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Rogler releases debut fantasy novel ‘Heart of Light’

Robert L. Rogler’s first fantasy novel “Heart of Light-Book One Madea’s Fate is now available at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com and directly from Rogler at rogler50@yahoo.com

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) March 2, 2020 – With the eternal battle between good and evil forging the foundation of a lushly depicted fantasy adventure narrative, Bob Rogler’s newly released first novel “Heart of Light Book One-Madea’s Fate” sets the tone for what’s to come in the highly anticipated “Madea’s Fate” trilogy.

Published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis, Rogler’s debut novel draws on his close connection to family themes and the intriguingly thrilling nature of the fantasy adventure genre.

“I wanted to write an adventure fantasy with one of the main characters being my daughter, Gabrielle, who rides a giant chicken,” Rogler said. “Good versus evil is the main concept. A group of heroes must overcome countless obstacles to save the life of a child. Family is promoted as the core value throughout the novel.”

While “Heart of Light” is Rogler’s first full-fledged novel, he is certainly no stranger to the art of fantasy storytelling.

“I’ve been writing in the fantasy genre for a little over five years now,” Rogler said. “I’m a contributing author in the fantasy anthology ‘Fireflies and Fairy Dust.’ I have two fairytales in the anthology ‘Tamilee and Trulia’ and ‘The Bellflower.’

“‘Heart of Light’ is book one in the Madea’s Fate trilogy,” he said. “Book two in the trilogy will be released in spring of 2021 titled ‘Witch’s Valley.’”

Robert. L. Rogler recently released his first fantasy novel “Heart of Light-Book One Madea’s Fate.”

With his daughter, Gabrielle, serving as the main inspiration for the story’s main character, Rogler wrote “Heart of Light Book One-Madea’s Fate” with a young adult audience in mind.

“The book was written for young adults,” Rogler said. “Yet, it will appeal to anyone who enjoys fantasy. I believe the audience will enjoy the diversity of heroes and villains throughout the book. There is action and adventure from start to finish.”

“The story narrative is written in third person,” he said. “I tried to set a mood to create tension and interest, which moves the story forward. I want the reader to imagine the scenes. To see the color, smell the fragrance of flowers. To feel the sunshine on their face or the rain falling down. There are scenes that are emotionally charged where the reader can feel the elation or sadness the characters experience.”

Along with the next two books in the “Madea’s Fate’ trilogy on the docket in the coming years, Rogler will also release an adult fantasy novel “Rendered Soul” later in 2020.

“I have spent a lot of time writing these books over the past few years and I am eager to release it all for people to enjoy,” Rogler said. “I firmly believe there is an audience for all of these books and I can’t wait to introduce these stories and characters to those that love reading fantasy adventure novels.”

Rogler, who is the head custodian at Manitowoc Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, Wis, is a resident of School Hill, Wis. where he lives with his wife, Jennifer, son, Logan and daughter, Gabrielle.

“Heart of Light Book One-Madea’s Fate” is now available for purchase for $20 at Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com or by contacting Bob Rogler directly at rogler50@yahoo.com.

Additional retail outlets where “Heart of Light Book One-Madea’s Fate” can be purchased, along with book signings and appearances will be announced soon on the Heart of Light Facebook page, as well as the Pedal Down Promotions website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram social media pages in the near future.

Readers are encouraged to write a review of “Heart of Light-Book One Madea’s Fate” on Amazon.com and Goodreads.

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.

 

March 1, 2020 / by Jeff Pederson

Walter unveils diverse 2020 schedule, preps for brat fry

Josh Walter has announced his 2020 410 Sprint Car racing schedule, which will see his Torque Racing compete in 11 events near his Plymouth, Wisconsin home, along with trips to some of Sprint Car racing’s most prestigious tracks, including Eldora Speedway in Ohio, Williams Grove Speedway and Port Royal Speedway in Pennsylvania and Knoxville Raceway in Iowa. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) February 6, 2020 – Coming off one of the most successful seasons of his 14-year racing career while splitting time between the 360 and 410 Sprint Car ranks in 2019, Josh Walter is set to up the ante in a big way during the upcoming 2020 campaign.

For his 15th season of competition, Walter has unveiled a highly ambitious 2020 schedule, which will see his Torque Racing team venture to storied 410 Sprint Car racing venues in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Iowa, while mixing in 11 events at familiar tracks near his Plymouth, Wis. home.

Walter will kick off his 2020 season with a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association event at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 18 before traveling to Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa for weekly competition on Saturday, April 25, which could potentially serve as a tune up for the team’s tentatively planned return to Winged 410 Sprint Car racing’s biggest event – the Knoxville Nationals Aug. 12-15.

In addition to two possible trips to the Knoxville Raceway, Walter will make his first-ever appearance at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio with the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9.

The Torque Racing team is also planning to make its debut with the famed Pennsylvania Posse, during weekly events at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa. on Friday, June 5 and Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, Pa. on Saturday, June 6.

“Our schedule for the 2020 season is based off my bucket list,” Walter said. “I don’t know how much longer my racing career will continue, so we’re going to as many high-profile tracks and events as possible that I’ve dreamt about competing at.”

Staying true to its Wisconsin roots, Walter and Torque Racing will appear in a total of nine Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association-sanctioned events, including a co-sanctioned event with the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions at the Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 30. Walter will also compete with the IRA at his hometown Plymouth track on Saturday, Aug. 1, Saturday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 26.

The team’s remaining IRA schedule includes three events at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on Sunday, May 24, Sunday, July 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6, along with a tentatively planned event at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis. on Friday, May 1.

Other high-profile events on the Torque Racing team’s 2020 schedule include NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Sprint Cars Series events at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday, June 20 and at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, July 11.

“We are hoping to have a lot of fun this year going to some big races out of the area, while also competing at some of the local and area tracks that we enjoy,” Walter said. “The Knoxville Nationals is something we would like to do, but it is highly tentative at this point. The IRA race at Outagamie Speedway is also very tentative.

“The rest of our schedule is also subject to change based on how things go during the season,” he said. “The best way to keep up with schedule changes is to follow the Torque Racing Facebook page and the Josh Walter Twitter page.”

After originally intending to run the complete Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car schedule in 2019, Walter ended up splitting his time between the MSA 360 division and the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series last year.

Walter notched a pair of A-main victories, four top-five and seven top-10 A-main finishes to go along with three heat race victories and one B-main triumph in 14 MSA 360 Sprint Car events.

In late July, Walter and the Torque Racing team turned their attention to the IRA 410 Sprint Car ranks, making six 410 starts during the second half of the 2019 campaign with one top-10 A-main showing and one heat race victory to the team’s credit.

“In our preparation for the 2020 season, we’ve made some car updates and upgraded the car with some new components,” Walter said. “We are aiming to be competitive in the events we have on our schedule.”

Before the team hits the track in 2020, it will stage its annual preseason brat fry fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 29 starting at 10 a.m. at Plymouth Tap, located at 101 East Mill St. in Plymouth.

“Our 2020 car will be on display and we will have all-day raffles and walk-around raffles too,” Walter said. “We will be serving brats, burgers and beverages all day as well. Torque Racing and Plymouth Tap will also be hosting our second annual Bar Olympics on that day. It was a great time last year and it should be a lot of fun again this year.”

The Bar Olympics competition, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature two-person teams in a round-robin format, including four pool games, four 501 dart games, four corn hole games, four foosball games and one team bye per round. The Bar Olympics competition will be limited to 17 teams with 100-percent payout. The first-place team receives $300, second place gets $150 and third place will earn $60.

Teams can sign up in advance for the Bar Olympics at Plymouth Tap now through 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29. The entry fee is $30 per two-person team.

Walter is currently seeking additional sponsors to help support the team during the upcoming 2020 campaign.

‘We are always looking to expand our racing family and if anyone is interested in being part of the Torque Racing team,  they can contact me directly by email at sprint.racer12w@gmail.com,” Walter said. “We can set up an appointment to meet. I prefer to make our partnerships as personal as possible.

“We are still working on clinching some returning sponsors, as well as talking with some new ones for the 2020 season,” he said.

Torque Racing sponsors for the 2019 season included JDV Lawncare, Brittany’s School of Dance, Sheboygan by Owner, Plymouth Tap, Doug’s Quality Beef, Tiffany’s Wildtree, Cow Pies, Full Throttle Ink, Lakehouse Bar & Grill, Home Transitions, Oostburg Concrete, Kombucha Brothers, Platinum Restoration Services, Ruh Custom Woodworking, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

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.

2020 Josh Walter-Torque Racing Schedule

Saturday, April 18 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)

Saturday, April 25 – Knoxville Raceway, Knoxville, Iowa (weekly)

Friday, May 1 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA-TENTATIVE)

Friday, May 8 – Eldora Speedway, Rossburg, Ohio (World of Outlaws)

Saturday, May 9 – Eldora Speedway, Rossburg, Ohio (World of Outlaws)

Sunday, May 24 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)

Saturday, May 30 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (All Stars/IRA)

Friday, June 5 – Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, Pa. (weekly)

Saturday, June 6 – Port Royal Speedway, Port Royal, Pa. (weekly)

Saturday, June 20 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)

Sunday, July 5 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)

Saturday, July 11 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (World of Outlaws)

Saturday, Aug. 1 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Wednesday, Aug. 12 or Thursday, Aug. 13 – Knoxville Raceway, Knoxville, IA (Knoxville Nationals-TENTATIVE)

Friday, Aug. 14 – Knoxville Raceway, Knoxville, IA (Knoxville Nationals-TENTATIVE)

Saturday, Aug. 15 – Knoxville Raceway, Knoxville, IA (Knoxville Nationals-TENTATIVE)

Saturday, Sept. 5 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Sunday, Sept. 6 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)

Saturday, Sept. 26 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA) 

 

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing By The Numbers

Total Events – 21

MSA events – 14

IRA events – 7

A-Main Victories – 2

B-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 4

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 8

Heat Race Victories – 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 6, 2020 / by Jeff Pederson

‘Racing in the 906’ 2020 book signing dates released

Verdegan’s latest book tour includes four Michigan and one Wisconsin signing

(Dunbar, WI) January 19 – Motorsports author Joe Verdegan has announced a five-date 2020 book tour to promote his newest book “Racing In The 906,” published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis.

The book covers the stock car racing history in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula from the 1950s up to 2019.

The five-date tour includes four venues in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and one date kicking off the tour at the Luxemburg Racing Show at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

From there, the tour heads north to Escanaba, Michigan for the U.P. Sport and Rec Show at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba March 20-22.

The next three signings will be at racetracks that are featured extensively in the “906” book. A signing at the Norway Speedway car show and practice is slated at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST. A practice session for race teams will follow the car show and will be free to the race fans.

The final two signings will be held in conjunction with a pair of racetrack’s season openers. Upper Peninsula International Raceway (UPIR) will host a signing Sunday, May 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST prior to the 2020 season opener at the quarter-mile, clay oval located at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba.

The final leg of the book signing tour will head north the Marquette region at Sands Speedway’s 2020 season opener race Sunday, June 7 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. CST in Sands.

For fans who are unable to attend either of the signings, copies of “Racing In The 906” can be purchased at the following locations.

In Michigan – Carquest in Norway, Stateline Apparel in Menominee, Iverson’s Home Center in Gladstone and Riverside Chevrolet in Escanaba. In Wisconsin – Pembine Pawn & Gun in Pembine, Bosse’s News Depot in Green Bay, Muenster’s Shell in Green Bay, Book Stop in Green Bay and Bay Speed Center in De Pere.

Online books can be purchased at Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com.

To learn more about these signings, contact Joe Verdegan by email at jverdegan2@gmail.com.

2020 “Racing in the 906” Book Tour

Sat Feb. 8 – Luxemburg Racing Show Luxemburg, Wis., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST

March 20-22 – U.P. Sport & Rec Show Escanaba, Mich., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST

Sat. May 16 – Norway Speedway Car Show Norway, Mich., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST

Sun. May 31 – Upper Peninsula International Raceway, Escanaba, Mich., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. EST

Sun. June 7 – Sands Speedway Marquette, Mich., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST

January 19, 2020 / by Jeff Pederson

Walter reflects on eventful 2019 campaign

One of the highlights of the 2019 season for Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team was a victory in the Remembering Randy Tracy Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 13. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) December 4, 2019 – Highlighted by a pair of main event victories, the 2019 racing season was packed with a host of twists and turns for Josh Walter and members of the Torque Racing Winged Sprint Car team.

Through the ups and downs, the 14th-year Sprint Car racer and his dedicated Plymouth, Wis.-based pit crew enjoyed several strong runs in both the 360 and 410 ranks, while running a reduced schedule of events over the second half of the season.

After originally intending to run the complete Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car schedule in 2019, Walter ended up splitting his time between the MSA 360 division and the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series in 2019.

Walter notched a pair of A-main victories, four top-five and seven top-10 A-main finishes to go along with three heat race victories and one B-main triumph in 14 MSA 360 Sprint Car events.

In late July, Walter and the Torque Racing team turned their attention to the IRA 410 Sprint Car ranks, making six 410 starts during the second half of the 2019 campaign with one top-10 A-main showing and one heat race victory to the team’s credit.

Walter finished 22nd in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings, 24th in the final MSA 360 Sprint Car point standings and 28th in the IRA 410 Sprint Car Series point standings as the team competed in a total of 21 events during the 2019 season.

“The season was really a roller coaster,” Walter said. “It started out great, then took a turn for the worst with several weeks of DNFs. We were then given the opportunity to rent a 410 engine. With several people interested in our 360 engine, we decided to sell it and buy the 410 permanently since we were having more fun in the 410 division.

“The highlights of the season were the two feature wins and a handful of top-10 finishes in the 410, along with getting a 410 heat race win at Angell Park Speedway,” he said.

Walter opened the 2019 campaign by competing with the IRA 410 Sprint Car Series at the Beaver Dam Raceway on April 20 with a MSA 360 power plant under the hood. Despite being down on horsepower against the IRA regulars, Walter ran in the top-10 during much of the 30-lap Jim Wipperfurth Memorial A main before posting a respectable 11th-place showing.

With 39 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Cars signed in for the PDTR opener at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on May 4, Walter was involved in a pair of heat race incidents and was forced to run the B main. After winning the B main, Walter started 16th in the A-main field before pulling off with a rear-end part failure just past the half-way point of the A main to post a 14th-place showing.

The following week proved to be much better for Walter has he pulled of a clean sweep by winning his heat race and the 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 11. Walter started on the pole in both races and survived a heated duel with Travis Arenz en route to victory in the A-main event.

On Saturday, May 25, Walter earned a heat race victory and a sixth-place showing in the 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main before posting a fourth-place finish in PDTR 360 Sprint A-main competition on Saturday, June 1.

On Sunday, June 2 the Torque Racing team ventured to Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, where Walter saw his three-race top-10 A-main finish streak come to an end with a 15th-place A-main showing after contact with an infield tire forced him to restart at the rear of the field at the halfway point of the race.

Walter returned to The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, June 8 where he was involved in a hard flip during heat race action. The Torque Racing team made quick repairs and got Walter back out for the B main, but he was unable to earn a transfer spot and failed to make the A main for the first time during the 2019 season.

Walter bounced back on Saturday, June 15 at The Plymouth Dirt Track to record a solid 10th-place A-main finish in PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main action. On Friday, June 21, Walter placed 11th in an MSA event at SK Speedway in Unity before posting a sixth-place finish at The Plymouth Dirt Track on June 22.

The Russ Scheffler Memorial Night racing program at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Friday, June 28 drew a season-high 40 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars and resulted in Walter missing out on an A-main transfer spot for the second time in 2019, following a fifth-place finish in the B main.

After the June 28, Walter announced that he would no longer pursue 100-percent participation in the MSA schedule and would run select 360 races for the remainder of the 2019 season.

The low point of Walter’s 2019 campaign followed on Wednesday, July 3 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam as Walter was involved in a hard accident in turn two of the sprawling half-mile track during the MSA A main, which seriously damaged his primary car and relegated him to a 19th-place finish.

After skipping an MSA event at TNT Speedway in Three Lakes on July 6 while putting together the team’s back-up car, Walter returned to MSA action at Outagamie Speedway Powered by EWSC Racing in Seymour on Friday, July 12, where he posted a fifth-place A-main finish.

The following night proved to be the highlight of Walter’s 2019 as he fended off a late charge from Travis Arenz to claim his sixth career MSA A-main victory in the Remembering Randy Tracy Mid-Season Championship 30-lap headliner at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 13.

After a weekend off, Walter finished 17th in his final MSA/PDTR 360 Sprint Car appearance of the 2019 season on Thursday, July 25 at The Plymouth Dirt Track during the All Star Circuit of Champions special appearance at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds.

Weary from the grind of the MSA and PDTR 360 Sprint Car schedule, coupled with the strain of extra work put in to assemble a backup car following two significant accidents with the team’s primary machine during the first half of the season, Walter and his crew elected to change things up and bolt in a 410 motor for the remaining six races of the 2019 season.

The team’s first 410 event of the 2019 campaign came at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie on Sunday, July 28 where Walter placed a solid 10th in an IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A main.

“When we made the change to the 410 in late July, it resulted in less pressure on myself and my crew,” Walter said. “We just had more fun in the 410.”

After two weeks away from the racetrack, Walter and the Torque Racing team returned to action during Cornfest at the Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie on Sunday, Aug. 18. Following his first IRA heat race victory of the season, Walter came home 12th in the A main.

Josh Walter split his time between the 360 and 410 Winged Sprint Car ranks during the 2019 season, tallying a total of two A-main victories and eight top-10 main event finishes in 21 races. Walter is pictured in his Torque Racing 410 Sprint Car at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie. – Casey Bollig photo

Walter tallied an 11th-place finish with the IRA at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday, Aug. 24 and followed that up with a 14th-place showing with the IRA during the Sheboygan County Fair at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Sept. 1. On Saturday, Sept. 14, Walter placed 13th in IRA A-main action at Beaver Dam Raceway.

Walter closed out the 2019 campaign with an IRA event at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 28. After starting 17th, Walter ran as high as 14th before he flipped his 12W machine along the treacherous cushion in turn four following a late-race restart on lap 29. Walter was scored 19th in the event.

“We had some really good runs with the 410,” Walter said. “That’s the great thing with the new 410 engine. It’s a much more competitive engine than I had previously during the three years I ran a 410 Sprint Car from 2015 through 2017. This engine has a lot more power.”

Looking ahead to the 2020 season, Walter says the Torque Racing team will stay with the 410 motor and run a pick-and-choose type of schedule with some long-distance trips mixed in with a selection of local events.

“We plan on doing anywhere from 12 to 18 410 races next year,” Walter said. “We’re going to concentrate primarily on tracks that I’ve always wanted to race at like I-55 Speedway in Pevely, Missouri, Eldora in Ohio, Knoxville in Iowa, Port Royal and Williams Grove in Pennsylvania. In addition, we will do some local races at tracks such as Plymouth, 141 Speedway, Beaver Dam, and possibly some shows at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie.

“We don’t plan to make any big changes to the car this winter, mostly just upgrading some components,” he said. “We are going to race our Triple X chassis again next year.”

As he prepares to enter into his 15th season behind the wheel of a Winged Sprint Car, Walter is very appreciative of the support he has received along the way.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in our race program in 2019 and the past 14 years,” Walter said. “It’s been a wonderful experience and the support has been overwhelming.”

As the Torque Racing team plans a diverse schedule of 410 events for the 2020 season, Walter is currently seeking additional sponsors to help support the team during the upcoming campaign.

‘We are always looking to expand our racing family and if anyone is interested in being part of the Torque Racing team,  they can contact me directly by email at sprint.racer12w@gmail.com,” Walter said. “We can set up an appointment to meet. I prefer to make our partnerships as personal as possible.”

Torque Racing sponsors for the 2019 season include JDV Lawncare, Brittany’s School of Dance, Sheboygan by Owner, Plymouth Tap, Doug’s Quality Beef, Tiffany’s Wildtree, Cow Pies, Full Throttle Ink, Lakehouse Bar & Grill, Home Transitions, Oostburg Concrete, Kombucha Brothers, Platinum Restoration Services, Ruh Custom Woodworking, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

Torque Racing Sponsor Showcase – Platinum Restoration Services

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team is pleased to have Platinum Restoration Services, located at 5225 West Electric Ave. in West Allis, Wis., on board as a sponsor for the 2019 season.

Platinum Restoration Services began 10 years ago as a one-man operation founded by owner Jeremy Roth. Over time, the business grew and it built a reputation for high-quality service and careful attention to detail.

“Our services are in such high demand that we have three trucks/crews going now,” Roth said. “From its humble beginnings, the company has grown to expand the services to all of Southeastern Wisconsin with another office in West Allis/Milwaukee. This growth was a natural part of the company’s evolution and the reflects the focus we’ve always placed on people and relationships.”

Platinum Restoration Services offers a wide array of services including carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, synthetic and oriental rug cleaning, air duct cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration and power washing.

Roth says the foundation of the business is centered around a dedication to top-notch customer service and high-quality restoration work.

“At Platinum Restoration Services, each member of our staff is an expert in his or her field-whether handling customer service or restoring a disaster in your home,” Roth said. “All of our people are fully-trained professionals, who have worked hard to make our company what it is today. We believe in forgoing ongoing relationships through quality workmanship and outstanding customer service.

As a race fan, Roth is thrilled to be involved with Josh Walter the Torque Racing team.

“I grew up in Plymouth and been going to the dirt track races in Plymouth for almost 20 years now,” Roth said. “I’ve always had a huge passion for racing. I started out going to drag races, radar runs, snowmobile races, jet ski racing and mountain bike racing. I took some time off to grow my business, but now I’m getting more involved with racing again. I wanted to sponsor Torque Racing because Josh has been a longtime friend and wanted to support his passion for racing.”

To contact Platinum Restoration Services, call 262-228-6166. For more information, visit www.platinumrestorationservice.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.

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing By The Numbers

Total Events – 21

MSA events – 14

IRA events – 7

A-Main Victories – 2

B-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 4

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 8

Heat Race Victories – 4

 

December 4, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

MSA honors top performers at 2019 banquet

Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee was recognized for earning his fifth-career Midwest Sprint Car Association series championship at the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet at The Columbian in West Bend on Saturday, Nov. 9. Also pictured are award presenters Taylor Miller and Rebecca Haddy. -RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 10, 2019 – It was a night of reflection, celebration, recognition and a bit of good-natured frivolity as the Midwest Sprint Car Association capped off one of the most successful seasons in its 20-year history at its 2019 awards banquet Saturday, Nov. 9, at The Columbian in West Bend.

The event drew 166 attendees, who gathered to honor 2019 MSA champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, along with 18 other point fund-eligible drivers, who competed in at least 85 percent of the 25-race 2019 schedule.

MSA President Tim Haddy opened the evening’s festivities by providing an overview of the record-setting 2019 MSA campaign.

“It was a really special season for the MSA,” Haddy said. “Goals were achieved, first-time winners visited victory lane, exciting racing was a common occurrence and we saw rookies and veterans battling for positions in every race throughout the season. Every night at the track provided excitement. As we look ahead, we are hoping the 2020 season will be just as exciting.”

MSA Vice President Paul Pokorski served as the master of ceremonies during the program. Pokorski announced that Justin Miller, Paul Pokorski and Sheila Leamer had been re-elected to positions on the MSA Board of Directors and that American Racer Tires had been selected as the MSA’s official tire over the next three years.

Brandon Berth of Cascade collected the Rookie of the Year Award from Taylor Miller and Rebecca Haddy, during the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet at The Columbian in West Bend on Saturday, Nov. 9. -RC Custom Design photo

Pokorski also pointed to the remarkable car counts the MSA enjoyed throughout the 2019 season.

“We had 43 member drivers compete with us in 2019,” Pokorski said. “Twelve of those 43 drivers competed in 100 percent of the races and 19 of the 43 took park in 85 percent of the 25 events. The MSA had an average car count of 33 for the 2019 season with a high of 40, which we hit twice during the year. Our rookie contingent was outstanding as well with 10 rookies running regularly with MSA throughout the season.”

The 12 drivers competing in all 25 MSA races in 2019 were recognized, including Kurt Davis (first), Travis Arenz (second), Justin Miller (third), Will Gerrits (fourth), Paul Pokorski (fifth), Adam Miller (sixth), Tim Haddy (seventh), Tony Wondra (eighth), Tyler Brabant (11th), Brandon Berth (13th), Jack Vanderboom (16th) and Blake Wondra (26th).

Also honored were the MSA drivers earning 85 percent participation during the 2019 campaign, including Lance Fassbender (ninth, 23 races), Shane Wenninger (10th, 22 races), Danny Schlafer (12th, 23 races), Bill Taylor (18th, 23 races), Tyler Davis (19th, 23 races), Josh Teunissen (21st, 22 races) and Justin Erickson (23rd, 21 races).

Other MSA member drivers in attendance, but not achieving 85 percent participation were Tyler Nelson, Ben Schmidt, Tyler Tischendorf, Doug Wondra and Dick Kaiser.

Pokorski also acknowledged those behind the scenes and all other supporters, who have contributed to the success of the MSA.

Justin Miller of Plymouth collected the Hard Charger Award from Taylor Miller and Rebecca Haddy, during the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet at The Columbian in West Bend on Saturday, Nov. 9. -RC Custom Design photo

“We need to thank all of our sponsors, fans and the tracks that have supporters the MSA so well,” Pokorski said. “We built up a nice base of seven tracks in 2019 and we are looking to put together a similar schedule in 2020. Tracks are interested in having us back, which is a great thing for us as a racing organization.

“Our supporters have helped to lift our 2019 point fund in excess of $27,000,” he said. “That is far more than I can ever remember. In 2016, our point fund-eligible drivers received 17 cents per point and this year they received 40 cents per point, which is a remarkable jump.”

Pokorski then acknowledged 2019 MSA series and event sponsors Bank First National, Badger Contracting, First Choice Dental of Sun Prairie, R&H Enterprises, Randy Sippel of Sippel Racing and Spyder Akright of Akright Auto, as well as the Neitzel family for donating the new MSA official and worker shirts.

Pokorski also gave special recognition to the Neitzel Family for donating the new MSA official and worker shirts.

MSA Competition Driver Scott Bader introduced the 2019 series staff, including officials Fred DeBlaey, John Metzger, Sheila Leamer, flagmen Dave Deicher and Steve Crass, announcers George Baumann and Loren Kelly, photographer, videographer and graphic designer Rob Eisentraut of RC Custom Design and race report writer Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions.

“It is importance not to forget the people that work behind the scene to make the MSA go,” Bader said. “Every one of them needs to be thanked for helping to make the MSA what it is today.”

Will Gerrits of Waupun picked up the Most Improved Driver Award from Taylor Miller and Rebecca Haddy, during the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet at The Columbian in West Bend on Saturday, Nov. 9. -RC Custom Design photo

Bader closed his comments by stating that the MSA is looking into introducing a safety team that will travel to MSA races.

The first of eight special awards went to Brandon Berth of Cascade, who claimed the 2019 MSA Rookie of the Year Award on the strength of a 13th-place finish in the final point standings with three top-five and six top-10 A-main finishes, as well as two heat race victories in 25 events.

“I always had a dream to race a Sprint Car, which came to fruition this year,” Berth said. “Heading into the season, I had a plan to run for the MSA Rookie of the Year Award and we accomplished that goal thanks to my sponsors, crew and supporters, as well as the McMullen team, Scotty Neitzel and Kurt Davis, who helped a lot with assistance and advice along the way. With all of the good guys we had running for the rookie of the year award, it was really tough. It was a great ride and I can’t wait to see you all again in 2020.”

The Most Improved Driver Award went to Will Gerrits of Waupun, who finished fourth in the MSA point standings, with one A-main victory, six top-five and 19 top-10 A-main finishes to go along with two heat race victories in 25 MSA events.

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan earned the Best Appearing Car and Crew Award from Taylor Miller and Rebecca Haddy at the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet at The Columbian in West Bend on Saturday, Nov. 9. -RC Custom Design photo

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan claimed the Best Appearing Car and Crew Award. The Hard Luck Award went to Tyler Brabant of Waupun and the Hard Charger Award went to Justin Miller of Plymouth, who passed a total of 112 cars during the 2019 MSA season.

Lloyd Dykstra of the NAPA Auto Parts of Waupun racing team of Will Gerrits and Tyler Brabant earned the Harry Neitzel MSA Mechanic of the Year Award.

The Jim Wipperfurth MSA Person of the Year Award went to series photographer, videographer and graphic designer Rob Eisentraut of RC Custom Design.

“I started doing this in 1999 as a hobby,” Eisentraut said. “I started working at Plymouth in 2004 and MSA followed in 2005. It has been very humbling working with all of you. It is really a family affair. I feel honored that you all have allowed us to become part of your family. I’m already looking forward to 2020.”

The final award recipient to take to the podium was 2019 MSA champion Kurt Davis, who initial indicated that he would only be competing on a part-time basis in 2019, while transitioning into semi-retirement from driving.

Tyler Brabant of Waupun earned the Hard Luck Award from Taylor Miller and Rebecca Haddy, during the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet at The Columbian in West Bend on Saturday, Nov. 9. -RC Custom Design photo

However, Davis ended up entering all 25 MSA events in 2019, while posting three A-main victories, 15 top-five and 24 top-10 A-main showings and five heat race wins en route to his fifth MSA title by a 40-point margin over runner-up Travis Arenz, who led the MSA series with six A-main victories in 2019.

“The year turned out to be great,” Davis said. “In 25 races, we had 24 top-10 finishes, which is outstanding. I know I am kind of showboat, but I couldn’t do this without my crew. They are my backbone and support system. It takes people like them to make championship seasons happen.

“I’m not retiring yet,” he said. “I just can’t do it. I don’t think I’ll do the whole thing next year though. My kids, Sydney and Tyler, are really involved in this with me, which is really fun. Tyler won his first heat race in a Sprint Car, which was so exciting for me to watch. With all of the tough competition in the MSA, this was definitely the hardest and most stressful season of all of my championship years. It was really tough. Travis [Arenz] is a good shoe. He may have won more battles, but I won the war. He will do it one day either in a 360 or whatever else he might decide to do.”

MSA 2019 Banquet trophy and award sponsors included Fred DeBlaey, Traylor Automotive, JH Investments, Goeden Auto Body, Pedal Down Promotions, WES Innovations, Butch and Janet Hafemann, Roth Auto, Racer’s Hall, N&S Towing, Kristine Hartmann-Pleasant View Realty, Miller Family Motorsports (In memory of Kevin Miller), Doug’s Auto, Hopf Farms, RC Custom Design, Oak Creek Auto and Cupcake Wonders.

Rob Eisentraut of RC Custom Design picked up the Jim Wipperfurth Person of the Year Award from Sheila Leamer, during the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet at The Columbian in West Bend on Saturday, Nov. 9. -RC Custom Design photo

MSA 2019 contingency product sponsors were R& H Racing Equipment, Buege High Peformance, HRP, American Racer Tires, Boubin Tire, Waldo Oil, Behling, Super Shox, Vortx Finishing Products, PDTR, Richards of Dunbar, Torsion Bar Rating, Twisted 4 Graphics, Afco Shocks, J&J Powder Coating, Super Clean, Lucky Tiger Men Grooming, 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, AFCO, Pyrotech, DMI, Schoenfield, Hillborn, Lane Automotive, Velocity Wings, MRI-Racing Optics, Allstar Peformance, Corey Oil, Ultrashield, MPD and Race Bumpers.

Tracks on the 2019 MSA schedule included Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, TNT Speedway in Twin Lakes, Outagamie Speedway Powered by EWSC Racing in Seymour, SK Speedway in Unity and Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam.

The 2019 MSA Board of Directors was comprised of Tim Haddy (president), Paul Pokorski (vice president), Justin Miller, Sheila Leamer (secretary-treasurer), Kurt Davis and Al Schlafer.

Lloyd Dykstra received the Harry Neitzel Mechanic of the Year Award from Taylor Miller, Beth Meyer and Rebecca Haddy, during the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet at The Columbian in West Bend on Saturday, Nov. 9. -RC Custom Design photo

During the offseason, the MSA is set to hold a pair of fundraising events. On Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, the MSA Cornhole fundraiser will take place at Racer’s Hall in Plymouth. The annual MSA Bowling Tournament and fundraiser is set for Sunday, March 29 at Dan’s Village Bowl in Brownsville.

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

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

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

 

November 10, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Little Chute’s Lueders releases Christian poetry book, schedules appearances

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 7, 2019 – Out of a period of troubling circumstances has blossomed a faith-affirming new book of Christian poetry from Little Chute resident Karen Lueders.

Lueders, was born and raised in Kaukauna and lived in Sheboygan for 20 years before moving to Little Chute in 2018 to be closer to family, released her first-ever book in late August titled “To God Be The Glory!”

After enduring a low point in her life in 2010, Lueders found solace in writing poetry starting in 2016 through a deep connection with her Christian faith. Upon accumulating a large volume of inspirational poems, Lueders sought out a way share her work in a book collection with the hope that her words might help others overcome their own daily challenges.

Published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis., “To God Be The Glory” features over 100 Christian-themed poems, as well as a section of shorter daily devotional-style poems to close out the 125-page book.

“My intent with publishing the book, was just to have all of my poems in a book instead of written on ‘scratch paper’ somewhere to share with my family,” Lueders said. “God had other plans. Since the book was released in August, I have heard from people who tell me how it has helped them. Whether it is how reading a few poems each night makes them feel more peaceful, or how they use the daily prayers each morning. It is interesting to me, how everyone uses the book differently. It is not a book that is meant to be read in one sitting.

“There are over 100 poems in the book,” she said. “Also, there is a section in the back of the book, called ‘Daily Prayers, Life’s Lessons & Daily Thoughts.’ These are short poems. All my poetry is rhymed and has meter.”

Lueders is eager to meet readers in person to share her personal story, which she hopes will help to shed some light on the sometimes dreary modern world.

Karen Lueders of Little Chute released her first Christian poetry book “To God Be The Glory!” in August.

“It is really easy to trust God when life is good but what about when life turns bad?,” Lueders said. “What about when we lose the life we’ve had? Who are we then? Who are we when all is taken away and nothing makes sense? How do we trust God then? My new book ‘To God Be The Glory!’ is a result of a powerful God, who can take a dark, horrible, hopeless mess and turn it into a message of hope. That is the message that l will share at my upcoming book presentations. I have been given a ‘new life’ and I am meant to share God’s sure hope and promises to a hopeless world.”

“2010 was a ‘nightmare’ for me, but little did I know how God would use my ‘dark story’ to share His love and hope through a Christian poetry book,” she said. “Starting in 2016, each morning I awoke thanking God for His promises of hope and love. Poetry began to flow and I journaled them. This book is a two-year collection of ‘morning poems’ the Holy Spirit enabled me to write.”

Lueders’ book tour is set to kick off with a book-signing event at St. Patrick’s Gifts & Books, located inside the Northland Mall at 972 West Northland Ave. in Appleton on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 1-3 p.m.

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Lueders will lead a book presentation at the Little Chute Public Library, located at 625 Grand Ave. in Little Chute beginning at 6 p.m.

Lueders has also scheduled a book signing at Sonlight Books, located at 709 North Eighth St. in Sheboygan, on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For those unable to attend an upcoming book signing or presentation, copies of “To God Be The Glory!” are available at The Carpenter, located at 120 East Main St. in Little Chute, St. Patrick’s Gifts & Books inside the Northland Mall at 972 West Northland Ave. in Appleton and Sonlight Books, located at 709 North Eighth St. in Sheboygan.

Copies of “To God Be The Glory!” can also be purchased at Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com. Karen Lueders can be reached at karenlueders@yahoo.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.

Karen Lueders

“To God Be The Glory!”

Book Event Schedule

Saturday, Nov. 16 – Book Signing

St. Patrick’s Gifts & Books (inside the Northland Mall)

972 West Northland Ave.

Appleton, Wis.

1-3 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 20 – Book Presentation

Little Chute Public Library

625 Grand Ave.

Little Chute, Wis.

6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 14 – Book Signing

Sonlight Books

709 North Eighth St.

Sheboygan, Wis.

11 a.m-2 p.m.

November 7, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Paul Pokorski reflects on ‘so-so’ 2019, looks ahead to final year as owner-driver

Paul Pokorski finished fifth in the Midwest Sprint Car Association point standings during the 2019 season. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 29, 2019 – As one of the most determined and dedicated drivers and team owners in the pit area, Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car racer Paul Pokorski has sacrificed quite a bit to put an open-wheel race car on the track on a week-in-and-week-out basis over the past 27 years.

During the 2019 campaign, the West Bend competitor put together a pair of solid top-10 finishes in the Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car point standings.

In all, Pokorski recorded four top-five finishes and 12 top-10 A-main showings to go along with two heat race wins and one B-main triumph in 26 events during the 2019 season. Pokorski wound up fifth in the final MSA point standings and ninth in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings.

“It was a so-so season,” Pokorski said. “We had some good runs early in the year, and some not so good runs. We really struggled during the second half of the year.  I certainly wish it would have gone better, but we still had some fun.”

The 2019 campaign got off to a strong start for Pokorski as he led the opening 15 laps of the season-opening Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main on May 4 before coming home with a season-best third-place finish.

Pokorski followed that up with a sixth-place A-main showing at Plymouth on May 11, before a B-main incident forced him to miss out on qualifying for an MSA A main for the first time since June 17, 2017 on May 25.

On Sunday, May 26, Pokorski made his lone Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series start of the season, which yielded a 16th-place finish at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek.

On June 1, Pokorski placed ninth at Plymouth before notching a 10th-place showing at Angell Park in Sun Prairie during the first MSA doubleheader weekend of the 2019 season. The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion tallied an 11th-place showing at Plymouth on June 8 before racking up a strong fourth-place finish at Plymouth on June 15.

On June 21 at SK Speedway in Unity Pokorski rallied from an late-race incident, which resulted in a flat tire, to salvage a 13th-place finish. One night later at Plymouth on June 22, Pokorski posted another 13th-place showing in A-main action.

With a season-high 40 MSA cars checked in on June 28 at Plymouth, Pokorski posted his third consecutive 13th-place finish in A-main action. Pokorski came home 10th in MSA competition at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam on July 3 and was challenging for fifth at TNT Speedway in Three Lakes before contact with another car forced him to retire from the race with a broken axle and resulted in a 14th-place finish.

On Friday, July 12, Pokorski recorded another 10th-place finish in the MSA’s first of two appearances at Outagamie Speedway Powered by EWSC Racing in Seymour. During the National Anthem parade lap at Outagamie Speedway, Pokorski carried the black flag on the track in honor of beloved MSA and Pokorski Motorsports supporter Dave “Hagar” Nelson, who passed away on July 5.

The following night was Remembering Randy Tracy Night at The Plymouth Dirt Track on July 13 and Pokorski was running near the top 10 in the A main when he got caught up in an incident in turn two, which forced out of the race with a 21st-place finish.

Pokorski added yet another 10th-place showing at Angell Park Speedway on July 21 before coming home 13th in A-main action at Plymouth on July 25.

On a night honoring Pokorski Motorsports friend and supporter Dave “Hagar” Nelson, Pokorski enjoyed one of his best nights of the 2019 season registering a heat race victory before storming to a fifth-place showing in the A main event at Outagamie Speedway Powered by EWSC Racing in Seymour on Aug. 2.

Pokorski put together another strong MSA doubleheader weekend with an eighth place finish at Plymouth on Aug. 10 before charging from 15th to fourth at Angell Park Speedway on Aug. 11.

The tide turned back to the negative side the following week as Pokorski went down a lap in the early going of the A main at Plymouth before posting an 18th-place finish on Aug. 17.

The team bounced back to notch a seventh-place finish at Plymouth on Aug. 23, while the MSA’s return to Beaver Dam Raceway for the first time since 2014 netted an 11th-place showing for Pokorski on Aug. 24.

In front of a jam-packed grandstand of fans at Plymouth during the Sheboygan County Fair, Pokorski posted a 12th-place showing on Aug. 31 before placing 15th at Plymouth on Sept. 14.

The 2019 season came to close on an inauspicious note on Sept. 28 at Plymouth as Pokorski was caught up in a multi-car incident on the frontstretch of the A-main, which resulted in a heat race flip. After the Pokorski Motorsports crew and other supporters in the pit area scrambled to get the car together, Pokorski was able to get the car back on the track for the B main. However, he was unable to transfer to the A main with a seventh-place showing in the B to bring the 2019 campaign to a conclusion.

In picking out a highlight of his 2019 season, it is no surprise that Pokorski points to a race at one of his favorite tracks on a night honoring one of his team’s most loyal supporters.

“We had a good night at Seymour during our second date there for the season, which was in honor of our late friend Dave ‘Hagar’ Nelson,” Pokorski said. “We won our heat and ran a solid top-five in the A main. I was pretty happy with the result and being able to pay tribute to our friend. That night stands out to me as the highlight of the season.”

On the flip side, Pokorski said the team was challenged by various hurdles, roadblocks and mishaps throughout the 2019 season.

“We had several poor pill draws, which hurt us,” Pokorski said. “We struggled at times to find speed even when the car felt good. We also had too many minor crashes, which set us back.”

With the majority of the MSA events drawing 30 to 40 cars, Pokorski admitted that both the quantity and quality of the field provided a stiff challenge each and every night during the 2019 campaign.

“With the large car counts we had every night, I did feel some extra pressure to perform,” Pokorski said. “Just making the A main was tough pretty much every night. In talking with the other drivers, I got the feeling most everyone felt more pressure this year. That’s good because competition is what it’s all about.”

Pokorski has indicated that the 2020 season will see him race on a part-time basis, while his son, Alex, will also get a chance to steer the familiar No. 4 machine in a handful of events.

“We intend to run most of the MSA schedule,” Pokorski said. “We have a family wedding and a few other family obligations that may take priority after all these years. I plan to start and finish the year driving. Alex will drive most of the middle part of the season unless he has a work or school conflict.”

In addition, Pokorski is planning to end his tenure fielding and driving his own car at the conclusion of the 2020 season.

“I originally planned to stop racing when our oldest (Alex) started college because of the financial strain,” Pokorski said. “However, we made it work. Now our daughter has also started college and it’s time to start saving more for retirement and other things. That’s something we haven’t done enough of over the years.

“We have had great help from sponsors over the years, but a lot of the cost still fell on us,” he said. “I’m not complaining, as I know that’s the case for a lot of guys. However, the financial aspect of it is a factor in the decision. I’d race another 28 years if it wasn’t!”

Looking beyond 2020, Pokorski isn’t sure what his racing future might hold. However, he does know that he would like to stay involved in the sport in some way.

“I don’t know yet what I might do to stay connected to racing when the 2020 season is over,” Pokorski said. “I know I want to do something. Continuing to drive is an option if the right opportunity comes along. Driving for someone else would definitely be my first choice.

“Another option is helping someone who wants more help and who I enjoy working with,” he said. “I would also consider helping the MSA as an official as well, depending on what they need.”

Pokorski is thankful to all those who have helped him pursue his racing dreams every year since 1993.

“I always have to thank my family and friends who have helped for so many years and continue to do so,” Pokorski said. “Our sponsors, many of whom have been involved in some way for many years, are greatly appreciated as well.  I can’t tell them all enough how much I truly appreciate them.”

Sponsors for the 2019 Pokorski Motorsports team are Hopf Farms, Petersen Septic Systems, Gasroots Project, Quest Engineering Inc., Acme Armature Works Inc., Goeden’s Auto Body, Goodwin Racing Engines, Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Kettle Moraine Landscaping, Novak’s Service Center, Pedal Down Promotions, Tisler Salvage Inc., Hagar’s Half-Pounder Cookies, Allied Bearing Corporation and The Cawley Company.

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

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Petersen Septic Systems

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

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

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

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

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

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.

2019 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 26

MSA events – 25

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 4

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 12

Heat Race Victories – 2

October 29, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Verdegan’s fifth book ‘Racing in the 906’ set for Dec. 7 release in Quinnesec, Mich.

Six-date holiday book tour announced throughout Michigan, Wisconsin for new book covering U.P. stock car racing history

(Dunbar, Wis.) – Motorsports author Joe Verdegan has announced his latest book “Racing In the 906” will be launched to the public for the first time Saturday, Dec. 7 at a book signing at the Big 10 Sports Bar in Quinnesec, Mich.

The book, Verdegan’s fifth in five years covering local and regional motorsports, features the extensive racing history in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula which dates back to the 1950s.

“Initially, we had a targeted release date of sometime in early 2020,” Verdegan explained. “However, after discussing the book’s progress with my publisher Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions, we both felt we were well enough along that we would be able to host a launch before Christmas.”

More than 200 drivers, promoters and car owners from Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida and Canada have been interviewed for this book.

“There is so much history up that way from Marquette to Escanaba, Menominee, Norway and up towards the Sault St. Marie area in Canada,” Verdegan said. “The general ‘buzz,’ if you will, amongst the Upper Michigan racing community is strong and everyone is eager to see the final product.”

A six-date holiday book signing tour in December is set, with five Michigan dates and one in Wisconsin. The Dec. 7 launch in Quinnesec takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other dates include stops at Crossroads Restaurant and Lounge in Marquette Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Pacino’s Pub in Escanaba from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The popular stop after Norway Speedway races, The Thirsty Whale Bar & Grill, will host a signing in Norway Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a swing into Stateline Apparel in Menominee scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The holiday tour wraps up in Verdegan’s hometown of Green Bay, Wis. at Bosse’s News Stand from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All signings are Central Standard Time with the exception of the Escanaba signing at Pacino’s Pub and at Crossroads in Marquette, which are both Eastern Standard Time.

A 2020 book signing tour will be announced at a later date along with book pre-order information for fans who are unable to attend either of the signings.

For more information on “Racing In The 906,” contact Joe Verdegan at jverdegan2@gmail.com or follow him on his Facebook page.

To learn more about Pedal Down Promotions, check the website pedaldownpromo.com or email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com.

2019 “Racing in the 906″ Holiday Book Tour

Saturday, Dec. 7 – Big 10 Sports Bar & Grill Quinnesec, Mich. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST

Tuesday, Dec, 10 – Crossroads Restaurant & Lounge Marquette, Mich. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST

Wednesday, Dec. 11 – Pacino’s Pub Escanaba, Mich. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST

Wednesday, Dec. 18 – Thirsty Whale Sports Bar & Grill Norway, Mich. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. CST

Thursday, Dec. 19 – Stateline Apparel Menominee, Mich. 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. CST

Saturday, Dec. 21 – Bosses News Stand Green Bay, Wis. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST

*Some drivers and promoters featured in the book may be available at some of the signings*

October 14, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

UW-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus to host Girls STEM Day Conference

Girls in sixth through ninth grade will have the opportunity to take part in four different hands-on STEM-inspired sessions, including A Look Inside the Biovine Hide, during the third annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (October 3, 2019) – In an increasingly high-tech world, the search for the next generation of innovative minds in the vital STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math is vast, continuous and ever-changing.

In an effort to introduce and engage sixth through ninth-grade girls to the wonders of STEM, Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has joined with the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation to hold the third annual Girls STEM Day Conference Saturday, Nov. 2, at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus, located at 1 University Drive in Sheboygan, Wis.

The conference, which runs from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., features 12 different STEM-inspiring sessions, along with a presentation from keynote speaker Lauren Sammel of Johnsonville LLC., from 8:30-9 a.m.

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

Girls in sixth through ninth grade will have the opportunity to take part in four different hands-on STEM-inspired sessions, including engineering teamwork, during the third annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

“We started the Girls STEM Day Conference three years ago and 84 girls attended last year,” she said. “Our goal is 100 girls this year. This year we will offer a keynote speech and the girls can choose four out of 12 hands-on STEM-based sessions.”

The conference features an impressive list of STEM field experts, including Sammel, who is the director of Sustainable Swine Resources, a division of Johnsonville LLC focused on porcine material and co-products businesses. With over 15 years of experience in the meat industry, Sammel has led and advanced innovative technical solutions for growth, quality and cost management opportunities.

Lauren Sammel, the director of Sustainable Swine Resources, a division of Johnsonville LLC, will be the featured keynote speaker at the third annual Sheboygan Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Girls STEM Day Conference at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus in Sheboygan, Wis. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Conference participants will have the opportunity to choose four of 12 available 45-minute STEM sessions, which cover a diverse range of topics including robotic surgery (Robodoc), paleontology (Digging for Clues), computer software design (Hello World), simple electronic circuits (Squishy Circuits), applied chemistry (Chem Demons), DNA science (What is DNA?), forensic science (Forensic Science), solar energy (Here Comes the Sun), veterinary science (A Look Inside the Biovine Hide), robotics (Robotics Challenge), drone photography (Drone Photography and product development and sensory science (Sensory of Slices).

“We have a wonderful group of expert presenters, who are working in these STEM fields with many years of experience,” Johnson said. “We have middle school and high school teachers, professors, police officers, veterinarians, engineers, product managers and developers and business owners that will be leading the STEM sessions.

“The presenters are genuinely happy to teach these sessions and the girls are so eager to learn,” she said. “It is fun to witness all the excitement that these sessions generate. The best thing is that they are all hands-on too. The girls actually get to experience what it is like to do these types of careers. Seven of our presenters from last year asked to come back this year. In addition, several brand-new sessions are scheduled to debut this year.”

Two parent sessions will also be featured. Former Sheboygan Police Department Detective Tamera Remington will present a parent session on Human Trafficking from 9:15-10:30 a.m. and the other parent session titled College Prep 101, which will be led by UW-Green Bay staff, runs from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

“Detective Remington has been giving presentations on human trafficking to large audiences and we are very happy to have her join us,” UW-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director and Development Director Allyson Meredith Olivier said. “The college prep session will cover college courses, tuition costs and many other topics related to enrolling in college.”

The registration fee is $10 per student, which includes lunch. Scholarships are available for those unable to cover the fee. The deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 25.

Sponsors for this year’s event include American Orthodontics, Garton Family Foundation, Grover Family Foundation, Betty Humke, Feingold Family Charitable Foundation, Johnsonville LLC, Masters Gallery Foods Inc, Robin Callan, Rockline Industries.

In-kind donors are Aurora Health Care, Cousin’s Subs, Festival Foods, JoAnn Gadicke, Judy Hangartner, Old Wisconsin Sausage Inc., Pick n’Save, Tietz’s Piggly Wiggly, Z Spot Espresso & Coffee and Zimmermann Printing.

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

Now in its 41st year, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation supports the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Sheboygan Campus by providing resources to ensure its success and excellence. The foundation works to enhance the university’s image within the community, broaden its base of financial support and communicate to the public its responsiveness to local needs.

To register or for more information on the Girls STEM Day Conference, https://www.uwgb.edu/foundation/sheboygan-campus/ or call UW-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director and Development Director Allyson Meredith Olivier at 920-459-6612 or Sheboygan Branch AAUW member and Girls STEM Day Conference Chair Dolcye Johnson at 920-458-5819.

October 3, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Walter, Torque Racing cap 2019 season, focus on diverse 2020 campaign in 410 ranks

Josh Walter closed out the 2019 racing season with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 2, 2019 – Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team wrapped up a rollercoaster 2019 season with an eventful evening of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series action, during the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Walter was among 31 IRA 410 Sprint Car Series drivers to check in for the final race of the 2019 season at the team’s hometown track. The 14th-year Sprint Car driver was scheduled to start second in the third 10-lap IRA heat race. However, two false starts moved Walter and polesitter Ben Schmidt back a row on the initial start.

After beginning the race from the fourth starting spot, Walter dropped back to fifth when Kris Spitz snuck past in turn two. Walter maintained the fifth spot throughout the remainder of the 10-lap event to earn a transfer spot to the 30-lap IRA A-main event.

Walter rolled off from the 17th starting spot in the IRA A-main and turned in a strong effort in the first half of the event to move into 14th place by passing Wayne Modjeski. After the second of fifth caution flags on lap 14, Walter found the going to be a little more challenging as he slid back to 17th in the running order.

After the lead two cars of Lynton Jeffrey and Austin McCarl collided while racing for the lead along the backstretch on lap 28, Walter restarted the race 15th. However, disaster struck on the next circuit as Walter flipped his 12W machine along the treacherous cushion in turn four on lap 29.

He emerged from the car uninjured, but he was done for the night and scored 19th in the final running order in a race won by Jeremy Schultz.

After originally intending to run the complete Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car schedule in 2019, Walter ended up splitting his time between the MSA 360 division and the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series in 2019.

Walter notched a pair of A-main victories, four top-five and seven top-10 A-main finishes to go along with three heat race victories and one B-main triumph in 14 MSA 360 Sprint Car events.

In late July, Walter and the Torque Racing team turned their attention to the IRA 410 Sprint Car ranks and he ended up making seven 410 starts with one top-10 A-main showing and one heat race victory to his credit.

Walter ended up 22nd in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings, 24th in the final MSA 360 Sprint Car point standings and 28th in the IRA 410 Sprint Car Series point standings during the 2019 season.

Looking ahead to the 2020 season, Walter says the team will be sticking with the 410 engine package and most likely run a pick-and-choose type of schedule in and out of the state of Wisconsin.

“With a job, a family and young kids who are active in various things, it is hard for us to commit to running a set schedule of races with a series, so we are planning to run the races and tracks that we enjoy, make sense to us and fit into our personal schedule next year,” Walter said. “We will be running several races around the area and we are also hoping to do some travelling out of the state as well to some tracks that we’ve always wanted to race at. It should be a fun season.”

Torque Racing sponsors for the 2019 season include JDV Lawncare, Brittany’s School of Dance, Sheboygan by Owner, Plymouth Tap, Doug’s Quality Beef, Tiffany’s Wildtree, Cow Pies, Full Throttle Ink, Lakehouse Bar & Grill, Home Transitions, Oostburg Concrete, Kombucha Brothers, Platinum Restoration Services, Ruh Custom Woodworking, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

Torque Racing Sponsor Showcase – Platinum Restoration Services

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team is pleased to have Platinum Restoration Services, located at 5225 West Electric Ave. in West Allis, Wis., on board as a sponsor for the 2019 season.

Platinum Restoration Services began 10 years ago as a one-man operation founded by owner Jeremy Roth. Over time, the business grew and it built a reputation for high-quality service and careful attention to detail.

“Our services are in such high demand that we have three trucks/crews going now,” Roth said. “From its humble beginnings, the company has grown to expand the services to all of Southeastern Wisconsin with another office in West Allis/Milwaukee. This growth was a natural part of the company’s evolution and the reflects the focus we’ve always placed on people and relationships.”

Platinum Restoration Services offers a wide array of services including carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, synthetic and oriental rug cleaning, air duct cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration and power washing.

Roth says the foundation of the business is centered around a dedication to top-notch customer service and high-quality restoration work.

“At Platinum Restoration Services, each member of our staff is an expert in his or her field-whether handling customer service or restoring a disaster in your home,” Roth said. “All of our people are fully-trained professionals, who have worked hard to make our company what it is today. We believe in forgoing ongoing relationships through quality workmanship and outstanding customer service.

As a race fan, Roth is thrilled to be involved with Josh Walter the Torque Racing team.

“I grew up in Plymouth and been going to the dirt track races in Plymouth for almost 20 years now,” Roth said. “I’ve always had a huge passion for racing. I started out going to drag races, radar runs, snowmobile races, jet ski racing and mountain bike racing. I took some time off to grow my business, but now I’m getting more involved with racing again. I wanted to sponsor Torque Racing because Josh has been a longtime friend and wanted to support his passion for racing.”

To contact Platinum Restoration Services, call 262-228-6166. For more information, visit www.platinumrestorationservice.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.

 

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing By The Numbers

Total Events – 21

MSA events – 14

IRA events – 7

A-Main Victories – 2

B-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 4

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 8

Heat Race Victories – 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 3, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports closes book on 2019, set to turn new page in 2020

Paul Pokorsk (4) tracks down Chris Clayton (2c) in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car action during the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28. -RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

 (PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 1, 2019 – Paul Pokorski and the Pokorski Motorsports team put their 27th season of racing competition in the rearview mirror with an eventful and challenging night of Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car action as part of the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships to cap the 2019 season at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

After the first annual Fuzzy Fassbender Memorial Race at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. fell victim to rain on Friday, Sept. 27, the Pokorski Motorsports team was one of 33 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars to check into The Plymouth Dirt Track for the final night of the 2019 season.

An unlucky draw found Pokorski starting ninth in the first 10-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car heat race. On the opening lap, Pokorski worked past Don Kiel, who brought out a caution flag on lap 3 when he spun in turn three. Kiel then brought out another caution with an identical spin in turn three on the following lap.

On the restart, Pokorski moved past Tim Haddy into seventh in the running order on lap 5 before getting caught up in an accident triggered on the frontstretch when Shane Wenninger flipped near the flag stand. Pokorski managed to avoid Wenninger’s machine, but he collided with the rapidly slowing car of Blake Wondra, which caused him to flip entering turn one. The extensive damage forced Pokorski to retire from the race as he was scored eighth.

“I did manage to miss the initial wreck, but the hole I was shooting to get through kind of closed up and I jumped somebody’s wheel,” Pokorski said. “It has been a while since we’ve been in a wreck like that. Thank goodness!

The Pokorski Motorsports crew quickly went to work on the badly damaged car and made the necessary repairs just in time to start ninth in the first 12-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main.

“The crew worked really hard to get the car back together,” Pokorski said. “We bent pretty much everything that bolts onto a race car. Luckily, we were reasonably prepared to get it all done and we had a lot of help from not only my own crew, but also Scott Conger and Brandon McMullen’s guys and a few people that I’m not even sure where they appeared from. When I initially got out of the car, I was pretty sure that we had some chassis damage and we wouldn’t be able to fix it.

“However, the more the crew and I looked at it, the more it seemed possible to get it done and they did,” he said. “It was a great team effort.”

In the first B main, Pokorski maneuvered around rookie Preston Ruh on lap 1 to move into eighth. Pokorski held the position until Tyler Brabant dropped out of the race on lap 8, which moved the West Bend driver up to seventh in the running order.

The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion ended up seventh at the finish to miss out on a transfer spot to the A main and bring the team’s 2019 season to a close.

“Unfortunately, the car wasn’t very good for the B main because we didn’t have a lot of time to pay attention to actually setting it up correctly,” Pokorski said.

In all, Pokorski recorded four top-five finishes and 12 top-10 A-main showings to go along with two heat race wins and one B-main triumph in 26 events during the 2019 season. Pokorski wound up fifth in the final MSA point standings and ninth in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings.

“I know racing is full of its ups and downs and since 2018 went so well in finishing every lap of every race and avoiding mishaps, I guess I should have expected some struggles in 2019,” Pokorski said. “I am lucky to have such enormous support from friends, family and sponsors to make it all possible.”

Pokorski has revealed that the completion of the 2019 season brings his time chasing the full MSA schedule to an end. In addition, he plans to hang up his driving suit at the conclusion of the 2020 campaign.

“Pokorski Motorsports will turn a new page in 2020,” Pokorski said. “I will run part time, and my son, Alex, will also race part time. I’m excited and nervous about that. At the end of the 2020 season, I’ll be retiring from driving, and at this point, I’m not sure what racing plans Alex might have going forward.”

Sponsors for the 2019 Pokorski Motorsports team are Hopf Farms, Petersen Septic Systems, Gasroots Project, Quest Engineering Inc., Acme Armature Works Inc., Goeden’s Auto Body, Goodwin Racing Engines, Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Kettle Moraine Landscaping, Novak’s Service Center, Pedal Down Promotions, Tisler Salvage Inc., Hagar’s Half-Pounder Cookies, Allied Bearing Corporation and The Cawley Company.

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

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Petersen Septic Systems

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

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

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

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

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

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.

2019 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 26

MSA events – 25

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 4

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 12

Heat Race Victories – 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 2, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Schultz, McMullen, Crane, Malueg bag Wisconsin Sprint Car Championship A-main triumphs

Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh collected his 17th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28. – RC Custom Design photo

Davis secures second PDTR 360 Sprint Car crown

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 28, 2019 – On a cool and crisp early fall evening, 106 Sprint Cars packed the pit area and a large contingent of dirt-track racing enthusiasts filled the stands as four drivers secured 2019 season championship hardware in five Sprint Car divisions at the season-ending Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The final event of the 2019 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season saw former series champion Jeremy Schultz of Beaver Dam come home victorious in a wild incident-filled 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association A main. Former PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh used a dramatic late-race pass to earn the victory in the 25-lap Richard’s of Dunbar PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main. Derek Crane of Waukegan, Ill. posted a wire-to-wire victory in the Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Car A main and C.J. Malueg of Johnsburg, Ill. was victorious in the IRA Lightning Sprint Car A main.

Hartland’s Bill Balog wrapped up his ninth career IRA 410 Sprint Car Series title, Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee claimed his second PDTR 360 Sprint championship and fifth Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car title. Chris Dodd of Trevor earned the Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Car season title and Mike Neau of Kenosha secured the IRA Lightning Sprint Car championship.

In the headlining 30-lap IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A-main, Australia native and current Prairie City, Iowa resident Lynton Jeffrey used his outside front row starting spot to power into the lead on the opening lap with two-time IRA champion Scotty Neitzel of Beaver Dam in tow.

On lap 3, Joey Moughan of Springfield, Ill., who started fourth, used the high groove to power his way into second place. Moughan continued to hound the low-riding Moughan over the next several laps before the leaders caught the back of the 24-car field on lap 7.

Two laps later, three-time NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart of Columbus, Ind., who was the fast qualifier for the evening, move up from his third starting position to slide past Moughan into second place in heavy lapped traffic in turn four on lap 9.

On the following circuit, Stewart spun to a stop in turn four to bring out the first of five caution flags. Stewart, who won the previous IRA event at Plymouth on Aug. 31, restarted the race at the rear of the field and was closing in on ther top 10 in the running order before retiring from the race with less than 10 laps to go and finishing 22nd.

On the restart, Moughan again used the high line to pressure Jeffrey, who stayed glued to the bottom of the track. The second caution flag appeared on lap 14 when rookie Hunter Custer of Chippewa Falls stopped on the backstretch.

Jeremy Schultz of Beaver Dam earned his 11th career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28. – RC Custom Design photo

When the race resumed, Jeffrey continued to fend off the determined Moughan as the two drivers pulled away from the rest of the field. On lap 23, the red flag appeared when Moughan hooked the thick cushion and flipped in turn four. Despite the flip, Moughan was able to return to the race at the rear of the field.

With Neitzel elevated to second and seventh starter Austin McCarl of Altoona, Iowa lining up third, McCarl got on a big run along the high groove on the restart to vault into second on lap 24 and immediately pressure Jeffrey for the lead.

McCarl pulled even with Jeffrey on lap 26 and the two Knoxville Raceway regular competitors dueled for the top spot as the leaders moved into lapped traffic. On lap 28, Jeffrey moved to the middle of the track to work past a lapped car, while McCarl used a big run off of the cushion in turn two to seize the lead down the backstretch. However, seconds later the two drivers made contact sending Jeffrey flipping and McCarl off the track with tire and suspension damage.

The incident gave the lead to Jeremy Schultz, who had worked his way to the front of the pack from the 16th starting position. On the restart, Schultz worked the high groove, while Neitzel stayed low before the race was stopped for the fifth and final time when Plymouth’s Josh Walter flipped in turn four on lap 29.

Just as the race resumed, Neitzel lost power to give second place to 2018 IRA champion Jack Blackhurst of Hanna City, Ill., who started ninth. Schultz maintained the lead over during the final two laps to earn his fourth IRA A-main victory of the 2019 season, fourth IRA A-main win at Plymouth and 11th career IRA main event triumph.

Blackhurst was second, Bill Balog, who started 21st after a heat race accident, secured his ninth IRA series championship with a hard-charging third-place finish, sixth starter Russel Borland of Kewaskum finished fourth and Steve Meyer of Sheboygan Falls, who started 10th, rounded out the top five.

After the first attempt to start was negated by a three-car incident in turn two involving Anthony Knierim of Franksville, Chris Larson of Greenfield and Chris Clayton of Waldo, Kurt Davis, who came into the night looking to secure both the PDTR and MSA 360 Sprint Car titles, grabbed the lead on the drop of the green flag of the 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main from the pole position.

On lap 3, 2017 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen used the high groove to sweep past second starter Brandon Berth of Cascade to take second. Three laps later, 2018 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Justin Miller of Plymouth worked around Berth to secure third.

By lap 12, the low-riding Davis had built up a half-straightaway lead over McMullen, who was using multiple lines to try to track down the leader. With lapped traffic becoming a factor on lap 12, McMullen began to gradually reel in Davis.

By lap 21, McMullen had pulled to within five car lengths of Davis and two laps later the three-time MSA champion used the high line to power around Davis and into the lead exiting turn two.

Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee wrapped up his second career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car championship at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28. – RC Custom Design photo

McMullen pulled away over the final two laps to earn his second PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2019 season, 17th career PDTR main event win and 23rd career MSA A-main triumph.

Davis secured his second PDTR 360 Sprint Car title and fifth career MSA championship with a second-place finish, eighth starter Travis Arenz of Sheboygan placed third, Justin Miller was fourth and Berth completed the top five.

Derek Crane grabbed the lead of the Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Car A main from the pole with third starter Allen Hafford of Beach Park, Ill. following in second and Tim Cox of Park City, Ill., who started sixth, in third.

The first of two red flags appeared on lap 4 when Randy Stanford of Kenosha and Vince Bartolotta of Muskego flipped simultaneously in turn two. On the follow lap, a seven-car incident in turn three resulted in Dennis Spitz of Lewisburg, Ky. flipping.

On the result, Crane continued to hold down the top spot with Hafford hot on his heels. Second starter Zach Raidart of Gurnee, Ill., who was one of the only drivers to venture up to the high groove, worked his way into fourth place and was challenging for third when he collided with the front stretch wall and flipped on the final lap just as the leaders took the checkered flag.

Crane held on to score his first A-main victory of the 2019 season in flag-to-flag fashion. Hafford was second, Cox finished third, fifth starter Chris Klemko of Bristol placed fourth and third starter Ryan Zielski of Oconomowoc placed fifth.

Chris Dodd placed 14th in the final A main of the 2019 campaign to complete a championship season in the Wisconsin Wingless Series.

C.J. Malueg of Johnsburg, Ill. grabbed the lead on the opening lap of the 20-lap IRA Lightning Sprint Car A main from his outside front row starting spot with Mark Heinert of Oak Creek, who started sixth, falling into second.

The two drivers stayed first and second throughout the 20-laps and two caution periods, with Malueg leading all the way en route to the commanding victory. Heinert placed second, Mike Neau wrapped up the 2019 IRA Lightning Sprint Car title with a third-place finish, after starting fifth, Ron Brannam finished fourth and Jeff Schmidt, who started 10th, completed the top five.

Bill Balog won the IRA 410 Sprint Car B main, Nich Melis of Plymouth and Lance Fassbender of Burnett each notched Plymouth 360 Sprint Car B-main victories and George Gaertner Jr. of Salem captured the Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Car B main.

Tony Stewart was the fast qualifier in IRA 410 Sprint Car Series time trials with a lap of 11.905 around the third-mile clay oval.

After 39 years in the cockpit, Jim Melis of Glenbeulah announced his retirement following the PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main. He ended his long and successful racing career with a second-place finish in his heat race and seventh-place showing in the A main.

Melis’ career began in the Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified division at Plymouth in 1981 and included many years competing with the IRA 410 Sprint Car Series and PDTR and MSA 360 Sprint Cars mainly at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

Melis’ final year of racing saw him finish fourth in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings and tally A-main victories at The Plymouth Dirt Track and the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam.

Along with three IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victories, Melis captured 21 MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main wins, including 17 career PDTR 360 Sprint Car main event victories in his career.

A total of 106 cars checked in for the event, including 33 PDTR/MSA 360 Sprint Cars, 31 IRA 410 Sprint Cars, 30 Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Cars and 12 IRA Lightning Sprint Cars.

BUMPER TO BUMPER INTERSTATE RACING ASSOCIATION SPRINT CARS

Date of Race: September 28, 2019

HEAT 1

1, Steve Meyer 2, Russel Borland 3, Tony Stewart 4, Mike Reinke 5, Danny Schlafer 6, Jereme Schroeder 7, Robbie Pribnow 8, Al Schlafer.

HEAT 2

1, Terry McCarl 2, Scotty Thiel 3, Lynton Jeffrey 4, Wayne Modjeski 6, John Fahl 7, Austin Deblauw 7, Bryce Schmitt 8, Brian Strane.

HEAT 3

1, Austin McCarl 2, Jake Blackhurst 3, Ben Schmidt 4, Kris Spitz 5, Josh Walter 6, Nick Matuszewski 7, Chris Klemko 8, Matt Wiese.

HEAT 4

1, Scotty Neitzel 2, Dave Uttech 3, Joey Moughan 4, Jeremy Schultz 5, Hunter Custer 6, Sean Rayhall 7 Bill Balog.

B MAIN

1, Bill Balog 2, Jereme Schroeder 3, Robbie Pribnow 4, Al Schlafer 5, Chris Klemko 6, Matt Wiese 7, Brian Strane 8, Sean Rayhall 9, Nick Matuszewski 10, Bryce Schmitt 11, Austin Deblauw.

A MAIN

1, Jeremy Schultz 2, Jake Blackhurst 3, Bill Balog 4, Russel Borland 5, Steve Meyer 6, Mike Reinke 7, Terry McCarl 8, Danny Schlafer 9, Kris Spitz 10, Ben Schmidt 11, Wayne Modjeski 12, Robbie Pribnow 13, Jeremy Schroeder 14, John Fahl 15, Al Schlafer 16, Hunter Custer 17, Joey Moughan 18, Scotty Neitzel 19, Josh Walter 20, Lynton Jeffrey 21, Austin McCarl 22, Tony Stewart 23, Scotty Thiel, 24, Dave Uttech.

QUALIFYING

1. 14-Tony Stewart, 00:11.905[18]; 2. 83-Lynton Jeffrey, 00:11.909[9]; 3. 73-Jake Blackhurst, 00:11.942[8]; 4. 17B-Bill Balog, 00:11.971[15]; 5. 23-Russel Borland, 00:12.002[4]; 6. 4-Terry McCarl, 00:12.022[14]; 7. 17A-Austin McCarl, 00:12.028[30]; 8. 73AF-Joey Moughan, 00:12.030[20]; 9. 02-Mike Reinke, 00:12.141[28]; 10. 14AJ-Wayne Modjeski, 00:12.167[24]; 11. 12W-Josh Walter, 00:12.209[13]; 12. 68-Dave Uttech, 00:12.219[29]; 13. 85M-Steve Meyer, 00:12.251[10]; 14. 64-Scotty Thiel, 00:12.298[25]; 15. 14AJX-Ben Schmidt, 00:12.314[27]; 16. 2W-Scott Neitzel, 00:12.319[3]; 17. 11-Danny Schlafer, 00:12.360[16]; 18. 0-John Fahl, 00:12.413[12]; 19. 4K-Kris Spitz, 00:12.435[23]; 20. 5J-Jeremy Schultz, 00:12.442[7]; 21. 43-Jereme Schroeder, 00:12.563[5]; 22. 22S-Brian Strane, 00:12.654[1]; 23. 63-Nick Matuszewski, 00:12.699[11]; 24. 29-Hunter Custer, 00:12.702[31]; 25. 25-Al Schlafer, 00:12.807[22]; 26. 18S-Bryce Schmitt, 00:12.877[2]; 27. 70-Chris Klemko, 00:12.953[6]; 28. 14R-Sean Rayhall, 00:12.960[17]; 29. 20R-Rob Pribnow, 00:12.986[26]; 30. 65D-Austin Deblauw, 00:13.023[21]; 31. 45-Matt Wiese, 00:13.568[19].

RICHARD’S OF DUNBAR 360 SPRINT CARS

HEAT 1

1, Brandon McMullen 2, Kurt Davis 3, Kevin Karnitz 4, Tim Haddy 5, Chris Clayton 6, Blake Wondra 7, Shane Wenninger 8, Paul Pokorski 9, Don Kiel.

HEAT 2

1, Tyler Tischendorf 2, Jim Melis 3, Ben Schmidt 4, Brandon Berth 5, Will Gerrits 6, Sean Rayhall 7, Josh Teunissen 8, Tyler Brabant.

HEAT 3

1, Tony Wondra 2, Travis Arenz 3, Anthony Knierim 4, Nich Melis 5, Bill Taylor 6, Scott Conger 7, Tyler Nelson 8, Preston Ruh.

HEAT 4

1, Justin Miller 2, Chris Larson 3, Jack Vanderboom 4, Lance Fassbender 5, Nick Daywalt 6, Mike Decker 7, Danny Schlafer 8, Adam Miller.

B MAIN 1

1, Nick Melis 2, Adam Miller 3, Will Gerrits 4, Mike Decker 5, Scott Conger 6, Josh Teunissen 7, Paul Pokorski 8, Preston Ruh 9, Tyler Brabant.

B MAIN 2

1, Lance Fassbender 2, Danny Schlafer 3, Nick Daywalt 4, Blake Wondra 5, Shane Wenninger 6, Sean Rayhall 7, Tyler Nelson 8, Don Kiel.

A MAIN

1, Brandon McMullen 2, Kurt Davis 3, Travis Arenz 4, Justin Miller 5, Brandon Berth 6, Tyler Tischendorf 7, Jim Melis, 8, Kevin Karnitz 9, Will Gerrits 10, Lance Fassbender 11, Ben Schmidt 12, Tony Wondra 13, Jack Vanderboom 14, Bill Taylor 15, Danny Schlafer 16, Adam Miller 17, Blake Wondra 18, Chris Clayton 19, Nick Daywalt 20, Chris Larson 21, Anthony Knierim Tim Haddy (DNS), Nich Melis (DNS).

WISCONSIN WINGLESS SPRINT CARS

HEAT 1

1, Jordan Paulsen 2, Charles Spoonmore 3, Nick Petska 4, Natalie Klemko 5, Shawn Swim 6, Greg Alt 7, Zach Hansen 8, Jordan Mattson 9, Jim Wehrman 10, George Gaertner III.

HEAT 2

1, Vince Bartolotta 2, Dennis Spitz 3, Jake Kouba 4, Randy Stanford 5, James Walldan, 6, George Gaertner Jr. 7, Seth Johnson 8, Tommy Colburn 9, William Huck, 10, Tom Eller.

B MAIN

1, George Gaertner Jr. 2, Zach Hansen 3, Jordan Mattson 4, Greg Alt 5, Tom Eller 6, Seth Johnson 7, Tommy Colburn 8, George Gaertner III 9, Jim Wehrman 10, William Huck.

A MAIN

1, Derek Crane 2, Allen Hafford 3, Tim Cox 4, Chris Klemko 5, Ryan Zielski 6, Charlies Spoonmore 7, Natalie Klemko 8, Rusty Egan 9, Zach Hansen 10, Vince Bartolotta 11, Jordan Mattson 12, Greg Alt 13, Jake Kouba 14, Chris Dodd 15, Jordan Paulsen 16, Nick Petska 17, Greg Olsen 18, Tom Eller 19, George Gaertner Jr. 20, Zach Raidart 21, Jimmy Sivia 22, Dennis Spitz 23, Shawn Swim 24, Randy Stanford 25, James Walldan.

INTERSTATE RACING ASSOCIATION LIGHTNING SPRINT CARS

HEAT 1

1, C.J. Malueg 2, Mark Heinert 3, Tim Brannam 4, Jeff Schmidt 5, Kevin Fredrikson 6, Bob Jeziorski.

HEAT 2

1, Mike Neau 2, Michael Unger 3, John Kirk 4, Ron Brannam 5, Max Brannam.

A MAIN

1, C.J. Malueg 2, Mark Heinert 3, Mike Neau 4, Ron Brannam 5, Jeff Schmidt 6, Tim Brannam 7, Kevin Fredrikson 8, Shawn McGill 9, Michael Unger 10, Max Brannam 11, Bob Jeziorski 12, John Kirk.

 

 

September 29, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Championship, rookie battles in spotlight as MSA closes out 2019 season

Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, Travis Arenz of Sheboygan and Plymouth’s Justin Miller will by vying the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association championship during the final weekend of the season Friday, Sept. 27 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. and Saturday, Sept. 28 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.  –  RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 19, 2019 – After five grueling months and countless miles of travel to seven different tracks throughout the state of Wisconsin, the 20th season of Midwest Sprint Car Association competition is set to draw to a close with a doubleheader weekend of action, which will decide this year’s hotly contested battles for the 2019 series championship and rookie of the year award.

The final two races of the 2019 campaign will take place on two vastly different tracks as the weekend will kick off with the first annual Fuzzy Fassbender Memorial Race at the high-speed horsepower half-mile at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 27 before wrapping up the season on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the third-mile Plymouth Dirt Track bullring at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

Heading into the season finale weekend, four-time MSA champion Kurt Davis South Milwaukee holds a 38-point lead over second-year MSA competitor Travis Arenz of Sheboygan. The two hard-charging drivers have traded the top spot throughout the season and there is no doubt sparks will fly as they square off with the coveted MSA title on the line.

In addition, 2018 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint car champion Justin Miller of Plymouth remains in mathematical contention for the title heading into championship weekend 133 points behind Davis.

A perennial fixture at the top of the MSA standings, Davis has put together another stellar season include three A-main victories, 14 top-five and a series-leading 23 top-10 A-main showings in 24 MSA races this season.

Although he did not originally intend to run the full MSA schedule in 2019, everything has fallen into place for the 2018 MSA champion to make yet another title bid.

“We were only going to race part time this year and have my son, Tyler, do the whole season,” Davis said. “Then we started running really well, took the point lead and decided to keep going. My season started out with a junked race car. My crew put together another car and here we are winning three features so far, including my 60th MSA feature victory and leading the points.

“I love the competitive challenge the MSA group has,” he said. “This group of cars has the most underrated weekly racers in the country. We’ve had 12 different winners this year so far with some racers that have won in the past, but yet have not found the winner’s circle so far this season.”

Davis is eager to put a bow on his fifth MSA championship with strong performances to close out the season at Dodge County and Plymouth.

“My approach to the last weekend of the season is to go through the car from front to back, prepare the trailer, get some new tires and go out and win,” Davis said.

Arenz has been nothing short of spectacular this season as he has racked up a series-leading six A-main victories in 2019, to go along with a series-leading 15 top-five and 18 top-10 A-main showings in 24 MSA events.

“I personally set a few goals at the beginning of the year,” Arenz said. “I wanted to be a top-three points contender throughout the season and be able to battle for a championship at season’s end. My other goal this year was to keep getting better week in and week out and to be consistent every race unlike last year.”

While Arenz has never been a driver to lack confidence in his abilities behind the wheel, he has been pleasantly surprised by his victory output against a deep and highly competitive field of MSA competitors.

“I can’t say I was expecting to crank out six wins this year so far,” Arenz said. “And to have done so against the fierce competition in the 360 group says a lot. I knew if I was consistent and kept the car in one piece throughout the season, that I would have a potential shot at winning a championship. I have a lot of keys to my success this season. I can’t really say it’s been one thing. Everything from the time spent in the shop, good equipment, advice/help from veteran racers and the mindset to never give up and to keep getting better have contributed to the success this year.”

Arenz heads into the final weekend of the 2019 MSA season with a clear goal of adding to his resume of seven career MSA A-main victories.

“My approach to the last weekend of the season is simple,” Arenz said. “I need to out there and win the last two nights. We’ve got nothing to lose.”

Brandon Berth of Cascade and Jack Vanderboom of Dousman will decide this year’s Midwest Sprint Car Association rookie of the year during the final weekend of the season Friday, Sept. 27 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. and Saturday, Sept. 28 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.  –  RC Custom Design photo

This year’s MSA rookie of the year battle has been one for the ages with no less than 13 rookies joining the fray this season.

Former Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod champion, Brandon Berth of Cascade enters the final weekend with a 28-point lead over former Micro Sprint competitor Jack Vanderboom of Dousman in the chase for the MSA Rookie of the Year Award.

“Going into the season, our goals were to race the full MSA schedule and try for rookie of the year in MSA and at Plymouth,” Berth said. “I wanted to try every race to learn as much as we could. The biggest challenge this year has been adjusting to the tracks. With the Sport Mod, we didn’t do as much traveling and were pretty comfortable when running Plymouth. It has shown at times when doing some of our traveling shows, we’ve struggled at times. But it’s been great to learn so much while traveling like we have.”

Berth, who has racked up two top-five and five top-10 A-main showings in MSA action this season, is coming off a career-best third-place A-main showing at Plymouth on Sept. 14.

“The highlight for this year has been winning my first heat race at Beaver Dam Raceway a few weeks ago,” Berth said. “It was pretty special because it was my nephew Kason’s third birthday. He’s been sure to remind me most nights that I didn’t win, so getting the win for his birthday was pretty special for both of us.”

Berth says earning the MSA Rookie of the Year Award would be an achievement that would serve as a fitting culmination of countless hours of hard work and dedication from those associated with his team.

“Winning the rookie of the year for MSA would be really special due to all the time and work we’ve put into everything,” Berth said. “Everybody that races puts in so much time and to be able to come out and get our goal that we set out at the beginning of the year would be special. We’ve been talking about running this whole schedule for over a year, so it has been a pretty big focus for a while. We’ve had great competition all year for this title and everybody we race against have been super awesome. It has been fun no matter what happens in the closing nights of the year.”

Berth is highly focused on the task at hand as he heads into the final MSA doubleheader weekend of the 2019 campaign.

“My approach for the final weekend is do what we have been doing the last couple of weeks,” Berth “Don’t put ourselves in positions we shouldn’t be in, race our own race and don’t think about where we need to be. We need to go out and do our thing and whatever happens happens. Jack has been a great competitor and it has been fun. I’m glad there’s some pressure going into the final weekend to make things really interesting. Anything can happen yet.”

As one of the youngest competitors in the MSA ranks, 16-year-old Jack Vanderboom has turned many heads this year in his rookie season behind the wheel of a full-sized Sprint Car after enjoying success in the Micro Sprint ranks.

“The transition from the Micro Sprint to the 360 Sprint Car has definitely been a challenge, especially at the start of the season,” Vanderboom said. “I’m trying to figure out how to drive the car depending on the setup or the conditions of the track. The biggest challenge for me has definitely been the car count because in the Micros, the car count was slim. It was a great class to get started in, but I personally haven’t raced with more than 16 cars at max on a good night in the Micros and that has been a struggle for me this season.”

Vanderboom, who has tallied one top-five and two top-10 A-main showings this year, points to a career-best runner-up showing at The Plymouth Dirt Track has the highlight of his 2019 season so far.

“I think the highlight of my season so far was my second-place finish in the feature a few weeks back,” Vanderboom said. “I definitely learned a lot that night racing alongside Jim Melis that whole race. We had a great battle going between the two of us that night. Jim is a great driver and tough to beat. He proved that to me that night, but I learned a lot from watching him and getting through traffic and picking the best line for me that whole race was a big stepping point for me as a driver and also for our crew involving setup and everything that goes into the car on a weekly basis I wouldn’t be here without all the help we’ve had the whole way.

“I think winning the MSA rookie of the year title would definitely be a huge accomplishment and goal of mine because it shows how much I improved over the course of the season,” he said. “With the amount of rookie drivers we have, it has proven to be a very difficult task, but it would be a huge accomplishment to achieve for me as a driver.”

Vanderboom is taking a cautiously optimistic approach to the last weekend of the 2019 MSA season.

“Truly our goal for the final weekend of the season is to keep the car in one piece and finish as best as I can in the last two,” Vanderboom said. “Our focus at Dodge County is to keep the car together and just finish before the championship night at Plymouth.”

Action at The Dodge County Fairgrounds will begin with hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27. The program will also include the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, A Modifieds and B Modifieds.

The 2019 MSA season will conclude at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Sept. 28 with hot laps at 5 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m. The Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships will include the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprint Cars.

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

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

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

 

September 19, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Walter, Torque Racing go top-15 with IRA, prep for season finale

Josh Walter posted a 13th-place finish in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 14. Walter and his Torque Racing team will cap the 2019 season with the IRA at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 18, 2019 – Following a weekend away from the racetrack, Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team returned to action by turning in yet another rock solid effort with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series for the Scott Semmelmann Memorial Race at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Walter began the evening by qualifying 16th in the 26-car IRA field with a lap of 12.242 seconds. The 14th-year driver then lined up sixth and finished fifth in the first 10-lap IRA heat race to advance to the 30-lap A main.

The Plymouth resident rolled off from the 12th starting spot in the main event before coming home 13th in a race won by Bill Balog.

“It was consistent night for us,” Walter said. “We were struggling with turn 3 and 4 all night, but had a really good car for turns 1 and 2. Early in the night, we struggled a bit with forward drive off the corners in qualifying and the heat race. By the time the A main rolled around, we tried a completely new setup and it really seemed to make a difference with the handling of the car. We still lacked some forward drive, but I felt like I could put the car anywhere on the track.”

The team will close out the 2019 season with the IRA at the season-ending event Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28. The all-Sprint Car event will feature the IRA 410 Sprint Cars, Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars, Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprint Cars.

Hot laps will begin at 5 p.m. with qualifying and racing to follow.

Walter, who owns two A-main victories in MSA 360 Sprint Car competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track this season, is eager to return to his hometown track, where he placed 14th in IRA A-main action on Saturday, Aug. 31.

“We are looking forward to Plymouth on the 28th,” Walter said. “We are going to fine tune the new setup and see what happens. It’s exciting to know that we are improving every time we go to a track for the second time. This will be our second race this year with the 410 at Plymouth, so we are looking to improve in qualifying and our A-main finish from our last visit.”

Torque Racing sponsors for the 2019 season include JDV Lawncare, Brittany’s School of Dance, Sheboygan by Owner, Plymouth Tap, Doug’s Quality Beef, Tiffany’s Wildtree, Cow Pies, Full Throttle Ink, Lakehouse Bar & Grill, Home Transitions, Oostburg Concrete, Kombucha Brothers, Platinum Restoration Services, Ruh Custom Woodworking, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

Torque Racing Sponsor Showcase – Platinum Restoration Services

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team is pleased to have Platinum Restoration Services, located at 5225 West Electric Ave. in West Allis, Wis., on board as a sponsor for the 2019 season.

Platinum Restoration Services began 10 years ago as a one-man operation founded by owner Jeremy Roth. Over time, the business grew and it built a reputation for high-quality service and careful attention to detail.

“Our services are in such high demand that we have three trucks/crews going now,” Roth said. “From its humble beginnings, the company has grown to expand the services to all of Southeastern Wisconsin with another office in West Allis/Milwaukee. This growth was a natural part of the company’s evolution and the reflects the focus we’ve always placed on people and relationships.”

Platinum Restoration Services offers a wide array of services including carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, synthetic and oriental rug cleaning, air duct cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration and power washing.

Roth says the foundation of the business is centered around a dedication to top-notch customer service and high-quality restoration work.

“At Platinum Restoration Services, each member of our staff is an expert in his or her field-whether handling customer service or restoring a disaster in your home,” Roth said. “All of our people are fully-trained professionals, who have worked hard to make our company what it is today. We believe in forgoing ongoing relationships through quality workmanship and outstanding customer service.

As a race fan, Roth is thrilled to be involved with Josh Walter the Torque Racing team.

“I grew up in Plymouth and been going to the dirt track races in Plymouth for almost 20 years now,” Roth said. “I’ve always had a huge passion for racing. I started out going to drag races, radar runs, snowmobile races, jet ski racing and mountain bike racing. I took some time off to grow my business, but now I’m getting more involved with racing again. I wanted to sponsor Torque Racing because Josh has been a longtime friend and wanted to support his passion for racing.”

To contact Platinum Restoration Services, call 262-228-6166. For more information, visit www.platinumrestorationservice.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.

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, Sept. 28 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing By The Numbers

Total Events – 20

MSA events – 14

IRA events – 6

A-Main Victories – 2

B-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 4

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 8

Heat Race Victories – 4

September 18, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports eyes strong end to 2019 season

Paul Pokorski will wrap up the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association season with a doubleheader at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam Wis. on Friday, Sept. 27 and The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 17, 2019 – Following a 15th-place showing in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car competition on Saturday, Sept. 14, Paul Pokorski and the members of his Pokorski Motorsports team are looking forward to closing out the 2019 campaign on a high note with a Midwest Sprint Car Association doubleheader weekend at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 27 and The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Pokorski was among 28 PDTR 360 Sprint Car drivers signing in to do battle in the second-to-last race of the 2019 season at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 14.

The 2014 Midwest Sprint Car Association Masters Series champion lined up third in the fourth PDTR 360 Sprint Car heat race and dropped back to fourth in the running order on the opening lap as Ben Schmidt slipped past.

On lap 3, Shane Wenninger worked around Pokorski to drop the blue No. 4 machine to fifth. Three laps later, Pokorski gained back one spot as he worked the low groove to move past Schmidt into fourth place, which is where he finished.

After failing to make the top-16 heat race passing point qualifiers for the A main, Pokorski lined up on the pole for the 12-lap B main. Ben Schmidt got the jump on the opening lap to take the lead, while Pokorski settled into second. The West Bend driver held the runner-up spot throughout the remaining laps to earn a spot in the evening’s 25-lap A main.

Pokorski rolled off from the 18th starting spot in the A main and hovered around 19th through the majority of the early portion of the event. After a red flag for a flip involving race leader Travis Arenz in turn four on lap 23, Pokorski restarted 17th.

Pokorski gained a few more spots when a caution flag was displayed on lap 24 when Justin Miller hit the turn three wall. The 27th-year driver restarted 15th and held the spot during a green-white-checkered flag finish to take 15th in the race, which was won by Adam Miller.

“The car was good in hot laps and got mysteriously tight in the heat race,” Pokorski said. “That hurt our finish. We made good changes for the B main and the car was pretty good. I thought the feature finish was disappointing given how well the B went, but starting 18th on a fast racetrack is hard. The MSA has a lot of good cars so it’s always hard and starting back that far makes it harder for sure.”

The Pokorski Motorsports team will close out the 2019 season with a pair of MSA events during the weekend of Sept. 27-28. On Friday, Sept. 27, the team will compete in the first annual Fuzzy Fassbender Memorial at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam. Wis. The event will also feature the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, as well as A Modifieds and B Modifieds. Hot laps will begin at 6 p.m. followed by qualifying and racing at 7 p.m.

The 2019 campaign will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 28 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. with an all-Sprint Car program dubbed the Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships featuring the MSA 360 Sprint Cars, IRA 410 Sprint Cars, Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprint Cars. Hot laps will begin at 5 p.m. followed by qualifying and racing at 6 p.m.

“I’m looking forward to the two-night conclusion to the year,” Pokorski said. “I’ve learned to love Dodge County and it will be nice to honor local racing hero and Hall of Famer Fuzzy Fassbender on that night. Then wrapping up the season with a big night of all Sprint Cars at Plymouth should be awesome. I can’t believe 2019 is almost in the books.”

Sponsors for the 2019 Pokorski Motorsports team are Hopf Farms, Petersen Septic Systems, Gasroots Project, Quest Engineering Inc., Acme Armature Works Inc., Goeden’s Auto Body, Goodwin Racing Engines, Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Kettle Moraine Landscaping, Novak’s Service Center, Pedal Down Promotions, Tisler Salvage Inc., Hagar’s Half-Pounder Cookies, Allied Bearing Corporation and The Cawley Company.

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

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Petersen Septic Systems

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 

2019 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule.

Friday, September 27 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

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

 

2019 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 25

MSA events – 24

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 4

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 12

Heat Race Victories – 2

 

 

 

 

September 17, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

McGrath claims crown in Dirt Kings headliner at Plymouth

Miller, Sorce, Schultz earn A-main wins as Kulow, Warner take division titles

Mitch McGrath of Waukesha claimed his 13th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 14.. – C-Marq Photography

 By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 14, 2019 – Former Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model champion Mitch McGrath of Waukesha continued his recent mastery of The Plymouth Dirt Track by claiming his second straight Dirt Kings Late Model Tour victory and second consecutive PDTR Late Model A-main triumph of the 2019 season at the third-mile clay oval at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 14.

In other A-main action, Adam Miller of Plymouth captured his first career 25-lap Richard’s of Dunbar 360 Sprint Car A-main victory, former PDTR Late Model champ Dan Sorce of West Allis picked up the win in the 25-lap Klips & Tips Grand National A main and Nick Schultz of Beaver Dam triumphed in the 25-lap Cellcom B Mod main event.

In addition, two new PDTR champions were crowned as Tyler Kulow of Plymouth secured his first career Grand National title at Plymouth by edging Luke Scholten of Oostburg by 26 points in the final standings, while Fond du Lac’s Tim Warner wrapped up is first career PDTR B Mod track title by topping Travis Schmidt of Waldo by 24 points.

Outside front row starter Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha outdueled polesitter Troy Springborn of Shawano to lead the opening circuit of 30-lap Discounttowels.com Dirt Kings Late Model Tour A main.

On lap 4, fourth starter Mitch McGrath pulled off a slide job in turn three to work his way into second place. As Scheffler moved out to a solid half-straightaway lead over Springborn, two-time defending Dirt Kings Late Model Tour champion Nick Anvelink of Navarino engaged in an epic, back-and-forth battle with fifth starter Justin Reed of Camp Point, Ill. for fourth beginning on lap 11.

Two laps later, Reed maneuvered past both Anvelink and Springborn to advance to third in the running order as the leaders began to work their way through heavy lapped traffic staring on lap 16.

With six laps to go, Scheffler got briefly pinned behind a pair of lapped cars that were dueling side by side. As Scheffler struggled to dispatch of the slower machine, McGrath moved into striking distance on lap 25, while Anvelink also slipped into the fray to make in a three-way duel for the lead on lap 26.

Anvelink ducked low to briefly steal second from McGrath, who claimed the 2014 PDTR Late model title. However, the 2019 Lucas Oil Midwest Latemodel Racing Association (MLRA) regular powered back around Anvelink one lap later and quickly pulled even with the high-riding Scheffler along the equally fast low line.

Entering turn three on the final circuit, McGrath reeled off a huge slide job, which propelled him into the lead. Scheffler attempted to dive low and race past McGrath going to the checkered flag, but McGrath held on to earn his 13th career PDTR Late Model A-main victory, second straight PDTR Late Model A-main win, fifth overall Dirt Kings Tour A-main win and second consecutive Dirt Kings Late Model Tour main event triumph at Plymouth.

Scheffler had to settle for second, Anvelink took third, Reed wound up fourth and Springborn rounded out the top five in the caution-free event.

“There was some good racing in that one, especially at the end,” McGrath said as he was adorned with the customary Dirt Kings Tour winners crown and cape, while sitting on the A-main victor’s throne in victory lane. “Taylor gave plenty of room to race and it was fun. It does feel good to win after we gave one away at the end to Nick Anvelink at Wilmot Speedway last week. I just got up on the wheel and did my best to make it happen.”

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan jumped into the lead on the opening lap of the 25-lap PDTR Sprint Car A main as third starter Adam Miller moved into second. By lap five, Arenz had built up a half-straightaway cushion over Miller at the front of the field.

As Arenz was setting a blistering pace along the high line of the multi-groove track surface, lapped traffic came into play starting on lap 8. Five laps later, Arenz found himself mired in heavy lapped traffic, which allowed Miller to reduce the gap considerably on lap 15.

Adam Miller of Plymouth earned his first career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 14.. – RC Custom Design photo

After making some impressive moves to work through the slower cars, Arenz was beginning to extend his lead when disaster struck. On lap 23, Arenz tangled with a slower car and flipped hard in turn four. The incident also collected rookie Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake. Both drivers were forced to retire from the race.

On the restart, 2017 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh lined up directly behind Miller, who had inherited the lead following Arenz departure from the race. McMullen dove low to pull even with Miller in turn two on lap 23. On the next lap, 2018 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Justin Miller of Plymouth hit the wall hard in turn three, which ended his night.

Miller again held off McMullen’s bid for the lead along the low line on the green-white-checkered flag finish to secure his first career A-main victory of any kind in his 12-year racing career, which has spanned multiple Winged and Non-Winged Sprint Car divisions and series at 38 tracks in six different states.

McMullen wound up second, fourth starter Brandon Berth of Cascade placed third, 2011 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Howards Grove charged from his 17th starting spot to place fourth and 12th starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend placed fifth.

“This has been a lot long time coming,” Adam Miller said in victory lane. “I’ve been working for an A-main for many, many years. What made it even better was holding off the 98 car [Brandon McMullen]. He’s as tough as you get around here. I didn’t need those cautions at the end, but I hit my marks and had good enough restarts to finish it off.”

In the Grand National A main, Dan Sorce got the jump at the drop of the green flag from the pole position followed by third starter Luke Scholten in second and sixth starter Jeff Muehlbauer of Elkhart Lake in third.

On lap 6, the first of three caution flags appeared when Donny Kulow of Elkhart Lake hit the frontstretch wall head on. Damage to the wall forced the race to be red flagged to make repairs to the wall.

Tyler Kulow of Plymouth secures his first career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National championship at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 14.. – C-Marq Photography photo

When the race resumed, Scholten and Tyler Kulow, who started fifth, waged a side-by-side duel for second starting on lap 6 and continuing over the next seven laps until Scholten finally surged ahead on lap 13 exiting turn two.

Scholten, who entered the night 24 points behind Kulow in the race for the 2019 PDTR Grand National track title, gradually reeled in Sorce over the next eight laps before challenging for the lead with a low move in turn four on lap 21.

On the same lap, the second caution of the race appeared for an infield tire, which had been moved onto the track after contact in turn two. Following the restart, 2008 PDTR Grand National champ Matt Yancey of Sheboygan, who started 12th, used the high groove to move into third on lap 23 before the third caution was displayed for Bruce Troesch’s spun in turn one on lap 23.

On the restart, Yancey powered around Scholten along the cushion on the final circuit to take second behind Sorce, who collected his ninth career PDTR Grand National A-main victory.

Yancey wound up second, Scholten placed third, Kulow wrapped up the 2019 PDTR Grand National championship with a fourth-place showing and 17th starter Dustin Weiss of Iron Ridge placed fifth.

Nick Schultz grabbed the lead of the 25-lap B Mod A main on the opening lap from the pole, followed by outside front row starter Tim Warner, who came into the program with a 16-point lead of Travis Schmidt in the chase for the 2019 PDTR B Mod title.

The first of six cautions in the incident-plagued event appeared on lap 2 when Steve Lorier of Sheboygan and Barrett Hummelmeier of Pardeeville spun out in turn two.

Following the restart, 2018 PDTR B Mod champion Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam, who started fourth, moved in to take second with a high move on lap 3. The second caution flag was then displayed on lap 5 when Hummelmeier spun again in turn three.

Sheppard and James Rautmann of Howards Grove triggered the third caution flag when they spun in turn one on the ensuing restart attempt. One more caution appeared on the next restart when Lorier and Rautmann got together in turn three.

On lap 7, eighth starter Jeff Steenbergen of Watertown slipped into third before the fifth caution came out when Kyle Odekirk of Plymouth and Tony Gates of Chilton collided in turn two on lap 8.

Steenbergen advanced another spot in the next restart when he moved into second on lap 9 in advance of the sixth and final caution flag for an incident involving Sheboygan Falls drivers Rick Kretschmann and Brian Wieland.

Since the race was nearing the time limit, a single-file restart was incorporated on the ensuing restart, which yielded non-stop racing action for the remaining 16 laps with Nick Schultz pulling away from Steenbergen to collect his second career PDTR B Mod A main victory.

Tim Warner of Fond du Lac wrapped up his first career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Modl championship at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 14.. – RC Custom Design photo

Steenbergen placed second, Warner wrapped up his first PDTR B Mod title with a third-place finish, Barry Maas of Cascade charged up from his 17th starting position to place fourth and 12th starter Justin Bauer of Sheboygan Falls finished fifth.

B-main winners included Ben Schmidt (360 Sprint Car), Turk Letizia of Milwaukee (Dirt Kings Late Model Tour), Dustin Weiss (Grand National) and Barry Maas (B Mod).

A season-high total of 109 cars packed the pit area, including 29 B Mods, 28 360 Sprint Cars, 27 Dirt Kings Late Models and 25 Grand Nationals for the second-to-last PDTR program of the 2019 season, which was presented by Jensen Sales & Service.

The final event of the 2019 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28. The Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships will serve as the final points night of the season for the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Cars, Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Car Series and the Interstate Racing Association Lightning Sprint Cars.

On track-action is set to begin at 5 p.m. with qualifying and racing to follow.

 

DIRT KINGS LATE MODEL TOUR

Date of Race: September 14, 2019

HEAT 1

1, Taylor Scheffler 2, Mark Rose 3, Brett Swedberg 4, Brad Mueller 5, Justin Ritchie 6, Turk Letizia 7, Kyle Raddant 8, Derek Janke 9, Jim Juneau.

HEAT 2

1, Troy Springborn 2, Joel Bennett 3, Chris Engels 4, Ron Stroika 5, Joe Bongiorno 6, Tim Buhler 7, Ron Berna 8, Jim Letizia 9, Brian Gerber.

HEAT 3

1, Justin Reed 2, Mitch McGrath 3, Nick Anvelink 4, Jim Schmidt 5, Tom Naeyaert 6, Charlie Schmidt 7, Aaron Wickersheim 8, Cody Welch 9, Chad Ludwigson.

B MAIN

1, Turk Letizia 2, Kyle Raddant 3, Aaron Wickersheim 4, Charlie Schmidt 5, Derek Janke 6, Cody Welch 7, Jim Letizia 8, Chad Ludwigson 9, Jim Juneau 10, Brian Gerber.

A MAIN

1, Mitch McGrath 2, Taylor Scheffler 3, Nick Anvelink 4, Justin Reed 5, Troy Springborn 6, Mark Rose 7, Justin Ritchie 8, Brett Swedberg 9, Brad Mueller 10, Joel Bennett 11, Chris Engels 12, Jim Schmidt 13, Turk Letizia 14, Tom Naeyaert 15, Ron Stroika 16, Joe Bongiorno 17, Charlie Schmidt 18, Kyle Raddant 19, Aaron Wickersheim 20, Jim Letizia 21, Tim Buhler 22, Derek Janke.

 

RICHARD’S OF DUNBAR 360 SPRINT CAR

HEAT 1

1, Nick Daywalt 2, Adam Miller 3, Will Gerrits 4, Kevin Karnitz 5, Jim Melis 6, Bill Taylor 7, Doug Wondra (DNS).

HEAT 2

1, Brandon McMullen 2, Tyler Brabant 3, Justin Miller 4, Kurt Davis 5, Jack Vanderboom 6, Chris Larson 7, Blake Wondra.

HEAT 3

1, Nich Melis 2, Tim Haddy 3, Travis Arenz 4, Anthony Knierim 5, Scott Conger 6, Sean Rayhall 7, Tyler Tischendorf.

HEAT 4

1, Brandon Berth 2, Shane Wenninger 3, Chris Clayton 4, Paul Pokorski 5, Ben Schmidt 6, Tony Wondra 7, Preston Ruh.

B MAIN

1, Ben Schmidt 2, Paul Pokorski 3, Tony Wondra 4, Scott Conger 5, Jack Vanderboom 6, Preston Ruh 7, Sean Rayhall 8, Tyler Tischendorf 9, Chris Larson 10, Blake Wondra 11, Bill Taylor 12, Doug Wondra (DNS).

A MAIN

1, Adam Miller 2, Brandon McMullen 3, Brandon Berth 4, Ben Schmidt 5, Kevin Karnitz 6, Tyler Brabant 7, Shane Wenninger 8, Kurt Davis 9, Will Gerrits 10, Tim Haddy 11, Anthony Knierim 12, Nick Daywalt 13, Jim Melis 14, Jack Vanderboom 15, Paul Pokorski 16, Chris Clayton 17, Tony Wondra 18, Scott Conger 19, Nich Melis 20, Justin Miller 21, Travis Arenz 22, Preston Ruh.

 

KLIPS & TIPS GRAND NATIONAL

HEAT 1

1, Tyler Kulow 2, Jeff Muehlbauer 3, Steven Weber 4, J.J. Pagel 5, Darryl Traber 6, Jacob Muehlbauer 7, Seth Westimayer 8, Dylan May 9, Chad Espen (DNS).

HEAT 2

1, Don Sorce Jr. 2, Dan Sorce 3, Brad Weiss 4, Jeff Jungwirth 5, Dick Hed 6, Jason Juech 7, Dustin Weiss 8, Dan Schumacher.

HEAT 3

1, Nick Schumacher 2, Donny Kulow 3, Luke Scholten 4, Matt Yancey 5, Bruce Troesch 6, Derek Kaat 7, Donny Singer 8, Justin Pearson (DNS).

B MAIN

1, Dustin Weiss 2, Chad Espen 3, Dan Schumacher 4, Justin Pearson 5, Jacob Muehlbauer 6, Seth Westimayer 7, Darryl Traber 8, Donny Singer 9, Dylan May (DNS).

A MAIN

1, Dan Sorce 2, Matt Yancey 3, Luke Scholten 4, Tyler Kulow 5, Dustin Weiss 6, Chad Espen 7, Don Sorce Jr. 8, Jeff Jungwirth 9, Nick Schumacher 10, Brad Weiss 11, Steven Weber 12, Dick Hed 13, Justin Pearson 14, Jason Juech 15, Bruce Troesch 16, Derek Kaat 17, Jeff Muehlbauer 18, Dan Schumacher 19, J.J. Pagel 20, Donny Kulow.

 

CELLCOM B MOD

HEAT 1

1, Nick Schultz 2, Tim Sheppard 3, Marcus Hoeppner 4, James Rautmann 5, Tony Gates 6, Mark Hoeppner 7, Christopher Gilson 8, Brandon Knepprath.

HEAT 2

1, Barrett Hummelmeier 2, Travis Schmidt 3, Kyle Odekirk 4, Tim Lange 5, Rory Welch 6, Donny Singer 7, Michael Gilson.

HEAT 3

1, Rick Kretschmann 2, Derek Schrauth 3, Steve Lorier 4, Justin Bauer 5, Patrick Hanson 6, Joshua Mavis 7, Tim Thrun.

HEAT 4

1, Jeff Steenbergen 2, Tim Warner 3, Brian Wieland 4, Gary Glander 5, Barry Maas 6, Jesse Jakubowski 7, Jason Schilling.

B MAIN

1, Barry Maas 2, Tony Gates 3, Brandon Knepprath 4, Mark Hoeppner 5, Tim Thrun 6, Michael Gilson 7, Jason Schilling 8, Patrick Hanson 9, Rory Welch 10, Christopher Gilson 11, Joshua Mavis, 12, Donny Singer 13, Jesse Jakubowski.

A MAIN

1, Nick Schultz 2, Jeff Steenbergen 3, Tim Warner 4, Barry Maas 5, Justin Bauer 6, Derek Schrauth 7, Travis Schmidt 8, Marcus Hoeppner 9, Steve Lorier 10, Gary Glander 11, Brian Wieland 12, Mark Hoeppner 13, Rick Kretschmann 14, Tony Gates 15, Tim Lange 16, Brandon Knepprath 17, James Rautmann, 18, Kyle Odekirk 19, Tim Sheppard 20, Barrett Hummelmeier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 17, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Walter, Torque Racing cash in bonus IRA action at hometown track

Josh Walter posted a 14th-place showing in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main at The Plymouth Dirt Track, during the 2019 Sheboygan County Fair in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 31. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 4, 2019 – A last-minute addition to the team’s 2019 schedule found Josh Walter and Torque Racing making the short trip down the road to The Plymouth Dirt Track to compete with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series during the 2019 Sheboygan County Fair at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Walter was one of 26 IRA drivers to enter the IRA’s annual event at the Sheboygan County Fair as he ripped off the 14th fastest time in IRA qualifying with a lap of 12.041 seconds on the third-mile clay oval.

“In qualifying, I messed up the second lap, but I was still content for now with where we ended up,” Walter said.

After lining up fifth in the second IRA 10-lap heat race, Walter jumped the cushion in turn three on lap one, which allowed Johnny Fahl and Wayne Modjeski to surge past and drop the Plymouth driver back to seventh in the running order.

On lap 4, Walter rebounded to duck under Fahl and secure sixth in turn one. Walter held the top spot for the final six laps en route to a sixth-place finish behind heat race winner Jeremy Schultz.

Walter rolled off from the 16th starting spot in the 30-lap IRA main event before a red flag was displayed on the initial start when Scotty Thiel flipped in turn two ad collected Scotty Neitzel. After Thiel exited the race and three other cars were regulated to the rear of the field, Walter restarted 12th.

After another caution on lap four for a spin involving Steve Meyer, Walter restarted 11th and moved to the high groove on lap 6 before running down Russel Borland. On lap 10, Walter swept past Borland to break into the top 10. However, Borland battled back to regain 10th on lap 13.

The third and final caution flag appeared on lap 22 when Joey Moughan spun, which set up an eight-lap dash to the finish with Walter sitting 11th.

However, Walter struggled to find speed over in the closing laps as Kris Spitz, Wayne Modjeski and Scotty Neitzel moved past to drop Walter to 14th when the checkered flag fell on the race, which was won by retired three-time NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart.

“In the A, we had a good car and the car was coming to us in the late stages under green,” Walter said. “I haven’t raced with tire bleeders in a while. I lost some tire pressure that bled off under the final caution with eight laps to go. I tried running the bottom of the track, but just lacked mechanical grip. Then I went back to the top too late.

“My crew did a great job,” he said. “There’s a lot more to racing than what’s in front of people and I feel like I made some mistakes. Still, I had fun and I was really excited to be back in a 410, Overall, we had a decent night. I’m getting more comfortable every time we hit the track.”

After taking the upcoming weekend off, Walter will return to action with the IRA for the Scott Semmelmann Memorial Race on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis.

The team will then close out the 2019 season with the IRA at the season-ending event at The Plymouth Dirt at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Torque Racing sponsors for the 2019 season include JDV Lawncare, Brittany’s School of Dance, Sheboygan by Owner, Plymouth Tap, Doug’s Quality Beef, Tiffany’s Wildtree, Cow Pies, Full Throttle Ink, Lakehouse Bar & Grill, Home Transitions, Oostburg Concrete, Kombucha Brothers, Platinum Restoration Services, Ruh Custom Woodworking, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

Torque Racing Sponsor Showcase – Platinum Restoration Services

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team is pleased to have Platinum Restoration Services, located at 5225 West Electric Ave. in West Allis, Wis., on board as a sponsor for the 2019 season.

Platinum Restoration Services began 10 years ago as a one-man operation founded by owner Jeremy Roth. Over time, the business grew and it built a reputation for high-quality service and careful attention to detail.

“Our services are in such high demand that we have three trucks/crews going now,” Roth said. “From its humble beginnings, the company has grown to expand the services to all of Southeastern Wisconsin with another office in West Allis/Milwaukee. This growth was a natural part of the company’s evolution and the reflects the focus we’ve always placed on people and relationships.”

Platinum Restoration Services offers a wide array of services including carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, synthetic and oriental rug cleaning, air duct cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration and power washing.

Roth says the foundation of the business is centered around a dedication to top-notch customer service and high-quality restoration work.

“At Platinum Restoration Services, each member of our staff is an expert in his or her field-whether handling customer service or restoring a disaster in your home,” Roth said. “All of our people are fully-trained professionals, who have worked hard to make our company what it is today. We believe in forgoing ongoing relationships through quality workmanship and outstanding customer service.

As a race fan, Roth is thrilled to be involved with Josh Walter the Torque Racing team.

“I grew up in Plymouth and been going to the dirt track races in Plymouth for almost 20 years now,” Roth said. “I’ve always had a huge passion for racing. I started out going to drag races, radar runs, snowmobile races, jet ski racing and mountain bike racing. I took some time off to grow my business, but now I’m getting more involved with racing again. I wanted to sponsor Torque Racing because Josh has been a longtime friend and wanted to support his passion for racing.”

To contact Platinum Restoration Services, call 262-228-6166. For more information, visit www.platinumrestorationservice.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.

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, Sept. 14 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)

Saturday, Sept. 28 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing By The Numbers

Total Events – 19

MSA events – 14

IRA events – 5

A-Main Victories – 2

B-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 4

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 8

Heat Race Victories – 4

September 4, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports just misses top-10 at PDTR fair race

Paul Pokorski (4) duels with Kurt Davis (6K) during a Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 31. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 3, 2019 – Paul Pokorski and the Pokorski Motorsports team were in position to tally another top-10 showing in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fair, but a reversal of fortune in the second half of the 25-lap A main dashed those hopes during the 2019 Sheboygan County Fair in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 31.

Pokorski was among 34 drivers signing in to compete in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car portion of the all-Sprint Car program, which also featured the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series and a special appearance by retired NASCAR champion Tony Stewart.

After lining up on the inside of the second row of the first PDTR 360 Sprint Car heat race, Pokorski dropped back to fourth on the opening lap before pulling off an impressive move on second lap to power past both Kurt Davis and Sean Rayhall in turn three on lap 3 and vault from fourth to second.

The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion held the runner-up spot for the remainder of the 10-lap race to earn a berth in the 25-lap main event.

“Car was very decent in the heat race,” Pokorski said. “I thought it did everything I wanted it to for the most part and I was pretty happy.”

After starting seventh in the A main, Pokorski found himself in a heated duel with Kurt Davis for eighth on lap 5. Two laps later, Pokorski switched lanes from the low line to the high groove, where he found the going a bit rough.

On lap 11, Tyler Brabant swept past along the low groove to push Pokorski back to 10th in the running order. Adam Miller and Travis Arenz followed as Pokorski fell back to 12th on lap 15.

The lone caution of the race appeared on lap 22 when Chris Clayton spun in turn four. Following the retirement of Justin Miller due to a mechanical problem, Pokorski restarted 11th. The West Bend resident dueled for the 11th spot throughout the final three laps before settling for 12th at the finish line in a race won by Brandon McMullen.

“I screwed up last week and over tightened the car, so I wanted to make sure we didn’t do that again,” Pokorski said. “This time we might have been a little bit the other way. I was also a little too quick to give up on running the bottom as soon as somebody challenged me on the top. It was another frustrating result in the end. However, you take the good with the bad and we’ll start working on getting ready for the next one.”

For the second week in a row at Plymouth, Pokorski’s son Alex got a turn behind the wheel of the familiar blue No. 4 machine during hot laps.

“I did enjoy watching Alex hot lap the car,” Pokorski said. “He looked pretty good for the most part with one exception where we all held our breath.”

Pokorski was pleased to see a capacity crowd turn out for the special Sheboygan County Fair race featuring Tony Stewart competing with the IRA. He hopes a few of the dirt-track racing newcomers decide to come back for more PDTR and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car action after witnessing a great duel for the lead between Kevin Karnitz and Brandon McMullen in the closing laps of the 360 Sprint Car main event.

“It’s been a great year for the MSA with all of the rookies, great car counts and some great racing,” Pokorski said. “Saturday night at Plymouth was no exception. I hope it got some people’s attention and puts more fans in the stands on a regular basis.”

There are no events scheduled for the PDTR or MSA 360 Sprints Cars this weekend, so the Pokorski Motorsports team will take the weekend off. The next event for the team is Saturday, Sept. 14 at The Plymouth Dirt Track with hot laps slated at 5:30 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Sponsors for the 2019 Pokorski Motorsports team are Hopf Farms, Petersen Septic Systems, Gasroots Project, Quest Engineering Inc., Acme Armature Works Inc., Goeden’s Auto Body, Goodwin Racing Engines, Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Kettle Moraine Landscaping, Novak’s Service Center, Pedal Down Promotions, Tisler Salvage Inc., Hagar’s Half-Pounder Cookies, Allied Bearing Corporation and The Cawley Company.

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

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Petersen Septic Systems

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

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

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

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

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

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.

2019 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule.

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

Friday, September 27 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

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

2019 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 24

MSA events – 23

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 4

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 12

Heat Race Victories – 2

September 3, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

Stewart smokes IRA field at Plymouth Dirt Track

Retired NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart of Columbus, Ind. earned his second career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory before a capacity crowd at The Plymouth Dirt Track, during the 2019 Sheboygan County Fair in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 31. – RC Custom Design photo

McMullen storms to first PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main triumph of 2019

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 31, 2019 – After coming up just short at The Plymouth Dirt Track on three occasions last year, retired three-time NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart of Columbus, Ind. broke into the winners circle by edging eight-time series champion Bill Balog of Hartland in the 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association A main during the Sheboygan County Fair in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 31.

In the companion 25-lap Richard’s of Dunbar Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main, 2017 track champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh claimed his first main event victory of the 2019 season, after vaulting from third to first following a late-rate caution with just four laps remaining.

With a capacity crowd packing the stands on the third day of the 2019 Sheboygan County Fair, the 30-lap IRA A main got off to a rough start when Sheboygan’s Scotty Thiel flipped in turn two of the opening lap, while collecting two-time IRA champion Scotty Neizel of Beaver Dam. Thiel was done for the night, but Neitzel returned at the rear of the field after a trip to the work area.

After a complete restart, Tony Stewart jumped out to the lead in turn two of the opening lap from his outside front row starting spot with fourth starter Joey Moughan of Springfield, Illinois moving into second and polesitter Dave Uttech of Kenosha seizing third.

On lap three, Bill Balog, who started seventh, pulled off a slide job in turn two to take third from Uttech, while Stewart had built up a half-straightaway cushion over Moughan at the front of the field by lap 4.

One lap later, the second caution flag was displayed when Steve Meyer of Sheboygan Falls spun in turn one. On the restart, Balog executive another slide job to take over second in turn two on lap 5 and quickly set is sights on Stewart.

Stewart moved into heavy lapped traffic on lap 8, which allowed Balog to cut the gap dramatically. Over the next eight laps, Stewart and Balog weaved their way skillfully through thick lapped traffic before Balog made a bid for the lead on lap 17, which Stewart successfully held off.

Three laps later, Balog attempted to pull off a slide job for the lead in turn four, but the attempt fell short as Stewart used the high groove to power away from the current IRA point leader.

On lap 22, Joey Moughan looped his machine, which brought out the third and final caution flag of the event. Following the restart, Balog made another big run at Stewart. However, Stewart again held off the hard-charging Balog, who had defeated Stewart on the final lap on two different occasions at Plymouth last September, including an IRA event held on Sept. 1, 2018 during the Sheboygan County Fair.

After notching three consecutive second-place finishes in IRA action at The Plymouth Dirt Track last year, Stewart broke through to earn his ninth overall A-main victory of the 2019 season and second career IRA main event triumph, both of which have come at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

Balog had to settle for second, 2016 IRA champion Jeremy Schultz of Beaver Dam finished third after starting third, Uttech held on to place fourth, which was his first IRA top-five A-main showing of the 2019 season, and 11th starter Mike Reinke of Howards Grove rounded out the top five.

Considering his string of second-place showings at Plymouth last September and after spinning out while leading an IRA event on Friday night at the Wilmot Raceway, Stewart was overjoyed with the win in victory lane.

“I love coming to this track,” Stewart said. “I’m glad I didn’t screw this one up like I did last night at Wilmot. This place is really cool. The fans are just great. I love it here.”

It was Stewart’s first A-main victory since recently switching to a Ford engine package.

“This is the eighth night we have run the Ford powerplant and the first victory we’ve had with it under the hood,” Stewart said. “Every time we hit the track we’ve been trying some different combinations with the engine and the car. I have to hand it to my crew – Ricky Warner, Jimmy Carr and Ayrton Olsen, for everything they’ve done to make this car so good. This win means the world to me. It’s great to get a win at this track and for it to be the first one using Ford power.”

After an uncharacteristic string of on-track incidents have plagued his efforts in the last three IRA events, Balog was pleased with the second-place performance.

“We were pretty good all night,” Balog said. “I got next to Tony a couple of times, but just couldn’t quite pull it off. It was good to finally get a good finish tonight after what’s been happening lately. We needed it.”

Schultz, who won an IRA event at Wilmot Raceway the night before, was happy with his podium finish.

“We were hanging right with the leaders at the end, which was a positive for us,” Schultz said. “Overall, it was a good night for our team.”

Polesitter Kevin Karnitz jumped out to the lead on the opening circuit of the 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main with third starter Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum following into second. On lap 5, sixth starter Jim Melis of Glenbeulah used the high groove to move in to challenge the low-riding Wenninger for second.

By lap 8, Karnitz had built up a half-straightaway cushion over Wenninger. However, on the next lap, Melis finally surged ahead of Wenninger into second. Two laps later, Wenninger got a big run off the inside lane to regain the runner-up spot and close in on Karnitz.

As Karnitz began to negotiate slower traffic on lap 15, Wenninger moved in to close the gap on the leader. Wenninger attempted to wrestle the lead away from Karnitz by moving up to the high groove on lap 16.

Brandon McMullen (98) of Oshkosh outdueled West Bend’s Kevin Karnitz (63K) in the closing laps to earn his 16th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 31, during the 2019 Sheboygan County Fair. – Shawn Mueller Photography

However, heavy lapped traffic impeded Wenninger’s progress as 2011 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Howards Grove, who started fifth, bolted in to take second from Wenninger along the high groove on lap 20 while three-time Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Brandon McMullen, who started eighth, followed into third on lap 21.

Schmidt appeared poised to launch himself into the lead along the high line on lap 22 before the lone caution of the race appeared on the same lap for Chris Clayton of Waldo, who spun in turn four.

On the restart, McMullen got a huge run along the high groove to vault past Schmidt into second and challenge Karnitz for the top spot on lap 23. One lap later, McMullen powered into the lead along the high groove entering turn three and held off Karnitz, who stayed in close quarters over the final circuit, to secure his 16th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory and 22nd career Midwest Sprint Car Association main event triumph.

Karnitz placed second, Schmidt wound up third, Wenninger placed fourth and Melis rounded out the top five.

Danny Schlafer of Sussex won the IRA B main behind the wheel of the Darrell Dodd-owned No. 11 car.

Tony Wondra won the first PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main and Tyler Davis of South Milwaukee earned the victory in the second PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main.

Bill Balog was the top IRA qualifier with a time of 11.601 on the third-mile clay oval.

The event drew a total of 60 Winged Sprint Cars, including 26 IRA 410 Sprint Cars and 34 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars.

JDL Automotive was the evening’s trophy sponsor and Professional Plating added extra purse money to the top three finishers in both the IRA 410 Sprint Car and PDTR 360 Sprint Car A mains.

The next race at The Plymouth Dirt Track will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14 featuring the Dirt Kings Late Model Tour, along with the PDTR 360 Sprints and the final points night of the 2019 season for the PDTR Grand National and B Mod divisions. Hot laps will start at 5:30 p.m. with racing beginning at 6 p.m.

Two events remain on the 2019 PDTR schedule, which concludes on Saturday, Sept. 28.

RICHARD’S OF DUNBAR 360 SPRINT CAR

Date of Race: August 31, 2019

HEAT 1

1, Will Gerrits 2, Paul Pokorski 3, Kurt Davis, 4, Jeremy Schultz 5, Scott Conger 6, Anthony Knierim 7, Sean Rayhall 8, Doug Wondra 9, Trevor Andrusko.

HEAT 2

1, Shane Wenninger 2, Brandon McMullen 3, Tyler Brabant 4, Travis Arenz 5, Jack Vanderboom 6, Tim Haddy 7, Mike Decker 8, Preston Ruh.

HEAT 3

1, Jim Melis 2, Chris Clayton 3, Justin Miller 4, Brandon Berth 5, Tony Wondra 6, Tyler Tischendorf 7, Al Schlafer 8, Blake Wondra.

HEAT 4

1, Kevin Karnitz 2, Ben Schmidt 3, Bill Taylor 4, Tyler Davis 5, Adam Miller 6, Josh Teunissen 7, Chris Larson 8, Mike Yurmanovich.

B MAIN 1

1, Tony Wondra 2, Jack Vanderboom 3, Bill Taylor 4, Tyler Tischendorf 5, Josh Teunissen 6, Mike Decker 7, Doug Wondra 8, Trevor Andrusko 9, Mike Yurmanovich (DNS).

B MAIN 2

1, Tyler Davis 2, Tim Haddy 3, Anthony Knierim 4, Al Schlafer 5, Preston Ruh 6, Blake Wondra 7, Chris Larson 8, Sean Rayhall.

A MAIN

1, Brandon McMullen 2, Kevin Karnitz 3, Ben Schmidt 4, Shane Wenninger 5, Jim Melis 6, Kurt Davis 7, Tyler Brabant 8, Travis Arenz 9, Adam Miller 10, Will Gerrits 11, Tony Wondra 12, Paul Pokorski 13, Jack Vanderboom 14, Tyler Davis 15, Anthony Knierim 16, Brandon Berth 17, Scott Conger 18, Chris Clayton 19, Tim Haddy 20, Jeremy Schultz 21, Justin Miller 22, Bill Taylor.

 

BUMPER TO BUMPER INTERSTATE RACING ASSOCIATION

HEAT 1

1, Dave Uttech 2, Bill Balog 3, Jordan Goldesberry 4, Joey Moughan 5, Jereme Schroeder 6, Hunter Custer 7, Nick Matuszewski 8, Sean Rayhall 9, Bryce Schmitt.

HEAT 2

1, Jeremy Schultz 2, Tony Stewart 3, Jake Blackhurst 4, Ben Schmidt 5, Wayne Modjeski 6, Josh Walter 7, John Fahl 8, Brian Strane 9, Keith Fellner.

HEAT 3

1, Scott Neitzel 2, Mike Reinke 3, Scotty Thiel 4, Russel Borland 5, Steve Meyer 6, Kris Spitz 7, Danny Schlafer 8, Matt Wiese.

B MAIN

1, Danny Schlafer 2, Sean Rayhall 3, John Fahl 4, Brian Strane 5, Bryce Schmitt 6, Keith Fellner 7, Nick Matuszewski 8, Matt Wiese.

A MAIN

1, Tony Stewart 2, Bill Balog 3, Jeremy Schultz 4, Dave Uttech 5, Mike Reinke 6, Jake Blackhurst 7, Russel Borland 8, Jordan Goldesberry 9, Joey Moughan 10, Ben Schmidt 11, Wayne Modjeski 12, Kris Spitz 13, Scotty Neitzel 14, Josh Walter 15, Steve Meyer 16, Danny Schlafer 17, John Fahl 18, Hunter Custer 19, Sean Rayhall 20, Bryce Schmitt 21, Brian Strane 22, Keith Fellner 23, Jeremy Schroeder 24, Scotty Thiel.

Qualifying

1, Bill Balog 11.601; 2, Jake Blackhurst 11.658; 3, Scotty Thiel 11.723; 4, Joey Moughan 11.765; 5, Tony Stewart 11.769; 6, Steve Meyer 11.775; 7, Jordan Goldesberry 11.802; 8, Ben Schmidt 11.859; 9, Mike Reinke 11.892; 10, Dave Uttech 11.896; 11, Jeremy Schultz 11.915; 12, Scotty Neitzel 11.962; 13, Jereme Schroeder 11.975; 14, Josh Walter 12.041; 15, Danny Schlafer 12.156; 16, Hunter Custer 12.177; 17, Wayne Modjeski 12.185; 18, Kris Spitz 12.194; 19, Sean Rayhall 12.373; 20, John Fahl 12.430; 21, Russel Borland 12.449; 22, Nick Matuszewski 12.450; 23, Brian Strane 12.469; 24, Matt Wiese 12.507; 25, Bryce Schmitt 12.736; 26, Keith Fellner 12.838.

September 1, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson