                    Ruh Family

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Committee intends to honor a new group of inductees on an annual basis, during future racing seasons at The Plymouth Dirt Track facility.

In the event of inclement weather on Saturday, July 15, a make-up date for the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2023 induction ceremony has been set for Saturday, July 22.

Family members of 2023 Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame inductees are encouraged to attend the induction event at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 15. Those wishing to attend are asked to contact Ken Schulz in advance at kenschulz91@gmail.com.

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

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

March 12, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Travis Arenz Motorsports to tackle full 2023 IRA 410 Sprint Car Series slate

Two-time Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. is set to embark on his rookie season with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, during the upcoming 2023 campaign. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) March 8, 2023 – On the heels of back-to-back championship-winning seasons in the 360 Sprint Car ranks, Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. is gearing up to focus on 410 Sprint Car action with his Travis Arenz Motorsports team intending to hit the road to contend for Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series rookie of the year accolades, during the upcoming 2023 season.

Arenz heads into his 16th season of racing action and his first full season of 410 Sprint Car competition after nailing down the 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing (PDTR) 360 Sprint Car titles.

During the 2022 MSA-PDTR 360 Sprint Car season, Arenz racked up eight A-main victories, 17 top-five and 18-top-10 A-main showings, five heat race wins and two fast qualifier awards in 19 official events en route to the MSA and PDTR championships.

Arenz also competed in seven 410 Sprint Car events with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Sprint Car Series in 2022, earning one top-five, three top-10 and four top-15 A-main showings, three dash appearances and one dash victory to finish 25th in the final 2022 IRA point standings.

The highlight of Arenz’s 2022 410 Sprint Car campaign was an IRA career-best second place A-main finish at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 27.

To date, Arenz has amassed a total of 70 career A-main victories, including 30 MSA/PDTR 360 Sprint Car wins, 20 IMCA Northern Sport Mod/PDTR B Mod A-main triumphs and 20 4-Cylinder Outlaw Compact A-main victories, to go along with six series and track championships, including the 2013 4-Cylinder Outlaw Compact title at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. and the 2016 Northern Sport Mod championship at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis., as well as two MSA 360 Sprint Car (2021, 2022) and a pair of PDTR 360 Sprint Car (2021, 2022) crowns.

Arenz will launch his rookie IRA 410 Sprint Car campaign, which features 32 races at 16 different tracks in six states, with an IRA-Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) co-sanctioned doubleheader event at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on Friday, April 7 and Saturday, April 8.

“As a team, we are looking forward to the challenge of running a full season with the IRA,” Arenz said. “As a racer, I’m excited to try the next level of competition.”

In addition to a full schedule of 410 Sprint Car action with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Series, Arenz is also planning to enter a handful of Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car events during the 2023 campaign.

“Along with the IRA schedule, there will be a mix of 360 races as well, which will mainly be decided as we go through the season,” Arenz said. “At this point, there will be three nights at Plymouth where we are planning to have both cars. Overall, I’m looking at doing roughly eight races with the 360.”

The 2023 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, Pallet Works, DW Fence, Little Bears Tree Service LLC, Lake Auto Glass and Service, Myhre Construction LLC, Roth’s Auto Restoration, Hair Fellers Barbershop, Fastenal of Plymouth, Jensen Sales and Service, Humphrey’s Turner Hall Bar & Grill, Amy Bruechert Reality, Cornwell Tools-Paul Epping, Advanced Engine Concepts, Inc., Duehring’s Tax Service, Everhope Show Cattle, HRP Wings and Behling Racing Equipment.

The 2023 Travis Arenz Motorsports team consists of pit crew members Greg Piedot, Jerrod Gamb, Emily Stadler, Cameron Fritz, Alex Wesenburg, Tony Fox, Curtiss Humphrey and Trevor Hittman.

Additional information on the Travis Arenz Motorsports team can be found by visiting the team’s Facebook and 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
2023 Schedule

Friday, April 7 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA/MOWA)
Saturday, April 8 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA/MOWA)
Saturday, April 15 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, April 29 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, April 30 – Mason City Motor Speedway, Mason City, Iowa (IRA)
Saturday, May 13 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA/All Stars)
Saturday, May 20 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 21 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 27 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 28 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, June 2 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA/All Stars)
Saturday, June 3 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA/All Stars)
Saturday, June 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Maple Park, Ill. (IRA)
Sunday, June 11 – Angell Park Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 24 – Fairbury Speedway, Fairbury, Ill. (IRA)
Saturday, July 1 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Thursday, July 13 – I-94 Speedway, Fergus Falls, Minn. (IRA/NOSA)
Friday, July 14 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, North Dakota (IRA/NOSA)
Saturday, July 15 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, North Dakota (IRA/NOSA)
Friday, July 21 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, July 28 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, July 29 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 19 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Aug. 20 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Aug. 25 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 26–Federated Auto Parts I-55 Raceway, Pevely, MO. (IRA/MOWA)
Friday, Sept. 1 – Dodge County Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 2 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Sept. 8 – Gondik Law Speedway, Superior, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 9 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 16 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 30 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2022 Season
By The Numbers

 Total MSA-PDTR Events – 19
A Main Victories – 8
Top Five A Main Finishes – 17
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 18
Heat Race Victories – 5
Fast Qualifier Awards – 2
Midwest Sprint Car Association Points Finish – 1st
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Points Finish – 1st

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2022 Season
By The Numbers

 Total IRA Events – 7
A Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 3
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 4
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 3
Dash Victories – 1
Interstate Racing Association Points Finish – 25th

 

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Career Highlights
2008-2022

 Total A Main Victories – 70
4-Cylinder Outlaw Compact A Main Victories – 20
IMCA Northern Sport Mod/B Mod A Main Victories – 20
MSA/PDTR 360 Sprint Car A Main Victories – 30
2013 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 4-Cylinder Outlaw Compact 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

March 8, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Midwest Sprint Car Association honors repeat champion Arenz, standout 2022 performers

Two-time Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls received the 2022 MSA Champion Award and 2022 MSA Hard Charger Award from Jolene and Noelle Fassbender at the 2022 MSA Awards Banquet at The Village at 170 in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 14. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) January 14, 2023 – On the cusp of embarking on its 25th silver anniversary season of competition when the green flag flies again in April, Akright Auto of Sheboygan Falls Midwest Sprint Car Association drivers, crew members, team owners, series officials, partners, supporters, workers and fans gathered to celebrate the many outstanding accomplishments and performances of the 2022 campaign, during the 24th annual MSA Awards Banquet held Saturday, Jan. 14 at The Village at 170 in Kohler, Wis.

A total of 135 MSA supporters gathered to honor two-time MSA champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, along with 12 other point fund-eligible drivers, who competed in at least 85 percent of the 19 points races that comprised the 2022 schedule.

MSA President Sheila Leamer opened the evening’s festivities by providing her reflections on the 2022 MSA season.

“We had 25 scheduled nights of competition in 2022 with six nights lost to weather or fence repair,” Leamer said. “A total of 13 drivers competed in 85 percent of the races to earn eligibility for the point fund,” she said. “We also had six drivers compete in 100 percent of our 2022 races. We averaged 26 cars per night with a high of 33 cars on May 14th at Plymouth. We had car counts of 25 cars or more in  on 13 nights and a total of seven different drivers earned A-main victories in 2022. I would like to thank all of the drivers, car owners and crews for their support this year. Through this support, we are one of the strongest Sprint Car groups in the nation.”

Tim Haddy, Lance Fassbender, Bill Taylor, Ben Schmidt, Travis Arenz and Katelyn Krebsbach accepted 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association 100 Percent Attendance Awards at the 2022 MSA Awards Banquet at The Village at 170 in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 14. – RC Custom Design photo

Leamer also thanked 2022 MSA series sponsor Akright Auto (Spyder and Jackie Akright) and 2022 MSA major night sponsor Adonnis Waterproofing (Anthony and Rachel Knierim), along with Brian Julien of The Julien Shade Shop, which will sponsor the MSA Safety Team in 2023.

Leamer acknowledged the 2022 MSA Board of Directors, which included Kurt Davis as vice president, along with board members Dan Mayer, Dan Teunissen, Todd Wondra, Tony Wondra and Scott Bader.

“I want to thank each board member for their support and dedication in 2022,” Leamer said. “I look forward to serving as MSA president over the next two years and I also want to thank Alex Pokorski for stepping forward to join the board in 2023.”

J.J. Pagel collected the 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association Rookie of the Year Award from Jolene and Noelle Fassbender at the 2022 MSA Awards Banquet at The Village at 170 in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 14. – RC Custom Design photo

Longtime MSA competitor Paul Pokorski, who served as the master of ceremonies during the program, distributed Supporting Company Awards to 2022 MSA Series sponsor Akright Auto, along with R&H Racing Equipment, Mayer Automotive and Adonnis Waterproofing.

The six drivers and teams competing in all 19 official MSA events in 2022 were recognized with 100 Percent Attendance Awards, including Travis Arenz (first place), Ben Schmidt of Plymouth (second place), Lance Fassbender of Burnett (third place), Tim Haddy of Waupun (fourth place), Bill Taylor of Boltonville (fifth place) and Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade (14th place).

An additional seven MSA drivers and teams were honored for achieving 85 percent participation during the 2022 campaign, including Justin Miller of Plymouth-Mayer Automotive Racing (seventh, 18 races), Blake Wondra of Fond du Lac (eighth, 18 races), Tony Wondra of Campbellsport (ninth, 17 races), Justin Erickson of Plymouth (10th, 17 races), Chris Clayton of Waldo (12th, 18 races), Alex Pokorski of West Bend (15th, 17 races) and J.J. Pagel of Mount Calvary (19th, 16 races).

Justin Erickson received the 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association Best Appearing Car/Crew Award from Jolene and Noelle Fassbender at the 2022 MSA Awards Banquet at The Village at 170 in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 14. – RC Custom Design photo

MSA Competition Director Scott Bader acknowledge the efforts of 2022 series staff, including officials Fred DeBlaey, John Metzger, Sheila Leamer, Angela Dulmes, Donna Bader, flag men Steve Crass and Alex Gilhart, announcer George Baumann, photographer, videographer and graphic designer Rob Eisentraut of RC Custom Design, race report writer Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions and the members of the MSA Safety Team.

“In addition to the MSA staff members that I noted, I would also like to recognize and thank the push truck and wrecker drivers for all that they do to support our racing program,” Bader said. “It is very important not to forget the people that work behind the scenes to make the MSA go. It takes all of these people for the MSA to put on a race.”

Bader also thanked each of the tracks on the 2022 MSA schedule, including The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis, Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis., the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. and Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis.

The first of eight special awards went to J.J. Pagel, who claimed the 2022 MSA Rookie of the Year Award on the strength of a 19th-place finish in the point standings.

Blake Wondra received the 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association Most Improved Driver Award from Jolene and Noelle Fassbender at the 2022 MSA Awards Banquet at The Village at 170 in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 14. – RC Custom Design photo

“This year brought a lot of struggle moving from a Grand National,” Pagel said. “After winning a championship in the Grand National, I wanted to try something different for 2022 and it was harder – a lot harder. I would like to thank everyone that helped out in 2022, both sponsors and crew. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and running with the MSA again in 2023.”

The Most Improved Driver Award went to Blake Wondra, who finished eighth in the MSA point standings, while earning three top-five and six top-10 A-main finishes to go along with one heat race victory in 18 MSA points events.

“I would like to thank my uncle Dave for getting me into racing and everyone that helped during the 2022 season,” Wondra said. “I won’t be racing in 2023 as I leave on Monday for Pennsylvania to start as a crew member for Bobby Allen and the Shark Racing World of Outlaws Sprint Car team.”

Justin Erickson claimed the Best Appearing Car and Crew Award.

The Hard Luck Award went to Justin Miller-Mayer Automotive Racing and the Hard Charger Award was claimed by Travis Arenz, who passed a series-high 90 cars during the 2022 MSA season.

Dave “Dusty” Goeden (left) collected the 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association Harry Neitzel Mechanic of the Year Award from Beth Meyer (middle) and Scotty Neitzel (right) at the 2022 MSA Awards Banquet at The Village at 170 in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 14. – RC Custom Design photo

Beth Winkel of BMG Designs presented the Harry Neitzel MSA Mechanic of the Year Award to Dave “Dusty” Goeden, crew chief for Ben Schmidt Team 35 Racing.

“I’ve been involved in racing for a lot of years,” Goeden said. “I learned from my parents the dedication that racing takes. Races aren’t won on the track. Races are won in the shop. While you are competing against the other drivers and teams at a race, mainly you are racing the track. A team’s success is often based on what the crew does to adjust to the track throughout the course of a racing program. That’s the approach I’ve always tried to take as a crew chief.”

The MSA Person of the Year Award went to the members of the 2022 MSA Safety Team, including Kevin Jensen, Hunter Goetsch, Cody Krahn and Mark Jensen.

Pokorski commended the MSA Safety Team on their efforts at MSA traveling races and the extra time put into training to support the safety of series drivers.

Members of the 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association Safety Team were honored with the 2022 MSA Person of the Year Award at the 2022 MSA Awards Banquet at The Village at 170 in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. on Saturday, Jan. 14. Kevin Jensen received the award from Jolene and Noelle Fassbender. – RC Custom Design photo

“I’m thankful that have a safety team that provides first-class service to our MSA drivers,” Pokorski said. “Having this safety team at our traveling events has helped to take the MSA to another level.”

The final award recipient to take to the podium was 2022 MSA champion Travis Arenz, who successfully defended his 2021 title to become a two-time MSA champion.

Arenz turned in a stellar 2022 campaign, which featured eight A-main victories, 17 top-five, 18 top-10 A-main showings and five heat race wins in 19 official MSA points events en route to his second consecutive MSA title by a slim nine-point margin over 2011 MSA champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth.

“The 2022 season was a very important one for our team,” Arenz said. “We came into the season with no plans to run a set schedule or with a particular series with the goal of getting our feet wet with the 410. After we found ourselves leading the MSA points after the first few races, I asked the crew if they were up for the challenge of competing for another MSA title. The changes made to the MSA program with qualifying and setting heat race lineups made things more competitive. I want to thank my crew for always giving their best effort.

“Overall, I couldn’t ask for a better team,” he said. “I need to acknowledge all of my sponsors. None of this would be possible without them.”

In just five full seasons of MSA 360 Sprint Car competition, Arenz has amassed 30 A-main victories to stand fifth on the all-time MSA A-main victory list behind Ben Schmidt (fourth place, 32 wins), four-time MSA champ Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh (third place, 38 wins), two-time MSA champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex (second place, 52 wins) and five-time MSA title holder Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee (first place, 64 wins).

MSA 2022 Banquet trophy and award sponsors included Cupcake Wonders, Professional Plating, Don & Lynn Kiel, Pit Road Apparel, Susie Francour, Fred DeBlaey, Tn’T Motorsports, Roger and Dan’s Auto Service, Pedal Down Promotions, Butch and Janet Hafemann, Mark’s Tree Service and RC Custom Design.

MSA 2022 contingency product sponsors were R& H Racing Equipment, HRP, Behling, Waldo Oil, American Racer Tires, Boubin Tire, Buege High Performance, Super Shox, Vortex Racing Products, PDTR, Torsion Bar 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 and Race Bumpers.

The recently released tentative 2023 MSA schedule features 25 events at four Wisconsin tracks with the season opener slated for Saturday, April 29 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

For more information on the Midwest Sprint Car Association, visit www.msasprints.com.

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.

January 15, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Pedal Down Promotions author Verdegan to tackle Monfils 6 case in next book

(DUNBAR, WI) – Pedal Down Promotions Author Joe Verdegan of Dunbar, Wis. is gearing up to pen a new book, which will take a look back at one of the most notorious murder cases in Brown County history more than three decades after it occurred.

“The Monfils 6 Case – 30 Years Later” will take a look at the November 1992 paper mill death of James River Paper Mill employee Tom Monfils, who was found dead at the bottom of a pulp vat. Following an exhaustive investigation lasting nearly three years, six of Monfils co-workers, referred to as the “Monfils 6,” were handed life sentence convictions in October 1995.

“I was actually working as a radio news reporter at WRLO in Antigo, Wisconsin when this case first surfaced and it has always intrigued me,” said Verdegan, who’s a Green Bay native. “The case was always in the news and to this day is talked about often in Green Bay.”

According to Verdegan, the new book won’t be about finger pointing or casting doubt. Instead, it will provide an opportunity to give the defendants in this case and their families an avenue to tell their stories.

“A lot of time has gone by since this happened, and we’ll take a look at pretty much all that has transpired on both sides since this case made national headlines,” Verdegan said.

Co-workers Dale Basten, Michael Hirn, Michael Johnson, Rey Moore, Keith Kutska and Michael Piaskowski were handed life–sentence convictions on Oct.28, 1995, for the murder of Monfils. Since that time, five of the six defendants have been paroled with Kutska currently the only defendant who remains incarcerated.

Batten passed away in 2018 after receiving a compassionate release due to an illness.

This will be Verdegan’s fifth book he’s published with Pedal Down Promotions and the eighth book publication of his writing career. Verdegan, who worked for nearly 27 years as a correctional officer, penned the 2020 Amazon No. 1 best-seller “The Reformatory – Tales From Green Bay’s maximum-security prison,” which detailed his years working the front lines at Green Bay Correctional Institution.

For additional information and updates on Verdegan’s new book project, visitwww.joeverdegan.com and Joe Verdegan’s personal Facebook page. No timetable has been seen for completion of the book.

Pedal Down Promotions is a publishing company, which assists clients with news releases, newsletters, website blog posts, photography, video presentations, website and social media content development, book editing, publishing and book cover design services.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions contact publisher Jeff Pederson at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com or visit pedaldownpromo.com.

VERDEGAN’S PRIOR TITLES

2015​“Life In The Past Lane – a history of stock car racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950-1980”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2016 ​“Wisconsin International Raceway – Where The Big Ones Run”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2017​“Life In The Past Lane – The Next Generation”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2018​“The Bird & The Bear”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2019​“Racing In The 906”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2020 “The Reformatory – Tales From Green Bay’s Maximum-Security prison”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2021 “5-10-32 McBride, Parker & Anvelink”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

December 7, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Lemons of Love extends community-based cancer support efforts in Sheboygan County area  

Lemons of Love, which distributes chemo care and personalized care packages to cancer patients throughout the world, featuring items designed to ease side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy treatments, is aiming to expand is efforts in Sheboygan County though its new location in Plymouth, Wis.

(PLYMOUTH, WIS.) December 2, 2022 – Eight years after setting out on a mission to provide community-based support to those impacted by the challenges of cancer out of its headquarters in Mount Prospect, Ill., Lemons of Love is aiming to deliver a pinch of sweetness to individuals faced with sour circumstances in Sheboygan County through the addition of a second location in the heart of bustling downtown Plymouth, Wis.

Lemons of Love shares chemo care and personalized care packages with cancer patients throughout the world, featuring items designed to ease side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy treatments such as organic lemon drops to help with the metallic taste from chemo, ginger tea for nausea and insomnia, organic body lotion for dry skin, lip balm from local brand Olivu Organic Products for chapped lips, drawings from kids meant to bring joy along with other items aiming to provide comfort.

“We deliver chemo care packages to hospitals and oncology centers, along with personalized care packages for individuals through a donation,” Lemons of Love Marketing Director Maren Paige said.

In addition, Lemons of Love provides yoga, meditation and creative arts programming and ongoing family support services at the Lemons of Love Cancer Resource Center, which opened in Mount Prospect, Ill. in 2018, with the Plymouth, Wis. location following suit at 607 Eastern Ave. in 2021.

Since its inception, Lemons of Love has shared more than 26,000 care packages and offered more than 400 free in-person and virtual classes.

“We offer free programs for anyone impacted by cancer and one-on-one family support at our Mount Prospect, Illinois and Plymouth, Wis. locations,” Lemons of Love founder Jill Swanson said. “We are drawing on the saying, ‘When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.’ In other words, when something bad is happening in your life, try to find something good and make the best of it.”

Swanson started the 501c3 non-profit organization in 2014 after she was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer.

“When I began chemotherapy, a friend gave me a small gift filled with items to help me get through my treatment,” Swanson said. “I was really touched by the kindness and thoughtfulness of this gift during a difficult time in my life. I knew immediately this was something every cancer patient should receive.”

In 2015, Lemons of Love created a donation-based program allowing individuals to send a care package to a loved one with an annual Veterans care package program added in 2016, along with a kids holiday care package in 2017.

Looking ahead to 2023, Lemons of Love is gearing up to raise its profile in and around Sheboygan County through a variety of community-based programs and initiatives based out of its historic Plymouth, Wis. office building.

“I am from Mount Prospect, Illinois and my parents were involved in racing, so we made many trips to Elkhart Lake for races at Road America,” Swanson said. “I now have a house in Elkhart Lake close to the track. Over the past few years, I built a plan to introduce Lemons of Love in Sheboygan County and surrounding areas. We are currently gearing up to launch some new programs in the area in the spring. Our hope is to boost awareness and the overall reach and impact of Lemons of Love in the community around our Plymouth location in 2023.”

The Plymouth, Wis. Lemons of Love location will also serve to carry out the core component of Lemons of Love’s mission – the delivery of chemo care packages to hospitals and cancer care centers in the Sheboygan County area.

“We will be using the space for programs for those impacted by cancer, as well as for care package distribution to local cancer centers, such as the Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic and hospitals in both the Froedtert and Advocate Aurora Health Systems,” Paige said. “We also have some additional plans for the beautiful outdoor garden space adjacent to the Plymouth Lemons of Love building along the Mullet River. We are looking forward to creating a natural, relaxing, peaceful area as we grow in Plymouth and throughout the Sheboygan County area.”

For more information on sending a Lemons of Love personalized care package, making a donation and serving as a volunteer, contact Jill Swanson at jill@lemonsoflove.org, Maren Paige at maren@lemonsoflove.org, call 920-501-0100, visit https://lemonsoflove.org or check out Lemons of Love on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.

December 2, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Author lineup set for first annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing at Sabbatical Brewing Co.

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 17, 2022 – Twenty-one area authors spanning a broad range of genres, topics and subject matter are confirmed to appear at the first annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing event at Sabbatical Brewing Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Set to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the holiday shopping season, the show will feature several noted Wisconsin and Upper Michigan-based authors, who will have their books available for purchase and signing throughout the free-admission event.

Joe Verdegan will have copies of his Amazon best-selling true crime book “The Reformatory – Tales from Green Bay’s Maximum Security Prison” available at the Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Presented by Pedal Down Promotions at Sabbatical Brewing Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Among the noted authors set to attend is Pedal Down Promotions author Joe Verdegan of Dunbar, Wis., who penned the Amazon No. 1 true crime best seller “The Reformatory – Tales from Green Bay’s Maximum Security Prison” in 2020. In addition, Verdegan has released six additional books covering the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan motorsports scene, including “Life in the Past Lane: A History of Stock Car Racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950-1980,” “Life in the Past Lane: The Next Generation,” “Wisconsin International Raceway: Where The Big Ones Run,” “The Bird and The Bear: The Racing Tales of J.J. Smith and Roger Regeth,” “Racing in the 906” and “5-10-32 McBride, Parker & Anvelink.”

Wisconsin Veterans Village Executive Director and veteran Green Bay television news reporter John Maino of Manitowoc, Wis. will also be featured at the show with his 2021 book release “Fifty Strong: Four Decades of U.S. Veterans and Families Share Their Combat and Post-War Experiences.”

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

• Former Fox Valley Lutheran High School Football Coach and Athletic Director Gene Strusz of Appleton, Wis. (athletic leadership and Chistian school prayer author of “Essays on Coaching Athletes: Advice for Athletic Administrators and Coaches of All Sports” and “Morning Prayers for the Christian School”)

• 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,” “Rendered Soul,” and “Witch’s Valley Book Two – Madea’s Fate)

• Lee Trotta of Sheboygan, Wis. (children’s book author of “Florida Cheese,” “Wisconsin Cheese” and “California Cheese”)

• Rodney Schroeter of Random Lake, Wis. (comic book writer, designer and editor of “Human Interest Stuff,” “A Wisconsin Harvest, Vol. II” and The Plymouth Review Current)

• Mary T. Wagner of Sheboygan, Wis. (humor, inspirational essayist and children’s book author of “When the Shoe Fits: Essays of Love, Life and Second Chances,” “Finnigan the Circus Cat,” “Finnigan the Lost Circus Wagon” and “Finnegan the Lionhearted”)

• Lisa Vihos of Sheboygan, Wis. (historical fiction and poetry author of “The Lone Snake: The Story Sofonisba Anguissola,” “Fan Mail From Some Flounder,” “From Everywhere a Little: A Migration Anthology,” “Van Gogh Dreams”)

• Valerie J. Clarizio of Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (author of 13 steamy romantic suspense, time travel and contemporary romance books, including the Chandler County Series, Nick Spinelli Romance Mystery Series, The Preserver and Protector Series, Standalone Romantic Suspense Books) and The Crime and Passion Stalk City Hall Series)

• Sheboygan County Historical Research Center Executive Director Steven K. Rogstad (American history author of “Lincoln Among the Badgers”)

• 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”)

• Lisa Lehmann of Sheboygan, Wis. (author and photographer of “Lake Michigan: The Wisconsin Shore”)

• 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”)

• Melanie James of Two Rivers, Wis. (romance, paranormal romance comedy, paranormal romance and contemporary romance author of over 50 books, including the New York Times best seller “Conjuring Darkness”)

• Bill Gosse of Green Bay, Wis. (athletic sportsmanship author of five-part SCORE book series, including the newly released first installment “SCORE: A Guide to Supporting and Instilling Exceptional Sportsmanship”)

• P.J. Fiala of Green Bay, Wis. (steamy romantic suspense author of 34 books, including the Second Chances, Rolling Thunder, Bluegrass Security, Big 3 Security, GHOST and RAPTOR book series)

• Bronson T. Smith of Green Bay, Wis. (science fiction and dystopian war fiction author of “The Neutron Escalation” and “World War Omega”)

• S.L. Wilton of Birnamwood, Wis. (Arthurian fantasy novelist author of “Queen of Crows’

• Barbara Raffin of Iron Mountain, Mich. (contemporary, historical, paranormal/gothic romance author of “The Mating Game,” “The Visitor,” “Saving Andi,” St. John Sibling Series – “Taming Tess,” “Finding Home,” “Craving a Hero,” “Seeking Bliss,” “Forever Knight”)

• L. Maristatter of Sheboygan, Wis. (theocratic dystopian fiction author of “Tiny Tin House”)

Former Green Bay, Wis. television news reporter John Maino will have copies of his book “Fifty Strong – Four Decades of U.S. Veterans and Families Share Their Combat and Post War Experiences” at the Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Presented by Pedal Down Promotions at Sabbatical Brewing Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. on Saturday, Dec. 3.

“The response among authors interested in participating in our first book show and author signing has been tremendous,” Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Organizer Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions said. “The show provides a great opportunity to meet and interact with many area authors, several of whom have written New York Times, USA Today and Amazon best sellers in a wide range of genres. It is also a great chance to purchase books for the reader on your holiday gift list no matter what their favorite genre might be.”

In addition, Pedal Down Promotions will have a table at the show featuring limited quantities of books from Pedal Down Promotions authors John Wirth (“Days Gone By – Growing Up in Small Town Wisconsin”), Dennis Darovich and ob Diener (“Sixty Years of 141 Speedway”), Dennis Darovich and George Baumann (“70 Years of Plymouth Dirt Track Racing”), Dennis Darovich, George Baumann and Verla Peichl (“Racing Recollections”), Lynn Schmalz (“What is School?” and “What is Church?”) and Karen Lueders (“To God Be The Glory”).

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

Steamy romantic suspense author P.J. Fiala will have several of her romance book available at the Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Presented by Pedal Down Promotions at Sabbatical Brewing Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Additional and up-to-date information on the first annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing can be found on the Pedal Down Promotions Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media pages.

For more information on the first annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing contact Jeff Pederson by phone at 920-323-7970 or email at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, visit www.pedaldownpromo.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.

November 17, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Following eventful first season with Akright Auto Racing Team, Alex Pokorski looks forward to 2023

Alex Pokorski finished his first full-time season of 360 Sprint Car competition with a 14th place showing in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing point standings during the 2022 season at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 16, 2022 – After two seasons of sharing time behind the wheel of his family’s familiar blue No. 4 Pokorski Motorsports 360 Sprint Car with his multi-time championship-winning father, Paul, Alex Pokorski seized the opportunity to stretch his legs on a full-time basis behind the wheel of the Spyder Akright-owned Akright Auto Racing Team red No. 4 machine, during an up-and-down 2022 season of competition with the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars.

Pokorski completed his first full-time campaign with the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars 14th in the final 2022 PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings. He also finished 15th in the 2022 MSA point standings, as his Akright Auto Racing Team No. 4 car competed in 17 of the series’ 19 events.

Pokorski’s 2022 MSA campaign featured one top-five, two top-10 and six top-15 A-main showings to go along with one heat race victory and one B-main triumph. The highlight of the 2022 season was a career-best-equaling fourth place A-main finish in an Akright Auto MSA 360 Sprint Car event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 27.

In addition, Pokorski’s father, Paul, who wrapped up his stellar career as a regular competitor during the 2021 season, entered a pair of MSA-PDTR 360 Sprint Car events at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on a fill-in basis during the 2022 campaign, while racking up one top-10 and a pair of top-15 A-main showings.

Due to a college commitment for Alex, Paul filled in behind the wheel of the Akright Auto No. 4 car for the 2022 PDTR 360 Sprint Car opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 7.

After advancing to the main event with a third place showing in the B main, Pokorski rolled off 19th in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car headliner and worked primarily the high line around the multi-groove racing surface en route to a 10th-place A-main finish to kick off the 2022 season.

Alex Pokorski closed the 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association season 15th in the MSA point standings in his first season of full-time competition with the Akright Auto Racing Team. – RC Custom Design photo

On Saturday, May 14, Alex settled into the seat of the Akright Auto No. 4 machine at The Plymouth Dirt Track. The third-year 360 Sprint Car driver used a strong move to work past Blake Wondra on the final lap of the B main to secure the sixth and final transfer spot to the A main, where he finished 21st in a caution-free race.

One night later, Alex and the Akright Auto Racing Team ventured to Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. for an MSA event. After starting ninth in the main event, Alex was running 10th when he drifted high in turn four and hit the front stretch wall, which forced him to stop on the track to bring out the race’s lone caution flag. The damage was too extensive for Pokorski to return to the race as he was scored 15th in the race.

With the national touring Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Car Series making its annual visit to The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds along with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, Pokorski qualified 17th in the 31-car PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car field and transferred directly to the A main with a fifth place finish in heat race action. After starting 16th, Pokorski placed 17th in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car main event.

The PDTR 360 Sprint Car event on Saturday, May 28 saw both Alex and Paul in action on the same night for just the third time ever and the lone occasion during the 2022 season, as Alex steered the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team car and Paul guest drove Spyder Akright’s 53A machine.

In PDTR 360 Sprint Car group qualifying, Paul turned in the 16th fastest lap with a time of 12.791 seconds, while Alex qualified 20th with a lap of 12.896 before Paul finished sixth in the first 360 Sprint Car heat race and Alex placed fourth in the third heat race.

Both Alex and Paul found themselves in the B main needing to finish in the top six spots to earn a transfer position to the evening’s 25-lap A main with Alex lining up third and Paul starting fifth. Alex went on to claim his first B main victory of the 2022 season, while Paul placed third to advance to the main event.

Alex Pokorski is pictured in victory lane after winning the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Spint Car B main at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 28. – JW’s Car and Raccing photos

Paul rolled off 19th in the 25-lap 360 Sprint Car A main and put together a solid run up through the field, including a brief side-by-side duel with Alex, in the early going. The 30-year racing veteran advanced seven spots in the event to come home with a 12th place finish in what turned out to be his final race of the 2022 campaign.

Meanwhile, Alex was involved in a pair of spins during the event, which impeded his progress. Alex’s second spin on lap 22 brought out a caution flag when Lance Fassbender was unable to avoid contact with his spinning car in turn three. After restarting at the rear of the field, Alex recovered to record a 17th place showing.

Alex’s night got off to a promising start in a PDTR 360 Sprint Car event on Saturday, June 18, as he ripped off the second fastest qualifying lap in the 26-car PDTR 360 Sprint Car field with a lap of 12.435 seconds.

The third-year 360 Sprint Car competitor started a 2022 season-best eighth in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car main event and was running sixth when his car suddenly lost power and rolled to a stop on lap 8 with an engine failure, which resulted in a 22nd place finish.

With a different power plant under the hood, Pokorski returned to action during the special Road America Challenge all-Sprint Car event at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Thursday, June 30, which proved to be challenging.

After qualifying 10th in the 29-car PDTR 360 Sprint Car field, Pokorski placed seventh in his heat race before starting 11th in the B main. He advanced up to ninth at the finish of the 12-lap race to fall three spots short of advancing to the main event, which was the only time he failed to qualify for an MSA-PDTR A main during the 2022 season.

On Saturday, July 9, Pokorski placed fifth in his heat race to earn the 13th starting spot in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main. Pokorski was running 11th when the front wing of his car became dislodged, which caused him to drop back to 14th at the finish.

With a strong field of 32 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars on hand, the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, July 16 got off to a fast start as Pokorski turned the second-fastest qualifying time in the first heat race grouping and the 17th fastest overall qualifying lap with a time of 12.816 seconds.

After finishing second in his heat race, Pokorski lined up on the outside of the front row for the 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main on a lightning fast and undulating track surface. Pokorski was running second on lap 5 when his car dug into the treacherous turn four cushion, launching him into a series of hard flips into the turn four fence ending his weekend with a 21st place finish to his credit.

Pokorski opened the July 30 PDTR 360 Sprint Car with the 19th fastest qualifying lap before finishing fifth in his heat race. He then started 12th and finished 13th in the 25-lap main event to record a season-best A-main showing.

One week later, the West Bend, Wis. driver added another 13th-place A-main finish on Saturday, Aug. 6 at The Plymouth Dirt Track before posting a 16th place main event showing, after stating 15th in a PDTR 360 Sprint A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Friday, Aug. 26.

The highlight of Pokorski’s 2022 campaign came one night later in his debut appearance at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. for an MSA 360 Sprint Car event on Saturday, Aug. 27.

Alex Pokorski (4) is pictured dueling in close quarters with Chis Larson (51) in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Spint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Tack in Plymouth, is. during the 2022 campaign. – JW’s Car and Racing Photos

Pokorski was quick right out of the gate behind the wheel of the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team 360 Sprint Car as he registered the fourth fastest overall time among the 29-car MSA group qualifying field with a lap of 14.068 seconds.

The West Bend driver rolled off from the pole position of the fourth eight-lap MSA heat race and bolted into the lead on the drop of the green flag before quickly building up a half-straightaway lead over defending MSA champion and current point leader Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls. Pokorski held strong throughout the eight-lap event en route to his first heat race victory of the 2022 season.

After starting fourth, Pokorski rode the momentum in the 25-lap MSA A main to place a career-best fourth in his first-career A main at Wilmot Raceway.

After starting 18th in the 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track during the Sheboygan County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 3, Pokorski moved up to 12th on lap 14. However, an off-track excursion late in the race spoiled Pokorski’s bid for a top-10 finish and resulted in a 17th place showing.

An appearance at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 23 resulted in a 16th place A-main showing for Pokorski.

Pokorski then capped off his 2022 campaign on a strong note by driving his Akright Auto Racing Team 360 Sprint Car from 18th to 10th in the 2022 season-ending PDTR 25-lap A main during the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Sept. 24 to record his second top-10 showing of the season and season-best main event finish at Plymouth.

“Overall, I would say 2022 was a season of learning and growth,” Pokorski said. “We didn’t end up finishing as well as I had hoped in points, but we will take what we learned to help us get better results next year. My season high point would be finishing fourth at Wilmot amongst a lot of fast cars. The season was made possible by the Akrights, my parents, our sponsors, as well as our crew. The support and camaraderie of family and friends makes racing unique and fun.”

With his first season in the seat of the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team car now under his belt, Pokorski is looking forward to continuing the racing partnership in 2023.

“Racing has been such a great part of my life and I’m happy to continue with the same team next year,” Pokorski said. “We will be making plenty of equipment changes with switching to a Triple X chassis for next year.”

Sponsors and supporters for Alex Pokorski and the 2022 Akright Auto Racing Team include Akright Auto, Petersen Septic Systems, Goeden Auto Body, Novak’s Service Center, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

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.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Novak 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 50th year in business in 2022.

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 undercar 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.

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.

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
Final 2022 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 16
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 6
Heat Race Victories – 1
Final Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Points Finish – 14th
Final Midwest Sprint Car Association Points Finish – 15th

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A/Akright Auto Racing Team 4
Final 2022 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 2
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
Heat Race Victories – 0

November 16, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson