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

Schmidt, Espen, Warner earn opening night main event wins

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHEBOYGAN’S COUNTRY B93 SUPER SIX LATE MODEL SERIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AKRIGHT AUTO 360 SPRINT CARS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

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

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

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

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

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

NEXT STEP INSURANCE B MODS

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

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

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

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

May 7, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Don and Lynn Kiel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don loves to say it’s pretty cool when your vocation and avocation are one in the same!

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Upcoming 2023 Schedule

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

April 20, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Mechanical misfortune spoils Hartmann’s IRA Beaver Dam Raceway effort

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Shufflebotham Tree Service

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

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

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

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

Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Upcoming Schedule

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

April 19, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – SwitchGear Brewing Co.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Upcoming Schedule

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

April 12, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Travis Arenz Motorsports throttles up rookie IRA campaign at 34 Raceway  

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Professional Plating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Upcoming 2023 Schedule

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

April 11, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Upcoming Schedule
Saturday, April 29 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, May 6 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, May 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

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

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

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

April 4, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KRISTINE HARTMANN, REALTOR OF Pleasant View Realty, better known as “Every Race Fans Realtor,” has 25-plus years of experience selling real estate throughout Wisconsin.

Kristine’s passion for the sport of racing connects with her competitive drive and ambition as a Realtor in the community.

Contact Kristine Hartmann with all your real estate needs and ask her for the special Racing Rates!

You can find her on Facebook @ KRISTINE HARTMANN, REALTOR.  Also, she can be found at the 87A trailer at any IRA race and would be happy to chat racing and real estate!

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/PVRKRISTINE, call/text 920-980-5542 or email kristine@pleasantviewrealty.com.

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

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

Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartman Racing
2023 Schedule

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

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

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

March 22, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2023, which includes 11 drivers, five track workers and three families, will be recognized during a short induction ceremony at intermission of the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 15, which will feature 360 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Grand Nationals, B Mods and Vintage Modifieds.

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

                     Steve Edler

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

                Frankie Heimerl

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

                    Woody Klug

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

                     Hal Kulow

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

                    Gary Laack

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

                    Ron Luedtke

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

                Michaels Brothers

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

                       Ken Painter

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

                       Jim Pitzen

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

                   Scott Vollbrecht

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

            Donna Bader

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

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

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

                    Ruh Family

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

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

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

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

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

March 12, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Service One Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2023 Schedule

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2022 Season
By The Numbers

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2022 Season
By The Numbers

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

 

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Career Highlights
2008-2022

 Total A Main Victories – 70
4-Cylinder Outlaw Compact A Main Victories – 20
IMCA Northern Sport Mod/B Mod A Main Victories – 20
MSA/PDTR 360 Sprint Car A Main Victories – 30
2013 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 4-Cylinder Outlaw Compact Champion
2016 141 Speedway Northern Sport Mod Champion
2021 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Champion
2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Champion
2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Champion
2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Champion

March 8, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Justin Erickson claimed the Best Appearing Car and Crew Award.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MSA 2022 contingency product sponsors were R& H Racing Equipment, HRP, Behling, Waldo Oil, American Racer Tires, Boubin Tire, Buege High Performance, Super Shox, Vortex Racing Products, PDTR, Torsion Bar Rating, Afco Shocks, M&W Radius Rods, KSE, Karavan Trailers, Maxim Chassis, Winter Products, FK Rod Ends, Bell, Wilwood, XXX Chassis, Schroeder/PAC, Competition Specialists, J&J Auto Racing, Saldana, Pyrotech, DMI, Schoenfeld, Hilborn, Lane Automotive, Velocity Wings, MRI, Racing Optics, Allstar Performance, Corey Oil, Ultrashield, MPD and Race Bumpers.

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

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

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

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

January 15, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VERDEGAN’S PRIOR TITLES

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

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

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

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

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

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2018​“The Bird & The Bear”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2019​“Racing In The 906”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

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

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

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

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

December 7, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

December 2, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Angel Mueller of Mishicot, Wis. (inspirational Christian poetry author of “Wheels Up – Grief to Peace”)

• Robert L. Rogler of Kiel, Wis. (medieval fantasy author of “Heart of Light Book One – Madea’s Fate,” “Rendered Soul,” and “Witch’s Valley Book Two – Madea’s Fate)

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

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

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

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

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

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

• S.C. Mitchell of Sheboygan, Wis. (science fiction fantasy and romance author of several book series, including “Xi Force,” “Destiny,” “Destiny’s Legacy,” “Heavenly Wars,” “Demon Gate Chronicles” and “Amulet of the Fallen God”)

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

• R.L. Edinger of Two Rivers, Wis. (mystery and steampunk mystery author of “Journey Into The Knight,” “Lost City of Steam,” “The Cracksman Door,” “Shadows of Nikola Tesla” and “City of Lunara Rise from the Ashes”)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 17, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Novak Service Center

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team would like to acknowledge the support of long-time sponsor Novak’s Service Center of Manitowoc, which is celebrating its 50th year in business in 2022.

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

Novak’s Service Center offers comprehensive auto repair services, including 4 x 4 services, brakes, car and truck care, domestic cars and trucks, electrical services, electronic services, engine and transmission, engine maintenance, expired warranty care, general service, heating and cooling services, import cars and trucks, quick lube services, tires, towing, transmission and undercar services.

Located at 1320 Washington St. in Manitowoc, Novak’s Service Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To schedule an appointment, call 920-684-5737 or visit www.novaks1320.com.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

November 16, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann treasures lessons learned, progress made during rookie IRA 410 Sprint Car Series season

Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing Team completed their rookie season of 410 Sprint Car competition with a 10th place finish in the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Series point standings. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 15, 2022 – With just two seasons of prior Sprint Car racing experience under their collective belts coming into the 2022 campaign, Austin Hartmann and the members of the Plymouth, Wis.-based 87A Hartmann Racing Team put their talents to the test in a big way during their rookie campaign traveling to 410 Sprint Car races throughout the Midwest with the regional touring Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series.

A five-and-a-half-month 2022 journey competing against many of the nation’s top 410 Sprint Car drivers at 13 different tracks in three states produced a garden variety of on-track results, along with a host of valuable learning experiences, will-testing challenges and thrilling highlights.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team launched its new racing adventure at the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series 2022 season opener at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 23.

Utilizing a calm, cool and collected approach in negotiating a lightning fast and tricky track surface, Hartmann brought his Bennett Transport Inc.-sponsored 87A Hartmann Racing machine home to an 18th place finish after starting 25th in the first 30-lap A main of his rookie season with the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series.

Hartmann’s first trek to Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. on Saturday, May 7 resulted in his second straight 18th place A-main showing, as he turned in another smooth and consistent run after rolling off 21st in the 30-lap IRA main event.

Hartmann returned to the friendly confines of his hometown track – The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. – for the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Shootout on Saturday, May 21.

With a large contingent of extra local supporters on hand to wish him well during the third race of his rookie IRA 410 Sprint Car Series season, Hartmann finished the night with a 14th place showing in the All Stars-IRA B Main among a stellar field of 36 All Stars-IRA competitors.

Austin Hartmann qualified for his first career NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series A-main event Saturday, June 18 at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. – Mech Photography photo

Hartmann’s scheduled appearance with the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions and Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprint Cars at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, May 22 was hounded by mechanical maladies as the 87A car failed to get up to speed to register a qualifying time or compete in heat race or B Main competition due to a magneto issue.

On Saturday, May 28, Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team made the long trek to Northwest Wisconsin for the IRA’s return to the third-mile semi-banked Rice Lake Speedway for the first time in several years.

Hartmann opened the night by qualifying 12th in the 20-car field with a lap of 14.181 seconds. After lining up the pole of the third eight-lap IRA heat race, Hartmann placed fourth in the race to earn the 12th starting spot in the 30-lap main event. The third-year Plymouth, Wis. Sprint Car driver drove a steady race in just his third IRA A main in a 410 Sprint Car en route to an IRA career-best 13th place showing.

On Sunday, May 29 at one of Hartmann’s favorite tracks – 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. – the 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner was quick out of the box as he turned in the 11th fastest qualifying lap in the 27-car field with a lap of 11.318 seconds. After lining up on the pole of the second eight-lap IRA heat race, Hartmann placed fourth to earn a direct transfer spot to the A main and his first-career berth in the IRA dash field. After drawing the pole for the second four-lap IRA dash, Hartmann placed fourth to gain the eighth starting spot in the 30-lap IRA main event, during which he came home 24th.

On Saturday, June 11, Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team made the haul south of the Wisconsin-Illinois border to Fairbury American Legion Speedway in Fairbury, Ill. for the 12th annual $6,000-to-win co-sanctioned IRA-Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) Bill Waite Jr. Memorial Classic, which attracted a stout field of 36 entries.

After starting fourth in the 12-lap B main, Hartmann was running seventh when a two-car spin brought out the yellow flag on lap 10. With the top-four finishers earning spots in the A main, Hartmann restarted fifth and pressured the fourth-place car of Dave Uttech for the final transfer position over the final two laps before settling for fifth to fall just short of advancing to the A-main event.

With fast and uneven track conditions providing an extra challenge in the team’s second appearance of the 2022 season at Angell Park Speedway, Hartmann drove a steady race to advance from his 15th starting position to come home with an IRA career-best 11th place finish in the 30-lap A-main event on Sunday, June 12.

In his NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Series debut on Friday, June 17, Hartmann qualified 22nd in the 33-car field with a lap of 11.528 seconds on the lightning-fast, high-banked, third-mile Beaver Dam Raceway clay oval.

After lining up sixth in the second World of Outlaws heat race, Hartmann’s maiden voyage with the WoO was short-lived as contact with J.J. Hickle as the green flag dropped resulted in heavy damage to his Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty-sponsored machine, which forced the team to retire from the race and scratch for the remainder of the event.

Thanks to some late-night repair work from Scotty Neitzel and Rick Lemanski of R&H Enterprises, Hartmann returned to action for the second half of the World of Outlaws doubleheader weekend at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday, June 18.

After starting and finishing eighth in the first eight-lap WoO heat race, Hartmann rolled off fifth in the 12-lap Last Chance Showdown needing to finish in the top six to advance to the 40-lap main event. Hartmann ran fifth in the opening laps of the Last Chance Showdown before Josh Schneiderman slipped past to shuffle him back to sixth. He then ran smooth and consistent laps over the second half of the race to hold off Matt Vandevere and secure a starting berth in his first career World of Outlaws A main. With the big picture of completing the remainder of his rookie 410 Sprint Car season in mind, Hartmann pulled off early in the 40-lap main event and was credited with a 22nd place finish.

With the NASCAR Cup Series set to visit Road America just at nearby Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wis. during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, The Plymouth Dirt Track was buzzing for a special weeknight all-Sprint Car spectacular with a full house of fans packing the grandstand and a solid field of 28 IRA Sprint Cars checked in to battle for the $5,000-to-win Road America Challenge top prize on Thursday, June 30.

After starting 24th in the 24-car IRA A-main lineup, Hartmann ran a smooth and consistent race as he managed to dodge several mishaps, which produced a lengthy event filled with six caution/red flag periods and ensuing restarts. In the closing stages of the race, Hartmann engaged in a duel with fellow IRA rookie competitor Tyler Tischendorf before finishing 19th in the event.

On Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16, Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team made the 640-mile trek to River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, North Dakota for an IRA-NOSA co-sanctioned doubleheader weekend. With strong fields of over 30 cars on hand both nights, Hartmann qualified for both main events, placing 19th in the A main on Friday, July 15 and 23rd in the main event on Saturday, July 16.

On Friday, July 22 at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis., Hartmann fought a power-steering issue to notch a 17th place finish in the 30-lap IRA A main.

The Hartmann 87A team then made their first trip to the big, wide half-mile Langlade County Speedway in Antigo, Wis. on Friday, July 29 where Hartmann suffered a rear-end failure in the heat race before rallying to earn hard-charger honors with a 19th to 14th place run in the caution-free A main.

The following night saw the team travel back home for its third appearance of the season at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 30. With 22 IRA 410 Sprint Cars on hand, Hartmann turned in his best qualifying effort of the 2022 season, as he timed in third with a lap of 11.769 seconds around the third-mile clay oval.

After lining up fourth in the third eight-lap heat race, Hartmann finished fourth to advance to his second IRA dash of the 2022 campaign. The third-year Sprint Car racer started and finished fifth in the second four-lap IRA dash to secure the 10th starting spot in the 30-lap main event. Hartmann worked primarily the low groove during the majority of the A-main en route to a strong 12th place main event showing.

Following two weekends off from competition, Hartmann returned to action with the IRA 410 Sprint Car Series for the Roger Iles Tribute event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 20 where he finished 20th after starting 14th in the 36-lap A main.

After qualifying seventh and earning his third IRA dash appearance of the 2022 campaign, Hartmann started ninth and tallied a 15th place finish in the 30-lap IRA Corn Fest A main at Angell Park Speedway on Sunday, Aug. 21.

Austin Hartmann posted a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Sprint Car Series career-best sixth place finish in the Scott Semmelmann Memorial A main at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 17. – Framed Dirt Photography photo

The Founders Night IRA event at Wilmot Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 27 saw Hartmann qualify 11th in the 27-car field and earn his first career IRA heat race victory to lock himself into his fourth IRA dash of the 2022 season. After rolling off 10th in the 25-lap main event, Hartmann was running seventh in the early going when he spun in turn two after racing in close quarters with Jeremy Schultz. Hartmann rebounded after restarting 20th to earn a 16th place showing.

Hartmann opened a tripleheader IRA weekend with a 12th place A-main finish after starting 16th in the 20-lap Harry Neitzel Tribute Race at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 2.

One night later, Hartmann racked up his first-career IRA fast qualifier award as he topped the 31-car field with a lap of 11.461 seconds around his hometown track. After making his fifth IRA dash appearance of the 2022 season, Hartmann started fifth in the 30-lap A main. Hartmann was running eighth when contact with Kyle Schuett shortly after a lap 23 restart, sent him flipping wildly into the turn one fence. Although Hartmann emerged from his battered machine uninjured, the 87A machine suffered extensive damage as he was scored with a 22nd place finish.

One night later, Hartmann entered the final event of the three-race IRA weekend behind the wheel of Al Schlafer’s 360 Sprint Car at 141 Speedway where he posted a 19th place finish in the 30-lap A main.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, Hartmann ventured west to make his first appearance at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. for the IRA’s prestigious $6,000-to-win Jerry Richert Memorial, which drew a stellar field of 30 competitors. Hartmann earned his first career IRA B Main victory to claim the 19th starting spot in the 30-lap A main where he placed 21st.

Austin Hartmann is gearing up for his second season of action with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in 2023. – Dave Olson Studio 360 Photography Photo

Hartmann put together his best overall performance of the 2022 season at the IRA Scott Semmelmann Memorial at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday, Sept. 17. After qualifying 10th, Hartmann advanced to his sixth IRA dash of the 2022 campaign to nail down the eighth starting spot in the 30-lap main event where he held strong on the lightning-fast track surface to secure an IRA career-best sixth place A-main finish.

Hartmann turned in a 14th place A-main finish in the 20-lap IRA Checkered Flag Classic at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 23.

The Hartmann 87A team then capped off the 2022 IRA season with the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Sept. 24.

With 24 IRA 410 Sprint Cars on hand, Hartmann began the night by qualifying 11th with a lap of 11.718 seconds around the ultra-fast and tacky third-mile clay oval. Hartmann lined up on the pole position of the second eight-lap IRA heat race. However, a jumbled start was waived off by track officials before Hartmann spun in turn two while trying to slow down his machine. The spin resulted in contact with another car and front-end damage to his 87A car, which caused him to retire from the race with an eighth place showing. After making the necessary repairs, Hartmann started 21st in the 30-lap IRA main event, staying out of trouble throughout en route to a 19th place finish.

Hartmann capped his rookie season of Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series competition 10th in the final point standings.

In 26 events, including 24 IRA races, Hartmann tallied one top-10, eight top-15 and 17 top-20 A-main showings in 22 A-main appearances. In addition, Hartmann posted one heat race victory, one B-main triumph, one fast qualifier award and six dash appearances during his rookie IRA campaign.

“I would like to thank all of our sponsors and supporters who made it possible for me to race a 410 Sprint Car with the IRA Series during the 2022 season, especially Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty and Andrew Shufflebotham of Shufflebotham Tree Service,” Hartmann said. “I would also like to thank all of the members of our pit crew, who did so much to help out and keep us racing all season long.

“As far as the racing goes, we definitely learned a lot during the course of the season that will help us during the 2023 season,” he said.

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

The 87A Hartmann Racing team assembled a strong group of partners in support of the team’s 2022 maiden voyage with the Bumper to Bumper IRA 40 Sprint Car Series, including Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Call Girls Motorsports, PalletWorks LLC, AF Inc., Bennett Transport Inc., SCA Inc., Gretchen Tillman New American Funding, Classic Title Services, CP Services, Cobblestone Landscaping, Jensen Sales & Services, Lee’s Color Studio, Dave’s Fabrication, Racer’s Hall Sports Bar and Grill, Feldmann Sales & Service, RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Pit Road Apparel, the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series and Sage Fruit.

The 2022 87A Hartmann Racing team consisted of Hunter Annis, Eric Bergschultz, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham, Jarrett Neese, Caitlin Shaw and Kristine Hartmann.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Bennett Transport Inc.

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

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

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
Final 2022 Season
By The Numbers

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

November 15, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Travis Arenz Motorsports doubles up on MSA-PDTR 360 Sprint Car titles, 2023 plans await

Travis Arenz (right) accepts the Checkered Classic trophy from Lance Fassbender (left) in memory of his late father Fuzzy Fassbender, after winning the 20-lap Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A-main at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 23. – Kulas Jr. Racing Images

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 5, 2022 – After putting together an outstanding 2021 season, which resulted in earning both the Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car titles, Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports team delivered a stirring encore performance during the 2022 campaign to claim both the MSA and PDTR championships for the second consecutive season.

The 16th-year Sheboygan Falls, Wis. racer entered championship weekend with a slim 17-point lead over Ben Schmidt in the MSA point standings needing smooth, consistent and incident-free runs at the “horsepower half mile” Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 23 and at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24 in order to secure the title.

With 18 MSA 360 Sprint Cars signed in at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway for the Checkered Classic run in honor of Al Schmidt, Fuzzy Fassbender and Dick Witt, Arenz opened the program by qualifying second overall with a lap of 19.119 seconds around the half-mile clay oval.

After lining up fourth in the second eight-lap heat race, Arenz came home second to Schmidt to earn the eighth starting spot in the 20-lap MSA Checkered Classic main event. On lap 2, Arenz worked his way past Bill Taylor into second and quickly set his sets on the lead car of polesitter Tyler Brabant.

Arenz caught Brabant on lap 4 and the two drivers engaged in a two-lap duel before Arenz surged into the lead with a low move in turn two on lap 6. From there, Arenz survived two yellow flag periods on lap 13 to pull away to his eighth MSA A-main victory of the 2022 season and 30th career MSA 360 Sprint Car main event triumph.

“I enjoy racing at Dodge County because of the fast pace and it usually has a wide racing surface, which makes it more enjoyable,” Arenz said. “It was great to start off the MSA championship weekend with a win.”

Travis Arenz (25T) duels with Ben Schmidt (35) during the 2022 Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car season finale at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – RC Custom Design photo

Holding a 19-point cushion over Schmidt, Arenz moved on to the familiar confines of his “home track” The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24 for the 2022 MSA season finale as part of the fifth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships.

With 24 MSA-PDTR 360 Sprint Cars signed in for the 2022 curtain closer, Arenz registered the seventh-fastest overall MSA qualifying lap in a time of 12.494 seconds.

Arenz then lined up on the pole of the first 10-lap heat race and pulled away to notch his fifth MSA heat race victory of the 2022 season. Needing a solid finish in the top half of the field to secure his second consecutive MSA and PDTR 360 Sprint Car titles, Arenz started fourth in the 25-lap MSA-PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main and ran a smart, smooth and consistent race, while negotiating through two red flags and two caution periods to secure a fourth-place finish.

Although Schmidt won the main event, Arenz’s fourth-place showing was good enough to nail down the 2022 MSA championship by nine points over Schmidt.

“My approach to the last night of the season at Plymouth was a little different than normal,” Arenz said. “We had to make sure we were fast and aggressive, but also extremely cautious in traffic and to not have any mishaps.

“It means a lot to win the MSA and PDTR championships because of all the hard work, determination, pride, time and money that goes into it,” Arenz said. “The PDTR championship is very special to me with it being my home track and growing up there.”

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls captured his second consecutive Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car championships with a fourth-place finish in the 2022 season finale A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – RC Custom Design photo

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

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

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

Looking ahead to the 2023 season, Arenz is still working on finalizing his plans.

“Our plans for the 2023 season have not been solidified,” Arenz said. “We are going to run a couple races in a Dirt Late Model with Jake Van Engen Racing. We would like to run full-time with the IRA Sprint Car Series in 2023, but our options are open. We are interested in partnering up with someone for the 410 program. What we do during the 2023 season will depend on how the off-season goes.”

Members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports team are pictured after winning the Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Harry Neitzel Tribute Race at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 2. – Travis Arenz Motorsports photo

The 2022 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, Retro Tire, DW Fence, Little Bears Tree Service LLC, Lake Auto Glass and Service, Myhre Construction LLC, Roth’s Auto Restoration, Hair Fellers Barbershop, Fastenal of Plymouth, Jensen Sales and Service, In The Bag, 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 2022 Travis Arenz Motorsports team consists of pit crew members Greg Piedot, Jerrod Gamb, Emily Stadler, Cameron Fritz, Alex Wesenburg, Curtiss Humphrey, Taylor McAdams, 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 – Service One Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2022 Season
By The Numbers

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2022 Season
By The Numbers

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Career Highlights
2007-2022

Total A Main Victories – 70
4-cylinder Outlaw Compact A Main Victories – 20
IMCA Northern Sport Mod/B Mod A Main Victories – 20
MSA/PDTR 360 Sprint Car A Main Victories – 30
2013 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 4-Cylinder Outlaw Compact Champion
2016 141 Speedway Northern Sport Mod Champion
2021 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Champion
2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Champion
2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Champion
2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Champion

October 4, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Sheboygan South High School to host fifth annual AAUW Girls STEM Day Conference

Participants in the 2021 Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Girls STEM Day Conference utilize ingredients for fingerprint identification, during the forensic science session. The 2022 AAUW Girls STEM Day Conference is set to take place Saturday, Nov. 5 at Sheboygan South High School from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (October 3, 2022) – The Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is preparing to present the fifth annual Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 5, at Sheboygan South High School, located at 1240 Washington Ave. in Sheboygan, Wis.

Since its inception in 2017, the popular event has strived to connect sixth through ninth-grade girls with the vast wonders of STEM by highlighting the core fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

The conference, which runs from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting with check-in from 8 a.m to 8:30 a.m., features 11 different STEM-inspiring sessions, along with a presentation from keynote speaker Kathryn Clouse, Kohler Co. Kitchen and Bath Products Innovation Program director, from 8:30-9 a.m.

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

“Last year, the event drew 65 girls and our goal for this year is 100,” she said.

The conference includes a diverse list of STEM field experts, including Clouse, who runs the Innovation Program for Kitchen and Bath Products at Kohler Co. In her position, Clouse helps ensure Kohler Kitchen and Bath products stay up to date with developing technology and innovative strategies in the field.

Kohler Co. Kitchen and Bath Products Innovation Program Director Kathryn Clouse will serve as the keynote speaker at the fifth annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 5 at Sheboygan South High School.

Clouse, who holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering mechanics from UW-Madison and a Master of Business Administration degree from UW-Oshkosh, advocates for women’s and girls’ topics often as the president of the Kohler Co. Kitchen and Bath Women’s Group and founder of the female-centered innovation focus within the women’s groups.

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

The STEM sessions over a diverse range of topics including architectural design (Architecture – Designed Awareness presented by Kurt Davis, Anne Blanke, Taylor Kranzusch, Sydney Goetsch, Sam Krakow of Abacus Architects), graphic design (Beginner’s Graphic Design presented by Deb Sevens of Designs by Deb Sevens), robotics (Robotic Surgery presented by Dr. Jessica Leszcynski of Prevea Health), veterinary science (A Look Inside the Bovine Hide presented by Dr. Ellen Hooker, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture veterinarian), forensic science (Crime Scene Investigation presented by Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department Detective Tyler Wuestenhagen), applied chemistry (Chem Demons presented by UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan County Professor James Kabrhel and Sheboygan Falls Middle School teacher Pam Salm), food science (Sensory of Slices presented by Claire Collins of Sartori Cheese), the science of color and appearance (The Science of Color presented by Kohler Co. staff members Jennifer Tarplee, Rachel Feldmann, Kate Revelis and Stephanie Soendker), hydroponic gardens (Hydroponics presented by Plymouth High School agriscience teachers Tracy Heinbuch and Katelyn Sibley), binary number systems (Beaded Binary Bracelet Boutique presented by UW-Green Bay Senior Math Lecturer Synde Kraus) and the science of scents and fragrances (Flowers and Fragrances presented by MilliporeSigma senior scientists).

“We have a wonderful group of expert presenters, who are working in these STEM fields with many years of experience,” Sheboygan Branch AAUW member and Girls STEM Day Co-Chair Allyson Olivier said. “We have middle school and high school teachers, professors, police officers, veterinarians, engineers, product managers and developers and business owners that will be leading the STEM sessions.

The Science of Color is one of the returning sessions set to be featured at the 2022 Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 5 at Sheboygan South High School.

“The presenters are genuinely happy to teach these sessions and the girls are so eager to learn,” she said. “It is fun to witness all the excitement that these sessions generate. The best thing is that they are all hands-on too. The girls actually get to experience what it is like to do these types of careers. Seven of the 11 sessions – Robotic Surgery, Beaded Binary Bracelet Boutique, Beginner’s Graphic Design, Flowers and Fragrances, Sensory of Slices, Crime Scene Investigation and Architecture-Designed Awareness – are new for this year.”

The registration fee is $10 per student, which includes instruction and supplies. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 28.

Sponsors for this year’s event include F.K. Bemis Family Foundation, Frank G. & Frieda K. Brotz Family Foundation, Feingold Family Foundation, Grover Family Foundation, Benninghaus Family Foundation and Masters Gallery Foods.

In-kind donors are Betty Humke, City Bakery, Dolcye Johnson, Judy Hangartner, Laura Lienau, Marianne Comstock and Richard Linde, Masters Gallery Foods, Old Wisconsin Sausage Co. and Z Spot Expresso & Coffee.

“We would like to thank the Sheboygan Recreation Department and Sheboygan South High School for being so great to work with last year and again this year,” Johnson said. “We are looking forward to having the Girls STEM Day event return to Sheboygan South High School on November 5th.”

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

The Sheboygan Branch of AAUW grants scholarships each year to non-traditional women students.

To register or for more information on the Girls STEM Day Conference, visit http://urezsignup.com/event/register.php?event_id=491122 or call Sheboygan Branch AAUW member and Girls STEM Day Conference Co-Chair Dolcye Johnson at 920-458-5819.

October 3, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann closes book on rookie campaign with IRA 410 Sprint Car Series

Austin Hartmann closed out his rookie season with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Saturday, Sept. 24 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 28, 2022 – A five-and-a-half-month journey competing against many of the nation’s top 410 Sprint Car drivers at 13 different tracks in three states came to close for Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing Team with a pair of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association events at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 23 and The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24.

With 21 IRA Sprint Cars assembled for the annual Checkered Classic honoring the memory of Al Schmidt, Fuzzy Fassbender and Dick Whitt, at the “horsepower half mile” Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 23, Hartmann turned in the 13th fastest qualifying time with a lap of 17.193 seconds.

Hartmann started fifth in the first eight-lap IRA heat race and held the spot throughout en route to a fifth-place showing.

The third-year Sprint Car competitor started 13th in the 20-lap IRA Checkered Classic main event and dropped back to 14th in the opening laps. On lap 7, Hartmann drove past Dave Uttech to take over 13th in the running order. On lap 17, Jeremy Schultz got around Hartmann to move the IRA rookie competitor back to 14th.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver held on over the final three circuits to earn a 14th-place finish in a caution-free race won by Dylan Cisney.

“Overall, the night went very well at Dodge County,” Hartmann said. “I’d say I got some good notes for next year.”

The following night Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team returned to The Plymouth Dirt Track in their hometown of Plymouth, Wis. to complete the team’s rookie season of full-time IRA competition.

Austin Hartmann (87A) races next to Shelby Bosie (3B) in the 2022 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season finale at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – RC Custom Design photo

With 24 IRA 410 Sprint Cars on hand, Hartmann began the night by qualifying 11th with a lap of 11.718 seconds around the ultra-fast and tacky third-mile clay oval.

Hartmann lined up on the pole position of the second eight-lap IRA heat race. However, a jumbled start was waived off by track officials before Hartmann spun in turn two while trying to slow down his machine. The spin resulted in contact with another car and front-end damage to his 87A car, which caused him to retire from the race with an eighth place showing.

After making the necessary repairs, Hartmann started 21st in the 30-lap IRA main event, staying out of trouble throughout en route to a 19th-place finish in a race won by Jake Neuman.

“Our night at Plymouth started rough when I missed my line in qualifying, which put us on the pole in the heat race,” Hartmann said. “I made some mistakes at the start of the heat, resulting in a DNF [did not finish], which is not what we wanted as a team.

“In the feature, I was pretty open-minded and tried a new set up, which turned out to be alright,” he said. “It just needs a little fine-tuning, and we should be pretty good with it for next year.”

Hartmann capped his rookie season of IRA competition 10th in the final point standings.

In 26 events, including 24 IRA races, Hartmann tallied one top-10, eight top-15 and 17 top-20 A-main showings in 22 A-main appearances. In addition, Hartmann posted one heat race victory, one B-main triumph, one fast qualifier award and six dash appearances during his rookie IRA campaign.

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Bennett Transport Inc.

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

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

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

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

 

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2022 Season
By The Numbers

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

September 28, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Alex Pokorski closes out 2022 MSA season with top-10 run at Plymouth Dirt Track

Alex Pokorski (4) duels with Chris Larson (51) on the way to a 10th-place finish in the 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main, during the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 27, 2022 – An up-and-down third season behind the wheel of a 360 Sprint Car came to a close for Alex Pokorski with a solid 10th place finish in the seat of the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team car in the 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association main event, during the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24.

With 24 PDTR-MSA Sprint Cars signed in for the 2022 season finale, Pokorski qualified 23rd with a lap of 13.179 seconds.

After starting eighth in the second 10-lap 360 Sprint Car heat race, Pokorski moved up a spot when Chris Clayton stopped in turn two on the opening lap of the race to bring out a caution flag. Pokorski held on to post a seventh-place finish on the lightning-fast track surface.

The West Bend driver rolled off 18th in the 25-lap main event and steered clear of a red flag on the initial start for a flip involving Katelyn Krebsbach and a caution flag on lap 8 for the stalled car of Brandon Berth in turn one to move up to 15th.

Pokorski held strong over the next 14 laps to maintain his position in the running order before Brandon Berth flipped in turn three to bring out another red flag on lap 22.

After restarting 13th, Anthony Knierim stopped on the backstretch to bring out another caution flag shortly after the ensuing restart. Pokorski restarted 12th and mounted a late charge to move past Bill Taylor and Doug Wondra into ninth on lap 23. However, Pokorski got sideways exiting turn two on lap 24 and nearly brushed the wall, which allowed Wondra to shoot past.

Pokorski went on to notch an 10th place finish to cap off the 2022 season with a season-best A-main showing at The Plymouth Dirt Track and his second top-10 showing of the 2022 MSA campaign in a race won by Ben Schmidt.

“I had a bad qualifying run which put us behind and we had to chase the night after that,” Pokorski said. “I was happy to get a few passing points in the heat race to give us a better starting spot for the feature. The feature went well, and it felt good to move up eight spots and close out the season with a top-10 finish.

“A big ‘thank you’ goes out to the crew and sponsors for all the help and support they gave me during the 2022 season,” he said.

Pokorski completed his first full-time campaign with the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars 14th in the final 2022 PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings. He also finished 15th in the 2022 MSA point standings, competing in 17 of the series’ 19 events.

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

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

“I am very excited and grateful to be back racing with Akright Auto and Spyder Akright for the 2023 season,” Pokorski said. “I’m looking forward to improving next season with what we learned this year.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Novak Service Center

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team would like to acknowledge the support of long-time sponsor Novak’s Service Center of Manitowoc, which is celebrating its 50th year in business in 2022.

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

Novak’s Service Center offers comprehensive auto repair services, including 4 x 4 services, brakes, car and truck care, domestic cars and trucks, electrical services, electronic services, engine and transmission, engine maintenance, expired warranty care, general service, heating and cooling services, import cars and trucks, quick lube services, tires, towing, transmission and undercar services.

Located at 1320 Washington St. in Manitowoc, Novak’s Service Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To schedule an appointment, call 920-684-5737 or visit www.novaks1320.com.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

September 27, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Neuman, Schmidt, Zielski, Heinert claim Plymouth Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships A-main triumphs

Jake Neuman (3N) of New Berlin, Ill. claimed his first career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory in the 30-lap Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships headliner at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Arenz secures second PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car title

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 24, 2022 – Sprint Cars reigned supreme as a healthy contingent of open-wheel racers and teams converged on The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. for the fifth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships to cap off the 2022 racing season at the venerable third-mile clay speed plant on Saturday, Sept. 24.

Jake Neuman of New Berlin, Ill. secured the 2022 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Rookie of the Year Award by nailing down his first career IRA A-main victory in flag-to-flag fashion in the 30-lap headliner.

In the 25-lap Kristine Hartmann Pleasantview Realty Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main, 2022 PDTR and MSA champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth used a late pass to notch his second main event triumph of the 2022 campaign.

Ryan Zielski of Oconomowoc claimed the victory in the 20-lap Wisconsin wingless Sprint Car A-main event, while Mark Heinert of Oak Creek was victorious in the 20-lap Interstate Racing Association Lightning Sprints A main.

Jordan Goldesberry of Springfield, Ill. secured his first career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series championship.

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls wrapped up his second straight double championship season in both the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car divisions.

Jordan Goldesberry (65) of Springfield, Ill. secured his first career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series championship, as the 2022 IRA season wrapped up with the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – Dave Olson Studio 360 photo

Clayton Rossmann of Wadsworth, Ill. and Tim Cox of Park City, Ill. were named 2022 Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series co-champion, after finishing in a tie for first place in the final point standings.

Mike Neau of Pleasant Prairie completed a championship season in the Interstate Racing Association Lightning Sprints division.

In the 30-lap IRA 410 Sprint Car Series main event, Jake Neuman outpowered polesitter Josh Schneiderman of West Burlington, Iowa to grab the initial lead along the high groove of the lightning fast, hammer-down track surface.

On lap five, Neuman caught the back of the field with Schneiderman chasing in second and fifth-starting Danny Schlafer of Sussex in third. As the leaders wound their way through dense lapped traffic, Schneiderman began to chip away at the lead gap to close in on Neuman.

The lone caution flag flew on lap 16 when Jordan Paulsen of Trevor stopped near the turn one wall. When the race resumed, Neuman again maintained control of the lead, while Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan, who started ninth, worked his way past visiting Port Royal, Pa. driver Dylan Cisney into fourth.

With time running out as the laps clicked off, Schneiderman mounted one final charge to briefly pull even with Neuman in turn two on lap 29. However, Neuman fended off Schneiderman’s advances en route to his first career IRA 410 A-main victory.

“It’s awesome to get a win here tonight,” Neuman said in victory lane. “We were close to getting our first IRA win earlier this year here, but [Bill] Balog got us and he’s tough to beat here. It was a great year earning the IRA Rookie of the Year Award. We will see what we can do for next year.”

Schneiderman placed second, Schlafer finished third, Thiel was fourth and Cisney, who started eighth, rounded out the top five.

2011 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champ Ben Schmidt (35) of Plymouth earned his 15th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in the 25-lap Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

The 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A main got off to a rocky start when a red flag appeared on lap one when Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade flipped hard along the front stretch.

Following a complete restart, two-time PDTR and four-time MSA 360 Sprint Car champ Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, who started second, bolted past polesitter Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum to take the lead on the opening lap.

By lap five, McMullen caught the rear of the field with Wenninger in pursuit and 2021 PDTR and MSA champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls following in third, after starting fourth.

The caution was displayed on lap 8 when Brandon Berth of Cascade stopped in turn one. On the restart, Ben Schmidt powered in from his sixth starting spot to bolt past Arenz into third.

Schmidt then reeled in Wenninger to take over second on lap 22 just before the red flag appeared on lap 22 from a flip involving Brandon Berth in turn three. Another caution flag was displayed when Anthony Knierim of Caledonia stopped along the back stretch on the ensuing restart.

Travis Arenz (25T) of Sheboygan Falls wrapped up his second career Plymouth Dirt Track and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car championships at the 2022 Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – Victory Imagery Media Group photo

Following a single-file restart, Schmidt moved to steal the lead away from McMullen with a well-executed low move in turn three on lap 24. Schmidt then held on to wrap up his 15th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory, 32nd career Midwest Sprint Car Association triumph and second 360 Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2022 season.

Schmidt, who came into the night trailing Travis Arenz by 19 points in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car title chase, stated in victory lane that he went into the final A main of the season with a winning mindset.

“We really had nothing to lose tonight, so that was kind of my approach sitting second in points with one night left,” Schmidt said. “Running second to Travis [Arenz] two races in a row at Dodge County frustrated me a bit, so that also lit a fire under me. This race was kind of a replay of opening night with Brandon [McMullen] and I going for the lead in turn three. That incident on opening night proved to be the difference in the points race as I had my only DNF [did not finish] of the season that night. It was almost exactly the same tonight, but I made it through and made the pass this time and it feels great to end the season in victory lane.”

Ryan Zielski (14Z) of Oconomowoc raced to victory in the 20-lap Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series main event, during the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Polesitter Rusty Egan of Round Lake Heights, Ill. jumped into the lead on the drop of the green flag of the 20-lap Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series A main with third starter Ryan Zielski following in second and outside front row starter Allen Hafford of Beach Park, Ill. in third.

On lap 10, Egan caught the back of the field, which allowed Zielski to close in on the lead. Zielski moved in to challenge the low riding Egan along the high line of fast and tacky track surface on lap 18 before sweeping into the lead in turn one on lap 19 in dense lapped traffic.

The first of two caution flags appeared for a two-car incident involving the third-place car of Ryan Marshall of Kansasville and Trinity Uttech of New Berlin in turn four on lap 19 and another caution flag was displayed for the stalled car of Dennis Spitz of Lewisburg, Ky. along the back stretch on the restart.

Clayton Rossmann (left, 09) of Wadsworth, Ill. and Tim Cox (right, 40) of Park City, Ill. finished as co-champions of the 2022 Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series at the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – Victory Imagery Media Group photo

When the race resumed, Zielski pulled away from Egan en route to the victory.

Egan finished second, newly crowned 2022 Wisconsin wingLESS Series co-champion Clayton Rossman of Wadsworth, Ill., who started fifth, placed third, Hafford wound up fourth and ninth starter Chris Klemko of Bristol placed fifth.

Mark Heinert (55H) of Oak Creek earned the victory in the 20-lap Interstate Racing Association Lightning Sprints A main at the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

After starting third, Mark Heinert used a big push on the start to take the lead on the opening lap of the 20-lap IRA Lightning Sprints A main.

The yellow flag appeared on lap 3 when Jordan Funderburk of Wadsworth, Ill. stopped along the front stretch. Heinert again controlled the restart and extended his lead at the front of the field before a red flag was displayed on lap 19 when Shawn Steinpas of Brookfield flipped exiting turn four.

Newly crowned 2022 IRA Lightning Sprints champion Mike Neau of Pleasant Prairie, who started fifth, bolted in to challenge Heinert for the top spot on lap 19. However, Heinert held strong on the ensuing restart en route to the victory.

Mike Neau (16) of Pleasant Prairie nailed down the 2022 Interstate Racing Association Lightning Sprints championship at the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 24. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Neu placed second, Derek Fortier of Pleasant Prairie took third after starting fourth, sixth starter John Kirk of Johnsburg, Ill was fourth and 11th starter Tim Brannam of Holiday Hills, Ill.

Dylan Cisney was the IRA 410 Sprint Car Series fast qualifier with a lap of 11.240 seconds.

Ben Schmidt earned PDTR 360 Sprint Car overall fast qualifier honors with a lap of 12.200 seconds.

John Kirk was the fastest IRA Lightning Sprints driver in group qualifying with a fast lap of 13.383 seconds.

Derek Crane of Racine won the 12-lap Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars B main.

The 14th official and 13th full PDTR racing program of the 2022 season, which was sponsored by JosFO Electric, drew a total of 97 cars, including 24 IRA 410 Sprint Cars and 24 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, 32 Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and 17 IRA Lightning Sprints.

The 2022 book “Racing Recollections – Plymouth Racetrack Fans & Drivers 1950-2021” by Dennis Darovich of Sheboygan, George Baumann of Waupun and Verla Peichl of Sheboygan Falls, as well as the 2021 book “70 Years of Plymouth Dirt Track Racing” by Dennis Darovich and George Baumann, remain available for purchase at the Sheboygan County Fair office at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. during regular business hours throughout the off season and online at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com.

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

BUMPER TO BUMPER INTERSTATE RACING ASSOCIATION 410 SPRINT CARS

QUALIFYING

1, Dylan Cisney 11.240 2, Scotty Thiel 11.310 3, Scotty Neitzel 11.357 4, Shelby Bosie 11.466 5, 11.466 6, Danny Schlafer 11.491 7, Dave Uttech 11.496 8, Jordan Goldesberry 11.519 9, Tyler Tischendorf 11.537 10, Steve Meyer 11.568 11, Austin Hartmann 11.718 12, Josh Schneiderman 11.727 13, Jeremy Schultz 11.732 14, Jake Neuman 11.776 15, Kyle Schuett 11.783 16, Preston Ruh 11.859 17, James Broty 11.874 18, Scott Conger 12.029 19, Jett Mann 12.048 20, Blake Nimee 12.051 21, Kris Spitz 12.090 22, Zach Hansen 12.363 23, Jordan Paulsen 12.417 24, Dylan Winkel 12.508.

HEAT 1

1, Steve Meyer 2, Dave Uttech 3, Shelby Bosie 4, Dylan Cisney 5, Preston Ruh 6, Zach Hansen 7, Jett Mann 8, Jeremy Schultz.

HEAT 2

1, Scotty Thiel 2, Jake Neuman 3, James Broty 4, Blake Nimee 5, Jordan Paulsen 6, Jordan Goldesberry 7, Russel Borland 8, Austin Hartmann.

HEAT 3

1, Josh Schneiderman 2, Danny Schlafer 3, Tyler Tischendorf 4, Scotty Thiel 5, Kyle Schuett 6, Kris Spitz 7, Dylan Winkel 8, Scott Conger.

DASH 1

1, Josh Schneiderman 2, Shelby Bosie 3, Danny Schlafer 4, Tyler Tischendorf 5, Scotty Thiel.

DASH 2

1, Jake Neuman 2, Dave Uttech 3, Scotty Neitzel 4, Dylan Cisney 5, Steve Meyer.

A MAIN

1, Jake Neuman 2, Josh Schneiderman 3, Danny Schlafer 4, Scotty Thiel 5, Dylan Cisney 6, Scotty Neitzel 7, Shelby Bosie 8, Jeremy Schultz 9, Blake Nimee 10, Steve Meyer 11, James Broty 12, Tyler Tischendorf 13, Jordan Goldesberry 14, Kyle Schuett 15, Preston Ruh 16, Dave Uttech 17, Kris Spitz 18, Russel Borland 19, Austin Hartmann 20, Dylan Winkel 21, Jordan Paulsen 22, Zach Hansen 23, Scott Conger 24, Jett Mann.

KRISTINE HARTMANN PLEASANT VIEW REALTY 360 SPRINT CARS

QUALIFYING

1, Ben Schmidt 12.200 2, Lance Fassbender 12.216 3, Anthony Knierim 12.344 4, Shane Wenninger 12.384 5, Katelyn Krebsbach 12.397 6, Brandon McMullen 12.424 7, Travis Arenz 12.494 8, Brandon Berth 12.500 9, Justin Erickson 12.518 10, Tony Wondra 12.548 11, Tyler Davis 12.594 12, Chris Larson 12.606 13, Blake Wondra 12.621 14, Will Gerrits 12.623 15, Tim Haddy 12.665 16, J.J. Pagel 12.716 17, Bill Taylor 12.734 18, Doug Wondra 12.835 19, Nick Daywalt 12.896 20, Justin Miller 12.902 21, Chris Clayton 12.911 22, Kevin Seidler 13.163 23, Alex Pokorski 13.179 24, Randy Post 13.328.

HEAT 1

1, Travis Arenz 2, Katelyn Krebsbach 3, Shane Wenninger 4, Lance Fassbender 5, Tyler Davis 6, Bill Taylor 7, Tim Haddy 8, Kevin Seidler.

HEAT 2

1, Brandon Berth 2, Anthony Knierim 3, Brandon McMullen 4, Chris Larson 5, Justin Miller 6, Nick Daywalt 7, Alex Pokorski 8, Chris Clayton.

HEAT 3

1, Tony Wondra 2, Ben Schmidt 3, Blake Wondra 4, Justin Erickson 5, Will Gerrits 6, J.J. Pagel 7, Doug Wondra 8, Randy Post.

A MAIN

1, Ben Schmidt 2, Brandon McMullen 3, Shane Wenninger 4, Travis Arenz 5, Blake Wondra 6, Lance Fassbender 7, Tony Wondra 8, Will Gerrits 9, Doug Wondra 10, Alex Pokorski 11, Bill Taylor 12, Tyler Davis 13, Chris Larson 14, Nick Daywalt 15, Chris Clayton 16, J.J. Pagel 17, Kevin Seidler 18, Anthony Knierim 19, Justin Miller 20, Justin Erickson 21, Brandon Berth 22, Tim Haddy 23, Randy Post 24, Katelyn Krebsbach.

 

WISCONSIN WINGLESS SPRINT CARS

QUALIFIER 1

1, Eric Wilke 2, Bryce Andrews 3, C.J. Maleug 4, Greg Alt 5, Jake Kouba 6, William Huck 7, Craig Lager 8, Natalie Klemko 9, Jason Young 10, Tom Eller 11, Mike Burba.

QUALIFIER 2

1, Ralph Johnson 2, Dennis Spitz 3, Josh Davidson 4, Dave Wallace 5, Trinity Uttech 6, Derek Crane 7, Ellie Hensley 8, Seth Johnson 9, Tom Brown 10, Tyler Davis. 11, Preston Ruh.

B MAIN

1, Derek Crane 2, William Huck 3, Ellie Hensley 4, Craig Lager 5, Jason Young 6, Preston Ruh 7, Mike Burba 8, Seth Johnson 9, Tom Eller 10, Tom Brown 11, Natalie Klemko 12, Tyler Davis

A MAIN

1, Ryan Zielski 2, Rusty Egan 3, Clayton Rossmann 4, Allen Hafford 5, Chris Klemko 6, Tim Cox 7, Eric Wilke 8, Derek Crane 9, John Fahl 10, Jake Kouba 11, C.J. Malueg 12, Greg Alt 13, Bryce Andrews 14, Mike Sullivan 15, Ellie Hensley 16, Ralph Johnson 17, Trinity Uttech 18, Dave Wallace 19, Craig Lager 20, William Huck 21, Josh Davidson 22, Jimmy Sivia 23, Ryan Marshall 24, Dennis Spitz.

 

INTERSTATE RACING ASSOCIATION LIGHTNING SPRINTS

QUALIFYING

1, John Kirk 13.383 2, Mike Neau 13.467 3, Derek Fortier 13.650 4, Mark Heinert 13.675 5, Ron Brannam 13.963 6, Jeff Schmidt 14.008 7, Tim Brannam 14.018 8, Max Brannam 14.153 9, Xander York 14.362 10, Grant Harvey 14.630 11, David Powers 14.724 12, Ron Curasi 14.939 13, Jordan Funderburk 15.510 14, Shawn Steinpas 15.932 15, Carl Sturt 16.310 16, Jacob Sturt 18.676 17, Chris Quillman (no time).

HEAT 1

1, Derek Fortier 2, John Kirk 3, Ron Brannam 4, Xander York 5, Chris Quillman 6, David Powers 7, Jordan Funderburk 8, Carl Sturt 9, Tim Brannam.

HEAT 2

1, Mark Heinert 2, Mike Neau 3, Jeff Schmidt 4, Max Brannam 5, Ron Curasi 6, Shawn Steinpas 7, Grant Harvey 8, Jacob Sturt.

A MAIN

1, Mark Heinert 2, Mike Neau 3, Derek Fortier 4, John Kirk 5, Tim Brannam 6, Jeff Schmidt 7, Max Brannam 8, Ron Brannam 9, Chris Quillman 10, David Powers 11, Xander York 12, Ron Curasi 13, Shawn Steinpas 14, Grant Harvey 15, Jacob Sturt 16, Jordan Funderburk.

 

September 25, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson