Author: Jeff Pederson

Your fast track connection

1420AM The Breeze introduces new call letters

PLYMOUTH, WIS. – Galaxie Broadcasting of Plymouth Wis. is changing the call letters for radio station 1420AM WJUB The Breeze to WGXI, effective immediately.

The change ushers in the third set of call letters in the station’s storied 64-year history. In 1954, the radio station signed on as WPLY, and in 1991 Jubilation Ministries changed the call letters to WJUB.

Galaxie Broadcasting’s switch to the call letters WGXI has been officially granted by the Federal Communications Commission.

The change to the WGXI call letters is part of a series of moves planned by new station owners David Hendrickson and Stuart Muck of Galaxie Broadcasting. Hendrickson and Muck had intended to bring back the original WPLY call letters, but they are currently assigned to another radio station in Roanoke, Va.

“The WGXI call letters really help to mark the start of the station’s new ownership,” Hendrickson said.

Galaxie Broadcasting’s purchase of the radio station became official on Dec. 28, 2017.

The station will continue to be known as 1420AM The Breeze with an Adult Standards music format, CBS Radio News and affiliations with Marquette Golden Eagles men’s college basketball and Plymouth Panthers high school football.

For more information or to learn about marketing opportunities with 1420AM WGXI The Breeze, contact David Hendrickson at 920-892-9191, david@galaxiebroadcasting.com or www.1420thebreeze.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 11, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Thorp High School Math in Racing and Mechanics class to take green flag

Jarrett Davidson, a math instructor at Thorp High School in Thorp, Wis., has developed a new cross-curricular course titled “Math in Racing and Mechanics,” which will debut in fall 2018.

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) March 21, 2018 – Forging a vital cross-curricular link between math and technical education, a new course at Thorp High School in Thorp, Wis. will provide students the opportunity to get their hands dirty in the high-speed world of short-track racing.

Developed by first-year Thorp High School Math Teacher Jarrett Davidson, the new Math in Racing and Mechanics course is set to debut at the school this coming fall.

The Champion, Mich. native grew up around the sport racing and hopes the new course will help to relate his love and appreciation of the sport to his students.

“I have been around racing my whole life,” Davidson said. “My first great memories of racing are our family tradition of going to the Dickinson County Fair in Norway, Michigan and watching a relative race at Norway Speedway. I met my fiancé in 2013, and her father worked on a Sport Mod near Kewaunee.

“From there, I further developed my interest in racing and watched a lot of dirt track races at 141 Speedway, Luxemburg Speedway and Manitowoc Speedway,” he said. “When I first came to Thorp, I saw that there were no cross-curricular classes and noticed that a lot of the students are very talented with hands-on industrial-based occupational work. Based on that, I decided I wanted to develop a class that would incorporate both math and technical education, and racing was the first thing that I thought would spark interest with the kids.”

Davidson, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in math education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, says the Math in Racing and Mechanics course will feature a multi-faceted focus designed to appeal to broad range of students.

Students in the new Math in Racing and Mechanics class at Thorp High School in Thorp, Wis. will utilize this lift in building and maintaining a race car that will compete at area tracks in summer 2019.

“There are two semesters of the class that were developed for two different types of students,” Davidson said. “The first semester is based on having the students build a gaming computer and a racing simulator. We will then look at the math and physics ideas behind the car, teach the kids how to drive a car on a simulator on an oval and dirt track and work on precision in measurements within the race car.

“During the second semester, we will bring in an actual race car and have the students tear everything apart minus the engine,” he said. “The students will then put the car back together based on how they want their car to be set up. We will then have a racer come in and test out the car on a local track, which is yet to be determined. The students will get feedback on the car and have the opportunity to make changes.”

The current Owen, Wis. resident says the course could also prove to be a gateway to college-level motorsports-related programs for interested students.

“My goal for this class is to give students a first-hand look into racing, and to give them more opportunities to have pathways outside of our high school,” Davidson said. “I have been in contact with the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH), which has a high-performance motorsports program, and this course could get these students prepared to go there.”

The type of race car the class builds will be based largely on the level of support Davidson gathers from area race tracks.

“The type of race car the students build will depend on what tracks decide to sponsor and help out,” Davidson said. “If I have a dirt track that is willing, we will probably get a Street Stock, so that we can convert from dirt to asphalt, and give the students a challenge. If no dirt tracks contact me back, I will probably go with an older Limited Late Model and get the students into the higher level right away, if we can make the money side of it work.

Students taking the new Math in Racing and Mechanics class at Thorp High School will use this paint booth for the race car they will construct for competition at area tracks during the 2019 season.

“We will hopefully compete at any track that is willing to support us,” he said. “If we had, say Golden Sands Speedway in Plover sponsor, for an example, we would be more than willing to show our support and drive down there.”

Along with constructing the car as part of the regular coursework, students who enroll in the Math in Racing and Mechanics course will also be given the opportunity to serve as pit crew members on race nights.

“The driver is to be determined, but I have many people in the racing community that are racers and would probably be willing to hop in the car,” Davidson said. “As for the pit crew, I will have the students mainly be the pit crew with some help from some other people from the racing community.”

To cover the costs associated with fielding a race car, Davidson is currently seeking sponsorship from interested race tracks, area businesses and individual donors.

“We have called other tracks, and I have been making calls to different companies to see if they will sponsor,” Davidson said. “I also have a Go Fund Me page, and we will be raising money from 50/50 raffles if we can at local tracks. I also am working with our local Ford dealership to do a “Drive One for Your School” fundraiser.”

With the class slated to launch in less than six months, Davidson says anticipation for the class is already running in high gear.

“I would guess that we will have a cap of 15 students per class, but we are open to having more,” Davidson said. “I am anticipating about 10-15 students in each class.

“The kids love the concept behind this class,” he said. “A lot of the teachers really liked the idea and it made a quick progression through the Curriculum Steering Committee and got approved by the Thorp School Board right away.”

For more information on how to support or sponsor Thorp High School’s Math in Racing and Mechanics course, contact Jarrett Davidson via email at jdavidson@thorp.k12.wi.us or by phone at 715-669-5401, ext. 2100.

Donations to the Math in Racing and Mechanics fundraiser to cover course expenses can be made by visiting www.gofundme.com/racing-class-in-high-school-funding.

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.pedaldownpromotions.com or call 920-323-7970.

.

March 21, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports gears up for 2018 MSA campaign

Paul Pokorski earned his 45th career A-main victory on May 27, 2017 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) March 15, 2018 – After reeling off a string of strong finishes to close out the 2017 season, Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports 360 Sprint Car racing team will look to build off that momentum as they embark on the full Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) schedule during the upcoming 2018 season.

The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion will fire up his 26th season of racing at the Plymouth Dirt Track on the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, April 28.

Pokorski, who will contest the entire 28-race MSA schedule in 2018, including 21 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing (PDTR) events at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds, is wrapping up a busy winter of preparation, which he hopes will give the team an edge when the green flag flies in late April.

“We started a little earlier with some of our offseason preparations in an effort to make things a little less stressful for everyone on the team,” Pokorski said. “Over the years, I have been able to find some great people to work with, like Goeden’s Auto Body, Todd at Goodwin Competition Engines, Kurt Gunderson at Competition Driveline and others.

“Those folks do their part well and on-time which makes things go smoothly,” he said. “We have also been working on a few sponsor commitments, and we’re always looking for more help in that regard.”

The highlight of the 2017 for Pokorski and his team came at The Plymouth Dirt Track on May 27 when he claimed his 10th career 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in flag-to-flag fashion on a night sponsored by one of his biggest supporters-Pedal Down Promotions.

It was Pokorski’s first A-main victory since Aug. 14, 2015 at the now defunct Manitowoc Expo Speedway, as well as the 45th overall A-main victory of his 25-year open-wheel racing career (35 Winged Super Modified, 10 360 Sprint Car).

In 21 PDTR/MSA events, Pokorski posted one A-main victory (May 27), two heat race wins, six top-five A-main finishes and 12 top-10 A-main showings, during the 2017 season.

Pokorski also placed seventh overall in the Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) standings and wound up ninth in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing (PDTR) 360 Sprint Car points race.

While he describes the 2017 season as “very average,” Pokorski enters the 2018 campaign highly motivated to put his familiar blue No. 4 machine at the front of the field on a consistent basis.

“I’m excited for this season,” Pokorski said. “It took a while to find a comfort level with the Maxim chassis, but I think we found a pretty good baseline about mid-year last year. We are always continuing to try and find the next level of improvement, and the last few nights of last year we tried some different shocks that showed some promise. I’m looking forward to starting where we left off and building on that quickly.”

Pokorski, who is a three-time Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified champion, is eager to visit some different tracks that have been added to the MSA touring schedule in 2018, including Outagamie Speedway in Seymour and TNT Speedway in Three Lakes.

“We will definitely focus on the Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) schedule,” Pokorski said. “That schedule has added four new tracks in the last three years to offer a little variety along with a steady diet of Saturday nights at Plymouth. The travel and the budget fit what we have to work with really well, plus it’s really a nice group of people we race with.

“I have raced at Outagamie Speedway, but it was prior to it being ‘powered by EWSC,’” he said. “I know that EWSC has done a great deal of improvements and their track prep is usually good and consistent. I have never raced at TNT, but I know some of the other MSA guys have, so we may be at a little disadvantage there. But it’s fun to go new places and see new fans that don’t get to see Sprint Cars very often, if at all. I’m looking forward to both and hoping we put on a good show.”

With his dedicated Pokorski Motorsports crew, featuring crew chief Dave Schultz, Randy Leamer, Dan Hoerig, Ian Schultz, Aaron Pederson, Alex Pokorski, Lynn Pokorski, Heather Pokorski, Sheila Leamer, Chuck Tuschl, Karin Tuschl and Melissa Schultz, and some trusted technical advisors and equipment suppliers on his side this year, Pokorski is aiming to make some noise in 2018.

Paul Pokorski is set to embark on his 26th season of racing in 2018.

“Todd Goodwin has made some changes to the engine that should help to improve our performance in that area this year,” Pokorski said. “We have some new shocks coming to build off what we learned last year.”

Pokorski is pleased to welcome Quest Engineering of Richfield, Wis. to the team as a new sponsor for the 2018 season.

“We spent time working on new sponsorship for this year and we are very happy to announce that Quest Engineering, a manufacturer of quality cabinets, will be coming on board for 2018,” Pokorski said. “We will be sharing much more information about Quest Engineering and what they do in the near future.”

Goeden’s Auto Body and Christel Sign for making it look great, Goodwin Competition for the horsepower!The Pokorski Motorsports sponsors for the 2018 season include: Quest Engineering, Acme Armature Works Inc., Goeden’s Auto Body, Goodwin Racing Engines, Jens, Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Services & Crematory, Kettle Moraine Landscaping, Novak’s Service Center, Pedal Down Promotions, Christel Sign, Tisler Salvage Inc. and The Cawley Company.

For more information on Pokorski Motorsports, check out Pokorski Motorsports on Facebook or visit www.pedaldownpromotions.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.pedaldownpromotions.com or call 920-323-7970.

2018 Pokorski Motorsports Schedule

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

Saturday, May 5 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, May 12 – Plymouth, Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, May 19 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis

Saturday, May 26 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, June 2 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, June 3 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

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

Friday, June 15 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, June 22 – Spring Lake Speedway, Unity, Wis.

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

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

Sunday, July 1 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

Friday, July 6 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday, August 24 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, August 25 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, August 31 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, September 1 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, September 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, September 15 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

(Rain Date Only for Sept. 8)

Saturday, September 29 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

 

2018 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 0

A Main Victories – 0

Top Five A Main Finishes – 0

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0

Heat Race Victories – 0

 

 

 

 

March 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Miller comes home to tackle full 2018 MSA slate

Plymouth, Wis. native Adam Miller is set to return to his home state to contest the full Midwest Sprint Car Association schedule in 2018

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) March 8, 2018 – After spending the bulk of the past eight seasons competing in various non-wing and winged Sprint Car events in the Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania region, Plymouth native Adam Miller is set to return to his Wisconsin home turf to contest the complete 28-event 2018 Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) schedule.

Miller will team up with his brother, Justin, who is coming off a career-best runner-up showing in the 2017 MSA and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing (PDTR) 360 Sprint Car standings, to form a potent two-car Miller Family Motorsports Team in 2018.

“Our 2018 season will be focused 100 percent with the MSA and a couple ‘fun’ dates sprinkled in, so I can get my non-wing fix,” Miller said. “My brother, Justin, and I are looking to chase point titles with both MSA and PDTR. We have a good program set up and we’re super excited to take on the schedule as teammates which has been a dream of ours since watching the Winged Mods at Plymouth as little tikes.”

During the upcoming 2018 season, Miller is primed to enter 21 events at the one-third mile Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis., where he got his start in racing competing with PDTR and MSA in 2006.

“My rookie season was in a 360 Winged Sprint Car back in 2006,” Miller said. “I ran at Plymouth and with the MSA. I think I finished 12th in MSA points that year. I had rented a ride from Randy Sippel a half a dozen times before that and crewed for Randy’s Open Wheel Driving School program, as well as T.J. Luedke from 2000 to 2005.

“My dad took me to the races at Plymouth when I was young, and I have been full throttle ever since then,” he said. “There isn’t much I’m more passionate about than racing.”

After a couple of seasons competing in the 360 Sprint Car division, Miller advanced to the 410 Winged Sprint Car ranks in 2009 where he found success with the Wisconsin Outlaw Sprints Series.

“I was the 2009 Wisconsin Outlaw Sprints 410 Rookie of the Year and ran fifth in points that year with that group,” Miller said.

A job switch in 2010 found Miller move his racing operation to the Indiana area.

After competing in primarily non-winged Sprint Car events over the past eight season in Indiana and Pennsylvania, Adam Miller is poised to return to Wisconsin to run the entire 2018 Midwest Sprint Car Association schedule.

“I moved for work to Indiana and spent some time working in Pennsylvania,” Miller said. “I raced as a regular at Paragon Speedway and the Midwest Sprint Car Series for part of 2010 and 2011 in a 410 Non-Wing Sprint Car. In 2012, I raced a 410 Sprint Car at Lernerville Speedway in Pennsylvania before competing with the BOSS [Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series] 410 Non-Wing Sprint Car series in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia in 2013 and 2014. I had back-to-back top-10 points finishes with BOSS during those years, which was pretty cool.

“It was a lot of hard work, travel and one heck of an education as a driver as I had no idea what I was getting into,” he said. “I sure had a lot of fun as I had a chance to run 25 different tracks outside of Wisconsin and had a couple of good runs at Eldora in the process which I’ll always cherish. Eldora was the most famous track I ran during those years, but not my favorite as that would be Lawrenceburg Speedway in Indiana.”

Miller, who is a healthcare construction project manager by trade, jumped at the opportunity to move back to his Plymouth, Wis. hometown last fall in time to compete in the final PDTR-MSA event of the season at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Sept. 30, 2017.

After competing in primarily non-winged Sprint Car events over the past eight season in Indiana and Pennsylvania, Adam Miller is poised to return to Wisconsin to run the entire 2018 Midwest Sprint Car Association schedule.

“It was a personal decision to move back to Wisconsin,” Miller said. “I had always missed the area and it finally became a desire and my wife, Ange, and I made it happen. It felt great to be back in the saddle, I was rusty and had some equipment that was more or less thrown together, so it was fun for what it was. I’m a competitor though, and I want to win. I didn’t feel like I performed the way I’m capable of, so I had some mixed emotions.”

Looking forward to his 32-race 2018 season, Miller is driven to finally nail down an A-main victory, while having a bit of fun along the way.

“I’ve won heat races and B-Mains in every car I’ve raced, but I’m still chasing that elusive A-Main win,” Miller said. “I’m aiming to change that this year. I gave a couple away with BOSS and I’m using those as learning experiences. Winning races is tough and it’s not something that can be expected or taken for granted.

“My main goals are to be competitive, run 100 percent of the MSA schedule and win races,” he said. “Most importantly I want to have fun. Admittedly, I would love to go 1-2 in the championship standings at Plymouth, with the MSA, or both, with my brother. We’re in a good spot with our program, but we just need to take it one night at a time.”

Miller heads into the new season with a dedicated pit crew in his corner.

“My pit crew consists of Ange, Destynee, Dacota, Deighton, Deven, Brian, Jim and Mark,” Miller said. “We have good support from our extended family and friends and Justin and I will share crew guys too.”

Sponsors on Miller’s Triple X chassis with Tiry Racing Engines power during the 2018 season include: Kristine Hartmann-Pleasant View Realty, Hopf Farms, Kenjay Fielder Excavating, Hillside Fabricating, D&J Mechanical, Meyer Motors, Full Throttle Ink, The Hub, Tiffany’s Treasures, Custom Craft Trophy Co, CJ’s Salon, L’Bri-Camisha Miller and BMG Designs.

“It is great to have all these great sponsors on board with us this year,” Miller said. “We wouldn’t be able to do this without them.”

The Miller Family Motorsports Team will hold a brat fry fundraiser Saturday, March 31, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Custom Craft Trophy and Embroidery in Plymouth.

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.pedaldownpromotions.com or call 920-323-7970.

2018 Adam Miller Motorsports Schedule

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

Saturday, May 5 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, May 12 – Plymouth, Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, May 19 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis

Saturday, May 26 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, June 2 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, June 3 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

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

Friday, June 15 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, June 22 – Spring Lake Speedway, Unity, Wis.

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

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

Sunday, July 1 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

Friday, July 6 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, August 5 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

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

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

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

Friday, August 24 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, August 25 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, August 31 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, September 1 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, September 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, September 15 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

(Rain Date Only for Sept. 8)

Saturday, September 15 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.

Saturday, September 29 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, October 5 – Fairbury American Legion Speedway, Fairbury, Ill.

Saturday, October 6 – Fairbury American Legion Speedway, Fairbury, Ill.

 

March 9, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Wayne Spaulding spreads word of Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking

Racine Wis. resident facilitates Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking seminars throughout Southeastern Wisconsin

Wayne Spaulding of Racine, Wis. (left) has been serving as a franchise owner and facilitator at Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking seminars throughout the Southeastern Wisconsin area since 2015.

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

For 33 years, Wayne Spaulding of Racine, Wis. was a smoker with a two-pack-a-day habit that he could not control.

Despite trying various methods to quit, none of them worked. Spaulding feared he would never break free of the smoking addiction that was holding him down.

Just when he thought there was no way out, Spaulding picked up a book titled “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking” by Allen Carr. After reading Carr’s best-selling book, Spaulding stopped smoking for good in September 2014.

The book changed his life in such dramatic fashion, that Spaulding found himself driven by the possibility of sharing his pathway to success with others. Four months after reading Allen Carr’s book, Spaulding traveled to Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking headquarters in London, England which resulted in his becoming the program’s first franchise owner in the United States.

“While I had stopped smoking by reading the book, I found out that there were Allen Carr Easyway to Stop Smoking seminars held in 50 different countries throughout the world where facilitators worked directly with smokers to help them quit,” Spaulding said. “I was so struck by the impact the book had made on me, that I was drawn to do more. I found out that the only seminars in the United States were in New York and Los Angeles.

“When I saw that, I felt there was an opportunity to expand the program’s reach and I believed that I was the person to help do just that,” he said. “I contacted the company and they told me that they were just about to start offering franchise ownership opportunities in the United States. I had already been looking at changing careers and I felt this was the perfect fit for me.”

After completing a series of training sessions in London, Spaulding has been serving as the facilitator at Allen Carr Easyway to Stop Smoking seminars throughout the Southern Wisconsin.

The six-hour seminars are designed to eliminate the fear smokers have about quitting, while pulling back the curtain on the many illusions about smoking.

“Smokers know all the reasons why they shouldn’t smoke, so the seminars don’t particularly get much into all of those negative aspects of it,” Spaulding said. “Instead, our seminars focus on why smokers continue to smoke, despite the overwhelming reasons to the contrary. We do about this through a combination of insight, common sense and a light relaxation exercise. We don’t use any drugs, gimmicks or tricks.

“We keep everyone engaged and explain that they really aren’t giving up anything,” he said. “We talk about the many illusions of smoking, including the one that smoking relieves stress. It really doesn’t do that at all. Non-smokers are actually less stressed than smokers. The physical side of Nicotine addiction is fully addressed but is only 5 percent of the problem. The other 95 percent is all in the head of the smoker. That is what I deal with in the seminar.”

While Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking offers a full money-back guarantee, Spaulding says 90 percent of seminar attendees never bother to inquire about this option.

“The success rate is very impressive among those that attend a seminar,” Spaulding said. “There have been sessions where 9 of the 10 people in attendance quit for good and our overall success rate after one year is well over 50 percent.

“However, I’ve found that the issue with attracting smokers is that they feel anxious, even fearful about quitting,” he said. “Virtually all of them want to quit, but just not today. There is always a reason not to do it. When a person makes the decision to attend a seminar, that is really the biggest step. Once they do that, they are already well on their way. If the seminar goes well, the person will leave with no desire or need to smoke ever again.”

For those that need a bit of extra assistance, up to two free back-up seminars are available.

“If someone struggles after taking the seminar, we do offer back-up seminars that with a bit of a different focus usually work” Spaulding said. “Four of five people that attend the second seminar quit and do not go back to smoking.”

Spaulding is also engaging corporate clients, which have plenty to gain from embracing Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking program.

“The corporate client aspect of the seminar program is very intriguing,” Spaulding said. “As a franchise owner, I am just beginning to explore this part of it and it is really a win-win proposition for employees and employers. There is really no downside to it. I am really excited about the possibilities of making a positive impact in workplace environments.”

To contact Wayne Spaulding about attending an upcoming Allen Carr’s Easyway to Stop Smoking Seminar, call 262-770-1260, email wayne@easywaywisconsin.com, visit www.easywaywisconsin.com or www.us.allen.carr.com.

Additional information can be found on the Easyway Wisconsin Facebook page.

March 5, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

UW-Sheboygan Foundation to host University Day

Free event offers introduction to UW-S professors, campus, courses

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (February 28, 2018) – The University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation is poised to provide a special sneak preview of the campus’ rich and diverse offerings during a free University Day event, sponsored by Acuity Insurance of Sheboygan, Saturday, March 10.

The program, which is geared to adults in the surrounding community, runs from 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the picturesque UW-Sheboygan campus at One University Drive. A group of esteemed UW-Sheboygan professors will lead four learning workshop sessions. Breakfast and lunch will also be provided.

Activities begin with check-in and a light breakfast in the Fine Arts Building lobby from 7:45-8:15 a.m., followed by a welcome session from 8:30-8:50 a.m. in the Fine Arts Building Theatre featuring UW-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director and Development Officer Allyson Olivier, UW-Sheboygan Foundation Board President Richard Balge, and UW Colleges Regional Executive Officer and Dean Dr. Jackie Joseph-Silverstein.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn “Playwriting” from UW-Sheboygan Assistant Professor of Communications and Theatre Arts Thomas Campbell or “Love and Money: A Relationship Challenge” from Matthew Raunio, Associate Professor of Business and Economics, and Maureen O’Shea from the Kewaunee County Department of Human Services during Session 1, which runs from 9-9:50 a.m.

For Session 2, attendees may choose between workshops on “Color Field Painting: The Power of Color When Combined with Pattern” led by Professor of Art Thomas Uebelherr or “Education and the Useless Class” taught by Professor of Philosophy David Louzecky from 10:05-10:55 a.m.

All in attendance will be invited to Session 3 on “Immigration Policy and American Identity” from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. led by Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Alise Coen.

A grab-and-go lunch of subs, cookies and water/soft drinks will be provided from 12-12:15 p.m., followed by Session 4 for all participants on “Astronomy At Home” led by Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy William Dirienzo from 12:15-1:10 p.m. The program will conclude with Allyson Olivier offering closing remarks from 1:15-1:30 p.m.

University Day is a continuation of the UW-Sheboygan Foundation Friend-raising event hosted by Acuity Insurance at its Sheboygan world headquarters last May and the “Getting to Know Us Better” campaign on behalf of UW-Sheboygan.

“This is the next step in our ‘friend-raising,’ and I very much looking forward to the reaction community guests will have at the conclusion of this special ‘University Day,’” Olivier said. “There is no question in my mind that guests will leave feeling inspired and more closely connected to UW-Sheboygan.”

All prospective participants are asked to pre-register for University Day by Thursday, March 8 to ensure a spot at the event.

For more information or to register for University Day, contact UW-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director and Development Officer Allyson Olivier at Allyson.olivier@uwc.edu or 920-459-6612.

The University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan County Foundation is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2018 by raising funds for scholarships for deserving students, establishing and maintaining ongoing partnerships with generous community members and building and revitalizing campus facilities for the betterment of the educational experiences.

February 28, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Vic Ferrari Band to take center stage at Unity Music Festival

The Vic Ferrari Band will be the featured band at the 14th annual Unity Music Festival to benefit the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund Saturday, April 7, at the Weill Center for the Performing Arts in Sheboygan, Wis.

UMF to celebrate 14th year of assisting Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund

For the first time in its history, the 14th annual Unity Musical Festival to benefit the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund (SCCCF) will feature the music of a single musical act as the Vic Ferrari Band steps up to rock the Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts in Sheboygan Saturday, April 7.

Mary Ann Waldbauer of Sheboygan Falls founded the Unity Music Festival in 2005 as a way to support local cancer patients in need.

Over the past 13 years, the Unity Music Festival has evolved into one of the most anticipated annual music-driven fundraising events in the Sheboygan County area with an ever growing base of dedicated sponsors and supporters.

While each of the previous 13 shows has featured a broad range of talented musical performers sharing the historic Weill Center stage for the special evening, this year’s show, which begins at 7 p.m., will belong only to the widely popular Vic Ferrari Band.

The high-energy Northeastern Wisconsin-based rock ‘n roll party band has performed over 2,500 shows in 25 states and 10 countries since forming in 1988.

“This year I was thinking out of the box and decided to do something totally new and different,” Waldbauer said. “I am so grateful to announce the Vic Ferrari Band as the one and only band for the whole evening.

“I have always hoped one day we would sell the show out,” she said. “We have 1,100 seats to fill. Maybe 2018 will be the year.”

Fundraising activities will kick off the festivities beginning at 5 p.m. with silent and live-auction viewing, as well as dollar and 50/50 raffles.

In addition, there will be two gala appetizer buffet events this year one of which will run prior to the show upstairs at the Weill Center starting at 5 p.m.

The other buffet will take place beginning at 5:30 p.m. next door to the Weill Center with chefs Clint and Tina Kasprzak and Miesfeld’s staff providing the appetizers.

“I have to thank Chuck Miesfeld and our gala appetizer buffet chefs, Clint and Tina Kasprzak, as well as Tracy Messner,” Waldbauer said. “Everyone that attends the gala appetizer buffets will also have the opportunity to participate in a meet-and-greet event with members of the Vic Ferrari Band.”

A limited number of gala appetizer buffet tickets are available for $30 each by contacting Mary Ann Waldbauer by phone at 467-3303 or via email at umfmaryann@charter.net

All proceeds from this year’s show, which is sponsored by Matthews Oncology Associates-Sheboygan Cancer and Blood Specialists and Mersberger Financial Group, will go to support the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund, which assists cancer patients within Sheboygan County.

“All the proceeds stay local to support the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund,” Waldbauer said. “Its all about people helping people right here in our own community.

“Anyone suffering a financial hardship due to cancer can benefit from this fund,” she said. “We can help with heat, light, water, house mortgages, wigs, rent, uninsured medical bills, groceries or gas cards, quality of life classes, etc.,” she said. “We help make their quality of life better while going through this devastating time in their lives.”

Established in 2000, The Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund is the brainchild of local medical oncologist, H. Marshall Matthews, who recognized the need to help cancer patients through their cancer journey; it was established in 2000.

In 2002, 17 gestures totaling $2,700 were approved. Since then, hundreds of gestures, amounting to more than one million dollars, have been accepted by the SCCCF.

Waldbauer says the Unity Music Festival has made great strides in raising funds to assist cancer patients in Sheboygan County, but Waldbauer is determined to do much more this year and into the future.

“With the donations of time, great talent, generous contributions and the sponsorships of local businesses, this cancer benefit has raised at total of $363,722 over the past 13 years,” Waldbauer said. “We expect this year’s event to be even bigger and better in order to assist those who fall victim to this devastating disease.”

This year’s event will feature a live auction during intermission of the show featuring Auctioneer Daven Claerbout.

Live auction items include a Hi-Tech sport fishing charter for six people and family membership, personal training, wellness consultation, Under Armour backpack with workout accessories package donated by the Sports Core Health and Racquet Club.

Six Milwaukee Bucks tickets donated by Sheboygan Chevrolet and two tickets to the Dancing with the Stars Gala at Lakeland College.

Girls Day Out, including Blind Horse Wine & Cheese pairing for a group of eight, bottle of birdy’s white wine and two glasses, yoga class for eight by Salon Sase and Firehouse Pizza party for eight with three appetizers, three large pizzas and eight beverages.

General admission tickets are currently on sale for $20 per person and gala buffet tickets are also available for $30.

Show tickets are available in advance at  Blattner’s Piggly Wiggly in Sheboygan Falls 1166 Fond du Lac Ave. in Sheboygan Falls, 467-0477), Mary Ann or Rick Waldbauer (998 Huron Trail in Sheboygan Falls, 467-3303), Midwest Dental of Plymouth (1415 Eastern Ave. in Plymouth, 893-8458), Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts (826 North Eighth St. in Sheboygan, 208-3243), Matthews Oncology (1621 North Taylor Drive in Sheboygan, 458-7433), Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic (1222 North 23rd St. in Sheboygan, 457-6800), Plymouth Piggly Wiggly (141 Eastern Ave. in Plymouth, 893-0741), Oostburg Piggly Wiggly (944 Center Ave. in Oostburg, 564-2234), Howards Grove Piggly Wiggly (714 South Wisconsin Drive in Howards Grove, 565-4421), Northside Piggly Wiggly (2905 North 15th St. in Sheboygan, 458-9991), Southside Piggly Wiggly (3124 South Business Drive, 452-0411), Festival Foods (595 South Taylor Drive in Sheboygan, 694-6260), Oostburg State Bank (905 Center Ave. in Oostburg, 564-2336), Trilling True Hardware (901 Michigan Ave. in Sheboygan, 457-5541), Sheboygan Chevrolet Buick (3400 South Business Drive, 459-6804) and Falls Healing Arts (275 North Main St., 467-8690).

“Being the organizer of something this big, I often get questioned about how I am going to keep doing all this,” Waldbauer said. “My answerer is as long as God gives me my health and new ideas to keep it all interesting, I will keep doing it.

“Looking over the last 13 years, I’ve had Antonio Freeman, Chris Jackie, Mark Tauscher, and Chester Marcol of the Packers  participate in the show,” she said. “I have to thank Mersberger Financial for always providing financial support along with A Positive Attitude Jim Schnettler and many other businesses. The community has been supporting this in not only financial support, but also the live, silent auctions and dollar raffles.”

Sponsorships are currently being sought for this year’s event. Platinum ($2,000), gold ($1,000), silver sponsor ($500), bronze ($500) and friend ($50) level sponsorships are currently available.

Gold sponsors will receive four complimentary tickets to the show and the  Gala Appetizer and Wine Buffet.

Silver sponsors will receive two complimentary tickets to the show and to the  Gala Appetizer & Wine Buffet.

The sponsorship deadline for inclusion in the event program is March 16.

The Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund is a publicly supported 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions by the public are fully tax-deductible.d

For more information on the Unity Music Festival visit unitymusicfestival.org or the Unity Music Festival Facebook page.

More information on the Sheboygan County Cancer Care Fund can be found at www.scccf.org.

“Having cancer hit not only me, but my family as well,” Waldbauer said. “I know first-hand the impact this makes on families. I love to hear the stories from people about how the SCCCF helped them. It keeps me motivated.

“Above all, I have to acknowledge the support of my husband, my children, family, friends and neighbors,” she said. “I could never do this without them.”

For additional information about the 2018 Unity Music Festival or to purchase gala appetizer buffet tickets, call Mary Ann Waldbauer at 467-3303 or email umfmaryann@charter.net.

February 21, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

1420AM WJUB ‘The Breeze’ tabs Carter as account executive, media consultant

Janet Carter has joined the staff of 1420AM WJUB-The Breeze radio station in Plymouth, Wis. as an account executive-media consultant.

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) February 7, 2018 – Galaxie Broadcasting has added Janet Carter to its staff as an account executive and media consultant for 1420AM WJUB-The Breeze radio station in Plymouth.

Carter’s background, which features previous work with U.S. Cellular and the Sheboygan Senior Community’s Landmark Square project, provides her with a unique perspective to assist businesses with local marketing opportunities, including radio advertising.

Carter has also served as the past president of the Sheboygan Early Bird Rotary Club and the Sheboygan Area United Way Board of Directors.

In her new position with Galaxie Broadcasting, Carter will be working with Sheboygan area businesses and assisting in the process of formulating marketing plans and strategies.

To explore marketing opportunities with 1420AM WJUB-The Breeze, contact Janet Carter by phone at 920-207-0196 or via e mail at janet@galaxiebroadcasting.com.

 

 

February 21, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

New book tackles implications of medical error

Morrill publishes ‘The Perils of Un-Coordinated Healthcare’

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) February 1, 2018 – As the third-leading cause of death in the United States, preventable medical harm is an all-too prevalent, but often overlooked issue in today’s healthcare system.

In her debut book “The Perils of Un-Coordinated Healthcare – A Strategic Approach Toward Eliminating Preventable Harm,” published by Routledge, PM Health Care Consulting LLC President Patricia Morrill of Caledonia, Wis. addresses the challenging and troubling topic of medical error through her riveting first-hand account of the sequence of events leading up to her mother’s death, just three months after elective knee-replacement surgery.

First chapter of the book serves as a case study with Morrill painting a detailed step-by-step portrait of the various interactions, decisions and procedures carried out by her mother’s physicians and healthcare team related to her knee replacement surgery, initial rehabilitation, infection diagnosis, rapid health deterioration and eventual death.

In the second part of the book, Morrill draws on her 30 years of experience in  healthcare to present a discussion guide suitable for a medical team environment, with a heavy emphasis on how human factors influence a patient’s care experience.

Morrill suggests strategies for addressing the implications of medical error by asking a series of pointed questions designed to stimulate healthcare teams to develop their own answers.

This includes a study of Morrill’s own 10-step model of “Process Improvement Strategy Deployment,” which supplies potential solutions to preventable harm through the integration of Lean and project management methodologies for process improvement and problem solving.

“My main goal in writing this book is to provide a 360 view of the issue of medical error as it pertains to patients, families, physicians, workforce, leaders and culture,” Morrill said. “The third leading cause of death needs to be talked about now.  Everyone needs to understand their role in changing that statistic.”

Morrill, who has published several articles on risk assessment in the healthcare field, developed the idea to write “The Perils of Un-Coordinated Healthcare” after heading up a hospital leadership development series through work at PM Healthcare Consulting.

“Shortly after my mother died, I was contacted by a hospital to do a leadership development workshop and coaching series,” Morrill said. “I needed a patient scenario to illustrate a lack of coordinated care and I thought of my mother’s story immediately. That is when I started to realize the depth of the issue. The more I used my mother’s story as an example, the more it resonated with the people I was working with at the hospital.

“That is when I began to think that my mother’s story could serve as an example to others of how medical error can arise in a very common type of knee surgery,” she said. “Medical error can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time. I wanted to let people know how this can happen and to stress that if they see something in their own care or a loved one’s care that seems questionable, they need to be an advocate and speak up.”

Morrill wrote the book with healthcare executives and their teams specifically in mind.

“My hope is that healthcare executives will share this book with their teams and use it for team training purposes,” Morrill said. “I designed it to generate open discussion, critical thought, self-assessment and deep-rooted strategic planning in the healthcare community.

Patricia Morrill of PM Healthcare Consulting has published her first book, “The Perils of Un-coordinated Healthcare-A Strategic Approach Toward Eliminating Preventable Medical Harm,” which includes a case study focused on Patricia’s first-hand account of preventable medical harm at play in the three-month process of her late mother’s knee replacement surgery, subsequent rehab and ultimate health decline.

“Ultimately, my hope is that this book can help to make preventable harm a more discussable topic among healthcare professionals and throughout our society,” she said.

“The Perils of Un-Coordinated Healthcare – A Strategic Approach Toward Eliminating Preventable Harm” is available for purchase at www.routledge.com/9781138228238 and amazon.com.

To arrange an interview with Patricia Morrill or to obtain additional information regarding “The Perils of Un-Coordinated Healthcare – A Strategic Approach Toward Eliminating Preventable Harm” or to inquire about PM Healthcare Consulting services, contact Jeff Pederson at Pedal Down Promotions via email at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com by phone at 920-323-7970 or online at www.pedaldownpromotions.com.

About the Author

Patricia Morrill has 30 years of experience in healthcare, is a project management professional, Lean and Six Sigma certified, and accredited in Evidence-Based Design. As the president of PM Healthcare Consulting LLC in Caledonia, Wis., Patricia partners with executives to provide comprehensive coaching and training to lead change and raise process improvement to a strategic level. In 2012, Patricia authored the 10-step “Process Improvement Strategy Deployment” model, as described in this book, to enhance performance in driving change. “The Perils of Un-Coordinated Healthcare – A Strategic Approach Toward Eliminating Preventable Harm” is Patricia’s first book. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and working pet therapy dog. Patricia can be reached at www.pmhcconsulting.com.

 

February 2, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Galaxie Broadcasting assumes ownership of 1420AM WJUB ‘The Breeze’

Stuart Muck (left) and David Hendrickson (right) of Galaxie Broadcasting are the new owners of WJUB 1420 AM The Breeze in Plymouth, Wis.

PLYMOUTH, WIS. – A fixture on the Sheboygan County radio landscape for the past 64 years, 1420AM The Breeze (WJUB) in Plymouth has found a new lease on life under the local ownership of Galaxie Broadcasting.

The wheels of the ownership transfer were set into motion shortly after station owner Jubilation Ministries merged with The Family Radio Network of Appleton in early 2017.

After The Family Radio Network made WJUB-The Breeze available for sale, Galaxie Broadcasting owners David Hendrickson and Stuart Muck agreed to purchase the station, along with the current building and property that houses the studio and offices in Plymouth on May 30, 2017.

The purchase agreement was submitted to the FCC for approval in early fall and the deal became official on Dec. 28, 2017.

The station originally signed on as WPLY in 1954 and has operated in a variety of formats over the years, including Country and Western in the 1960s and Rock ‘n Roll oldies in the 1980s. After purchasing the station in 1991, Jubilation Ministries introduced a Christian programming format, along with WJUB call letters, and later 91.3FM WSTM to its station offerings.

Hendrickson, who has been a fixture at a station since January 2003, when he was hired to launch The Breeze’s Adult Standards music format, is thrilled for the opportunity to keep the tradition-rich station alive under the Sheboygan County-based Galaxie Broadcasting ownership banner.

 

“To have the chance at keeping a very important, heritage radio station on the air and under local ownership was very motivating,” Hendrickson said. “The radio landscape has changed dramatically in recent years and we felt pursuing this was the right thing for us to do. Although it was never discussed, the possibility was real that a station that has been part of the community for more than 60 years could just go away with no prospect to come back. We did not want that to happen.”

Muck, who also has been involved at WJUB-The Breeze since 2003 in an engineering capacity, feels strongly about the endearing viability of local AM radio.

“Growing up on a dairy farm just west of Shawano, I clearly remember the first thing we did when we got out to the barn in the morning was turn on the local AM radio station,” Muck said. “That was an automatic because we heard everything we needed to know from that station. I am excited about playing a part in keeping that tradition alive in Sheboygan County.”

Loyal Breeze listeners can look forward to more of what they enjoy about the station, along with a few new wrinkles in the coming months.

“The Breeze has a loyal following and has carved out a niche in the Sheboygan radio market and we expect many things about the radio station to remain exactly as they are,” Hendrickson said. “However, we have a number of things planned to help expand both our listenership and the coverage area of the station. Some of those plans will be announced in the next few months. It’s also our hope to grow the station internally, expanding our staff and our presence in Sheboygan County. While we are licensed to Plymouth, the station really serves all of the local area, including Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls, Oostburg, Cedar Grove, Elkhart Lake and Kohler.”

Along with local news, weather, sports and community-based programming, including agricultural news from the Wisconsin Farm Report, 1420AM The Breeze features an adult standards music format showcasing classic songs from the “Great American Songbook” and the timeless vocal talents of such icons as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as 21st Century performers including Michael Buble and Diana Krall.

The Breeze broadcasts all Plymouth High School home and away football games and has joined the Marquette University Golden Eagles Radio Network as a game broadcast partner for the 2017-18 NCAA men’s college basketball season.

“We really have two overriding goals when it comes to the radio station,” Hendrickson said. “We want to be appealing to an adult audience that has an appreciation for great music and we want to serve our local community when it comes to news coverage and when it comes to things that happen day to day here in Sheboygan County.

“Despite an overwhelming number of entertainment options, radio remains very, very strong,” he said. “We believe there will always be a place for local, hometown radio stations like 1420AM The Breeze. Stuart and I would like to invite anyone who hasn’t heard the radio station before to put their radio on 1420 AM or to go to the station website and listen online. Give it a listen. We hope you like what you hear.”

For more information or to learn about marketing opportunities on 1420AM The Breeze, contact David Hendrickson at 920-892-9191, david@galaxiebroadcasting.com or www.1420thebreeze.com.

January 31, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Pedal Down Promotions to be featured at Luxemburg Racing Show

Pedal Down Promotions among sponsorship seminar presenters                  

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) January 15, 2018 – As the clock  ticks steadily closer to the start of the 2018 racing season, Pedal DownPromotions is primed to shift its efforts into high gear with a major presence at the third annual Luxemburg Racing Show Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Exposition Building located at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds in Luxemburg.

Pedal Down Promotions will join a host of racing teams, tracks and equipment suppliers on hand during the vendor show, which is set to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Pedal Down Promotions table will feature a selection of promotional materials for racing teams, including sponsor signs, photo cards and framed feature articles, as well as details about PDP’s press release and public relations packages aimed at assisting racing teams and tracks in connecting with targeted audiences throughout the upcoming 2018 racing season.

In addition, Pedal Down Promotions owner Jeff Pederson will be a featured presenter at a sponsorship seminar set to begin at noon in the classroom located within the Expo building. The seminar is free of charge with an admission ticket.

Pederson, who handles the public relations and race reporting duties for Plymouth Dirt Track Racing in Plymouth, heads up the public relations and marketing effort for Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 sprint car driver Paul Pokorski of West Bend, serves as a contributing writer for Full Throttle Magazine and is the racing correspondent for the WHBL 1330 radio website in Sheboygan, will offer tips and strategies for racing teams seeking ways to attract sponsors and expand their fan base.

He will also impart advice on how race teams can reach new fans through various promotional strategies related to digital marketing, printed materials and involvement in community events. In addition, Pederson’s presentation will feature an overview of social media dos and don’ts, which internet-savvy race teams will not want to miss.

Pederson will be joined by local racing author and Wisconsin International Raceway Public Relations Director Joe Verdegan, who will offer his own insights on marketing the sport of racing to potential sponsors.

Pederson is also making a special raffle prize package available to sponsorship seminar attendees, which includes a Pedal Down Promotions t-shirt, hat and $50 gift certificate toward any PDP product or service.

“This will be the first time that I have attended the Luxemburg Racing Show, and I am really looking forward to it,” Pederson said. “I’ve heard great things about the show and I think the sponsorship seminar will be a lot of fun and provide some good tips for racers to use when they are seeking sponsors and looking to promote their racing efforts and grow their fan base during the upcoming season.”

The show, which drew nearly 500 people in 2017, allows racers to buy/sell or trade new or used race parts, equipment and supplies. The heated expo building, located on the east end of the fairgrounds, provides ample space for tables, booths and exhibits.

Parking is free with food and beverages prepared and sold by the FFA Algoma Alumni. Adult admission is $3 (including vendors). Kids 12 and under are admitted free. 

All up-to-date information regarding the show, including new vendors who sign up, will be released through the “Luxemburg Racing Show” Facebook page.

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

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

January 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Luxemburg Racing Show, featuring Pedal Down Promotions, fast approaching

(Luxemburg, WI) December 28 – Close to two dozen vendors have already signed up to take part in the third annual Luxemburg Racing Show Saturday, January 27 at the Exposition Building located at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds in Luxemburg.

In addition more than two dozen tables have been rented out to drivers and car owners looking to sell and swap new and used racing parts.

“Spots continue to fill up fast, so if anyone in the racing community is still interested in signing up they should probably do so while we’ve still got a few spots remaining,” urged show organizer Derek Moede.

Vendors already on board include Van Drisse Racing Parts, Vlies Custom Bodies, Luxemburg Speedway, Racers Ed, 141 Speedway, Upper Peninsula International Raceway (UPIR), Plymouth Dirt Track, Mack Miller Amsoil dealer, Badger Race Wraps, Ultimate Chassis, Scentcy by Kristine Reckelberg, Performance Motorsports, Maverick Motorsports, Cowbell Street Stock Tour, Outagamie Speedway, IMCA, Premier Fabricating, The Hill Raceway, VP Race Fuels, Del Mueller Diecast Dirt Cars, Discount Shop Towels and BIG-G Carbs.

A Big- G Carbs representative will be have a flow bench for anyone that wants to bring their carburetor to check cfm flows.  Big-G Carbs will also have different air filters and several 4412 Holley 2 barrel carburetors for sale as well.

Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions and local motorsports author and Wisconsin International Raceway public relations director Joe Verdegan will head up a driver sponsorship seminar.

Pedal Down Promotions handles the public relations for Plymouth Dirt Track Racing in Plymouth, Wisconsin and also heads up the P.R. and marketing effort for MSA 360 sprint car driver Paul Pokorski of West Bend.

The pair will offer drivers materials and a presentation of some “do’s and don’ts” when it comes to securing marketing partners for their race teams. The sponsorship seminar will commence at noon in the classroom located within the Expo building and is free of charge with your admission ticket.

Now in its third year, the show allows racers to buy/sell or trade new or used race parts, equipment and supplies.  The heated expo building, located on the east end of the fairgrounds, provides ample space for tables, booths and exhibits.

In 2017, nearly 500 people made their way through the doors. The show hours run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parking is free with food and beverages prepared and sold by the FFA Algoma Alumni.

Adult admission is $3 (including vendors).  Kids 12 and under are admitted free.  Vendor tables are $20 and can be obtained by calling Derek Moede at (920) 639 4455.  You can become a member of the group “Luxemburg Racing Show” through Facebook as well.

All up-to-date information regarding the show, including new vendors who sign up, will be released through this Facebook page.

You can reach Pedal Down Promotions at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com or 920 323 7970 The website is www.pedaldownpromotions.com.

December 28, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

WFDL AM 1170 joins Biz Connection Radio Show network

 

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) – The Biz Connection Radio Show network is set to expand into the Fond du Lac, Wis. radio market with the addition new broadcast partner WFDL AM 1170.

Starting Saturday, Dec. 2, at 8:10 a.m., WFDL AM 1170 will begin airing “America’s All-Business Talk Show on the Radio” on a weekly basis.

WFDL AM 1170 is part of the Fond du Lac-based Radio Plus Inc. broadcasting group, which also includes WFDL Sunny 97.7 FM, WTCX 96.1 FM, The Rock 95.1 and 96.1 FM, WFDL Oldies 103.3 FM and WMDC The Great 98 FM.

The Biz Connection Radio Show, which debuted on Nov. 5, 2011, is a weekly one-hour talk show designed to showcase the real-life stories of entrepreneurs, owners and professionals in a vast array of business settings.

Over the past six years, the Biz Connection has partnered with SCORE, a business mentorship organization dedicated to assisting prospective and current entrepreneurs in achieving their business dreams.

WFDL 1170AM is the fifth broadcast partner for the Biz Connection. The show also airs on two broadcast radio stations in the Sheboygan County area, one broadcast radio station in the Milwaukee area and one internet radio station in Waukesha.

For more information on The Biz Connection Radio Show, visit www.bizconnectionwi.com or check out The Biz Connection on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more information about WFDL AM 1170, visit www.radioplusinfo.com.

November 20, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports reflects on silver anniversary season

Paul Pokoraki captured his 10th career 360 Sprint Car A-main victory on Pedal Down Promotions Night at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 27, 2017. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 1, 2017  – Aided by a strong surge of consistent showings over the second half of the 2017 racing campaign, the silver anniversary season for Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team was filled several memorable performances.

The team’s 25th season of racing competition got off to an inauspicious start on May 6, as an opening-lap accident in the first Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main of the season relegated Pokorski to a 22nd-place finish.

The incident also knocked the team’s primary 2016 Maxim out of commission for the next two races, prompting Pokorski to turn to his trusty 2011 J&J backup car.

“Crashing on opening night was rough for us,” Pokorski said. “We had to take the rear end of the car apart to get the frame fixed.”

After notching a third-place A-main showing at Plymouth on May 13, Pokorski notched his 10th career 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in flag-to-flag fashion on Pedal Down Promotions Night at The Plymouth Dirt Track on May 27.

It was also Pokorski’s first A-main victory since Aug. 14, 2015 at the now defunct Manitowoc Expo Speedway, as well as the 45th overall A-main victory of his 25-year open-wheel racing career (35 Winged Super Modified, 10 360 Sprint Car).

“Winning the A-main at Plymouth on Pedal Down Promotions Night, which is one of our key supporters, was a big highlight for us,” Pokorski said.

The team returned to Plymouth for the Brian Portschy Memorial Race on June 10 with its newly repaired Maxim and promptly racked up an impressive fourth-place finish in the A main, after an early incident forced Pokorski to restart the race 19th on lap 6.

The following night at Angell Park in Sun Prairie saw the team encounter a magneto issue, which kept it from competing in the A main.

“We had mag trouble during our first visit to Sun Prairie, which forced us to miss running the A main,” Pokorski said. “The troubles we had on opening night at Plymouth and in the first race at Angell Park really hurt our overall points result for the season.”

The mag issue lingered into the following Saturday at Plymouth, which forced the team to scratch from the entire program after hot laps.

Another highlight of the season came in the team’s next event at Spring Lake Speedway in Unity on June 23, which drew a standing-room-only crowd and a stellar field of 27 cars for the first Midwest Sprint Car Association event at the track since 2004.

Pokorski turned in an 11th place showing with the team’s J&J backup car at Spring Lake before more bad luck plagued the team the following night at Plymouth when an incident in the A-main ended the team’s night with a 20th-place finish.

After searching for a consistent setup during most of the month of July, Pokorski racked up a second-place A-main showing at Plymouth on July 29 to ignite a string of strong finishes to close out the season.

Pokorski closed out a streak of five consecutive top-10 A-main showings with a 10th-place finish at Angell Park on Aug. 13. Misfortune struck again at Plymouth on Aug. 19 when Pokorski got caught up in a five-car incident just yards front the finish line while dueling for position just outside of the top five. The accident relegated the 2014 MSA Masters Series champion to a 17th-place finish.

Pokorski came back to tally an eighth-place showing in A-main action at Plymouth on Sept. 9 and capped the 2017 campaign with a strong fourth-place finish in the PDTR and MSA season finale at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Sept. 30.

In 21 PDTR/MSA events, Pokorski posted one A-main victory (May 27), two heat race wins, six top-five A-main finishes and 12 top-10 A-main showings.

Pokorski also placed seventh overall in the Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) standings and wound up ninth in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car points race.

“Getting at least one A-main win is always a goal and we got that pretty early on,” Pokorski said. “That was good, but I would have liked to have gotten at least one more. Overall, our season points finish was a little disappointing.”

Even in his 25th season of competition, Pokorski said he still found himself learning new things at the track.

“Shock technology has really changed a lot over the last 10 years or so and we are always learning,” Pokorski said. “Scotty Neitzel at R&H racing helped us take another step forward with that this year. I think our dry slick set ups have come a long way because of it. The change is so significant that I’ve had to change my driving style a bit, which I’m still working on.”

With 2017 now in the rearview mirror, Pokorski and his crew are firmly focused on 2018 with the off-season maintenance program already well under way.

“It took some effort to repair things and some expense to replace what couldn’t be fixed this season,” Pokorski said. “We will spend the off season making sure we are better prepared in some weak spots. It’s a never-ending process of learning from mistakes.

“I felt we were getting better at the end of the year,” he said. “Everyone else seems to be improving as well, so we’ll have to keep working and not settle. We are hoping to build off what we learned near the end of 2017 and start strong instead of behind the 8 ball like we did this year.”

Pokorski acknowledged the efforts of his 2017 Pokorski Motorsports pit crew, including crew chief Dave Schultz, Randy Leamer, Dan Hoerig, Ian Schultz, Aaron Pederson, Alex Pokorski, Lynn Pokorski, Heather Pokorski, Sheila Leamer, Chuck Tuschl, Karin Tuschl and Melissa Schultz.

“I want to thank Dave Schultz, who’s always there to help,” Pokorski said. “Ian Schultz and Aaron Pederson have been fun to work with. They are two young men who will hopefully stay involved in the sport for a long time. I also want to thank by mom [Karin Tuschl] and stepdad [Chuck Tuschl] for their never-ending support, as well as Randy and Sheila Leamer for their help in the pits. I really have to thank my wife, Lynn, and my kids, Alex and Heather, for their help in the pits and throughout the year to support me in what I love to do.”

The Pokorski Motorsports sponsors for the 2017 season include: Acme Armature Works Inc., Goeden’s Auto Body, Goodwin Racing Engines, Jens, Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Services & Crematory, Kettle Moraine Landscaping, Novak’s Service Center, Pedal Down Promotions, Christel Sign, Tisler Salvage Inc. and The Cawley Company.

“I really appreciate the support of our sponsors again this year,” Pokorski said. “Several of our sponsors have been with us for many years and their support is greatly appreciated. I also want to give a special ‘thank you’ to Acme Armature Works, who just joined us this year.”

Pokorski Motorsports is currently seeking sponsors for the 2018 season. For more information, on how to become involved in Pokorski Motorsports, contact Paul Pokorski at Pokorski4@gmail.com.

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Novak’s Service Center

Pokorski Motorsports will like to acknowledge the support of long-time sponsor Novak’s Service Center of Manitowoc, which is celebrating its 45th year in business in 2017.

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

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.pedaldownpromotions.com or call 920-323-7970.

2017 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 22

MSA events – 21

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 6

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 12

Heat Race Victories – 2

November 1, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

John McGivern to perform at UW-Sheboygan Dec. 8

John McGivern to share holiday stories at UW-Sheboygan

‘Around the Corner’ host sets first ever appearance at UW-Sheboygan Fine Arts Theatre

(University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation) October 26, 2017 – A historic night of laughs featuring a festive home-state trip down memory lane is in store as the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan presents John McGivern for An Evening of Holiday Stories at the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Fine Arts Theatre Friday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m.

McGivern, who has hosted the popular PBS program “Around the Corner with John McGivern” for six seasons, will take to the stage at the intimate UW-Sheboygan Fine Arts Theatre for the very first time to serve up holiday stories from his Wisconsin childhood growing up in an Irish Catholic family.

The show recalls an age of innocence bounded by snow days and Thanksgiving dinners, handcrafted Christmas toys, trees purchased at the Odd-Lot-Tree-Lot, the Milwaukee Journal Calendar Christmas gift, New Year’s Eve in the finished basement and life in the McGivern household during the most cherished time of the year.

A noted actor and writer, McGivern’s film credits include Disney’s “The Princess Diaries.” He has also appeared in numerous one-man and ensemble stage shows, as well as performing stand-up comedy at venues throughout the United States.

Presented by the UW-Sheboygan Foundation, proceeds from McGivern’s appearance will go to support UW-Sheboygan students and the school’s fine arts programs.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring John to UW-Sheboygan for the first time for this very special performance,” University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director Allyson Olivier said. “As a Wisconsin native and through hosting ‘Around the Corner’ on PBS, John as a huge following in the area. He has been doing this show around the state for years to big audiences. I encourage people to get their tickets early to make sure they don’t miss out on what promises to be a very memorable night.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the theater opens at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show.

Tickets are now on sale for $50 for general seating and $75 for limited reserved seating, which includes an exclusive meet and greet with John McGivern following the performance.

Tickets can be purchased at sheboygan.uwc.edu/community/foundation/events or by calling Allyson Olivier at 920-459-6612.

October 26, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

Pedal Down Promotions to be featured at Luxemburg Racing Show

PDP’s Jeff Pederson to present at sponsorship seminar

(Green Bay, WI) October 11– A sponsorship seminar aimed to help driver’s secure marketing partners for their racing operations has been added to the Luxemburg Racing show Saturday, January 27 at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds Expo building in Luxemburg, Wisconsin.

Show organizer Derek Moede has announced that Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions and local motorsports author and Wisconsin International Raceway public relations director Joe Verdegan will head up the seminar, which will be free of charge with their paid admission to the show.

Pedal Down Promotions handles the public relations for Plymouth Dirt Track Racing in Plymouth, Wisconsin and also heads up the P.R. and marketing effort for MSA 360 sprint car driver Paul Pokorski of West Bend.

The pair will offer drivers materials and a presentation of some “do’s and don’ts” when it comes to securing marketing partners for their race teams.

“My presentation will touch on strategies to help race teams connect with fans and sponsors through timely, compelling communication (written pieces, photos, videos, graphics),” said Pederson. “While racing is a hobby for local racers, I believe teams should operate under the same model as any small business through a professional approach and a multi-dimensional plan for success. I will discuss how many of the same promotional principles I have introduced to the small businesses I work with through Pedal Down Promotions can bring prosperity to racing teams at all levels of the sport.”

The sponsorship seminar will commence at noon in the classroom located within the Expo building.

Now in its third year, the show allows racers to buy/sell or trade new or used race parts, equipment and supplies. The heated expo building, located on the east end of the fairgrounds, provides ample space for tables, booths and exhibits. In 2017 nearly 500 people made their way through the doors. The show hours run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Moede will host the Luxemburg Racing show for the third year. The show will take place Saturday, January 27th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Expo building located at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds in Luxemburg. In 2017, close to 500 people made their way through the doors of the show in its first year.

Parking is free with food and beverages prepared and sold by the FFA Algoma Alumni.

Adult admission is $3.00 (including vendors). Kids 12 and under are admitted free. Vendor tables are $20 and can be obtained by calling Derek Moede at (920) 639 4455.

With the absence of the Expo show in Manitowoc, this show is expected to fill up fast. You can become a member of the group “Luxemburg Racing Show” through Facebook as well. All up-to-date information regarding the show, including new vendors who sign up, will be released through this Facebook page.

You can reach Pedal Down Promotions at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, 920-323-7970 or www.pedaldownpromotions.com.

October 11, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports closes out 25th anniversary season on high note

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 4, 2017 – Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team completed their 25th season of competition with a strong fourth-place A-main showing in the 2017 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car finale Saturday, Sept. 30, at The Plymouth Dirt Track on the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds.

With a stellar field of 33 PDTR/MSA 360 Sprint Cars signed in, Pokorski lined up on the outside of the front row of the second PDTR/MSA heat race. The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion outpowered polesitter Chris Clayton to seize the lead in turn two of the opening circuit.

Pokorski then proceeded to open up a half-straightaway cushion over Clayton, which he maintained throughout the 10-lap event en route to his second heat race victory of the 2017 season.

The impressive heat race run gave Pokorski the third starting spot in the PDTR-MSA A-main with former PDTR-MSA champions Kurt Davis and Danny Schlafer lined up ahead of him on the front row and newly crowned 2017 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen to his right in the fourth starting position.

Pokorski was running fourth behind Davis, Schlafer and McMullen when the first caution flag of the race flew on lap 4,. On the ensuing restart, Davis and Schlafer collided in turn two to bring out another caution, which relegated both drivers to the rear of the field.

After restarting second, Pokorski dropped to fourth when Ben Schmidt and Kevin Karnitz both slipped by before Dick Kaiser mounted a charge to work past Pokorski two laps later. The West Bend driver spent the majority of the race locked in a duel with Justin Miller for fifth place.

As the laps wound down, Pokorski found his groove on the dry, slick track to hold off Miller for the position. With two laps to go, Pokorski reeled in Dick Kaiser to take over fourth place in the running order.

Pokorski then held on secure his sixth top-five A-main finish of the season as Brandon McMullen claimed the victory to wrap up the 2017 PDTR 360 Sprint Car title and his third straight MSA championship.

“The car was just about perfect in the heat race,” Pokorski said. “We tweaked a few things for the main, but didn’t tighten it up enough. We were afraid the track would take rubber earlier and we didn’t want to go too far.”

After being hampered by bad luck and mechanical gremlins during first few months of the year, which forced him to race the team’s backup car in several events, Pokorski rallied over the second half of the season to place ninth in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings and seventh in the MSA points rundown.

In 21 PDTR/MSA events, Pokorski posted one A-main victory (May 27), two heat race wins, six top-five A-main finishes and 12 top-10 A-main showings.

“I’m happy with the way the second half of the season went,” Pokorski said. “We’ve been running well lately, and I’m really sorry that the end of the season is here. I can’t wait for next year. We don’t have any major changes planned. Our goal is to work hard and be as prepared as possible.”

The Pokorski Motorsports sponsors for the 2017 season include: Acme Armature Works Inc., Goeden’s Auto Body, Goodwin Racing Engines, Jens, Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Services & Crematory, Kettle Moraine Landscaping, Novak’s Service Center, Pedal Down Promotions, Christel Sign, Tisler Salvage Inc. and The Cawley Company.

For more information on Pokorski Motorsports, check out Pokorski Motorsports on Facebook or visit www.pedaldownpromotions.com.

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Novak’s Service Center

Pokorski Motorsports will like to acknowledge the support of long-time sponsor Novak’s Service Center of Manitowoc, which is celebrating its 45th year in business in 2017.

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

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.

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.pedaldownpromotions.com or call 920-323-7970.

2017 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

FINAL STATISTICS

Total Events – 22

MSA events – 21

IRA events – 1

A-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 6

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 12

Heat Race Victories – 2

October 4, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

McMullen caps PDTR 360 Sprint Car title with A-main win

Balog, Schenck, Neau notch victories in all-Sprint Car finale

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 30, 2017 – Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh closed out his first career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car championship in grand style by claiming his fourth A-main triumph of the season in the 2017 PDTR finale before a capacity crowd at The Plymouth Dirt Track on the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth Saturday, Sept. 30.

In the Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series headliner Bill Balog of Hartland collected his 13th A-main victory of the season en route to his eighth career IRA championship. Doug Schenck of Cottage Grove notched his eighth Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Car Series A-main triumph of the 2017 season and Mike Neau of Kenosha captured the Wisconsin-Illinois Mini Sprint Association A-main win.

The PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main featured some of the best wheel-to-wheel action of the night up in the front of the pack and throughout the field. 2010 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee got the initial jump to lead the opening lap of the 25-lap event from the pole position.

As Davis worked the low groove at the head of the pack, two-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Danny Schlafer, who started second, ran the high groove in an attempt to track down the leader.

Meanwhile, the fourthfourt-starting McMullen worked around third starter Paul Pokorski of West Bend to seize third on lap 3. After a caution flag slowed the pace one lap later, McMullen got a big jump along the outside groove on the ensuing restart to challenge Davis and Schlafer for the top two spots.

However, Davis and Schlafer collided entering turn one, which resulted in the two winningest drivers in Midwest Sprint Car Association history sliding into the turn two wall where they collected eighth starter Jim Melis of Glenbeulah, who had been running fifth in the early stages of the race.

With three of the top-five cars eliminated from contention for the victory, McMullen inherited the lead on the ensuing restart, followed by Pokorski and 2011 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Howards Grove, who started 12th.

Schmidt got a huge run on the restart to bolt underneath McMullen in turn one on lap 5 to gain the top spot. Schmidt maintained a slight edge over McMullen over the next five laps until the leaders began to encounter lapped traffic.

On lap 11, McMullen used the slower traffic to his benefit as he dove low to sneak past Schmidt in turn two on lap 13. Schmidt battled back to regain the top spot in turn two on lap 14, but McMullen used an aggressive line around the high groove to wrestle the lead away from Schmidt again on lap 17.

Schmidt remained within striking distance, while fifth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend powered in to slip past Schmidt on lap 22 and gain the runner-up spot. Out in front of the field it all McMullen, as he rolled to his 12th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory and 17th career triumph of his Midwest Sprint Car Association career.

Along with the PDTR championship, the eighth-year 360 Sprint Car driver nailed down his third consecutive MSA title. Karnitz finished a strong second, Schmidt was third, Pokorski wound up fourth and 11th starter Justin Miller of Plymouth came home fifth.

“I’m so proud of my family-operated team, including everyone on the crew that helps to get the car ready to run well every week and all of our sponsors that make it possible to do this for an entire season,” McMullen said. “It’s been a great year. I couldn’t be happier.”

In addition to his stellar effort in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main, McMullen was also a key player in the 30-lap IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A main, as he started on the pole and lead the opening two circuits behind the wheel of the Bob Hood-owned 10W machine.

After McMullen outpowered outside front row starter Billy Hafemann of Cedar Grove to take the initial lead, the first of three caution flags appeared on lap 2 when Steve Meyer of Sheboygan Falls spun exiting turn two. On the restart, fourth starter Justin Henderson of Tea, South Dakota charged hard into turn three to slide past McMullen and into the lead exiting turn four on lap 3.

Two laps later, Bill Balog, who started 10th, used the high groove to move into second place on lap 6. As Henderson began to encounter lapped traffic, the hard-charging Balog swiftly reeled in the leader. On lap 11, Balog ducked low to pull even with Henderson entering turn one.

One lap later, Balog powered around Henderson along the extreme outside groove to take the top spot on lap 12. Balog wasted no time in building up a big full straightaway cushion over Henderson by lap 14.

Fifth starter Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan reeled in Henderson on lap 20 and began to apply pressure for the runner-up spot. The third caution flag of the race appeared on lap 23 when Hafemann spun to a stop in turn two.

After the restarter, Balog bolted away to a half straightaway edge over Henderson, while two-time IRA champion Scotty Neitzel of Beaver Dam and 2016 IRA champ Jeremy Schultz of Beaver Dam each worked their way into the top five.

Balog cruised over the final five laps to notch his 101st career IRA A-main victory and successfully seal his eighth IRA 410 Sprint Car Series title.

“The car felt really good tonight and we were fortunate to do the right things to it for the main event to get it to victory lane,” Balog said. “Things haven’t been too great for us over the past couple of weeks, so it is very nice to get this win here tonight. It feels great to win this title with the IRA. I have to thank everyone that helps to make this team successfully, including family, crew members and sponsors. This championship was one of the harder ones because Thiel was there the whole time.”

Henderson was pleased with the quality of his car, but expressed disappointment that he was unable to carry his early momentum throughout the entire race.

“We got to running really good on the top at the start of the race, but we just seemed to slow down when we got up to the lapped cars,” Henderson said. “The crew had the car really nice for me tonight. I just didn’t get the job done.”

Thiel was satisfied with a podium finish and with his strong runner-up finish to Balog in the final IRA point standings.

“All in all, it was a good year, although I really wanted to get a win tonight,” Thiel said. “It’s certainly not too bad when you are able to end the night up on the podium with the 17B [Balog] and 83 [Henderson].”

Jimmy Sivia of Winthrop Harbor, Ill., who started on the outside of the front row, got the jump on polesitter Allen Hafford of Beach Park, Ill. to lead the first lap of the 20-lap Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Car A main.

On lap 6, Hafford used a nifty low move in turn one to seize the top spot from Sivia, while fourth starter Derek Crane of Waukegan, Ill. worked past third starter Doug Schenck and Sivia to move into second place.

The lone caution of the race appeared on lap 14 for a spin in turn two. On the restart, Schenck began to flex his muscle as he ventured the high groove to power around both Crane and Hafford with a huge run in turns three and fourth on lap 17 to gain the lead entering turn one on lap 18.

Schenck then pulled away to secure his eighth Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2017 season. Hafford had to settle for second, Crane was third, Tim Cox of Park City, Ill. was fourth after starting sixth and Ryan Zielski of Oconomowoc placed fifth after starting fourth.

Jordan Mattson of Milwaukee finished the season as the 2017 Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Car champion.

Polesitter Mike Neau led from the drop of the green flag of the 20-lap Wisconsin-Illinois Mini Sprint Association A-main over outside front row starter Nick Daywalt of Slinger.

Daywalt kept Neau in sight throughout the 20-lap event, but was unable to pull off a pass. Neau held on to pot a three-car-length victory over Daywalt, who secured the 2017 Wisconsin-Illinois Mini Sprint Association title. Derek Fortier finished third after starting fourth, Ron Brannam placed fourth after starting fifth and Kyle Daywalt of Germantown wound up fifth after starting sixth.

JDL Auto and Detailing of Plymouth was the evening’s trophy sponsor.

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.pedaldownpromotions.com or call 920-323-7970.

October 1, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

1420AM The Breeze to broadcast Marquette University men’s basketball games

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

PLYMOUTH, WIS. – 1420AM The Breeze (WJUB) in Plymouth has finalized an agreement to join the Marquette University Golden Eagles Radio Network as a game broadcast partner for the upcoming 2017-18 NCAA men’s college basketball season.

As part of the Learfield Radio Network, 1420AM The Breeze will carry all 31 Marquette regular season games, including each of the team’s Big East conference contests.

The first game broadcast for the 2017-18 campaign will air on Friday, Nov. 10 when the Marquette Golden Eagles tip off the new season against Mount St. Mary’s at 8 p.m. The highlight of Marquette’s non-conference schedule features a showdown with the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team on Saturday, Dec. 9.

“This move allows Sheboygan County listeners to have easier access to the Marquette men’s basketball radio broadcasts through the 2017-18 season,” 1420AM The Breeze Operations Manager David Hendrickson said. “We recognized that there was a void in the Sheboygan County area for Marquette men’s basketball game broadcasts and we are excited to have an opportunity to fill it this year.”

Steve “The Homer” True will handle play-by-play duties with former Marquette standout Jim McIlvaine serving as the color analyst on each broadcast.

“To have the Marquette games available, crystal clear, in Sheboygan County on 1420AM is going to be fantastic,” McIlvaine said.

This is the first time in the history of the 1420AM The Breeze that the station will be airing game broadcasts for a major college athletic team.

“We’ve had a strong background of broadcasting local high school sports for many years and we are looking forward to stepping up our efforts and bringing our listeners the excitement of Marquette’s NCAA men’s basketball games,” Hendrickson said. “This is a new venture for us and we hope our listeners are as excited as we are about this announcement.”

1420AM The Breeze is a full-service station, with local news and weather coverage and an Adult Standards music format featuring Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and contemporary artists like Michael Buble and Diana Krall.

For more information to learn about marketing opportunities on 1420AM The Breeze, contact David Hendrickson at 920-892-9191, david@galaxiebroadcasting.com or www.1420thebreeze.com.

September 26, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson