Jeff Pederson, Author at Pedal Down Promotions

Hartmann faces nation’s best during All Stars weekend, eyes IRA Sycamore-Angell Park twinbill

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team competed in a pair of Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association co-sanctioned events at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2 and The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 3. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 7, 2023 – Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing faced off against many of the top 410 Winged Sprint Car drivers and teams in the country and came away with a full book of notes to implement down the road, during a lucrative Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car doubleheader weekend of action at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2 and The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 3.

With 33 All Star-IRA Sprint Car competitors checked in at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway on Friday, June 2 for the inaugural Gib Wiser Classic to kick off the All Star-IRA weekend double dip, Hartmann began the night by qualifying 28^th with a lap of 17.979 seconds around the “horsepower half mile.”

The Plymouth, Wis. driver lined up eighth and finished eighth in the third eight-lap All Star-IRA heat race. In the 12-lap All Star-IRA B main, Hartmann started eighth and came home eighth to miss out on transferring to the 25-lap A main.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team then returned to its home track – The Plymouth Dirt Track for the second time in 2023 for the $26,000-to-win Rayce Rudeen Foundation event on Saturday, June 3.

The fourth-year Sprint Car competitor qualified 24^th in the 41-car field with a lap of 12.195 seconds around the semi-banked third-mile clay oval.

Hartmann started sixth in the second All Star-IRA heat race and fell to seventh on lap two when Jack Vanderboom slipped past. The second-year IRA 410 Sprint Car racer wound up seventh in the race to move on to the B main.

Hartmann started 11^th in the 12-lap All Star-IRA B main needing to advance to fourth or better to move on to the Rayce Rudeen Foundation main event. The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner used a strong start to move up to ninth on lap 2 before a spin involving Dave Uttech and Sye Lynch allowed Hartmann to restart the race in the seventh spot.

Hartmann moved up to sixth in the running order on lap 3 and maintained the spot over the final nine laps to finish six.

A special provisional starting position in the 35-lap Rayce Rudeen A main was granted to Hartmann, which allowed him to roll off 25^th in the prestigious race.

Hartmann ran the first several laps of the main event before falling a lap down to the leaders and pulling into the infield with a 25^th place finish.

“We struggled a lot last weekend, but this team will keep digging and working towards better finishes,” Hartmann said.

Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team will return to action with another doubleheader weekend of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car action kicking off with the team’s first visit to Sycamore Speedway in Maple Grove, Ill. on Saturday, June 10 with IRA Lightning Sprints and Badger Midgets also on the card.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m., spectator gates are set to open at 6 p.m. with hot laps and qualifying at 6:30 p.m. and opening ceremonies slated for 7:30 p.m.

The team will wrap up the weekend with the IRA’s second appearance of the 2023 season at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. for the Norm Nelson Classic also featuring the Badger Midgets on Sunday, June 11.

Pit gates open at 1:30 p.m., followed by spectator gates at 4 p.m. with hot laps and qualifying at 5 p.m. and opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Steinpreis Trucking

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team is pleased to welcome Steinpreis Trucking, located at N8445 Dairyland Drive in Sheboygan, Wis., as a sponsorship partner for the 2023 season.

To contact Steinpreis Trucking, call 920-627-2052.

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

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

Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, June 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Maple Park, Ill. (IRA)
Saturday, June 11 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, June 16 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Saturday, June 17 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 12
IRA Events – 10
World of Outlaws Events – 0
All Star Events – 4
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 4
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 6
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 2
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

June 7, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz turns valuable A-main laps in All Star-IRA doubleheader test against nation’s best

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz turned in a 20th place finish in the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Rayce Rudeen Foundation 410 Sprint Car event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 3. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 6, 2023 – Competing as rookie with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car has brought a whole new set of nightly challenges for two-time Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champion Travis Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports during the 2023 season.

Nine races into his first full-time season of 410 Sprint Car competition, Arenz faced his toughest competition yet as the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions brought its national touring 410 Sprint Car Series to the area for a lucrative doubleheader weekend of action kicking off with the inaugural $8,000-to-win Gib Wiser Classic the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2 in conjunction with the IRA Sprints and concluding on Saturday, June 3 with the $26,000-to-win Rayce Rudeen Foundation event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

Arenz qualified 24^th in the 33-car field with a lap of 17.800 seconds at the Dodge County Fairgrounds “horsepower half mile” on Friday, June 2.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver lined up seventh in the fourth eight-lap All Star-IRA heat race and moved past All Stars regular Conner Morrell to take sixth on lap 2, which is where he finished the race, one spot out of an A-main transfer spot.

Arenz started fourth in the 12-lap All Star-IRA B main needing to finish fourth or better to transfer in the 24-car A main field. Fighting an ill-handling race car, Arenz slipped back to fifth as former IRA champion Scotty Neitzel worked past in the early going of the race.

In the latter stages of the race, Arenz moved to within striking distance of the fourth place car of Jack Vanderboom. However, he was unable to pull off the pass and finished one spot out of an A-main transfer position with a fifth place showing.

Arenz returned the familiar surroundings of the Travis Arenz Motorsports team’s home track for the $26,000-to-win Rayce Rudeen Foundation All Star-IRA event at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, June 3.

Arenz qualified 32^nd in the 41-car field with a lap of 12.552 seconds around the third-mile clay oval. He then rolled off sixth and finished seventh in the eight-lap fifth heat race.

After starting ninth in the 12-lap B main, Arenz worked his way up to fifth to fall just one spot short of an automatic A main berth. However, Arenz was added to the A main field when Hunter Custer was forced to scratch from the event.

In the 35-lap Rayce Rudeen Foundation main event, Arenz started 24^th and maneuvered his way up to finish 20^th among one of the deepest and most talented Winged 410 Sprint Car A main fields ever assembled at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

“With knowing who was going to compete in this weekend’s All-Star shows, my goals were to qualify good and make the show,” Arenz said. “The car did not feel good at Dodge. I couldn’t keep the front end on the ground and it would get tight in the middle of the corner. I was fighting the car all night.

“We regrouped for Saturday at Plymouth and started fresh,” he said. “I still didn’t qualify where I would like to be to set us up for a heat race position to get in a dash. I was also unable to transfer to the A main through the B main, but there was a scratch that put us in the show. We scrambled to get the set up changed and rolled out 24^th and finished 20^th.”

The Travis Arenz Motorsports Team will return to action with another doubleheader weekend of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car action kicking off the team’s first visit to Sycamore Speedway in Maple Grove, Ill. on Saturday, June 10 with IRA Lightning Sprints and Badger Midgets also on the card.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m., spectator gates are set to open at 6 p.m. with hot laps and qualifying at 6:30 p.m. and opening ceremonies slated for 7:30 p.m.

Pit gates open at 1:30 p.m., followed by spectator gates at 4 p.m. with hot laps and qualifying at 5 p.m. and opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.

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

The 2023 Travis Arenz Motorsports sponsorship partners include Professional Plating Inc., Service One Transportation, Inc, Don and Lynn Kiel, Oostburg Concrete, Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Schoen’s Wildlife Removal, Premier Insurance Solutions-Craig Ladwig, Pallet Works, DW Fence, Little Bears Tree Service LLC, Lake Auto Glass and Service, Myhre Construction LLC, Roth’s Auto Restoration, Hair Fellers Barbershop, Fastenal of Plymouth, Jensen Sales and Humphrey’s Turner Hall Bar & Grill, Carbliss Hand Crafted Cocktails, Amy Bruechert Reality, Cornwell Tools-Paul Epping, Advanced Engine Concepts, Inc., Duehring’s Tax Service, Everhope Show Cattle, HRP Wings and Behling Racing Equipment.

The 2023 Travis Arenz Motorsports team consists of pit crew members Greg Piedot, Jerrod Gamb, Emily Stadler, Cameron Fritz, Bobby Bonelli and Trevor Hittman (public relations).

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – PalletWorks LLC

Travis Arenz Motorsports is pleased to have PalletWorks LLC on board as a sponsorship partner for the team’s rookie season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series.

Located at N5826 County Road M in Plymouth, Wis., PalletWorks LLC is a wood container and pallet manufacturing company, specializing in packing and crating materials.

To contact PalletWorks LLC, call 920-467-2600.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Upcoming 2023 Schedule

Saturday, June 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Maple Park, Ill. (IRA)
Saturday, June 11 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 24 – Fairbury Speedway, Fairbury, Ill. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 11
IRA Events – 10
All Star Events – 3
A Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 3
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 5
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 6
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 7
Heat Race Victories – 2
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 1
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

June 6, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Alex Pokorski joins MSA A-main winners club during successful tripleheader weekend

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski and the members of the Akright Auto Racing Team celebrate Pokorski’s first career Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 6, 2023 – Nearly three years after making his debut behind the wheel of a 360 Sprint Car, Alex Pokorski etched his name into the record books as a Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series A-main winner at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2 to kick off a highly successful MSA tripleheader weekend of competition for his No. 4 Spyder Akright-owned Akright Auto Racing Team.

With 21 MSA 360 Sprint Cars signed in, Pokorski qualified 14^th overall and sixth in his group with a lap of 20.435 seconds around the huge half-mile Dodge County Fairgrounds clay oval.

After starting sixth in the first eight-lap MSA heat race, the West Bend, Wis. driver slipped past Bill Taylor to take over fifth. On lap 3, Pokorski powered around Justin Erickson to take over the fourth spot along the backstretch, which is where he finished the race.

The fourth-year 360 Sprint Car driver, who is now in his second full season of competition for the Akright Auto Racing Team, bolted into the lead on the drop of the green flag of the 20-lap MSA main event from the pole with rookie Logan Julien, who started second, in tow.

By lap 4, Pokorski, who began his 360 Sprint Car racing career at The Plymouth Dirt Track on June 13, 2020, had built up a full straightaway cushion before reaching lapped traffic on lap 6. Four-time MSA champion Brandon McMullen, who started third, moved into second lap 9 and began to reel in Pokorski.

Alex Pokorski acknowledges the crowd after winning his first career Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2. – RC Custom Design photo

However, Pokorski hit his stride over the second half of the race to extend his lead to a half lap over McMullen. Pokorski, who was making only his second official career start at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, cruised over the final few laps to secure his first career MSA 360 Sprint Car Series A main victory.

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team returned to action on Saturday, June 3 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. as the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – MSA 360 Sprint Cars ran in support of the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Rayce Rudeen Foundation event.

In addition, Paul Pokorski made his second start of the 2023 season in the seat of Spyder Akright’s 53A car.

Alex opened the night by qualifying fifth overall in the 25-car field with a lap of 13.020 seconds. Paul qualified 21^st overall with a lap of 13.689 seconds.

After starting fourth in eight-lap PDTR-MSA heat race one, Alex moved past Bill Taylor at the start to take third. On lap 2, Chris Clayton briefly took third place away from Alex in turn three. However, Alex battled back to regain third with a low move in turn four, which is where he finished the race.

Alex Pokorski collected his first career Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series A-main victory at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2. – RC Custom Design photo

Paul started seventh in the third eight-lap PDTR-MSA heat race and took sixth by passing 360 Sprint Car rookie T.J. Smith on lap one. The 31-year veteran moved in to pressure rookie Logan Julien for fifth before settling for a sixth place finish.

After starting seventh in the 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A main, Shane Wenninger slipped past to drop Alex to eighth on lap 2. Alex then used the preferred inside groove to pass Ben Schmidt on lap 3 before working his way past Robbie Pribnow for sixth on lap 14.

Nine laps later, the red flag appeared when race leader Justin Erickson flipped after making contact with a lapped car. Alex restarted fifth and held the position through another late caution flag on lap 24 to secure a fifth place finish in a race won by Brandon McMullen.

Paul started 14^th and patiently worked his way up through the field along the low line. On lap 22, Paul moved around Nick Daywalt to assume 11^th. After Justin Erickson’s flip and ensuing contact, which dropped Ben Schmidt out of the race, Paul restarted ninth on lap 23 and held on the rest of the way to earn a ninth place showing and his first top-10 finish of the 2023 season.

“Every night I drive the 53A car, my attitude is a bit different than when I was racing full-time,” Pokorski said. “The focus is having fun. Wrecking is no fun. So, I’m being careful not to drive too hard or make poor decisions. That being said, I was a bit frustrated with my qualifying and heat race efforts. I felt better in the feature.

“Patient was the approach in the feature,” he said. “I tried to stay down in the groove, which was right around the bottom, and wait for opportunities. Anyone that was trying to run the middle to the top seemed to be losing spots. I made that mistake the week before. In the end, we moved forward and overall, I was pretty happy with the result.”

The following night, Alex and the team headed to Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. for the team’s first of two scheduled 2023 MSA 360 Sprint Car Series appearances at the historic circle-shaped track.

After qualifying eighth overall in the 20-car MSA field, Alex started on the outside of the front row in the first 10-lap MSA heat race. Pokorski got the jump on polesitter Doug Wondra of Oakfield to lead the opening lap. The 24-year-old driver then proceeded to build up a sizeable advantage on the way to his second heat race victory of the 2023 season.

Pokorski rolled off fifth in the 25-lap MSA 360 Sprint Car A main and struggled to find a comfortable line and grip on the tricky Angell Park Speedway racing surface before registering a 10^th place finish in a race won by Ben Schmidt to cap off the rare MSA tripleheader weekend.

“At Dodge County, it took a few laps for me to get the feel of the car there,” Alex Pokorski said. “By the time the heat race started, I had figured it out fairly well and was able to race well.

“The plan going into the feature was to give myself a chance to win and stay in contention towards the end of the race,” he said. “That’s usually the goal when you start up toward the front. I ended up leading the whole way, so it worked out pretty well. It felt great to finally get a feature win and get that monkey off my back. It was a great start to the weekend, which we followed with fifth and 10^thplace finishes at Plymouth and Sun Prairie, respectively. I think I could’ve done better at Sun Prairie, but overall, it was a really good weekend.”

The Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team will return to action with the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars this Saturday, June 10 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., which will feature the third race in the 2023 PDTR Super Six Late Model Series, along with the Grand Nationals and B Mods.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with Late Model and 360 Sprint Car qualifying set at 5:30 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

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

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

The Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team is excited to welcome Mulch Express of Wisconsin as a brand new sponsorship partner for the remainder of the 2023 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 23 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. over the past two seasons.

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 remainder of the 2023 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 360 Sprint Car driver and a great individual to represent our Wisconsin-based specialty landscaping company.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, June 10 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, June 17 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, June 24 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

Total Events – 7
A Main Victories – 1
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 4
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 6
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 7
Heat Race Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Award – 0

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

June 6, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Schmidt seals first career Angell Park victory in MSA headliner

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Former Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth claimed his 34th career Akright Auto MSA main event victory in the 25-lap A main at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, June 4. – MSA Sprints photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 4, 2023 – As one of the most accomplished drivers in the history of the Midwest Sprint Car Association, 2011 MSA and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth headed into the first of two scheduled 2023 Akright Auto MSA 360 Sprint Car Series appearances at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. with something to prove.

Of Schmidt’s 33 previous MSA 360 Sprint A-main victories and three IRA 410 Sprint Car main event triumphs, none of them had come during his many appearances at Angell Park Speedway.

However, that changed when the checkered flag fell on Schmidt’s flag-to-flag 25-lap MSA A-main victory, during an all-open wheel racing program at the venerable 87-year-old third-mile clay oval on Sunday, June 4.

The 24^th-year driver outpowered four-time MSA champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh to take the lead on the drop of the green flag from the pole position. By lap 6, Schmidt caught the back of the field and began the process of skillfully weaving his way through lapped traffic.

McMullen was unable to make up much ground on Schmidt until the final five laps when Schmidt found himself bottled up behind a gaggle of slower cars, which were dueling for position in side-by-side fashion.

McMullen closed the gap to within five cars lengths in a sea of lapped traffic on the final circuit, but Schmidt was too strong as he held on to record his 34^th career MSA A-main victory, second MSA main event win of the 2023 season and first career A-main triumph at Angell Park Speedway in the caution-free race.

“I’ve been coming here for years in both a 410 and 360 Sprint Car but had never been able to get to victory lane before,” Schmidt said in victory lane. “This is definitely a bucket list track for me to get a win at. I finally got one at ‘The Prairie.’ This is so awesome.”

McMullen placed second, third starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend finished third, Brandon Berth of Cascade placed fourth after starting seventh and Boltonville’s Bill Taylor charged up from 10^th at the start to finish five.

Brandon Berth set a new Angell Park Speedway 360 Sprint Car qualifying record with a fast lap of 13.665 seconds.

Heat race victories went to 2008 MSA champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett and West Bend’s Alex Pokorski.

The sixth MSA event of the 2023 season drew a field of 20 MSA 360 Sprint cars.

The next race for the MSA 360 Sprint Cars is this Saturday, June 10 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., which will also include the third race of the 2023 PDTR Super Six Late Model Series, along with the PDTR Grand Nationals and B Mods.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with Late Model and 360 Sprint Car qualifying set at 5:30 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

For more information on the 2023 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 4, 2023

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [1]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [2]; 3. 63-Kevin Karnitz [3]; 4. 22B-Brandon Berth [7]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor [10]; 6. 7-Lance Fassbender [6]; 7. 11-Tony Wondra [4]; 8. 69S-TJ Smith [9]; 9. 85J-Logan Julien [16]; 10. 4-Alex Pokorski [5]; 11. 21H-Tim Haddy [11]; 12. 66-Tristan Koenings [13]; 13. 1-Tommy Colburn [15]; 14. 12P-JJ Pagel [12]; 15. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [8]; 16. 51-Chris Larson [17]; 17. 44-Hayden Johnson [18]; 18. 55S-Ryan Sawusch [14]; 19. 30-Doug Wondra; 20. 6K-Kurt Davis (DNS)

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 7-Lance Fassbender [2]; 2. 63-Kevin Karnitz [3]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 4. 11-Tony Wondra [8]; 5. 21H-Tim Haddy [5]; 6. 69S-TJ Smith [9]; 7. 66-Tristan Koenings [7]; 8. 12P-JJ Pagel [10]; 9. (DNF) 1-Tommy Colburn [1]; 10. 85J-Logan Julien [6]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 4-Alex Pokorski [2]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [3]; 3. 22B-Brandon Berth [4]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [5]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor [6]; 6. 44-Hayden Johnson [9]; 7. 30-Doug Wondra [1]; 8. 55S-Ryan Sawusch [8]; 9. 6K-Kurt Davis (DNS); 10. 51-Chris Larson (DNS)

Qualifying 1: 1. 35-Ben Schmidt, 13.676 [3]; 2. 63-Kevin Karnitz, 13.742 [1]; 3. 7-Lance Fassbender, 13.844 [4]; 4. 1-Tommy Colburn, 13.887 [10]; 5. 21H-Tim Haddy, 13.997 [8]; 6. 85J-Logan Julien, 14.146 [7]; 7. 66-Tristan Koenings, 14.212 [2]; 8. 11-Tony Wondra, 14.233 [9]; 9. 69S-TJ Smith, 14.417 [5]; 10. 12P-JJ Pagel, 14.721 [6]

Qualifying 2: 1. 22B-Brandon Berth, 13.665 [1]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen, 13.859 [6]; 3. 4-Alex Pokorski, 14.009 [2]; 4. 30-Doug Wondra, 14.231 [9]; 5. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 14.354 [4]; 6. 44-Hayden Johnson, 14.356 [8]; 7. 69-Bill Taylor, 14.480 [5]; 8. 51-Chris Larson, 14.573 [3]; 9. 55S-Ryan Sawusch, 18.585 [10]; 10. 6K-Kurt Davis [7]

June 5, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

McMullen proves advantageous in securing second 2023 PDTR 360 Sprint Car victory

Abreu collects first All Stars-IRA Rayce Rudeen Foundation 410 Sprint Car race win

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh and members of the McMullen Racing Enterprises crew earned their all-time division-leading 29th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 3, 2023. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 3, 2023 – Two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh benefitted from race leader Justin Erickson’s late-race misfortune to earn his second Akright Auto PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2023 season in the 25-lap main event Saturday, June 3 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

In the fifth annual Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions Presented by Mobile 1 – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Rayce Rudeen Foundation A-main, Rico Abreu of St. Helena, Calif. pocketed the $26,000-to-win first place prize in leading all 35 laps of the richest 410 Sprint Car race in the state of Wisconsin in 2023.

Polesitter Brandon McMullen jumped into the lead on the drop of the green flag of the 25-lap PDTR – Midwest Sprint Car Association main event with outside front row starter Justin Erickson of Plymouth in tow.

On lap 3, Erickson moved in to pressure McMullen for the top spot as the leaders began to catch the rear of the field. Two laps later, Erickson bolted underneath McMullen in heavy lapped traffic to assume the top spot in turn three on lap 5.

Erickson continued to set a torrid pace at the front of the field as he sliced his way through dense lapped traffic over the next 18 laps. On lap 17, fifth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend moved in to slip past McMullen to take over second along the preferred low groove.

As Karnitz and McMullen engaged in a heated back-and-forth duel for the runner-up spot, Erickson built up a half lap lead on lap 20. One lap later, McMullen regained the runner-up spot with a low move in turn two.

Two laps later, disaster struck for Erickson when contact with a lapped car sent him flipping on the frontstretch, which brought out a red flag on lap 23. Erickson’s misfortune saw McMullen regain the lead on the ensuing single-file restart.

Two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh earned his second PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2023 season in the 25-lap main event Saturday, June 3 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

McMullen held tight to the inside line with Karnitz trailing as the field took the white flag. However, a caution flag flew when 360 Sprint Car rookies Tristan Koenig of Van Dyne and T.J. Smith of Greenville made contact in turn four.

After a single-file green-white-checkered flag restart, McMullen maintained the top spot en route to his all-time division-leading 29^th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main triumph, 41^st career Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car main event victory and second PDTR and third overall MSA 360 Sprint main event win of the 2023 season.

“Justin [Erickson] had a great car tonight,” McMullen said. “He was better than us. I’m not sure what happened to him, but it ended up working to our benefit. It was a challenging night and the feature was a pretty crazy race for us, but we’ll take it.”

Karnitz had to settle for second, Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum charged up from the ninth starting spot to finish third, 2008 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett placed fourth after starting third and Alex Pokorski of West Bend, who started seventh, rounded out the top five.

In the 35-lap All Star-IRA Rayce Rudeen Foundation 410 Sprint Car main event, Rico Abreu jumped into the lead from the pole with outside front row starter Brent Marks of Myerstown, Pa. emerging from an early-race duel with third starter Lachlan McHugh of Gold Coast Queensland, Australia to gain control of second on lap 4.

On lap 6, two-time defending Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions champion Tyler Courtney of Indianapolis, Ind., who started fourth, vaulted into third. Two laps later, the high-riding Abreu caught the back of the field and continued to ride the high groove through lapped traffic.

Rico Abreu of St. Helena, Calif. collected his 12th career Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory in the 35-lap Rayce Rudeen Foundation main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 3. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Abreu pasted his machine primarily to the extremely high cushion, which was just off of the outside retaining wall, over the next 18 laps before a red flag was displayed when 2022 IRA champion Jordan Goldesberry of Springfield, Ill. flipped on the frontstretch, after making contact with J.J. Hickle of Quilcene, Wash.

On the restart, Anthony Macri of Dillsburg, Pa., who started sixth, ducked under Marks to assume second as two of the leading members of the famed Pennsylvania Posse waged an intense battle for second with contact made between the two in turn two on slide job attempts from both drivers on consecutive laps.

Marks eventually emerged with the second spot. In the closing laps, Abreu adjusted his line to run the bottom of the track in turns one and two and the top in turns three and four, which proved to seal the victory as he went on to notch his 12^th career Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions A-main triumph, fifth overall victory of the 2023 season and first Rayce Rudeen Foundation event win.

“The track was really technical,” Abreu said in victory lane. “We struggled at the beginning of the night and we just got better as we went. We had a lot of the best drivers in the country racing here tonight, so it was definitely tough. I tried to make consistent laps in the A main. I moved to the bottom a few times in traffic, but the pace was so slow down low that I felt I had to get back up to the top.

“Later on in the race, I went to running low in one and two and high in three and four and I think doing that is what won us the race,” he said. “I have to thank the Rudeen family for putting this event on and everyone for coming out and supporting it. Some of the best race fans in the country are right here in Wisconsin. I always enjoy coming back here to race.”

Rico Abreu of St. Helena, Calif. notched his first Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions Rayce Rudeen Foundation A-main win in the 35-lap 410 Sprint Car main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 3. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Marks finished second, former USAC Sprint Car, Midget and Silver Crown champion Chris Windom of Canton, Ill. moved up from the fifth starting spot to finish third, Macri placed fourth and Courtney rounded out the top five.

Jordan Goldesberry won the 12-lap All Star-IRA B main.

Tyler Courtney earned All Star-IRA 410 Sprint Car fast qualifier honors with a lap of 11.660 seconds around the third mile semi-banked clay oval.

Two-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee was the fastest qualifier in the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car division with a lap of 12.693 seconds.

The fourth event of the 2023 PDTR campaign drew a total of 66 cars, including 41 All Star-IRA 410 Sprint Cars and 25 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars.

The next race program at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, June 10 will feature the third race in the 2023 PDTR Super Six Late Model Series, along with the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals and B Mods.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with Late Model and 360 Sprint Car qualifying set at 5:30 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 6 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): 1. 98-Brandon McMullen [1]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [5]; 3. 53-Shane Wenninger [9]; 4. 7-Lance Fassbender [3]; 5. 4-Alex Pokorski [7]; 6. 20-Robbie Pribnow [4]; 7. 11-Tony Wondra [11]; 8. 85J-Logan Julien [13]; 9. 53A-Paul Pokorski [14]; 10. 66-Nick Daywalt [6]; 11. 22B-Brandon Berth [12]; 12. 2-Christopher Clayton [10]; 13. 6K-Kurt Davis [16]; 14. 51-Chris Larson [25]; 15. 69S-TJ Smith [22]; 16. 54-Randy Post [24]; 17. 30-Doug Wondra [21]; 18. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [17]; 19. 21H-TJ Haddy [19]; 20. 66T-Tristan Koenings [20]; 21. 3-Justin Erickson [2]; 22. 35-Ben Schmidt [8]; 23. 12P-JJ Pagel [15]; 24. 69-Bill Taylor [18]; 25. 92-Kevin Seidler [23]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 20-Robbie Pribnow [1]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [2]; 3. 4-Alex Pokorski [4]; 4. 2-Christopher Clayton [5]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor [3]; 6. 12P-JJ Pagel [7]; 7. 30-Doug Wondra [6]; 8. 66T-Tristan Koenings [9]; 9. 51-Chris Larson [8]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [1]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender [3]; 3. 11-Tony Wondra [2]; 4. 53-Shane Wenninger [5]; 5. 6K-Kurt Davis [4]; 6. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [6]; 7. 21H-TJ Haddy [7]; 8. 54-Randy Post [8]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 66-Nick Daywalt [1]; 2. 3-Justin Erickson [2]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt [3]; 4. 22B-Brandon Berth [4]; 5. 85J-Logan Julien [5]; 6. 53A-Paul Pokorski [7]; 7. 69S-TJ Smith [6]; 8. 92-Kevin Seidler [8]

Qualifying 1: 1. 4-Alex Pokorski, 12.907 [7]; 2. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.034 [4]; 3. 98-Brandon McMullen, 13.118 [6]; 4. 20-Robbie Pribnow, 13.149 [8]; 5. 2-Chris Clayton, 13.263 [9]; 6. 30-Doug Wondra, 13.564 [3]; 7. 12P-JJ Pagel, 13.659 [5]; 8. 51-Chris Larson, 13.892 [1]; 9. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 14.118 [2]

Qualifying 2: 1. 6K-Kurt Davis, 12.693 [1]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender, 12.976 [2]; 3. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.194 [3]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.225 [7]; 5. 53-Shane Wenninger, 13.265 [4]; 6. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.441 [6]; 7. 21H-TJ Haddy, 13.686 [5]; 8. 54-Randy Post [8]

Qualifying 3: 1. 22B-Brandon Berth, 12.735 [1]; 2. 35-Ben Schmidt, 12.842 [8]; 3. 3-Justin Erickson, 12.897 [2]; 4. 66-Nick Daywalt, 12.957 [3]; 5. 85J-Logan Julien, 13.317 [7]; 6. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.471 [6]; 7. 53A-Paul Pokorski, 13.689 [4]; 8. 92-Kevin Seidler, 14.112 [5]

TEZOS ALL STAR CIRCUIT OF CHAMPIONS – BUMPER TO BUMPER INTERSTATE RACING ASSOCIATION 410 SPRINT CARS

Tezos A Main (35 Laps): 1. 24R-Rico Abreu [1]; 2. 19-Brent Marks [2]; 3. 4-Chris Windom [5]; 4. 39M-Anthony Macri [6]; 5. 7BC-Tyler Courtney [4]; 6. 69K-Lance Dewease [15]; 7. 71-Buddy Kofoid [11]; 8. 25M-Lachlan McHugh [3]; 9. 26-Zeb Wise [16]; 10. 11-Cory Eliason [13]; 11. 1-Brenham Crouch [10]; 12. 55-Hunter Schuerenberg [12]; 13. 45-Tim Shaffer [7]; 14. 70-Scotty Thiel [17]; 15. 17B-Bill Balog [9]; 16. 23-Russel Borland [19]; 17. 97-JJ Hickle [18]; 18. 49-Josh Schneiderman [8]; 19. 9P-Parker Price Miller [14]; 20. 25T-Travis Arenz [24]; 21. 10W-Mike Reinke [23]; 22. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr. [22]; 23. U2-Jack Vanderboom [20]; 24. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [21]; 25. 87A-Austin Hartmann [25]

Classic Ink USA B Main (12 Laps): 1. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [1]; 2. 29C-Hunter Custer [3]; 3. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr. [4]; 4. 10W-Mike Reinke [5]; 5. 25T-Travis Arenz [9]; 6. 87A-Austin Hartmann [11]; 7. 26R-Preston Ruh [14]; 8. 28M-Conner Morrell [7]; 9. 4K-Kris Spitz [6]; 10. 24-Scott Conger [15]; 11. 2W-Scott Neitzel [13]; 12. 21-Will Gerrits [18]; 13. 10V-Kurt Davis [10]; 14. 99-Tyler Brabant [17]; 15. 16-Anthony Knierim [16]; 16. 68-Dave Uttech [2]; 17. 29-Sye Lynch [8]; 18. 39V-William Huck [20]; 19. 88-Christopher Flick [19]; 20. (DNS) 79-Blake Nimee; 21. (DNS) 25-Danny Schlafer

Elliotts Custom Trailers and Carts Dash (6 Laps): 1. 24R-Rico Abreu [1]; 2. 19-Brent Marks [3]; 3. 25M-Lachlan McHugh [4]; 4. 7BC-Tyler Courtney [7]; 5. 4-Chris Windom [9]; 6. 39M-Anthony Macri [8]; 7. 45-Tim Shaffer [6]; 8. 49-Josh Schneiderman [2]; 9. 17B-Bill Balog [5]

Hunt Brothers Pizza Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 49-Josh Schneiderman [3]; 2. 1-Brenham Crouch [1]; 3. 45-Tim Shaffer [4]; 4. 97-JJ Hickle [6]; 5. 68-Dave Uttech [2]; 6. 28M-Conner Morrell [5]; 7. 26R-Preston Ruh [8]; 8. 99-Tyler Brabant [7]; 9. 39V-William Huck [9]

CSI Shocks Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 7BC-Tyler Courtney [4]; 2. 11-Cory Eliason [5]; 3. 69K-Lance Dewease [2]; 4. U2-Jack Vanderboom [7]; 5. 29C-Hunter Custer [3]; 6. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [1]; 7. 87A-Austin Hartmann [6]; 8. 21-Will Gerrits [8]

All Pro Aluminum Cylinder Heads Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 25M-Lachlan McHugh [1]; 2. 71-Buddy Kofoid [2]; 3. 19-Brent Marks [4]; 4. 23-Russel Borland [3]; 5. 4K-Kris Spitz [5]; 6. 10V-Kurt Davis [6]; 7. 24-Scott Conger [7]; 8. 88-Christopher Flick [8]

Kistler Racing Products Heat 4 (8 Laps): 1. 4-Chris Windom [3]; 2. 55-Hunter Schuerenberg [2]; 3. 26-Zeb Wise [1]; 4. 39M-Anthony Macri [4]; 5. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr. [5]; 6. 29-Sye Lynch [6]; 7. 79-Blake Nimee [7]; 8. 16-Anthony Knierim [8]

Mobile 1 Heat 5 (8 Laps): 1. 17B-Bill Balog [1]; 2. 9P-Parker Price Miller [2]; 3. 70-Scotty Thiel [3]; 4. 24R-Rico Abreu [4]; 5. 10W-Mike Reinke [5]; 6. 25T-Travis Arenz [6]; 7. 2W-Scott Neitzel [7]; 8. (DNS) 25-Danny Schlafer

Hercules Tire Qualifying: 1. 7BC-Tyler Courtney, 11.660 [15]; 2. 45-Tim Shaffer, 11.732 [1]; 3. 19-Brent Marks, 11.762 [19]; 4. 25M-Lachlan McHugh, 11.909 [22]; 5. 39M-Anthony Macri, 11.910 [30]; 6. 1-Brenham Crouch, 11.924 [2]; 7. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 11.940 [10]; 8. 68-Dave Uttech, 11.948 [4]; 9. 69K-Lance Dewease, 11.959 [13]; 10. 26-Zeb Wise, 11.961 [29]; 11. 71-Buddy Kofoid, 11.967 [25]; 12. 55-Hunter Schuerenberg, 11.976 [28]; 13. 24R-Rico Abreu, 11.978 [34]; 14. 49-Josh Schneiderman, 11.990 [3]; 15. 4-Chris Windom, 11.998 [31]; 16. 17B-Bill Balog, 12.000 [37]; 17. 29C-Hunter Custer, 12.012 [17]; 18. 28M-Conner Morrell, 12.026 [5]; 19. 97-JJ Hickle, 12.048 [8]; 20. 11-Cory Eliason, 12.110 [12]; 21. 23-Russel Borland, 12.126 [18]; 22. 9P-Parker Price Miller, 12.168 [36]; 23. 70-Scotty Thiel, 12.194 [40]; 24. 87A-Austin Hartmann, 12.195 [16]; 25. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr., 12.236 [33]; 26. 29-Sye Lynch, 12.246 [32]; 27. 10W-Mike Reinke, 12.288 [39]; 28. 79-Blake Nimee, 12.350 [26]; 29. 16-Anthony Knierim, 12.364 [27]; 30. 4K-Kris Spitz, 12.367 [23]; 31. U2-Jack Vanderboom, 12.430 [11]; 32. 25T-Travis Arenz, 12.552 [35]; 33. 10V-Kurt Davis, 12.617 [20]; 34. 99-Tyler Brabant, 12.668 [9]; 35. 2W-Scott Neitzel, 12.680 [41]; 36. 26R-Preston Ruh, 12.708 [6]; 37. 24-Scott Conger, 12.769 [21]; 38. 21-Will Gerrits, 12.849 [14]; 39. 88-Christopher Flick, 13.020 [24]; 40. 39V-William Huck, 13.991 [7]; 41. 25-Danny Schlafer, 59.999 [38]

June 4, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Alex Pokorski claims first career MSA A-main triumph in non-stop Dodge County run

Alex Pokorski earned his first career Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory in the 20-lap MSA main event at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2, 2023. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 2, 2023 – Fourth-year competitor Alex Pokorski of West Bend continued his family’s winning tradition as he claimed his first career Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series A-main victory in the 20-lap Gib Wiser Classic main event at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2.

Pokorski, who is currently in his second full season of MSA competition for the Spyder Akright-owned Akright Auto Racing Team, jumped into the lead of the MSA A main from the pole position.

By lap 4, Pokorski had built up a full straightaway cushion over the second place car of 14-year-old MSA rookie Logan Julien of Oconomowoc. Two laps later, Pokorski caught the rear of the field and began to weave his way through lapped traffic on the sprawling “horsepower” half-mile racing surface.

As Pokorski continued his command of the race, four-time MSA champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, who started third, slipped past Julien to assume the runner-up spot.

McMullen briefly cut into Pokorski’s lead gap entering the second half of the race. However, Pokorski flipped the switch into overdrive in the closing stages of the race to open up a huge half-lap lead over McMullen on the way to his first career MSA main event win in the caution-free race.

Pokorski, whose father, Paul, earned the 2014 Midwest Sprint Car Association Masters Series championship and has recorded nine MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main victories among his 46 overall career main event triumphs, was thrilled to join his dad in the MSA A-main winner’s club.

“I had no idea how big of a lead I had or who was behind me,” Pokorski said. “It feels great to get this win. I feel like it is a big weight off my chest. I never really had an opportunity to race here before. I took about five laps last year and pulled off. I really like racing at this track. I enjoy the speed and, overall, it’s a fun track to race on.

“It’s cool to win an A main considering that my dad [Paul Pokorski] has won 46 of them,” he said. “I have a lot of work to do and will need to race a really long time to even think about that.”

McMullen finished second, fourth starter Robbie Pribnow of Lomira placed third in his second start of the 2023 season, Julien wound up a career-best fourth and 2011 MSA champ Ben Schmidt of Plymouth placed fifth after starting seventh.

“Qualifying really put us behind tonight and made it pretty difficult for us to get back into a position to win,” McMullen said. “Congratulations to Alex Pokorski and his team on their first A-main victory. They’ve been doing a really good job this year.”

“It is great to come back and be competitive right away,” Pribnow said. “We still have a ways to go to get past of the guys ahead of us, especially Brandon [McMullen], who is good everywhere. Congratulations to Alex Pokorski and his team for getting their first win.”

MSA eight-lap heat race victories went to Kevin Karnitz of West Bend and 2005 MSA champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett.

Robbie Pribnow registered the fastest overall MSA 360 Sprint Car qualifying lap of the night with a time of 19.679 seconds on the half-mile clay oval.

The fifth Akright Auto MSA 360 Sprint Car Series racing event of the 2023 campaign drew a field of 21 entrants to the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway.

On Saturday, June 3, the MSA 360 Sprint Car teams will head to The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. to run in support of another Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car challenge race, featuring the $26,000-to-win Rayce Rudeen Foundation event.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m., followed by spectator gates at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and qualifying and racing to follow.

The MSA tripleheader weekend closes on Sunday, June 4 with the series’ first of two scheduled 2023 appearances at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis., which will also include the Badger Midgets and Wisconsin WingLESS Sprint Cars.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with open ceremonies at 6 p.m.

For more information on the 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association season, visit www.msasprints.com or check out the Midwest Sprint Car Association Facebook page.

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
Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway
Beaver Dam, Wis.
June 2, 2023

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 4-Alex Pokorski [1]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [3]; 3. 20-Robbie Pribnow [4]; 4. 85J-Logan Julien [2]; 5. 35-Ben Schmidt [7]; 6. 6K-Kurt Davis [12]; 7. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [6]; 8. 11-Tony Wondra [11]; 9. 2-Chris Clayton [8]; 10. 3-Justin Erickson [20]; 11. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [9]; 12. 51-Chris Larson [13]; 13. 1-Tommy Colburn [17]; 14. 69-Bill Taylor [14]; 15. 12P-JJ Pagel [15]; 16. 66T-Tristan Koenings [18]; 17. 53A-Spyder Akright [21]; 18. 21H-TJ Haddy [19]; 19. 7-Lance Fassbender [5]; 20. 69S-TJ Smith [10]; 21. 92-Kevin Seidler [16]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [2]; 2. 35-Ben Schmidt [1]; 3. 85J-Logan Julien [4]; 4. 4-Alex Pokorski [6]; 5. 2-Chris Clayton [7]; 6. 69S-TJ Smith [8]; 7. 69-Bill Taylor [5]; 8. 51-Chris Larson [9]; 9. 12P-JJ Pagel [10]; 10. 92-Kevin Seidler [11]; 11. 3-Justin Erickson [3]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 7-Lance Fassbender [2]; 2. 20-Robbie Pribnow [4]; 3. 98-Brandon McMullen [5]; 4. 11-Tony Wondra [3]; 5. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [6]; 6. 1-Tommy Colburn [1]; 7. 6K-Kurt Davis [7]; 8. 53A-Spyder Akright [10]; 9. 66T-Tristan Koenings [8]; 10. 21H-TJ Haddy [9]

Qualifying 1: 1. 85J-Logan Julien 19.855 [7]; 2. 3-Justin Erickson, 20.052 [1]; 3. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 20.112 [6]; 4. 35-Ben Schmidt, 20.139 [8]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor, 20.240 [9]; 6. 4-Alex Pokorski, 20.435 [3]; 7. 2-Chris Clayton, 20.625 [2]; 8. 69S-TJ Smith, 20.711 [4]; 9. 51-Chris Larson, 20.774 [10]; 10. 12P-JJ Pagel, 21.237 [11]; 11. 92-Kevin Seidler [5]

Qualifying 2: 1. 20-Robbie Pribnow, 19.679 [6]; 2. 11-Tony Wondra, 19.998 [9]; 3. 7-Lance Fassbender, 20.010 [4]; 4. 1-Tommy Colburn, 20.095 [8]; 5. 98-Brandon McMullen, 20.133 [5]; 6. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 20.332 [7]; 7. 6K-Kurt Davis, 20.387 [2]; 8. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 20.434 [1]; 9. 21H-TJ Haddy, 20.600 [3]; 10. 53A-Spyder Akright, 21.542 [10]

June 3, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Mulch Express of Wisconsin returns with second Plymouth All Star-IRA Gr8 Challenge

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(NEWTON, WIS.) June 1, 2023 – For the second consecutive year, Mulch Express of Wisconsin will contribute bonus money for the annual Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Shootout event at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. with the second annual Gr8 Challenge presented by Mulch Express of Wisconsin this Saturday, June 3.

The Gr8 Challenge presented by Mulch of Express of Wisconsin will offer a $100 reward to the leader of lap 8 of the $26,000-to-win Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions-Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Rayce Rudeen Foundation A-main event and a total bonus of $500 if the driver that leads lap 8 goes on to win the A-main event.

The sixth appearance of Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions Series at The Plymouth Dirt Track third-mile clay is expected to draw a stellar field of top national and regional Sprint Car drivers, including two-time defending All Star champion and current points leader Tyler Courtney of Indianapolis, Ind., 2022 IRA champ and current IRA points leader Jordan Goldesberry of Springfield, Ill. and two-time defending Plymouth All Star race winner and 10-time IRA champion Bill Balog of Hartland, Wis.

In addition, National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Lance Dewease of Fayetteville, Pa., 2022 national Winged 410 Sprint Car A-main victory leader Anthony Macri of Dillsburg, Pa. and 2022 national Winged 410 Sprint Car prize money leader Brent Marks of Myerstown, Pa. are expected to make their first career visits to The Plymouth Dirt Track, while Rico Abreu of St. Helena, Calif. has also indicated that he will be in attendance at The Plymouth Dirt Track to vie for the $26,000 first place prize.

“We are happy to again have Mulch Express of Wisconsin to be involved in this event at The Plymouth Dirt Track,” Mulch Express of Wisconsin owner Russ Wetenkamp said. “This year’s event will bring even more of the top Sprint Car drivers in the country and region to our area with the Rayce Rudeen Foundation race returning to Plymouth for the first time since 2020. We have a strong connection to Sprint Car racing after several years of competing locally in the 360 Sprint Car division with the number Gr8 car, so being involved with this big event is really a perfect fit for us. We are looking forward to another great night of Sprint Car racing.”

Bill Balog captured last year’s Mulch Express of Wisconsin Gr8 Challenge by leading lap 8 and going on to win the All Star-IRA A main.

Along with the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions and Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars will also be on the card for the all-Sprint Car event.

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

Advance tickets are available at My Race Pass.

Founded in 2000 out of the desire to control the cost and efficiency of installing mulch, bark, soil and playground chips, the Newton-based Mulch Express of Wisconsin specialty landscaping company has found its niche as the to-go mulching provider for municipalities, school districts, commercial businesses and residences throughout Northeastern Wisconsin.

June 1, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz nets top five at 141 Speedway to cap successful IRA weekend double dip

Photo caption Travis Arenz posted a pair of top-10 showings, including a fifth-place finish at 141 Speedway, during a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series doubleheader weekend at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 27 and 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Sunday, May 28. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 31, 2023 – Travis Arenz steered his 25T Travis Arenz Motorsports machine to his third straight top-10 main event finish of the 2023 season, including an eighth place tally at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot on Saturday, May 27 and a strong fifth place showing at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Sunday, May 28, during a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Memorial Day doubleheader weekend of 410 Sprint Car competition.

Arenz kicked off the weekend by qualifying 16^th out of 34 entries at Wilmot Raceway on Saturday, May 27 with a 13.400-second tour of the three-eighths mile semi-banked clay oval.

After starting on the pole of the fourth 10-lap IRA heat race, Arenz led the first six laps of the event before a caution appeared on lap 7. Following the restart, Josh Schneiderman slipped past to relegate the Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver to a second place finish.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion rolled off 12^th in the 30-lap A main and gradually worked his way up through the field passing Brenham Crouch, Mike Reinke and Danny Schlafer to take over eighth on lap 10.

After the lone caution flag of the event appeared on lap 16 for a spin involving Will Gerrits, Arenz passed Danny Schlafer to assume seventh on lap 20. With two laps to go, Josh Schneiderman slipped past Arenz to move him back to eighth, which is where he finished in a race won by Blake Nimee.

“I drew a 68 out of 70, which put us second to last out for qualifying,” Arenz said. “We are pretty consistent at qualifying mid-pack, so I’m trying to figure out how to be faster. Our times during hot laps and heat races have typically been faster than when we qualify, so we’re trying to figure out the disconnect.

“We were pleased with a top-10 finish and bringing the car home in one piece, but we are always wanting to get on the podium,” he said. “

Arenz began the 141 Speedway program on Sunday, May 28 by earning the ninth fastest qualifying lap in the 26-car field with a lap of 11.618 seconds around the third-mile semi-banked egg-shaped clay oval.

The 2016 141 Speedway Northern Sport Mod champion jumped into the lead on the opening lap of the third eight-lap IRA heat race from his outside front row starting position. Arenz then went on to post his second IRA heat race victory of the 2023 campaign and secure his first IRA dash berth of the current season.

After starting fourth and placing third in the second four-lap IRA dash, Arenz earned the sixth starting position in the 30-lap IRA main event. Arenz stayed smooth and consistent in the early going of the A main by maintaining sixth place, until Mike Reinke moved past to shuffle the IRA rookie contender back to seventh on lap 8.

Several laps later, Arenz powered his way past Scotty Neitzel and Kyle Schuett to break into the top five. Arenz endured the second caution flag of the race on lap 27 to secure a fifth place showing, which marked his third top-five A-main finish of the 2023 campaign, in a race won by Jordan Goldesberry.

“As for 141, there’s a few goals we want every night out racing – be as fast as possible during qualifying, make a dash and move forward in the A-main,” Arenz said. “It is huge to be in a dash and extremely important as the dashes make up the first 10 spots in an A-main. I am learning that track position is huge.

“In the A-main, we started sixth and it was awesome to have more than one competitive line of racing,” he said. “You could tiptoe around the bottom or run the high side. This helped a lot when getting into lapped traffic and not losing a lot of momentum getting around cars. We finished fifth and as a rookie it’s pretty cool to be running alongside the top contenders and be competitive.”

The Travis Arenz Motorsports Team will return to action with a doubleheader weekend of action kicking off this Friday, June 2 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. for the first annual Gib Wiser Classic Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series co-sanctioned 410 Sprint Car challenge event.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m., spectator gates are set to open at 5 p.m. with warm ups at 6 p.m. and hot laps, qualifying and racing to follow with opening ceremonies slated for 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, June 3, the team will head to The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. for the $26,000-to-win Rayce Rudeen Foundation Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series co-sanctioned event.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m., followed by spectator gates at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and qualifying and racing to follow.

The Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars will also be on the all-Sprint Car card on both nights.

“Each week is a new week of racing,” Arenz said. “It starts in the shop every night going over all the equipment. We look at last year’s notes to see what worked and what we may have changed and we go out like any night of racing.”

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Premier Insurance Solutions-Craig Ladwig

Travis Arenz Motorsports is pleased to have Premier Insurance Solutions-Craig Ladwig on board as a sponsorship partner for the team’s rookie season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series.

Located at N3590 County Road S in Cascade, Wis., Craig Ladwig and Dave Kilpatrick founded Premier Insurance Solutions in 2003 with the goal of giving their customers premier crop insurance service. Over the past 20 years, Premier Insurance Solutions has grown into an agency featuring 13 agents with over 175 years of combined experience, who specialize in crop insurance, servicing policies across Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Mississippi, Michigan, and Kansas.

Craig Ladwig has sold and serviced MPCI crop insurance since 1996, forming Premier Insurance Solutions in 2003. Craig strives to provide all of his customers with the best possible service and knowledge in the industry as Premier Insurance Solutions celebrates 20 years in business in 2023.

For more information, contact Premier Insurance Solutions-Craig Ladwig via phone at 920-528-8336, by email at info@premierinsurancesolutions.com or by visiting https://premierinsurancesolutions.com/.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Upcoming 2023 Schedule

Friday, June 2 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA-All Stars)
Saturday, June 3 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA-All Stars)
Saturday, June 10 – Sycamore Speedway, Maple Park, Ill. (IRA)
Saturday, June 11 – Angell Park, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events –9
IRA Events – 8
All Star Events – 1
A Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 3
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 5
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 6
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 6
Heat Race Victories – 2
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 1
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

May 31, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann builds speed, consistency in Wilmot-141 IRA twinbill

Austin Hartmann turned in a pair of top-15 finishes in Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series competition at Wilmot Raceway on Saturday, May 27 and 141 Speedway on Sunday, May 28. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 31, 2023 – Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team strung together a pair of rock solid top-15 A-main performances in Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Memorial Day weekend doubleheader action at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 27 and 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Sunday, May 28.

With 34 IRA Sprint Car competitors checked in at Wilmot Raceway to kick off the IRA weekend double dip, Hartmann opened up strong by qualifying fourth overall with a lap of 13.068 seconds on the three-eighths mile semi-banked oval.

After starting third in the second eight-lap IRA heat race, Hartmann fell back to forth on the start when Mike Reinke snuck past. On lap 2, Hartmann used the outside line to power past Ion Stear to regain third.

During the final two laps, Hartmann felt pressure from Kurt Davis. However, he held off the veteran driver’s challenge to secure an A-main transfer spot with a third place showing.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver started the 30-lap IRA A main 11^th and dropped to 12^th by lap 3. Hartmann stayed smooth and consistent along the low line of the tricky racing surface to steer clear of any trouble for the remainder of the race on the way to a 12^th place showing in a race won by Blake Nimee.

“Wilmot went alright I’d say,” Hartmann said. “The track was pretty good in qualifying, but it was split qualifying, so that kind of put us behind in the heat races for not being at least third quick. I got a bad start and hung up behind another car in the heat race, but managed a third place finish.

“I don’t believe we really learned anything for future races at Wilmot, as the track wasn’t the best at feature time,” he said.

The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner qualified 12^th in the 26-car field at 141 Speedway with a lap of 11.680 seconds on the third-mile semi-banked egg-shaped clay oval on Sunday, May 28.

After lining up on the pole of the first eight-lap IRA heat race, Hartmann fell back to second when outside front row starter Travis Arenz powered into the lead in turn one of the opening lap. Following a caution flag on lap 3, Jordan Goldesberry moved in to move Hartmann back to third three laps later, which is where he finished to earn an A-main transfer spot.

Hartmann started the 30-lap IRA A main 11^th and used a strong start along the low groove to vault his way up to eighth on lap 5. After Brenham Crouch and Danny Schlafer moved past, Hartmann settled into the 10^th spot on lap 15.

Over the second half of the race, Hartmann got shuffled back three more spots as the dominant groove moved to the top line of the track. Hartmann held on in the closing laps to finish 13^th in a race won by Jordan Goldesberry.

“Sunday at 141 was kind of the same thing in qualifying,” Hartmann said. “The track progressed better as more cars hit it. We managed 12^th quick in qualifying, which meant we had to win our heat race to make the dash. The car was good, I just made a few driver mistakes, resulting in a third place finish.

“The feature went great,” he said. “We’re getting better for features. Now we need to focus on having the car better later on in the race.”

Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing Team will return to action with a doubleheader weekend of action kicking off this Friday, June 2 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. for the first annual Gib Wiser Classic Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series co-sanctioned 410 Sprint Car challenge event, which will pay $8,000 to the winner.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m., spectator gates are set to open at 5 p.m. with warm ups at 6 p.m. and hot laps, qualifying and racing to follow with opening ceremonies slated for 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, June 3, the 87A Hartmann Racing team will head to The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. for the $26,000-to-win Rayce Rudeen Foundation Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series co-sanctioned event.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m., followed by spectator gates at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and qualifying and racing to follow.

The Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars will also be in competition for both all-Sprint Car events at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway and The Plymouth Dirt Track.

“I’m very excited for this weekend,” Hartmann said. “I hope we can put on a great show for the fans and come up with some good results.”

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

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

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

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

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team is pleased to welcome Holler n Hills Bar & Grill as a sponsorship partner for the 2023 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
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 10
IRA Events – 8
World of Outlaws Events – 0
All Star Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 4
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 6
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 2
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 31, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Alex Pokorski picks up third top 10 of 2023 MSA season at Wilmot Raceway

Alex Pokorski turned in a ninth place finish in the 25-lap Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series A main at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 27. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 30, 2023 – One week after some bad luck slipped a speed bump into a fast start to their 2023 season, Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team bounced back with a solid ninth place showing in an Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series A-main event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 27.

The West Bend, Wis. driver opened the program by laying down the 11^th fastest qualifying lap in the 23-car MSA field with a time of 14.133 seconds around the three-eighths mile semi-banked clay oval.

After lining up fifth in the third 10-lap MSA heat race, Pokorski fell back to sixth on the opening lap before passing Bill Taylor to regain fifth on lap 2. The fourth-year 360 Sprint Car competitor then held on over the final eight laps to secure a fifth place showing.

In the 25-lap MSA main event presented by Adonnis Waterproofing and Foundation Repair, Pokorski started 14^th and worked his way up to 11^th on lap 3. On lap 6, passed Chris Larson to break into the top 10.

Six laps later, the lone caution flag of the event flew when Chris Larson spun in turn four. On the restart, Pokorski worked his way past rookie Logan Julien to take ninth. Pokorski maintained the ninth spot over the final six laps to nail down his third top-10 finish of the 2023 MSA season in a race won by Brandon McMullen.

“The car was solid all night long,” Pokorski said. “I needed to adjust my line in qualifying to get into the top four for the group. Qualifying fifth put us behind for the night, and we had to chase it a bit to get a top-10 feature finish. It was tough to get spots, and I had to get the elbows up to fight for the bottom a couple times.”

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team will return to action with a tripleheader weekend of action kicking off this Friday, June 2 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. for the first annual Gib Wiser Classic, which will also include a Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car challenge event.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m., spectator gates are set to open at 5 p.m. with warm ups at 6 p.m. and hot laps, qualifying and racing to follow with opening ceremonies slated for 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, June 3, the team will head to The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. to run in support of another Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car challenge race, featuring the $26,000-to-win Rayce Rudeen Foundation event.

Paul Pokorski is also scheduled to make his second start of the season behind the wheel of Spyder Akright’s No. 53 360 Sprint Car at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, June 3.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m., followed by spectator gates at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and qualifying and racing to follow.

The team will cap off an MSA tripleheader weekend on Sunday, June 4 with the series’ first of two scheduled 2023 appearances at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis., which will also include the Badger Midgets and Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with open ceremonies at 6 p.m.

“This upcoming weekend will be challenging with three races at three different tracks, but I’m looking forward to it,” Pokorski said.

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

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

The Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team is excited to welcome Mulch Express of Wisconsin as a brand new sponsorship partner for the remainder of the 2023 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 Alex Pokorski and the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team, check out Pokorski Motorsports on Facebook at https://facebook.com/pokorskimotorsports or visit www.pedaldownpromo.com.

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

Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, June 2 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis.
Saturday, June 3 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Sunday, June 4 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

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

Total Events – 4
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 2
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 3
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 4
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Award – 0

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

May 30, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

McMullen storms to second straight Wilmot MSA A-main triumph

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Four-time Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh and the members of the McMullen Racing Enterprises team celebrate McMullen’s 40th career Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series A-main victory at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot Wis. on Saturday, May 27. – Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 27, 2023 – Four-time Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh made it two for two as he backed up his 2022 Wilmot Raceway main event victory with a triumph the 25-lap in Akright Auto MSA 360 Sprint Car Series A main presented by Adonnis Waterproofing and Foundation Repair on Saturday, May 27 in Wilmot, Wis.

Shortly after the drop of the green flag in the MSA main event, 2005 MSA champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett used his outside front row starting spot to vault past polesitter Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade into the lead in turn two of the opening circuit.

With Fassbender showing the way and Krebsbach settling into second, the leaders caught the rear of the 23-car A-main field on lap 5. Four laps later, Brandon McMullen, who started eighth, moved in to challenge Krebsbach for second in heavy lapped traffic.

After a spirited duel with Krebsbach in a sea of slower cars over the next four laps, McMullen finally secured the runner-up spot on lap 13. McMullen then charged in to pressure Fassbender for the top spot on lap 15 just before the lone caution flag of the race appeared on lap 16 after Chris Larson of Franksville embarked on a 360 spin in turn four.

When the race resumed, McMullen used the inside lane to get a big run on Fassbender and pull off what proved to be the winning move in turn two on lap 17. Once out front, the two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champ began to distance himself from Fassbender and the rest of the field.

McMullen went on to notch his second consecutive MSA A-main victory at Wilmot Raceway, second 360 Sprint car main event victory of the 2023 season and 40^th career MSA A-main triumph. In addition to capturing the A-main win, McMullen pulled off a clean sweep of the MSA program by winning his heat race and claiming overall 360 Sprint Car fast qualifier honors.

Four-time Midwest Sprint Car Association champ Brandon McMullen (98) of Oshkosh notched his 40th career Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series A-main victory and second straight main event triumph at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 27. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Robbie Pribnow of Lomira charged from the 10^th starting position to secure a strong second place finish in his first start of the 2023 season, Fassbender placed third, Krebsbach wound up fourth and 2011 MSA champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth placed fifth after starting ninth.

“It was quite interesting racing with Lance [Fassbender], Katelyn [Krebsbach] through all those lapped cars,” McMullen said in victory lane. “It got tight a few times and I almost drove off the track in turn two running up high. It had to be a fun race to watch. I have to thank Wilmot Raceway for having us here tonight. Also, thanks goes to the track crew for giving us a great track and to the fans for coming out and supporting us tonight.”

MSA 10-lap heat race victories went to Robbie Pribnow, Ben Schmidt and Brandon McMullen.

Brandon McMullen turned in the fastest MSA 360 Sprint Car qualifying lap of the night with a time of 14.113 seconds on the three-eighths mile semi-banked clay oval.

The fourth Akright Auto MSA 360 Sprint Car Series racing event of the 2023 campaign drew a field of 23 entrants to Wilmot Raceway, which served as the home track of the Midwest Sprint Car Association during the 2004 season.

The MSA 360 Sprint Car Series will return to action with a tripleheader weekend of action kicking off this Friday, June 2 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. for the first annual Gib Wiser Classic, which will also include a Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car challenge event.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m., spectator gates are set to open at 5 p.m. with warm ups at 6 p.m. and hot laps, qualifying and racing to follow with opening ceremonies slated for 7:30 p.m.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m., followed by spectator gates at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and qualifying and racing to follow.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with open ceremonies at 6 p.m.

For more information on the 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association season, visit www.msasprints.com or check out the Midwest Sprint Car Association Facebook page.

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
Wilmot Raceway
Wilmot, Wis.
May 27, 2023

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 98-Brandon McMullen [8]; 2. 20R-Robbie Pribnow [10]; 3. 7-Lance Fassbender [2]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [1]; 5. 35-Ben Schmidt [9]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra [4]; 7. 6K-Kurt Davis [7]; 8. 2-Chris Clayton [6]; 9. 4-Alex Pokorski [14]; 10. 66-Nick Daywalt [13]; 11. 85J-Logan Julien [3]; 12. 69S-TJ Smith [20]; 13. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [11]; 14. 69-Bill Taylor [23]; 15. 15-Dan Wade [12]; 16. 54G-Scott Grissom [19]; 17. 41-Dennis Spitz [17]; 18. 53A-Spyder Akright [16]; 19. 51-Chris Larson [5]; 20. 92-Kevin Seidler [15]; 21. 7D-Josh Davidson [18]; 22. 55S-Ryan Sawusch [22]; 23. (DNF) 21H-TJ Haddy [21]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 20R-Robbie Pribnow [4]; 2. 51-Chris Larson [1]; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [2]; 4. 66-Nick Daywalt [3]; 5. 15-Dan Wade [6]; 6. 53A-Spyder Akright [5]; 7. 7D-Josh Davidson [7]; 8. 55S-Ryan Sawusch [8]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 2. 11-Tony Wondra [1]; 3. 7-Lance Fassbender [3]; 4. 2-Chris Clayton [7]; 5. 54G-Scott Grissom [2]; 6. 41-Dennis Spitz [5]; 7. 69S-TJ Smith [6]; 8. 21H-TJ Haddy [8]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 98-Brandon McMullen [4]; 2. 6K-Kurt Davis [3]; 3. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [2]; 4. 85J-Logan Julien [6]; 5. 4-Alex Pokorski [5]; 6. 92-Kevin Seidler [7]; 7. 69-Bill Taylor [1]

Qualifying 1: 1. 20R-Robbie Pribnow, 14.130; 2. 66-Nick Daywalt, 14.280; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 14.809; 4. 51-Chris Larson, 14.884; 5. 53A-Spyder Akright, 14.892; 6. 15-Dan Wade, 14.924; 7. 7D-Josh Davidson, 15.490; 8. 55S-Ryan Sawusch, 19.004

Qualifying 2: 1. 35-Ben Schmidt, 14.227; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender, 14.310; 3. 54G-Scott Grissom, 14.322; 4. 11-Tony Wondra, 14.347; 5. 41-Dennis Spitz, 14.712; 6. 69S-TJ Smith, 14.740; 7. 2-Chris Clayton, 14.745; 8. 21H-TJ Haddy, 15.332

Qualifying 3: 1. 98-Brandon McMullen, 14.113; 2. 6K-Kurt Davis, 14.288; 3. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 14.341; 4. 69-Bill Taylor, 14.408; 5. 4-Alex Pokorski, 14.495; 6. 85J-Logan Julien, 14.519; 7. 92-Kevin Seidler, 14.705

May 28, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

If you want to race, karting is just the ticket

Bartz offers kart rental program at Road America complex

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Pure Energy Kart Rental Program owner Tom Bartz (left) of Plymouth, Wis. is pictured with Missy Koehler (middle) and 15-year-old World Formula Kart competitor Canyon Koehler (right) of Elkhart Lake, Wis., who has been introduced to the sport of racing through Bartz’s kart rental program at the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. – Submitted photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 25, 2023 – Formula One world champions, IndyCar and NASCAR Stock Car stars, local weekend short track racing standouts and racers in many forms of motorsports at all levels in between typically share a common bond in how they got their initial start in racing – karting.

By definition, karting or kart racing is a road racing variant form of motorsports utilizing open-wheel, four-wheeled vehicles commonly known as go-karts or shifter karts raced on scaled-down circuits of varying lengths.

Karting has become commonly perceived as the most popular and beneficial stepping stone for young racers looking to move into the higher ranks of motorsports, as well as a highly enjoyable way for those with less lofty racing aspirations to actively experience and embrace the thrill of motorsports.

As a way to assist racers of all ages in getting their feet wet in the sport of karting at a reasonable cost, Tom Bartz of Plymouth has been operating the Pure Energy Kart Rental Program since 2018.

Through his Pure Energy Kart Rental Program, Bartz has four karts available to rent for regular karting competition throughout the summer months at the world-class, multi-use, multi-configuration one-mile Briggs & Stratton Motorplex, located at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis.

“My goal is to make folks aware that they can get into wheel-to-wheel racing without breaking the bank through kart racing at Road America,” Bartz said. “The Briggs & Stratton Motorplex at Road America is one of the finest kart tracks in the country.

“Kids can start in kart racing as young as age 5,” he said. “For the World Formula karts, the minimum age is 15 and there are no minimum number of races required to rent a kart. However, if someone wants to compete in a race, some practice time is required before they start wheel-to-wheel racing. In addition, a driver needs to supply their own helmet and safety gear. Although I may have a driver’s suit that might fit, a driver’s suit is also recommended.”

The Briggs & Stratton Motorplex at Road America offers a weekly summer Tuesday evening karting series, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and a weekend summer series featuring 10 Saturday races scheduled from May 6 to Sept. 30. Spectators are welcome to watch kart racing events at Road America’s Briggs & Stratton Motorplex at an admission cost of $5 per person or $15 per car load.

Tom Bartz of Plymouth Wis. has four karts available for rent through his Pure Energy Kart Rental Program at the Briggs & Stratton Motorplex at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. – Submitted photo

“I think there are a lot of adults and kids out there that have the desire to race, but don’t think they can afford it or have the expertise to do it,” Bartz said. “That is one of the reasons I started my Pure Energy Kart Rental Program. It’s a way to introduce the sport of racing to someone at an entry level with limited investment.

“The sport of racing can be a lot of fun with the opportunity to build some great friendships,” he said. “However, not everyone can afford their own racecar. My rental fee includes a race-prepared kart. If damage occurs, it is the driver’s responsibility to cover the repair cost.”

One young racer who became involved in kart racing through Bartz’s Pure Energy Kart Rental Program is Canyon Koehler, a 15-year-old old high school freshman from Elkhart Lake, Wis.

“Canyon’s twin brother loves basketball and Canyon not so much,” Bartz said. “He loves cars, motorsports and racing. His mother Missy approached me last fall and asked for my help in getting Canyon involved in the world of wheel-to-wheel racing through the sport of kart racing.

“I explained to her the equipment and the different classes of racing, the safety gear that is required and how the two summer series work at Road America,” he said. “Missy was somewhat familiar with Road America due to her role as the executive director of the Elkhart Lake Chamber of Commerce. However, her knowledge of racing is very limited and her husband, Mike, isn’t a car guy either. Through Missy’s and my efforts, Canyon is now going to run the Tuesday evening series in one of my World Formula karts. These karts have about 13 horsepower, weigh 370 pounds with the driver and have a top speed over 50 miles per hour. What makes it so exciting and such a thrill is that the driver sits only a couple of inches off of the pavement and it’s very close racing.”

As a former racer himself, Bartz is enthusiastic in giving back to the sport and helping it thrive through his kart rental program and assisting new racers as a driver coach.

“A very famous world-renowned Formula One champion, Ayrton Senna, once said in an interview that, ‘kart racing is the purest form of racing,’” Bartz said. “I believe what he meant by that is that it’s affordable and there are not a lot of politics. People do it for fun and it’s not about who has the deepest pockets.”

For more information on the Pure Energy Kart Rental Program and/or driving coaching services, contact Tom Bartz via email at tbartz33@gmail.com and by phone at 920-980-3904.

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

May 25, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz rebounds with top-10 IRA showing at Angell Park, after Plymouth disappointment

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz posted a seventh place finish in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, May 21. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 24, 2023 – Just 24 hours after enduring a difficult homecoming at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 20, Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series rookie contender Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. turned the tide by tallying a solid top-10 finish in A-main competition at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, May 21.

The IRA doubleheader weekend kicked off with Arenz’s highly anticipated return to The Plymouth Dirt Track where he has enjoyed the majority of his success in his career, including racking up a total of three track championships in the Outlaw Compact 4-cylinder and 360 Sprint Car divisions. However, the evening proved to be forgettable as Arenz’s encountered a flurry of mechanical and on-track issues in both 410 and 360 Sprint Car competition.

The night got off to a sour note when motor issues arose on Arenz’s machine in IRA 410 Sprint Car Series hot laps. After missing IRA qualifying and taking out the team’s backup car for the remainder of the program, Arenz lined up at the rear of the third 10-car IRA heat race. However, on the opening lap Arenz had to take evasive action to avoid Tyler Brabant, who got sideways exiting turn two, which sent Arenz’s car flipping down the backstretch.

Arenz returned to start 12^th in the 10-lap IRA B main, needing to finish in the top six to earn an A-main transfer spot. The 16^th year driver was able to move up four spots to finish eighth, which brought his participation in the IRA 410 Sprint car portion of the program to an early conclusion.

Arenz’s luck wasn’t much better in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car division. After qualifying second overall in MSA-PDTR 360 Sprint Car group qualifying with a lap of 13.343 seconds, Arenz missed the call to lineup for the second 10-lap heat race.

As a result, Arenz started the 10-car 10-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car B main from the rear of the field. However, Arenz wasted little time weaving his way through the field using primarily the high groove of the third-mile clay oval en route to the B main victory and a starting spot in the 25-lap A-main field.

After starting 16^th in the PDTR-MSA main event, Arenz had moved up to 12^th by lap 4. However, one lap later the two-time PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car champion clipped an infield tire and spun in turn two, which brought his evening to a premature close with a 22^nd place finish.

“In hot laps, I ended up hurting the motor, so I had to bring down the spare car,” Arenz said. “In the heat race, unfortunately, we ended up making contact with a car that was spinning out and I didn’t have anywhere to go. It wasn’t too violent of a roll, so we got the car back down to the pit stall, made sure nothing was wrong with the frame and got to work. It needed a lot of bolt-on parts.”

“The crew got the car back to racing condition, while I tried to go run my heat race with the 360,” he said. “Unfortunately, I did miss my heat race, which put us in the B-mains with both the 410 and 360. We missed the feature with the 410 by three positions but we did pick up the B main win with the 360 from the 10^th starting position.”

On Sunday, May 21, the Travis Arenz Motorsports team traveled southwest to Angell Park Speedway, which is another track where Arenz has racked up success over the years in 360 Sprint Car competition.

Arenz opened the night by qualifying 11^th in the 27-car field with a lap of 12.322 seconds. After starting on the pole of the second eight-lap IRA heat race, Arenz placed second to secure a spot in the 30-lap main event.

After rolling off 12^th in the IRA main event, Arenz hovered around the top 10 through the first 25 laps of the race before the second caution flag of the event appeared on lap 25 for the slowing machine of Jake Blackhurst.

Following the restart, Arenz strung together several good laps to sweep past Russel Borland and fellow IRA rookie Brenham Crouch to vault his way into seventh in the closing laps. Arenz held on to earn a seventh place showing in a race won by Bill Balog.

“We packed up right away after Plymouth and headed to the shop as a team to discuss what we wanted to do for Sunday,” Arenz said. “We ended up swapping motors from my spare car to the main car for Angell Park. The trailer needed to be put back together as things were everywhere from Saturday trying to get back out on the track. It was time consuming, but we made it work.”

“The car was decent in qualifying and in the heat race with how choppy the track was,” he said. “I would say the feature went alright. We moved forward and, most importantly, the car rolled into the trailer afterwards. I am down a 410 motor at the moment and a car. Fingers crossed that the motor can get fixed quickly.”

Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports team are gearing up for another doubleheader weekend with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series starting with the team’s third appearance of the season at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 27 with the Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars and Badger Midgets also on the all-open wheel card.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 5 p.m. and hot laps at 6 p.m.

On Sunday, May 28, the team will travel north for an IRA 410 Sprint Car Series event at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis., which will also include IRA Lightning Sprints, Sport Compacts and Legends.

Pit and spectator gates open at 3 p.m. with racing starting at 6 p.m.

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Schoen’s Wildlife Removal

Travis Arenz Motorsports is pleased to have Schoen’s Wildlife Removal on board as a sponsorship partner for the team’s rookie season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series. 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
Upcoming 2023 Schedule

Saturday, May 27 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 28 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, June 2 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA-All Stars)
Saturday, June 3 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA-All Stars)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events –7
IRA Events – 6
All Star Events – 1
A Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 2
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 – 0
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

May 24, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Plymouth top 10 highlights Austin Hartmann’s IRA doubleheader weekend

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann turned in a solid eighth place finish in the 30-lap Frank Filskov Memorial Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 20. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 24, 2023 – The first of six scheduled “home games” for the Plymouth, Wis.-based Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. proved to provide one of the team’s best overall efforts of the young 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season Saturday, May 20.

Hartmann opened the program by qualifying ninth in the 31-car field with a lap of 12.140 seconds around the third-mile clay oval. After rolling off second in the third eight-lap IRA heat race, Hartmann earned a third place finish to earn a spot in the IRA dash field used set the top 10 spots in the A main.

The fourth-year Sprint Car driver started fourth and placed fifth in the first four-lap IRA dash to earn the ninth starting spot in the 30-lap Frank Filskov Memorial IRA A main.

The Plymouth, Wis. competitor settled into ninth place in the early going of the main event before a spin involving Josh Schneiderman brought out a caution flag on lap 5. Following the restart, Blake Nimee worked the high groove to briefly move around the low riding Hartmann on lap 8.

However, Hartmann battled back to regain ninth in the running order on lap 12. Following the second caution flag of the race on lap 13 for a two-car incident involving Tyler Tischendorf and Ion Stear, Hartmann worked his way past Mike Reinke in turn three to assume eighth on lap 14.

The 2020 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association Rookie of the Year Award recipient held on over the final 16 laps to finish eighth and earn his second top-10 A-main showing of the 2023 season.

“Plymouth went very well, I’d say,” Hartmann said. “The car felt fast and comfortable all night long no matter what we did to it. We also got good notes for our next visit.”

One night later at Angell Park Speedway, Hartmann began the evening by qualifying 10^th in the 27-car IRA field with a lap of 12.260 seconds. After starting on the pole of the first eight-lap IRA heat race, Hartmann placed second to gain a spot in the 30-lap headliner.

Hartmann rolled off 11^th in the 30-lap IRA headliner and dueled for the 12^th and 13^th positions through the majority of the race on a fast and undulating track surface until the second of two caution flags flew on lap 25 for the slowing car of Jake Blackhurst.

Over the final five laps, Hartmann fell back several spots with an ill-handling car on the way to a 17^th place finish in a race won by Bill Balog.

“We had a good night at Angell Park as well,” Hartmann said. “The car felt pretty planted all night, considering the track conditions. The wing slider seal gave out on the last caution of the feature, which allowed the wing to slide forward and back on its own. That made the car essentially unable to be driven properly on that tricky track surface.”

Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartman Racing team are now gearing up for another doubleheader weekend with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series starting with the team’s third appearance of the season at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 27 with the Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars and Badger Midgets also on the all-open wheel card.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 5 p.m. and hot laps at 6 p.m.

On Sunday, May 28, the team will travel north for an IRA 410 Sprint Car Series event at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis., which will also include IRA Lightning Sprints, Sport Compacts and Legends.

Pit and spectator gates open at 3 p.m. with racing starting at 6 p.m.

“I’m very excited for this upcoming weekend,” Hartmann said. “I am enjoying the doubleheader weekends. I would like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who makes this car go around the track. It’s not just me behind the wheel. I couldn’t do it without our partners on the car, as well as my family and crew.”

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

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Feldmann Sales & Service

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team is pleased to welcome back Feldmann Sales & Service back as a sponsorship partner for the 2023 season.

Located at 1014 South Wisconsin Drive in Howards Grove, Wis., Feldmann Sales & Service has been in business since 1948. As a small, family-owned business, Feldmann Sales and Service’s mission to offer the latest in parts and products at the best prices with unparalleled service, along with a full line of Polaris, Kubota, Echo Stihl, Ariens, Simplicity, Toro and Land Pride equipment, including ATVs, Ranger RZRs, tractors and chainsaws.

In addition to featuring a full showroom of equipment for all seasons, Feldmann Sales & Service’s team of certified technicians offers ATV maintenance, lawn equipment service and trailer service.

To contact Feldmann Sales & Service, call 920-565-3939, email sales@feldmannsales.com or visit http://www.feldmannsales.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
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 8
IRA Events – 6
World of Outlaws Events – 0
All Star Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 4
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 2
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

May 24, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Misfortune spoils promising run for Alex Pokorski at Plymouth Dirt Track

Paul Pokorski makes 2023 season debut

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski (4) and Paul Pokorski (53A) race side by side in Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 20. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 23, 2023 – It was a case of what might have been for Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team as what was shaping up to be a career-best A-main run ended up being derailed by a mid-race mishap in Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car main event competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 20.

An all-open wheel racing program, which also featured the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association and Badger Midgets, drew a field of 27 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars to the venerable third-mile clay oval, including Alex’s father, Paul, who made his first start in nearly a year behind the wheel of Spyder Akright’s 53A 360 Sprint Car.

Alex opened the night by qualifying sixth overall with a lap of 13.540 seconds, while Paul qualified 16^th overall in 13.992 seconds.

Both Alex and Paul competed in the third 10-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race with Alex rolling off third and Paul starting second. Alex advanced one spot to place second and Paul finished fourth as both Akright Auto Racing Team competitors earned transfer spots to the 25-lap 360 Sprint Car A main.

After starting fifth in the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car main event, Alex used a strong start to move past Kurt Davis into third on lap 3. After a caution on lap 6 for a spin involving Travis Arenz, Alex bolted past Ben Schmidt to take over second on lap 7.

While the track started to lay rubber along the inside groove, Alex reeled in race leader Lance Fassbender as the leaders encountered lapped traffic on lap 12.

Just as Alex began to pressure Fassbender for the top spot, the lapped cars of Chris Larson and T.J. Haddy collided in front of the leaders in turn four. With nowhere to go, Alex was collected in the incident, forcing him to retreat to the work area for repairs.

After returning to the action in 18^th place, Alex was able to pick up four spots over the final 10 laps to secure a 14^th place finish a race won by Lance Fassbender.

“I think qualifying and the heat race both went well,” Alex said. “Having a good start to the night set us up well for the feature. The strategy for the feature is always to put yourself in a position where you have a chance to win. It was going well. I just got unlucky.

“A lapped car drove into the corner too hard and spun right in front of me,” he said. “I didn’t have any time to avoid the two cars that spun ahead of me, and we ended up wrecking a header and nerf bar. The crew got me back out right away, and I was able to work back past a few cars. It was difficult to pass at that point with the track taking rubber again.”

Paul lined up 15^th in the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A main and came home with an 18^th place finish in his first time in the driver’s seat since May 28, 2022.

“I was reasonably happy with qualifying and the heat race,” Paul said. “They went about as well as I would’ve expected after being out of the car for quite some time.

“For the feature, we knew the track would rubber up and that’s not my thing!,” he said. “I don’t have the patience to stay in line and ride and every time I tried to get out of line and make something happen, it just cost me spots. So, I was a little frustrated, but had some fun. I will be back in the car in two weeks on June 3^rd for the Rayce Rudeen Foundation event at PDTR.”

The Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team is set to travel to Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. for an Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series event this Saturday, May 27, which will also feature the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series and Badger Midgets.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m., followed by spectator gates at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 6 p.m.

In his Wilmot Raceway debut during an MSA 360 Sprint Car event last August, Alex recorded a strong fourth place A-main showing.

“With Plymouth being off, we will be headed to Wilmot next week with the MSA,” Alex said. “I’m excited to go back there, after doing well last year.”

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

The Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team is pleased to have Petersen Septic Systems as a returning sponsorship partner for the 2023 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.

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

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

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

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

Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 27 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.
Friday, June 2 – Dodge County Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis.
Saturday, June 3 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

Total Events – 3
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 2
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 3
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Award – 0

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

May 23, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Jacob Immel examines idolatry in new book ‘What Do You Worship?’

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 22, 2023 – As a teacher, local government leader and actively practicing Christian, Jacob Immel has gained an intriguing perspective on pursuing an engaged, rewarding and enriching quality of life in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven and increasingly-complicated society.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. native has combined elements of his own life experiences and observances, coupled with his own Christian faith beliefs and detailed research to compose a new book titled “What Do You Worship? – A Guide For Combating Idolatry,” which is now available for purchase.

“I have been interested in writing a faith-based book,” Immel said. “I also wanted to write a book that would appeal to a large audience. One day last summer when I was coming home from an event, this idea suddenly hit me. For months and months, I worked diligently on this book. I did a decent amount of research and poured out my heart. The book is a mixture of history, culture and faith.”

Through the release of “What Do You Worship? – A Guide For Combating Idolatry,” Immel aims to help readers in recognizing idols and idolatry, along with how placing too much value on both can impact and, often times, inhibit people’s lives.

“My goal in releasing this book is to inspire people and get people thinking,” Immel said. “I also want to help people on their faith journey. My goal is to help people understand what idols and idolatry are. I also want to help individuals who are dealing with idolatry in their lives.”

Author Jacob Immel of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. has released a new Christian-themed book titled, “What Do You Worship? – A Guide For Combating Idolatry” through Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis.

Written in a workbook style with questions at the end of each section designed to spur interaction and discussion among readers, Immel believes the book has the capability to have broad use and impact among people of varying ages and differing backgrounds.

“I am hoping this book will appeal to people of all ages,” Immel said. “While this book is written for Christians and for those on a faith journey, I am hoping everyone will find something from this book. It is for anyone who is curious and for those who have struggled with idols in their lives. There is a section for children. I am also hoping teachers, coaches and small group leaders will use this book.”

Published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis., “What Do You Worship? – A Guide For Combating Idolatry” features 142 pages of analysis and reflection on the various types and forms of idols and idolatry, while sharing relevant Bible verses and Christian-themed teachings and inspirational quotations.

“I have self-published two books, one in 2021 and one in 2022,” Immel said. “One is about communication, and one is about running for political office. This is my first time publishing a book through a publisher.”

Immel, who lives in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. with his wife, Becky, has scheduled a book signing and reading event on Saturday, June 10 at New Life Coffeehouse in Sheboygan, Wis. from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

For those unable to attend the book signing and reading event on Saturday, June 10 at New Life Coffeehouse in Sheboygan, copies of “What Do You Worship? – A Guide For Combating Idolatry” can be purchased at www.Amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.

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

Jacob Immel
“What Do You Worship? – A Guide For Combating Idolatry”
Book Signing and Reading Event
New Life Coffehouse
644 South Pier Drive
Sheboygan, Wis.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

May 22, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Fassbender goes flag to flag to bag PDTR 360 Sprint A main triumph

Goldesberry, Sparks claim open wheel night A-main victories

Lance Fassbender of Burnett, who owns the 2008 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and 2005 Midwest Sprint Car Association championships, earned his eighth career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 20. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 20, 2023 – On a night when nothing but open wheel race cars took to The Plymouth Dirt Track third-mile clay oval in Plymouth, Wis., 31-year racing veteran Lance Fassbender of Burnett led all 25 laps on the way to his first Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory of the 2023 season Saturday, May 20.

In the 30-lap Frank Filskov Memorial Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A main, 2022 IRA champion Jordan Goldesberry of Springfield, Ill. emerged from a thrilling late-race duel with 10-time IRA champ Bill Balog of Hartland and two-time IRA champion Jake Blackhurst of Hanna City, Ill. to claim his second IRA A-main victory of the 2023 season.

Jace Sparks of Crystal Lake, Ill. led every lap of the 25-lap main event to notch his first career Badger Midgets A-main victory.

After starting on the pole of the 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A main, 2008 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and 2005 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champion Lance Fassbender jumped into the lead on the drop of the green flag utilizing the preferred low groove, followed by 2011 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, who started third, in second.

On lap 3, fifth starter Alex Pokorski of West Bend slipped past the high-riding machine of two-time PDTR and five-time MSA 360 Sprint Car champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, who started second, to move into third.

As Fassbender built up a solid lead in the early going, the first of third caution flags in the event appeared on lap six when two-time PDTR and MSA 360 Sprint Car champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls spun to a stop in turn two.

Following the restart, Pokorski maneuvered past Schmidt to assume second on lap 7. Fassbender caught the rear of the field on lap 12, which allowed Pokorski to cut the gap. While closing in on Fassbender for the lead, a potential career-best finish for Pokorski was derailed when he was collected after rookie T.J. Haddy of Waupun and Chris Larson of Franksville made contact in turn four.

Fassbender controlled the lead after the ensuing restart and built up a half-straight away cushion over Schmidt by lap 22. As the leaders closed in on slower traffic, the third and final caution flew when Kurt Davis hit the backstretch wall on lap 28.

Fassbender was not to be denied on the final restart as he cruised to his eighth career PDTR 360 Sprint A-main victory and 22^nd career MSA 360 Sprint Car main event triumph.

Schmidt placed second, seventh starter Chris Clayton of Waldo finished a strong third, fourth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend took fourth and two-time PDTR and four-time MSA 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh moved up from the eighth starting spot to round out the top five.

“I was actually glad to see that final caution come out because those lapped cars were going to be really hard to get around at the end,” Fassbender said.

Polesitter Jake Blackhurst raced into the lead on the opening lap of the 30-lap IRA 410 Sprint Car Frank Filskov Memorial A main. On lap five, fourth starter Bill Balog used the outside groove to power into the lead in turn one.

Defending Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association champion Jordan Goldesberry of Springfield, Ill. claimed his ninth career IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory in the 30-lap Frank Filskov Memorial at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 20. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

The first of two caution flags appeared on lap six when Josh Schneiderman of West Burlington, Iowa spun in turn four. Following the restart, Jordan Goldesberry, who started fifth, used a low move to slip past Blackhurst into second.

As the cushion-pounding Balog caught lapped traffic on lap 13, Goldesberry closed considerably along the low line. The second and final caution flag of the race then appeared on the following lap as Tyler Tischendorf of Waupaca and Ion Stear of Hebron, Ill. make contact in turn third.

Goldesberry continued to hound Balog for the lead over the next six laps before surging ahead in turn four on lap 19. However, Balog battled back to regain the lead on lap 21 in turn two.

On the next lap, Blackhurst reentered the lead battle as Balog, Goldesberry and Blackhurst went into turn three three-wide with Blackhurst emerging in the lead exiting turn four.

As the leaders weaved their way through slower traffic, Balog regained the top spot in turn two as he continued to stick with the high line. Goldesberry remained patient along the low line to move back into the lead exiting turn four on lap 29.

On the final lap, Balog attempted to make one final bid for the lead, but he spun into the wall along the far outside portion of the track in turn four as Goldesberry crossed the finish line at the head of the pack to secure his ninth career IRA Sprint Car Series A-main victory.

“I didn’t have an idea we were going to be that good in the A main,” Goldesberry said. “As the race went on, I knew lapped traffic would be a problem running down low. I didn’t know if we would be as fast the guys running the top, but luckily it turned out in our favor.”

Russel Borland, who started eighth, charged up to finish a career-best second, IRA rookie Brenham Crouch of Lubbock, Texas, started and finished third, two-time IRA champion Scotty Neitzel of Beaver Dam placed fourth after starting eighth and Blackhurst placed fifth.

Polesitter Jace Sparks assumed the top spot on the opening lap of the 25-lap Badger Midget A main as fifth starter Brandon Waelti of Sun Prairie used a strong start to move into second.

Jace Sparks of Crystal Lake, Ill. collected his first career Badger Midgets A-main victory in the 25-lap main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 20. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

The lone caution of the race appeared on lap five when Tommy Colburn of New Berlin spun in turn four on lap 5. Three laps later, Waelti closed in to challenge the low-riding Sparks along the low line.

The leaders remained in lock-step order along the inside groove until Sparks caught the rear of the field on lap 21. Waelti then drifted out of the preferred low line on lap 22 which allowed the third place car of Cody Weisensel of Sun Prairie, who started fourth, to move into second.

Sparks held on over the final three laps to secure his first career Badger Midgets A-main victory. Weisensel placed second, sixth starter Todd Kluever of Sun Prairie placed third, Daltyn England of Springfield, Ill., who started ninth, placed fourth and seventh starter Kyle Stark of Marshall rounded out the top five.

Travis Arenz (PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars), Anthony Knierim of Franksville (IRA 410 Sprint Cars) and R.J. Corson of Markham, Ill. (Badger Midgets) each claimed B-main victories.

Ben Schmidt earned top PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car qualifying honors with a lap of 13.331 seconds.

Mike Reinke of Howards Grove was the top IRA 410 Sprint Series qualifier with a fast lap of 11.695 seconds.

Todd Kluever collected Badger Midgets fast qualifier accolades with a lap of 14.017 seconds.

The third event of the 2023 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by Hopf Farms, drew a total of 89 cars, including 27 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, 31 IRA 410 Sprint Cars and 31 Badger Midgets

After taking the Memorial Day weekend off, The Plymouth Dirt Track will host the Rayce Rudeen Foundation $26,000-to-win Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions-Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event on Saturday, June 3. The PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars will also be on the card for the all-Sprint Car event.

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

Advance tickets for the Rayce Rudeen Foundation event are available on My Race Pass.

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 7-Lance Fassbender [1]; 2. 35-Ben Schmidt [3]; 3. 2-Chris Clayton [7]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [4]; 5. 98-Brandon McMullen [8]; 6. 11-Tim Haddy [10]; 7. 30-Doug Wondra [6]; 8. 66-Nick Daywalt [11]; 9. 53-Shane Wenninger [17]; 10. 22B-Brandon Berth [9]; 11. 69S-TJ Smith [18]; 12. 69-Bill Taylor [21]; 13. 85J-Logan Julien [13]; 14. 4-Alex Pokorski [5]; 15. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [19]; 16. 51-Chris Larson [20]; 17. 54G-Scott Grissom [14]; 18. 53A-Paul Pokorski [15]; 19. 6K-Kurt Davis [2]; 20. (DNF) 3-Justin Erickson [12]; 21. (DNF) 21H-TJ Haddy [22]; 22. (DNF) 25T-Travis Arenz [16]

B Main (10 Laps): 1. 25T-Travis Arenz [10]; 2. 53-Shane Wenninger [6]; 3. 69S-TJ Smith [3]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [1]; 5. 51-Chris Larson [2]; 6. 69-Bill Taylor [8]; 7. 1-Tommy Colburn [9]; 8. 5-Kevin Seidler [4]; 9. 66T-Tristan Koenings [7]; 10. 54-Randy Post [5]; 11. (DNS) 12P-JJ Pagel

Heat 1: 1. 98-Brandon McMullen [3]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender [1]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 4. 11-Tim Haddy [5]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson [7]; 6. 53-Shane Wenninger [2]; 7. 69S-TJ Smith [8]; 8. 69-Bill Taylor [6]; 9. 66T-Tristan Koenings [9]

Heat 2: 1. 30-Doug Wondra [1]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [2]; 3. 22B-Brandon Berth [3]; 4. 85J-Logan Julien [4]; 5. 66-Nick Daywalt [7]; 6. 51-Chris Larson [6]; 7. 5-Kevin Seidler [8]; 8. 1-Tommy Colburn [5]; 9. (DNS) 25T-Travis Arenz

Heat 3: 1. 2-Chris Clayton [1]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski [3]; 3. 6K-Kurt Davis [4]; 4. 53A-Paul Pokorski [2]; 5. 54G-Scott Grissom [5]; 6. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [6]; 7. 21H-TJ Haddy [9]; 8. 54-Randy Post [8]; 9. (DNF) 12P-JJ Pagel [7]

Qualifying 1 (10 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt, 13.331 [1]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen, 13.376 [7]; 3. 53-Shane Wenninger, 13.780 [4]; 4. 7-Lance Fassbender, 13.789 [5]; 5. 11-Tim Haddy, 13.813 [8]; 6. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.847 [3]; 7. 3-Justin Erickson, 13.879 [9]; 8. 69S-TJ Smith, 14.641 [6]; 9. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 14.733 [2]

Qualifying 2 (10 Laps): 1. 25T-Travis Arenz, 13.343 [6]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth, 13.527 [5]; 3. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.630 [1]; 4. 30-Doug Wondra, 13.678 [7]; 5. 85J-Logan Julien, 13.795 [3]; 6. 1-Tommy Colburn, 13.955 [8]; 7. 51-Chris Larson, 14.088 [4]; 8. 66-Nick Daywalt, 14.417 [2]; 9. 5-Kevin Seidler, 14.672 [9]

Qualifying 3 (10 Laps): 1. 6K-Kurt Davis, 13.349 [1]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski, 13.540 [5]; 3. 53A-Paul Pokorski, 13.992 [7]; 4. 2-Chris Clayton, 14.378 [4]; 5. 54G-Scott Grissom, 14.385 [8]; 6. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 14.431 [3]; 7. 21H-TJ Haddy, 14.790 [9]; 8. 12P-JJ Pagel, 14.793 [2]; 9. 54-Randy Post, 14.901 [6]

BUMPER TO BUMPER INTERSTATE RACING ASSOCIATION 410 SPRINT CARS

A Main (30 Laps): 1. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [5]; 2. 23-Russel Borland [8]; 3. 1-Brenham Crouch [3]; 4. 96-Jake Blackhurst [1]; 5. 2W-Scott Neitzel [6]; 6. 35-Zach Hampton [2]; 7. 3N-Jake Neuman [13]; 8. 87A-Austin Hartmann [9]; 9. 10W-Mike Reinke [7]; 10. 79-Blake Nimee [12]; 11. 10V-Kurt Davis [17]; 12. 9K-Kyle Schuett [16]; 13. U2-Jack Vanderboom [10]; 14. 4K-Kris Spitz [14]; 15. 21-Will Gerrits [18]; 16. 88-Christopher Flick [20]; 17. 16-Anthony Knierim [19]; 18. 29-Hunter Custer [24]; 19. 68-Dave Uttech [22]; 20. 25-Danny Schlafer [15]; 21. 17B-Bill Balog [4]; 22. 19CW-Ion Stear [23]; 23. 49-Josh Schneiderman [11]; 24. 26-Tyler Tischendorf [21]

B Main (12 Laps): 1. 16-Anthony Knierim [1]; 2. 88-Christopher Flick [4]; 3. 26-Tyler Tischendorf [5]; 4. 68-Dave Uttech [3]; 5. 19CW-Ion Stear [10]; 6. 29-Hunter Custer [2]; 7. 99-Tyler Brabant [7]; 8. 3B-Shelby Bosie [13]; 9. 25T-Travis Arenz [12]; 10. 26R-Preston Ruh [6]; 11. 24-Scott Conger [8]; 12. 39V-William Huck [9]; 13. (DNS) 47-Todd King

Dash 1 (4 Laps): 1. 96-Jake Blackhurst [1]; 2. 1-Brenham Crouch [3]; 3. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [5]; 4. 10W-Mike Reinke [2]; 5. 87A-Austin Hartmann [4]

Dash 2 (4 Laps): 1. 35-Zach Hampton [1]; 2. 17B-Bill Balog [2]; 3. 2W-Scott Neitzel [4]; 4. 23-Russel Borland [3]; 5. U2-Jack Vanderboom [5]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 1-Brenham Crouch [2]; 2. 96-Jake Blackhurst [3]; 3. 10W-Mike Reinke [4]; 4. 25-Danny Schlafer [6]; 5. 9K-Kyle Schuett [9]; 6. 10V-Kurt Davis [7]; 7. 16-Anthony Knierim [1]; 8. 29-Hunter Custer [5]; 9. 24-Scott Conger [8]; 10. 19CW-Ion Stear [10]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 17B-Bill Balog [2]; 2. 49-Josh Schneiderman [1]; 3. 79-Blake Nimee [6]; 4. 3N-Jake Neuman [5]; 5. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [3]; 6. 35-Zach Hampton [4]; 7. 68-Dave Uttech [7]; 8. 26R-Preston Ruh [8]; 9. 39V-William Huck [9]; 10. (DNF) 47-Todd King [10]; 11. (DNS) 3B-Shelby Bosie

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 23-Russel Borland [1]; 2. U2-Jack Vanderboom [3]; 3. 87A-Austin Hartmann [2]; 4. 4K-Kris Spitz [5]; 5. 2W-Scott Neitzel [4]; 6. 21-Will Gerrits [7]; 7. 88-Christopher Flick [9]; 8. 26-Tyler Tischendorf [8]; 9. (DNF) 25T-Travis Arenz [10]; 10. (DNF) 99-Tyler Brabant [6]

Qualifying: 1. 10W-Mike Reinke, 11.695 [3]; 2. 35-Zach Hampton, 11.791 [6]; 3. 2W-Scott Neitzel, 11.879 [1]; 4. 96-Jake Blackhurst, 11.944 [5]; 5. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 11.948 [19]; 6. U2-Jack Vanderboom, 12.058 [10]; 7. 1-Brenham Crouch, 12.123 [4]; 8. 17B-Bill Balog, 12.135 [29]; 9. 87A-Austin Hartmann, 12.140 [9]; 10. 16-Anthony Knierim, 12.216 [14]; 11. 49-Josh Schneiderman, 12.234 [16]; 12. 23-Russel Borland, 12.287 [7]; 13. 29-Hunter Custer, 12.320 [2]; 14. 3N-Jake Neuman, 12.357 [15]; 15. 4K-Kris Spitz, 12.367 [25]; 16. 25-Danny Schlafer, 12.417 [24]; 17. 79-Blake Nimee, 12.486 [27]; 18. 99-Tyler Brabant, 12.528 [13]; 19. 10V-Kurt Davis, 12.529 [11]; 20. 68-Dave Uttech, 12.562 [22]; 21. 21-Will Gerrits, 12.689 [12]; 22. 24-Scott Conger, 12.767 [17]; 23. 3B-Shelby Bosie, 12.840 [8]; 24. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 12.842 [28]; 25. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 13.011 [26]; 26. 26R-Preston Ruh, 13.182 [18]; 27. 88-Christopher Flick, 13.224 [23]; 28. 19CW-Ion Stear, 13.367 [21]; 29. 39V-William Huck, 14.031 [31]; 30. 25T-Travis Arenz [20]; 31. 47-Todd King [30]

Hot Laps: 1. 17B-Bill Balog, 11.771 [29]; 2. 35-Zach Hampton, 12.031 [6]; 3. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 12.074 [26]; 4. 96-Jake Blackhurst, 12.094 [5]; 5. 49-Josh Schneiderman, 12.123 [16]; 6. 1-Brenham Crouch, 00:12.151 [4]; 7. 2W-Scott Neitzel, 12.304 [1]; 8. 87A-Austin Hartmann, 12.376 [9]; 9. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 12.377 [19]; 10. 3B-Shelby Bosie, 12.434 [8]; 11. 23-Russel Borland, 12.527 [7]; 12. 10W-Mike Reinke, 12.533 [3]; 13. 3N-Jake Neuman, 12.571 [15]; 14. 47-Todd King, 12.581 [30]; 15. 16-Anthony Knierim, 12.606 [14]; 16. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 12.617 [28]; 17. 19CW-Ion Stear, 12.637 [21]; 18. 79-Blake Nimee, 12.740 [27]; 19. 4K-Kris Spitz, 12.752 [25]; 20. 25-Danny Schlafer, 12.759 [24]; 21. 68-Dave Uttech, 12.761 [22]; 22. 10V-Kurt Davis, 12.811 [11]; 23. U2-Jack Vanderboom, 12.847 [10]; 24. 99-Tyler Brabant, 13.031 [13]; 25. 29-Hunter Custer, 13.068 [2]; 26. 24-Scott Conger, 13.096 [17]; 27. 21-Will Gerrits, 13.236 [12]; 28. 26R-Preston Ruh, 13.330 [18]; 29. 88-Christopher Flick, 13.478 [23]; 30. 39V-William Huck, 13.789 [31]; 31. 25T-Travis Arenz, 13.789 [20]

BADGER MIDGETS

Advanced Fastening Supply AFS A Main (25 Laps): 1. 40-Jace Sparks [1]; 2. 20-Cody Weisensel [4]; 3. 55-Todd Kluever [6]; 4. 19E-Daltyn England [9]; 5. 2-Kyle Stark [7]; 6. 9S-Mike Stroik [2]; 7. 57-Daniel Robinson [3]; 8. 3W-Brandon Waelti [5]; 9. 36-Chris Baue [17]; 10. 5K-Kevin Douglas [8]; 11. 15C-RJ Corson (16]; 12. 28-Jim Fuerst [22]; 13. 29-Harrison Kleven [19]; 14. 7-Brian Peterson [13]; 15. 87-Jake Dohner [18]; 16. 10A-Tommy Colburn [11]; 17. 68-Eric Blumer [21]; 18. 8-Jake Goeglein [15]; 19. 53M-Miles Doherty [20]; 20. 59-Kyle Koch [12]; 21. (DNF) 56-Charles Rufi [10]; 22. (DNF) 40JR-Dave Collins Jr. [14]

High Performance Lubricants B Main (12 Laps): 1. 15C-RJ Corson [3]; 2. 36-Chris Baue [5]; 3. 87-Jake Dohner [4]; 4. 29-Harrison Kleven [7]; 5. 53M-Miles Doherty [9]; 6. 68-Eric Blumer [11]; 7. 28-Jim Fuerst [6]; 8. 31-Shay Sassano [1]; 9. 1W-Robby Wirth [13]; 10. 45-Trey Weishoff [2]; 11. 10-Denny Smith [8]; 12. 17-Nick Kilian [10]; 13. (DNF) 41-Parker Jones [12]

Behlings Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 55-Todd Kluever [8]; 2. 19E-Daltyn England [3]; 3. 40-Jace Sparks [5]; 4. 7-Brian Peterson [1]; 5. 10A-Tommy Colburn [2]; 6. 31-Shay Sassano [4]; 7. (DNF) 5X-Adam Taylor [6]; 8. (DNS) 38-Matt Rechek

Simpson Race Products Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 2-Kyle Stark [4]; 2. 57-Daniel Robinson [5]; 3. 3W-Brandon Waelti [7]; 4. 40JR-Dave Collins Jr [1]; 5. 59-Kyle Koch [2]; 6. 53M-Miles Doherty [8]; 7. 15C-RJ Corson [3]; 8. (DNF) 6B-Mitchell Davis [6]

Auto Meter Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 5K-Kevin Douglas [5]; 2. 20-Cody Weisensel [7]; 3. 9S-Mike Stroik [6]; 4. 56-Charles Rufi [3]; 5. 8-Jake Goeglein [1]; 6. 45-Trey Weishoff [2]; 7. (DNS) 87-Jake Dohner; 8. (DQ) 36-Chris Baue [8]

FiveOne Motorsports Fast Time Qualifying (25 Laps): 1. 55-Todd Kluever, 14.017 [14]; 2. 3W-Brandon Waelti, 14.061 [15]; 3. 36-Chris Baue, 14.191 [9]; 4. 38-Matt Rechek, 14.218 [18]; 5. 6B-Mitchell Davis, 14.289 [28]; 6. 20-Cody Weisensel, 14.460 [17]; 7. 5X-Adam Taylor, 14.536 [4]; 8. 57-Daniel Robinson, 14.560 [21]; 9. 9S-Mike Stroik, 14.628 [23]; 10. 40-Jace Sparks, 14.913 [30]; 11. 2-Kyle Stark, 14.920 [5]; 12. 5K-Kevin Douglas, 14.999 [25]; 13. 31-Shay Sassano, 15.048 [13]; 14. 53M-Miles Doherty, 15.133 [20]; 15. 87-Jake Dohner, 15.138 [6]; 16. 19E-Daltyn England, 15.190 [11]; 17. 15C-RJ Corson, 15.225 [2]; 18. 56-Charles Rufi, 15.250 [12]; 19. 10A-Tommy Colburn, 15.251 [19]; 20. 59-Kyle Koch, 15.261 [16]; 21. 45-Trey Weishoff, 15.308 [31]; 22. 7-Brian Peterson, 15.338 [22]; 23. 40JR-Dave Collins Jr, 15.649 [1]; 24. 8-Jake Goeglein, 15.776 [29]; 25. 10-Denny Smith, 15.856 [24]; 26. 29-Harrison Kleven, 15.860 [3]; 27. 28-Jim Fuerst, 15.894 [26]; 28. 41-Parker Jones, 15.982 [7]; 29. 1W-Robby Wirth, 16.472 [27]; 30. 68-Eric Blumer, 16.857 [8]; 31. (DNS) 17-Nick Kilian, 16.857

Madison Extinguisher Service Non Qualifier (8 Laps): 1. 28-Jim Fuerst [1]; 2. 68-Eric Blumer [5]; 3. 41-Parker Jones [6]; 4. 29-Harrison Kleven [2]; 5. 10-Denny Smith [3]; 6. 1W-Robby Wirth [4]; 7. 17-Nick Kilian [7]

May 21, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz earns top-15 showing in All Stars debut at Wilmot Raceway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz turned in a 14th place A-main showing in Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car action at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 13. – Victory Imagery Media Group photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 17, 2023 – In his first-ever Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions start, Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports team battled toe to toe with many of the most accomplished 410 Sprint Car drivers the sport as to offer, while coming away with a solid 14^th-place showing in their All Stars A-main debut at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, May 13.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver began the event by registering the 23^rd fastest qualifying lap in the 44-car field with a lap of 12.886 seconds around the three-eighth mile semi-banked clay oval.

After starting fifth in the second eight-lap All Star-IRA heat race, Arenz advanced one spot to earn a bid to his first All Star Circuit of Champions A main with a fourth place showing.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion fired off from the 17^th starting spot in the 30-lap main event and moved up to 14^th on lap five.

After swapping the 13^th, 14^th and 15^th positions over the remainder of the non-stop event, Arenz came home with a 14^th place finish in his All Stars debut, which was won by Tyler Courtney.

“The car was actually decent in qualifying, I just didn’t hit my marks, didn’t slow the car down enough for the tight corners and over drove the car on both laps,” Arenz said. “In the heat race, the car was good. It wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough to get us a top-four finish to transfer to the A main.

“The A main went by quick,” he said. “I felt like I was not as fast as I could have been, but we also had some serious competition.”

Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports team will head back to its home track – The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 20 for an all-open wheel program also featuring the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars and Badger Midgets.

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

On Sunday, May 21, the team will head to Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. for the track’s 2023 season opener, featuring the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, along with the Badger Midgets and the Wisconsin Legend Dirt Racing Series.

Pit gates open at 1:30 p.m., followed by spectator gates at 4 p.m. with racing at 6 p.m.

“I know Plymouth like the back of my hand, so I’m hoping all the years of experience and seeing how the track changes helps out to my favor,” Arenz said. “As of now, we plan on running both the 360 and 410 Sprint Car for Saturday’s show at Plymouth.

“I’m hoping that Angell Park has a good, smooth and wide surface, so we can put on a good show on Sunday,” he said.

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

The 2023 Travis Arenz Motorsports sponsorship partners include Professional Plating Inc., Service One Transportation, Inc, Don and Lynn Kiel, Oostburg Concrete, Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Schoen’s Wildlife Removal, Premier Insurance Solutions-Craig Ladwig, Pallet Works, DW Fence, Little Bears Tree Service LLC, Lake Auto Glass and Service, Myhre Construction LLC, Roth’s Auto Restoration, Hair Fellers Barbershop, Fastenal of Plymouth, Jensen Sales and Humphrey’s Turner Hall Bar & Grill, Amy Bruechert Reality, Cornwell Tools-Paul Epping, Advanced Engine Concepts, Inc., Duehring’s Tax Service, Everhope Show Cattle, HRP Wings and Behling Racing Equipment.

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes

As a local family-owned and operated funeral home located at 928 South 14^th St. in Manitowoc, Wis., 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.

Whether planning a traditional funeral service or a memorial service with cremation, the staff at Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes will be there every step of the way to assist with the arrangements, while paying close attention to each detail.

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
Upcoming 2023 Schedule

Saturday, May 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA 410, MSA-PDTR 360)
Sunday, May 21 – Angell Park Speedway, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 27 – Wilmot Raceway, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 28 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

May 17, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann makes All Stars A-main debut at Wilmot Raceway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann ventured to Jacksonville, Ill. for his first-career appearance at Jacksonville Speedway for a Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Car Series event on Friday, May 12. – World of Dirt Photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 17, 2023 – Fresh off of a career-best fifth place A-main showing in non-sanctioned Wilmot Raceway 410 Sprint Car action on May 6, Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team embraced the extra challenge of entering a pair of Tezos All Star Circuit of Championships events last week, including the team’s debut at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Ill. on Friday, May 12, piggybacked with a return engagement at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. for a Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions-Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series co-sanctioned event on Saturday, May 13.

Hartmann opened the doubleheader weekend among a strong field of 38 competitors for Tezos All Stars Circuit of Champions competition at the quarter-mile high-banked Jacksonville Speedway clay bullring.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver qualified 17^th with a lap of 10.671 before placing ninth after starting eighth in the second eight-lap heat race. Hartmann then rolled off from the 13^th starting spot in the 12-lap B Main and advanced four spots to finish ninth.

“I was pretty impressed with the Jacksonville track,” Hartmann said. “I thought it would’ve been a little bit bigger, but we definitely learned a lot and got some decent notes. I’m excited to go back to Jacksonville for a weekly 410 race on June 23rd. That’s for sure!”

On Saturday, May 13, Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team returned to Wilmot Raceway with a stellar field of 44 cars on hand for the All Star-IRA Challenge event.

The fourth-year Sprint Car competitor opened up strong by ripping off the 10^th fastest qualifying lap on the three-eighth mile semi-banked clay oval with a time of 12.650 seconds.

After starting second in the third eight-lap All Star-IRA heat race, Hartmann was running fourth when a caution flag appeared on lap 4 for a flip involving Zeth Sabo. On the restart, Hartmann felt heavy pressure from Danny Schlafer and Brenham Crouch in a duel for an A-main transfer spot.

Hartmann stayed cool and fended off Schlafer and Crouch over the final four laps to advance to a Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions A-main field for the first time in his career.

The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award recipient started 13^th in the 30-lap All Star-IRA main event. Hartmann stayed smooth and consistent throughout the caution-free main event on the way to a 20^th place finish in a race won by Tyler Courtney.

“In qualifying, the car felt pretty good, which set us up good for the heat race,” Hartmann said. “The heat race went well too. The track kind of threw us a curveball all night long, but it was very good getting into the feature through the heat race. The feature definitely could have gone better, but we were able to roll it into the trailer in one piece, which is always a victory.

“The All Stars are difficult competitors, but running laps with them will only make us better and want to be better,” he said. “I was super proud of Hunter [Annis] this weekend. He worked his tail off making sure everything was taken care of car wise, as well as changing engines for Saturday’s show at Wilmot.”

Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team will return to its hometown track – The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 20 for an all-open wheel program also featuring the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars and Badger Midgets.

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

Pit gates open at 1:30 p.m., followed by spectator gates at 4 p.m. with racing at 6 p.m.

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

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Schmidt’s Landscaping

Located at 3127 County Road A in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Schmidt’s Landscaping offers full lawn landscape design, along with mulch and soil delivery, weather features, hardscape, outdoor lighting, irrigation systems, seeding, sodding, hydro turf, pruning, shrub planting, tiling, light excavating, patio and retaining wall services. In addition, Schmidt’s Landscaping provides snow removal and plowing services during the winter months.

Schmidt’s Landscaping has provided beautiful landscape designs, concrete and patio work, floral and trees galore for 38 years starting with original owners Cliff and Marian Schmidt, then passed down to their son-in-law Brian, and now to Cliff and Marian’s nephew, Tim, and his wife, Tabitha.

To contact Schmidt’s Landscaping, call 920-565-3782, email brian@schmidtlandscaping.com, visit https://www.schmidtlandscaping.com or check out the Schmidt’s Landscaping Facebook and Twitter pages.

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

Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 21 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 27 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 28 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

May 17, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Upcoming Schedule

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

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

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

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

May 16, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Author: Jeff Pederson