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Midwest Sprint Car Association fetes five-time champion McMullen, dishes 2023 special awards

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Five-time Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Brandon McMullen claimed the 2023 MSA Champion Award at the 2023 MSA Awards Banquet at Amore Banquet Hall in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 11. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 11, 2023 – The 25th anniversary Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 2023 season officially drew to a close, as drivers, crew members, team owners, series officials, partners, supporters, workers and fans congregated at Amore Banquet Hall in Plymouth, Wis. for the annual MSA Awards Banquet on Saturday, Nov. 11.

A total of 145 MSA supporters gathered to honor five-time MSA champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, Wis., along with 15 other point fund-eligible drivers, who competed in at least 85 percent of the 24 official points race programs completed during the 2023 campaign.

MSA President and Treasurer Sheila Leamer opened the evening’s festivities by providing her reflections on the 2023 MSA season.

“We had 26 scheduled nights of competition in 2023 with only two nights lost to mother nature,” Leamer said. “A total of 16 drivers competed in 85 percent of the races to earn eligibility for the point fund, which is over half of the total MSA member drivers we had in 2023. We also had 10 drivers compete in 100 percent of our 2023 races. We averaged 23 cars per night with a high of 33 cars on the final night of the 2023 season on September 30th at Plymouth. We had car counts of 25 cars or more on 10 nights and a total of eight different drivers earned A-main victories in 2023.

“MSA made its first appearance at Eagle River Speedway in 2023, which proved to be an amazing show,” she said. “The crowd and everyone at Eagle River Speedway was very impressed with the racing the MSA put on. It was definitely a night to be proud to be involved with MSA. I was just talking to the Eagle River promoter today about possible dates for 2024. I would like to thank all of the drivers, car owners and crews for their support this year, as well as the fans, who are the reason we are where we are today. Through all of this support, we are one of the strongest Sprint Car groups in the nation.”

Logan Julien collected the 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association Rookie of the Year Award, during the 2023 MSA Awards Banquet at Amore Banquet Hall in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 11. – RC Custom Design photo

Leamer, who also served as the master of ceremonies during the program, acknowledged the support of 2023 MSA series title sponsor Akright Auto (Spyder and Jackie Akright), race day sponsors Competition Specialists (fast qualifier award sponsor), Behling Racing Equipment (heat race one and heat race two winner), Waldo Oil (heat race three winner), Butch and Janet Hafemann (heat race fourth winner), Mayer Automotive (B main winner), Professional Plating (hard charger award winner) and event sponsors Adonnis Waterproofing-Anthony and Rachel Knierim (Wilmot Raceway) and RC Custom Design-Rob Eisentraut (Eagle River Speedway), along with Brian Julien of The Julien Shade Shop, which sponsored the MSA Safety Team in 2023.

“We greatly appreciate the support of Akright Auto as our 2023 series title sponsor,” Leamer said. “Just before I came up here, Spyder [Akright] told me Akright Auto is in for another year as series title sponsor in 2024.

“We were happy to add several race day sponsors in 2023 for nightly qualifying, which was a new addition to our racing programs, along with hard charger, heat race and B main winners,” she said. “We are hoping to continue and expand on our race day sponsors in 2024.”

Leamer also thanked Cupcake Wonders for providing the flour for the start line, Rob Eisentraut of RC Custom Design for photography, graphic design and website and social media support, the MSA Safety Team, Paul Pokorski and Scott Bader for organizing contributions to the 2023 MSA contingency packages totaling $11,000 in products and certificates, along with Lynn Pokorski and Abbie Pokorski for race winner photo assistance, her husband, Randy Leamer, and scorers Angela Dulmes and Dakoda Tennyson.

Alex Pokorski was honored with the 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association Most Improved Driver Award, during the 2023 MSA Awards Banquet at Amore Banquet Hall in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 11. – RC Custom Design photo

Leamer also recognized additional 2023 MSA supporting companies R&H Racing Equipment, Behling Racing Equipment and Hepfner Racing Products.

Leamer acknowledged the 2023 MSA Board of Directors, including Dan Mayer (vice president), Dan Teunissen (secretary), Scott Bader, Alex Pokorski and Tony Wondra before announcing the re-election of Dan Teunissen, Dan Mayer and Tony Wondra to terms on the MSA Board starting in 2024.

“I want to thank each board member for their support and dedication in 2023,” Leamer said. “I look forward to leading the MSA again in 2024.”

The 10 drivers and teams competing in all 24 official MSA events in 20223 were recognized with 100 Percent Attendance Awards, including Brandon McMullen (first place), Ben Schmidt of Plymouth (second place), Kevin Karnitz of West Bend-Mayer Automotive Racing (third place), Alex Pokorski of West Bend-Akright Auto Racing Team (fourth place), Lance Fassbender of Burnett (fifth place), rookie Logan Julien of Oconomowoc (sixth place), rookie T.J. Smith of Greenville (seventh), Tony Wondra of Campbellsport (eighth place), Bill Taylor of Boltonville (10th place) and Chris Larson of Franksville (11th place).

An additional six MSA drivers and teams were honored for achieving 85 percent participation during the 2023 campaign, including Brandon Berth (ninth, 21 races), Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade (12th, 22 races), rookie T.J. Haddy of Waupun (13th, 23 races), Spyder Akright of Sheboygan Falls and Paul Pokorski of West Bend-Akright Auto Racing Team (14th, 21 races), rookie Tristan Koenings of Van Dyne (15th, 21 races) and J.J. Pagel of Mount Calvary (17th, 20 races).

MSA Competition Director Scott Bader acknowledge the efforts of 2023 series staff, including officials Fred DeBlaey, John Metzger, Lee Glomski and the late Jerry Priesgen; scorers Sheila Leamer and Angela Dulmes, flag men Steve Crass and Alex Gilhart, announcer George Baumann, photographer, videographer and graphic designer Rob Eisentraut of RC Custom Design, MSA website administrators Dan and Michaela Teunissen, race report writer Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions, 50/50 ticket takers Donna Bader and Janell Ludwigson and the members of the MSA Safety Team.

Brandon Berth received the 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association Best Appearing Car/Crew Award, during the 2023 MSA Awards Banquet at Amore Banquet Hall in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 11. – RC Custom Design photo

“I want to give special recognition to Sheila Leamer, who really does everything for the MSA,” Bader said. “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. The MSA staff helps out in many different ways all year long and all of their efforts are greatly appreciated.”

Bader also thanked each of the five tracks on the 2023 MSA schedule, including The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. (Dave Mohs), Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. (Gregg and Angie McKarns), the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. (Steve Sinclair), Eagle River Speedway in Eagle River, Wis. (Pat Zdroik) and Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. (Chris Klemko).

The first of eight special awards went to Logan Julien, who claimed the 2023 MSA Rookie of the Year Award on the strength of a sixth-place finish in the point standings, including seven top-five and 16 top-10 A-main finishes to go along with one heat race victory.

“I would like to thank all of the MSA sponsors and all of the sponsors on our car,” Julien said. “A special ‘thank you’ goes to my dad for everything that he does. Wayne Modjeski and Kurt Davis also helped us out quite a bit and I also need to acknowledge the Haddy Family. We wouldn’t have been able to get through everything this season without them. I also want to thank the members of the MSA Board and MSA Safety Team for all of their efforts this season. I’m looking forward to racing with the IRA next year.”

Alex Pokorski claimed the 2023 MSA Most Improved Driver Award, after improving 11 spots from a 15th place finish in the 2022 MSA point standings to post a fourth place showing in the 2023 MSA point standings.

During his breakout 2023 campaign, Pokorski earned his first career MSA A-main victory at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis., with 12 top-five and 21 top-10 A-main finishes, to go along with four heat race victories.

“I want to thank Spyder [Akright] and Akright Auto for the opportunity to race, as well as all of our sponsors and crew members,” Pokorski said. “It was a lot of fun to race with everybody this year. I’m looking forward to next year.”

Brandon Berth picked up the 2023 MSA Best Appearing Car/Crew Award.

“This is definitely a surprise and an award that means a lot to me,” Berth said. “I designed this year’s car and Rob [Eisentraut] made it happen. I take a lot of pride in how my car looks, so I really appreciate this award.”

Brandon McMullen earned the 2023 MSA Hard Charger Award for passing a series-high 93 cars during the season.

Brandon McMullen earned the 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association Hard Charger Award at the 2023 MSA Awards Banquet at Amore Banquet Hall in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 11. – RC Custom Design photo

The 2023 MSA Hard Luck Award went to rookie Tristan Koenings.

The 2023 Jim Wipperfurth Family MSA Person of the Year Award was presented to MSA President, Treasurer and Lead Scorer Sheila Leamer.

“I have a passion for racing and always give 110 percent to help MSA to the best of my ability,” Leamer said. “I am very honored to receive this award. I’m speechless.”

Beth Winkel of BMG Designs presented the 2023 Harry Neitzel MSA Mechanic of the Year Award to McMullen Racing Enterprise crew chief Joe McMullen of Plymouth, who has helped Brandon McMullen earn nine championships (five MSA, three Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, one Manitowoc Expo Speedway) over the span of the past 14 years.

The final award recipient to take to the podium was 2023 MSA champion Brandon McMullen, who tied Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee at the top of the all-time MSA championship heap by claiming his fifth series title, which were tallied in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2023.

McMullen turned in an outstanding 2023 campaign, which featured seven A-main victories, 23 top-five and 23 top-10 A-main showings to go along with nine heat race wins in 24 official MSA points events en route to claiming his fifth MSA series title by a 107-point margin over 2011 MSA champion Ben Schmidt.

After earning seven MSA A-main victories during the 2023 campaign, McMullen solidified himself in third place on the all-time MSA A-main victory list with 45 main event triumphs to stand seven behind runner-up Danny Schlafer of Sussex, who has tallied 52 MSA A-main victories, and 19 in back of all-time MSA main event victories leader Kurt Davis, who stands at the top of the victories A-main victory list with 64.

“Joe [McMullen] and my dad [Tim McMullen] deserve so much credit for what this team has been able to achieve,” McMullen said. “Joe and my dad believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. They probably spent more time in the shop than anyone else. In looking back over the past 14 years, I feel it is not as much about the actual racing on the track, but the people we’ve raced with and raced against over the years. The thing I like the most about MSA is that we all help each other and we all get along. That’s not something you see with every racing series.

Joe McMullen collected the 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association Harry Neitzel Mechanic of the Year Award, during the 2023 MSA Awards Banquet at Amore Banquet Hall in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 11. – RC Custom Design photo

“I want to thank everyone that makes up the MSA and all of the MSA crew,” he said. “It has been an honor to race against you all. Racing kept our family close all these years. To the younger drivers, I encourage you all to stick with it. During our first year with MSA in 2010, we were flat out terrible. We wrecked several times and only made one feature all season.”

MSA 2023 Banquet trophy and award sponsors included Professional Plating, In Memory of Hagar Nelson, Tn’T Motorsports, Akright Auto, Gary and Susie Francour, Roger & Dan’s Auto Service, Fred DeBlaey, Pedal Down Promotions, Con Forms, Mark’s Tree Service, Hafemann Vintage Racing-Butch and Janet Hafemann, Randy Post, Krebsbach Construction, Kris and Jen Hansen, RC Custom Design, Don and Lynn Kiel and Richard’s of Dunbar.

MSA 2023 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 Bear 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, Race Bumpers, Mayer Automotive (American Racer) and Bumper to Bumper IRA.

For more information on the Midwest Sprint Car Association, visit the MSA website at www.msasprints.com or visit the MSA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/msasprints.

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.

November 14, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Barbara Welnetz launches debut romantic suspense novel ‘Voices from Tahoe’

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 18, 2023 – A gripping fictional mystery drawing inspiration from her personal life experiences living in Lake Tahoe, Calif. forms the intriguing foundation of “Voices from Tahoe” – the first novel from Manitowoc, Wis. author Barbara Welnetz.

Welnetz’s first book release delivers a suspense-filled plotline featuring a diverse and rich collection of fictional characters and locations inspired by those she encountered during her time serving as the general manager of a grocery store nestled near the shores of Lake Tahoe.

“I was prompted to write ‘Voices from Tahoe’ due to memories and dreams of my life on the west shore of Lake Tahoe,” Welnetz said. “I believe it was my destiny to become general manager of the local grocery store. Since it was the hub of the community, my world revolved around the lives of the people who lived there. My novel includes many similar experiences from those days in the early 1970s when the small community of Tahoma first grew and prospered.”

With the memories of her experiences in Lake Tahoe still fresh in her mind, Welnetz’s time working at the Manitowoc Public Library proved to push her book writing dreams to fruition.

“After retirement, I moved to the Midwest and became employed at the local library in Manitowoc, Wisconsin,” Welnetz said. “While working at the Manitowoc Public Library preparing new books for circulation, I was inspired to write my first novel based on the years I lived in Lake Tahoe.”

Barbara Welnetz of Manitowoc, Wis. has released her debut novel, “Voices from Tahoe,” through Pedal Down Promotions.

One of Welnetz’s main goals in writing “Voices from Tahoe” was to highlight the beauty and splendor of the Lake Tahoe area, while creating a story of how three men impact a recently divorced woman’s life in very different ways, after she relocates from Wisconsin to Lake Tahoe to take a job as the general manager of a local grocery store.

“The fictional characters in the book became alive as I recalled the people and places I loved in my early adulthood,” Welnetz said. “While the grocery store was indeed my passion, the best part of life was the beauty and nature which surrounded me every day. I hope readers come away with a desire to visit this incredible place. I also hope newly divorced women who read my novel might find the courage to move across the country, or the world, and start a new life of their own.”

Published through Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis., Welnetz’s romantic suspense novel “Voices from Tahoe” marks the first of what she hopes will be additional book releases in the future.

“My next book endeavor is in the works with an anticipated release in late 2024,” Welnetz said. “The novel is based in the remote Upper Peninsula of Michigan where a young woman finds herself facing a desperate life struggle of unimaginable enemies.”

The public launch of Welnetz’s “Voices from Tahoe” romantic mystery novel is set to take place during the second annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Presented by Pedal Down Promotions at Sabbatical Brewing Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 4. The event, which will feature 27 additional local and regional authors, is set to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For those unable to attend the Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Sabbatical Brewing in Manitowoc, Wis. to purchase a copy of “Voices from Tahoe” in-person, copies of the book are also available on www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoblepress.com or by emailing Barbara Welnetz directly at bjwelnetz@gmail.com.

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

 

Barbara Welnetz
Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Book Launch
Sabbatical Brewing Co.
835 South 29th Street
Manitowoc, Wis.
Saturday, November 4, 2023
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

October 18, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Author lineup locked in for second Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing at Sabbatical Brewing Co.

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

The second annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing is set to take place at Sabbatical Brewing Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 16, 2023 – A diverse array of 28 authors representing a wide variety of genres will participate in the second annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Presented by Pedal Down Promotions at Sabbatical Brewing Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 4.

Set to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the show will again feature free admission and serve as a showcase for several noted area authors, including 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 and has released six additional books covering the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan auto racing scene.

In addition, Joan Treppa of Blaine, Minn. will make her first appearance at the Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing with her book on the infamous 1992 Tom Monfil’s Green Bay paper mill murder case titled “Reclaiming Lives: Pursuing Justice for Six Innocent Men.”

The following authors 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 Christian 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”)

Karen Lueders of Little Chute, Wis. (Christian poetry and essay author of “To God Be The Glory,” “God’s Promise of Salvation” and “Nourishment of the Soul”)

Barbara Welnetz of Manitowoc, Wis. (fictional biography, mystery, suspense and romance author of “Voices from Tahoe”)

Karen Meyer of Plymouth, Wis. (author of 14 children’s books, including “Looking Forward to Christmas,” “Charlie and Chubby,” Ferdinand the Frog Prince,” “A Rooster Saw It All,” “A Valentine Heart” and “Teddy the Matchmaker”)

Ann Graf of Plymouth, Wis. (modern romance author of “Love the Illusion,” “Delusions” and “Final Flame”)

Andrea Heckner of Janesville, Wis. (crime and suspense novelist and author of “The Farm – Secrets in the Heartland Book 1” and “Dismantling the Farm – Secrets in the Heartland Book 2”)

Jane Yunker of St. Croix Falls, Wis. (historical romance and suspense novelist and author of “Mary Bishop,” “Alice: The Betrayal,” “Betty: The Rebel” and “Lizzie: The Homecoming”)

Michele Bohnert of Appleton, Wis. (children’s book author of “Fishing with Grandpa”)

Randy L. Forsterling of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. (inspirational, self-help author of “Destiny – My Choice to Choose” and “Speak to Me – A Mountain-Moving Inspirational Guide to Conquering Self-Pity”)

Kendrick Watkins of Milwaukee, Wis. (romance, suspense, inspirational and self-help author of “3Some,” “The Script: The Beginning” and “The Script 2: Beyond”)

Sara Biren of Manitowoc, Wis. (young adult fiction author of “Bend in the Road,” “Cold Day in the Sun” and “The Last Thing You Said”)

Michael F. Dilley of Manitowoc, Wis. (military and war history author of “GALAHAD – A History of the 5307th Composite Unit,” “Elite Warriors: 300 Years of America’s Best Fighting Troops,” “Behind the Lines: A Critical Survey of Special Operations in World War II” and “Rangers, Scouts and Raiders: Origin, Organization and Operations of Selected Special Operations Forces”)

Lianna Hawkins of Casco, Wis. (historical western romance author of “The Bounty’s Reward,” “The Bounty’s Catch” and “The Bounty’s Betrayal”)

Tina Susedik of Eau Claire, Wis. (historical western romance and mystery author of “The Balcony Girl,” “The School Marm,” “The Proprietress,” “The Banker’s Wife,” “The Unconventional Blacksmith,” “Missing My Heart,” “Missing Innocence,” “The Photograph of Love” and “Love with a Side of Crazy”)

Rodney Schroeter of Random Lake, Wis. (comic book writer, biographical essayist, designer and editor of “Misson of Benevolent Greed,” “Human Interest Stuff,” “A Wisconsin Harvest, Vol. II” and The Plymouth Review Current monthly newspaper)

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,” “100 Thousand Poets for Change: 10+ Years of Poetic Activism,” “From Everywhere a Little: A Migration Anthology” and “Van Gogh Dreams”)

Valerie J. Clarizio of Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (author of 15 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, The Crime and Passion Stalk City Hall Series and “Family Forever”)

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”)

Beth Stensvold of Sheboygan, Wis. (whimsical and educational children’s book author of “Hunting the Maybee,” “Big Mistake,” “Hippos are Fun,” and “What Would You Do?”)

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”)

S.L. Wilton of Birnamwood, Wis. (Arthurian fantasy novelist and author of epic fantasy novel “Queen of Crows’)

Shelly Small of Manitowoc, Wis. (mystery, suspense and romance author of “Georgia’s Roots Revealed,” “Luna,” “Love Heat and Deceit,” “Broken Souls” and “A New Year’s Wish”)

The books available for purchase during the show will cover a wide range of fiction and non-fiction genres, including military and war history, children’s stories, true crime, young adult fiction, auto racing, youth sports/coaching, romance, Christian/inspirational poetry, military and war history, medieval fantasy, mystery, suspense, historical fiction, self-help and more.

“Last year’s inaugural Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing was very well received among the participating authors and the book enthusiasts who attended,” Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Organizer Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions said. “We have 16 new authors joining us this year, along with 12 returning authors from last year. 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 also provides an excellent opportunity to purchase books for the reader on your holiday gift list no matter what their favorite genre might be.”

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

In addition, all show attendees will be eligible to win door prizes donated by participating authors and book show organizer Pedal Down Promotions.

Updates on the second annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing can be found on the Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Facebook event page, as well as the Pedal Down Promotions Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media pages.

For more information on the second annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Presented by Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, call 920-323-7970 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.

October 16, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz caps breakout rookie IRA 410 Sprint Car campaign

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz completed his rookie season of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series competition third in the final point standings, following the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.  – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 4, 2023 – After depleting their allotment of 410 Sprint Car motors at Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 8, Travis Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports team dug out the team’s 360 motor to close out the 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association season as part of the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

With his underpowered motor bolted in for the 2023 lid-sealing event, Arenz qualified 35th in the 38-car IRA field with a lap of 12.269 seconds. The 2021 and 2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champion then lined up 10th and finished ninth in the eight-lap IRA heat race three.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. competitor started 18th in the 12-lap IRA B main needing to finish in the top four to advance to the 30-lap IRA Rick Schmidt Memorial A main.

Despite racing against his fellow 410 Sprint Car competitors with a 360 motor, Arenz put on a show, advancing from 18th to seventh on lap 7. However, Arenz was unable to advance further to the front before ending his rookie IRA 410 Sprint Car Series season with a seventh place B main finish.

Arenz’s first full season in the 410 Sprint Car ranks turned heads as he earned his first career IRA A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 1 to go along with 12 top-five and 15 top-10 A-main showings, as well as three heat race victories, seven dash appearances and two dash victories.

On the strength of his third place showing in the final 2023 Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series point standings, Arenz claimed the Sage Fruit Apple Cup Award for finishing as the second highest point earning rookie in the final 2023 IRA point standings.

“I learned a lot in my rookie season with the IRA,” Arenz said. “The biggest thing was that qualifying pretty much makes the night. This is something I am still working on becoming more consistent with, but we are making improvements.

“Winning our first IRA feature as a rookie has to be my proudest moment of the season,” he said. “The entire night just had this feeling. Everything went the way it needed to go to get that first feature win. I’m also proud of what we accomplished with the small budget we had this year compared to others that we race with.”

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, Carbliss Hand Crafted Cocktails, Amy Bruechert Reality, Cornwell Tools-Paul Epping, Advanced Engine Concepts, Inc., Duehring’s Tax Service, Everhope Show Cattle, HRP Wings and Behling Racing Equipment.

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

“I have so many people to thank,” Arenz said. “All of our great sponsors, especially those who have stuck with us over all these years, are very much appreciated. I also want to thank our many, many fans and, of course, all my crew members.

“Plans for 2024 are uncertain at the moment,” he said. “Regardless, we will still have a 410 car in the shop.”

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 – Amy Bruechert Realty

Travis Arenz Motorsports is pleased to have Amy Bruechert Reality on board for the team’s rookie season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in 2023.

Located at 178 Center Ave. in Luxemburg, Wis. Amy Bruechert Realty has a passion for real estate. In her experience working as a realtor for over a decade, Bruechert has created lasting relationships, while guiding both buying and selling clients to reach their real estate goals with honesty, prompt communication, expertise and professionalism from start to finish, while working to make the process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

For more information on Amy Bruechert Reality, email amy.bruechertrealestate@gmail.com, call 706-482-8557 or visit amy.townncountryre.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
410 Sprint Car
Final 2023 Statistics

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
Final 2023 Statistics

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

October 4, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann wraps up 2023 IRA 410 Sprint Car campaign with top-10 points distinction

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann closed out his second full season of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car competition ninth in the final point standings.  – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 4, 2023 – The grueling six-month Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series schedule, which featured trips to 14 different tracks in six states, drew to a close for Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team with a rock solid ninth place showing in the final point standings, following the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver opened the night by qualifying 25th overall in the 38-car field with a lap of 11.696 seconds. The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Rookie of the Year Award winner used a strong start to work past Will Armitage on the drop of the green flag of the fourth eight-lap IRA heat race. Hartmann held down the fifth spot the rest of the way to advance to the 30-lap Rick Schmidt Memorial IRA A main.

After rolling off 20th in the 30-lap IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A main, Hartmann drove a smooth race to come home with a 20th place showing.

In 33 410 Sprint Car events during the 2023 season, Hartmann tallied one top-five, six top-10 and 12 top-15 A-main showings, while recording two heat race victories and six IRA dash appearances.

After turning in a 10th place showing in the 2022 IRA 410 Sprint Car Series point standings during his rookie season, Hartmann closed out the 2023 IRA 410 Sprint Car Series season one spot better in ninth place in the final point standings.

“I would like to thank all of the sponsors, crew members, friends and family, who have supported myself and the team during the course of the season,” Hartmann said. “I wouldn’t have an opportunity to do this without the help of each of them.”

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – TheD8Dispensary

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team is thrilled to welcome TheD8Dispensary a sponsorship partner for the 2023 season.

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

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

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 2023 Statistics

Total Events – 33
IRA Events – 27
World of Outlaws Events – 3
All Star Events – 4
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 6
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 12
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 23
Heat Race Victories – 2
Dash Appearances – 6
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Points Finish – 9th

October 4, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Alex Pokorski closes out ‘most improved’ 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car campaign

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski (4) of West Bend, Wis. earned a career-best fourth place showing in the 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car point standings. 2014 Midwest Sprint Car Association Masters Series champion Paul Pokorski (53A) of West Bend. Wis. wrapped up the 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car season with a 14th place finish in the final point standings in a co-driving effort with Spyder Akright. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 3, 2023 – While it may not have featured a perfect ending, Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team put a bow on an impressive season worthy of the 2023 Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Most Improved Driver Award, during the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

The 2023 campaign came to a close with Pokorski placing fourth in the final PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings, which marked an improvement of 10 spots over 2022, during which he finished 14th. The fourth-year 360 Sprint Car driver’s head-turning, season-long performance was even more prominent in Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association competition as he vaulted from 15th in the 2022 final point standings to fourth in 2023, while competing in all 24 MSA events during the 2023 season.

The 17th and final PDTR 360 Sprint Car event of the 2023 season saw the West Bend, Wis. driver qualify third overall in a stellar 33-car PDTR-MSA field with a lap of 12.238 seconds.

After starting fourth in the first eight-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race, Pokorski swept past T.J. Haddy to move into third on the opening lap. Pokorski held the position during the remainder of the race to advance to the 25-lap Fuzzy Fassbender Tribute A main.

Pokorski rolled off second in the PDTR-MSA headliner and held down the runner-up spot in the early going until his car got out of shape along the cushion before contacting the back stretch wall on lap 5. The impact resulted in significant damage to Pokorski’s No. 4 Spyder Akright-owned machine and brought his 2023 season to an early ending with a 21st place A-main finish in a race won by Scotty Thiel.

The race marked the only time Pokorski failed to finish an A-main and his lone time placing outside of the top 15 in MSA 360 Sprint Car main event action during the 2023 campaign.

“The car was solid all night,” Pokorski said. “In the feature, I caught a rut a little wrong and ended up breaking something on the right front corner of the car that sent me into the wall. That incident created plenty of work for us to do. Luckily, we have the off-season to fix it and regroup.”

In 24 events during the 2023 season, Pokorski earned his first career MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2, while notching 12 top-five and 21 top-10 and 23 top-15 A-main showings. In addition, Pokorski tallied four heat race victories and two fast qualifier awards during the 2023 campaign.

“The 2023 season was a lot of fun,” Pokorski said. “I feel blessed to have had all the people around me who made it possible. I hope they all enjoyed it as well. We had a big improvement from last year, which got us up to a fourth place finish in MSA points. I will be back racing with Spyder and the Akright Auto Racing Team again next year. I’m really excited to have that opportunity again, and I am looking forward to improving further.”

Paul Pokorski also closed out his 31st season of racing by competing in a portion of the final PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car event of the season, as he shared the seat of the 53A machine with car owner Spyder Akright throughout the 2023 campaign.

Paul qualified 12th overall among the 33-car field with a lap of 12.484 seconds. After starting on the pole of the third eight-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race, Paul led the first six laps of the race before Scotty Thiel steered Randy Sippel’s 39s past the 2014 MSA 360 Sprint Car Masters Series champion to bump the West Bend, Wis. driver to a second place showing.

After that, Paul turned the car over to Spyder Akright, who started last in the 15-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car B main due to the driver change. Akright used a strong start to vault from his 14th starting spot up to seventh, just one position away from an A-main transfer spot in the early stages of the race.

However, after some slight contact produced handling issues, Akright fell back in the closing laps to cap the 2023 season with a ninth place B main showing.

In 11 PDTR-MSA events during the 2023 campaign, Paul posted one top-five, four top-10 and six top-15 A-main finishes to go along with one B main victory. Co-driving with Spyder Akright, the Akright-Pokorski piloted 53A car finished 14th in the 2023 PDTR and MSA 360 Sprint Car point standings while competing in all 17 PDTR and 21 of 24 MSA events in 2023.

“I was a bit tight in qualifying and pretty good in the heat race,” Paul said. “Knowing I was going to be turning over the reins to Spyder [Akright] in the next race, and I needed to keep the car in one piece. As a result, I got a little conservative in turns one and two, which cost us a heat race win. Overall, it was a good night from my perspective. The season was also a lot of fun. We all had a good time. Spyder keeps reminding us that’s the point…to have fun and not take it too seriously. The entire Akright Auto Racing and Pokorski Motorsports team is looking forward to 2024 already.”

Alex Pokorski and the members of the Akright Auto Racing Team will be recognized with the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Most Improved Driver Award at the 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Awards Ceremony set to take place Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at Racer’s Hall in Plymouth, Wis.

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

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

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Novak’s 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 51st year in business in 2023.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
Final 2023 Statistics

Total Events – 24
A Main Victories – 1
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 12
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 21
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 23
Heat Race Victories – 4
Fast Qualifier Awards – 2
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Points Finish – 4th
Midwest Sprint Car Association Points Finish – 4th

 

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 11
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 4
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 6
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
PDTR 360 Sprint Car Points Finish co-driving with Spyder Akright – 14th
MSA 360 Sprint Car Points Finish co-driving with Spyder Akright – 14th

October 3, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Sixth annual AAUW Girls STEM Day Conference set at Sheboygan South High School

Dr. Marissa Jablonski from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin will serve as the keynote speaker at the sixth annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 4, at Sheboygan South High School in Sheboygan, Wis.

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (October 2, 2023) – The Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is gearing up to hold the sixth annual Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 4, at Sheboygan South High School, located at 1240 Washington Ave. in Sheboygan, Wis.

The popular event was established in 2017 with the goal of connecting sixth through ninth-grade girls with the various applications of STEM by focusing on the core fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

The conference, which runs from 7:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning with check-in from 7:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., features 10 unique STEM-inspiring sessions, along with a presentation from keynote speaker Dr. Marissa Jablonski from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin from 8:15-9 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 Allyson Olivier 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.”

The conference includes a highly diverse collection of STEM field experts, including Jablonski, who is an accomplished water engineer, environmental advisor and plastics-reduction expert, who has worked in more than 45 countries around the world. In her role as the executive director of the Freshwater Collaborative of the Wisconsin at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Jablonski is highly active in the STEM-focused areas of engineering education, water distribution and sanitation design and construction.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to choose three of 10 available 45-minute STEM sessions running between 9:15 a.m. and noon.

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay/Sheboygan Professor James Kabrhel is again set to lead the Chem Demons STEM session, during the sixth annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 4, at Sheboygan South High School in Sheboygan, Wis.

According to Sheboygan Branch AAUW Member and Girls STEM Day Co-Chair Lori Bryne, this year’s STEM sessions cover a broad array of topics including architectural design (Architecture – Designed Awareness presented by Kurt Davis, Anne Blanke, Taylor Kranzusch, Sydney Goetsch and 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 Sausage presented by Johnsonville Sausage Corporation R&D Associate Scientist Becca Stayner ), the science of color and appearance (The Science of Color presented by Kohler Co. staff members Jennifer Tarplee, Kate Revelis, Megan Doege and Megan Sprenger), computer science (Engage in Computers by Laura Lienau of Horizon Systems) and emergency medicine and nursing health care (Blood and Body Works by Aurora Regional EMS Community Educator Jean Zemke).

“We have a wonderful group of expert presenters, who are working in these STEM fields with many years of experience,” Olivier said. “We have middle school and high school teachers, professors, police officers, veterinarians, engineers, product managers, health care professionals, computer scientists and developers and business owners, who will be leading this year’s STEM sessions.

The sixth annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Girls STEM Day Conference for sixth through ninth grade girls is set to take place Saturday, Nov. 4, at Sheboygan South High School in Sheboygan, Wis.

“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. Three of the 10 sessions – Engage in Computers, Blood and Body Works and Sensory of Sausage – are new this year.”

Over the past six years, the AAUW of Sheboygan County Girls STEM Day event has granted area girls a rare opportunity to experience the wonderful world of STEM through various hands-on activities and learn directly from STEM field experts.

A young participant in the 2022 A Look Inside the Bovine Hide workshop session shared the following thoughts on her AAUW Sheboygan Branch Girls STEM Day experience.

“I never knew I could have so much fun cutting and opening a cow embryo,” she said. “This is an amazing event in a safe environment and you can really learn a ton. It was such a great experience.”

The registration fee is $10 per student, which includes instruction and supplies. Checks should be made out to AAUW Wisconsin Foundation.

The registration deadline is Friday, Oct. 27.

Sponsors for this year’s event include Bemis Manufacturing, Frank G. & Frieda K. Brotz Family Foundation, Fehr Graham, Feingold Family Foundation, Grover Family Foundation, Masters Gallery Foods, Richco Structures, Rockline Inc., Saco AEI Polymers and Sartori.

In-kind donors are JoAnn Gadicke, Johnston’s Bakery, Judy Hangartner, Laura Lienau, Marianne Comstock and Richard Linde, Masters Gallery Foods, Old Wisconsin Sausage Inc. 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 the past two years and again this year,” Olivier said. “We are looking forward to having the Girls STEM Day event return to Sheboygan South High School on Saturday, November 4th.”

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=491123 or call Sheboygan Branch AAUW member and Girls STEM Day Conference Co-Chair Lori Bryne by phone at 920-458-9224 or contact AAUW member and Girls STEM Day Conference Co-Chair Allyson Olivier by email at allycat.olivier@sbcglobal.net.

October 1, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Thiel returns to Plymouth 360 Sprint Car roots with A-main victory, McMullen nails down third PDTR 360 Sprint Car crown

Balog, Sivia, Heinert post A-main triumphs in Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan racked up his third career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in the 25-lap Fuzzy Fassbender Tribute main event, during the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 30, 2023 – In one of his infrequent starts behind the wheel of an Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car, Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan outdueled newly crowned three-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh to capture the 25-lap Fuzzy Fassbender Tribute A-main, during the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships Presented by A-Main Apparel at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Despite falling just short in his A-main victory bid, Brandon McMullen celebrated his third career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car title by wrapping up the 2023 PDTR 360 Sprint Car championship to go along with the titles he captured in 2020 and 2017.

Ten-time Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series champion Bill Balog of Hartland notched a flag-to-flag victory in the 30-lap Rick Schmidt Memorial IRA 410 Sprint Car main event, while rookie Brenham Crouch of Lubbock, Texas closed out his first career IRA 410 Sprint Car Series championship.

Jimmy Sivia of Winthrop Harbor, Ill. recorded his first career victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in the 20-lap Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car A main as Clayton Rossmann of Wadsworth, Ill. racked up his second career Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series title.

Mark Heinert of Waukesha earned the 20-lap IRA Lightning Sprints A-main triumph to wrap up his first career IRA Lightning Sprints championship.

On the initial start of the 25-lap Akright Auto PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car main event, contact in turn two resulted in the machine of Brandon Berth of Cascade flipping in turn two.

Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh secured his third career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car championship by wrapping up the 2023 season title, during the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Following a complete restart, Bill Taylor of Boltonville grabbed the lead from the pole with outside front row starter Alex Pokorski of West Bend following in second. On lap 5, Pokorski made contact with the back stretch wall, which brought out the second caution flag of the event and ended the fourth-year 360 Sprint Car driver’s night.

When the race resumed, Taylor again bolted in the lead, while 2011 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champ Ben Schmidt of Plymouth moved into second after starting fifth and ninth starter Scotty Thiel vaulted in third on lap 6.

Two laps later, the high riding Thiel bolted around Schmidt to advance into the runner-up spot before the now five-time Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen worked his way past Schmidt to seize third on lap 9.

One lap later, Thiel closed to within striking distance of Taylor for the top spot before surging into the top spot along the high groove in turn one on lap 12.

Thiel, who launched his Sprint Car career by earning the PDTR 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award in 2008, caught lapped traffic on lap 13, which allowed McMullen to gradually reel in the leader. After following in Thiel’s tire tracks for several laps, McMullen utilizing the inside groove to briefly surge into the top spot exiting turn four on lap 24.

In his first PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car start of the 2023 season, Thiel was not to be denied as he powered Randy Sippel’s 39s car back around McMullen in turn two on the final lap en route to his third career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory and 13th career MSA 360 Sprint Car main event triumph.

With the victory in the 24th and final event of the 2023 MSA season, Thiel became the eighth driver to post an MSA A-main triumph this season.

“I felt comfortable in the car and I thought we were getting through lapped traffic pretty good,” Thiel said in victory lane. “I was kind of falling out of the seat there near the end of the race, but then I saw [Brandon McMullen] pass me on the second-from-last lap and I had to get up on the wheel. It was a pretty fun night with the 360 Sprint Car. I have to thank Randy Sippel for everything he does to get this 39s 360 car on the track and providing me with a fast car all night.”

McMullen had to settle for second, Schmidt placed third, Taylor wound up fourth and eighth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend rounded out the top five.

Ten-time Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series champion Bill Balog of Hartland collected his sixth IRA main event triumph of the 2023 season, during the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Bill Balog grabbed the lead on the drop of the green flag in the 30-lap IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A-main from the pole, while outside front row starter Austin McCarl of Altoona, Iowa followed in second.

On lap 3, the first of two caution flags appeared when debris was spotted on the track. When the race resumed, sixth starter Scotty Thiel worked past J.J. Hickle of Quilcene, Wash., who started third, to take over third in turn three on lap 4.

Balog caught the rear of the field on lap 7. However, he did not let the traffic slow his momentum as he maintained a strong half-lap lead over McCarl, who had Hickle and Thiel hot on his heels.

On lap 14, the second caution flag appeared when Tyler Tischendorf of Waupaca flipped in turn four following a multi-car incident in turn four, which prompted the second place car of Austin McCarl to retire from the event.

Following the restart, Thiel charged into second and quickly set his sights on the lead. With Balog mired in thick lapped traffic, Thiel reduced the gap on lap 18. However, Balog again worked expertly through a maze of lapped machines to maintain the lead, while Brenham Crouch, who started fifth, slipped past Thiel to grab second on lap 29.

Brenham Crouch of Lubbock, Texas notched his first career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series championship, during the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Balog went on to notch his seventh A-main win in his last 11 IRA 410 Sprint Car Series starts at The Plymouth Dirt Track, along with his sixth IRA A-main victory of the 2023 season and series-best 140th overall career IRA main event triumph.

Crouch placed second, Thiel was third, Hickle took fourth and fourth starter Mike Reinke of Howards Grove finished fifth.

Polesitter Rusty Egan of Round Lakes Heights, Ill. took the lead on the opening lap of the 20-lap Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car A main with third starter Chris Klemko of Bristol falling into second. On lap 2, fifth starter Allen Hafford of Beach Park, Ill. moved into third before surrendering the spot to Jimmy Sivia, who started sixth, on lap 5.

One lap later Klemko pulled in to pressure Egan for the top position before the top five cars of Egan, Klemko, Sivia, Hafford and Ryan Zielski of Oconomowoc ran in tight nose-to-tail formation along the low groove starting on lap 12.

Jimmy Sivia of Winthrop Harbor, Ill. earned his fourth Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series A-main victory of the 2023 season, during the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Three laps later, Sivia rode the high line into second, before taking advantage of lapped traffic to cut the lead gap on Egan significantly. On lap 18, Egan drifted high in turn one, which allowed Sivia to pounce and grab the lead in turn two.  Meanwhile, fourth starter Ryan Marshall of Kansasville powered into second on the second-to-last circuit of the race.

Sivia went on to claim his first career victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track and fourth A-main triumph of the 2023 Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car season in the caution-free race.

Marshall placed second, Klemko was third, Egan wound up fourth and Hafford rounded out the top five.

In the 20-lap IRA Lightning Sprints A main, polesitter Mike Neau of Pleasant Prairie took the early lead before newly crowned 2023 IRA Lightning Sprints champion Mark Heinert, who started fourth, slipped past Neu to take the lead on lap 10.

Clayton Rossmann of Wadsworth, Ill. was honored with his second Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series championship, during the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Heinert then pulled away to notch his eighth IRA Lightning Sprints A-main triumph of the 2023 season, while putting a ribbon on the 2023 IRA Lightning Sprints championship.

Neu finished second, Brian Strane Jr., who started sixth, placed third, Nick Petska of Spring Grove, Ill. finished fourth after starting third and Tim Brannam of Holiday Hills, Ill. finished fifth after starting fifth.

Mark Heinert of Waukesha collected his eighth IRA Lightning Sprints A-main victory of the 2023 season, while racking up his first career IRA Lightning Sprints championship, during the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Justin Erickson of Plymouth won the 15-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car B main.

Jake Neumann of New Berlin, Ill. captured the 10-lap IRA 410 Sprint Car B Main.

Trinity Uttech of New Berlin won the 10-lap Wisconsin wingLESS B main.

J.J. Hickle earned fast qualifier honors in the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car division with a lap of 11.249 seconds.

Kevin Karnitz of West Bend recorded the fastest lap in the Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car division by touring the third-mile clay oval in 12.194 seconds.

Mark Heinert turned in a lap of 14.517 seconds to claim the IRA Lightning Sprints fast qualifier award.

The 18th and final event of the 2023 campaign at The Plymouth Dirt Track, which was sponsored by Jensen Sales & Service, drew a season-high total of 117 cars, including a season-high 33 Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars, 38 Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Cars, 28 Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and 18 IRA Lightning Sprints.

The 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Awards presentation will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Racers Hall in Plymouth, Wis. starting at 7 p.m. The top three finishers and special award winners in the 360 Sprint Car, Grand National, B Mod and Late Model divisions will be honored during the event.

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

 

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 39S-Scotty Thiel [9]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [4]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt [5]; 4. 69-Bill Taylo r[1]; 5. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [8]; 6. 69S-TJ Smith [7]; 7. 85J-Logan Julien [13]; 8. 2-Chris Clayton [15]; 9. 16-Anthony Knierim [6]; 10. 10V-Matt VanderVere [10]; 11. 3-Justin Erickson [16]; 12. 44-Hayden Johnson [17]; 13. 51-Chris Larson [19]; 14. 11-Tony Wondra [11]; 15. 21H-TJ Haddy [14]; 16. 30-Doug Wondra [21]; 17. 66-Nick Daywalt [20]; 18. 52-Cody Schlafer [22]; 19. 6K-Kurt Davis [3]; 20. 12P-JJ Pagel [18]; 21. 4-Alex Pokorski [2]; 22. (DNF) 22B-Brandon Berth [12]

B Main (15 Laps): 1. 3-Justin Erickson [1]; 2. 44-Hayden Johnson [5]; 3. 12P-JJ Pagel [2]; 4. 51-Chris Larson [4]; 5. 66-Nick Daywalt [3]; 6. 30-Doug Wondra [6]; 7. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [9]; 8. 66T-Tristan Koenings [10]; 9. 53A-Spyder Akright [14]; 10. 54-Randy Post [8]; 11. 22-Greg Alt [7]; 12. 38-Ben Doak [11]; 13. (DNF) 7-Kristian Wagner [13]; 14. (DNF) 25-Kasey Schlafer [12]; 15. (DNS) 29J-Ralph Johnson; 16. (DNS) 26-Al Schlafer; 17. (DNS) 55S-Ryan Sawusch

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 16-Anthony Knierim [1]; 2. 6K-Kurt Davis [2]; 3. 4-Alex Pokorski [4]; 4. 21H-TJ Haddy [3]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson [5]; 6. 30-Doug Wondra [6]; 7. 54-Randy Post [8]; 8. 7-Kristian Wagner [7]; 9. (DNS) 26-Al Schlafer

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 69S-TJ Smith [2]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [3]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt [6]; 4. 44-Hayden Johnson [1]; 5. 66-Nick Daywalt [5]; 6. 52-Cody Schlafer [8]; 7. (DNF) 66T-Tristan Koenings [4]; 8. (DNF) 55S-Ryan Sawusch [7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 39S-Scotty Thiel [4]; 2. 53A-Paul Pokorski [1]; 3. 11-Tony Wondra [2]; 4. 85J-Logan Julien [3]; 5. 2-Chris Clayton [5]; 6. 22B-Brandon Berth [8]; 7. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [6]; 8. 38-Ben Doak [7]

Heat 4 (8 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [4]; 2. 69-Bill Taylor [1]; 3. 10V-Matt VanderVere [3]; 4. 51-Chris Larson [2]; 5. 12P-JJ Pagel [5]; 6. 22-Greg Alt [6]; 7. 25-Kasey Schlafer [8]; 8. (DNS) 29J-Ralph Johnson

Qualifying 1: 1. 4-Alex Pokorski, 12.238 [1]; 2. 21H-TJ Haddy, 12.249 [8]; 3. 6K-Kurt Davis, 12.269 [7]; 4. 16-Anthony Knierim, 12.326 [3]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson, 12.557 [5]; 6. 30-Doug Wondra, 12.740 [4]; 7. 7-Kristian Wagner, 13.203 [9]; 8. 54-Randy Post, 13.511 [2]; 9. 26-Al Schlafer, 14.590 [6]

Qualifying 2: 1. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 12.296 [1]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen, 12.334 [3]; 3. 69S-TJ Smith, 12.376 [7]; 4. 44-Hayden Johnson, 12.506 [2]; 5. 66-Nick Daywalt, 12.602 [6]; 6. 35-Ben Schmidt, 12.704 [4]; 7. 52-Cody Schlafer, 15.020 [8]; 8. 55S-Ryan Sawusch, 15.043 [5]

Qualifying 3: 1. 39S-Scotty Thiel, 12.218 [3]; 2. 85J-Logan Julien, 12.275 [7]; 3. 11-Tony Wondra, 12.361 [5]; 4. 53A-Paul Pokorski, 12.484 [6]; 5. 2-Chris Clayton, 12.507 [2]; 6. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 12.560 [4]; 7. 38-Ben Doak, 13.204 [8]; 8. (DNS) 22B-Brandon Berth, 13.204

Qualifying 4: 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 12.194 [3]; 2. 10V-Matt VanderVere, 12.447 [6]; 3. 51-Chris Larson, 12.528 [1]; 4. 69-Bill Taylor, 12.791 [7]; 5. 12P-JJ Pagel, 13.010 [5]; 6. 22-Greg Alt, 13.065 [4]; 7. 29J-Ralph Johnson, 13.386 [2]; 8. 25-Kasey Schlafer, 16.515 [8]

BUMPER TO BUMPER 410 SPRINT CARS

A Main (30 Laps): 1. 17B-Bill Balog [1]; 2. 1-Brenham Crouch [5]; 3. 73-Scotty Thiel [6]; 4. 50-JJ Hickle [3]; 5. 10W-Mike Reinke [4]; 6. 25-Danny Schlafer [14]; 7. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [7]; 8. 2W-Scott Neitzel [8]; 9. 16C-Tylar Rankin [13]; 10. U2-Jack Vanderboom [15]; 11. 49-Josh Schneiderman [12]; 12. 21-Will Gerrits [16]; 13. 5J-Jeremy Schultz [19]; 14. 9K-Kyle Schuett [10]; 15. 23-Russel Borland [18]; 16. 47-Todd King [24]; 17. 3N-Jake Neuman [21]; 18. 13-Van Gurley Jr [23]; 19. 85M-Steve Meyer [22]; 20. 87A-Austin Hartmann [20]; 21. 16-Anthony Knierim [9]; 22. (DNF) 79-Blake Nimee [17]; 23. (DNF) 88M-Austin McCarl [2]; 24. (DNF) 26-Tyler Tischendorf [11]

B Main (10 Laps): 1. 3N-Jake Neuman [4]; 2. 85M-Steve Meyer [1]; 3. 13-Van Gurley Jr [3]; 4. 47-Todd King [5]; 5. 85J-Logan Julien [12]; 6. 4K-Kris Spitz [10]; 7. 25T-Travis Arenz [18]; 8. 99-Tyler Brabant [6]; 9. 14AJ-Ryan Zielski [9]; 10. 43-Jereme Schroeder [14]; 11. 7A-Will Armitage [8]; 12. 24-Scott Conger [16]; 13. 88-Chris Flick [13]; 14. 38-Allen Hafford [11]; 15. 17W-Dylan Winkel [15]; 16. 39V-William Huck [17]; 17. (DNF) 19CW-Ion Stear [7]; 18. (DNF) 68-Dave Uttech [2]

Dash 1 (4 Laps): 1. 17B-Bill Balog [1]; 2. 50-JJ Hickle [2]; 3. 1-Brenham Crouch [3]; 4. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [4]; 5. 16-Anthony Knierim [5]

Dash 2 (4 Laps): 1. 88M-Austin McCarl [2]; 2. 10W-Mike Reinke [1]; 3. 73-Scotty Thiel [4]; 4. 2W-Scott Neitzel [3]; 5. 9K-Kyle Schuett [5]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 1-Brenham Crouch [1]; 2. 26-Tyler Tischendorf [2]; 3. 50-JJ Hickle [4]; 4. 16-Anthony Knierim [3]; 5. 79-Blake Nimee [5]; 6. 13-Van Gurley Jr [7]; 7. 47-Todd King [6]; 8. 14AJ-Ryan Zielski [8]; 9. 88-Chris Flick [9]; 10. 39V-William Huck [10]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [1]; 2. 17B-Bill Balog [4]; 3. 16C-Tylar Rankin [3]; 4. U2-Jack Vanderboom [2]; 5. 5J-Jeremy Schultz [7]; 6. 85M-Steve Meyer [5]; 7. 19CW-Ion Stear [6]; 8. 38-Allen Hafford [8]; 9. 17W-Dylan Winkel [9]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 88M-Austin McCarl [3]; 2. 49-Josh Schneiderman [2]; 3. 21-Will Gerrits [5]; 4. 23-Russel Borland [6]; 5. 10W-Mike Reinke [4]; 6. 3N-Jake Neuman [7]; 7. 4K-Kris Spitz [8]; 8. 43-Jereme Schroeder [9]; 9. 25T-Travis Arenz [10]; 10. (DNS) 68-Dave Uttech

Heat 4 (8 Laps): 1. 73-Scotty Thiel [1]; 2. 25-Danny Schlafer [2]; 3. 2W-Scott Neitzel [4]; 4. 9K-Kyle Schuett [3]; 5. 87A-Austin Hartmann [6]; 6. 99-Tyler Brabant [7]; 7. 7A-Will Armitage [5]; 8. 85J-Logan Julien [8]; 9. 24-Scott Conger [9]

Qualifying A: 1. 50-JJ Hickle, 11.249 [1]; 2. 17B-Bill Balog, 11.261 [4]; 3. 16-Anthony Knierim, 11.364 [10]; 4. 16C-Tylar Rankin, 11.396 [6]; 5. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 11.471 [18]; 6. U2-Jack Vanderboom, 11.474 [13]; 7. 1-Brenham Crouch, 11.475 [5]; 8. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 11.511 [14]; 9. 79-Blake Nimee, 11.513 [16]; 10. 85M-Steve Meyer, 11.553 [8]; 11. 47-Todd King, 11.589 [7]; 12. 19CW-Ion Stear, 11.685 [17]; 13. 13-Van Gurley Jr, 11.690 [15]; 14. 5J-Jeremy Schultz, 12.08 0[9]; 15. 14AJ-Ryan Zielski, 12.106 [11]; 16. 38-Allen Hafford, 12.180 [3]; 17. 88-Chris Flick, 12.369 [19]; 18. 17W-Dylan Winkel, 12.464 [12]; 19. 39V-William Huck, 12.471 [2]

Qualifying B: 1. 10W-Mike Reinke, 11.251 [15]; 2. 2W-Scott Neitzel, 11.286 [19]; 3. 88M-Austin McCarl, 11.351 [18]; 4. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 11.375 [5]; 5. 49-Josh Schneiderman, 11.396 [11]; 6. 25-Danny Schlafer, 11.408 [10]; 7. 68-Dave Uttech, 11.460 [7]; 8. 73-Scotty Thiel, 11.540 [2]; 9. 21-Will Gerrits, 11.616 [17]; 10. 7A-Will Armitage, 11.640 [14]; 11. 23-Russel Borland,  11.648 [12]; 12. 87A-Austin Hartmann, 11.696 [8]; 13. 3N-Jake Neuman, 11.717 [6]; 14. 99-Tyler Brabant, 11.762 [13]; 15. 4K-Kris Spitz, 11.812 [4]; 16. 85J-Logan Julien, 11.823 [9]; 17. 43-Jereme Schroeder, 12.024 [1]; 18. 24-Scott Conger, 12.166 [16]; 19. 25T-Travis Arenz, 12.269 [3]

Hot Laps: 1. 88M-Austin McCarl, 11.596 [37]; 2. 49-Josh Schneiderman, 11.661 [30]; 3. 2W-Scott Neitzel, 11.724 [38]; 4. 10W-Mike Reinke, 11.740 [34]; 5. 23-Russel Borland, 11.744 [31]; 6. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 11.984 [24]; 7. 7A-Will Armitage, 12.010 [33]; 8. 73-Scotty Thiel, 12.061 [21]; 9. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 12.115 [14]; 10. 25-Danny Schlafer, 12.213 [29]; 11. 1-Brenham Crouch, 12.235 [5]; 12. 13-Van Gurley Jr, 12.328 [15]; 13. 43-Jereme Schroeder, 12.400 [20]; 14. 50-JJ Hickle, 12.419 [1]; 15. 19CW-Ion Stear, 12.506 [17]; 16. U2-Jack Vanderboom, 12.517 [13]; 17. 21-Will Gerrits, 12.563 [36]; 18. 24-Scott Conger, 12.656 [35]; 19. 17B-Bill Balog, 12.682 [4]; 20. 68-Dave Uttech, 12.693 [26]; 21. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 12.751 [18]; 22. 87A-Austin Hartmann, 12.773 [27]; 23. 99-Tyler Brabant, 12.775 [32]; 24. 38-Allen Hafford, 12.913 [3]; 25. 16C-Tylar Rankin, 12.935 [6]; 26. 79-Blake Nimee, 12.997 [16]; 27. 85J-Logan Julien, 13.078 [28]; 28. 47-Todd King, 13.118 [7]; 29. 5J-Jeremy Schultz, 13.147 [9]; 30. 16-Anthony Knierim, 13.149 [10]; 31. 3N-Jake Neuman, 13.211 [25]; 32. 25T-Travis Arenz, 13.239 [22]; 33. 88-Chris Flick, 13.302 [19]; 34. 14AJ-Ryan Zielski, 13.323 [11]; 35. 85M-Steve Meyer, 13.368 [8]; 36. 4K-Kris Spitz,  13.426 [23]; 37. 39V-William Huck, 14.171 [2]; 38. 17W-Dylan Winkel, 14.863 [12]

WISCONSIN WINGLESS SPRINT CARS

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 91-Jimmy Sivia [6]; 2. 7X-Ryan Marshall [4]; 3. 70-Chris Klemko [3]; 4. 50-Rusty Egan [1]; 5. 38-Allen Hafford [5]; 6. 24-Eric Wilke [9]; 7. 14Z-Ryan Zielski [7]; 8. 09-Clayton Rossmann [8]; 9. 40-Tim Cox [2]; 10. 0-John Fahl [10]; 11. 11D-Zach Raidart [15]; 12. 14AJ-Derek Crane [18]; 13. 57F-Tristan Furseth [13]; 14. 11-Austin Hansen [16]; 15. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse [14]; 16. 24J-Ralph Johnson [11]; 17. 17-Bryce Andrews [12]; 18. 41-Dennis Spitz [22]; 19. 4-Jordan Paulsen [24]; 20. 12-Shawn Swim [19]; 21. 29OG-Tom Eller [17]; 22. 7D-Josh Davidson [23]; 23. 99J-Seth Johnson [20]; 24. 7-Trinity Uttech [21]

B Main (10 Laps): 1. 7-Trinity Uttech [2]; 2. 41-Dennis Spitz [3]; 3. 7D-Josh Davidson [1]; 4. 4-Jordan Paulsen [8]; 5. 22-Greg Alt [7]; 6. 4G-George Gaertner III [4]; 7. 66-Will Lynn [5]; 8. (DNS) 4L-Lance Thompson

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 24J-Ralph Johnson [2]; 2. 57F-Tristan Furseth [3]; 3. 11D-Zach Raidart [7]; 4. 29OG-Tom Eller [5]; 5. 12-Shawn Swim [8]; 6. 7D-Josh Davidson [4]; 7. 41-Dennis Spitz [6]; 8. 66-Will Lynn [9]; 9. (DNF) 22-Greg Alt [1]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 17-Bryce Andrews [2]; 2. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse [6]; 3. 11-Austin Hansen [4]; 4. 14AJ-Derek Crane [5]; 5. 99J-Seth Johnson [1]; 6. 7-Trinity Uttech [3]; 7. 4G-George Gaertner III [7]; 8. 4L-Lance Thompson [8]; 9. 4-Jordan Paulsen [9]

A-Feature Lock In Hot Laps: 1. 91-Jimmy Sivia, 13.738 [3]; 2. 14Z-Ryan Zielski, 13.796 [2]; 3. 24-Eric Wilke, 13.850 [9]; 4. 70-Chris Klemko, 13.889 [6]; 5. 50-Rusty Egan, 13.889 [8]; 6. 40-Tim Cox, 13.959 [7]; 7. 0-John Fahl, 14.030 [10]; 8. 38-Allen Hafford, 14.698 [4]; 9. (DNS) 09-Clayton Rossmann; 10. (DNS) 7X-Ryan Marshall

All Other Hot Laps: 1. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse, 14.249 [11]; 2. 17-Bryce Andrews, 14.303 [2]; 3. 7-Trinity Uttech, 14.376 [18]; 4. 14AJ-Derek Crane, 14.447 [3]; 5. 4L-Lance Thompson, 14.514 [17]; 6. 99J-Seth Johnson, 14.544 [10]; 7. 11-Austin Hansen, 14.794 [8]; 8. 11D-Zach Raidart, 14.884 [14]; 9. 4G-George Gaertner III, 14.999 [7]; 10. 57F-Tristan Furseth, 15.040 [6]; 11. 4-Jordan Paulsen, 15.393 [13]; 12. 29OG-Tom Eller, 15.789 [5]; 13. 24J-Ralph Johnson, 15.996 [9]; 14. 41-Dennis Spitz, 16.013 [15]; 15. 12-Shawn Swim, 16.278 [16]; 16. 7D-Josh Davidson, 16.334 [4]; 17. 22-Greg Alt, 16.355 [1]; 18. 66-Will Lynn, 16.391 [12]

IRA LIGHTNING SPRINTS

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 55H-Mark Heinert [4]; 2. 16-Mike Neau [1]; 3. 22S-Brian Strane Jr [6]; 4. 18-Nick Petska [3]; 5. 74-Tim Brannam [5]; 6. 74M-Max Brannam [2]; 7. 87R-Josh Rehberg [12]; 8. 9-John Kirk [10]; 9. 63-Jacob Irwin [9]; 10. 17-Jordan Funderburk [16]; 11. 01-Ron Brannam [14]; 12. 0-Grant Harvey [13]; 13. 55X-Xander York [8]; 14. 23-Dominick Swierad [15]; 15. 33-Dakota Duncanson [17]; 16. (DNF) 18Q-Chris Quillman [7]; 17. (DNF) 6-Jeff Schmidt [11]; 18. (DNF) 7-Carl Stur t[18]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 55H-Mark Heinert [4]; 2. 74-Tim Brannam [2]; 3. 74M-Max Brannam [3]; 4. 18Q-Chris Quillman [1]; 5. 63-Jacob Irwin [6]; 6. 0-Grant Harvey [8]; 7. 6-Jeff Schmidt [5]; 8. 23-Dominick Swierad [7]; 9. 33-Dakota Duncanson [9]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 22S-Brian Strane Jr [2]; 2. 18-Nick Petska [4]; 3. 16-Mike Neau [3]; 4. 9-John Kirk [6]; 5. 55X-Xander York [1]; 6. 87R-Josh Rehberg [5]; 7. 01-Ron Brannam [7]; 8. 17-Jordan Funderburk [8]; 9. (DNF) 7-Carl Sturt [9]

Qualifying: 1. 55H-Mark Heinert, 14.517 [18]; 2. 18-Nick Petska, 14.681 [13]; 3. 74M-Max Brannam, 14.903 [5]; 4. 16-Mike Neau, 15.236 [12]; 5. 74-Tim Brannam, 15.383 [7]; 6. 22S-Brian Strane Jr, 15.396 [6]; 7. 18Q-Chris Quillman, 15.438 [10]; 8. 55X-Xander York, 15.636 [17]; 9. 6-Jeff Schmidt, 15.701 [14]; 10. 87R-Josh Rehberg, 15.710 [15]; 11. 63-Jacob Irwin, 15.760 [3]; 12. 9-John Kirk, 15.892 [4]; 13. 23-Dominick Swierad, 16.208 [2]; 14. 01-Ron Brannam, 16.382 [8]; 15. 0-Grant Harvey, 16.547 [9]; 16. 17-Jordan Funderburk, 17.316 [1]; 17. 33-Dakota Duncanson, 24.124 [11]; 18. (DNS) 7-Carl Sturt

October 1, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Anvelink sews up Dirt Kings title with Plymouth Wildman Watson Classic triumph

Zielke, Schmidt, Eisel notch Plymouth A-main victories

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Nick Anvelink of Bonduel secured his second career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model A-main victory, while nailing down his sixth WABAM Dirt Kings Late Model Tour championship, during the sixth annual Jim Wildman Watson Classic at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis on Saturday, Sept. 23. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 23, 2023 – Nick Anvelink of Bonduel outdueled 2014 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model champion Mitch McGrath of Waukesha to collect the 30-lap Jim Wildman Watson Classic Presented by Galloping Ghost Motorsports and Transportation main event victory and wrap up his sixth career WABAM Dirt Kings Late Model Tour championship at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 23.

Ryan Zielski of Oconomowoc turned back a late challenge from Zach Raidart of Gurnee, Ill. to post a victory in the 20-lap Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car A main.

Jayden Schmidt of Seymour rode the high groove to victory lane in the 20-lap A Modified main event and Jason Eisel of Rhinelander was victorious in the 20-lap Street Stock A main.

In the sixth annual Jim Wildman Watson Classic Dirt Kings Late Model Tour A main, outside front row starter Mitch McGrath jumped into the lead in turn two on the opening lap with polesitter Sawyer Specht of Sheboygan Falls settling into second.

The first of six caution flags appeared on lap 3 for debris. When the race resumed, third starter Nick Anvelink worked past Specht to take over second with fourth starter Jordan Yaggy of Rochester, Minn. in tow.

The second caution flag was displayed on lap 4 when Paul Niznik of Medford and five-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model champion Brad Mueller of Random Lake spun in turn two. On the restart, Yaggy slipped past Anvelink to assume the runner-up spot on lap 5 before Anvelink battled back to regain second from Yaggy on lap 7.

A two-car incident involving Niznik and Chris Engels of Green Bay in turn three brought out the third caution flag of the race on lap 8. McGrath bolted away from Anvelink on the ensuing restart as he held his 74M machine tight to the inside lane of the smooth, wide and multi-groove third-mile clay oval racing surface. Meanwhile, sixth starter Kyle Raddant of Shawano used the high groove to power around fifth starter Justin Ritchie of New London into fourth on lap 14.

Three laps later, McGrath caught the rear of the field and began to work his way through lapped traffic as Anvelink cut into the lead gap. On lap 23, Raddant spun along the cushion in turn three to bring out the fourth caution flag.

After choosing to restart the race in the outside lane, Anvelink worked the high and middle grooves to pull off what proved to be the winning move as he charged past McGrath coming to the start-finish line to begin lap 24.

The fifth caution flag was displayed on lap 25 for the slowing car of Joel Bennett Hortonville. McGrath restarted in the outside lane and attempted to use the outside groove to challenge Anvelink for the top spot. However, Anvelink pulled away from McGrath along the inside lane before the sixth and final caution period on lap 26 for an incident involving Justin Ritchie and Jayden Schmidt in turn two.

Anvelink controlled the final restart to pull away from McGrath over the final four laps en route to his second career Late Model A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track, which was worth $2,500.

“I knew it was going to be a tough race with Mitch [McGrath] starting in front of us,” Anvelink said. “Mitch was really good on the bottom in the early part of the race. I had a really good restart after finding something in the middle of the track and everything played to our favor to get the lead.”

McGrath had to settle for second, Yaggy took third, Bill Edler of Howards Grove charged from the 19th starting spot to place fourth and 16th starter Brett Swedberg of Shawano rounded out the top five.

Ryan Zielski of Oconomowoc notched his third career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing A-main victory in the 20-lap Jim Wildman Watson Classic Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 23. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

In the 20-lap Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series A main, Bryce Andrews of Kenosha jumped into the lead from the pole before outside front row starter Ryan Zielski rode the high grove into the lead in turn two on lap 2.

As Zielski bolted out to a commanding lead, eighth starter Zach Raidart worked the high line to move into fourth on lap before pulling off a nifty two-for-one move to sweep past both Andrews and fifth starter Clayton Rossman of Wadsworth, Ill. and take over second in the running order.

On lap 14, Zielski was negotiating his way through dense lapped traffic when the lone caution of race appeared for the stalled car of Greg Alt of Watertown in turn two.

Following the restart, Raidart powered in to challenge Zielski for the top spot along the high groove on lap 15. Two laps later, Raidart pulled even with Zielski exiting turn two before pulling off a slide job entering turn three to take over the lead briefly in turn four.

However, Zielski battled back by turning under Raidart and regained the top spot heading down the front stretch on lap 18. As Zielski again powered away from the rest of the field, seventh starter Ryan Marshall of Kansasville worked his way into third along the high line.

Zielski cruised over the final two circuits to notch his third career Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car main event triumph at The Plymouth Dirt Track and fifth A-main victory of the 2023 Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series campaign, while collecting the $1,200 first-place prize.

Raidart placed second, Marshall finished third, Rossmann wound up fourth and fourth starter Jimmy Sivia of Winthrop Harbor, Ill. placed fifth after starting fourth.

Jayden Schmidt of Seymour notched his first career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing A-main victory in the 20-lap Jim Wildman Watson A Modified main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 23. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Polesitter Joel Seegert of Sheboygan grabbed the lead of the 20-lap A Modified main event before the first of three caution flags appeared before one official lap could be completed when Mike Simons of Genoa City hit the front stretch wall.

Following a complete restart, Seegert again seized the top spot with third starter Jeff Steenbergen of Johnson Creek following in second. On lap 5, the second caution flag of the race was displayed when Steve Mueller of Eagle spun along the backstretch.

When the race resumed, fourth starter Jayden Schmidt used the high groove to move around Steenbergen into second. Two laps later, Schmidt, Steenbergen and Seegert went three wide in turn four with Schmidt emerging on top heading down the front stretch.

After dueling side by side over the next two laps, Steenbergen surged past Seegert into second on lap 10. The third and final caution flag appeared later on lap 10 when Steve Lorier of Sheboygan spun in turn four and Joel Crowbridge of Union Grove stalled in turn two.

Schmidt flexed his muscle following the final restart and pulled away from the field during the second half of the race to pocket $1,100 for his first career A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in the A Modified division.

Steenbergen came home second, Seegert took third, Joe Huenefeld of Freeport, Ill. moved up from the ninth starting spot to place fourth and three-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod champion Tim Warner of Malone rounded out the top five after starting fifth.

Polesitter James Fletcher of Beaver Dam led the opening lap of the 20-lap Street Stock A main before outside front row starter Jason Eisel used the outside line to take over the top spot in turn four on the second circuit.

Jason Eisel of Rhinelander picked up his first career Plymouth Dirt Track Street Stock A-main triumph in the 20-lap Jim Wildman Watson Classic main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 23. – JW’s Car and Raccing photo

With Eisel riding comfortably at the front of the field, sixth starter Jon Schultz of Waunakee moved into third place by passing fourth starter Kelly Brown of Beaver Dam on lap 8.

On lap 17, Eisel found himself negotiating voluminous lapped traffic as Schultz worked his way into second in turn three on lap 18 before Fletcher struck back to regain second in turn four on lap 19.

Eisel went on to pocket $700 for his first career Street Stock A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in the caution-free event.

Fletcher placed second, Schultz placed third, fourth starter Kelly Brown of Beaver Dam wound up fourth and Jesse Krahn of Beaver Dam moved up from the seventh starting spot to complete the top five.

Eric Wilke won the 10-lap Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car B main and Brad McGuire of New Berlin earned the victory in the 10-lap A Modified B main.

Mitch McGrath earned top overall WABAM Dirt Kings Late Model Tour qualifying honors with a fast lap of 14.172 seconds.

Chris Klemko claimed the fast qualifier award in the Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car division with a lap of 14.302 seconds.

Jayden Schmidt was the top qualifier in the A Modified division with a lap of 15.480 seconds.

Kelly Brown earned fast qualifier accolades in the Street Stock division with a time of 16.777 seconds.

The 17th event of the 2023 campaign at The Plymouth Dirt Track drew a total of 110 cars, including 23 Dirt Kings Late Model Tour cars, 28 Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series cars, 36 A Modifieds and 23 Street Stocks.

The 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season will conclude with the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships on Saturday, Sept. 30 featuring the 2023 season finales for the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars, Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprints.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4:30 p.m. and on-track action at 4:45 p.m., followed by hot laps, qualifying and racing.

The 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing awards presentation will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14 at Racers Hall in Plymouth, Wis. starting at 7 p.m. The top three finishers and special award winners in the 360 Sprint Car, Grand National, B Mod and Late Model divisions will be honored during the event.

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.

WABAM DIRT KINGS LATE MODEL TOUR

Galloping Ghost Motorsports Transportation 6th Annual Watson Classic (30 Laps): 1. 15-Nick Anvelink [3]; 2. 74-Mitch McGrath [2]; 3. 77Y-Jordan Yaggy [4]; 4. 77-Bill Edler [19]; 5. 3-Brett Swedberg [16]; 6. 10P-Paul Parker [8]; 7. 66-Ron Berna [9]; 8. 81-Troy Springborn [22]; 9. 22-Charlie Schmidt [7]; 10. 9N-Tom Naeyaert [11]; 11. 99-Sawyer Specht [1]; 12. 55-Joe Bongiorno [13]; 13. 24-Turk Letizia [14]; 14. (DNF) 70-Justin Ritchie [5]; 15. (DNF) 24S-Jayden Schmidt [20]; 16. (DNF) 7-Joel Bennett [10]; 17. (DNF) 03-Kyle Raddant [6]; 18. (DNF) 5-Lukas Postl [15]; 19. (DNF) 14-Travis Jellum [18]; 20. (DNF) 89-Brad Mueller [21]; 21. (DNF) 33E-Chris Engels [12]; 22. (DNF) 42N-Paul Niznik [17]; 23. (DNS) 29-Spencer Diercks

Klink Equipment Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 15-Nick Anvelink [1]; 2. 70-Justin Ritchie [2]; 3. 22-Charlie Schmidt [3]; 4. 66-Ron Berna [5]; 5. 33E-Chris Engels [6]; 6. 5-Lukas Postl [4]; 7. 14-Travis Jellum [7]; 8. (DNS) 89-Brad Mueller

Ken’s Sports Inc. Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 74-Mitch McGrath [1]; 2. 77Y-Jordan Yaggy [2]; 3. 29-Spencer Diercks [3]; 4. 7-Joel Bennett [4]; 5. 55-Joe Bongiorno [5]; 6. 3-Brett Swedberg [6]; 7. 77-Bill Edler [8]; 8. 81-Troy Springborn [7]

Wehrs Machine Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 99-Sawyer Specht [1]; 2. 03-Kyle Raddant [2]; 3. 10P-Paul Parker [3]; 4. 9N-Tom Naeyaert [4]; 5. 24-Turk Letizia [5]; 6. 42N-Paul Niznik [6]; 7. 24S-Jayden Schmidt [7]

Klink Equipment Qualifying 1: 1. 15-Nick Anvelink, 14.205 [8]; 2. 70-Justin Ritchie, 14.692 [6]; 3. 22-Charlie Schmidt, 14.794 [7]; 4. 5-Lukas Postl, 14.822 [2]; 5. 66-Ron Berna, 14.867 [5]; 6. 33E-Chris Engels, 15.159 [4]; 7. 14-Travis Jellum, 15.559 [3]; 8. (DNF) 89-Brad Mueller, 15.559 [1]

Ken’s Sports Inc Qualifying 2: 1. 74-Mitch McGrath, 14.172 [6]; 2. 77Y-Jordan Yaggy, 14.346 [3]; 3. 29-Spencer Diercks, 14.401 [1]; 4. 7-Joel Bennett, 14.510 [7]; 5. 55-Joe Bongiorno, 14.646 [2]; 6. 3-Brett Swedberg, 14.837 [8]; 7. 81-Troy Springborn, 14.857 [4]; 8. 77-Bill Edler, 15.050 [5]

Wehrs Machine Qualifying 3: 1. 99-Sawyer Specht, 14.367 [6]; 2. 03-Kyle Raddant, 14.451 [3]; 3. 10P-Paul Parker, 14.667 [1]; 4. 9N-Tom Naeyaert, 14.689 [5]; 5. 24-Turk Letizia, 14.775 [7]; 6. 42N-Paul Niznik, 14.835 [4]; 7. 24S-Jayden Schmidt, 14.840 [2]

WISCONSIN WINGLESS SPRINT CARS

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 14Z-Ryan Zielski [2]; 2. 11D-Zach Raidart [8]; 3. 7X-Ryan Marshall [7]; 4. 09-Clayton Rossmann [5]; 5. 91-Jimmy Sivia [4]; 6. 14AJ-Derek Crane [10]; 7. 17-Bryce Andrews [1]; 8. 40-Tim Cox [11]; 9. 38-Allen Hafford [3]; 10. 70-Chris Klemko [6]; 11. 11-Austin Hansen [13]; 12. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse [9]; 13. 24-Eric Wilke [19]; 14. 7D-Josh Davidson [15]; 15. 50-Rusty Egan [14]; 16. 66-Nathan Crane [12]; 17. 29OG-Tom Eller [17]; 18. 12-Shawn Swim [20]; 19. 24J-Ralph Johnson [18]; 20. 71-Andy Dei [22]; 21. 57F-Tristan Furseth [23]; 22. 7-Trinity Uttech [21]; 23. 00-Jason Young [24]; 24. (DNF) 22-Greg Alt [16]

B Main (10 Laps): 1. 24-Eric Wilke [3]; 2. 12-Shawn Swim [1]; 3. 7-Trinity Uttech [4]; 4. 71-Andy Dei [7]; 5. 57F-Tristan Furseth [9]; 6. 00-Jason Young [8]; 7. 99J-Seth Johnson [5]; 8. 4L-Lance Thompson [2]; 9. 4G-George Gaertner III [10]; 10. 52-Craig Lager [6]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 11D-Zach Raidart [1]; 2. 7X-Ryan Marshall [2]; 3. 38-Allen Hafford [3]; 4. 70-Chris Klemko [4]; 5. 50-Rusty Egan [5]; 6. 24J-Ralph Johnson [8]; 7. 24-Eric Wilke [7]; 8. 12-Shawn Swim [6]; 9. 57F-Tristan Furseth [10]; 10. 4G-George Gaertner III [9]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse [1]; 2. 09-Clayton Rossmann [4]; 3. 14Z-Ryan Zielski [3]; 4. 40-Tim Cox [2]; 5. 7D-Josh Davidson [5]; 6. 22-Greg Alt [6]; 7. 7-Trinity Uttech [8]; 8. 71-Andy Dei [9]; 9. 00-Jason Young [7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 14AJ-Derek Crane [1]; 2. 91-Jimmy Sivia [4]; 3. 17-Bryce Andrews [3]; 4. 66-Nathan Crane [5]; 5. 11-Austin Hansen [2]; 6. 29OG-Tom Elle r[7]; 7. 99J-Seth Johnson [9]; 8. 52-Craig Lager [8]; 9. 4L-Lance Thompson [6]

Qualifying: 1. 70-Chris Klemko, 14.302 [25]; 2. 09-Clayton Rossmann, 14.375 [24]; 3. 91-Jimmy Sivia, 14.415 [23]; 4. 38-Allen Hafford, 14.439 [21]; 5. 14Z-Ryan Zielski, 14.459 [12]; 6. 17-Bryce Andrews, 14.479 [20]; 7. 7X-Ryan Marshall, 14.593 [19]; 8. 40-Tim Cox, 14.605 [17]; 9. 11-Austin Hansen, 14.691 [7]; 10. 11D-Zach Raidart, 14.695 [26]; 11. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse, 14.705 [9]; 12. 14AJ-Derek Crane, 14.784 [13]; 13. 50-Rusty Egan, 14.943 [1]; 14. 7D-Josh Davidson, 14.956 [4]; 15. 66-Nathan Crane, 14.980 [16]; 16. 12-Shawn Swim, 14.989 [28]; 17. 22-Greg Alt, 15.006 [3]; 18. 4L-Lance Thompson, 15.072 [10]; 19. 24-Eric Wilke, 15.081 [15]; 20. 00-Jason Young, 15.107 [18]; 21. 29OG-Tom Eller, 15.150 [6]; 22. 24J-Ralph Johnson, 15.174 [14]; 23. 7-Trinity Uttech, 15.222 [22]; 24. 52-Craig Lager, 15.230 [8]; 25. 4G-George Gaertner III, 15.649 [5]; 26. 71-Andy Dei, 15.683 [11]; 27. (DNF) 99J-Seth Johnson[2]; 28. (DNS) 57F-Tristan Furseth

A MODIFIEDS

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 24-Jayden Schmidt [4]; 2. 62S-Jeff Steenbergen [3]; 3. 3S-Joel Seegert [1]; 4. 33J-Joe Huenefeld [9]; 5. 03W-Tim Warner [5]; 6. 17-Mike Klenz [6]; 7. 3M-Randy Markwardt Jr. [2]; 8. 18-Matt Klenz [11]; 9. 47G-Ben Godlewski [10]; 10. 15S-Don Scheffler [15]; 11. 11-Bart Sievert [13]; 12. 52M-Brad McGuire [17]; 13. 10G-RJ Gerber [19]; 14. 66-Steve Lorier [16]; 15. 2J-Jason Wirth [14]; 16. 26-David Paskiewicz [20]; 17. (DNF) 28C-Joel Crowbridge [12]; 18. (DNF) 17W-Mitch Webber [7]; 19. (DNF) 2M-Steve Mueller [18]; 20. (DNF) 25-Mike Simons [8]

B Main (10 Laps): 1. 52M-Brad McGuire [1]; 2. 2M-Steve Mueller [3]; 3. 10G-RJ Gerber [5]; 4. 26-David Paskiewicz [7]; 5. 13-Don Paskiewicz [6]; 6. 17B-Scott Barnharst [2]; 7. 68-Tom Neubauer [10]; 8. 19-Gary Glander [4]; 9. 29P-Chris Pigeon [17]; 10. 28-AJ Izzo [15]; 11. 11B-Brad Buchman [16]; 12. 51J-Dustin Jackson [14]; 13. 6W-David Wirth [12]; 14. 21T-Mark Mikos JR [18]; 15. 64-Cory Lightfield [9]; 16. 117-Tom Barnharst [13]; 17. 22M-Barry Maas [8]; 18. A11-Ashley Stevens [11]; 19. (DNS) 88J-Jeremy Johnson; 20. (DNS) 30-John Dost

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 17W-Mitch Webber [1]; 2. 24-Jayden Schmidt [4]; 3. 3S-Joel Seegert [3]; 4. 66-Steve Lorier [6]; 5. 10G-RJ Gerber [9]; 6. 17B-Scott Barnharst [2]; 7. 68-Tom Neubauer [7]; 8. 51J-Dustin Jackson [8]; 9. 29P-Chris Pigeon [5]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 25-Mike Simons [1]; 2. 62S-Jeff Steenbergen [4]; 3. 03W-Tim Warner [3]; 4. 15S-Don Scheffler [5]; 5. 2M-Steve Mueller [2]; 6. 13-Don Paskiewicz [6]; 7. 6W-David Wirth [8]; 8. 117-Tom Barnharst [7]; 9. 88J-Jeremy Johnson [9]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 33J-Joe Huenefeld [1]; 2. 17-Mike Klenz [3]; 3. 3M-Randy Markwardt Jr. [4]; 4. 11-Bart Sievert [2]; 5. 19-Gary Glander [5]; 6. 22M-Barry Maas [7]; 7. 64-Cory Lightfield [6]; 8. 28-AJ Izzo [8]; 9. (DNS) 30-John Dost

Heat 4 (8 Laps): 1. 47G-Ben Godlewski [1]; 2. 18-Matt Klenz [3]; 3. 28C-Joel Crowbridge [5]; 4. 2J-Jason Wirth [2]; 5. 52M-Brad McGuire [4]; 6. 26-David Paskiewicz [6]; 7. A11-Ashley Stevens [7]; 8. 11B-Brad Buchman [9]; 9. 21T-Mark Mikos JR [8]

Qualifying: 1. 24-Jayden Schmidt, 15.480 [2]; 2. 62S-Jeff Steenbergen, 15.720 [34]; 3. 3M-Randy Markwardt Jr, 15.835 [27]; 4. 52M-Brad McGuire, 15.845 [16]; 5. 3S-Joel Seegert, 15.930 [23]; 6. 03W-Tim Warner, 15.949 [29]; 7. 17-Mike Klenz, 15.972 [20]; 8. 18-Matt Klenz, 15.999 [9]; 9. 17B-Scott Barnharst, 16.037 [19]; 10. 2M-Steve Mueller, 16.061 [18]; 11. 11-Bart Sievert, 16.094 [4]; 12. 2J-Jason Wirth, 16.097 [14]; 13. 17W-Mitch Webber, 16.134 [32]; 14. 25-Mike Simons, 16.152 [7]; 15. 33J-Joe Huenefeld, 16.214 [8]; 16. 47G-Ben Godlewski, 16.281 [33]; 17. 29P-Chris Pigeon, 16.366 [3]; 18. 15S-Don Scheffler, 16.383 [15]; 19. 19-Gary Glander, 16.576 [17]; 20. 28C-Joel Crowbridge, 16.619 [30]; 21. 66-Steve Lorier, 16.717 [25]; 22. 13-Don Paskiewicz, 16.762 [1]; 23. 64-Cory Lightfield, 16.861 [22]; 24. 26-David Paskiewicz, 16.874 [13]; 25. 68-Tom Neubauer, 16.884 [5]; 26. 117-Tom Barnharst, 16.889 [6]; 27. 22M-Barry Maas, 16.982 [36]; 28. A11-Ashley Stevens, 16.994 [10]; 29. 51J-Dustin Jackson, 17.056 [26]; 30. 6W-David Wirth, 17.090 [28]; 31. 28-AJ Izzo, 17.149 [11]; 32. 11B-Brad Buchman, 17.553 [35]; 33. 21T-Mark Mikos JR, 18.330 [12]; 34. 10G-RJ Gerber, 39.377 [24]; 35. (DNF) 88J-Jeremy Johnson, 39.377 [31]; 36. (DNS) 30-John Dost, 39.377

STREET STOCKS 

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 838-Jason Eisel [2]; 2. 75-James Fletcher [1]; 3. 11X-Jon Schultz [6]; 4. 44B-Kelly Brown [4]; 5. 55K-Jesse Krahn [7]; 6. 71-Edward Anschutz [5]; 7. 24S-Austin Steinke [3]; 8. 8M-Mike Meier [9]; 9. 95-Robby Olson [10]; 10. 99-Rob Maule [8]; 11. 1X-Nate Gross [14]; 12. 64Z-Mike Zitzer [11]; 13. 87-Parker Derks [17]; 14. 5-Todd Berzowski [13]; 15. 21S-John Sidesky [19]; 16. 65-Mark Baker [16]; 17. 55-Keith Stich [21]; 18. 28-Chuck Gilbertson Jr. [20]; 19. 52-Ernie Herlt [15]; 20. 14-Benjamin Mccoy [18]; 21. (DNF) 46A-Courtney Atkinson [22]; 22. (DNF) 83-Roman Blank [12]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 11X-Jon Schultz [2]; 2. 99-Rob Maule [1]; 3. 838-Jason Eisel [3]; 4. 44B-Kelly Brown [4]; 5. 5-Todd Berzowsk i[5]; 6. 87-Parker Derks [7]; 7. 21S-John Sidesky [6]; 8. 55-Keith Stich [8]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 55K-Jesse Krahn [2]; 2. 8M-Mike Meier [1]; 3. 75-James Fletcher [3]; 4. 83-Roman Blank [5]; 5. 52-Ernie Herlt [7]; 6. 14-Benjamin Mccoy [8]; 7. (DNF) 46A-Courtney Atkinson [4]; 8. (DNF) 52W-Jack Wiroll [6]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 71-Edward Anschutz [3]; 2. 64Z-Mike Zitzer [6]; 3. 24S-Austin Steinke [4]; 4. 95-Robby Olson [1]; 5. 1X-Nate Gross [5]; 6. 65-Mark Baker [2]; 7. 28-Chuck Gilbertson Jr [7]

Qualifying: 1. 44B-Kelly Brown, 16.777 [13]; 2. 46A-Courtney Atkinson, 16.812 [20]; 3. 24S-Austin Steinke, 16.815 [23]; 4. 838-Jason Eisel, 16.895 [4]; 5. 75-James Fletcher, 16.912 [9]; 6. 71-Edward Anschutz, 17.080 [8]; 7. 11X-Jon Schultz, 17.091 [1]; 8. 55K-Jesse Krahn, 17.124 [11]; 9. 65-Mark Baker, 17.156 [7]; 10. 99-Rob Maule, 17.190 [10]; 11. 8M-Mike Meier, 17.380 [3]; 12. 95-Robby Olson, 17.398 [12]; 13. 5-Todd Berzowski, 17.399 [19]; 14. 83-Roman Blank, 17.440 [14]; 15. 1X-Nate Gross, 17.524 [18]; 16. 21S-John Sidesky, 17.589 [6]; 17. 52W-Jack Wiroll, 17.617 [5]; 18. 64Z-Mike Zitzer, 17.628 [22]; 19. 87-Parker Derks, 17.644 [2]; 20. 52-Ernie Herlt, 17.651 [21]; 21. 28-Chuck Gilbertson Jr, 17.654 [15]; 22. 55-Keith Stich, 17.776 [17]; 23. 14-Benjamin Mccoy, 18.402 [16]

September 24, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann closes book on final doubleheader road trip of 2023 IRA season with two top-15s

Austin Hartmann turned in two 15th place finishes in Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A mains at Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 8 and Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 9. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 13, 2023 – Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing made the long trek to Northern and Western Wisconsin to wrap up their final doubleheader weekend of the 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season with a pair of 15th place A-main showings at the Northern Nationals at Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 8 and the 23rd annual Jerry Richert Memorial at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 9.

In his first appearance at the four-tenths mile high-banked Gondik Law Speedway clay oval, the Plymouth, Wis. driver turned in the 16th fastest qualifying lap in the 23-car field with a time of 16.687 seconds.

After lining up sixth in the first eight-lap IRA heat race, Hartmann was involved in an incident on lap 2, which resulted in his 87A car spinning to a stop in turn two. Following the restart, Hartmann was running seventh when the second yellow flag of the race was displayed on lap 6 after Dave Uttech spun in turn two.

The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner then came home sixth in the race.

Hartmann then started 17th in the 25-lap Northern Nationals A main and endured a pair of caution periods to improve two spots on the way to a 15th place showing in a race, which was won by Bill Balog.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, the 87A Hartmann racing team headed to Cedar Lake Speedway for the Jerry Richert Memorial, which is one of the most prestigious annual events on the IRA schedule.

With 27 cars signed for the event, a pair of rain delays pushed the starting time back significantly and forced IRA officials to make the decision to forgo qualifying. As a result, heat race starting positions were set via draw and a passing points system was utilized in heat races to set the A main lineup at the three-eighths mile high-banked clay oval facility.

After drawing the fifth starting spot in the second eight-lap IRA heat race, Hartmann placed sixth to secure the 17th starting position in the 30-lap main event. The fourth year Winged Sprint Car competitor drove a smooth and consistent race on a fast and tacky track surface to move up two spots to end up with his second 15th place A-main showing of the weekend in a race won by Scotty Thiel.

The two 15th place results pushed Hartmann to a total of 12 top-15 A-main finishes for the 2023 season.

Hartmann presently sits ninth in the Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprint Car Series point standings, 16 points behind eighth place Bill Balog and one point ahead of 10th place Jack Vanderboom, with two events remaining on the 2023 IRA schedule.

On Saturday, Sept. 16, Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team will return to 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis.

Along with the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Cars, the racing program will also feature Street Stocks, Wisconsin Legends Racing Dirt Series and IRA Lightning Sprints.

Pit and spectator gates open at 3 p.m. with racing set to get under way at 7 p.m.

After a weekend off, the 87A Hartmann Racing team will cap the 2023 IRA campaign with the sixth annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

The special event will feature the final points races of the 2023 season for the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars, Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprints.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4:30 p.m. and packing/hot laps on tap at 4:45 p.m.

All IRA events during the 2023 season are streamed live on FloRacing.

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Steinpreis Trucking

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

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

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

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

 

Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Remaining IRA Schedule

Saturday, Sept. 16 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 30 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 32
IRA Events – 26
World of Outlaws Events – 3
All Star Events – 4
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 6
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 12
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 22
Heat Race Victories – 2
Dash Appearances – 6
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

September 13, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Following strong start, IRA weekend ends in disappointment, uncertainty for Arenz

Travis Arenz recorded a fourth place finish in the 25-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A main in his debut appearance at Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 8. – Shawn Mueller Photography

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 13, 2023 – After turning in an impressive top five A-main showing in his debut appearance at Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 8, a promising weekend of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car competition ended in heartbreak for Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports team as a terminal engine issue relegated their 25T car to the sidelines for the 23rd annual Jerry Richert Memorial at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 9 and left the team’s status for the final two races of the 2023 IRA campaign in doubt.

With 23 cars on hand, Arenz opened the Northern Nationals at the four-tenths mile high-banked Gondik Law Speedway clay oval by registering the fourth fastest qualifying lap in 15.714 seconds.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion started third and endured two caution periods and a spirited duel with Danny Schlafer to place fourth in the first eight-lap IRA heat race.

After starting fifth in the 25-lap IRA main event, the Sheboygan Falls, Wis. competitor was running fifth when the second caution flag of the race flew on lap 14 for a spin involving Preston Ruh.

When the race resumed Arenz maneuvered his way past Scotty Thiel to take over fourth on lap 15. Arenz held on over the final 10 laps to secure a fourth place A-main showing and his 12th top-five and 15th top-10 A-main showing of the 2023 season in a race won by Bill Balog.

“I enjoyed Gondik Law Speedway,” Arenz said. “It definitely was technical at the beginning with how dry the track was, so going out early in qualifying was a huge plus to get the night going in the right direction. We continued to get faster throughout the night. We got some set-up advice for the feature that ended up being a huge help.”

On Saturday, Sept. 9, Arenz was set to make his Cedar Lake Speedway debut for the IRA’s annual Jerry Richert Memorial. However, a serious engine issue was discovered prior to the start of the racing program, which prevented Arenz from competing in the event and put the team’s participation in the final two races of the 2023 IRA season in jeopardy.

“During maintenance on Saturday, I found the piston ring on top of the cylinder 2 piston, which ended our weekend,” Arenz said. “We were already at the very end of our engine’s life for the year. As of now, I don’t have another motor to put in.”

The team is currently seeking a motor to rent for the final two events of the 2023 Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series season at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 16 and The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Arenz is currently third in the Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprint Car Series point standings, 110 points behind second place Jordan Goldesberry and 82 points ahead of fourth place Russel Borland, with two events remaining on the 2023 IRA schedule.

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, Carbliss Hand Crafted Cocktails, Amy Bruechert Reality, Cornwell Tools-Paul Epping, Advanced Engine Concepts, Inc., Duehring’s Tax Service, Everhope Show Cattle, HRP Wings and Behling Racing Equipment.

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Carbliss Hand Crafted Premium Cocktails

Travis Arenz Motorsports is pleased to welcome Carbliss Hand Crafted Premium Cocktails as a sponsorship partner for the team’s rookie season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in 2023.

Carbliss Hand-Crafted Premium Cocktails, featuring a mix of vodka, sparkling water and natural flavor extracts, is the creation of Adam and Amanda Kroener. Each Carbliss hand-crafted cocktail comes with no carbohydrates, no sugars and only 100 calories with a wide range of flavors available.

To view a list of retailers carrying Carbliss Hand-Crafted Premium Cocktails, visit https://drinkcarbliss.com/find-your-bliss/.

For more information on Carbliss, email marketing@drinkcarbliss.com or visit www.drinkcarbliss.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
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 27
IRA Events – 26
All Star Events – 3
A Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 12
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 15
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 20
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 21
Heat Race Victories – 3
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 7
Dash Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

September 13, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz puts home track knowledge on display in top-five Plymouth IRA run

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz turned in his 11th top-five finish of the 2023 season with a fourth place showing in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event held during the Sheboygan County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 2 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 6, 2023 – As the 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series turns down the home stretch, Travis Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports team continue to string together impressive performances in their first full season of 410 Sprint Car competition.

After battling through an engine hiccup during the sixth annual Harry Neitzel Tribute race at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 1, Arenz bounced back with a strong fourth-place A-main showing at the team’s home track – The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. during the annual 2023 Sheboygan County Fair Night event on Saturday, Sept. 2.

The Labor Day weekend of IRA doubleheader action kicked off on Friday, Sept. 1 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway “horsepower half mile” facility. With 23 IRA 410 Sprint cars on hand, Arenz qualified ninth with a lap of 17.002 seconds.

After starting on the outside of the front row in the third eight-lap IRA heat race, Arenz pulled into the infield on lap 3 with an ailing motor and was scored seventh in the race.

The engine issue prompted the team to turn to its back-up car for the 20-lap Harry Neitzel Tribute A main. After rolling off 22nd, Arenz worked his way up to place 15th in the race, which was won by Scotty Thiel.

“We definitely struggled at Dodge a little,” Arenz said. “In the heat race, the motor got warm and I lost power. We found water coming out of the head studs and we ended up losing a head gasket. My crew and I decided the best option was to get the back-up car down. We had to start in the back for the feature, but we were able to pass seven cars. Finishing in one piece was the goal, after the rough start.”

The following night, the team returned to the familiar confines of The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. for the annual Sheboygan County Fair Night IRA Sprint Car event and the fifth 2023 IRA appearance at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds third-mile clay oval track.

With 30 cars on hand, Arenz turned in a fast lap of 11.973 seconds to qualify third overall. The 16th year driver then started and finished fourth in the third eight-lap IRA heat race.

The 2021 and 2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champion lined up on the pole of the first four-lap IRA dash and led throughout to notch his second IRA dash victory of the 2023 season and nail down the pole for the 30-lap main event.

Arenz rode the low groove to lead the first four laps of the 30-lap headliner from the pole. On lap five, outside front row starter Jake Neuman swept past the Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver into the lead along the cushion.

Following a caution on lap 8, Bill Balog relegated Arenz to third. After two more caution periods, Joel Myers Jr. slipped past Arenz in the closing laps to take over third. Arenz went on to secure a fourth place showing for his 11th top-five and 14th top-10 A-main finishes during the 2023 season in a race won by Jake Neuman.

“Plymouth was definitely one of our better nights,” Arenz said. “We qualified third quick, made the dash, won the dash and started on the pole of the feature. I made a few mistakes driving and didn’t always hit my marks in the A main, but had to try something on a few laps to try to make clean passes. I finished fourth, but, overall, I can’t complain.”

The Plymouth event also marked the conclusion of the 2023 Hopf Farms Bullring Showdown with Arenz earning a third place finish in the five-race series behind runner-up Jordan Goldesberry and champion Brenham Crouch.

Arenz and 25T Travis Arenz Motorsports team will travel to the Northern and Western portions of the state of Wisconsin for the first time this weekend, starting Friday, Sept. 8 at Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wis. for the Northern Nationals.

The WISSOTA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Midwest Mods will also be on the card. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with racing at 6:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, the Travis Arenz Motorsports team is scheduled to make its debut at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. for the prestigious 23rd annual Jerry Richert Memorial.

The all-Sprint Car program will also feature the Midwest Power Series 360 Sprint Cars and Traditional Sprint Cars.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 5 p.m., hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

“I’m excited to go to Superior and Cedar Lake this upcoming weekend, as they are two tracks I have never raced at before,” Arenz said.

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Humphrey’s Turner Hall Bar & Grill

Travis Arenz Motorsports is pleased to have Humphrey’s Turner Hall Bar & Grill on board as a sponsorship partner for the team’s rookie season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in 2023.

Located at 202 East Elizabeth St. in Plymouth, Wis., Humphrey’s Turner Hall Bar & Grill is a cozy, friendly, small town corner bar serving cold drinks, hot pizza and fun in an atmosphere where everyone is welcome.

Contact Humphrey’s Turner Hall Bar & Grill by phone at 920-400-1015 or email inthebagsheboygan@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.

 

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Remaining 2023 IRA Schedule

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 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 25
IRA Events – 24
All Star Events – 3
A Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 11
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 14
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 19
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 20
Heat Race Victories – 3
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 6
Dash Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

September 6, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann takes aim at final four races of 2023 IRA campaign

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann currently stands ninth in the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series point standings with four races remaining in the 2023 season. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 6, 2023 – With the end of the 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season clearly in sight, Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing team are looking to close out the campaign on a strong note starting with this weekend’s trip to Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wis. for the Northern Nationals on Friday, Sept. 8 and the 23rd annual Jerry Richert Memorial at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 9.

Hartmann competed in a pair of IRA events over the Labor Day weekend, which included the Harry Neitzel Tribute race at The Dodge County Fairgrounds on Friday, Sept. 1 and the annual Sheboygan County Fair Night racing program at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 2.

With a field of 23 IRA 410 Sprint Cars signed in for the Harry Neitzel Tribute at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Hartmann qualified 14th overall with a lap of 17.088 seconds on the cavernous track commonly known as the “horsepower half mile.”

The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner started and finished fifth in the second eight-lap IRA heat race.

After starting 14th in the 20-lap Harry Neitzel Tribute A main, Hartmann came home with a 19th place showing.

The Plymouth, Wis.-based team returned to its home track on Saturday, Sept. 2 for the annual Sheboygan County Fair Night racing program at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

Hartmann qualified 14th in the 30-car field with a time of 12.262 around the familiar confines of the historic third-mile clay oval.

Austin Hartmann (87A) battles with Russel Borland (23) during a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 2. – RC Custom Design photo

The fourth-year Sprint Car competitor started and finished fifth in the second eight-lap IRA heat race to earn a transfer spot to the main event. Hartmann rolled off 14th and endured three caution flags to register a 19th place finish in the 30-lap IRA headliner.

The 19th place showing marked Hartmann’s 20th top-20 A-main showing in 30 events during the 2023 campaign.

Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team are set to embark on a big weekend in the Northern and Western portions of the state of Wisconsin, starting Friday, Sept. 8 at Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wis. for the Northern Nationals.

The WISSOTA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Midwest Mods will also be on the card.

Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. with racing at 6:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 9, the 87A Hartmann Racing team will travel to Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. for the prestigious 23rd annual Jerry Richert Memorial.

The all-Sprint Car program will also feature the Midwest Power Series 360 Sprint Cars and Traditional Sprint Cars.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 5 p.m., hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

All IRA events during the 2023 season are streamed live on FloRacing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Remaining IRA Schedule

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 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 30
IRA Events – 24
World of Outlaws Events – 3
All Star Events – 4
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 6
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 10
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 20
Heat Race Victories – 2
Dash Appearances – 6
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

September 6, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Alex Pokorski records two top-five showings, leads laps heading into PDTR, MSA 360 Sprint Car finale

y Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski (4), who is pictured dueling with T.J. Smith, (69S) turned in a second place showing in the 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main, during the Sheboygan County Fair Night racing program at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 2.  – JW’s Car and Raccing photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 5, 2023 – With the end of the 2023 season in sight, Alex Pokorski and the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing team deposited two more top-five showings, including a runner-up showing, while leading a total of 15 laps in the final Midwest Sprint Car Association-Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car doubleheader weekend of the season Friday, Sept. 1 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. and Saturday, Sept. 2 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

In addition, Paul Pokorski competed in both MSA events in Spyder Akright’s 53A car, highlighted by a strong top-10 showing at Dodge County.

Alex opened the sixth annual Harry Neitzel Tribute MSA event at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway on Sept. 1 by qualifying third overall in the 19-car field with a time of 19.406 seconds on the sprawling “horsepower half mile.”

After starting third in the second eight-lap MSA heat, Alex finished fourth before rolling off second in the 20-lap main event.

The fourth year competitor outpowered polesitter Brandon Berth to lead the first six laps before Kurt Davis got past on lap 7. After a pair of back-to-back caution flags on lap 12, Brandon Berth and Brandon McMullen worked their way past Pokorski.

Following two more caution flags in the closing three laps, Pokorski battled through the loss of brakes to post a fourth place finish behind third place finisher Scotty Neitzel in Lance Fassbender’s car, McMullen in second and race winner Brandon Berth.

“Our night at Dodge County went very well until I got to lap traffic and found out I had no brakes,” Alex said. “It made it difficult to run the bottom and navigate traffic. Luckily, we got a restart, which helped space things out, and we were able to finish fourth. I think we could’ve had a chance to win if I had brakes.”

One night later during the Sheboygan County Fair, Alex qualified fourth in the 27-car field with a time of 12.963 seconds before starting and finishing third in the third 10-lap PDTR-MSA heat race to earn a spot in the A main.

After the passing points formula calculation and inversion draw, Alex started on the pole and led the first nine laps before Brandon McMullen used a low move to assume the top spot. Alex held on the rest of the way to earn his sixth podium, 12th top-five and 21st top-10 showing of the 2023 MSA-PDTR season.

“Plymouth was a fun night,” Alex said. “We got to lead some laps in the feature again and ended up second. Brandon [McMullen] was just really good. If I had moved to the bottom a little sooner, I may have led some more laps, but the 98 car was still going to be tough to beat.”

Paul qualified 14th in the Harry Neitzel Tribute race at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway on Friday, Sept. 1 in his first start at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in nearly three years with a lap of 19.779 on the half mile.

Paul Pokorski (53A) competed in his 10th Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car event of the 2023 racing season behind the wheel of Spyder Akright’s 53A car at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., during the Sheboygan County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 2. – RC Custom Design photo

After starting and finishing seventh in the second eight-lap MSA heat race, Paul started the 20-lap Harry Neitzel Tribute race from the 15th position. The 31-year veteran drove a smooth and consistent race, while enduring four caution periods to advance eight spots to rack up a strong seventh place showing in a race won by Brandon Berth.

“It’s been a while since I did a doubleheader,” Paul said. “Friday night went surprisingly well at Dodge County, after having not been there in a while. We made some changes each time we hit the track and it got better as the night went on. I felt pretty comfortable and had a good time in the feature.”

On Saturday, Sept. 2, the 2014 MSA Masters Series champion qualified 16th among the 27 cars on hand with a time of 13.211 seconds before starting and finishing sixth in the third 10-lap PDTR-MSA heat race, to move on to the B main.

After starting on the pole, Paul led all 12 laps to record his first race victory of the 2023 season in the PDTR-MSA B main. The three-time Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified champion then placed 21st in the 25-lap PDTR-MSA A main, after starting 17th.

“Saturday night was a little bit more of a bumpy road at Plymouth,” Paul said. “We had a really fast group of cars in our qualifying session, so we ended up about where I expected. It was the same for the heat race. The car felt pretty good in the B, so I was optimistic about the feature. I was disappointed with our lack of performance in the feature. We’re still trying to figure out what we missed with regard to set up. It’s hard to believe another year is almost done!”

After three weekends off, Alex Pokorski and the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team will be in action for the 2023 PDTR-MSA season finale as part of the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

The Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprints will also be on the card for their 2023 season finales.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4:30 p.m. and on-track action slated to begin at 5 p.m.

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

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

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Novak’s 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 51st year in business in 2023.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Remaining Schedule

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

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

Total Events – 23
A Main Victories – 1
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 12
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 21
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 23
Heat Race Victories – 4
Fast Qualifier Awards – 2

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

September 5, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

McMullen extends points lead with fourth straight PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main win

Neuman fends off Balog to secure second IRA 410 Sprint Car victory

Two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh claimed his division-leading 33rd career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in a Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main during the 2023 Sheboygan County Fair at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 2.   – JW’s Car and Raccing photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 2, 2023 – Two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh took a giant step toward securing another title by claiming his fourth straight 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory, during the annual Sheboygan County Fair Night all-Sprint Car racing program at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 2.

In the 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car A main, Jake Neuman of New Berlin, Ill. racked up his second career IRA A-main triumph by turning back a late charge from 10-time IRA champion Bill Balog of Hartland.

Alex Pokorski of West Bend grabbed the lead on the opening lap of the 25-lap PDTR-MSA A main from the pole position as 360 Sprint Car rookie T.J. Smith of Greenville worked the high groove to settle into second, while third starter Matt Vandervere of Zion, Ill. took over the third spot.

On lap 4, Smith rode the extreme high groove, just off the outside retaining wall, to pressure the low riding Pokorski for the top spot on lap 4. Two laps later, Pokorski transitioned from the low groove to the high line, which trimmed back Smith’s momentum.

One lap later Smith slowed along the outside line in turn four to bring out the lone caution flag of the race. On the restart, Brandon McMullen, who started eighth, maneuvered underneath Vandervere to take over second in turn two on lap 8.

On the following circuit, McMullen worked the low line to challenge the high-riding Pokorski for the top spot. Pokorski attempted to move down the low groove on lap 10. However, McMullen was able to slip underneath to seize the lead in turn two.

Two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen celebrates his sixth PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2023 season with team members, during the 2023 Sheboygan County Fair racing program at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 2. – MSA Sprints photo

From there, the four-time MSA 360 Sprint Car champion quickly pulled away from Pokorski to build up a full straightaway lead on lap 15. McMullen caught up to the rear of the field on lap 16, while 14-year-old rookie Logan Julien of Oconomowoc, who started fourth, took third from Vandevere along the outside groove.

McMullen cruised the rest of the way en route to his division-leading 33rd career PDTR and 45th career MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main win, as well as his fourth straight and sixth overall PDTR and seventh MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main win of the 2023 season.

“I could really go anywhere on the track tonight and my car was fast,” McMullen said. “I knew the bottom was really tacky and that’s where I ran for the majority of the race. Hats off to my team for giving me a great car again tonight.”

Pokorski placed second, Julien wound up third, Vandervere placed fourth and sixth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend rounded out the top five.

McMullen will look to seal the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car titles in the 2023 season finale as part of the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Jake Neuman of New Berlin, Ill. notched his second career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car A-main victory during the 2023 Sheboygan County Fair at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 2.  – JW’s Car and Raccing photos

Two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls jumped into the lead on the drop of the green flag in the 30-lap Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprints 410 Sprint Car A main with second starter Jake Neuman following in second.

On lap 5, Neuman worked the high groove in the shadows of The Plymouth Dirt Track wall to sweep into the lead in turn three on lap 5. Two laps later, the leaders encountered lapped traffic before the first of three caution flags appeared on lap 8 when Tyler Brabant of Waupun got out of shape in turn three.

When the race resumed, third starter Bill Balog moved past Arenz to assume second in the running order before the second caution flag appeared on lap 12 when Russel Borland of Kewaskum spun exiting turn four. Two laps later, the third and final caution flag appeared when Dave Uttech of Kenosha spun in turn four.

Following the restart, Balog continued to pound the high cushion in an attempt to track down Neuman. On lap 28, Balog pulled off a slide jump in turn four to lead the lap. However, Neuman battled back to return the favor and regain the top spot from Balog in turn one on lap 29.

Jake Neuman poses in victory with members of his team after winning the 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car A-main during the 2023 Sheboygan County Fair at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday ,Sept. 2.  – JW’s Car and Raccing photos

Meanwhile, fourth starter Joel Myers Jr. of Santa Rosa, Calif. slipped past Arenz to gain third place on lap 29 as Neuman went on to notch his second career IRA A-main victory, as well as his second career IRA A main triumph at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

“Bill [Balog] stole one from me last year in the last few laps, so I knew what I needed to do and we got it done tonight,” Neuman said.

Balog had to settle for second, Myers Jr. placed third, Arenz was fourth and fifth starter Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan rounded out the top five.

Paul Pokorski of West Bend won the 12-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car B main.

Kris Spitz of Salem captured the 12-lap IRA 410 Sprint Car B main.

Anthony Knierim of Franksville collected the Akright Auto PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car division fast qualifier award with a lap of 12.723 seconds.

Mike Reinke of Howards Grove earned the fast qualifier award in the IRA 410 Sprint Car division with a lap of 11.539 seconds.

The 16th event of the 2023 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by Jensen’s Sales & Service, drew a total of 57 Sprint Cars, including 30 Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Cars and 27 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars.

The Plymouth Dirt Track will host the Wildman Watson Classic 2023 Dirt Kings Late Model Tour season finale on Saturday, Sept. 23.

The event will also include Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars, A Modifieds and Street Stocks.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4 p.m., hot laps at 5 p.m. and racing at 5:45 p.m.

The 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season will conclude with the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships on Saturday, Sept. 30 featuring the season finales for the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars, Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprints.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4:30 p.m. and on-track action at 5 p.m., followed by hot laps, qualifying and racing.

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

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 98-Brandon McMullen [8]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski [1]; 3. 85J-Logan Julien [4]; 4. 10V-Matt Vandervere [3]; 5. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [6]; 6. 6K-Kurt Davis [9]; 7. 3-Justin Erickson [13]; 8. 51-Chris Larson [7]; 9. 68T-Josh Bilicki [11]; 10. 69-Bill Taylor [10]; 11. 2-Chris Clayton [21]; 12. 30-Doug Wondra [18]; 13. 69S-TJ Smith [2]; 14. 22B-Brandon Berth [20]; 15. 16-Anthony Knierim [12]; 16. 66-Nick Daywalt [15]; 17. 21H-Tim Haddy [19]; 18. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [14]; 19. 12P-JJ Pagel [22]; 20. 11-Tony Wondra [16]; 21. 53A-Paul Pokorski [17]; 22. (DNF) 44-Hayden Johnson [5]

B Main (12 Laps): 1. 53A-Paul Pokorski [1]; 2. 30-Doug Wondra [3]; 3. 21H-Tim Haddy [7]; 4. 22B-Brandon Berth [2]; 5. 2-Chris Clayton [5]; 6. 12P-JJ Pagel [4]; 7. 35-Ben Schmidt [9]; 8. 54-Randy Post [8]; 9. 7- Kristian Wagner [11]; 10. (DNF) 52-Cody Schlafer [10]; 11. (DNF) 42X-Brett Peterson [6]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 51-Chris Larson [1]; 2. 85J-Logan Julien [3]; 3. 68T-Josh Bilicki [2]; 4. 3-Justin Erickson [4]; 5. 66-Nick Daywalt [5]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra [7]; 7. 2-Chris Clayton [6]; 8. 42X-Brett Peterson [8]; 9. 7- Kristian Wagner [9]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 44-Hayden Johnson [1]; 2. 10V-Matt Vandervere [2]; 3. 6K-Kurt Davis [3]; 4. 16-Anthony Knierim [4]; 5. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [6]; 6. 22B-Brandon Berth [5]; 7. 30-Doug Wondra [7]; 8. 21H-Tim Haddy [8]; 9. 52-Cody Schlafer [9]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [1]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [4]; 3. 4-Alex Pokorski [3]; 4. 69-Bill Taylor [5]; 5. 69S-TJ Smith [8]; 6. 53A-Paul Pokorski [6]; 7. 12P-JJ Pagel [7]; 8. 35-Ben Schmidt [2]; 9. 54-Randy Post [9]

Qualifying 1: 1. 3-Justin Erickson, 13.012 [8]; 2. 85J-Logan Julien, 13.037 [9]; 3. 68T-Josh Bilicki, 13.182 [7]; 4. 51-Chris Larson, 13.198 [2]; 5. 66-Nick Daywalt, 13.212 [6]; 6. 2-Chris Clayton, 13.248 [1]; 7. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.437 [4]; 8. 42X-Brett Peterson, 13.438 [3]; 9. 7- Kristian Wagner, 15.704 [5]

Qualifying 2: 1. 16-Anthony Knierim, 12.723 [4]; 2. 6K-Kurt Davis, 12.938 [6]; 3. 10V-Matt Vandervere, 12.965 [5]; 4. 44-Hayden Johnson, 13.133 [7]; 5. 22B-Brandon Berth, 13.165 [2]; 6. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.177 [3]; 7. 30-Doug Wondra, 13.335 [1]; 8. 21H-Tim Haddy, 13.359 [8]; 9. 52-Cody Schlafer, 14.822 [9]

Qualifying 3: 1. 98-Brandon McMullen, 12.921 [1]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski, 12.963 [5]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt, 13.046 [9]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.080 [4]; 5. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.096 [7]; 6. 53A-Paul Pokorski, 13.211 [8]; 7. 12P-JJ Pagel, 13.452 [6]; 8. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.608 [2]; 9. 54-Randy Post, 13.800 [3]

BUMPER TO BUMPER IRA 410 SPRINT CAR SERIES

A Main (30 Laps): 1. 3N-Jake Neuman [2]; 2. 17B-Bill Balog [3]; 3. 46JR-Joel Myers Jr. [4]; 4. 25T-Travis Arenz [1]; 5. 73-Scotty Thiel [5]; 6. 10W-Mike Reinke [7]; 7. 1-Brenham Crouch [15]; 8. 5J-Jeremy Schultz [6]; 9. 49-Josh Schneiderman [10]; 10. 79-Ian Madsen [12]; 11. 85M-Steve Meyer [11]; 12. 2W-Scott Neitzel [17]; 13. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [13]; 14. 25-Danny Schlafer [8]; 15. 4K-Kris Spitz [19]; 16. 26-Tyler Tischendorf [9]; 17. U2-Jack Vanderboom [16]; 18. 9K-Kyle Schuett [23]; 19. 87A-Austin Hartmann [14]; 20. 99-Tyler Brabant [21]; 21. 23-Russel Borland [18]; 22. 71M-Caden Englehart [22]; 23. 68-Dave Uttech [20]; 24. (DNF) 19J-Jett Mann [24]

B Main (12 Laps): 1. 4K-Kris Spitz [1]; 2. 68-Dave Uttech [2]; 3. 99-Tyler Brabant [3]; 4. 71M-Caden Englehart [5]; 5. 9K-Kyle Schuett [4]; 6. 19J-Jett Mann [6]; 7. 43-Jereme Schroeder [8]; 8. 24-Scott Conger [7]; 9. 88-Chris Flick [11]; 10. 17W-Dylan Winkel [10]; 11. 39V-William Huck [9]; 12. (DNS) 21-Will Gerrits

Dash 1 (4 Laps): 1. 25T-Travis Arenz [1]; 2. 17B-Bill Balog [2]; 3. 73-Scotty Thiel [4]; 4. 10W-Mike Reinke [5]; 5. 26-Tyler Tischendorf [3]

Dash 2 (4 Laps): 1. 3N-Jake Neuman [1]; 2. 46JR-Joel Myers Jr. [2]; 3. 5J-Jeremy Schultz [3]; 4. 25-Danny Schlafer [5]; 5. 49-Josh Schneiderman [4]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 3N-Jake Neuman [2]; 2. 85M-Steve Meyer [1]; 3. 10W-Mike Reinke [4]; 4. 25-Danny Schlafer [3]; 5. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [5]; 6. 23-Russel Borland [8]; 7. 4K-Kris Spitz [6]; 8. 9K-Kyle Schuett [7]; 9. 43-Jereme Schroeder [9]; 10. 88-Chris Flick [10]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 5J-Jeremy Schultz [1]; 2. 46JR-Joel Myers Jr. [2]; 3. 73-Scotty Thiel [4]; 4. 26-Tyler Tischendorf [3]; 5. 87A-Austin Hartmann [5]; 6. 2W-Scott Neitzel [7]; 7. 99-Tyler Brabant [8]; 8. 71M-Caden Englehart [9]; 9. 39V-William Huck [10]; 10. (DNF) 21-Will Gerrits [6]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 17B-Bill Balog [3]; 2. 49-Josh Schneiderman [2]; 3. 79-Ian Madsen [1]; 4. 25T-Travis Arenz [4]; 5. 1-Brenham Crouch [7]; 6. U2-Jack Vanderboom [5]; 7. 68-Dave Uttech [6]; 8. 19J-Jett Mann [10]; 9. 24-Scott Conger [8]; 10. 17W-Dylan Winkel [9]

Qualifying: 1. 10W-Mike Reinke, 11.539 [2]; 2. 73-Scotty Thiel, 11.942 17]; 3. 25T-Travis Arenz, 11.973 [5]; 4. 25-Danny Schlafer, 11.995[21]; 5. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 12.070 [12]; 6. 17B-Bill Balog, 12.118 [20]; 7. 3N-Jake Neuman, 12.134 [15]; 8. 46JR-Joel Myers Jr, 12.145 [27]; 9. 49-Josh Schneiderman, 12.181 [6]; 10. 85M-Steve Meyer, 12.182 [8]; 11. 5J-Jeremy Schultz, 12.217 [28]; 12. 79-Ian Madsen, 12.233 [30]; 13. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 12.253 [3]; 14. 87A-Austin Hartmann 12.262 [19]; 15. U2-Jack Vanderboom, 12.329 [24]; 16. 4K-Kris Spitz, 12.343 [7]; 17. 21-Will Gerrits, 12.346 [23]; 18. 68-Dave Uttech, 12.362 [16]; 19. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 12.381 [14]; 20. 2W-Scott Neitzel, 12.434 [10]; 21. 1-Brenham Crouch, 12.483 [4]; 22. 23-Russel Borland, 12.499 [11]; 23. 99-Tyler Brabant, 12.524 [1]; 24. 24-Scott Conger, 12.915 [25]; 25. 43-Jereme Schroeder, 13.004 [18]; 26. 71M-Caden Englehart, 13.020 [29]; 27. 17W-Dylan Winkel, 13.098 [22]; 28. 88-Chris Flick, 13.376 [13]; 29. 39V-William Huck, 13.780 [26]; 30. 19J-Jett Mann [9]

Hot Laps: 1. 73-Scotty Thiel, 11.853 [17]; 2. 79-Ian Madsen, 11.987 [30]; 3. 1-Brenham Crouch, 12.063 [4]; 4. 17B-Bill Balog, 12.111 [20]; 5. 68-Dave Uttech, 12.167 [16]; 6. 5J-Jeremy Schultz, 12.230 [28]; 7. 46JR-Joel Myers Jr, 12.263 [27]; 8. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 12.329 [14]; 9. 71M-Caden Englehart 12.348 [29]; 10. 3N-Jake Neuman, 12.373 [15]; 11. U2-Jack Vanderboom, 12.374 [24]; 12. 25T-Travis Arenz, 12.444 [5]; 13. 21-Will Gerrits, 12.491 [23]; 14. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 12.496 [12]; 15. 87A-Austin Hartmann, 12.525 [19]; 16. 25-Danny Schlafer, 12.602 [21]; 17. 49-Josh Schneiderman, 12.750 [6]; 18. 23-Russel Borland, 12.754 [11]; 19. 19J-Jett Mann, 12.789 [9]; 20. 2W-Scott Neitzel, 12.871 [10]; 21. 85M-Steve Meyer, 12.902 [8]; 22. 99-Tyler Brabant, 12.924 [1]; 23. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 13.147 [3]; 24. 4K-Kris Spitz, 13.147 [7]; 25. 10W-Mike Reinke, 13.160 [2]; 26. 43-Jereme Schroeder, 13.200 [18]; 27. 39V-William Huck, 13.273 [26]; 28. 17W-Dylan Winkel, 13.603 [22]; 29. 24-Scott Conger, 13.730 [25]; 30. 88-Chris Flick, 13.872 [13]

September 3, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Berth takes MSA Harry Neitzel Tribute A-main trophy at Dodge County

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Brandon Berth of Cascade collected his second career Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in the sixth annual Harry Neitzel Tribute race Friday, Sept. 1 at the Dodge County Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. – MSA Sprints photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 1, 2023 – Fifth-year 360 Sprint Car driver Brandon Berth of Cascade added his name to the esteemed list of past winners of one of the Midwest Sprint Car Association’s most prestigious races, as he posted his second career Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory in the sixth annual edition of the 20-lap Harry Neitzel Tribute race Friday, Sept. 1 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis.

The 22nd MSA event of the 2023 season drew 19 360 Sprint Cars for the series’ second visit of the season to the sprawling “horsepower half mile” Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway facility.

In the 20-lap A main, outside front row starter Alex Pokorski of West Bend, who captured his first career MSA A-main victory at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway on June 2, outpowered polesitter Brandon Berth to grab the lead in turn two on the opening lap as five-time MSA champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, who started fourth, worked his way into second in turn four before the completion of the initial lap.

On lap 5, Pokorski began to work his way through lapped traffic, which allowed Davis to cut the gap significantly. When Pokorski got bottled up in two-wide lapped traffic, Davis pounced as he powered his way into the lead in turn two on lap 7.

Five laps later, 2011 MSA champion Ben Schmidt flipped in turn three to bring out the first red flag of the race. The ensuing restart saw rookie Tristan Koenings of Van Dyne and Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade stop along the front stretch to bring out a caution flag.

When the race resumed, Berth worked his way around Pokorski to secure second, while four-time MSA champion and current point leader Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, who started eighth, moved into third on lap 13.

Davis maintained a solid cushion over Berth until lap 18 when the third caution flag of the race occurred on lap 18 when rookie T.J. Haddy of Waupun spun in turn two. During the caution period, Davis exited the track with an overheating engine, which allowed Berth to assume the lead.

After a single-file restart with less than five laps remaining, Berth controlled the lead with McMullen trailing before 14-year-old rookie Logan Julien of Oconomowoc hit the turn one wall to bring out the fourth and final caution flag of the race on lap 19.

On the final green-white-checkered flag single-file restart, Berth pulled away from McMullen as 14th starter Scotty Neitzel of Beaver Dam, who was driving the No. 7 Fassbender Racing car for the injured Lance Fassbender, slid past Pokorski to steal the third spot on the final lap.

Berth went on to notch his second career MSA A-main triumph and second main event win of the 2023 season.

“The motor didn’t take off on the initial start and I fell back, but we got it going again on the next restart,” Berth said. “I saw Kurt’s [Davis] motor was getting hot and I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out. The car was just so good. We’ve been fighting for these wins for a long time and we finally got our first one at Angell Park earlier this season and now this one tonight. It feels great to win this race. Scotty [Neitzel] has helped me a lot over the years. I think he has helped everyone in the pits out at some point. This is definitely a special trophy to win.”

Berth joins Kurt Davis (2017), Kevin Karnitz of West Bend (2018), Jim Melis of Glenbeulah (2019), Brandon McMullen (2020) and two-time MSA champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls (2022) as winners of the MSA 360 Sprint Car Harry Neitzel Tribute race. The event, which fell victim to rain in 2021, honors the universally respected Neitzel, who was one of the MSA’s biggest supporters.

On the strength of his second place finish, McMullen padded his MSA points lead over Ben Schmidt, who was credited with an 18th place showing. Neitzel finished third, Pokorski wound up fourth and sixth starter Tony Wondra of Campbellsport rounded out the top five.

Brandon McMullen earned the MSA 360 Sprint Car fast qualifier award with a fast lap of 19.341 seconds.

MSA heat race victories went to T.J. Haddy and Ben Schmidt.

After the MSA competes at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 2 during the 2023 Sheboygan County Fair, the 2023 MSA season is scheduled to concluded during the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

The Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprints will also wrap up their 2023 seasons during the event.

Spectator gates open at 4:30 p.m. with warm-ups and hot laps at 4:45 p.m.

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

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

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

 

Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association
Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway
Beaver Dam, Wis.
September 1, 2023

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 22B-Brandon Berth [1]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [8]; 3. 7-Scotty Neitzel [14]; 4. 4-Alex Pokorski [2]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra [6]; 6. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [7]; 7. 53A-Paul Pokorski [15]; 8. 69-Bill Taylor [5]; 9. 69S-TJ Smith [18]; 10. 51-Chris Larson [3]; 11. 68-Josh Bilicki [19]; 12. 12P-JJ Pagel [17]; 13. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [16]; 14. (DNF) 85J-Logan Julien [12]; 15. (DNF) 6K-Kurt Davis [4]; 16. (DNF) 21H-TJ Haddy [9]; 17. (DNF) 42-Brett Peterson [11]; 18. (DNF) 35-Ben Schmidt [10]; 19. (DNF) 66T-Tristan Koenings [13]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 21H-TJ Haddy [2]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [4]; 3. 69-Bill Taylor [1]; 4. 51-Chris Larson [3]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra [8]; 6. 85J-Logan Julien [6]; 7. 42-Brett Peterson [9]; 8. 7-Scotty Neitzel [10]; 9. 69S-TJ Smith [7]; 10. 68-Josh Bilicki [5]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [2]; 3. 6K-Kurt Davis [1]; 4. 4-Alex Pokorski [3]; 5. 22B-Brandon Berth [5]; 6. 66T-Tristan Koenings [6]; 7. 53A-Paul Pokorski [7]; 8. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [8]; 9. 12P-JJ Pagel [9]

Qualifying 1: 1. 98-Brandon McMullen, 19.341 [5]; 2. 51-Chris Larson, 19.553 [7]; 3. 21H-TJ Haddy, 19.631 [1]; 4. 69-Bill Taylor, 19.658 [9]; 5. 68-Josh Bilicki, 19.694 [6]; 6. 85J-Logan Julien, 19.723 [4]; 7. 69S-TJ Smith, 19.776 [10]; 8. 11-Tony Wondra, 19.876 [3]; 9. 42-Brett Peterson, 20.314 [8]; 10. 7-Scott Neitzel, 20.324 [2]

Qualifying 2: 1. 35-Ben Schmidt, 19.395 [3]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski, 19.406 [8]; 3. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 19.638 [2]; 4. 6K-Kurt Davis, 19.641 [9]; 5. 22B-Brandon Berth, 19.649 [4]; 6. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 19.756 [5]; 7. 53A-Paul Pokorski, 19.779 [1]; 8. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 19.881 [7]; 9. 12P-JJ Pagel, 20.979 [6]

September 2, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz shakes off early challenges, secures top-10 IRA 34 Raceway showing

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz recorded a ninth place showing in the 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on Friday, Aug. 25. – RC Custom Design Photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 30, 2023 – It was the case of same story, different track for Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports team, as the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series made its second appearance of the 2023 season at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on Friday, Aug. 25.

Much as it has for the majority of the 2023 campaign, the program got off to a bit of a sluggish start with Arenz posting the 17th fastest overall qualifying time in the 31-car field with a lap of 13.544 seconds.

Arenz then started on the pole of the third eight-lap IRA heat race before dropping back to finish fourth in the 10-lap event. The 2021 and 2022 Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champion then drew the 16th starting spot in the 30-lap main event.

When the green flag dropped on the 30-lap headliner, the Sheboygan Falls, Wis. competitor turned in what he is known best for – an inspired charge to the front of the field. When the checkered flag flew, Arenz had advanced seven spots to secure a ninth place showing for his 13th top 10 A-main finish of the 2023 campaign in a race won by Aaron Reutzel.

“This time around at 34 was far better than last time,” Arenz said. “We reviewed the set-up notes from the beginning of the season and made some adjustments to the car and had much better results.

“In the heat race, I was a little too loose,” he said. “I made a few adjustments and fared better come feature time. I had more confidence this time around with having more seat time and experience. I am getting a good feel for this car, and getting better at knowing what the car likes and how to fine tune it. That is allowing us to move forward each night of racing.”

The Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series was scheduled to compete with support from the Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) 410 Sprint Cars at Federated Auto Parts Speedway in Pevely, Mo. on Saturday, Aug. 26. However, heavy rain forced the event to be cancelled.

The weekend kicks off with the annual IRA Harry Neitzel Tribute event on Friday, Sept. 1 at the horsepower half-mile Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis.

Spectator gates open at 5 p.m. with warm-ups at 6 p.m. and hot laps and qualifying to follow before opening ceremonies begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars and A Modifieds will also be on the card.

On Saturday, Sept. 2, the Sheboygan Falls, Wis.-based Travis Arenz Motorsports Team will return home to The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. for the annual all-Sprint Car event during the Sheboygan County Fair, featuring the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Cars and Akright Auto MSA 360 Sprint Cars.

On-track action is slated to begin at 5 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Jensen Sales & Service

Travis Arenz Motorsports is proud to have Jensen Sales & Service on board as a sponsorship partner for the team’s rookie season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in 2023.

Located at W7031 State Road 28 in Cascade, Wis., Jensen Sales & Service has been providing quality vehicle and auto body repair service for a legion of satisfied customers since 2010.

In addition to its top-notch repair work, Jensen Sales & Service also features a wide selection of used vehicles.

To contact Jensen Sales & Service, call 920-528-8780 or email jensensales@frontier.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
Remaining 2023 IRA Schedule

Friday, Sept. 1 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 2 – 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 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 23
IRA Events – 22
All Star Events – 3
A Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 10
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 13
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 17
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 18
Heat Race Victories – 3
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 5
Dash Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

August 30, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Austin Hartmann aims for IRA Labor Day weekend doubleheader bounce back

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann stands eighth in the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series point standings heading into a Labor Day weekend doubleheader at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 1 and The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 2.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 30, 2023 – After being involved in one of the most violent-looking accidents of the 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season last Friday, Aug. 25 at 34 Raceway, Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing team have worked diligently in recent days to prepare the team’s backup car for the traditional IRA Labor Day weekend doubleheader at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 1 and The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. during the Sheboygan County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 2.

With 32 IRA Sprint Cars signed in for the second IRA program of the 2023 season at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on Friday, Aug. 25, Hartmann opened the night on a strong note by recording the sixth fastest overall qualifying lap with a time of 13.183 seconds.

After starting third in the second eight lap IRA heat race, Hartmann got out of shape along the cushion and flipped near the turn three wall before his 87A car caught fire.

Hartmann was uninjured in the incident. However, the accident resulted in significant damage to the 87A Hartmann Racing team’s primary car and ended Hartmann’s night early.

The Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series was scheduled to compete with support from the Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) 410 Sprint Cars at Federated Auto Parts Speedway in Pevely, Mo. on Saturday, Aug. 26. However, heavy rain forced the event to be cancelled.

Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team have scrambled over the past several days to put together the team’s backup car for IRA competition this weekend, while the damaged primary car has been sent to Maxim Racing for a new front clip.

“I want to thank the IRA and 34 Raceway safety crew on the scene, as well as the Neuman family for the hospitality, tearing the car apart and delivering the car to Maxim for us,” Hartmann said. “I also want to thank Eric Bergschultz for his hard work and devotion to the team.”

The weekend kicks off with the annual IRA Harry Neitzel Tribute event on Friday, Sept. 1 at the horsepower half-mile Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis.

Spectator gates open at 5 p.m. with warm-ups at 6 p.m. and hot laps and qualifying to follow before opening ceremonies begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars and A Modifieds will also be on the card.

On Saturday, Sept. 2, the Plymouth, Wis.-based 87A Hartmann Racing team will return home to The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. for the annual all-Sprint Car event during the Sheboygan County Fair, featuring the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Cars and Akright Auto MSA 360 Sprint Cars.

On-track action is slated to begin at 5 p.m.

All IRA events during the 2023 season are 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, Parker Annis, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham and Kristine Hartmann.

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Feldmann Sales & Service

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

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

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

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 Remaining IRA Schedule

Friday, Sept. 1 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 2 – 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 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 28
IRA Events – 22
World of Outlaws Events – 3
All Star Events – 4
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 6
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 10
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 18
Heat Race Victories – 2
Dash Appearances – 6
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

August 30, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Alex Pokorski stands tall on Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car podium

Alex Pokorski claimed his third heat race victory of the 2023 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car campaign on Friday, Aug. 25 at The Plymouth Dirt in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 29, 2023 – Alex Pokorski put his measured aggressive driving style on full display by successfully executing a decisive final-turn pass to guide his No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team machine to a spot on the podium with an impressive third place finish in the 25-lap Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, Aug. 25.

The fourth year PDTR-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car campaigner opened the special Friday night Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program by qualifying seventh in the 21-car field with a lap of 13.002 seconds.

Pokorski then used his outside front row starting spot to lead all 10 laps of the second PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race en route to his third heat race triumph of the 2023 season.

The West Bend, Wis. competitor rolled off fourth in the 25-lap 360 Sprint event and worked his way past Tristan Koenings to settle into third on the opening lap. On lap 9, Ben Schmidt maneuvered past to push Pokorski back to fourth in the running order.

A caution flag flew on lap 24 for the stalled car of Chris Clayton, which set up a two-lap dash to the finish. After trailing Chris Larson for a number of laps, Pokorski set sail along the high line on the final lap to surge past Larson exiting turn four on the way to a strong third place showing in a race won by Brandon McMullen.

It was Pokorski’s fifth top-three podium, 10th top-five and 19th top-10 A-main finish in 21 MSA 360 Sprint Car Series events.

“It was a fun night at Plymouth,” Pokorski said. “I was happy to win the heat race, and it felt good to race into the top three in the last corner of the feature.”

One night later, Pokorski and the members of the Akright Auto Racing Team travelled south to Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. for the second of two 2023 Akright Auto MSA 360 Sprint Car Series appearances at the venerable three-eighths mile semi-banked clay oval facility.

With wet and heavy track conditions prompting the cancellation of MSA group qualifying, Pokorski drew the pole starting position in the fourth eight-lap MSA heat race. Pokorski got the jump on outside front row starter John Fahl to lead all eight laps on the way to his fourth heat race triumph of the 2023 season.

Pokorski then started the 25-lap MSA main event from the fifth position before he was involved in a three-car incident along the front stretch on lap 3, which also involved Chris Larson and Lance Fassbender.

The red-flag incident produced significant front-end damage on Pokorski’s No. 4 car, which prompted pit crew members from the MSA teams of Brandon Berth, Brandon McMullen and J.J. Pagel to leap into action to assist the Akright Auto Racing Team pit crew in getting Pokorski’s machine back on the track.

Pokorski returned to restart 19th. Over the final 22 laps, Pokorski moved up five positions to record a 14th place finish in a race won by Ben Schmidt.

“Our night at Wilmot started well, as we picked up another heat race win,” Pokorski said. “In the feature, two cars got tangled up in front of me and I jumped a right rear tire trying to avoid them. My crew, along with some others, did some nice work to get me back on the track in time. I raced the remainder of the feature with a bent front axle and ended up 14th. I was hoping to get another two spots or so, but I was glad we got a few spots back after the incident.”

Paul Pokorski was also behind the wheel of Spyder Akright’s 53A car for the eighth time during the 2023 at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Friday, Aug. 25.

Paul Pokorski made his eighth start of the 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car season in Spyder Akright’s 53A car Friday, Aug. 25 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

After qualifying eighth overall with a lap of 13.004 seconds. Paul started first and finished fourth in the first 10-lap PDTR-MSA heat race.

Paul then rolled off 14th in the 25-lap PDTR-MSA headliner before he was involved in an opening-lap incident when Katelyn Krebsbach spun in turn two. After going to the work area following minor contact, Paul returned to restart 21st.

The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion battled back to build up some nice momentum during an extended run of green-flag laps on the way to a solid 13th-place showing.

“My qualifying effort was about what I expected,” Paul said. “I was disappointed with the heat race finish. We were dealing with some minor handling issues that I think we have figured out, so we don’t repeat them. We made several changes for the feature, which made the car pretty decent. I was disappointed with the trip to the work area, but I wanted to make sure the car was okay after some light contact with a spinning car. I was happy that I was able to drive past several cars and work my way back up to one spot better than I originally started. All things considered, it wasn’t a terrible night. I’ll be back in the car on Friday at Dodge County.”

Both Paul and Alex Pokorski are expected to be in action with the Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars, which will join the with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series and A Modifieds for the annual Harry Neitzel Tribute event at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 1.

Spectator gates open at 5 p.m. with warm-ups at 6 p.m. followed by hot laps and qualifying with opening ceremonies at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 2, Alex Pokorski and the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team will take part in the annual all-Sprint Car event held during the 2023 Sheboygan County Fair along with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series on Saturday, Sept. 2.

On-track action is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. with hot laps, qualifying and racing to follow.

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

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

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Novak’s 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 51st year in business in 2023.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Remaining Schedule

Friday, Sept. 1 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis.
Saturday, Sept. 2 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, Sept. 30 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

Total Events – 21
A Main Victories – 1
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 10
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 19
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 21
Heat Race Victories – 4
Fast Qualifier Awards – 2

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 8
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 3
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 5
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

August 30, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Schmidt claims 10th MSA A-main win of 2023 campaign at Wilmot Raceway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, who earned the 2011 Midwest Sprint Car Association championship, picked up his 10th MSA A-main victory of the 2023 season at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 26. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 26, 2023 – A victory-laden campaign rolled on for 2011 Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth as he racked up his 10th main event triumph of the 2023 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association season in the 25-lap A main at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 26.

The 21st MSA event of the 2023 season drew a solid field of 27 360 Sprint Cars for the series’ second visit of the season to the venerable three-eighths mile semi-banked Wilmot Raceway facility.

In the 25-lap main event, rookie Logan Julien of Oconomowoc jumped into the lead in turn two of the opening lap as four-time MSA champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, who started fourth, moved into second.

On lap 3, a three-car incident along the front stretch involving Lance Fassbender of Burnett, who flipped hard along the front stretch, Chris Larson of Franksville and West Bend’s Alex Pokorski brought out the first red flag of the event. Fassbender was transported to a local hospital for further checkup.

When the race resumed, Matt Vandervere of Zion, Ill., who started sixth, used the high groove to shoot past both McMullen and Julien and seize the lead in turn four on lap 4.

One lap later, Ben Schmidt, who started eighth, worked his way past Julien to grab second before another red flag was displayed when Chris Larson flipped his No. 51 machine on its side in turn two.

Following the restart, McMullen moved past Julien to gain third, while third starter Brandon Berth of Cascade also passed Julien to gain fourth. On lap 10, Vandervere caught the back of the pack and began the process of slicing his way through slower traffic.

On lap 14, Vandevere’s time at the front of the field came to a halt when he spun to a stop in turn three after contact with a lapped car. With Vandervere relegated to restarting the race at the rear of the field, Schmidt inherited the lead with McMullen in second and Berth third.

Schmidt worked primarily the high line of the fast and undulating track surface over the final 10 laps to pull away from McMullen en route to his 10th MSA main event triumph of the 2023 season and 42nd career MSA A-main victory.

“In talking with Matt [Vandevere] before the race, he indicated that he would likely be running the high groove, which turned out to be the case,” Schmidt said. “My thought was to start the race by following him around as he definitely knows how to get around this place. If it wasn’t for the issue he had in turn three, I’m not sure if we would have been able to beat him or not.”

McMullen wound up second, Berth took third, Anthony Knierim of Franksville placed fourth after starting 12th and 10th starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend rounded out the top five.

Rookie T.J. Smith of Greenville earned the victory in the 12-lap MSA B main.

MSA heat race victories went to five-time MSA champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, Ben Schmidt, 2005 MSA champion Lance Fassbender and Alex Pokorski.

The next race for the MSA 360 Sprint Cars is Friday, Sept. 1 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. for the annual Harry Neitzel Tribute Race in conjunction with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series. A Modifieds are also on the card.

Spectator gates open at 5 p.m. with warm ups at 6 p.m. with hot laps to follow and opening ceremony at 7:30 p.m.

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

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

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

 

Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association
Wilmot Raceway
Wilmot, Wis.
August 26, 2023

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [8]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [4]; 3. 22B-Brandon Berth [3]; 4. 16-Anthony Knierim [12]; 5. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [10]; 6. 85J-Logan Julien [2]; 7. 20R-Rob Pribnow [11]; 8. 69S-TJ Smith [17]; 9. 0-John Fahl [14]; 10. 69-Bill Taylor [18]; 11. 6K-Kurt Davis [9]; 12. 66T-Tristan Koenings [13]; 13. 11-Tony Wondra [21]; 14. 4-Alex Pokorski [5]; 15. 12P-JJ Pagel [15]; 16. 10V-Matt Vandervere [6]; 17. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [16]; 18. 68-Josh Bilicki [22]; 19. 29J-Ralph Johnson [20]; 20. 21H-TJ Haddy; 21. 51-Chris Larson [1]; 22. 7-Lance Fassbender [7]; 23. (DNS) 38-Jeffrey Neubert

B Main (12 Laps): 1. 69S-TJ Smith [2]; 2. 69-Bill Taylor [3]; 3. 38-Jeffrey Neubert [1]; 4. 29J-Ralph Johnson [4]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra [6]; 6. 68-Josh Bilicki [10]; 7. 21H-TJ Haddy [7]; 8. 53A-Spyder Akright [5]; 9. 7L-Ellie Hensley [9]; 10. 39-Tim Decker [8]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 6K-Kurt Davis [4]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [7]; 3. 16-Anthony Knierim [3]; 4. (DNF) 44H-Hayden Johnson [1]; 5. (DNF) 11-Tony Wondra [2]; 6. (DNF) 21H-TJ Haddy [5]; 7. (DNF) 39-Tim Decker [6]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [2]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [3]; 3. 10V-Matt Vandervere [6]; 4. 51-Chris Larson [7]; 5. 38-Jeffrey Neubert [5]; 6. (DNF) 7L-Ellie Hensley [4]; 7. (DNF) 68-Josh Bilicki[1]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 7-Lance Fassbender [2]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth [3]; 3. 12P-JJ Pagel [1]; 4. 20R-Rob Pribnow [6]; 5. 69S-TJ Smith [4]; 6. 69-Bill Taylor [5]; 7. 29J-Ralph Johnson [7]

Heat 4 (8 Laps): 1. 4-Alex Pokorski [1]; 2. 85J-Logan Julien [3]; 3. 0-John Fahl [2]; 4. 66T-Tristan Koenings [5]; 5. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [6]; 6. 53A-Spyder Akright [4]

August 27, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson