Jeff Pederson, Author at Pedal Down Promotions

Pokorski focuses forward after Angel Park setback

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski is set to compete in the Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint portion of the Road America Challenge on Saturday, June 8 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design Photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 4, 2024 – A promising start ended with a disappointing conclusion for Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team in Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car competition at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis.

The fifth-year 360 Sprint Car racer opened up the event on a strong note by qualifying fourth overall in the 23-car MSA field with a lap of 14.228 seconds around the historic third-mile clay oval.

After lining up second in the third eight-lap MSA heat race, Pokorski held his position to finish in the runner-up spot to gain the fifth starting spot in the 25-lap MSA main event.

In the early laps of A-main action, the West Bend, Wis. driver searched for a comfort groove on the extremely rough track surface. After falling back to 10^th in the running order, Pokorski worked his way back up to eighth through the course of four separate caution and red flag periods.

On lap 20, the 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Most Improved Driver Award winner, got sideways in turn four after hitting a pair of treacherous ruts before collecting Bill Taylor.

The contact ended Pokorski’s night with heavy damage to his No. 4 Akright Auto machine. He was credited with a 17^th-place finish.

“We had a very solid night going in qualifying and the heat race,” Pokorski said. “The track was very rough all night all night. In the A-main, I was racing closely with someone and just missed my entry to the corner. I bobbled over one rut and collected the car just in time to hit another rut, which sent the car a little too sideways. Unfortunately, Bill Taylor was collected and we both tore up our cars pretty good.”

A scheduled Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-MSA 360 Sprint Car event on Saturday, June 1 at The Plymouth Dirt Track was canceled due to rain.

Pokorski and the members of the Akright Auto Racing Team are scheduled to compete with the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars as part of the fourth annual Road America Challenge on Saturday, June 8 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

The event, which will also feature the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car series and PDTR Grand Nationals, will have grandstand gates opening at 4:30 p.m. with “on-track” action commencing at 5:30 p.m.

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

For more information on Alex Pokorski and the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team, check out Pokorski Motorsports on Facebook at https://facebook.com/pokorskimotorsports or visit www.pedaldownpromo.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Petersen Septic Systems

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team are pleased to welcome Petersen Septic Systems back as a sponsor for the 2024 racing season.

Since opening its doors in Valders, Wis. in 2012, Petersen Septic Systems LLC has provided premier septic tank service and the most reliable septic system installation and repair in Manitowoc and Two Rivers and the surrounding Lakeshore area.

“We offer our services to industrial, institutional, residential, new construction, commercial and municipal accounts,” Petersen Septic Systems Owner David Petersen said. “Customer service is our utmost priority. We do every job as it was in our own homes. Our experience is second to none in the area. Prior to opening the business, I worked for Tuschl Septic Systems from 2004 until owner Chuck Tuschl retired.”

The list of regular services Petersen Septic Systems offers includes septic pump repairs, test drilling/test boring, sewage treatment systems, septic tank removal, septic tank installation, water line repair, oil testing and perc testing.

“We provide all of these services in Manitowoc County and the surrounding areas,” Petersen said. “We are OSHA certified and are licensed MPRS/CST966051.”

Petersen Septic Systems is located at 7334 Nagel Road in Valders, Wis. For more information, call 920-323-2640, email petersenseptic@gmail.com or visit www.petersensepticsystems.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Akright Auto

Located at 106 North Bluebird Lane in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. Akright Auto has served as a reliable source for auto parts since 1940.

With a highly trained staff of auto parts professionals, Akright Auto is well prepared to assist customers with vehicle repair needs with a wide assortment of affordable, high-quality auto parts available on-site. If a part is not available, Akright Auto offers next-day delivery services.

In addition, Akright Auto provides full auto salvage services, along with a 90-day standard warranty on all parts purchases.

Contact Akright Auto by phone at 920-467-4201, toll-free at 800-400-4201, via email at dakright12@gmail.com or visit www.akrightauto.com.

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

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

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, June 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, June 15 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, June 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)

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

Total Events – 4
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Events – 3
Midwest Sprint Car Association Events – 4
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 1
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

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

Total Events – 2
Interstate Racing Association Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 1
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Award – 0

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
360 Sprint Car
2024 Statistics

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

June 4, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Berth goes back-to-back in MSA action at Angell Park Speedway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Brandon Berth of Cascade collected his second consecutive Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, June 2. – Roy Ophime Photography

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 2, 2024 – Picking up where he left off last season, Brandon Berth of Cascade led every lap of the 25-lap headliner on the way to his second straight Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series A-main victory at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, June 2.

The fourth MSA official event and second completed A-main of the 2024 season featured an eventful 25-lap main event, which included a combined five caution and red flag periods on the heavily undulated third-mile clay oval.

After lining up on the outside of the front row of the MSA main event, Berth outpowered polesitter Justin Erickson of Plymouth to seize the lead in turn one of the opening lap.

With Erickson giving chase, Berth caught the rear of the 22-car field on lap 4. Two laps later, MSA Sprint Car 2024 rookie of the year candidate Kevin Ruh of Elkhart Lake spun along the front stretch to bring out the first caution of the event.

After another caution on lap 9, 2005 MSA champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett, who started third, charged past Erickson to take over second in the running order.

Berth found himself engaged in thick lapped traffic on lap 12 before the mount of J.J. Pagel of Mount Calvery stalled in turn two on lap 14.

Two laps later, Tristan Koenigs of Van Dyne experienced a hard flip exiting turn four and ending near the front stretch wall. Koenigs was transported to an area hospital and later determined to have a concussion, but otherwise escaped serious injury.

When the race resumed, Berth worked the high groove to fend off Fassbender as he weaved his way through slower traffic. On lap 20, Alex Pokorski of West Bend caught a rut and spun in turn four before collecting Bill Taylor of Boltonville to trigger the fourth caution and fifth overall stoppage of the race.

Berth continued on to complete a nearly flawless effort on the very challenging race surface on the way to his second-straight MSA 360 Sprint Car victory at Angell Park Speedway and third career MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main triumph.

Fassbender had to settle for second, Erickson placed third, 2011 PDTR champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth moved up from his eighth starting spot to take fourth and 2023 MSA Rookie of the Year Award winner Logan Julien of Oconomowoc charged up from the 15^th starting position to round up the top five.

“I’m blown away right now with the fact that we won our first 360 Sprint Car A-main here a year ago and now we’ve come back and done it again,” Berth said during his victory lane interview. “I knew I needed to run the outside groove and hold the lead at the start because passing was going to be difficult. I love this place. I don’t know what it is, but it just seems to be a good fit for me. I need to offer a big thanks to my crew, my sponsors and everyone else who helps to make this all happen.”

MSA heat race victories went to Justin Erickson, Kevin Karnitz of West Bend and rookie Clayton Rossmann of Wadsworth, Ill.

The event drew 23 MSA 360 Sprint Cars to the venerable 88-year-old Angell Park Speedway facility for the series’ first of two scheduled MSA visits during the 2024 campaign.

The next race for the MSA 360 Sprint Cars is the fourth annual Road America Challenge on Saturday, June 8 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., which will feature a $1,000 first-place payout. The Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand Nationals are also on the card.

Grandstand gates open for reserved seat ticket holders at 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for race day general admission ticket sales with “on-track action” slated to begin at 5:30 p.m.

For more information on the 2024 Midwest Sprint Car Association season, visit www.msasprints.com or check out the Midwest Sprint Car Association Facebook page.

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

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

Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association
Angell Park Speedway
Sun Prairie, Wis.
June 2, 2024

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 22B-Brandon Berth [2]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender [3]; 3. 3-Justin Erickson [1]; 4. 35-Ben Schmidt [8]; 5. 85J-Logan Julien [15]; 6. 39-Kurt Davis [6]; 7. 09-Clayton Rossmann [4]; 8. 0-Rob Pribnow [7]; 9. 21H-TJ Haddy [18]; 10. 63-Kevin Karnitz [13]; 11. 11-Tony Wondra [17]; 12. 33M-Josh Bilicki [19]; 13. 24-Scott Conger [21]; 14. 51-Chris Larson [20]; 15. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [9]; 16. 54-Randy Post [22]; 17. (DNF) 4-Alex Pokorski [5]; 18. (DNF) 69-Bill Taylor [10]; 19. (DNF) 46-Kevin Ruh [14]; 20. (DNF) 66-Tristan Koenings [16]; 21. (DNF) 12P-JJ Pagel [12]; 22. (DNF) 69S-TJ Smith [11]; 23. (DNS) 42X-Brett Peterson

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 3-Justin Erickson [2]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender [3]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [1]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor [5]; 6. 66-Tristan Koenings [6]; 7. 21H-TJ Haddy [7]; 8. 33M-Josh Bilicki [8]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 63-Kevin Karnitz [1]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth [4]; 3. 69S-TJ Smith [3]; 4. 85J-Logan Julien [8]; 5. 12P-JJ Pagel [2]; 6. 24-Scott Conger [6]; 7. 11-Tony Wondra [5]; 8. 54-Randy Post [7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 09-Clayton Rossmann [1]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski [2]; 3. 39-Kurt Davis [3]; 4. 0-Rob Pribnow [4]; 5. 46-Kevin Ruh [5]; 6. 51-Chris Larson [6]; 7. (DNS) 42X-Brett Peterson

Qualifying 1: 1. 35-Ben Schmidt, 13.989 [2]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender, 14.359 [6]; 3. 3-Justin Erickson, 14.433 [5]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 14.456 [4]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor, 14.482 [3]; 6. 66-Tristan Koenings, 14.501 [8]; 7. 21H-TJ Haddy, 14.548 [1]; 8. 33M-Josh Bilicki, 14.600 [7]

Qualifying 2: 1. 22B-Brandon Berth, 14.365 [1]; 2. 69S-TJ Smith, 14.485 [8]; 3. 12P-JJ Pagel, 14.527 [3]; 4. 63-Kevin Karnitz, 14.542 [6]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra, 14.543 [5]; 6. 24-Scott Conger, 15.238 [4]; 7. 54-Randy Post, 16.120 [2]; 8. (DNS) 85J-Logan Julien

Qualifying 3: 1. 0-Rob Pribnow, 14.151[1]; 2. 39-Kurt Davis, 14.158 [2]; 3. 4-Alex Pokorski, 14.228 [6]; 4. 09-Clayton Rossmann, 14.279 [3]; 5. 46-Kevin Ruh, 14.864 [4]; 6. 51-Chris Larson, 15.011 [5]; 7. (DNS) 42X-Brett Peterson

June 3, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz racks up IRA top-five at Wilmot

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz turned in a fifth place A-main finish in a 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 25. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 29, 2024 – After missing out on a potential A-main victory when a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association A-main was called due to curfew six days earlier at Angell Park Speedway, Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports team came back firing to post the team’s second top-five main event showing of the 2024 campaign in IRA Founders’ Night action at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 25.

Arenz, who was leading the previous IRA main event at Angell Park Speedway on Sunday, May 19 when the race was canceled short of the half-way point due to the city of Sun Prairie’s 10 p.m. curfew, opened the night by qualifying sixth among the 33 entrants with a lap of 13.021 seconds.

The 17^th-year racer earned his second heat race victory of the 2024 season after starting second in the first eight-lap IRA heat race. The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion started third and wound up fifth in the second four-lap IRA dash to nail down the 10^th starting spot in the 30-lap IRA main event.

Following the first of four yellow-red flags, Arenz advanced to sixth in the running order before moving up to pass Blake Nimee for fourth on lap 11. However, Nimee returned the favor on the following lap to push the Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver back to fifth.

Sprinkled around three more race slow downs/stoppages over the ensuing 19 laps, Arenz engaged in a spirited back-and-forth duel with Mike Reinke for fourth place.

Arenz held on in the closing laps to secure his second top-five A-main finish of the 2024 IRA campaign with a fifth place showing in a race won by Scotty Neitzel.

The team was scheduled to compete in an IRA event at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Sunday, May 26. However, the event was canceled due to rain.

“I made sure not to over adjust the car and it seemed to help,” Arenz said. “Wilmot is always tricky it seems. From corner to corner, it’s different. I’m happy our qualifying has been more consistent, and we have been making more dash appearances this year. Overall, I can’t complain about a top-five finish. It could’ve been better, but I just didn’t finish the job.”

Following the Wilmot event, IRA officials engaged in the process of investigating the team’s equipment. As a result, the team’s potential racing plans for the upcoming weekend have not yet been determined.

“As for race plans this weekend, it’s up in the air,” Arenz said. “We are waiting for our MSD box to come back after officials took it to be inspected again after Wilmot. Traction control allegations are back. We are doing everything we can to allow IRA officials to do what they need to do to prove every aspect of our operation is legal.”

Arenz will return to IRA competition just a stone’s throw from his race shop for the fourth annual Road America Challenge at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 8. The PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars and PDTR Grand Nationals are also on the card.

Spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m. with on-track action scheduled to commence at 5:30 p.m.

One night later, Arenz will visit Angell Park Speedway for the second time in 2024 for the IRA Norm Nelson Classic on Sunday, June 9.

Spectator gates for the program, which also features the Badger Midgets, open at 4 p.m. with racing scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

All 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Schoen’s Wildlife Removal

Travis Arenz Motorsports is pleased to have Schoen’s Wildlife Removal on board as a sponsorship partner for the 2024 season. Schoen’s Wildlife Removal has sponsored Travis since the beginning of his racing career in the Outlaw Compact 4-Cylinder division at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. in 2008.

Located in Sheboygan, Wis., Schoen’s Wildlife Removal goes beyond pest control to employ proven humane animal control methods based on decades of experience, traveling to any area of Wisconsin to handle all wildlife.

Schoen’s is state certified to manage all protected species, including bats, as well as controlling bees, wasps, ants, spiders, snakes, mice and many more.

Schoen’s, which has been in business since 2001, services farms, factories, businesses, schools, houses, apartments, cottages, rentals and just about any other structure that has a wildlife problem.

New homeowners are invited to contact Schoen’s Wildlife Removal for a quick and affordable pests inspection.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Schoen’s Wildlife Removal by phone at 920-331-0583 or 920-912-4205, by email at hotrod00119@yahoo.com or by visiting www.schoenswildliferemoval.com.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, June 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, June 9 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 15 – Wilmot Raceway, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Statistics

Total Events – 6
IRA Events – 6
A Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 2
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 4
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 5
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 5
Heat Race Victories – 2
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 6
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

May 29, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann brushes off Wilmot hard luck, preps for Outlaws doubleheader

Pedal Down Promotions photo by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann is set to compete in a pair of NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series events at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 29, 2024 – It was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time as an incident near the half-way point of a 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Founders’ Night event took Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing out of contention for another strong A-main result Saturday, May 25 at Wilmot Raceway.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver qualified 12^th overall in the 33-car field after turning in a lap of 13.231 seconds in IRA qualifying. Hartmann then started third and placed fourth in the fourth eight-lap IRA heat race.

The fifth-year Sprint Car competitor lined up 14^th in the 30-lap IRA main event and advanced to 11^th on lap 9 with an eye on another top-10 A-main showing when Corbin Gurley spun in turn three on lap 12. With nowhere to go, Hartmann was collected in the incident, which caused his 87A machine to flip on its side.

The damage suffered in the incident ended Hartmann’s night early with a 24^thplace finish.

The team was scheduled to compete in an IRA event at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Sunday, May 26. However, the event was canceled due to rain.

Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing Team will look to bounce back during the 14^th annual NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Series Jim “JB” Boyd Memorial Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts doubleheader weekend of competition at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1.

Spectator gates are scheduled to open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. with the Midwest Legends Dirt Series and 600cc Outlaw Winged Micro Sprints on the card both nights.

The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series event will be streamed live on DirtVision.

“It was a tough weekend for my guys,” Hartmann said. “There’s no time to hang our heads. We have our full sights set on a weekend with the World of Outlaws at Beaver Dam. We are super excited to get after it with the ‘Greatest Show on Dirt.’”

After racing with the World of Outlaws at Beaver Dam Raceway, the team will return to IRA competition for the fourth annual Road America Challenge at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 8. The PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars and PDTR Grand Nationals are also on the card.

Spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m. with on-track action scheduled to commence at 5:30 p.m.

One night later, Hartmann is scheduled to visit Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. for the second time in 2024 for the IRA Norm Nelson Classic on Sunday, June 9.

Spectator gates for the program, which also features the Badger Midgets, open at 4 p.m. with racing scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

All Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association events will be streamed live on FloRacing during the 2024 season.

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

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

Additional information on the 87A Hartmann Racing team can be found by visiting the team’s website www.team87a.com and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/87Ahartmannracing.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – TheD8Dispensary

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team is pleased to have TheD8Dispensary back onboard as a sponsorship partner for the 2024 season.

Located at 2113 South Business Drive in Sheboygan, Wis., TheD8Dispensary is a medical cannabis dispensary offering pure Delta-8 THC, Delta-10 THC and THCP products with the largest variety in the surrounding area. TheD8Dispensary features the most compassionate and knowledgeable staff in the industry, which aims to provide assistance and answer questions about the natural benefits of medical cannabis dispensary products.

To contact TheD8Dispensary, call (920) 395-2904 or visit https://www.thed8dispensary.com/sheboygan.

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, May 31 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Saturday, June 1 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Saturday, June 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, June 9 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Statistics

Total Events – 8
IRA Events – 6
World of Outlaws Events – 1
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 3
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 4
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 5
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 3
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 29, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski banks first IRA 410 Sprint Car A-main start at Wilmot Raceway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski posted an 18th-place finish in his first career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main start at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 25. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 28, 2024 – In just his second 410 Sprint Car start, Alex Pokorski got his first taste of main event competition behind the wheel of the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team machine in the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Founders’ Night event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 25.

After falling just one position short of qualifying for the A-main in his 410 Sprint Car debut with the IRA at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie on Sunday, May 19, Pokorski qualified 17^th in the 33-car field with a lap of 13.263 seconds around the three-eighths mile, semi-banked clay oval.

The 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association Most Improved Driver Award winner then started and finished fifth in the second eight-lap IRA heat race to gain a berth in his first career IRA A-main.

The West Bend, Wis. driver rolled off 19^th in the 24-car IRA main event field and drove a smooth and consistent race through a pair of cautions and a red flag session to advance to 16^th in the running order on lap 22.

After the fourth and final yellow flag slowed the pace, Pokorski held strong in the closing laps to secure an 18^th-place finish in a race won by Scotty Neitzel.

“I wanted to make the A-main and continue learning,” Pokorski said. “I felt comfortable in the car, but we still have plenty to keep learning. We battled a few issues with brakes and the engine throughout the night, so we were happy with the progress we made. At Angel Park, we were 25^th out of 29. In Wilmot, we were 18^th out of 33. Hopefully, we can keep heading in the right direction.”

Pokorski and the members of the Akright Auto Racing Team are scheduled to compete in a Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car doubleheader at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, June 1 and Angell Park Speedway on Sunday, June 2.

The fifth-year Sprint Car driver will return to Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-MSA 360 Sprint Car action on Saturday, June 1 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. with the Super Six Late Model Series, Grand Nationals and B Mods also on the card.

Spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. and racing starting at 6 p.m.

One night later, Pokorski is scheduled to compete with the MSA 360 Sprint Car Series at Angell Park Speedway on Sunday, June 2.

The Badger Midgets and Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars will also be featured.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with racing scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

For more information on Alex Pokorski and the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team, check out Pokorski Motorsports on Facebook at https://facebook.com/pokorskimotorsports or visit www.pedaldownpromo.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Petersen Septic Systems

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team are pleased to welcome Petersen Septic Systems back as a sponsor for the 2024 racing season.

“We provide all of these services in Manitowoc County and the surrounding areas,” Petersen said. “We are OSHA certified and are licensed MPRS/CST966051.”

Petersen Septic Systems is located at 7334 Nagel Road in Valders, Wis. For more information, call 920-323-2640, email petersenseptic@gmail.com or visit www.petersensepticsystems.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Akright Auto

Located at 106 North Bluebird Lane in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. Akright Auto has served as a reliable source for auto parts since 1940.

In addition, Akright Auto provides full auto salvage services, along with a 90-day standard warranty on all parts purchases.

Contact Akright Auto by phone at 920-467-4201, toll-free at 800-400-4201, via email at dakright12@gmail.com or visit www.akrightauto.com.

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

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, June 1 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Sunday, June 2 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, June 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)

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

Total Events – 3
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Events – 3
Midwest Sprint Car Association Events – 3
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 1
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

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

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
360 Sprint Car
2024 Statistics

May 28, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann posts Plymouth top-10, gears up for Wilmot, 141 twin bill

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann turned in a seventh-place showing in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 18. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 22, 2024 – Austin Hartmann and 87A Hartmann Racing Team added to its string of strong early-season performances with a solid top-10 A-main showing in front of a hometown crowd at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 18.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver, who competed regularly at The Plymouth Dirt Track during the first two seasons of his Sprint Car career in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car division, topped Group A and placed fourth overall in the 32-car field with a qualifying lap of 11.762 seconds around the venerable third-mile clay oval.

Hartmann started fourth in the first IRA heat race before moving past two-time IRA champ Scotty Nietzel to take third. The 2020 PDTR and Midwest Sprint Car Association Rookie of the Year Award winner began from the second starting spot in the first four-lap IRA dash and placed fourth to earn the seventh starting position in the 25-lap main event.

The third-year IRA competitor endured six caution/red flag periods and expertly negotiated the lightning-fast and challenging track surface to turn in his third top-10 main event finish of the 2024 season with a seventh-place tally in a race won by Blake Nimee.

One night later, Hartmann qualified seventh among the 29 entrants with a lap of 12.318 seconds. He started second and finished third in the first eight-lap IRA race before starting fourth and placing fifth in the first four-lap IRA dash.

Hartmann rolled off ninth in the scheduled 30-lap IRA main event. Following two caution/red flag periods in the opening portion of the race, Hartmann was running seventh when the third caution flag of the event was displayed to trigger the remainder of the race to be canceled due to the city’s 10 p.m. curfew.

Since the race did not eclipse the halfway point, it was not considered official. As a result, all pay and points were divided equally among all 24 A-main competitors.

“This team amazes me in working so well together to get me more comfortable in the car and faster each time we run,” Hartmann said. “We plan to carry this momentum into one of my favorite weekends of the year, and we are hoping for even better results.”

The 87A Hartmann Racing team is set for another Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series doubleheader weekend of action starting with the annual Founders’ Night program at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. this Saturday, May 25.

The Auto Meter Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprints are also on the card. Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 5:45 p.m. and racing starting at 6:45 p.m.

One night later, the 87A Hartmann Racing Team will head to 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. for the traditional Memorial Day eve IRA event on Sunday, May 26.

The IRA Lightning Sprints and Midwest Legends Dirt Series are also on the card.

Spectator gates open at 3 p.m. with racing scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

All Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association events will be streamed live on FloRacing during the 2024 season.

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

Additional information on the 87A Hartmann Racing team can be found by visiting the team’s website www.team87a.com and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/87Ahartmannracing.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Quasius Construction

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team is thrilled to have Quasius Construction on board as a returning partnership partner for the 2024 season.

Located at 1202 North Eighth St. in Sheboygan, Wis., Quasius Construction is a construction services company and contracting firm utilizing general construction, construction management and design-build delivery systems.

To contact Quasius Construction, call 920-457-5585, email info@quasius.com or visit quasius.com.

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 25 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 26 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, May 31 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Saturday, June 1 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Statistics

Total Events – 7
IRA Events – 5
World of Outlaws Events – 1
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 3
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 4
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 5
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 3
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 22, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz aims to shake IRA Angell Park disappointment

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz earned a 13th-place finish in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 18. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 22, 2024 – A promising weekend of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series action at two of Travis Arenz’s favorite tracks didn’t quite play out to the Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver’s lofty expectations on Saturday, May 18 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. and Sunday, May 19 at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis.

Arenz and his Travis Arenz Motorsports team opened the IRA doubleheader weekend at his home track – The Plymouth Dirt Track – on Saturday, May 18 by qualifying third overall in the 32-car field with a lap of 11.628 at the familiar facility where he claimed his first career IRA 410 Sprint Car A-main victory on July 1, 2023.

After starting third in the third eight-lap IRA heat race, Arenz came home fourth. In the second four-lap IRA dash, the two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champion started and finished fifth to earn the 10^th starting position in the 30-lap main event.

Contested on a fast and treacherous track surface and littered with six caution/red flag periods, the race found Arenz struggling to find a comfortable and consistent racing groove throughout the race.

Arenz, who owns a total of 37 A-main victories at The Plymouth Dirt Track in four different divisions, battled back and forth inside and outside of the top 10 during the course of the event before settling for a 13^th-place showing in a race won by Blake Nimee.

The following night at Angell Park Speedway presented a different set of challenging circumstances, which left Arenz no less befuddled.

Arenz opened the night by qualifying sixth in the 29-car IRA field with a lap of 12.295 seconds before starting and finishing third in the third eight-lap IRA heat race. The 17^th-year competitor then finished second after starting on the pole of the first four-lap IRA dash to gain the third starting position in the scheduled 30-lap IRA A main.

After both of the front-row starters got sideways on the drop of the green flag, Arenz bolted into the lead in turn one on the opening lap of the main event.

He then powered away from the rest of the field and maintained the top spot through a pair of caution/red flag periods in the opening laps. As time ticked closer to the city of Sun Prairie’s 10 p.m. curfew, Arenz continued to be in firm control of the race.

However, the third caution flag spelled the end of Arenz’s quest for a second career IRA A-main victory as the curfew prevented the race from being restarted and resulted in its cancellation.

Since the race failed to move past the halfway point, it could not be considered official. As a result, all pay and points were divided equally among all 24 A-main competitors.

“This weekend I learned that I need to stop overthinking and over-adjusting my car when it’s a rough and heavy track,” Arenz said. “At Angell Park, I knew we had a top-running car that had the capability of winning. It sinks that we couldn’t get the entire feature in.”

The Travis Arenz Motorsports team is set for another Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series doubleheader weekend of action starting with the annual Founders’ Night program at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. this Saturday, May 25.

The Auto Meter Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprints are also on the card. Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 5:45 p.m. and racing starting at 6:45 p.m.

One night later, Arenz and his team will head to 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. for the traditional Memorial Day eve IRA event on Sunday, May 26.

The IRA Lightning Sprints and Midwest Legends Dirt Series are also on the card.

Spectator gates open at 3 p.m. with racing scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

All 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Wittkopp Funeral & Cremation Service – Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes

As a local family-owned and operated funeral home located at 928 South 14^th St. in Manitowoc, Wis., Wittkopp Funeral & Cremation Service – Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes features a dedicated and compassionate staff committed to offering a variety of funeral options, which will allow families to create a personal and meaningful experience of remembering and saying goodbye at an affordable price.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes staff pledges to provide caring and detail-oriented assistance in planning a traditional funeral service or a memorial service with cremation.

For more information, contact Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes by phone at 920-682-0118, by email at info@lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com or by visiting https://www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 25 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 26 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, June 9 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Statistics

Total Events – 5
IRA Events – 5
A Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 3
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 4
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 4
Heat Race Victories – 1
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 5
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

May 22, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski makes 410 premiere at Angell Park, Wilmot awaits

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski made his debut in the seat of a 410 Sprint Car with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series on Sunday, May 19 at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 21, 2024 – In the midst of his fifth season of 360 Sprint Car action with the Akright Auto Racing Team, Alex Pokorski stepped out of his comfort zone to get his first jolt of 410 Sprint Car competition in his debut appearance with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, May 19.

The West Bend, Wis. driver fired off his 410 Sprint Car career by qualifying 27^th in the 29-car field with a lap of 13.065 seconds. Pokorski then started and finished ninth in the third IRA eight-lap heat race to claim the ninth starting spot in the 12-lap B main.

Needing to finish in the top six to earn an A-main berth, the 2023 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Most Improved Driver Award winner maintained the ninth spot through the first seven laps of the B main before a caution flag was displayed on lap 8 for Tyler Brabant’s spin in turn four, which bunched the field.

Following the restart, Pokorski ducked underneath both Lance Fassbender and Will Gerrits to climb into the seventh spot. Over the final two laps of the race, Pokorski moved in to pressure Kris Spitz for the sixth and final A-main transfer position.

However, Pokorski’s spirited bid to qualify for his first career IRA 410 Sprint Car A main fell just a car length short as he had to settle with a seventh place showing.

“We learned a few things in terms of how to set up the car, and I got the feel of how to drive it as the night progressed,” Pokorski said. “The tires, weight distribution and horsepower are all different in the 410s, so we have plenty to keep learning. We had fun. We look forward to getting back out with the 410 this Saturday at Wilmot.”

On Saturday, May 18, the team competed with the Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars in the Sprint Sprintacular event, which also featured the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series and Auto Meter Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series.

Pokorski was the fastest qualifier in the first heat race group and fifth fastest overall in the 25-car field with a lap of 12.635 seconds. Pokorski started fourth and finished third in the first PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car eight-lap heat race to secure the outside second row starting spot in the scheduled 25-lap PDTR-MSA A main.

However, the evening’s 360 Sprint Car main event fell victim to the city of Plymouth’s 11 p.m. curfew. All A-main money and points were evenly distributed to each competitor in the 25-car field.

Paul Pokorski slid into the seat of Spyder Akright’s 53A car for Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car for the first time in 2024 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 18. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Paul Pokorski made his first appearance of the 2024 season in the seat of Spyder Akright’s 53A 360 Sprint Car at The Plymouth Dirt Track on May 18.

The 32-year racing veteran did not record a qualifying lap due to a transponder issue. After starting seventh in the third PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race, Pokorski worked past rookie Cody Schlafer to place sixth and fall just short of earning a top-five A-main transfer spot.

The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion did not return to the track for the remainder of the racing program as both the PDTR-MSA B main and A main events were canceled due to the 11 p.m. curfew.

With the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars idle, the team will compete with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series for the Founders’ Night program at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. this Saturday, May 25.

The Auto Meter Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprints are also on the card. Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 5:45 p.m. and racing starting at 6:45 p.m.

For more information on Alex Pokorski and the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team, check out Pokorski Motorsports on Facebook at https://facebook.com/pokorskimotorsports or visit www.pedaldownpromo.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Mulch Express of Wisconsin

The Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team is excited to have Mulch Express of Wisconsin return as a sponsorship partner for the 2024 season.

Based in Newton, Wis., Mulch Express of Wisconsin was founded in 2000 out of a desire to help control the cost and efficiency of installing mulch, bark, soil and playground chips. Over the course of the past 24 years, the specialty landscaping company has found its niche as the to-go mulching provider for municipalities, school districts, commercial businesses and residences throughout Northeastern Wisconsin.

In addition, Mulch Express of Wisconsin has proudly served one of the top motorsports facilities in the world as the official mulch provider of Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis., as well as providing mulch services at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

As a former Wisconsin-based 360 Sprint Car competitor, Mulch Express of Wisconsin owner Russ Wetenkamp is thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team for the 2024 Sprint Car campaign.

“We have a strong connection to Sprint Car racing after several years of competing in the 360 Sprint Car division with the number Gr8 car,” Wetenkamp said. “We feel Alex Pokorski is a good, up-and-coming Sprint Car driver and a great individual to represent our Wisconsin-based specialty landscaping company.”

To contact or obtain additional information on Mulch Express of Wisconsin, call 920-726-4840, send an email to mulchexpressofwi@gmail.com or visit Mulch Express of Wisconsin on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Akright Auto

Located at 106 North Bluebird Lane in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. Akright Auto has served as a reliable source for auto parts since 1940.

In addition, Akright Auto provides full auto salvage services, along with a 90-day standard warranty on all parts purchases.

Contact Akright Auto by phone at 920-467-4201, toll-free at 800-400-4201, via email at dakright12@gmail.com or visit www.akrightauto.com.

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

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 25 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, June 1 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Sunday, June 2 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (MSA 360)

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

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

Total Events – 1
Interstate Racing Association Events – 1
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
360 Sprint Car
2024 Statistics

May 21, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Nimee endures to edge Plymouth IRA field

Curfew claims 360 Sprint Car main, Hensley earns first Wingless win

Blake Nimee of Oswego, Ill. earned his first Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory of the 2024 campaign at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 18. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 18, 2024 – On a night that resembled more of a marathon than a sprint, an accomplished veteran added another main event triumph to his resume, a young up-and-comer collected his first career A-main victory and curfew cut the final scheduled A main in the Spring Sprintacular all-Sprint Car racing program at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 18.

In the 25-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A main, Blake Nimee of Oswego, Ill. notched his first main event victory of the 2024 season.

Tate Hensley of Trevor made his maiden victory lane visit in the 15-lap Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS A main.

Following multiple rounds of track work throughout the racing program, both completed main events were shortened by five laps in an attempt to get each of the three A mains in before the city of Plymouth’s 11 p.m. curfew.

However, the Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car main event fell victim to the city of Plymouth’s 11 p.m. curfew. All points and payout for the 360 Sprint Car portion of the program were distributed evenly through the 25-car field.

The initial start of the time-shortened 25-lap IRA 410 Sprint Car A main was aborted when Tyler Tischendorf of Waupaca drew a red flag after his machine flipped turn one.

When the green flag was displayed to the field, Nimee bolted into the lead from his outside front row starting position while two-time IRA champion Scotty Neitzel of Beaver Dam slipped into second after starting on the pole.

IRA points leader Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan spun turn in two on lap 2 to slow the racing action for the second time. Following back-to-back cautions on lap 3 when 2022 IRA champion Jordan Goldesberry stopped in turn two and IRA rookie competitor Tyler Rankin of Coldwater, Mich. slowed in turn two, Nimee controlled the ensuing restart with Neitzel in tow.

By lap 8, the leaders caught the rear of the field and began to dice their way through slower traffic on the ultra-tacky and undulating track surface.

Two laps later, Neitzel closed the gap on Nimee in lapped traffic, before the fifth caution flag of the race appeared when Scott Bietzer of West Bend stopped in turn two on lap 14.

The final 11 laps were contested at a break-neck pace on the fast and narrow racing surface with Nimee again locking down the lead and Neitzel giving chase, while two-time IRA champ Jake Blackhurst of Hanna City, Ill., who started fourth held down the third position in the running order.

Shortly after the leaders took the checkered flag, the remainder of the final lap was halted when Scotty Thiel, who had worked his way into the top 10 after restarting at the rear of the field on lap 2, flipped in turn four to produce the sixth and final red flag of the A main.

Nimee held on to notch his seventh career IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory, while Neitzel had to settle for second. Blackhurst placed third, followed by sixth starter Mike Reinke of Howards Grove in fourth and third starter Max Guilford of Auckland, New Zealand rounding out the top five.

The shortened 15-lap Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series A main got off to a timid start when Tyler Kuxhouse of Antioch, Ill. stopped in turn three after contact along the back stretch.

On the ensuing restart, a multi-car incident in turn three, which yielded a pair of flips, prompted the first red flag of the race.

Tate Hensley of Trevor tallied his first career Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series main event triumph at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 18. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

With 17 of the scheduled 22 cars still on the track, Hensley, who started on the pole, powered away from third starter John Fahl of Brown Deer when the race took the green flag. Fahl used the inside lane to challenge for the top spot starting on lap 2 and continued to intermittently battle back and forth with Hensley for the lead over the next 12 circuits.

After Hensley and Fahl finished lap 13 in a near-dead heat for the lead, Hensley maintained the top spot before Miles Doherty of Delmar, Iowa spun in turn four on lap 13. Over the final two laps, Hensley secured the lead position with Fahl trailing in second.

Hensley cruised the rest of the way to earn his first Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car A-main victory of his young racing career.

Fahl placed second, Furseth wound up third from the fifth starting spot, sixth starter Ryan Marshall of Kansasville placed fourth and Jimmy Sivia of Winthrop Harber, Ill. placed fifth after starting ninth.

Todd King of Sheboygan Falls was victorious in the 10-lap IRA 410 Sprint Car Series B main.

Jake Blackhurst notched the overall fast qualifier award in IRA 410 Sprint Car Series qualifying with a fast lap of 11.563 seconds.

T.J. Haddy of Waupun claimed the fast time in PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car hot-lap-group qualifying in 12.557 seconds.

Tyler Kuxhouse earned fast qualifier honors in the Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car hot lap-qualifying session in a Wingless Sprint Car new track record time of 13.719 seconds.

The third event of the 2024 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by Jensen Sales & Service, attracted 79 total entries, including 32 IRA 410 Sprint Cars, 25 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars and 22 Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars.

After taking the Memorial Day weekend off, Plymouth Dirt Track Racing action resumes on Saturday, June 1 with the third scheduled Seubert Calf Ranches Super Six Late Model Series event of the 2024 season, along with the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals and B Mods.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

Weather information for all Plymouth Dirt Track Racing events will be posted on the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram pages, as well as the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing website – www.plymouthdtr.com.

The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds is located at 229 Fairview Drive in Plymouth, Wis.

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

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main: Canceled due to the city of Plymouth curfew

Heat 1: 1. 11-Tim Haddy [2]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [1]; 3. 4-Alex Pokorski [4]; 4. 69S-TJ Smith [3]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson [5]; 6. 35-Ben Schmidt [7]; 7. 66T-Tristan Koenings [8]; 8. 14J-Joseph Hintz [9]; 9. (DNF) 3BK-Bill Kreutz [6]

Heat 2: 1. 0-Blake Wondra [2]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender [4]; 3. 24-Scott Conger [6]; 4. 09-Clayton Rossmann [3]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor [5]; 6. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [1]; 7. 51-Chris Larson [7]; 8. (DNS) 30-Doug Wondra

Heat 3: 1. 39-Kurt Davis [2]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth [3]; 3. 21H-TJ Haddy [4]; 4. 12P-JJ Pagel [1]; 5. 33-Josh Bilicki [5]; 6. 53A-Paul Pokorski [7]; 7. 52-Cody Schlafer [6]; 8. 46-Kevin Ruh [8]

Qualifying 1: 1. 4-Alex Pokorski, 12.635 [4]; 2. 69S-TJ Smith, 12.733 [5]; 3. 11-Tim Haddy, 12.768 [6]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.001 [3]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson, 13.050 [8]; 6. 3BK-Bill Kreutz, 13.089 [2]; 7. 35-Ben Schmidt, 13.160 [1]; 8. 14J-Joseph Hintz, 13.311 [9]; 9. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 14.542 [7]

Qualifying 2: 1. 7-Lance Fassbender, 12.614 [7]; 2. 09-Clayton Rossmann, 12.935 [1]; 3. 0-Blake Wondra, 12.963 [8]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.284 [4]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.300 [2]; 6. 24-Scott Conger, 13.419 [5]; 7. 51-Chris Larson, 13.449 [3]; 8. 30-Doug Wondra, 14.423 [6]

Qualifying 3: 1. 21H-TJ Haddy, 12.557 [3]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth, 12.607 [6]; 3. 39-Kurt Davis, 12.630 [4]; 4. 12P-JJ Pagel, 12.909 [2]; 5. 33-Josh Bilicki, 13.061 [5]; 6. 46-Kevin Ruh, 13.355 [8]; 7. 52-Cody Schlafer, no time; 8. 53A-Paul Pokorski, no time

BUMPER TO BUMPER INTERSTATE RACING ASSOCIATION 410 SPRINT CARS

A Main (30 Laps): 1. 79-Blake Nimee [2]; 2. 2W-Scott Neitzel [1]; 3. 96-Jake Blackhurst [4]; 4. 10W-Mike Reinke [6]; 5. 79M-Max Guilford [3]; 6. 85M-Steve Meyer [5]; 7. 87A-Austin Hartmann [7]; 8. 49-Josh Schneiderman [11]; 9. 25-Danny Schlafer [15]; 10. 42P-Preston Perlmutter [8]; 11. 3N-Jake Neuman [17]; 12. 1T-Trevin Littleton [12]; 13. 25T-Travis Arenz [10]; 14. 9K-Kyle Schuett [19]; 15. 16C-Tylar Rankin [22]; 16. 73-Scotty Thiel [9]; 17. (DNF) 10V-Matt VanderVere[18]; 18. (DNF) 3B-Shelby Bosie[13]; 19. (DNF) 26R-Preston Ruh[23]; 20. (DNF) 4B-Scott Biertzer[24]; 21. (DNF) 14AJ-Ryan Zielski[20]; 22. (DNF) 65-Jordan Goldesberry[16]; 23. (DNF) 47-Todd King[21]; 24. (DNF) 26-Tyler Tischendorf[14]

B Main (12 Laps): 1. 47-Todd King [1]; 2. 16C-Tylar Rankin [2]; 3. 26R-Preston Ruh [4]; 4. 4B-Scott Biertzer [3]; 5. 68-Dave Uttech [5]; 6. 43-Jereme Schroeder [7]; 7. 99-Tyler Brabant [10]; 8. 16-Anthony Knierim [9]; 9. 85J-Logan Julien [11]; 10. 21-Will Gerrits [8]; 11. 88-Christopher Flick [12]; 12. (DNF) 4K-Kris Spitz [6]

Dash 1 (4 Laps): 1. 2W-Scott Neitzel [1]; 2. 79M-Max Guilford [3]; 3. 85M-Steve Meyer [4]; 4. 87A-Austin Hartmann [2]; 5. 73-Scotty Thiel [5]

Dash 2 (4 Laps): 1. 79-Blake Nimee [1]; 2. 96-Jake Blackhurst [2]; 3. 10W-Mike Reinke [3]; 4. 42P-Preston Perlmutter [4]; 5. 25T-Travis Arenz [5]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 79M-Max Guilford [2]; 2. 49-Josh Schneiderman [1]; 3. 87A-Austin Hartmann [4]; 4. 2W-Scott Neitzel [3]; 5. 9K-Kyle Schuett [5]; 6. 4B-Scott Biertzer [7]; 7. 68-Dave Uttech [6]; 8. 16-Anthony Knierim [8]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 85M-Steve Meyer [2]; 2. 3B-Shelby Bosie [1]; 3. 25-Danny Schlafer [3]; 4. 3N-Jake Neuman [6]; 5. 79-Blake Nimee [4]; 6. 47-Todd King [5]; 7. 43-Jereme Schroeder [7]; 8. (DNS) 85J-Logan Julien

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 42P-Preston Perlmutter [1]; 2. 1T-Trevin Littleton [2]; 3. 96-Jake Blackhurs t[4]; 4. 25T-Travis Arenz [3]; 5. 10V-Matt VanderVere [6]; 6. 16C-Tylar Rankin [5]; 7. 4K-Kris Spitz [8]; 8. 99-Tyler Braban t[7]

Heat 4 (8 Laps): 1. 73-Scotty Thiel [2]; 2. 10W-Mike Reinke [4]; 3. 26-Tyler Tischendorf [1]; 4. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [3]; 5. 14AJ-Ryan Zielski [6]; 6. 26R-Preston Ruh[5]; 7. 21-Will Gerrits [8]; 8. 88-Christopher Flick [7]

Qualifying A: 1. 87A-Austin Hartmann, 00:11.762[10]; 2. 79-Blake Nimee, 00:11.832[11]; 3. 2W-Scott Neitzel, 00:11.949[13]; 4. 25-Danny Schlafer, 00:12.006[1]; 5. 79M-Max Guilford, 00:12.018[9]; 6. 85M-Steve Meyer, 00:12.049[8]; 7. 49-Josh Schneiderman, 00:12.166[14]; 8. 3B-Shelby Bosie, 00:12.167[2]; 9. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 00:12.203[12]; 10. 47-Todd King, 00:12.314[15]; 11. 68-Dave Uttech, 00:12.359[4]; 12. 3N-Jake Neuman, 00:12.367[5]; 13. 4B-Scott Biertzer, 00:12.438[3]; 14. 43-Jereme Schroeder, 00:12.450[16]; 15. 16-Anthony Knierim, 00:13.815[6]; 16. 85J-Logan Julien[7]

Qualifying B: 1. 96-Jake Blackhurst, 00:11.563[14]; 2. 10W-Mike Reinke, 00:11.606[12]; 3. 25T-Travis Arenz, 00:11.628[1]; 4. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 00:11.844[13]; 5. 1T-Trevin Littleton, 00:11.999[4]; 6. 73-Scotty Thiel, 00:12.007[5]; 7. 42P-Preston Perlmutter, 00:12.063[11]; 8. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 00:12.090[16]; 9. 16C-Tylar Rankin, 00:12.134[6]; 10. 26R-Preston Ruh, 00:12.305[2]; 11. 10V-Matt VanderVere, 00:12.334[15]; 12. 14AJ-Ryan Zielski, 00:12.578[10]; 13. 99-Tyler Brabant, 00:12.671[8]; 14. 88-Christopher Flick, 00:12.817[3]; 15. 4K-Kris Spitz, 00:12.917[7]; 16. 21-Will Gerrits[9]

Hot Laps: 1. 96-Jake Blackhurst, 00:12.569[30]; 2. 3N-Jake Neuman, 00:12.646[5]; 3. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 00:12.848[29]; 4. 3B-Shelby Bosie, 00:12.864[2]; 5. 10W-Mike Reinke, 00:12.996[28]; 6. 10V-Matt VanderVere, 00:13.010[31]; 7. 25-Danny Schlafer, 00:13.035[1]; 8. 25T-Travis Arenz, 00:13.100[17]; 9. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 00:13.177[32]; 10. 42P-Preston Perlmutter, 00:13.218[27]; 11. 4B-Scott Biertzer, 00:13.221[3]; 12. 14AJ-Ryan Zielski, 00:13.381[26]; 13. 49-Josh Schneiderman, 00:13.548[14]; 14. 79M-Max Guilford, 00:13.718[9]; 15. 21-Will Gerrits, 00:13.751[25]; 16. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 00:13.796[12]; 17. 1T-Trevin Littleton, 00:13.880[20]; 18. 43-Jereme Schroeder, 00:13.893[16]; 19. 16-Anthony Knierim, 00:13.909[6]; 20. 47-Todd King, 00:13.942[15]; 21. 73-Scotty Thiel, 00:14.039[21]; 22. 87A-Austin Hartmann, 00:14.046[10]; 23. 85M-Steve Meyer, 00:14.056[8]; 24. 2W-Scott Neitzel, 00:14.074[13]; 25. 16C-Tylar Rankin, 00:14.503[22]; 26. 4K-Kris Spitz, 00:14.564[23]; 27. 26R-Preston Ruh, 00:14.699[18]; 28. 99-Tyler Brabant, 00:14.754[24]; 29. 68-Dave Uttech, 00:14.805[4]; 30. 79-Blake Nimee, 00:14.910[11]; 31. 88-Christopher Flick, 00:15.609[19]; 32. (DNS) 85J-Logan Julien

AUTOMETER WISCONSIN WINGLESS SPRINT CARS

A Main (15 Laps): 1. 70H-Tate Hensley [1]; 2. 0-John Fahl [3]; 3. 57-Tristan Furseth [5]; 4. 7X-Ryan Marshall [6]; 5. 91-Jimmy Sivia [9]; 6. 24-Eric Wilke [2]; 7. 11-Austin Hansen [14]; 8. 40-Tim Cox [7]; 9. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse [8]; 10. 50-Rusty Egan [10]; 11. 99J-Seth Johnson [13]; 12. 7D-Josh Davidson [19]; 13. 7-Trinity Uttech [12]; 14. 29J-Ralph Johnson [16]; 15. 67-Miles Doherty [21]; 16. 86-Johnny Meyer [22]; 17. (DNF) 38-Allen Hafford [11]; 18. (DNF) 23Z-Zach Raidart [4]; 19. (DNF) 17-Bryce Andrew s[17]; 20. (DNF) 29OG-Tom Eller [20]; 21. (DNF) 4G-George Gaertner III [15]; 22. (DNF) 4L-Lance Thompson [18]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 24-Eric Wilke [2]; 2. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse [4]; 3. 57-Tristan Furseth [3]; 4. 7-Trinity Uttech [1]; 5. 11-Austin Hansen [6]; 6. 29J-Ralph Johnson [5]; 7. 7D-Josh Davidson [7]; 8. 86-Johnny Meye r[8]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 50-Rusty Egan [1]; 2. 40-Tim Cox [4]; 3. 23Z-Zach Raidart [3]; 4. 70H-Tate Hensley [2]; 5. 99J-Seth Johnson [5]; 6. 4L-Lance Thompson [6]; 7. 29OG-Tom Eller [7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 7X-Ryan Marshall [4]; 2. 91-Jimmy Sivia [2]; 3. 38-Allen Hafford [1]; 4. 0-John Fahl [3]; 5. 4G-George Gaertner III [6]; 6. 17-Bryce Andrews [5]; 7. 67-Miles Doherty [7]

Qualifying: 711-Tyler Kuxhouse, 00:13.719[2]; 2. 40-Tim Cox, 00:13.722[21]; 3. 7X-Ryan Marshall, 00:13.985[14]; 4. 57-Tristan Furseth, 00:13.992[3]; 5. 23Z-Zach Raidart, 00:13.995[17]; 6. 0-John Fahl, 00:14.138[18]; 7. 24-Eric Wilke, 00:14.161[16]; 8. 70H-Tate Hensley, 00:14.259[19]; 9. 91-Jimmy Sivia, 00:14.276[6]; 10. 7-Trinity Uttech, 00:14.290[11]; 11. 50-Rusty Egan, 00:14.292[12]; 12. 38-Allen Hafford, 00:14.347[9]; 13. 29J-Ralph Johnson, 00:14.413[20]; 14. 99J-Seth Johnson, 00:14.510[13]; 15. 17-Bryce Andrews, 00:14.592[7]; 16. 11-Austin Hansen, 00:14.690[10]; 17. 4L-Lance Thompson, 00:14.880[5]; 18. 86-Johnny Meyer, 00:14.949[22]; 19. 4G-George Gaertner III, 00:14.993[15]; 20. 7D-Josh Davidson, 00:15.028[1]; 21. 29OG-Tom Eller, 00:15.150[8]; 22. (DNS) 67-Miles Doherty

May 19, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz repeats as IRA Sycamore runner up

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz scored a runner-up finish in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A main at Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. on Saturday, May 11. – HW Designs photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 15, 2024 – In his various journeys to a variety of different tracks throughout the Midwest with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series over the past two seasons, Travis Arenz appears to have taken a special liking to Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill.

For the second time in two tries, Arenz came “oh so close” to parking his 25T 410 Sprint Car in victory lane before eventually settling for a second-place finish in A-main competition on Saturday, May 11.

The two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champ opened the program by qualifying 11^th with a lap of 12.880 seconds.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver earned the pole in the second eight-lap IRA heat race and held on to notch his first heat race victory of the 2024 campaign.

After starting second and finishing third in the second four-lap dash, Arenz nailed down the sixth starting spot for the 30-lap main event. The first several laps of the race played to Arenz’s favor as he moved into second after passing Jordan Goldesberry on lap 7.

Two laps later, Arenz maneuvered in to briefly pull even with leader Jake Neuman on lap 9. However, Neuman fended off Arenz’s charge to retain the top spot.

As the laps wound down, Arenz dueled back and forth with Jake Blackhurst before eventually surging ahead for good to record his second consecutive IRA A-main showing in a race won by Jake Neuman.

“Qualifying didn’t go as well as I would like,” Arenz said. “I was not consistent with each lap. The heat race felt comfortable and I ran well. In the dash, I fell back a few spots, which isn’t what I like to see happen, but I was able to start sixth in the feature.

“The track was definitely tricky during the feature,” he said. “I had to be patient and wait for us all to find our groove and hit my marks. I felt like we had a car to win but I was not aggressive enough when I needed to be. I broke the Jacobs ladder halfway through the race and had a wheel bleeder malfunction. Overall, I’m happy with a podium and I’m looking to get stronger each week.”

The Travis Arenz Motorsports Team is set for a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series doubleheader weekend opening with the first of five scheduled 2024 appearances at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 18, along with the Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Cars and Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars on Saturday, May 18.

Spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m. with on-track action slated to begin at 5:30 p.m.

One night later, the team will head to Sun Prairie, Wis. for a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, May 19.

The Badger Midgets and Legends are also on the card.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with engine heat scheduled to start at 5 p.m. and opening ceremonies set for 6 p.m. The Badger Midgets and Legends will also be in action.

All 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Oostburg Concrete

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 19 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 25 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 26 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Statistics

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

May 15, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann tallies top-10 run in Sycamore IRA action

By Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann racked up a ninth place showing in the 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A main at Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. on Saturday, May 11. – HW Designs Photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 15, 2024 – For the second consecutive season, Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing Team left Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. with a solid top-10 A-main showing etched in the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series box score on Saturday, May 11.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver, who recorded a ninth-place main event showing in his Sycamore Speedway debut on June 10, 2023, revved up the night by qualifying eighth in the 28-car field with a lap of 12.729 seconds.

After lining up second in the second IRA eight-lap heat race, Hartmann placed fifth to secure a spot in the dash where he launched from third and wound up fourth.

The 2020 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association Rookie of the Year Award recipient rolled off seventh in the 30-lap IRA headliner and flexed his muscle in the early going to break into the top five.

The fifth-year Sprint Car competitor was running sixth when the second caution flag of the event appeared on lap 15 for Ryan Bunton’s spin. Following the restart, Hartmann got shuffled back a few spots before the third and final caution period was triggered by Ryan Bunton’s 360 spin.

When the race resumed, Hartmann held strong inside the top 10 to come home with a ninth place showing for the second straight season at Sycamore Speedway in a race won by Jake Neuman.

It was Hartmann’s second top-10 main event showing in five total 2024 events.

“All in all, it turned out to be a good night for us,” Hartmann said. “We chased the car slightly all night trying to get it perfect. Ian Schultz did a fantastic job making changes and bouncing ideas off of me. We’re very close and have speed. I’m excited to get back home for Plymouth on Saturday.”

The 87A Hartmann Racing team is set for a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series doubleheader weekend opening with the first of five scheduled 2024 appearances at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 18, along with the Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Cars and Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars on Saturday, May 18.

Spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m. with on-track action slated to begin at 5:30 p.m.

One night later, the 87A Hartmann Racing Team will head to Sun Prairie, Wis. for a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, May 19.

The Badger Midgets and Legends are also on the card.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with engine heat scheduled to start at 5 p.m. and opening ceremonies set for 6 p.m. The Badger Midgets and Legends will also be in action.

All Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association events will be streamed live on FloRacing during the 2024 season.

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

Additional information on the 87A Hartmann Racing team can be found by visiting the team’s website www.team87a.com and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/87Ahartmannracing.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Holler n Hills Bar & Grill

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team is pleased to welcome back Holler n Hills Bar & Grill as a sponsorship partner for the 2024 season.

Located at 5837 South Business Drive in Sheboygan, Wis., offers a variety of sandwiches, entrees, appetizers and drink options. In addition, Holler n Hills features live music, karaoke and special events on selected evenings.

To contact Holler n Hills, call (920) 783-8005, email hollernhills3@gmail.com or visit the Holler n Hills Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/hollernhills/.

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Statistics

Total Events – 5
IRA Events – 3
World of Outlaws Events – 1
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 3
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 4
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 1
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 15, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Post fires off quick PDTR 360 Sprint Car start

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Randy Post of Oostburg notched a top-15 showing in the 25-lap Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main at the Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 11. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 14, 2024 – Randy Post kicked off his third season of Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association competition by registering a solid top-15 effort in the first full night of the 2024 campaign Saturday, May 11 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

Post, who placed 18^th in the final PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings, opened the evening by qualifying 16^thin the 22-car field with a tour of the historic third-mile clay in 13.553 seconds.

After starting on the outside of the front row in the third PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race, Post fell back two spots to bring home a fourth-place finish.

Post rolled off 12^th in the 25-lap PDTR-MSA main event and set a smooth pace to register a 14^th place finish in a race won by T.J. Smith.

“Qualifying went really well as we qualified third in our heat race group,” Post said. “We took some notes from last year that worked for us when we saw this kind of track and it worked again. I completely missed the setup in the heat and finished fourth after starting second. In the A main, I was following a large group all race, while racing for position. I could have had a top-10 finish if I would’ve driven harder.

“The car handled amazingly throughout the feature and was able to push it harder each lap as I felt comfortable,” he said. “I am really looking forward to the rest of the season, especially with the progress we are making this year so far. I would like to see the same track we had this week and build off of our ‘baseline’ set up we figured out this week.”

The team is scheduled to return to Akright Auto PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 18, along with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate 410 Sprint Car Series and Autometer wingLESS Sprint Car Series.

Spectator gates will open at 4:30 p.m. with on-track action scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.

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

The Randy Post Racing pit crew members are Kirby and Nicole Post, Tiffany and Thomas Chamberlian, Brendan Ostrowski, Erin Schneider, Colton Chamberlian and the Kaat Racing family.

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

Randy Post Racing Sponsor Showcase – Luedtke Electric

The Randy Post Racing Team is excited to welcome back Luedtke Electric as the primary sponsor for the 2024 racing season.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Randy Post Racing
360 Sprint Car
2024 Schedule

Saturday, May 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, June 1 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Sunday, June 2 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, June 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, June 15 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, June 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, June 29 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, July 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Sunday, July 14 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, July 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, July 27 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, August 3 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, August 10 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, August 17 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Friday, August 23 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, August 24 – To Be Determined (MSA 360)
Saturday, August 31 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Friday, September 20 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, September 28–Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)

Randy Post Racing
360 Sprint Car
2024 Statistics

Total Events – 2
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Events – 2
Midwest Sprint Car Association Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 1
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 14, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski opens PDTR 360 campaign in hard-charging fashion, plans IRA 410 debut

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski steered his No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team car to a seventh-place showing to pick up the Hard Charger Award in the 25-lap Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 11. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 14, 2024 – After enduring a couple of false starts, the Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team officially fired up the 2024 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car campaign by snagging hard-charger honors in A-main competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 11.

Pokorski took to the track for the first time in 2024 in Akright Auto PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, April 27. After qualifying eighth in the 23-car field, the West Bend, Wis. driver scored his first victory of the in the third eight-lap heat race.

The 2023 PDTR-MSA Most Improved Driver Award winner was scheduled to start third in the 25-lap A main. However, rain washed out the remainder of the program.

Following a rain out at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 4, Pokorski opened the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car program on Saturday, May 11 by qualifying 18^th in the 22-car field with a lap of 13.632 around the third-mile clay oval.

After starting the third eight-lap PDTR-MSA heat race on the pole, Pokorski came home second to gain the 14^th starting position in the first 25-lap main event of the 2024 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car season.

The fifth-year 360 Sprint Car competitor worked his way steadily through the field, breaking into the top 10 by passing rookie Clayton Rossmann on lap 13 before advancing past Chris Larson to take ninth on lap 17.

With two laps to go, Pokorski slipped past Brandon Berth and nipped Justin Erickson’s slowing machine at the finish line to turn in a seventh place showing in a caution-free race won by T.J. Smith.

“The track dried out faster than we anticipated, so we weren’t set up for a dry surface in qualifying,” Pokorski said. “I tried to search around but I didn’t get a good lap down. That put us behind for the night.

“I was happy to move up seven spots in the A main,” he said. “I just wish there would have been a caution mid-way through the race to bunch up the field. That would’ve helped us get a few more spots.”

The team is scheduled to compete in a doubleheader weekend of competition with Akright Auto PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car action on the slate for Saturday, May 18, along with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate 410 Sprint Car Series and Autometer wingLESS Sprint Car Series on the card for the all-Sprint Car event.

Spectator gates will open at 4:30 p.m. with on-track action scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m.

Pokorski is set to make his 410 Sprint Car debut with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association in the 2024 season opening Dahlke Family Memorial race program at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, May 19.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with engine heat scheduled to start at 5 p.m. and opening ceremonies set for 6 p.m. The Badger Midgets and Legends will also be in action.

For more information on Alex Pokorski and the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team, check out Pokorski Motorsports on Facebook at https://facebook.com/pokorskimotorsports or visit www.pedaldownpromo.com.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Mulch Express of Wisconsin

The Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team is excited to have Mulch Express of Wisconsin return as a sponsorship partner for the 2024 season.

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Akright Auto

Located at 106 North Bluebird Lane in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. Akright Auto has served as a reliable source for auto parts since 1940.

In addition, Akright Auto provides full auto salvage services, along with a 90-day standard warranty on all parts purchases.

Contact Akright Auto by phone at 920-467-4201, toll-free at 800-400-4201, via email at dakright12@gmail.com or visit www.akrightauto.com.

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

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Sunday, May 19 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, June 1 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Sunday, June 2 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (MSA 360)

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

Total Events – 2
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Events – 2
Midwest Sprint Car Association Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 1
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

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

Total Events – 0
Interstate Racing Association Events – 0
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
360 Sprint Car
2024 Statistics

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

May 14, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

McGrath seizes PDTR Super Six Late Model Series opener

Smith, Weiss, Van Hierden tally PDTR A-main wins

By Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions

Mitch McGrath of Waukesha earned his 16th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model A-main victory in the 30-lap 106.5 The Buzz Seubert Calf Ranches Late Model main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 11. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 11, 2024 – The first full Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program of the 2024 season produced a little bit of everything with two new faces making their PDTR A-main victory lane debut and two distinguished veterans adding more hardware to their trophy cases on You’re Our Heroes Night at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 11.

The program served as a tip of the cap to the sacrifice and dedication of U.S. military, police, fire and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel by providing free admission to those who have worked to preserve the freedom, safety and health of United States citizens both near and far.

While temperatures dipped into the chilly 40s during the racing program, the racing action furnished on the venerable third-mile clay oval track provided plenty of heated competition to enhance the viewing pleasure of PDTR fans.

In the 30-lap PDTR 106.5 The Buzz, Seubert Calf Ranches Super Six Late Model Series 2024 season opening main event, 2014 PDTR Late Model champion Mitch McGrath of Waukesha put together a strong performance to claim his third career Super Six Late Model Series A-main triumph.

T.J. Smith of Greenville led all but two laps en route to his first career Akright Auto PDTR – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main triumph. Brad Weiss of Cascade and Colten Van Hierden of Waupun each picked up A-main victories in the Oostburg Automotive Grand National and Sheboygan Flooring B Mod divisions respectively.

Polesitter Mike Mullen of Seymour jumped into the lead on the drop of the 30-lap PDTR Super Six Late Model Series main event before outside front row starter Mitch McGrath utilized the outside groove to wrestle the lead away from the low-riding Mullen.

McGrath then proceeded to build up a solid cushion over Mullen, who followed tight in his tracks along the outside groove in the ensuing laps.

The first of two caution flags appeared on lap 3 when Kevin Baldry of Omro spun in turn one. On the restart, Shawano’s Troy Springborn, who started third, slipped into second with Mullen dropping to third on lap 4.

Meanwhile, McGrath stretched his advantage on the field utilizing primarily the outside groove of the third-mile oval. On lap 19, the final yellow flag was displayed when Jayden Schmidt of Seymour rolled to a stop along the back stretch on lap 19.

Again, McGrath controlled the restart and began to pull away from the rest of the field when the race went green for the final time. While McGrath held down a solid cushion at the head of the pack, fifth starter Justin Richie of New London and five-time PDTR Late Model champion Brad Mueller of Random Lake, who started fourth, waged a spirited back-and-forth duel for the third spot.

McGrath went on to post his first PDTR Late Model A-main victory of the 2024 campaign and 16^th career PDTR Late Model main event triumph, which was good for a $1,500 payday.

Springborn wound up second, Ritchie placed third, Mueller took fourth and Mullen rounded out the top five.

T.J. Smith of Greenville rolled to his first career 25-lap Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main triumph at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 11. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Outside front-row starter Tony Wondra of Campbellsport outpowered polesitter Bill Taylor of Boltonville to seize the lead at the start of the 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car main event with fourth starter T.J. Smith seizing second on the opening circuit.

On lap 3, Smith reeled off a well-applied slide job entering turn three to pry the lead away from Wondra. Wondra battled back to pull even with Smith entering turn one on lap 4. However, Smith pounded the cushion to nail down the lead for good exiting turn two.

Sticking primarily to the outside line, the second-year PDTR 360 Sprint Car competitor began to encounter lapped traffic on lap 8. Smith, who has acquired nine track and series championships in 10 different racing divisions during his stellar career behind the wheel, expertly sliced his way through dense lapped traffic to build up a half-straightaway lead over Wondra on lap 19.

With two laps to go, sixth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend dipped under Wondra to secure second in the running order.

Smith, who has collected over 70 A-main victories in his distinguished racing career, went on to post his first career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in the caution-free race.

Karnitz went on to finish second, Wondra was third, 2011 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth placed fourth after starting ninth and Taylor placed fifth.

After starting on the pole, 85-year-old Dick Hed of Plymouth paced the opening lap of the 25-lap PDTR Grand National main event as third starter Brad Weiss of Cascade slipped into second.

Five laps later, Weiss incorporated the outside line to dart past Hed to take the lead on lap six. Further back in the field, defending PDTR Grand National co-champion Will Sorce of Franklin charged up from the 10^th starting position along the high groove to break into the top five.

The lone caution flag of the race came out on lap 9 when Scott Kafka of Cleveland spun. On the restart, 2022 PDTR Grand National champion Luke Scholten of Oostburg, who started ninth, utilized the high line to work his way into third on lap 12.

Brad Weiss of Cascade visited Plymouth Dirt Track Racing victory lane for the first time in A-main competition in the 25-lap Oostburg Automotive main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 11. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

On lap 14, Scholten powered into second and quickly moved in to battle side-by-side with Weiss for the top spot. Scholten and Weiss dueled in close quarters starting on lap 16 before Weiss finally regained control of the top spot on lap 19.

Weiss maintained the lead in the closing laps, while Scholten made contact with the outside retaining wall in turn four with two laps to go, which dropped him out of the top five, and allowed 2019 PDTR Grand National champ Tyler Kulow of Sheboygan, who started fifth, to move into the runner-up position.

Weiss went on to rack up his first career PDTR Grand National A-main victory.

Kulow placed second, Sorce finished third, 11^th starter Dustin Weiss of Iron Ridge finished fourth and T. J. Smith of Greenville placed fifth after starting 12^th.

Polesitter Joe Shelby of Slinger led the 25-lap PDTR B Mod main event over the opening three laps before the first of four caution flags appeared when Steve Lorier of Sheboygan stopped near the turn one wall on lap 4.

After another caution, fifth starter Barrett Hummelmeier of Beaver Dam slipped into second and Colten Van Hierden, who started fourth, rode the outside groove to sweep into second place following the restart.

Colten Van Hierden of Waupun picked up his fourth career 25-lap Sheboygan Flooring B Mod A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 11. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Shortly after, Van Hierden powered into the top spot with a strong outside move on lap 5. Following two more caution flags, Van Hierden continued to hold down the top spot. However, Hummelmeier moved in to draw even with Van Hierden on lap 21.

Van Hierden maintained the top spot before Hummelmeier spun into the field on lap 24. The veteran competitor cruised to a full straightaway lead en route to his fourth career PDTR B Mod A-main victory.

Travis Schmidt of Plymouth, who started third, placed second, sixth starter Cole Thomas of Franklin placed third, Geoff Zdroik of Rubicon, who started 10^th, placed fourth and eighth starter Jim Zdroik of Hartford rounded out the top five.

2008 PDTR Late Model champion Bill Rezutek of Big Bend won the Late Model B main and Spencer Long of Sheboygan Falls earned the victory in the B Mod B main.

2008 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett registered the overall fastest lap in Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car hot lap-heat race group qualifying in 12.666 seconds.

Mitch McGrath claimed the fast qualifier award in the 106.5 The Buzz Seubert Calf Ranches Super Six Late Model division with a lap of 13.882 seconds.

The second event of the 2024 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by the city of Sheboygan Falls Fire Department, attracted 92 total entries, including 26 B Mods, 24 Late Models, 22 360 Sprint Cars and 20 Grand Nationals.

The next Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, May 18 will feature the first of five 2024 scheduled appearances at The Plymouth Dirt Track for the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series. Also on the card for the all-Sprint Car program are the Akright Auto PDTR 360 Sprint Cars and Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with on-track action starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds is located at 229 Fairview Drive in Plymouth, Wis.

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

106.5 THE BUZZ SEUBERT CALF RANCHES SUPER SIX LATE MODELS

A Main: 74-Mitch McGrath [2]; 2. 81-Troy Springborn [3]; 3. 70-Justin Ritchie [5]; 4. 89-Brad Mueller [4]; 5. 99M-Mike Mullen [1]; 6. 97-Justin Schmidt [8]; 7. 77-Bill Edler [6]; 8. 19J-Justin Green [14]; 9. 10S-Taylor Scheffler [16]; 10. 9N-Tom Naeyaert [7]; 11. D1-Turk Letizia [11]; 12. 99-Sawyer Specht [18]; 13. 10-Paul Parker [9]; 14. 99S-Scott Specht [15]; 15. 03-Dan White [13]; 16. 24S-Jayden Schmidt [12]; 17. 8R-Bill Rezutek [17]; 18. 22-Charlie Schmidt [10]; 19. R1-Randy Manos [20]; 20. 54-Kevin Baldry [19]

B Main: 1. 8R-Bill Rezutek [1]; 2. 99-Sawyer Specht [5]; 3. 54-Kevin Baldry [2]; 4. R1-Randy Manos [3]; 5. (DNF) 9Z-Jayme Zidar [7]; 6. (DNF) 44-Wayne Freimund [4]; 7. (DNF) 25-Jared Siefert [8]; 8. (DNS) 57M-Eric Michaels

Heat 1: 1. 81-Troy Springborn [3]; 2. 89-Brad Mueller [2]; 3. 70-Justin Ritchie [4]; 4. 97-Justin Schmidt [5]; 5. 03-Dan White [6]; 6. 8R-Bill Rezutek [7]; 7. 25-Jared Siefert [1]; 8. 44-Wayne Freimund [8]

Heat 2: 1. 99M-Mike Mullen [3]; 2. 9N-Tom Naeyaert [1]; 3. 22-Charlie Schmidt [2]; 4. 10-Paul Parker [5]; 5. 19J-Justin Green [6]; 6. 10S-Taylor Scheffler [7]; 7. 9Z-Jayme Zidar [4]; 8. 99-Sawyer Specht [8]

Heat 3: 1. 74-Mitch McGrath [3]; 2. 77-Bill Edler [1]; 3. D1-Turk Letizia [2]; 4. 24S-Jayden Schmidt [4]; 5. 99S-Scott Specht [5]; 6. 54-Kevin Baldry [6]; 7. R1-Randy Manos [8]; 8. 57M-Eric Michaels [7]

Qualifying 1: 1. 81-Troy Springborn, 14.243 [8]; 2. 89-Brad Mueller, 14.614 [4]; 3. 25-Jared Siefert, 14.856 [1]; 4. 70-Justin Ritchie, 15.035 [6]; 5. 8R-Bill Rezutek, 15.175 [7]; 6. 97-Justin Schmidt, 15.516 [5]; 7. 03-Dan White, 15.559 [3]; 8. 44-Wayne Freimund, 15.885 [2]

Qualifying 2: 1. 99M-Mike Mullen, 14.271 [3]; 2. 22-Charlie Schmidt, 14.380 [2]; 3. 9N-Tom Naeyaert, 14.440 [7]; 4. 9Z-Jayme Zidar, 14.502 [6]; 5. 10-Paul Parker, 14.614 [5]; 6. 19J-Justin Green, 14.673 [8]; 7. 10S-Taylor Scheffler, 14.736 [1]; 8. 99-Sawyer Specht [4]

Qualifying 3: 1. 74-Mitch McGrath, 13.882 [6]; 2. D1-Turk Letizia, 13.997 [2]; 3. 77-Bill Edler, 14.186 [3]; 4. 24S-Jayden Schmidt, 14.18 6[7]; 5. 99S-Scott Specht, 14.378 [5]; 6. 54-Kevin Baldry, 15.053 [8]; 7. 57M-Eric Michaels, 15.154 [1]; 8. R1-Randy Manos, 15.377 [4]

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 69S-TJ Smith [4]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [6]; 3. 11-Tony Wondra [2]; 4. 35-Ben Schmidt [9]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor [1]; 6. 7-Lance Fassbender [10]; 7. 4-Alex Pokorski [14]; 8. 3-Justin Erickson [5]; 9. 22B-Brandon Berth [8]; 10. 51-Chris Larson [3]; 11. 21H-TJ Haddy [11]; 12. 09-Clayton Rossmann 7]; 13. 0-Blake Wondra [18]; 14. 54-Randy Post [12]; 15. 24-Scott Conger [15]; 16. 14J-Joseph Hintz [22]; 17. 30-Doug Wondra [13]; 18. 66T-Tristan Koenings [17]; 19. 53A-Spyder Akright [19]; 20. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [16]; 21. 46-Kevin Ruh [21]; 22. 12P-JJ Pagel [20]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 22B-Brandon Berth [2]; 2. 09-Clayton Rossmann [1]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt [3]; 4. 7-Lance Fassbender [4]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson [5]; 6. 66T-Tristan Koenings [6]; 7. 0-Blake Wondra [7]; 8. 46-Kevin Ruh [8]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 69S-TJ Smith [2]; 2. 51-Chris Larson [1]; 3. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [4]; 4. 11-Tony Wondra [5]; 5. 30-Doug Wondra [7]; 6. 53A-Spyder Akright [6]; 7. (DNS) 08-Katelyn Krebsbach

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 69-Bill Taylor [4]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski [1]; 3. 21H-TJ Haddy [3]; 4. 54-Randy Post [2]; 5. 24-Scott Conger [5]; 6. 14J-Joseph Hintz [6]; 7. (DNS) 12P-JJ Pagel

Qualifying 1 (3 Laps): 1. 7-Lance Fassbender, 12.666 [6]; 2. 35-Ben Schmidt, 12.750 [4]; 3. 22B-Brandon Berth, 12.773 [1]; 4. 09-Clayton Rossmann, 12.807 [5]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson, 12.983 [2]; 6. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 13.110 [3]; 7. 0-Blake Wondra, 13.331 [7]; 8. 46-Kevin Ruh, 14.702 [8]

Qualifying 2 (3 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 12.969 [5]; 2. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.053 [4]; 3. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.085 [1]; 4. 51-Chris Larson, 13.118 [2]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.167 [7]; 6. 53A-Spyder Akright, 13.595 [3]; 7. 30-Doug Wondra, 13.599 [6]

Qualifying 3 (3 Laps): 1. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.330 [1]; 2. 21H-TJ Haddy, 13.496 [2]; 3. 54-Randy Post, 13.553 [4]; 4. 4-Alex Pokorski, 13.632 [5]; 5. 24-Scott Conger, 13.731 [6]; 6. 14J-Joseph Hintz, 13.802 [7]; 7. 12P-JJ Pagel, 13.997 [3]

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 53B-Brad Weiss [3]; 2. 24K-Tyler Kulow [5]; 3. 14X-Will Sorce [10]; 4. 53W-Dustin Weiss [11]; 5. 69-TJ Smith [12]; 6. 80-Luke Scholten [9]; 7. 95-Donny Kulow [6]; 8. 89-Brian Gilles [8]; 9. 5R-Nate Ruh [4]; 10. 6-Dick Hed [1]; 11. 52W-Jack Wiroll [18]; 12. 15-Derek Kaat [13]; 13. 55-Tony Miller [15]; 14. 42-Jason Juech [17]; 15. 34-Steven Weber [2]; 16. 23-Scott Kafka [16]; 17. 35-Jared Weiss [20]; 18. 54-Austin Yancey [19]; 19. 5M-Jeff Muehlbauer [7]; 20. 47-Nick Schumacher [14]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 69-TJ Smith [6]; 2. 6-Dick Hed [1]; 3. 5R-Nate Ruh [2]; 4. 80-Luke Scholten [5]; 5. 15-Derek Kaat [3]; 6. 23-Scott Kafka [4]; 7. 35-Jared Weiss [7]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 34-Steven Weber [1]; 2. 5M-Jeff Muehlbauer [4]; 3. 95-Donny Kulow [3]; 4. 14X-Will Sorce [5]; 5. 47-Nick Schumacher [6]; 6. 54-Austin Yancey [7]; 7. 52W-Jack Wiroll [2]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 53B-Brad Weiss [1]; 2. 24K-Tyler Kulow [2]; 3. 53W-Dustin Weiss [5]; 4. 89-Brian Gilles [4]; 5. 55-Tony Miller [3]; 6. 42-Jason Juech [6]

SHEBOYGAN FLOORING B MODS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 66C-Colten Van Hierden [7]; 2. 3-Travis Schmidt [3]; 3. 91-Cole Thomas [6]; 4. 18Z-Geoff Zdroik [10]; 5. 6Z-Jim Zdroik [8]; 6. 3Z-Austin Zdroik [9]; 7. 51-Jared Apel [12]; 8. 33H-Barrett Hummelmeier [5]; 9. 9-Hunter Larson [2]; 10. 32Z-Andy Welter [11]; 11. 73-Rory Welch [17]; 12. 17-Brandon Knepprath [14]; 13. 2-Joe Shelby [1]; 14. 11B-Brad Buckman [15]; 15. 66-Steve Lorier [4]; 16. 29M-Ryan Mech [16]; 17. 25S-Steve Ellis [19]; 18. 29S-Scott Quarnstrom [18]; 19. 89-Logan Brass [20]; 20. 59S-Spencer Long [13]

B Main: 1. 59S-Spencer Long [1]; 2. 17-Brandon Knepprath [3]; 3. 11B-Brad Buckman [10]; 4. 29M-Ryan Mech [2]; 5. 73-Rory Welch [5]; 6. 29S-Scott Quarnstrom [7]; 7. 25S-Steve Ellis [9]; 8. 89-Logan Brass [11]; 9. 31W-Kelan Wolfe [12]; 10. 96Z-Nick Zdroik [6]; 11. (DNF) 11S-Zachary Schmidt [8]; 12. (DNF) 19-Parker Glander [4]; 13. (DNS) 18-Miranda Sandholm; 14. (DNS) 12T-Tim Thrun

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 33H-Barrett Hummelmeier [4]; 2. 66C-Colten Van Hierden [5]; 3. 18Z-Geoff Zdroik [6]; 4. 51-Jared Apel [7]; 5. 11B-Brad Buckman [8]; 6. 17-Brandon Knepprath [3]; 7. 73-Rory Welch [2]; 8. 11S-Zachary Schmidt [1]; 9. 25S-Steve Ellis [9]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 3-Travis Schmidt [3]; 2. 91-Cole Thomas [4]; 3. 2-Joe Shelby [1]; 4. 6Z-Jim Zdroik [5]; 5. 59S-Spencer Long [2]; 6. 12T-Tim Thrun [7]; 7. 96Z-Nick Zdroik [6]; 8. 89-Logan Brass [8]; 9. 18-Miranda Sandholm [9]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 9-Hunter Larson [2]; 2. 32Z-Andy Welter [6]; 3. 66-Steve Lorier [3]; 4. 3Z-Austin Zdroik [5]; 5. 29M-Ryan Mech [4]; 6. 19-Parker Glander [1]; 7. 29S-Scott Quarnstrom [8]; 8. 31W-Kelan Wolfe [7]

May 12, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann dealt tough Cedar Lake luck, eyes Sycamore return

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann battled through tricky track conditions and a flat tire at the mid-way point of the 30-lap A main to post a 17th place showing in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, May 4. – Kulas Jr. Racing Images

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 8, 2024 – On a “survival-of-the-fittest” type of night, Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team endured some sour luck to post a 17^th place main event place showing in the second Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event of the 2024 campaign Saturday, May 4 at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis.

Rain prior to the event left the traditionally racy three-eighths mile Cedar Lake Speedway facility with an extremely fast and rugged racing surface, which befuddled several drivers in the 25-car field throughout the evening’s proceedings.

The fifth-year Sprint Car driver fired up the night by qualifying 15^th overall with a lap of 11.329 seconds before starting and finishing fifth in the third IRA eight-lap heat race.

“Going into the night, I knew it’d be a ‘hammer down, elbows up’ kind of track,” Hartmann said. “We were set up pretty well for qualifying. We just had too much gear in the car and were a tick tight from the middle of the corner to exit. In the heat race we went up 20 points in gear size, which helped us in a major way and I was able to hold our position.”

The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner began the 30-lap IRA main event from the 14^th starting spot and was hanging tough in the top 15 when debris on the track left Hartmann’s machine with a flat right rear tire on lap 15.

After bringing out a caution flag and retreating to the work area, the 87A Hartmann Racing crew got the Plymouth, Wis. driver back on the track with a new Hoosier right rear tire on his machine.

Hartmann rejoined the field at the back of the pack and kept pace over the final 15 laps to place 17^th in a race won by Scotty Thiel.

“Between having 30 tear offs on my helmet and knowing the abuse the car was going to take, the feature was as intense as I expected it to be,” Hartmann said. “After blowing a tire 15 laps in, my crew, plus Ozzie and Dakota from the 73 team [Scotty Thiel], got a new right rear tire on, so we didn’t DNF. We’ll take the good with the bad and carry on to Sycamore this Saturday.”

The team was scheduled to participate in the IRA series’ debut appearance at Ogilvie Speedway in Ogilvie, Minn. on Friday, May 3. However, rain washed out the event.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team is set to compete in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series at the Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. on Saturday, May 11.

Hartmann is eager to make his third Sycamore Speedway appearance after registering a solid ninth place showing in IRA A-main competition on June 10, 2023.

The Badger Midgets and IRA Lightning Sprints are also on the card.

Qualifying is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with racing at 7:30 p.m.

All Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association events will be streamed live on FloRacing during the 2024 season.

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

Additional information on the 87A Hartmann Racing team can be found by visiting the team’s website www.team87a.com and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/87Ahartmannracing.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Competition Specialists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 11 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)
Saturday, May 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 19 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 25 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 26 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Statistics

Total Events – 4
IRA Events – 2
World of Outlaws Events – 1
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 3
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 8, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz corrals IRA top-10 at Cedar Lake Speedway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz posted his second top-10 A-main finish of the 2024 season with an eighth place showing in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A main at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, May 4. – Kulas Jr. Racing Images

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 8, 2024 – With fast and undulating track conditions demanding a cowboy-up driving style, Travis Arenz wrangled his Travis Arenz Motorsports 25T machine to stay as straight and smooth as possible in reining in his second top-10 showing of the young 2024 campaign in Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main competition at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, May 4.

With rain wreaking havoc on the three-eighths mile clay oval racing surface in the days and hours leading up to the second event of the 2024 IRA campaign, Arenz successfully negotiated the highly tacky and challenging track surface to qualify seventh in the 25-car field with a lap of 11.108 seconds.

After starting second in the second eight-lap IRA heat race, the 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion came home third.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver, who was making his Cedar Lake Speedway debut, turned in a fourth-place showing after lining up third in the first four-lap IRA dash to gain the seventh starting spot in the 30-lap main event.

Arenz moved into the top five in the opening laps of the A main, as he managed to stay connected with the leaders’ frantic pace, while keeping his car as stable as possible on the rapid, demanding and uneven track surface.

As the laps wound down, Arenz surrendered three positions on the way to an eighth-place finish, which marked his second top-10 A-main showing of the 2024 IRA season.

“With the track conditions we had, I pretty much went completely opposite of what a normal night consists of with both set-up and driving approach,” Arenz said. “Being in the dash helped with more track time and getting the car better for the rough surface. The A main definitely did not go as planned. While struggling with the car, I tired myself out, honestly, and started missing my marks at the end of the race.”

The team was scheduled to participate in the IRA series’ debut appearance at Ogilvie Speedway in Ogilvie, Minn. on Friday, May 3. However, rain washed out the event.

On Saturday, May 11, Arenz and the 25T team will follow the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series to the Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. Arenz will be looking to equal a strong runner-up showing in his first Sycamore Speedway appearance in IRA A-main action on June 10, 2023.

The Badger Midgets and IRA Lightning Sprints are also on the card.

Qualifying is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with racing at 7:30 p.m.

All 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Don and Lynn Kiel

Don and Lynn Kiel’s first date was attending a race at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. in June 1998 and they have been together ever since, marrying on Feb. 14, 2005. Lynn spent her working career in the banking industry retiring after 39 years in 2017 as an assistant vice-president at a local Manitowoc bank.

Lynn’s interest in racing started when she attended the races at the 141 Speedway as a child with her dad, Andy Endries. RIP ANDY!

Don’s interest in racing started when he bought Dean Divine’s Modified in the early 1970s. Don’s driving experience involved Modifieds and Mini Sprints, as well as 360 Sprint Cars at Manitowoc Expo Speedway in 2011 and 2012.

Don spent four years in the United States Air Force, enlisting the night of his graduation party. He was honorably discharged after four years in 1967 as an Airman First Class. Don was a Minuteman Missile electrician serving as team chief his last year and actually got to take part in the test firing of four Minuteman Missiles at Vandenburg Air Force Base in Lompoc, Calif. Don was based at F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyo. for 41 months.

Don started flying in Cheyenne at the age of 19, secured his first flying job three days after his honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force at age 22 and retired at age 60. He retired as Senior Captain on the 300 passenger Airbus A 330-300 flying to London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. He has logged over 30,000 hours of flying time with a lot of stories to tell.

For a glimpse of Don’s career, Google Don Kiel Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame. For a view of his favorite aircraft that he owned for four years, check out the Warbird Takeoff by Googling Beech 18 Takeoff Great Radial Engine Sound. Click on the 32 second video. Don and Lynn continue to fly his 1952 Cessna 170B, both on wheels and skis in the winter.

Don loves to say, “It’s pretty cool when your vocation and avocation are one in the same!”

“We started out sponsoring Travis Arenz by buying him a set of rear tires five years ago and the rest is history,” Don Kiel said. “Travis is a very talented racer from the tiniest detail to the actual racing. I love to watch Travis feel the track out and then work his magic. I sponsor Travis as I feel he is one of the best!”

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Statistics

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

May 8, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Smith, Thomas tally triumphs in rain-shortened PDTR season opener

Wet weather washes out Sprint Car main events

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

T.J. Smith of Greenville picked up his second career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Oostburg Automotive Grand National A-main victory during the 2024 PDTR season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, April 27. – JW’s Car and Racing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 27, 2024 – On an evening hampered by on-and-off rain showers, Plymouth Dirt Track Racing fired up the 2024 racing season in truncated fashion at a damp Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, April 27.

After pressing through two separate rain delays, the third round of rain coupled with lightning brought the program to an early close with two of the four scheduled A-mains managing to make it to the checkered flag.

T.J. Smith of Greenville skillfully negotiated a slew of slower traffic to become the first Plymouth Dirt Track Racing A-main victor of the 2024 campaign in the 25-lap Oostburg Automotive Grand National main event.

In his first career appearance at The Plymouth Dirt Track, PDTR rookie Cole Thomas of Franklin delivered a standout debut performance on the way to victory in the Sheboygan Flooring 25-lap B Mod A main.

The first rain delay came shortly after the completion of the heat race competition in each of the four divisions. After the track was worked back into racing condition for the Grand National main event, the ensuing B Mod A main was halted for another rain shower on lap eight.

Another round of track manicuring during the second rain delay resulted in the completion of the B Mod main event. However, rain hit the track for a third time as the 106.5 The Buzz Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars pushed off for A-main action, which led to the cancellation of the remainder of the season-opening racing program.

As a result, points and payout were evenly divided among the scheduled A-main starters in the Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car and the Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car divisions.

Outside front row starter T.J. Smith outdueled polesitter Brad Weiss of Cascade to take the lead of the 25-lap PDTR Grand National A main in turn two of the opening lap. Smith promptly built up a solid cushion at the head of the pack in the early going as fourth starter Dustin Weiss of Iron Ridge and Brad Weiss settled into second and third respectively.

On lap four, Smith already found himself negotiating slower traffic while maintaining a quarter-straightaway lead over Dustin Weiss. Four laps later, defending Grand National division co-champion Will Sorce of Franklin, who started third, slipped past Brad Weiss to assume third in the running order.

Smith got held up among a gaggle of slower cars on lap 11, which allowed Dustin Wess and Sorce to move in to challenge for the top spot. After Smith recovered to maintain a solid advantage, another swarm of lapped cars nearly caused the second-year PDTR 360 Sprint Car competitor and infrequent PDTR Grand National racer to surrender the lead as Dustin Weiss charged in to briefly duck underneath Smith in turn two on lap 21.

Once again, Smith rebounded to retain the top spot on the way to his second career PDTR Grand National A-main victory in the caution-free race, which was completed in a swift six minutes and fifty-six seconds.

Dustin Weiss had to settle for second, Sorce placed third, 2022 PDTR Grand National champion Luke Scholten of Oostburg, who started 10th, charged up to place fourth and two-time and defending PDTR Grand National champion Brian Gilles of Plymouth moved up from the 12th starting position to finish fifth.

Outside front row starter Cole Thomas got the jump on polesitter Brandon Knepprath of Boltonville to lead the opening lap of the B Mod A main. On lap 3, the first of four caution flags appeared when ninth starter Travis Schmidt of Plymouth spun in turn three.

In his debut appearance at The Plymouth Dirt Track, Cole Thomas of Franklin earned his first career PDTR Sheboygan Flooring B Mod A-main triumph on Saturday, April 27. – JW’s Car and Racing Photos

Thomas controlled the ensuing restart with Knepprath holding down second and third starter Rory Welch of Plymouth running in third. Steve Lorier of Sheboygan, who started sixth, overtook Welch for third before the second caution was displayed for the stalled car of Hunter Larson of Oshkosh along the front stretch wall.

Following the next restart, Lorier moved past Knepprath into the runner-up spot as Thomas bolted away from the field. After two more cautions slowed the pace on lap 7 and lap 8, the first rain delay of the evening took hold.

After the completion of track restoration work, Thomas continued undeterred as he bolted away from the pack while seventh starter Barrett Hummelmeier of Beaver Dam powered past Lorier to take over second on lap nine.

Thomas, who has competed primarily on asphalt during his racing career, built up a big half-lap lead over Hummelmeier by lap 17 and weaved his way through slower traffic over the final five laps on the way to his first career PDTR B Mod A-main victory.

Hummelmeier placed second, Lorier wound up third, Travis Schmidt rebounded from his lap 3 spin to place fourth and Knepprath rounded out the top five.

T.J. Haddy of Waupun turned the overall fastest lap in Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car hot lap-heat race group qualifying in 12.883 seconds.

John Fahl of Brown Deer claimed the fast qualifier award in the 106.5 The Buzz Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car division with a lap of 13.755 seconds.

The first event of the 2024 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by Vesta accounting, wealth, and financial advisory firm drew a total of 81 entries, including 23 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, 23 Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars, 20 Grand Nationals and 15 B Mods.

The next Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, May 4 will feature the 2024 Seubert Calf Ranches Super Six Late Model Series season opener, along with PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals and B Mods.

Earlier start times will again be in place with pit gates opening at 2 p.m. grandstand gates opening at 4 p.m. and racing beginning at 5 p.m.

The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds is located at 229 Fairview Drive in Plymouth, Wis. For more information, visit www.plymouthdtr.com or check out Plymouth Dirt Track Racing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): Rained Out

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 24-Scott Conger [2]; 2. 69S-TJ Smith [1]; 3. 22B-Brandon Berth [3]; 4. 7-Lance Fassbender [4]; 5. 25-Danny Schlafer [5]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra [7]; 7. 46-Steven Ruh [8]; 8. 66T-Tristan Koenings [6]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [2]; 2. 21H-TJ Haddy [4]; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [1]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [3]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson [5]; 6. 52-Cody Schlafer [8]; 7. 12P-JJ Pagel [6]; 8. 54-Randy Post [7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 4-Alex Pokorski [2]; 2. 09-Clayton Rossmann [4]; 3. 33-Josh Bilicki [1]; 4. 69-Bill Taylor [3]; 5. 30-Doug Wondra [5]; 6. 51-Chris Larson [7]; 7. 53A-Spyder Akright [6]

Qualifying Heat Race Group 1 (3 Laps): 1. 7-Lance Fassbender, 13.050 [3]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth, 13.098 [2]; 3. 24-Scott Conger, 13.296 [5]; 4. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.341 [1]; 5. 25-Danny Schlafer, 13.343 [7]; 6. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 13.365 [4]; 7. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.433 [6]; 8. 46-Steven Ruh, 13.459 [8]

Qualifying Heat Race Group 2 (3 Laps): 1. 21H-TJ Haddy, 12.883 [7]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 12.905 [5]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt, 12.954 [6]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.008 [3]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson, 13.186 [4]; 6. 52-Cody Schlafer, 13.328 [8]; 7. 12P-JJ Pagel, 13.965 [1]; 8. 54-Randy Post, 14.109 [2]

Qualifying Heat Race Group 3 (3 Laps): 1. 09-Clayton Rossmann, 12.898 [4]; 2. 69-Bill Taylor, 12.923 [2]; 3. 4-Alex Pokorski, 13.070 [5]; 4. 33-Josh Bilicki, 13.192 [7]; 5. 30-Doug Wondra, 13.214 [6]; 6. 53A-Spyder Akright, 13.240 [3]; 7. 51-Chris Larson, 13.833 [1]

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 69-TJ Smith [2]; 2. 53W-Dustin Weiss [4]; 3. 14X-Will Sorce [3]; 4. 80-Luke Scholten [10]; 5. 89-Brian Gilles [12]; 6. 5M-Jeff Muehlbauer [11]; 7. 23-Scott Kafka [7]; 8. 55-Tony Miller [5]; 9. 95-Donny Kulow [14]; 10. 15-Derek Kaat [13]; 11. 54-Austin Yancey [18]; 12. 24K-Tyler Kulow [9]; 13. 14-Benjamin Mccoy [17]; 14. (DNF) 35-Jared Weiss [16]; 15. (DNF) 52W-Jack Wiroll [8]; 16. (DNF) 23B-Trent Bogart [15]; 17. (DNF) 53B-Brad Weiss [1]; 18. (DNF) 5MM-Nate Ruh [6]; 19. (DNS) 34-Steven Weber; 20. (DNS) 6-Dick Hed

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 53W-Dustin Weiss [2]; 2. 80-Luke Scholten [1]; 3. 14X-Will Sorce [4]; 4. 5M-Jeff Muehlbauer [5]; 5. 15-Derek Kaat [6]; 6. 23B-Trent Bogart [7]; 7. (DNF) 6-Dick Hed [3]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 24K-Tyler Kulow [1]; 2. 89-Brian Gilles [2]; 3. 52W-Jack Wiroll [3]; 4. 23-Scott Kafka [4]; 5. 95-Donny Kulow [5]; 6. 35-Jared Weiss [6]; 7. 54-Austin Yancey [7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 5MM-Nate Ruh [2]; 2. 69-TJ Smith [4]; 3. 53B-Brad Weiss [5]; 4. 55-Tony Miller [3]; 5. 34-Steven Weber [1]; 6. 14-Benjamin Mccoy [6]

SHEBOYGAN FLOORING B MODS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 91-Cole Thomas [2]; 2. 33H-Barrett Hummelmeier [7]; 3. 66-Steve Lorier [6]; 4. 3-Travis Schmidt [9]; 5. 17-Brandon Knepprath [1]; 6. 9-Hunter Larson [5]; 7. 59S-Spencer Long [11]; 8. 73-Rory Welch [3]; 9. 11B-Brad Buckman [12]; 10. 2-Joe Shelby [13]; 11. (DNF) 19-Parker Glander [10]; 12. (DNF) 11S-Zachary Schmidt [8]; 13. (DNF) 22M-Barry Maas [4]; 14. (DNF) 31W-Kelan Wolfe [14]; 15. (DNS) 25-Jim Fischer

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 17-Brandon Knepprath [1]; 2. 66-Steve Lorier [3]; 3. 22M-Barry Maas [8]; 4. 19-Parker Glander [2]; 5. 73-Rory Welch [5]; 6. 59S-Spencer Long [4]; 7. 11B-Brad Buckman [6]; 8. 2-Joe Shelby [7]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 91-Cole Thomas [2]; 2. 3-Travis Schmidt [1]; 3. 33H-Barrett Hummelmeier [5]; 4. 9-Hunter Larson [3]; 5. 11S-Zachary Schmidt [4]; 6. 25-Jim Fischer [7]; 7. 31W-Kelan Wolfe [6]

106.5 THE BUZZ AUTOMETER WISCONSIN WINGLESS SPRINT CAR SERIES

A Main (20 Laps): Rained Out

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 50-Rusty Egan [3]; 2. 40-Tim Cox [5]; 3. 0-John Fahl [4]; 4. 38-Allen Hafford [2]; 5. 14Z-Ryan Zielski [6]; 6. 7-Trinity Uttech [7]; 7. 29OG-Tom Eller [1]; 8. (DNS) 17-Bryce Andrews

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 7X-Ryan Marshall [2]; 2. 91-Jimmy Sivia [4]; 3. 23Z-Zach Raidart [3]; 4. 70H-Tate Hensley [1]; 5. 11-Austin Hansen [5]; 6. 29J-Ralph Johnson [6]; 7. 4G-George Gaertner III [7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 70-Chris Klemko [2]; 2. 57F-Tristan Furseth [3]; 3. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse [4]; 4. 7D-Josh Davidson [6]; 5. 13A-Dave Wallace [7]; 6. (DNF) 99J-Seth Johnson [1]; 7. (DNF) 4L-Lance Thompson [5]

Qualifying: 1. 0-John Fahl, 13.755 [2]; 2. 91-Jimmy Sivia, 13.816 [7]; 3. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse, 13.849 [13]; 4. 50-Rusty Egan, 13.897 [3]; 5. 23Z-Zach Raidart, 13.941 [19]; 6. 57F-Tristan Furseth, 13.977 [10]; 7. 38-Allen Hafford, 14.016 [4]; 8. 7X-Ryan Marshall, 14.027 [12]; 9. 70-Chris Klemko, 14.046 [8]; 10. 29OG-Tom Eller, 14.136 [6]; 11. 70H-Tate Hensley, 14.200 [1]; 12. 99J-Seth Johnson, 14.249 [16]; 13. 40-Tim Cox, 14.254 [22]; 14. 11-Austin Hansen, 14.280 [20]; 15. 4L-Lance Thompson, 14.411 [21]; 16. 14Z-Ryan Zielski, 14.435 [9]; 17. 29J-Ralph Johnson, 14.485 [11]; 18. 7D-Josh Davidson, 14.496 [5]; 19. 7-Trinity Uttech, 14.616 [18]; 20. 4G-George Gaertner III, 15.264 [17]; 21. (DNF) 13A-Dave Wallace [14]; 22. (DNF) 17-Bryce Andrews [15]

April 28, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz starts 2024 IRA opener quick, finishes up front at Beaver Dam Raceway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. racked up fast qualifier honors and posted a sixth-place A-main showing in the 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association season opener at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 20. – KulasJr8 Racing Images

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 24, 2024 – After completing his first full season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series as a top-three points performer and a night-in and night-out contender for race victories and podium finishes in 2023, Travis Arenz picked up right where he left off a year ago in the 2024 IRA season opener contested on a chilly spring evening at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 20.

Arenz, who placed third in the 2023 IRA point standings in his rookie campaign with the series, opened his second full season of IRA competition by ripping off his first career 410 Sprint Car fast qualifier award, as he topped the 30-car field with a fast lap of 13.650 seconds on the high-banked, third-mile clay oval.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion rolled off fourth in the first 10-tap IRA heat race before recording a fifth-place showing to secure a spot in a second four-lap IRA dash.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver started second and finished second to earn the right to start fourth in the 30-lap IRA headliner. Arenz used a good start to settle into third behind the second-place car of two-time IRA champion Jake Blackhurst and leader Scotty Thiel in the early going.

Arenz stuck tight to the preferred inside lane of the delicate track surface throughout the majority of the race. After eventual race winner Tim Estenson, Mike Reinke and Danny Schlafer slipped past during the second half of the main event, Arenz held strong to secure a solid sixth-place A-main finish to open up the 2024 IRA campaign.

“The track was very technical and we were one of the last cars to qualify, so I wasn’t sure how far to tighten the car,” Arenz said. “To our surprise when I came back from the scales we were second quick. Then my crew kept receiving texts congratulating us on quick time. We were confused and found out there was a disqualification, which granted us quick time. This was definitely how we wanted to start our season, after struggling a lot in qualifying last year. Hopefully, we can keep the momentum going.

“The track was difficult to read all night,” he said. “It was one of those tracks you throw the kitchen sink at and hope it’s not too much. You have to be mindful of your surroundings and make adjustments to your driving style as the race progresses. We did end up going backwards in the A-main, but for the first night of the season and getting back in the swing of things with some new equipment, I don’t have too many complaints.”

The Travis Arenz Motorsports Team was slated to open the 2024 IRA campaign at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis. on Friday, April 19. However, cold and wet weather forced the event to be postponed and rescheduled for Friday, Sept. 27.

The team is scheduled to take the upcoming weekend off before resuming the 2024 IRA scheduled with the series’ debut appearance at Ogilvie Speedway in Ogilvie, Minn. on Friday, May 3, which will include support from the WISSOTA Midwest Mods and WISSOTA Mod Four divisions.

On Saturday, May 4, the team will head to Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. for the Sprint Open Wheel Spectacular, which will also include UMSS Traditional Sprint Car and UMSS Limited Winged Sprint Car divisions.

Hot laps will begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing listed as starting at 6 p.m.

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

All 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Professional Plating

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, May 3 – Ogilvie Raceway, Ogilvie, Minn. (IRA)
Saturday, May 4 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 11 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Statistics

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

April 24, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann mounts plus-10 A-main rally in 2024 IRA curtain-raiser

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann advanced 10 positions to earn a 12th place A-main finish in the 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series opener at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 20. – KulasJr8 Racing Images

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 24, 2024 – Following three consecutive race cancellations due to uncooperative spring weather conditions, Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing Team finally got the 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season off the ground in front of a chilled contingent of hearty fans for the inaugural Wisconsin Triple Crown event at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 20.

With air temperatures hovering in the mid-30s, Hartmann fired up his third full season of IRA competition by qualifying 16^th in the 30-car field with a lap of 14.469 seconds around the high-banked third-mile clay oval.

After lining up sixth in the first eight-lap IRA heat race, the Plymouth, Wis. driver lost one spot to place seventh and just miss gaining an automatic A-main transfer position.

Hartmann then started second and came home fourth in the 10-lap B main to nail down the 22^nd starting position in the 30-lap Wisconsin Triple Crown IRA main event.

The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Rookie of the Year Award recipient utilized a smooth, patient and consistent driving approach to negotiate a tricky track surface and push his 87A machine forward 10 spots to secure a 12^th-place A-main finish in a race won by first-time IRA victor Tim Estenson.

“I put our team behind the eight ball during qualifying,” Hartmann said. “I didn’t want to make any excuses, so we had to work a little bit harder after that. During the feature, we planned to get the car balanced enough so I could run anywhere on the track. We hit the setup good for the first 15-20 laps and we were able to pass some cars. The car got tighter during the end of the race, making it hard to hold the bottom. Luckily, there was enough moisture throughout the middle of the track, which allowed me to pass through traffic. Overall, we pulled out of a hole and managed to save the night with a decent finish.”

The team was slated to open the 2024 IRA campaign at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis. on Friday, April 19. However, cold and wet weather forced the event to be postponed and rescheduled for Friday, Sept. 27.

The 87A Hartmann Racing Team is scheduled to take the upcoming weekend off before resuming the 2024 Bumper to Bumper IRA schedule with the series’ debut appearance at Ogilvie Speedway in Ogilvie, Minn. on Friday, May 3, which will feature support from the WISSOTA Midwest Mods and WISSOTA Mod Four divisions.

Hot laps will begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing listed as starting at 6 p.m.

All Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association events will be streamed live on FloRacing during the 2024 season.

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

Additional information on the 87A Hartmann Racing team can be found by visiting the team’s website www.team87a.com and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/87Ahartmannracing.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Shufflebotham Tree Service

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

Contact Andrew Shufflebotham and his highly skilled team, which has accumulated over 20 years of experience in the field, for your next tree trimming, removal or clean-up project by calling 920-627-3849 or checking out the Shufflebotham Tree Service Facebook page.

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, May 3 – Ogilvie Raceway, Ogilvie, Minn. (IRA)
Saturday, May 4 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 11 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Statistics

Total Events – 3
IRA Events – 1
World of Outlaws Events – 1
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 2
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

April 24, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz aims to run it back with IRA in 2024

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. is set to embark on another season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in 2024. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 16, 2024 – In his first full season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, Travis Arenz wasted no time entrenching himself among the top competitors in the series throughout a highly successful 2023 rookie campaign.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion put together a season packed with standout performances, including his first career IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory at his home track – The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on July 1, 2023.

Despite suffering motor problems in the final month of the 2023 season, the Sheboygan Falls, Wis. racer piled up a total of 12 top-five and 15 top-10 A-main showings, while also notching three heat race victories, seven dash appearances and two dash victories in a total of 28 410 Sprint Car events last year.

After earning an impressive third place showing in the final 2023 Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series point standings, Arenz picked up the Sage Fruit-Hepfner Racing Products Apple Cup Award for finishing as the second-highest point-earning IRA rookie driver last season.

“I learned a lot in my rookie season with the IRA,” Arenz said. “I’m proud of what we accomplished last season with the small budget we had compared to others that we race with.”

Arenz, who owns a total of 71 career A-main victories in four different divisions (410 Sprint Car, 360 Sprint Car, Sport Mod and 4-Clylinder) as well as the 2013 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Outlaw Compact 4-Cylinder title and 2016 141 Speedway Northern Sport Mod championship, is looking forward to returning to IRA competition in 2024.

“Our plan at this point is to run the IRA schedule again this year,” he said. “I want to thank all of the sponsors, as well as the new and returning crew members who have stepped up to give us the opportunity to run with the IRA.”

Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports Team are preparing to open the 2024 IRA campaign at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis. for the IRA Spring Sizzler Presented by Kickass Beef Jerky on Friday, April 19.

Also on the card are Modifieds, USRA B Mods and USRA Hobby Stocks.

Pit gates open at 4 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 5:30 p.m., followed by hot laps at 6:45 p.m., IRA qualifying at 7 p.m. and opening ceremonies at 7:15 p.m.

The following night, the team will compete in the IRA Spring Trifecta at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. with pit gates open at 2:30 p.m. and spectator gates opening at 3:30 p.m. with racing at 5:30 p.m.

The Dirt Kings Late Model Series and Badger Midgets will join the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series for the three-division program.

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

All 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Service One Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 IRA Schedule

Friday, April 19 – Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, April 20 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, May 3 – Ogilvie Raceway, Ogilvie, Minn. (IRA)
Saturday, May 4 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 11 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)
Saturday, May 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 19 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 25 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 26 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, June 9 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 15 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Thursday, June 20 – Lincoln Park Speedway, Putnamville, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Friday, June 21 – Bloomington Speedway, Bloomington, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Saturday, June 22 – Tri-State Speedway, Haubstadt, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Sunday, June 23 – Terre Haute Action Track, Terre Haute, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Friday, June 28 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 29 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Thursday, July 18 – Norman County Raceway, Ada, Minn. (IRA-Red River SS)
Friday, July 19 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, N.D. (IRA-NOSA)
Saturday, July 20–River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, N.D. (IRA-NOSA)
Friday, July 26 – Dodge County Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, July 27 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 17 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Aug. 18 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 24 – To Be Determined (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 31 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Sept. 1 – The Hill Raceway, Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Sept. 6 – Gondik Law Speedway, Superior, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 14 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 28 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
Final 2023 Statistics

Total Events – 28
IRA Events – 27
All Star Events – 3
A Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 12
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 15
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 20
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 21
Heat Race Victories – 3
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 7
Dash Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Final Points Finish – 3^rd

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Career Highlights
2008-2023

Total Career A Main Victories – 71
Outlaw Compact 4-Cylinder A Main Victories – 20
IMCA Northern Sport Mod/B Mod A Main Victories – 20
MSA/PDTR 360 Sprint Car A Main Victories – 30
IRA 410 Sprint Car A Main Victories – 1
2013 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Outlaw Compact 4-Cylinder Champion
2016 141 Speedway Northern Sport Mod Champion
2021 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Champion
2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Champion
2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Champion
2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Champion
2023 Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Apple Cup Rookie Award

April 16, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Author: Jeff Pederson