Jeff Pederson, Author at Pedal Down Promotions

All-time MSA A-main wins leader Davis shows the way at Angell Park Speedway

Five-time Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee earned his 64th career MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in an Akright Auto MSA main event at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, May 15. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 15, 2022 – As the most experienced driver in the field, five-time Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee successfully displayed that he still has quite a bit left in the tank as he led every lap en route to victory in the 25-lap Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, May 15.

Davis used his pole position starting spot to jump into the lead on the drop of the green flag of the 25-lap MSA main, which was contest on an ultra-fast and correspondingly tricky track surface.

The 37-year veteran stuck tight to the inside groove as outside front row starter Jack Vanderboom of Dousman stayed in Davis’ tire tracks throughout the duration of the race.

Davis caught the rear of the 15-car field on lap 7, which allowed Vanderboom to cut into the lead slightly. With passing at a premium, Davis delicately maneuvered his way through lapped traffic, but he was unable to shake Vanderboom as the two leaders opened up a half-lap cushion over the third-place car of Mike Yurmanovich of Cascade by the half-way point.

The lone caution flag appeared on lap 20 when Alex Pokorski of West Bend slowed to a stop along the backstretch, after making contact with the front stretch wall.

When the race resumed, Davis hit his marks perfectly over the final five laps to secure his MSA-leading 64^th career A-main victory and his first MSA 360 Sprint Car victory since scoring a main event win at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on May 8, 2021.

“I’m pretty worn out after that one,” Davis said in victory lane. “Starting from the pole was certainly the place to be on this track tonight. These young guys like Jack [Vanderboom] and several others seem to be getting faster and faster. This is one for the old guys.”

Vanderboom had to settle for second, Yurmanovich, who started third, placed third, 2011 MSA champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth finished fourth after starting fifth and fourth starter Tim Haddy of Waupun rounded out the top five.

Defending MSA champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, who came into the event as the winner of four of the previous five MSA A mains at Angell Park Speedway and the first two MSA events of the 2022 season at The Plymouth Dirt Track, rallied from a broken axle in the first MSA heat race to place eighth after starting 15^th in the main event.

MSA 10-lap heat race victories went to Tim Haddy and Mike Yurmanovich.

The third MSA 360 Sprint Car Series racing event of the 2022 campaign drew a field of 16 entrants to the historic Angell Park Speedway third-mile clay oval.

The MSA 360 Sprint Cars will run in support of the fifth-ever appearance of the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Car Series at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. in conjunction with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with on-track action slated to begin at 6 p.m.

Advance tickets for the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Shootout event at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 21 are available at https://www.irasprints.com/schedules/event/389124.

For more information on the 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association season, visit http://www.msasprints.com or check out the Midwest Sprint Car Association Facebook page.

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.

Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association

Angell Park Speedway

Sun Prairie, Wis.

May 15, 2022

HEAT 1

1, Tim Haddy 2, Ben Schmidt 3, Jack Vanderboom 4, Dylan Winkel 5, Alex Pokorski 6, Chris Clayton 7, Katelyn Krebsbach 8, Travis Arenz.

HEAT 2

1, Mike Yurmanovich 2, Blake Wondra 3, Kurt Davis 4, Justin Miller 5, Lance Fassbender 6, Tommy Colburn 7, Tyler Davis 8, Bill Taylor.

A MAIN

1, Kurt Davis 2, Jack Vanderboom 3, Mike Yurmanovich 4, Ben Schmidt 5, Tim Haddy 6, Justin Miller 7, Blake Wondra 8, Travis Arenz 9, Lance Fassbender 10, Chris Clayton 11, Tyler Davis 12, Bill Taylor 13, Tommy Colburn 14, Dylan Winkel 15, Alex Pokorski 16, Katelyn Krebsbach (DNS).

May 16, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz, Bongiorno, Loehr, Hitsman tally Plymouth Dirt Track Racing A-main triumphs

Defending Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls racked up his 12th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 14. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 14, 2022 – On an unseasonably warm spring evening, a pair of drivers stayed perfect in A-main competition, while two competitors made their first main event trip to victory lane of the 2022 season, during the second Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program of the 2022 campaign Saturday, May 14 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

Defending PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls made it two-for-two on the 2022 season as he rolled to victory in the 25-lap Kristine Hartmann Pleasant View Realty 360 Sprint Car main event victory.

In the 25-lap Sheboygan’s Country B93.7 25-lap Late model A-main, Joe Bongiorno of Milwaukee earned his first career Late Model main event triumph.

2018 PDTR Grand National champion Matt Loehr of Dotyville outdueled Luke Scholten of Oostburg to claim his first 25-lap Oostburg Automotive PDTR Grand National main event victory of the 2022 campaign.

Jonathan Hitsman of Sheboygan racked up his second 25-lap PDTR Next Step Insurance B Mod A-main victory in two attempts in 2022.

Outside front row starter Tim Haddy of Waupun got the jump on polesitter Bill Taylor of Boltonville to lead the opening lap of the 25-lap 360 Sprint Car headliner.

On lap 2, 2011 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, who started third, moved into second along the high groove, with Travis Arenz, who started sixth, trailing into third on lap 3.

Three laps later, Schmidt and Arenz closed the gap on Haddy as the top three drivers raced nose to tail along the preferred outside line of the third-mile clay oval. On lap 8, Arenz pulled off a slide job to seize second from Schmidt in turn four.

The leaders caught the rear of the field on lap 10, which allowed Arenz to close the gap significantly on Haddy. Arenz hounded Haddy over the next three laps as the leaders skillfully weaved their way through lapped traffic.

On lap 13, Arenz bolted past Haddy in turn three with Schmidt in tow as Haddy was shuffled back to third in the running order at the halfway mark of the race.

Six laps later Arenz found himself bottled up in heavy lapped traffic with a group of drivers racing side by side in front of him. However, Arenz dove low in turn one to put three lapped cars between himself and the second-place car of Schmidt on lap 20 and effectively seal the outcome of the race.

Arenz cruised over the final five laps en route to his 12^th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory and 24^th overall Midwest Sprint Car Association main event triumph in the caution-free race.

Schmidt had to settle for second, two-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Kurt Davis of West Allis placed third, after starting eighth, Haddy finished fourth and fourth starter Anthony Knierim of Caledonia rounded out the top five.

Four-time defending PDTR Late Model champion Justin Schmidt of Cleveland grabbed the lead on the drop of the green flag of the 25-lap Late Model A main from the pole position as rookie Bill Edler of Glenbeulah, who started third, moved into second.

Joe Bongiorno of Milwaukee notched his first career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 14. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Schmidt maintained the lead over Edler before the first of two caution flags appeared on lap 7 for an incident in turn four involving Sawyer Specht of Sheboygan Falls and Turk Letizia of Milwaukee.

On the restart, fifth starter Joe Bongiorno worked the outside groove to pass Edler and slip into second. Seconds later, leader Justin Schmidt slowed to a stop in turn two to bring out the second caution flag on lap 8.

With Schmidt out of the race, Bongiorno assumed the lead on the restart as Kevin Baldry of Omro, who started sixth, used the high line to move into second on lap 9. Seven laps later Baldry closed in on Bongiorno and appeared that he was going mount a challenge for the lead.

However, Bongiorno used the next four laps to open up a full-straightaway cushion over Baldry and he maintained the top spot in the closing laps on the way to his first career PDTR Late Model A-main victory.

Baldry placed second, Jim Schmidt of Cleveland, who started seventh, finished third, Letizia recovered from his early-race incident to finish fourth and Edler took fifth.

Opening night A-main winner Luke Scholten took the lead on the first lap of the 25-lap Grand National main event from the pole. On lap two, 2008 PDTR Grand National champion Matt Yancey of Sheboygan moved into second after starting third.

Matt Loehr of Dotyville notched his 10th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 14. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

On lap 3, second starter Matt Loehr engaged in a side-by-side duel with Yancey for second along the high line. Two laps later, Loehr charged into second and set his sights on Scholten.

By lap 13, Loehr had cut the gap considerably on Scholten and he moved in to challenge for the top spot on lap 20. The high-riding Loehr and low-running Scholten dueled side-by-side throughout lap 21 before sweeping into the lead utilizing the top groove exiting turn two.

Loehr fended off Scholten over the final three laps to notch his 10^th career PDTR Grand National A-main victory in the non-stop race.

Scholten finished second, Yancey wound up third, fifth starter Brad Weiss of Cascade placed fourth and 2019 PDTR Grand National champ Tyler Kulow of Plymouth placed fifth after starting fourth.

Polesitter Spencer Long of Sheboygan Falls took the lead on the opening lap of the B Mod A main as sixth starter Jonathan Hitsman bolted into second along the outside groove on the first circuit.

On lap 3, Hitsman cruised around Long in turn two to take over the top spot. From there, Hitsman set sail as he built up a half-lap lead over Long on lap 15.

Jonathan Hitsman of Sheboygan earned his fourth career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod A-main triumph at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 14. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

As Spencer Long’s car began to display smoke, eighth starter Shane Long of Sheboygan Falls moved in to take second on lap 23. With Hitsman enjoying a substantial lead on the final lap, Spencer Long slowed to a stop in turn two with heavy smoke streaming from his car as the race ended under a combined checkered and caution flag.

Hitsman racked up his fourth career PDTR B Mod A-main victory in the caution-less event.

Shane Long finished second, seventh starter Gary Glander of Sheboygan Falls placed third, Jonathon Baumann of Sheboygan finished fourth after starting 10^th and second starter Brandon Knepprath of Boltonville rounded out the top five.

Two-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex won the 15-lap PDTR 360 Sprint B main.

Tim Haddy was the overall fast qualifier in PDTR 360 Sprint Car group qualifying with a lap of 12.702.

The second PDTR program of the 2022 season, which featured free admission for all police, fire and emergency medical services personnel, was sponsored by the city of Sheboygan Falls Fire Department.

The next PDTR event will feature the fifth-ever appearance of the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Car Series at The Plymouth Dirt Track in conjunction with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series on Saturday, May 21.

The PDTR 360 Sprint Cars will also be on the card for the all-Sprint Car event.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with on-track action slated to begin at 6 p.m.

Advance tickets for the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Shootout event at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 21 are available at https://www.irasprints.com/schedules/event/389124.

The new book “Racing Recollections – Plymouth Racetrack Fans & Drivers 1950-2021” by Dennis Darovich of Sheboygan, George Baumann of Waupun and Verla Peichl of Sheboygan Falls will be available for purchase at every race during the 2022 PDTR season, as well as at the Sheboygan County Fair office during regular business hours and online at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.

KRISTINE HARTMANN PLEASANT VIEW REALTY 360 SPRINT CARS

QUALIFYING

1, Tim Haddy 12.702 2, Scott Conger 12.896 3, Preston Ruh 12.910 4, Danny Schlafer 12.957 5, Anthony Knierim 12.962 6, Jack Vanderboom 12.962 7, Doug Wondra 12.974 8, Tommy Colburn 13.017 9, Spyder Akright 13.026 10, Travis Arenz 13.041 11, Bill Taylor 13.045 12, Chris Larson 13.140 13, Mike Yurmanovich 13.194 14, Ben Schmidt 13.233 15, Brandon Berth 13.313 16, Nick Daywalt 13.350 17, Al Schlafer 13.358 18, Brandon McMullen 13.380 19, Will Gerrits 13.412 20, Tyler Davis 13.525 21, Kurt Davis 13.591 22, Lance Fassbender 13.644 23, Tony Wondra 13.712 24, Justin Erickson 13.807 25, Dylan Winkel 13.867, 26, Katelyn Krebsbach 13.932 27, Alex Pokorski 13.935 28, Justin Miller 14.691 29, Andy Rein 14.792 30, Tyler Brabant 14.957 31, Blake Wondra no time 32, Chris Clayton no time 33, Randy Post no time.

HEAT 1

1, Tony Wondra 2, Justin Erickson 3, Kurt Davis 4, Lance Fassbender 5, Justin Miller 6, Andy Rein 7, Katelyn Krebsbach 8, Tyler Brabant 9, Randy Post.

HEAT 2

1, Brandon McMullen 2, Ben Schmidt 3, Nick Daywalt 4, Will Gerrits 5, Al Schlafer 6, Tyler Davis 7, Alex Pokorski 8, Dylan Winkel.

HEAT 3

1, Anthony Knierim 2, Travis Arenz 3, Doug Wondra 4, Scott Conger 5, Danny Schlafer 6, Mike Yurmanovich 7, Blake Wondra 8, Brandon Berth (DNS).

HEAT 4

1, Jack Vanderboom 2, Tim Haddy 3, Bill Taylor 4, Spyder Akright 5, Preston Ruh 6, Tommy Colburn 7, Chris Larson 8, Chris Clayton.

B MAIN

1, Danny Schlafer 2, Tyler Davis 3, Preston Ruh 4, Chris Larson 5, Mike Yurmanovich 6, Alex Pokorski 7, Chris Clayton 8, Blake Wondra 9, Al Schlafer 10, Dylan Winkel 11, Tommy Colburn 12, Randy Post 13, Will Gerrits (DNS) 14, Tony Wondra (DNS) 15, Katelyn Krebsbach (DNS) 16, Brandon Berth (DNS).

A MAIN

1, Travis Arenz 2, Ben Schmidt 3, Kurt Davis 4, Tim Haddy 5, Anthony Knierim 6, Brandon McMullen 7, Danny Schlafer 8, Jack Vanderboom 9, Lance Fassbender 10, Justin Erickson 11, Bill Taylor 12, Scott Conger 13, Nick Daywalt 14, Doug Wondra 15, Justin Miller 16, Chris Larson 17, Tyler Davis 18, Andy Rein 19, Mike Yurmanovich 20, Spyder Akright 21, Alex Pokorski 22, Preston Ruh.

SHEBOYGAN’S COUNTRY B93.7 LATE MODELS

HEAT 1

1, Bill Edler 2, Kevin Baldry 3, Joe Bongiorno 4, Jim Schmidt 5, Charlie Schmidt.

HEAT 2

1, Turk Letizia 2, Justin Schmidt 3, Sawyer Specht 4, Chad Ludwigson 5, Eric Michaels.

A MAIN

1, Joe Bongiorno 2, Kevin Baldry 3, Jim Schmidt 4, Turk Letizia 5, Bill Edler 6, Sawyer Specht 7, Justin Schmidt 8, Charlie Schmidt 9, Chad Ludwigson (DNS) 10, Eric Michaels (DNS).

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

HEAT

1, Tyler Kulow 2, Matt Loehr 3, Matt Yancey 4, Luke Scholten 5, Donny Kulow 6, Brad Weiss 7, Steven Weber.

A MAIN

1, Matt Loehr 2, Luke Scholten 3, Matt Yancey 4, Brad Weiss 5, Tyler Kulow 6, Steven Weber 7, Donny Kulow.

NEXT STEP INSURANCE B MODS

HEAT 1

1, Trevor Frank 2, Shane Long 3, Rory Welch 4, Brandon Knepprath 5, James Rautmann 6, Andy Welter.

HEAT 2

1, Jonathan Hitsman 2, Gary Glander 3, Steve Lorier 4, Spencer Long 5, Jonathon Baumann.

A MAIN

1, Jonathan Hitsman 2, Shane Long 3, Gary Glander 4, Jonathon Baumann 5, Brandon Knepprath 6, Andy Welter 7, Steve Lorier 8, James Rautmann 9, Spencer Long 10, Rory Welch 11, Trevor Frank.

May 15, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann makes strides in IRA’s return to Sycamore Speedway

Austin Hartmann turned in an 18th-place A-main finish in his debut appearance at Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series on Saturday, May 7. – Casey Bollig Photography

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 11, 2022 – In just his second-ever event in the seat of a 410 Sprint Car, Austin Hartmann and 87A Hartmann Racing paid a visit to a brand new track for the team, as the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association returned to Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. for the first time in 35 years on Saturday, May 7.

Hartmann was among 26 IRA competitors to sign in for the IRA’s first event at the Chicago-area three-eighths mile clay oval since the 1987 season. The Plymouth, Wis. driver opened his maiden Sycamore Speedway voyage by turning in the 23^rd fastest qualifying lap in 15.806 seconds.

After rolling off eighth in the second eight-lap IRA heat race, Hartmann drove a steady race to move up one spot in the running order en route to a seventh-place finish.

Hartmann then fired off from the 21^st starting position in the 30-lap IRA main event. The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner clicked off consistent laps and avoided potential danger to improve three spots during the A main and claim his second consecutive 18^th-place main event finish in the race, which was won by Scotty Thiel.

“Since it was our first time at Sycamore, we basically took a look at the track and compared it to similar tracks we’ve raced at and went from there,” Hartmann said. “I’d say it was like Plymouth, but definitely with different clay for sure though.

“The car performed well throughout the night,” he said. “In qualifying, we weren’t able to keep heat in the engine, so it didn’t run the best. We adjusted and adapted throughout the night with track conditions changing. Overall, I’d say it was a good learning night.”

With no Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprint Car events scheduled this coming weekend, the 87A Hartmann Racing team will take the upcoming weekend off in preparation for a three-race IRA swing in conjunction with the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions Friday, May 20 at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis., Saturday, May 21 at The Plymouth Dirt Track the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. and Sunday, May 22 at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis.

“Our next race will be Friday, May 20 at Wilmot Raceway to start our three-race swing with the All Stars, which will be joining forces with the IRA for the weekend,” Hartmann said. “The team and myself are excited about the opportunity to race in these three big events.”

The 87A Hartmann Racing team has assembled a strong group of partners in support of the team’s maiden voyage with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Series, including Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Call Girls Motorsports, Pallet Works LLC, AF Inc., Bennett Transport Inc., SCA Inc., Gretchen Tillman New American Funding, Classic Title Services, CP Services, Cobblestone Landscaping, Jensen Sales & Services, Lee’s Color Studio, Dave’s Fabrication, RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Pit Road Apparel, the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series and Sage Fruit.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Hunter Annis, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham, Caitlin Shaw, Jarrett Neese and Kristine Hartmann.

Those unable to make it to track can follow all of the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series action throughout the 2022 campaign via FloRacing by visiting https://www.floracing.com.

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

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

KRISTINE HARTMANN, REALTOR OF Pleasant View Realty, better known as “Every Race Fans Realtor,” has 24-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 Hartmann Racing

2022 Season

By The Numbers

Total Events – 2

IRA Events – 2

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 – 2

Heat Race Victories – 0

Dash Appearances – 0

Dash Victories – 0

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing

Upcoming 2022 Schedule

Friday, May 20 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.

Saturday, May 21 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, May 22 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Saturday, May 28 – Rice Lake Speedway, Rice Lake, Wis.

Sunday, May 29 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis.

May 11, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Paul Pokorski nets top-10 MSA finish in Akright Auto Racing Team guest driving role

In a guest-driving role for his son, Alex, Paul Pokorski steered the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team 360 Sprint Car to a 10th-place finish in the 2022 season opening Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 7. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 10, 2022 – While regular Akright Auto Racing Team driver Alex Pokorski was tending to his college obligations, 30-year veteran Paul Pokorski made the most of a fill-in opportunity behind the wheel of the No. 4 360 Sprint Car by charging to a top-10 A-main finish in the 2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 7.

Pokorski, who was among 27 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car drivers signed in to compete in the 2022 PDTR lid lifter, searched to find his comfort zone in the third 10-lap heat race, as he fell back from his fourth starting spot to finish seventh.

After lining up fourth in the 15-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main, Pokorski worked around Chris Larson on the opening lap to advance to third. On lap 5, Bill Taylor dropped Pokorski to fourth. Pokorski used the outside groove to work his way back into third on lap 9.

The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion moved up to second in the running order when Preston Ruh dropped out of the race on lap 10. Two laps later, Larson powered past Pokorski, as the West Bend driver finished third to earn a spot in the 25-lap A main.

Pokorski rolled off 19^th in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car headliner and worked primarily the high line around the multi-groove racing surface in the early going to move into 16^th on lap 5. After the red flag appeared on lap 7 for a flip involving Will Gerrits, Pokorski moved up to 15^th on the restart.

Another red flag was displayed on lap 17 when Ben Schmidt and Brandon McMullen collided in turn three while racing for the lead. Pokorski restarted 12^th and advanced to 10^th following a yellow flag on lap 18 for Justin Miller’s spin.

Pokorski held strong over the final seven laps to secure a 10^th-place finish in a race won by Travis Arenz.

“This car feels different than our own car, so there was a little bit of a learning curve,” Pokorski said. “We also had a couple of little mechanical issues early on that we needed to sort through. All in all, we kept going in the right direction and by feature time, the car was pretty decent. However, the driver was a little rusty!

“I think we did a decent job of tuning it up and getting it going in the right direction for Alex to take over this weekend,” he said.

Alex Pokorski will make his debut in the seat of the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team car for a doubleheader weekend of Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association action beginning Saturday, May 14 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. and wrapping up on Sunday, May 15 at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis.

Saturday, May 14 is police, fire and emergency medical services night at The Plymouth Dirt Track with all police officers, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel gaining free admission with valid identification.

Spectator gates open at 3:30 p.m. with racing scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 14.

On Sunday, May 15, spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with on-track action scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at Angell Park Speedway.

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.

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.

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

2022 Season

By The Numbers

Total Events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 0

Top Five A Main Finishes – 0

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1

Top 15 A Main Finishes – 1

Heat Race Victories – 0

Alex Pokorski

Akright Auto Racing Team

2022 Upcoming Races

Saturday, May 14 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, May 15 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Saturday, May 21 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

May 10, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz, Jim Schmidt, Scholten, Hitsman stand tall in 2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing opener

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls claimed his 11th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 7. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 7, 2022 – With the customary Wisconsin spring evening chill in the air, the 62^nd consecutive season of racing competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. opened with plenty of heated action in all four divisions, during the 2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season opener on Saturday, May 7.

Defending PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls capitalized on a late-race incident between former PDTR 360 Sprint Car champions Ben Schmidt of Plymouth and Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh to earn the 25-lap Kristine Hartmann Pleasantview Realty 360 Sprint Car main event victory.

Jim Schmidt of Cleveland outdueled his son, Justin, to capture the season opening- Sheboygan’s County B93.7 25-lap Late Model A-main.

Luke Scholten of Oostburg rolled to victory in the 25-lap Oostburg Automotive Grand National A main and Jonathan Hitsman of Sheboygan used a late-race pass to secure the 25-lap Next Step Insurance B Mod A-main triumph.

After drawing the pole position, Arenz bolted into the lead on the drop of the green flag of the 25-lap 360 Sprint Car headliner as fourth starter Ben Schmidt ducked into second in the running order.

By lap 4, Arenz had caught the rear of the field on the multi-groove racing surface. On lap 7, the red flag was displayed when Will Gerrits of Waupun flipped in turn one.

On the restart, sixth starter Brandon McMullen made a bold move along the low line to sweep past Schmidt into second in turn two. Four laps later, Arenz found himself bogged down by heavy lapped traffic, which allowed McMullen to close the gap significantly.

On lap 11, Arenz made slight contact with a lapped car along the high groove as McMullen bolted into the lead along the low line exiting turn four. McMullen proceeded to power away from Arenz over the next five laps before Schmidt worked past Arenz to take over second on lap 16 and quickly set his sights on McMullen for the lead.

One lap later, Schmidt made a big run on McMullen along the low line entering turn three. However, contact between the two cars sent Schmidt flipping and resulted in damage to McMullen’s car to bring out the second red flag of the race.

With Schmidt out of the race and McMullen relegated to the pit area to make repairs before restarting the race at the rear of the field, Arenz regained the lead on the ensuing restart. Arenz pulled away on the restart before 2018 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Justin Miller of Plymouth spun in turn three on lap 18 to bring out a yellow flag.

Following the final restart, 2008 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett, who started eighth, and fifth starter Tim Haddy of Waupun waged an epic battle for second in the closing laps.

Fassbender and Haddy, two of the most experienced drivers in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car division, exchanged multiple slide jobs over the final seven circuits before Haddy emerged with the runner-up spot with two laps remaining.

Meanwhile, Arenz shot out to a commanding lead down the stretch en route to his 11^th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car and 23^rd overall Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory.

Haddy finished second, Fassbender was third, Doug Wondra of Oakfield charged from the 14^th starting spot to finish fourth and Waldo’s Chris Clayton placed fifth, after starting 16^th.

Late Model rookie Bill Edler of Howards Grove outdueled polesitter Kevin Baldry of Omro to lead the opening lap of the 25-lap Late Model main event. On lap 2, the lone caution of the race appeared for an incident in turn three.

Jim Schmidt of Cleveland earned his 17th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model A-main triumph at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 7.- JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Jim Schmidt of Cleveland, who started fourth, flexed his muscle on the restart to power around Edler and into the top spot utilizing the high groove of the third-mile clay oval. On lap 6, four-time defending PDTR Late Model champion Justin Schmidt, who started fifth, moved past Baldry and Edler to secure second.

Justin Schmidt ducked low to pressure Jim Schmidt for the lead on lap 7, but was unable to make the pass attempt stick. Five laps later, Jim Schmidt made slight contact with a lapped car, which allowed Justin Schmidt to close the gap significantly.

As Jim Schmidt weaved his way through lapped traffic, Justin Schmidt again ducked low to mount another bid for the lead in turn four on lap 20. However, once again Jim Schmidt successfully fended off his son’ challenge and held on over the final five laps to notch his 17^th career PDTR Late Model A-main victory.

Justin Schmidt had to settle for second, sixth starter Justin Ritchie of New London finished third, Charlie Schmidt of Oostburg finished fourth after starting eighth and Baldry rounded out the top five.

Polesitter Steven Ruh of Elkhart Lake powered into the lead in the Bender Racing 89 car on the drop of the green flag in the 25-lap Grand National A main. On lap 2, fourth starter Luke Scholten used the outside groove to challenge Ruh for the lead.

Ruh and Scholten then proceeded to put on a racing clinic over the next 15 laps as they traded the lead back and forth on multiple occasions in an entertaining side-by-side duel.

Luke Scholten of Oostburg locked down his 16th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 7. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

With Ruh holding strong on the low line, Scholten skillfully worked the high groove to finally gain the top spot for good on lap 16. As Scholten pulled away over the final nine laps, 2019 PDTR Grand National champion Tyler Kulow of Plymouth, who started third, slipped past Ruh to take second on lap 23.

Scholten went on to post his 16^th career PDTR Grand National A-main triumph, Kulow placed second, Ruh wound up third, 2008 PDTR Grand National champ Matt Yancey of Sheboygan placed fourth after starting fifth and Donny Kulow of Elkhart Lake, who started second, placed fifth.

Rory Welch of Grafton grabbed the lead on the opening lap of the 25-lap B Mod A main from the pole. On lap three, third starter Shane Long of Sheboygan Falls moved under Welch to take the lead in turn four.

By lap 13, Long had built up a full straightaway lead over Welch. Four laps later, the lone caution flag of the race appeared when Welch and Gary Glander of Sheboygan Falls collided exiting turn four.

Following the restart, ninth starter Jon Hitsman of Sheboygan powered into second and quickly closed in on Long for the top spot. On lap 21, Hitsman used the high line to pull even with Long. The two drivers dueled side by side over the next two laps, before Hitsman gained the lead in turn two on lap 23.

Jonathan Hitsman of Sheboygan claimed his third career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B mod A-main win at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 7. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Hitsman held on over the final two laps to rack up his third career PDTR B Mod A-main victory. Shane Long placed second, Jonathan Baumann of Sheboygan, who started fourth, placed third, fifth starter Andy Welter of Hartford placed fourth and Spencer Long of Sheboygan Falls finished fifth after starting 10^th.

Tony Wondra of Campbellsport won the 15-lap PDTR 360 Sprint B main.

The first PDTR program of the 2022 season was sponsored by Collins State Bank.

PDTR action featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Grand Nationals and B Mods is scheduled to resume with Fire, Police and Emergency Medical Services Night on Saturday, May 14. All firefighters, police officers and emergency medical services personnel will receive free admission with a valid identification.

Spectator gates open at 3:30 p.m. with hot laps at 4:30 p.m. and racing at 5 p.m.

KRISTINE HARTMANN PLEASANTVIEW REALTY 360 SPRINT CARS

HEAT 1

1, Cole Possi 2, Will Gerrits 3, Ben Schmidt 4, Katelyn Krebsbach 5, Justin Miller 6, Chris Clayton 7, Blake Wondra 8, Tony Wondra 9, Bill Taylor.

HEAT 2

1, Tim Haddy 2, Anthony Knierim 3, Brandon Berth 4, Doug Wondra 5, Spyder Akright 6, Mike Yurmanovich 7, Dylan Winkel (DNS) 8, Tommy Colburn (DNS) 9, Jack Vanderboom (DNS).

HEAT 3

1, Brandon McMullen 2, Justin Erickson 3, Travis Arenz 4, Lance Fassbender 5, Chris Larson 6, Preston Ruh 7, Paul Pokorski 8, J.J. Pagel 9, Tyler Brabant (DNS).

B MAIN

1, Tony Wondra 2, Chris Larson 3, Paul Pokorski 4, Bill Taylor 5, Blake Wondra 6, Tommy Colburn 7, J.J. Pagel 8, Preston Ruh 9, Jack Vanderboom (DNS) 10, Dylan Winkel (DNS) 11, Tyler Brabant (DNS).

A MAIN

1, Travis Arenz 2, Tim Haddy 3, Lance Fassbender 4, Doug Wondra 5, Chris Clayton 6, Justin Erickson 7, Tony Wondra 8, Anthony Knierim 9, Brandon McMullen 10, Paul Pokorski 11, Cole Possi 12, Mike Yurmanovich 13, Blake Wondra 14, Chris Larson 15, Justin Miller 16, Bill Taylor 17, Spyder Akright 18, Tommy Colburn 19, Katelyn Krebsbach 20, Ben Schmidt 21, Brandon Berth 22, Will Gerrits.

SHEBOYGAN’S COUNTRY B93.7 LATE MODELS

HEAT 1

1, Justin Ritchie 2, Joe Bongiorno 3, Bill Edler 4, Randy Manos Jr., 5, Tony Peterson 6, Chad Ludwigson 7, Eric Michaels (DNS).

HEAT 2

1, Jim Schmidt 2, Justin Schmidt 3, Kevin Baldry 4, Sawyer Specht 5, Charlie Schmidt 6, Turk Letizia.

A MAIN

1, Jim Schmidt 2, Justin Schmidt 3, Justin Ritchie 4, Charlie Schmidt 5, Kevin Baldry 6, Joe Bongiorno 7, Turk Letizia 8, Sawyer Specht 9, Bill Edler 10, Randy Manos Jr., 11, Tony Peterson (DNS) 12, Chad Ludwigson (DNS) 13, Eric Michaels (DNS).

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

HEAT

1, Luke Scholten 2, Tyler Kulow 3, Donny Kulow 4, Steven Ruh 5, Matt Yancey 6, Steven Weber.

A MAIN

1, Luke Scholten 2, Tyler Kulow 3, Steven Ruh 4, Matt Yancey 5, Donny Kulow 6, Steven Weber.

NEXT STEP INSURANCE B MODS

HEAT 1

1, Andy Welter 2, Shane Long 3, Brandon Knepprath 4, Rory Welch 5, Patrick Hanson 6, Spencer Long

HEAT 2

1, Jonathon Baumann 2, Gary Glander 3, Jerry Grasse 4, James Rautmann 5, Jonathan Hitsman 6, Michael Strean.

A MAIN

1, Jonathan Hitsman 2, Shane Long 3, Jonathon Baumann 4, Andy Welter 5, Spencer Long 6, Brandon Knepprath 7, Rory Welch 8, Jerry Grasse 9, Gary Glander 10, Patrick Hanson 11, James Rautmann 12, Michael Strean.

May 8, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann posts rock solid 410 debut in IRA opener at Beaver Dam Raceway

Austin Hartmann of Plymouth, Wis. turned in an 18th-place finish in the 30-lap A main in his first race behind the wheel of a 410 Winged Sprint Car, as he kicked off his rookie season with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Saturday, April 23 at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. – Casey Bollig Photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 26, 2022 – Third-year Sprint Car competitor Austin Hartmann successfully launched his first season behind the wheel of a 410 Winged Sprint Car in the 2022 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association (IRA) season opener at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 23.

Utilizing a calm, cool and collected approach in negotiating a lightning fast and tricky track surface, Hartmann brought his Bennett Transport Inc.-sponsored 87A Hartmann Racing machine home to an 18^th-place finish in the first 30-lap A main of his rookie season with the regional touring Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series.

Hartmann, who earned the 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Awards, opened the night by turning in the 22^nd fastest qualifying effort among the 25 drivers signed in for the 2022 IRA season-opening event with a lap of 13.282 seconds.

“We started out the night good in hot laps, as those were my first laps under power with a 410 motor,” Hartmann said. “I learned the speed difference and how it’s going to react. In qualifying, I didn’t intend to, but I burnt my first lap by mess ups. The car handled like I thought it was going to, it just was tricky getting it how I wanted it.”

After lining up eighth in the first eight-lap IRA heat race, Hartmann pulled into the infield on lap 3 with a power steering issue. After retiring from the event, Hartmann was scored with a ninth-place finish.

“In the heat race, I pulled off due to a power steering line that blew off covering the cockpit and myself with fluid,” Hartmann said. “My team went to work and got it fixed up, cleaned up and ready for the A main.”

Later in the evening, Hartmann returned to the ultra-quick, high-banked, undulating third-mile clay oval to roll off 25^th in the 30-lap IRA headliner.

Hartmann stayed smooth and consistent, while steering clear of trouble, as attrition helped the Plymouth, Wisconsin driver move up seven spots throughout the course of the race on the way to an 18^th-place showing in a race won by Scotty Thiel.

“The team and myself really had one goal in mind for the feature and that was to keep it in one piece and finish all the laps, which we did,” Hartmann said. “All in all, I’m very happy with how the night went and getting everyone back on course with what they had to do within the team aspect, as well as getting laps and learning the car.”

With the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series idle, the 87A Hartmann Racing team is planning to compete in a non-IRA points 410 Sprint Car event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wisconsin this Saturday, April 30.

“The 87A Hartmann Racing team is looking forward to running a non-points event at Wilmot this coming weekend,” Hartmann said. “We can’t wait to build off what we previously learned at Beaver Dam. I can’t thank my team and sponsors enough for this amazing opportunity I have been blessed with.”

The 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Hunter Annis, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham, Caitlin Shaw, Jarrett Neese and Kristine Hartmann.

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Bennett Transport Inc.

Based in Manitowoc, Wis., Bennett Transport Inc. provides truck load and LTL service throughout Eastern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois and the Chicagoland area.

For more information on Bennett Transport Inc., call 920-860-0962, email beau@benntransinc.com or check out @Bennett Transport Inc on Facebook.

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

2022 Season

By The Numbers

Total Events – 1

IRA Events – 1

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 – 1

Heat Race Victories – 0

Dash Appearances – 0

Dash Victories – 0

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing

Upcoming 2022 Schedule

Saturday, April 30 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.

Saturday, May 7 – Sycamore Speedway, Maple Park, Ill.

Saturday, May 14 – Dirt Oval at Route 66, Joliet, Ill.

Friday, May 20 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.

Saturday, May 21 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, May 22 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

April 26, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

‘Racing Recollections’ details stories of Plymouth Dirt Track racers, fans

“Racing Recollections – Plymouth Racetrack Fans & Drivers 1950-2021” by George Baumann, Dennis Darovich and Verla Peichl will be on sale on race nights during the 2022 season at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. The book can also be purchased at the Sheboygan County Fair Office and online at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 14, 2022 – The diverse and intriguing collection of strong personalities, memorable characters and dedicated individuals who have played a role in accentuating the sounds, sights, color and excitement of the sport of dirt track racing over the course of the past 70-plus years at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. serve as the centerpiece of the new motorsports book “Racing Recollections – Plymouth Racetrack Fans & Drivers 1950-2021” from Pedal Down Promotions.

After releasing “70 Years of Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Covering the 1950 through 2020 Seasons” in 2021, Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Racing Historian Dennis Darovich of Sheboygan, Wis. and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Historian George Baumann of Waupun, Wis. have teamed up with former Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car reporter Verla Peichl of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. to showcase the drivers, fans, workers, pit crew members, car owners and racing enthusiasts, who have helped to make dirt track racing a beloved summertime pastime at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. for the past 72 years.

Published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis., “Racing Recollections” features 120 pages of profiles and backstories from each decade of The Plymouth Dirt Track’s history, as well as wide selection of nearly 100 color and black and white photos, which bring the side-by-side racing action to life in vivid detail.

“Readers will find interviews from 1997 through 1999 of drivers at Plymouth, along with interviews conducted between 1999 through 2002,” Darovich said. “Also included are responses from officials, drivers and fans to a 2021 questionnaire. While the majority of the focus is on those that competed at and attended races regularly at Plymouth, there is also information from other area tracks, including 141 Speedway, Cedarburg Speedway, Hales Corners Speedway, Slinger Speedway, Wisconsin International Raceway and other tracks in the Milwaukee area. There are also many new and unique recollections from a wide range of fans, race officials and car builders.

“In addition, a special section of this book covers the Sheboygan Speedway and legends specials at Wisconsin International Raceway,” he said. “Many different drivers were included in ‘Racing Recollections,’ such as John Born, John Kraemer, Dave Deicher, Mark Johnson, Bob Brion, Dean Bares, Rick Van Der Vart and Dick White to name a few. Photos were contributed by John Surges of Vintage Modified Stock Car, RC Custom Design, Frank Motorsports, Bob Diener, Tom ‘T.J.’ Ott, Jerry Giebler, Sheri and Marla Nytes and the book contains an alphabetical listing of driver photographs. Bill Mueller also contributed his typing and proofreading talents to the book, along with writing the foreword.”

Just as it did with last year’s “70 Years of Plymouth Dirt Track Racing” book, Plymouth Dirt Track Racing is a strong supporter of the “Racing Recollections” book project with additional backing coming from the family of Tom “T.J.” Ott, Impress Floor Care, Hopf Farms and Doug’s Skip’er Inn.

In addition to being on sale for $15 during 2022 racing events at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis., “Racing Recollections – Plymouth Racetrack Fans & Drivers 1950-2021” is also available in e-book and paperback formats on barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.

“Racing Recollections – Plymouth Racetrack Fans & Drivers 1950-2021” can also be purchased at the Sheboygan County Fair Office, located at 229 Fairview Drive in Plymouth, Wis. Monday through Friday, during regular business hours.

Additional information on Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and the upcoming 2022 PDTR racing season can be found at www.plymouthdtr.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.

April 14, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Tom Kreutz, Team 3K take aim at full 2022 MSA schedule

Tom Kreutz and the Team 3K 360 Sprint Car racing team are seeking to complete a full season of action with the Midwest Sprint Car Association in 2022. – Team 3K photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 12, 2022 – After competing on a limited basis over a portion of past 10 seasons, Tom Kreutz and the members of his Team 3K 360 Sprint Car racing team are setting their sights on completing the full Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association schedule during the upcoming 2022 campaign.

Kreutz turned in a promising 2021 campaign, which featured his first-ever 360 Sprint Car heat race victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on July 1, as Team 3K entered a total of 11 of 27 MSA and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car points races a year ago.

Team 3K heads into the 2022 campaign with plans to contest all 25 scheduled MSA events, starting with the MSA season-opening Jim Wipperfurth Memorial at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 16.

“Our goal is to run the full MSA schedule this year, which would be a first for us,” Kreutz said. “We’ve been competing in the 360 Sprint Car division at The Plymouth Dirt Track and in select MSA events on a very part-time basis since 2012. Last year was our best season so far, as we won our first heat race and had several solid B-main runs.

“We have a brand new motor for the season and have made a few updates to the car that will hopefully help make us a little more consistent,” he said. “We are eager to get the season going.”

As it strives to step up its efforts on the track during its first full MSA campaign, Team 3K has formed additional partnerships with a strong collection of area business supporters in 2022.

“We have a few businesses that have stepped up to help us this year and we want to thank each of them for coming in to help us reach our goal of running a full season,” Kreutz said. “We are still seeking more sponsorship to help keep us on the track and would love to hear from anyone that might be interested in coming on board with us this year.”

Among the 2022 Team 3K sponsors and supporters are Fischer’s Fleet Service, In The Bag, Elegant Rose Photography-Tasha Holst, Steinpreis Trucking LLC, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

Those interesting in supporting Tom Kreutz and Team 3K during the 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association season are encouraged to contact Tom Kreutz at 724-237-1903 or tomkreutz02@gmail.com.

Additional information on Team 3K can be found by visiting the team’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/team3k or by checking out the Team 3K press releases at www.pedaldownpromo.com.

Team 3K Sponsor Showcase – Fischer’s Fleet Service

Located at 2021 North 18^th St. in Sheboygan, Wis, Fischer’s Fleet Service has provided Sheboygan County customers with specialized diesel truck, trailer and heavy equipment repair service under the direction of owners Les and Lou Fischer for the past 27 years.

Les Fischer, a third-generation diesel mechanic who graduated from the NWTC Diesel Mechanic Program in 1982, opened the doors of Fischer’s Fleet Service with his wife, Lou, on March 6, 1995.

As a full-service diesel truck, trailer, and heavy equipment repair facility, Fischer’s Fleet Service is well-equipped to service all makes and models of large and medium duty commercial diesel trucks, as well as heavy equipment, including semi-trucks, trailers, dump trucks, excavating equipment, forklifts, fire trucks, ambulances and much more. The repair shop covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine overhauls and everything in between.

Additionally, Fischer’s has over 20 years of experience selling, installing, servicing, and repairing all makes and models of snow and ice removal equipment.

Fischer’s Fleet is the authorized BOSS dealer in Sheboygan County with a large in-house inventory of snow plow parts, spreader parts and accessories available to a trained staff of technicians for a variety of installation, service and repair procedures.

When downtime is not an option, call Fischer’s Fleet Service at 920-452-4550 or visit www.fischersfleetservice.com.

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

Tom Kreutz Team 3K

2022 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

Tom Kreutz Team 3K

2022 Schedule

Saturday, April 16 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, April 30 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, May 7 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, May 14 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, May 15 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Saturday, May 21 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, May 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, June 4 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, June 11 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, June 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Thursday, June 30 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, July 9 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, July 16 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, July 17 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Saturday, July 23 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, July 30 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, August 6 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, August 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, August 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, August 26 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, August 27 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.

Friday, September 2 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, September 3 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, September 23 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, September 24 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

April 12, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Alex Pokorski set to make Akright Auto Racing Team debut in 2022 MSA opener

Third-year 360 Sprint Car driver Alex Pokorski is poised to kick off his first season with the Akright Auto Racing Team, during the Midwest Sprint Car Association 2022 season opener Saturday, April 16 at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. – Akright Auto Racing Team photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 5, 2022 – The 2021 racing season was one to remember for Pokorski Motorsports as the team’s main driver Paul Pokorski wrapped up his tenure as a regular on-track competitor after 29 consecutive highly successful seasons behind the wheel of the No. 4 machine.

Pokorski, who claimed 46 A-main victories and racked up a total of four track and series championships in Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series competition for Pokorski Motorsports, shared the seat of the team’s No. 4 360 Sprint Car with his son, Alex, during the “original” Pokorski Motorsports team’s final go around in 2021.

For the upcoming 2022 season, it will be Alex Pokorski’s turn to take center stage as the driver of the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team 360 Sprint Car in equipment furnished by Spyder Akright of Akright Auto in Sheboygan Falls, Wis.

Pokorski’s new team is scheduled to hit the track for the first time in the 2022 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association season opener at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. for the annual Jim Wipperfurth Memorial event on Saturday, April 16.

“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to race this car and so many people around me that help to make it possible,” Alex Pokorski said. “Since I’ve never driven the car before, we are hoping to get out to a practice to shake out any bugs that may occur. We will be starting the season off with the MSA opener at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday, April 16. I am currently unsure of how many events we will run. I think the plan is to mainly run Plymouth. We will see about outside shows.

“Some goals I have for the season are to be more consistent and to finish higher in the point standings than we did last year,” he said. “I would like to thank Spyder and Akright Auto for getting me in a car this year. I also am thankful that my parents have helped me to make this possible and for all the work the crew has put in.”

In 29 official Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association events and 27 complete programs in 2021, the Pokorski Motorsports team collected a total of two top-five A-main finishes, seven top-10 A-main showings, one B main victory and three heat race triumphs, while placing 14^th in the final MSA standings and 15^th in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car point standings.

In 18 events a year ago, Alex tallied two top-five A-main finishes, five top-10 A-main showings and three heat race victories during the 2021 campaign, including a career-best fourth-place showing in the final non-point MSA event of the season on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis.

“I would say my highlight for the season last year was the last night finishing fourth at Beaver Dam,” Alex said. “The track at Beaver Dam was a lot of fun to race on and the car felt great.”

Paul capped his 29-year driving career with Pokorski Motorsports by earning two top-10 A-main showings and one B-main victory in 11 events.

While his role will mainly consist of behind-the-scenes support during the 2022 season, Paul says he may have a chance to slip into his driver’s suit a few times this year.

“We are incredibly grateful to Spyder for giving Alex the opportunity to keep racing, since he is doing so well and continuing to improve,” Paul Pokorski said. “Helping Alex should keep me busy, and there may be an opportunity for me to drive a couple of nights this year as well. Our team will still be around as the members of our old Pokorski Motorsports crew will continue to prepare and maintain Alex’s car this year. I’m excited to see where Alex can take it in 2022 and maybe beyond.”

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.

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.

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

2022 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

Alex Pokorski

Akright Auto Racing Team

2022 Upcoming Races

Saturday, April 16 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, April 30 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, May 7 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis

April 5, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann, 87A Hartmann Racing to kick off rookie IRA campaign at 34 Raceway

Austin Hartmann of Plymouth, Wis. is set to kick off his rookie season with the Bumper to Bumper 410 Sprint Car Series at the IRA and Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) co-sanctioned Morning Sun Farm Implement 410 Clash at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) March 29, 2022 – A busy off-season full of planning, anticipation and excitement is about to come to an end for Austin Hartmann and the members of the Plymouth, Wis.-based 87A Hartmann Racing team as they will begin their quest for the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Sage Fruit-Hepfner Race Products Top Apple IRA Rookie of the Year Award this Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2 at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa.

Hartmann, who earned the 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Awards, is eager to begin his rookie 410 Sprint Car campaign at the IRA and Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) co-sanctioned Morning Sun Farm Implement 410 Clash, which is expected to draw a strong field of 410 Sprint Car competitors from throughout the Midwest.

The event will mark Hartmann’s first appearance at the 3/8-mile semi-banked 34 Raceway clay oval, as well as his debut behind the wheel of 410 Winged Sprint Car.

“The 87A team is very excited to get the season started out at 34 Raceway,” Hartmann said. “After months of getting a new trailer set up and toter home ready, along with getting cars ready, we are ready to head down to 34 to start our rookie IRA season. The nerves haven’t quite hit yet, but I’m very excited about getting back behind the wheel and experiencing a 410 Sprint Car.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without everyone that is a part of this team,” he said. “I’d like to say a special thanks to my mom, stepdad, and girlfriend, Caitlin, for their hard work doing the behind-the-scenes work. Also, I would like to thank my crew chief, Hunter, for his hard work getting the cars and trailer ready with me. With the learning curve of a 410, I couldn’t do it without the help of Ozzie Weisner. He’s been there to help with any questions I have and his ability to help with the engine is a big plus for our team.”

During the upcoming 29-race 2022 IRA 410 Sprint Car Series season, the 87A Hartmann Racing team is set to compete at 15 different tracks covering a four-state radius, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and North Dakota.

87A Hartmann Racing will be among the contenders for the 2022 Sage Fruit-Hepfner Race Products Top Apple Rookie of the Year Award, which will award $2,500 courtesy of Sage Fruit and a top and nose wing combo from Hepfner Race Products to the top IRA rookie.

In addition, the 2022 IRA Rookie of Year runner-up will receive the Apple Cup, which includes a $1,250 bonus from Sage Fruit and a Hepfner Race Products nose wing.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team recently added Bennett Transport Inc. to its growing list of supporters for the 2022 season.

“I am excited to welcome on board another great sponsor, Bennett Transport Inc. of Manitowoc, Wisconsin,” Hartmann said. “We are very excited about this partnership and can’t wait to see where it takes us.”

The 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Hunter Annis, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham, Caitlin Shaw, Jarrett Neese and Kristine Hartmann.

“I have to thank all of the partners, sponsors, supporters and pit crew members that have stepped up to make it possible for us to race with the IRA full time in 2022,” Hartmann said. “A lot goes into putting together a 410 Sprint Car team and running an entire season with a highly competitive series like the IRA. I am greatly appreciative of everyone that stands behind us.”

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Shufflebotham Tree Service

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

Contact Andrew Shufflebotham and his highly-skilled team for your next tree trimming, removal or clean-up project by calling 920-627-3849 or checking out the Shufflebotham Tree Service Facebook page – https://www.Facebook.com/Shufflebotham-Tree-Service-610730955677101.

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

2022 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

Dash Appearances – 0

Dash Victories – 0

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing

Upcoming 2022 Schedule

Friday, April 1 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa

Saturday, April 2 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa

Saturday, April 23 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis.

March 29, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Rogler adds to Madea’s Fate trilogy with ‘Witch’s Valley’

Bob Rogler of School Hill, Wis. has released the second book of the Madea’s Fate trilogy, “Witch’s Valley Book Two-Madea’s Fate,” which is the follow up to his debut medieval fantasy adventure novel “Heart of Light Book One-Madea’s Fate,” which was released in 2020.

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) February 20, 2022 – After introducing a intriguing cast of characters entrenched in a battle of good and evil within the medieval fantasy world of the Northend in his debut novel “Heart of Light Book One-Madea’s Fate,” Bob Rogler returns with another collection of adventures in his highly anticipated new book “Witch’s Valley Book Two-Madea’s Fate.”

Published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis, Rogler’s third novel and second entry in the Madea’s Fate trilogy further expands on the complicated and compelling family themes found in “Heart of Light,” while advancing the boundaries of the fantasy adventure genre.

“‘Witch’s Valley’ picks up where ‘Heart of Light’ leaves off,” Rogler said. “The reader will discover that time does not stand still in the Northrend. Madea has recovered by the grace of the dryads and the Heart of Light, but she must now face the disturbing visions her gift of foresight reveals.

“An unfortunate chain of events was set into motion when Keren and Jolly had an altercation with a handful of trespassers,” he said. “Blood and bitterness ignite the fires of revenge. Unknown to them, the hobgoblyn Gholi, chief of the Rhette-Du, struggles to uncover the fabled goblyn city of Balitte-Ungress lost for a thousand years and what he believes to be the future of his kin. It is only winter, which holds back conflict and inevitability, yet the seasons cannot be halted.”

Rogler says “Witch’s Valley” will include many of the same elements of “Heart of Light,” with a new set of fantasy, adventure themes, twists and turns awaiting readers.

“The cast remains the same, even though there was the loss of both heroes and villains,” Rogler said. “In the Northrend, there are always those who seek dominion over others. The reach of the brotherhood is ever growing.”

Bob Rogler’s third medieval fantasy adventure novel “Witch’s Valley Book Two-Madea’s Fate” is now available for purchase at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com or directly from Rogler at rogler50@yahoo.com.

With his daughter, Gabrielle, serving as the main inspiration for the story’s main character, Rogler wrote “Heart of Light Book One-Madea’s Fate” and now “Witch’s Valley Book Two-Madea’s Fate” with youthful readers in mind.

“The Madea’s Fate trilogy is written for young adults,” Rogler said. “It is set in a medieval world of fantasy, which will appeal to anyone who enjoys magic and adventure. ‘Shadows of Fate Book Three-Madea’s Fate’ will conclude the trilogy and will be available later in 2022.”

Rogler, who is the head custodian at Manitowoc Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, Wis. and a resident of School Hill, Wis. where he lives with his wife, Jennifer, son, Logan, and daughter, Gabrielle, released the adult fantasy novel “Rendered Soul” in 2020.

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

“You can follow me on Facebook on the Heart of Light page,” Rogler said. “Also, readers should watch for an upcoming blog and webpage.”

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

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.

February 20, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann, 87A Hartmann Racing poised to take on full 2022 IRA schedule

2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Austin Hartmann of Plymouth, Wis. is intending to contest the entire 2022 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series schedule and compete for the series’ Sage Fruit-Hepfner Racing Products Top Apple Rookie of the Year Award during the upcoming season. – RC Custom Design graphic

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) February 19, 2022 – After testing the waters in the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series to close out the 2021 season, driver Austin Hartmann and the Plymouth, Wis.-based 87A Hartmann Racing team are gearing up to contest the full 29-race IRA schedule and compete for the series’ Sage Fruit-Hepfner Race Products Top Apple IRA Rookie of the Year Award during the upcoming 2022 campaign.

Hartmann began his Sprint Car racing career in impressive fashion by earning the 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Awards.

Late in the 2021 season, the Plymouth, Wis. driver pivoted his attention from the 360 Sprint Car to the 410 Sprint Car ranks by entering five IRA events during the months of August and September, during which Hartmann qualified for a pair of IRA A-main events at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Sept. 18 and The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Sept. 25, recording 23^rd and 22^nd place finishes respectively.

In his third season behind the wheel of a Sprint Car, Hartmann is ready to face off against many of the top 410 Sprint Car competitors in the Midwest as a regular competitor on the 2022 IRA tour, which will see his 87A Hartmann Racing team compete at 15 different tracks covering a four-state radius, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and North Dakota.

“Originally, we were going to only run six to eight IRA shows this year and prepare to go full time with the series in 2023,” Hartmann said. “The more we thought about it, we came to the decision that running the full IRA tour made sense for us this year. The opportunity was there to do it, and we are really looking forward to getting the season started and running for rookie of the year with the IRA.”

Hartmann and his 87A Hartmann Racing team will begin the 2022 IRA season with a pair of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association versus Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) 410 Sprint Car Series Clash events at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2.

“As a team, we are very excited about going to a bunch of new tracks and getting out and doing some traveling this year,” Hartmann said. “It is something I’ve always wanted to do and the crew feels the same way. We updated our trailer and motorhome in the off-season and we are all eager to hit the road.”

In addition, the 2022 IRA Rookie of Year runner-up will receive the Apple Cup, which includes a $1,250 bonus from Sage Fruit and a Hepfner Race Products nose wing.

The Hartmann 87A Racing team has assembled a strong group of partners in support of the team’s maiden voyage with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Series, including Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Call Girls Motorsports, Pallet Works LLC, AF Inc., SCA Inc., Gretchen Tillman New American Funding, Classic Title Services, CP Services, Cobblestone Landscaping, Jensen Sales & Services, Lee’s Color Studio, Dave’s Fabrication, RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Pit Road Apparel, the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series and Sage Fruit.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Hunter Annis, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham, Caitlin Shaw, Jarrett Neese and Kristine Hartmann.

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

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

2022 Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series

Schedule

Friday, April 1 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa

Saturday, April 2 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa

Saturday, April 23 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, May 7 – Sycamore Speedway, Maple Park, Ill.

Saturday, May 14 – Dirt Oval at Route 66, Joliet, Ill.

Friday, May 20 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.

Saturday, May 21 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, May 22 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Saturday, May 28 – Rice Lake Speedway, Rice Lake, Wis.

Sunday, May 29 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis.

Saturday, June 4 – Wilmot Speedway, Wilmot, Wis.

Saturday, June 11 – Fairbury Speedway, Fairbury, Ill.

Sunday, June 12 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Thursday, June 30 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, July 15 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Saturday, July 16 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Friday, July 22 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, July 23 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.

Friday, July 29 – Langlade County Speedway, Antigo, Wis.

Saturday, July 30 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, Aug. 20 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.

Sunday, Aug. 21 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Friday, Sept. 2 – Dodge County Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, Sept. 3 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, Sept. 4 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis.

Saturday, Sept. 10 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis.

Saturday, Sept. 17 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Friday, Sept. 23 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, Sept. 24 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

February 19, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Schmalz releases first children’s book ‘What Is School?”

Lynn Schmalz of Appleton, Wis. has released her first children’s book “What Is School?”

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 22, 2021 – After accumulating a wide variety of experiences as a lifelong learner in her roles a school paraprofessional, nurse, mother and babysitter, Lynn Schmalz of Appleton, Wis. has captured her observations, ideas and lessons related to acceptance, open-minded learning and a diverse educational approach in her debut children’s book “What Is School?”

Published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis., Schmalz’s debut book features 26 pages of encouraging words and thoughtful, full-color illustrations that will easily appeal to children, as well as adults sharing in their child’s reading journey.

A native of Kaukauna, Wis, Schmalz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and is presently employed as a paraprofessional in the Kimberly Area School District.

Schmalz initially got the idea to write and illustrate “What Is School?” after receiving inspiration from another book about school.

“After reading Dr. Ross Greene’s book, ‘Lost At School,’ I was convinced that my way of thinking could be improved,” Schmalz said. “I was compelled to share what I have learned with others by writing this book.”

The theme that resonates throughout “What Is School?” is how open and accepting communication is key among students, staff, parents and community members in forging a successful school learning environment.

“I believe that life is enhanced when we actively take responsibility for our learning through collaboration and communication with others,” Schmalz said. “As a result, we will learn successful strategies to solve problems. The process is worth the effort.

“The main theme of the book is that lifelong learners continue to improve and grow,” she said. “When the going gets tough…collaborate, communicate and celebrate the journey.”

Schmalz hopes “What Is School?” proves to be both enjoyable and usable for young readers.

“I believe that a book like mine would be helpful to all who wish to improve because we can always learn if we are open to it,” Schmalz said.

Lynn Schmalz, a former nurse and current paraprofessional with the Kimberly School District in Kimberly, Wis., has published her first book through Pedal Down Promotions titled “What Is School?”

Schmalz also intends to schedule some community and school events to help launch “What Is School?”

“I would like to do some public events to help share the book with the community,” Schmalz said. “I will look into any library author events and maybe a school event as well.”

“What Is School?” is now available for purchase for $10 at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or by contacting Schmalz directly at lynnschmalz@sbcglobal.net.

For more information on Lynn Schmalz and her “What Is School?” children’s book, contact Pedal Down Promotions via email at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, by phone at 920-323-7970 or by visiting www.pedaldownpromo.com.

November 22, 2021 / by Jeff Pederson

‘Original’ Pokorski Motorsports team reflects on successful final season with promise for the future

Alex Pokorski collected three heat race victories and two top-five A-main showings during his second year of 360 Sprint Car competition with the Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Cars during the recent 2021 season. – C-Marq Photography

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 19, 2021 – The 2021 racing season marked the final go-around for the “original” version of the Pokorski Motorsports team, which was headed up for 29 consecutive seasons by driver Paul Pokorski and his wife, Lynn, since its inception as an Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified team in 1993.

Pokorski, who claimed 46 A-main victories and racked up a total of four track and series championships in Winged Super Modified and MSA 360 Sprint Car Series competition for Pokorski Motorsports, also brought his 29-season run as a regular driver to a close during his second consecutive season sharing the seat of the No. 4 360 Sprint Car with his son, Alex.

In 29 official MSA events and 27 complete programs, the Pokorski Motorsports team collected a total of two top-five A-main finishes, seven top-10 A-main showings, one B main victory and three heat race triumphs, while placing 14^th in the final MSA standings and 15^th in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car point standings.

Paul opened the 2021 MSA season in the seat of the Pokorski Motorsports car at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 17. The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion was running in the top 10 in the A main when a fuel shut off valve issue forced him to retire from the race and relegated him to a 20^th-place showing.

One week later, Paul came home 15^th in an MSA A main contested in arctic 30-degree weather at Gravity Park Speedway in Chilton, Wis. on Saturday, April 24. Paul was running in the top-five of the 2021 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 1 when a smoking motor linked to a magneto issue forced him out of the race with a 22^nd-place finish.

The Pokorski Motorsports team then earned its first top-10 A-main showing of the 2021 season when Paul steered the No. 4 car to a 10^th-place finish at Beaver Dam Raceway on Friday, May 7.

Paul Pokorski (4) ended his 29-year tenure as a driver for the “original” Pokorski Motorsports team earning two top-10 A-main showings in 11 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car events during the 2021 season. – RC Custom Design photo

One night later, Alex made his 2021 debut, which ended with an eighth-place finish in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 8.

On Saturday, May 15, Alex and Paul competed on the same night for what proved to be the only time during the 2021 season with Alex in the seat of the Pokorski Motorsports car and Paul behind the wheel of Spyder Akright’s 53A Akright Auto machine at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

Alex’s night ended with a seventh-place finish in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main contested on a lightning-fast track surface. Paul brought the Akright Auto car home 15^th in the A main before disaster struck shortly after the checkered flag fell.

Seconds after taking the checkered flag, Paul had to take drastic measures to avoid a rapidly slowing car, which resulted in him making heavy impact with the turn one wall and flipping the 53A car. Paul was able to emerge from the severely damaged car under his own power. However, the Akright Auto car, which Paul had planned to drive several more times during the 2021 campaign, proved to be a total loss and remained on the sidelines for the rest of the year.

On Saturday, May 22, Alex wound up ninth in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main at The Plymouth Dirt Track. Alex was on hand for an MSA event at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, May 23. However, rain forced the A main to be cancelled.

Alex advanced to his first A main of the season on Saturday, May 29 at The Plymouth Dirt Track as he came home with a 19^th-place main event finish.

One week later, Alex posted his career-best A-main showing after delivering a 16^th-place showing in the main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, June 5 held in conjunction with the annual appearance of the national touring FloRacing All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Car Series.

On Saturday, June 12, Alex wound up fifth in the second PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

Paul was back behind the wheel of the Pokorski Motorsports car for the annual Hagar Nelson Memorial event at Outagamie Speedway Powered by EWSC Racing in Seymour, Wis. on Friday, June 18. Paul was running in the top 15 in the A main when a smoking engine due to a valve cover gasket failure forced him out of the race en route to a 23^rd-place finish.

Alex got on track in a big way on Saturday, June 19 has he advanced 10 spots in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main to advance from his 21^st starting spot to a career-best 11^th-place finish at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

Paul steered the No. 4 car to a 17^th-place finish in a special PDTR 360 Sprint Car event on Friday, June 25 at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

Alex again turned in an impressive performance during a special event at The Plymouth Dirt Track held in conjunction with the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series weekend at nearby Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. on Thursday, July 1. After starting 22^nd in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main, Alex stormed up 11 spots to notch his second straight 11^th-place main event showing.

On Saturday, July 10, Alex earned his first career heat race victory and a 20^th-place finish in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

Alex tallied a 16^th-place A-main showing in PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main action at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 17. One week later, during the Dave Deicher Tribute Night event at The Plymouth Dirt Track, Alex turned in his first career top-10 A-main showing by notching a career-best ninth place finish in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car headliner on Saturday, July 24.

After starting on the pole of the PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main on July 31, Alex lead the 17 laps of the 25-lap headliner before finishing a career-best fifth to record his first career top-five A-main showing. One night later, Alex returned to Angell Park Speedway where he turned in a strong eighth-place A-main finish on Sunday, Aug. 1.

On Saturday, Aug. 14, Alex came home 19^th in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track. Alex’s first appearance of the 2021 season at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday, Aug. 28 proved to be a rough one as a flip on the opening lap of his heat race forced the team to scratch for the remainder of the program.

Paul was back in the driver’s seat for the annual Sheboygan County Fair race at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Sept. 4, during which he recorded a 12^th-place A-main showing.

A mysterious rear-end gear issue hampered Paul throughout the night in PDTR 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Sept. 11 as his night ended with an 11^th-place finish in the B main.

Alex was back behind the wheel at Gravity Park Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 18 where he posted a sixth-place A-main finish on a rubbered-up track surface.

Paul capped the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season with a 14^th-place finish in A-main action on Saturday, Sept. 25 in the final regular points race of the 2021 PDTR and MSA seasons.

Paul closed out his 29-season tenure with the “original” Pokorski Motorsports team by notching a season-best eighth-place showing in a non-points MSA A-main at Beaver Dam Raceway on Friday, Oct. 1.

Alex wrapped up the 2021 season with a career-best fourth-place A-main finish in the final race for the “original” Pokorski Motorsports team at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday, Oct. 2.

In 18 events, Alex tallied two top-five A-main finishes, five top-10 A-main showings and three heat race victories during the 2021 campaign.

“I would say my highlight for the season was the last night finishing fourth at Beaver Dam,” Alex said. “The track at Beaver Dam was a lot of fun to race on and the car felt great.

“If I could have one night back, it would be when I led the first 17 laps of the feature at Plymouth,” he said. “I wish I would’ve been more aggressive with lapped traffic. I think our finishes improved during the course of the season due to me learning to be more consistent with my driving, as well as our set ups getting better. I have to thank my parents for getting me into the car so frequently this season and trusting in my abilities. Our crew and the sponsors were all great. We can’t do it without them and they make race nights more fun. Racing is a big family event for us and I’ve really enjoyed all the support from them and my girlfriend. I think our fan base also grew a bit this year and I enjoyed forming some new relationships with them.”

Paul capped his 29-year driving career with Pokorski Motorsports by earning two top-10 A-main showings and one B-main victory in 11 events.

With the 2022 season just around the corner, Alex and Paul and the rest of the Pokorski Motorsports crew has been hard at work preparing for a new venture with Spyder Akright’s Akright Auto 360 Sprint Car racing team for the 2022 season.

“We are selling part of our equipment to a young man who has never raced anything before, so I plan to try to help him and his father, offering as much help as they want from me to help them along,” Paul said. “Alex has been given a one-year deal to drive for Spyder Akright and Akright Auto for about 75 percent of the MSA races, mostly at Plymouth.

“We [Pokorski Motorsports] will be housing that car, freshening it over the winter and doing the week-to-week maintenance during the season,” he said. “We are incredibly grateful to Spyder for giving Alex the opportunity to keep racing, since he is doing so well and continuing to improve. Those two things should keep me busy, and there may be an opportunity for me to drive a couple of nights next year as well. We will see how much time and energy I have left. Our team will still be around. It will just look pretty different. It was a good last year for ‘the original Pokorski Motorsports.’ I’m excited to see where Alex can take it in 2022 and maybe beyond.”

Alex is also thankful for the opportunity to continue his Sprint Car racing career under the Akright Auto banner in 2022.

“Pokorski Motorsports has been an awesome program that we have shared with family and friends,” Alex said. “I’ve really enjoyed being a part of it. Hopefully, this is just a break and I can start it back up in a few years once I’m out of college.

“Next year I am happy to be partnering up with Spyder [Steve] Akright and the Akright Auto team,” he said. “Our plan is to have two cars. Spyder will run one car and I will run the other. We won’t run every show, but we will try to race as many nights as we can. I would like to thank him for the opportunity and I’m excited to see what we can do next season.”

Sponsors and supporters for the 2021 Pokorski Motorsports team are Petersen Septic Systems, Quest Engineering Inc., Goeden Auto Body, Goodwin Racing Engines, Hopf Farms, Kettle Moraine Landscaping, Novak’s Service Center, Tisler Salvage Inc., Allied Bearing Corporation, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

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

2021 Pokorski Motorsports

Final Statistics

Total Events – 29

MSA events – 29

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 7

Heat Race Victories – 3

Final MSA Points Finish – 14^th

Final PDTR 360 Sprint Car Points Finish – 15^th

November 19, 2021 / by Jeff Pederson

Midwest Sprint Car Association honors champion Arenz, standout achievements at 2021 banquet

Travis Arenz (middle) of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. and the members of his pit crew celebrated the team’s first Midwest Sprint Car Association championship, during the 2021 MSA Awards Banquet held Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Village at 170 in Kohler, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 13, 2021 – After negotiating an unusual, COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, it was back to business as usual for the Akright Auto Parts of Sheboygan Falls Midwest Sprint Car Association as its drivers and teams completed a full 2021 campaign, which drew to an official conclusion with the 23^rd annual MSA Awards Banquet held Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Village at 170 in Kohler, Wis.

A total of 149 MSA supporters gathered to honor first-time MSA champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, along with 18 other point fund-eligible drivers, who competed in at least 85 percent of the 27 points races that comprised the 2021 schedule.

MSA President Sheila Leamer opened the evening’s festivities by providing her reflections on the 2021 MSA season.

“After the shortened season we encountered in 2020 due to COVID-19, I was not sure what to expect in 2021,” Leamer said. “We came into the season with 33 scheduled points races and we wound up losing six to weather to end up with 27 points races. We added two non-points races at the end of the season at Beaver Dam Raceway to bring our total number of the scheduled race nights to 35 for the 2021 season.

“We had 19 drivers compete in 85 percent of the races to earn eligibility for the point fund,” she said. “We also had 11 drivers compete in 100 percent of our 2021 races. We averaged 29 cars per night with a high of 37 cars on May 29^th. We had car counts of 30 more in 15 events this season. A total of 10 different drivers earned A-main victories and also as a series, we completed 1,920 green flag laps during the 2021 season. I would like to thank all of the drivers, car owners and crews for their support this year.”

After sharing her memories of longtime MSA flag man Dave Deicher, who passed away in May, Leamer also spoke about the strong support MSA received throughout the 2021 from those behind the scenes.

Katelyn Krebsbach (left) of Cascade, Wis. earned the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Rookie of the Year Award at the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet held Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Village at 170 in Kohler, Wis. Also pictured is Kristine Hartmann of Kristine Hartmann Pleasantview Realty. – RC Custom Design photo

“We are proud to have one of the strongest Sprint Car groups in the nation thanks to the support of so many people,” Leamer said. “I would like to thank all of the fans for their support, along with the MSA sponsors, board members and safety team. Our 2022 schedule is beginning to take shape as we have started the process of contacting tracks. I would like to congratulate all of the drivers for a season well done. I am looking forward to an awesome 2022 season.”

Leamer announced that the 2022 MSA Board of Directors will remain intact with Sheila Leamer serving as president, Kurt Davis as vice president, along with board members Dan Mayer, Dan Teunissen, Todd Wondra, Tony Wondra and Scott Bader.

MSA Announcer George Baumman, who served as the master of ceremonies during the program, provided some perspective on the evolution of Winged 360 Sprint Car Racing in Southeastern Wisconsin.

“Back in 1995, Gary Schlafer, the owner of Beaver Dam Raceway, came up with the idea for a weekly 360 Sprint Car class,” Baumann said. “He is the reason this class happened in the first place. The first 360 Sprint Car race took place on April 17, 1996 at Beaver Dam Raceway. Dean Erfurth won that very first A main and the first season of 360 Sprint Car racing included a total of 14 nights, including 12 points shows.

“The MSA was formed three years later in 1999 and K.J. Skelton won the first MSA-sanctioned A main, which was held at the Dodge County Fairgrounds,” he said. “The MSA has come a long way since then thanks to the support of many people past and present.”

Baumann then distributed Supporting Company Awards to 2021 MSA Series sponsor Akright Auto, along with R&H Racing Equipment and Mayer Automotive.

Jack Vanderboom of Dousman, Wis. was recognized with the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Most Improved Driver Award at the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet held Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Village at 170 in Kohler, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

The 11 drivers competing in all 27 MSA races in 2021 were recognized with 100 Percent Attendance Awards, including Travis Arenz (first), Ben Schmidt (second), Lance Fassbender (third), Justin Miller (fourth), Will Gerrits (fifth), Tim Haddy (sixth), Adam Miller (ninth), Bill Taylor (12th), Tyler Brabant (13th), Pokorski Motorsports-Alex and Paul Pokorski (14th) and Katelyn Krebsbach (20th).

Also honored were the eight MSA drivers earning 85 percent participation during the 2021 campaign, including Kurt Davis (seventh, 24 races), Justin Erickson (10^th, 25 races), Jack Vanderboom (11^th, 25 races), Tony Wondra (15^th, 25 races), Tyler Tischendorf (16^th, 25 races), Matt Rechek (17^th, 24 races), Blake Wondra (18^th, 25 races) and Preston Ruh (22^nd, 23 races).

MSA Competition Driver Scott Bader acknowledge the efforts of 2021 series staff, including officials Fred DeBlaey, John Metzger, Sheila Leamer, Angela Dulmes, Donna Bader, Lee Glomski, Dan Teunissen, Jerry Priesgen, 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 2021 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., Outagamie Speedway Powered by EWSC Racing in Seymour, Wis., Gravity Park Speedway in Chilton, Wis. and Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis.

The first of seven special awards went to Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade, who claimed the 2021 MSA Rookie of the Year Award on the strength of a 20^th-place finish in the point standings, which included one top-10 A-main finish.

“I would like to thank all of the drivers in the MSA,” Krebsbach said. “It has been great group of drivers to race with and they’ve all taught me a lot. I would like to thank my mom and dad for the opportunity to race and the crew and sponsors for helping to make it happen.”

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. was honored as the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Hard Charger Award winner at the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet held Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Village at 170 in Kohler, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

The Most Improved Driver Award went to Jack Vanderboom, who finished 11^th in the MSA point standings, while earning one A-main victory, three top-five and 13 top-10 A-main finishes to go along with five heat race victories in 25 MSA points events. Vanderboom also claimed a non-points MSA A-main victory at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday, Oct. 2.

“We gained a lot of speed toward the end of the year,” Vanderboom said. “Hopefully, we can continue to build on that for next year. Overall, it has been a very good year for us with a lot of good competition.”

Lance Fassbender claimed the Best Appearing Car and Crew Award for a throwback car design in honor of his late father Fuzzy Fassbender. The Hard Luck Award went to Tyler Brabant of Waupun and the Hard Charger Award was claimed by Travis Arenz, who passed the most cars during the 2021 MSA season.

Beth Meyer of BMG Designs presented the Harry Neitzel MSA Mechanic of the Year Award to Rick Vanderboom and Rick Keller of the Jack Vanderboom-Fast Jack Racing team.

“This award took me totally by surprise,” Rick Vanderboom said. “We have been learning a lot as we have gone along. We are three years into this now and without Rick Lemanski and Scotty Neitzel of R&H Racing Equipment, we wouldn’t be where we are now. We put a lot of work into this.”

“It was an interesting season,” Keller said. “I started racing with Jack when he was 10 years ago. He has grown quite a bit since then. I can’t thank Rick and Scotty at R&H enough for all they do to help us. I have to thank everyone with he MSA too. They are a fun bunch of people to race with.”

Lance Fassbender of Burnett,, Wis. was the recipient of the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Best Appearing Car/Crew Award at the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet held Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Village at 170 in Kohler, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

The final award recipient to take to the podium was 2021 MSA champion Travis Arenz.

Arenz turned in a dominating 2021 season by posting 10 A-main victories, 20 top-five and 24 top-10 A-main showings and eight heat race wins in 27 MSA points events en route to his first MSA title by a 144-point margin over runner-up Ben Schmidt of Plymouth. Arenz also won a non-points MSA A-main event at Beaver Dam Raceway on Friday, Oct. 1 to tallying a total of 11 A-main triumphs during the 2021 season.

In just four full seasons of MSA 360 Sprint Car competition, Arenz has amassed 22 A-main victories to stand in a tie for sixth on the all-time main event victory list with Donny Goeden of Kewaskum.

“Our four years of racing 360 Sprint Cars has been very eventful,” Arenz said. “Many hours of work went into this effort and it is a great accomplishment for us to win a title with the MSA organization. This accomplishment was definitely not done alone as so many people have contributed to this.

“I want to thank all of the crew members, sponsors, supporters, friends, family and fans that contributed,” he said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this without all of you. It is a dream come true to be racing a Sprint Car and now to become a champion with the MSA.”

MSA 2021 Banquet trophy and award sponsors included Cupcake Wonders, Krebsbach Construction, Bluemound Express, Mayer Automotive, Don and Lynn Kiel, TNT Motorsports, Randy and Sheila Leamer, Pedal Down Promotions, Butch and Janet Hafemann, BMG Designs, Mark’s Tree Service, RC Custom Design, Kristine Hartmann-Pleasantview Realty and Back 40 Synthetics.

Rick Keller (left), Jack Vanderboom (middle) and Rick Vanderboom (right) of Jack Vanderboom-Fast Jack Racing claimed the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Harry Neitzel Mechanic of the Year Award at the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet held Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Village at 170 in Kohler, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

MSA 2021 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.

Tyler Brabant of Waupun, Wis. picked up the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Hard Luck Award at the 2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet held Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Village at 170 in Kohler, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

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

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

November 15, 2021 / by Jeff Pederson

After 17 seasons, Josh Walter-Torque Racing Sprint Car team rides into sunset

Members of the Torque Racing team took advantage of an opportunity to participate in the Fourth of July parade in Elkhart Lake, Wis. in 2019. – Torque Racing photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 12, 2021 – A passion-fueled endeavor that started in 2005 as a dream to race a Sprint Car, which later propelled Josh Walter and his Torque Racing team to the heights of the sport at tracks throughout the state of Wisconsin and beyond, has drawn to a bittersweet conclusion for the tight-knit, hard-working collection of Plymouth, Wis.-based Sprint Car racing enthusiasts.

On the heels of one of the team’s best seasons of 410 Sprint Car competition to date, during which Walter posted five top-10 A-main showings and one top-five main event finish in 12 events, Walter has made the decision to discontinue the racing team that he originally formed with his wife, Stephanie, and several friends in 2005.

“It is definitely sad for us to close down the racing team,” Walter said. “It came down to the fact that we don’t have the time needed to devote to it as a team at this point. I thought we were getting to be pretty fast with the 410, so it is unfortunate to have to end it.”

Despite running a very limited schedule of mainly Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events during the 2021 campaign, Walter and the Torque Racing team made the most of their few opportunities to hit the track.

Walter kicked off the 2021 season in IRA action at Wilmot Speedway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 1. He was among 28 IRA 410 Sprint Car drivers to register for the evening’s event on the tight and tricky third-mile clay oval located in the far southern part of Wisconsin on the Kenosha County Fairgrounds.

The Plymouth drive rolled off from the 14^th starting spot in the 30-lap A main event and methodically worked his way up through the field to break into the top-10 and find himself running seventh in the closing stages of the race. After a late caution bunched the field, Walter fell back several spots to finish 12^th.

The following weekend saw Walter and the Torque Racing team venture to the western portion of Wisconsin for an IRA event at the famed Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis.

After qualifying 11^thand placing third in his heat race, Walter started 11^th in the 30-lap main event and endured a slew of caution flags to place 13^th.

The highlight of the 2021 campaign came on Saturday, May 22 when Walter equaled his career-best IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A-main finish at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis.

Josh Walter (12W) is pictured dueling with fellow Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series competitor Dave Uttech (68) during the 2021 season-ending Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 25. – RC Custom Design photo

Walter opened the evening by qualifying 12^th before earning his first IRA heat race victory of the season and placing third in the second IRA dash to roll off sixth in the 30-lap main event. Walter ran inside the top-five throughout the majority of the race and as high as third at one point en route to an IRA career-best fourth-place A-main finish.

A home-track appearance at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. saw Walter compete in a FloRacing All Star Circuit of Champions Presented by Mobil 1 and Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event on Saturday, June 5.

Walter’s up-and-down night against many of the top Sprint Car drivers in the nation ended with an eighth-place finish in the B main.

The next event for the team saw Walter compete with the top Winged Sprint Car touring series in the world for the sixth time in his six-season 410 Sprint Car racing career as the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series made its annual stop at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, June 19.

After placing fifth in his heat race to earn his second World of Outlaws A-main start, Walter came home 22^nd in the 40-lap main event.

One of Josh Walter’s biggest victories in the seat of the 12W Torque Racing Sprint Car came in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car action on July 13, 2019 when he captured the 30-lap Remembering Randy Tracy Mid-Season Championship A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

The team then returned home on Thursday, July 1 for a special $5,000-to-win IRA event held in conjunction with the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series weekend at nearby Road America.

After starting 12^th in the 30-lap main event, Walter advanced into the top five in the late going before coming home with a sixth-place showing, which is his best career main event finish in 410 Sprint Car competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

The team’s first IRA doubleheader weekend of action took place on Friday, July 23 at Outagamie Speedway Powered by EWSC Racing in Seymour, Wis. followed by another IRA event at Beaver Dam Raceway on July 24.

Walter’s night ended early at Outagamie Speedway after contact while running seventh in the 30-lap A main forced him to retire from the race.

After some quick overnight work, Walter was back in action the following night at Beaver Dam Raceway where he came home with a solid 11^th-place A-main showing after hovering in and around the top-10 throughout the race.

Walter racked up another top-10 showing in IRA action at the Langlade County Speedway in Antigo, Wis. on Friday, July 30 as he came home seventh in the 20-lap A main on the huge, lightning-fast 3/5^th-mile clay oval.

Walter then capped another IRA doubleheader weekend with another strong showing in the 25^th annual Frank Filskov Memorial at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 31.

Josh Walter is pictured in his first full season behind the wheel of a 360 Sprint Car during the 2006 season at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

Walter qualified ninth in the 22-car field with a lap of 11.582 seconds around the third-mile clay oval and led every lap of the first IRA dash to start on the pole of the 30-lap main event. Walter paced the first eight laps of the A main before coming home with a solid ninth-place finish.

After taking the month of August off from competition, the team’s season hit a snag in the annual IRA event held during the Sheboygan County Fair at the Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Sept. 4 as a broken rocker arm ended Walter’s night early in heat race action.

The rocker arm issue forced the team to miss several events during the month of September before it finally returned to action one last time at The Plymouth Dirt Track for the 2021 IRA season finale as part of the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships on Saturday, Sept. 25.

The Torque Racing team closed out its 17-season run by recording a ninth-place finish in the 30-lap IRA headliner.

In all, Walter and the Torque Racing team capped the 2021 season with one top-five A-main finish, five top-10 A-main showings, two heat race wins, four IRA dash appearances and one IRA dash victory in 12 races, including 11 IRA events, on the way to a 17^th-place finish in the final IRA point standings.

Even though the Torque Racing team’s run may be coming to an end, Walter still has the will and desire to compete and would welcome a chance to continue his career behind the wheel of a race car.

“I’d be more than happy with a full or part-time opportunity to drive in any type of race car,” Walter said. “I’m always looking for a new experience and opportunity. I’d love to get back in a 410 or 360 Sprint Car and would love to get an opportunity in a Midget.”

During his highly successful 12-season Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car career, Walter collected six A-main victories, including a career-best third-place finish in the 2018 MSA point standings, along with a third-place showing in the 2014 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car points race.

One of the standout memories of Walter’s 410 Sprint Car career was the team’s entry in the Knoxville Nationals at the famed Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa in 2017.

Josh Walter can be reached by email at sprint.racer12w@gmail.com or via the Torque Racing Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TorqueRacing12w.

The members of Walter’s Torque Racing team are Stephanie Walter (car owner), Tiffany Vorpagel (team manager), Chad DeKarske (crew chief), Justin Vorpagel (car chief) and mechanics Andy Rieth, Noah Koepke and Scott Allmann.

The Torque Racing sponsors for the 2021 season are Dlapa Construction, Brittany’s School of Dance, Sheboygan by Owner, SCA Inc., Cow Pies, Full Throttle Ink, Lakehouse Bar & Grill, Home Transitions, Oostburg Concrete Products, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

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

2021 Josh Walter-Torque Racing

Final Statistics

Total Events – 12

IRA events – 11

World of Outlaws events – 1

All Star events – 1

A-Main Victories – 0

B-Main Victories – 0

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 1

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 5

Heat Race Victories – 2

Dash Victories – 1

Dash Appearances – 4

IRA Points Finish – 17^th

November 12, 2021 / by Jeff Pederson

Book cover revealed for Verdegan’s new book ‘5-10-32 – McBride, Parker, Anvelink’

Pedal Down Promotions’ 12th book publication ‘5-10-32 – McBride, Parker, Anvelink’ by Joe Verdegan is set to launch Saturday, Dec. 4 at Lenny’s Tap in Green Bay from noon to 3 p.m.

Pedal Down Promotions to publish 12th book Saturday, Dec. 4

(Dunbar, WI) November 5 – Motorsports author and Green Bay native Joe Verdegan has revealed the cover for his seventh book titled “5-10-32 – McBride, Parker & Anvelink.”

The book features Northeastern Wisconsin dirt late model legends M.J. McBride of Shawano, Pete Parker of Kaukauna and Terry Anvelink of Navarino. The book is being published by Pedal Down Promotions in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and the back and front covers were designed by Kathy Roehrig with assists coming from Bryan “Woody” Wodack from Woody’s Signs and John Deaton and the Toon Factory.

Photo credits on the front cover belong to Andy Springborn and the late Bob Bergeron, a longtime motorsports enthusiast.

The book is currently in production at Seaway Printing in Green Bay. The softcover book contains 160 pages, 32 chapters and includes dozens of color and black and white photos illustrating the colorful careers of the trio of drivers.

Books can be pre-ordered at joeverdegan.com with shipping taking place beginning the week of December 6.

“This will ensure folks can receive their books in time for the holidays,” Verdegan said.

For folks who’d prefer to pick up their copy in person and save on shipping costs, Verdegan will tour Northeastern Wisconsin with six dates in December spread amongst Brown, Shawano and Outagamie Counties.

2021 “5-10-32 MCBRIDE, PARKER & ANVELINK” HOLIDAY BOOK TOUR

Saturday, December 4 Lenny’s Tap, Green Bay, WI noon to 3 p.m.

Tuesday, December 7 Lighthouse Bar & Grill, Shawano, WI 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday December 9 Peppermint Josie’s, Navarino, WI 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 11 Hustle Inn, Seymour, WI noon to 3 p.m.

Thursday, December 16 Club 117, Bonduel, WI 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 18 Bosse’s News Stand, Green Bay, WI 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

November 5, 2021 / by Jeff Pederson

Girls STEM Day Conference moves to Sheboygan South High School

The Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation have announced that the location for the fourth annual Girls STEM Day Conference has moved to Sheboygan South High School on Saturday, Nov. 6.

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (October 27, 2021) – The Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation have shifted the location of the fourth annual Girls STEM Day Conference to Sheboygan South High School on Saturday, Nov. 6.

The event, which is co-chaired annually by Sheboygan Branch AAUW members Dolcye Johnson and Allyson Olivier, is designed to introduce and engage sixth through ninth-grade girls to the wonders of STEM by showcasing the vital and continuously evolving core fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

The conference is still scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. as originally planned and will feature 10 different STEM-inspiring sessions, along with a presentation from keynote speaker UW-Green Bay Resch School of Engineering Professor Dr. Patricia A. Terry from 8:30-9 a.m.

“The UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus recently informed us that we will not be able to hold the event there,” Olivier said. “The Sheboygan Area School District and Superintendent Seth Harvatine have been extremely supportive of this event and arranging the change in venue to Sheboygan South High School.”

In accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols, all Girls STEM Day Conference attendees will be required to wear a mask during the event.

The conference features an impressive list of STEM field experts, including Terry, who is the leader of UW-Green Bay’s Resch College of Engineering, which includes course work in engineering, computer science and mathematics. Terry joined the UW-Green Bay Department of Applied and Natural Sciences faculty for the fall 1995 semester and earned tenure at the university in 2001 before attaining full professor distinction in 2011. In August 2018, Terry earned the UW-Green Bay Founders Award for Institutional Development for her work in creating engineering programs, campus leadership and dedication to shared governance.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to choose three of 11 available 45-minute STEM sessions running between 9:15 a.m. and noon.

“We have a wonderful group of expert presenters, who are working in these STEM fields with many years of experience,” Johnson said. “We have middle school and high school teachers, professors, police officers, veterinarians, engineers, product managers and developers and business owners that will be leading the STEM sessions.”

Two parent sessions will also be featured. Representatives from the Sheboygan Area School District social worker team will present a parent session titled “Impacts of COVID on the Mental Wellness of Middle School Students” from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the other parent session titled “College Prep 101,” which will be led by UW-Green Bay staff, runs from 10:30-12 p.m.

The registration fee is $10 per student, which includes instruction and supplies. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 29.

Sheboygan South High School is located at 1240 Washington Ave. in Sheboygan, Wis.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Benninghaus Family Foundation, Brotz Family Foundation, Grover Family Foundation, Feingold Family Foundation, H.C. Denison, Nemschoff Chairs Inc., Masters Gallery Foods and Polyfab Corp.

In-kind donors are Festival Foods, JoAnn Gadicke, Judy Hangartner, Johnston’s Bakery, Masters Gallery Foods, Old Wisconsin Sausage Co. and Z Spot Expresso & Coffee.

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

The Sheboygan Branch of AAUW grants scholarships each year to non-traditional women students. In 2021, Sheboygan Branch of AAUW distributed four $2,500 scholarships to local non-traditional women working toward a college degree.

Now in its 43^rd year, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation supports the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus by providing resources to ensure its success and excellence. The foundation works to enhance the university’s image within the community, broaden its base of financial support and communicate to the public its responsiveness to local needs.

To register or for more information on the Girls STEM Day Conference, visit http://urezsignup.com/event/register.php?event_id=491121 or call Sheboygan Branch AAUW member and Girls STEM Day Conference Co-Chair Dolcye Johnson at 920-458-5819.

October 27, 2021 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports closes out 29-year run strong at Beaver Dam Raceway, forges future plans

Alex Pokorski posted a career-best fourth-place finish in the 2021 season-ending 25-lap Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, Oct. 2. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 5, 2021 – After 29 years of open-wheel racing competition on dirt tracks throughout the state of Wisconsin, the Pokorski Motorsports wrapped up its highly successful tenure as a racing team with a pair of strong performances, during a non-points Midwest Sprint Car Association doubleheader weekend of action at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. Friday, Oct. 1 and Saturday, Oct. 2.

The first half of the two-night event, which was contested as part of the Wingless Nationals featuring the Wisconsin WingLESS Sprint Car Series, saw 29-year veteran Paul Pokorski step into the seat of the No. 4 Pokorski Motorsports car with an impressive field of 28 MSA 360 Sprint Cars on hand.

Pokorski, who claimed 46 A-main victories and racked up a total of four track and series championships in Winged Super Modified and MSA 360 Sprint Car Series competition for Pokorski Motorsports, opened the night by qualifying 10^th with a lap of 13.348 seconds.

Pokorski was scheduled to start from the pole of the first 10-lap MSA heat race. However, the team was penalized to the rear of the field at the start after being late to the staging area.

After starting seventh, Pokorski worked his way past Josh Teunissen on lap 8 and Tyler Brabant on the final lap to finish fifth and earn a spot in the A main based on the MSA’s heat race passing points formula.

Pokorski lined up 13^th in the 25-lap MSA A main and rode in the 13^th spot on the fast and tacky track surface until a caution flag appeared on lap 11 when Tyler Tischendorf and Bill Taylor collided along the front stretch.

On the restart, Lance Fassbender flipped in turn two after contact with Matt Rechek and Tyler Davis. During the incident, Pokorski made contact with Tim Haddy, which resulted in a flat right rear tire on Pokorski’s car.

After going to the work area to change the flat tire, Pokorski restarted 12^th as the final car on the lead lap. The West Bend driver went to work over the final 14 laps to move past Jason Johnson for 11^th on lap 13 before working around Scott Conger, Nick Daywalt and Katelyn Krebsbach in the closing laps en route to a personal season-best eighth-place A-main finish in a race won by Travis Arenz.

Paul Pokorski closed out his 29-year tenure as a driver for Pokorski Motorsports with a personal season-best eighth-place finish in the 2021 season-ending 25-lap Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Oct. 1. – RC Custom Design photo

“Friday night was okay,” Pokorski said. “The car was a little tight, and we kept working on it. I was reasonably happy with the eighth-place result given we had to make a trip to the work area with the flat right rear. We made some pretty significant changes overnight to try and help Alex on Saturday and the changes seemed to work.”

On Saturday, Oct. 2, Alex Pokorski took another turn at the wheel of the Pokorski Motorsports car to close out the 2021 MSA campaign.

With 21 MSA 360 Sprint Cars on hand, Alex qualified fourth with a lap of 13.273 seconds before lining up second in the second 10-lap MSA heat race. Alex settled into second place on the opening lap and mainly rode the cushion of the well-manicured track surface en route to a second-place showing.

After starting fifth in the season-ending 25-lap A main, Alex fell back to seventh in the early going. On lap 5, Alex worked the high line to move past Donny Goeden to take sixth.

One lap later, Alex powered around Jordan Paulsen with a high move in turn two to take over fifth. After a red flag appeared on lap 8 for a flip involving Tim Haddy, Alex restarted fourth and he held the fourth position throughout the final 17 laps to record his career-best MSA finish and second top-five A-main showing of the 2021 season in a race won by Jack Vanderboom.

“The crew did a great job to make the car fast the whole night and I was able to search around and find what lines worked best,” Alex said. “The track in the feature was a lot of fun to race on and I’m happy to close off the year on a high.”

Paul was also pleased with Alex’s performance on Saturday night.

“We are very proud of Alex and how well he did all year and to finish the year with a career-best finish is pretty fantastic,” Paul said. “It was a great last weekend for racing. We had great weather and good results for us.”

Although Pokorski Motorsports may be ending in its original form, that doesn’t mean Alex, Paul and the members of the Pokorski Motorsports crew won’t be actively engaged in 360 Sprint Car racing in 2022.

“We [Pokorski Motorsports] will be housing that car, freshening it over the winter and doing the week-to-week maintenance during the season,” he said. “We are very grateful to Spyder for giving Alex the opportunity to keep racing, since he is doing so well and continuing to improve. Those two things should keep me busy, and there may be an opportunity for me to drive a couple of nights next year as well. We will see how much time and energy I have left. Our team will still be around. It will just look pretty different. It was a good last year for ‘the original Pokorski Motorsports.’ I’m excited to see where Alex can take it in 2022 and maybe beyond.”

Alex is also thankful for the opportunity to continue his Sprint Car racing career under the Akright Auto banner in 2022.

“Pokorski Motorsports has been an awesome program that we have shared with family and friends,” Alex said. “I’ve really enjoyed being a part of it. Hopefully this is just a break and I can start it back up in a few years once I’m out of college.

In 29 official and 27 complete MSA events, the Pokorski Motorsports team collected two top-five A-main finishes, seven top-10 A-main showings, one B main victory and three heat race triumphs, while placing 14^th in the final MSA standings and 15^th in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car point standings.

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Novak’s Service Center

Pokorski Motorsports would like to acknowledge the support of long-time sponsor Novak’s Service Center of Manitowoc, which is celebrating its 49^th year in business in 2021.

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 Pokorski Motorsports, check out Pokorski Motorsports on Facebook or visit www.pedaldownpromo.com.

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

2021 Pokorski Motorsports

Final Statistics

Total Events – 29

MSA events – 29

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 7

Heat Race Victories – 3

Final MSA Points Finish – 14^th

Final PDTR 360 Sprint Car Points Finish – 15^th

October 4, 2021 / by Jeff Pederson

Girls STEM Day Conference to return to UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus

The fourth annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference is set to take place Saturday, Nov. 6, at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, located at 1 University Drive in Sheboygan, Wis.

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (October 4, 2021) – After a one-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has once again teamed up with the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation to hold the fourth annual Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 6, at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, located at 1 University Drive in Sheboygan, Wis.

The popular event, which is co-chaired annually by Sheboygan Branch AAUW members Dolcye Johnson and Allyson Olivier, is designed to introduce and engage sixth through ninth-grade girls to the wonders of STEM by showcasing the vital and continuously evolving core fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

The conference, which runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., features 11 different STEM-inspiring sessions, along with a presentation from keynote speaker UW-Green Bay Resch School of Engineering Professor Dr. Patricia A. Terry from 8:30-9 a.m.

In accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols, all Girls STEM Day Conference attendees will be required to wear a mask during the event.

The Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has once again teamed up with the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation for the fourth annual Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 6, at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, located at 1 University Drive in Sheboygan, Wis.

“Our goal with the Girls STEM Day Conference is to encourage young girls to discover, explore and learn from STEM field experts in a wide range of specialty areas related to careers in science, technology, engineering and math,” Johnson said. “Since 2006, AAUW has taken on an initiative to empower girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. This initiative has taken several forms on a national level. Here in Sheboygan County, we are doing it through this conference.

“We started the Girls STEM Day Conference four years ago in 2017 and 94 girls attended our last event in 2019,” Olivier said. “Our goal is 100 girls this year. This year we will again offer a keynote speech and the girls can choose three out of 11 hands-on STEM-based sessions.”

UW-Green Bay Resch School of Engineering Professor Dr. Patricia A. Terry will serve as the keynote speaker during the fourth annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference at the UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 6.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to choose three of 11 available 45-minute STEM sessions running between 9:15 a.m. and noon.

The STEM sessions over a diverse range of topics including architectural design (Architecture – Design Slam presented by Kurt Davis of Abacus Architects, Emma Gill and Tonya Dittman of Performa Inc.), computer software design (Hello World presented by Laura Lienau, software engineer manager), drone photography (Drone Photography and product development presented by Michael Olivier, professional drone photographer), robotics (Robotics Challenge presented by John Papenheim, owner of roboticsisfun.com), veterinary science (A Look Inside the Biovine Hide presented by Dr. Ellen Hooker, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture veterinarian), forensic science (Forensic Science presented by Sheboygan Police Officer Kehoe), DNA science (What is DNA? presented by Gina Macek of MilliporeSigma), applied chemistry (Chem Demons presented by UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan County Professor James Kabrhal), food science (Favor the Flavor presented by R&D Associate Scientist Becca Stayner and Jane Kettler, Johnsonville environmental leader), the science of color and appearance (The Science of Color presented by Kohler Co. staff members Jennifer Tarplee, Stephanie Soendker, Rachel Feldmann and Katerina Revelis) and hydroponic gardens (Hydroponics presented by Plymouth High School agriscience teacher Tracy Heinbuch).

“The presenters are genuinely happy to teach these sessions and the girls are so eager to learn,” she said. “It is fun to witness all the excitement that these sessions generate. The best thing is that they are all hands-on too. The girls actually get to experience what it is like to do these types of careers. Four of the sessions covering Architecture – Design Slam, Hydroponics, The Science of Color and Favor the Flavor – are new for this year.”

The fourth annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference is slated to take place at the UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 6.

The registration fee is $10 per student, which includes instruction and supplies. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 29.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Benninghaus Family Foundation, Grover Family Foundation, Feingold Family Foundation, H.C. Denison, Nemschoff Chairs Inc., Masters Gallery Foods and Polyfab Corp.

In-kind donors are JoAnn Gadicke, Judy Hangartner, Johnston’s Bakery, Masters Gallery Foods, Old Wisconsin Sausage Co. and Z Spot Expresso & Coffee.

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

October 4, 2021 / by Jeff Pederson

Author: Jeff Pederson

Pedal Down Promotions to publish 12th book Saturday, Dec. 4