Walter fends off Arenz to capture Remembering Randy Tracy PDTR Sprint Car A main

Josh Walter of Plymouth earned his sixth career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory, during the Remembering Randy Tracy Mid-Season Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 13. – RC Custom Design photo

Scheffler, Pagel, Steenbergen earn Mid-Season Championship A-main triumphs

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 13, 2019 – The record book will show that Josh Walter of Plymouth led all 30 laps of the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Remembering Randy Tracy Mid-Season Championship 360 Sprint Car A main at the Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 13.

However, a closer examination will find that Walter used all of the skill he has accumulated in his 14 seasons of Sprint Car racing to negotiate heavy lapped traffic and turn back a heated challenge from Travis Arenz of Sheboygan in the closing laps to earn his second A-main victory of the 2019 season in the Richard’s of Dunbar PDTR 360 Sprint Car division in the first Remembering Randy Tracy Night celebrating of the life and racing career popular late driver affectionately dubbed “The Meat” during his 24-year racing career at Plymouth.

In other A-main action, Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha rode the high groove to his second Gasroots Project Late Model A-main win of the 2019 season. J.J. Pagel of Mount Calvary earned his first career Klips & Tips Grand National A-main win. Jeff Steenbergen of Watertown raced to victory in the Cellcom B mod A main.

In the 30-lap Remembering Randy Tracy Sprint Car A-main, Walter got the jump on the drop of the green flag from the pole position with third starter Will Gerrits taking second on the opening circuit. Riding the high line around the multi-groove racing surface, Walter had built up a full straightaway cushion over Gerrits when he encountered slower traffic beginning on lap 8.

On lap 9, fifth starter Jim Melis of Glenbeulah dove underneath Gerrits to wrestle away the second spot in the running order. However, Gerrits battled back to regain the position before the lone caution flag of the race appeared on lap 10 for a three-car incident in turn two involving Paul Pokorski of West Bend, Anthony Knierim of Franksville and Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum. Pokorski and Wenninger were forced to drop out of the race, while Knierim was able to return.

Following the restart, Jim Melis pulled off a slide job to move past Gerrits into second in turn four on lap 12, while Travis Arenz of Sheboygan, who started eighth, used the low line to advance to fifth on lap 13.

By lap 14, Walter had again bolted out to a full-straightaway advantage over Melis. However, lapped traffic began to become a factor starting on lap 16 when Walter had to deal with the cars of Anthony Knierim and Bill Taylor dueling side by side for multiple laps.

As Walter struggled to find a way through the lapped traffic, Melis closed significantly along the high groove before Walter was finally able to split Knierim and Taylor on lap 24. As Melis faded with a power steering issue in the closing laps, Arenz was on a charge as he worked is way past 2011 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Howards Grove, who started seventh, on lap 26 to secure second.

Arenz pulled even with Walter with a low move in turn two on lap 29, but he was unable to make the move stick as Walter held strong along the cushion. On the final circuit with Arenz still hot on his heels, Walter made a bold low move underneath the slower car of Tyler Brabant in turn three to clinch his sixth career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory and second A-main triumph of the 2019 season.

Arenz, who came into the event as the winner of the last two Midwest Sprint Car Association A mains, had to settle for second, Schmidt, who was sporting the No. 42 made famous by Randy Tracy for the evening, placed third, Gerrits wound up fourth and 2010 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion and current point leader Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee moved up for the ninth starting spot to place fifth.

Polesitter Kevin Baldy of Omro seized the top spot in turn one of the opening lap of the action-packed 30-lap Late Model A main. On lap 2, second starter Justin Ritchie of New London worked the high groove to challenge Baldy for the top spot. The two drivers dueled side by side for the next five laps before Baldry pulled away.

On lap 9, four-time PDTR Late Model track champion Brad Mueller of Random Lake, who started seventh, worked the cushion to pass Ritchie for second in turn two. One lap later, Mueller shot past Baldry existing turn four to assume the lead.

Meanwhile, 10th starter Taylor Scheffler was also finding speed along the high line as he darted around Baldry into second on lap 13. Scheffler hounded Mueller over the next eight laps as the leaders found themselves in heavy lapped traffic.

On lap 21, Scheffler played the lapped cars perfectly to power past Mueller into the top spot in turn four. Mueller was able to stay in contact with Scheffler in the closing laps and cut the gap on lap 28. However, he was not able to mount a serious challenge as Scheffler secured his third career PDTR Late Model A-main victory and his second main event win of the 2019 season at Plymouth.

Mueller was second, defending PDTR Late Model champion Justin Schmidt of Cleveland placed third, after starting ninth, Ritchie placed fourth and Baldry completed the top five in the caution-free race.

J.J. Pagel of Mount Calvary earned his first career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National A-main victory, during the Remembering Randy Tracy Mid-Season Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 13. – RC Custom Design photo

In the 30-lap Grand National A main, J.J. Pagel grabbed the lead on the drop of the green flag from the pole with second starter Jeff Muehlbauer of Elkhart Lake and third starter Dick Hed of Plymouth in hot pursuit.

Muehlbauer worked the high line over the next seventh laps as Pagel and Muehlbauer mounted a spirited side-by-side duel for six straight circuits. On lap 13, Luke Scholten of Oostburg pulled in to join Pagel, Muehlbauer and Hed in a four-way battle for the lead.

On lap 15, the first of two caution flags appeared when an infield tire was pushed onto the track in turn three. On the restart, sixth starter and current point leader Tyler Kulow of Plymouth moved in to challenge for second as Muehlbauer, Hed and Kulow went three-wide in turn four on lap 16.

Kulow emerged in second while Scholten worked past Hed to claim third on lap 17 as positions were swapped at a lightning pace. Once again, Muehlbauer ventured up to the high groove to pressure Pagel for the top spot as the laps wound down and the two drivers again waged a side-by-side battle for the victory.

With one lap remaining, the second caution appeared when Jason Juech of Plymouth spun in turn four to set up a green-white-checkered flag finish. Pagel got a big jump on the restart to pull away as Hed made a daring move in turn three on lap 29 to move from fifth to third.

Pagel held on to earn his first career PDTR Grand National A-main victory. Muehlbauer took second, Hed was third, Scholten placed fourth and Kulow completed the top five.

Jesse Cullen of Chilton led the opening circuit of the 30-lap B Mod A main from the pole. Cullen maintained a solid lead over second-starter Mark Hoeppner of Rubicon before sixth starter Tim Warner of Fond du Lac passed Hoeppner for second on lap 9. The first of sixth caution flags appeared on lap 10 for debris.

On the restart, Cullen continued to lead with Warner in tow, while Jeff Steenbergen, who started ninth, worked his way into third on lap 12. After another caution flag for a spin on lap 14, Steenbergen moved into second with a low move on Warner on lap 16. Three laps later, Cullen spun in turn four to bring out the third caution flag. With Cullen relegated to the rear of the field for bringing out the caution, Steenbergen assumed the top spot on the restart.

Following the fourth caution period for a spin, seventh starter Gary Glander of Sheboygan Falls darted past Warner into second as Steenbergen built up a big advantage. After a caution on lap 27 for infield tires on the track in turn four, Warner and rookie Brian Wieland of Elkhart Lake, who started third, waged a duel for second with Wieland getting the best of Warner on lap 28.

After the sixth and final caution flag on lap 28, Steenbergen again flexed his muscle on the restart to earn his third career PDTR B Mod A-main victory. Wieland finished a career-best second, Glander placed third, 11th starter Brandon Knepprath of Kewaskum finished fourth and Randy Theys, who started 18th, completed the top five.

Danny Schlafer of Sussex won the first PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main and Doug Wondra of Lomira captured the second PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main. Justin Bauer of Sheboygan Falls was victorious in the B Mod B main.

The Remembering Randy Tracy Mid-Season Championship program, which was sponsored by Cupcake Wonders of Sheboygan Falls, drew a total of 90 cars, including 36 Sprint Cars, 25 B Mods, 15 Late Models and 14 Grand Nationals.

PDTR Saturday night racing will resume on Saturday, July 20 with autograph night presented by Hopf Farms highlighting the evening with checkered flags distributed at the gate. Hot laps will begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing to start at 6 p.m.

RICHARD’S OF DUNBAR 360 SPRINT CAR

Date of Race: July 13, 2019

HEAT 1

1, Nich Melis 2, Paul Pokorski 3, Brandon McMullen 4, Kevin Karnitz 5, Mike Yurmanovich 6, Josh Teunissen 7, Tyler Brabant 8, Chris Clayton, 9, Chris Larson.

HEAT 2

1, Adam Miller 2, Jim Melis 3, Ben Schmidt 4, Danny Schlafer 5, Anthony Knierim 6, Scott Conger 7, Tyler Nelson 8, Blake Wondra 9, Preston Ruh.

HEAT 3

1, Will Gerrits 2, Travis Arenz 3, Kurt Davis 4, Shane Wenninger 5, Bill Taylor 6, Brandon Berth 7, Tim Haddy 8, Bryce Schmitt 9, Tyler Tischendorf.

HEAT 4

1, Tony Wondra 2, Josh Walter 3, Justin Miller 4, Justin Erickson 5, Tyler Davis 6, Lance Fassbender 7, Doug Wondra 8, Al Schlafer 9, Jack Vanderboom.

B MAIN 1

1, Danny Schafer 2, Lance Fassbender 3, Justin Erickson 4, Chris Clayton 5, Brandon Berth 6, Mike Yurmanovich 7, Blake Wondra 8, Tim Haddy 9, Bryce Schmitt 10, Tyler Nelson.

B MAIN 2

1, Doug Wondra 2, Tyler Davis 3, Tyler Brabant 4, Al Schlafer 5, Preston Ruh 6, Jack Vanderboom 7, Josh Teunissen 8, Chris Larson 9, Scott Conger 10, Tyler Tischendorf.

A MAIN

1, Josh Walter 2, Travis Arenz 3, Ben Schmidt 4, Will Gerrits 5, Kurt Davis 6, Adam Miller 7, Danny Schlafer 8, Brandon McMullen 9, Justin Miller 10, Jim Melis 11, Nich Melis 12, Kevin Karnitz 13, Doug Wondra 14, Tony Wondra 15, Lance Fassbender 16, Justin Erickson 17, Tyler Brabant 18, Bill Taylor 19, Anthony Knierim 20, Tyler Davis 21, Paul Pokorski 22, Shane Wenninger.

GASROOTS PROJECT LATE MODEL

HEAT 1

1, Justin Schmidt 2, Brad Mueller 3, Taylor Scheffler 4, Justin Ritchie 5, Ron Stroika 6, Jim Schmidt 7, Brian Konitzer 8, Zack Kessler.

HEAT 2

1, Tim Buhler 2, Jon Bongiorno 3, Turk Letizia 4, Dave Jaeger 5, Kevin Baldry 6, Chad Vetting 7, Charlie Schmidt.

A MAIN

1, Taylor Scheffler 2, Brad Mueller 3, Justin Schmidt 4, Justin Ritchie 5, Kevin Baldry 6, Turk Letizia 7, Jim Schmidt 8, Tim Buhler 9, Dave Jaeger 10, Charlie Schmidt 11, Ron Stroika 12, Joe Bongiorno 13, Brian Konitzer 14, Chad Vetting 15, Zack Kessler

KLIPS & TIPS GRAND NATIONAL

HEAT 1

1, Jason Juech 2, Dick Hed 3, J.J. Pagel 4, Donny Kulow 5, Brad Weiss 6, Josh Hitsman 7, Matt Yancey.

HEAT 2

1, Tyler Kulow 2, Luke Scholten 3, Jeff Muehlbauer 4, Steven Weber 5, Jacob Muehlbauer 6, Derek Kaat 7, Dave Holm.

A MAIN

1, J.J. Pagel 2, Jeff Muehlbauer 3, Dick Hed 4, Luke Scholten 5, Tyler Kulow 6, Brad Weiss 7, Steven Weber 8, Donny Kulow 9, Derek Kaat 10, Matt Yancey 11, Dave Holm 12, Jason Juech 13, Jacob Muehlbauer 14, Josh Hitsman.

CELLCOM B MOD

HEAT 1

1, Gary Glander 2, Brian Wieland 3, Mark Hoeppner 4, Rory Welch 5, Rick Kretschmann 6, Tim Lange 7, Joshua Mavis 8, Andy Singer 9, Phil Campanella.

HEAT 2

1, Tim Warner 2, Barry Maas 3, Jeff Steenbergen 4, James Rautmann 5, Brandon Knepprath 6, Justin Bauer 7, Randy Theys 8, Patrick Hanson.

HEAT 3

1, Marcus Hoeppner 2, Steve Lorier 3, Nathan Jakubowski 4, Jesse Cullen 5, Travis Schmidt 6, Lee Sohns 7, Tony Gates 8, Donny Singer.

B MAIN

1, Justin Bauer 2, James Rautmann 3, Randy Theys 4, Tony Gates 5, Lee Sohns 6, Andy Singer 7, Patrick Hanson 8, Donny Singer 9, Phil Campanella.

A MAIN

1, Jeff Steenbergen 2, Brian Wieland 3, Gary Glander 4, Brandon Knepprath 5, Randy Theys 6, Travis Schmidt 7, Barry Maas 8, Marcus Hoeppner 9, Mark Hoeppner 10, Rick Kretschmann 11, Tim Warner 12, Steve Lorier 13, Tim Lange 14, James Rautmann 15, Justi Bauer 16, Jesse Cullen 17, Rory Welch 18, Tony Gates 19, Lee Sohns 20, Joshua Mavis 21, Nathan Jakubowski-(DNS).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arenz goes back to back with MSA at Outagamie Speedway

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan earned his fourth career Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory and third main event triumph of the 2019 season at Outagamie Speedway Powered By EWSC Racing in Seymour, Wis. on Friday, July 12. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 12, 2019 – Travis Arenz of Sheboygan made it two-for-two in the span of seven days as he collected his second consecutive Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory, during the series’ first of two scheduled appearances at the Outagamie Speedway Powered By EWSC Racing in Seymour, Wis. on Friday, July 12.

Two-time MSA champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex started the 25-lap main event from the pole flanked by Franksville’s Anthony Knierim. Schlafer got the jump on the drop of the green flag to lead the opening circuit on the smooth, wide and dry slick third-mile racing surface as fourth starter Adam Miller of Plymouth settled into the second spot.

On lap 2, Arenz, who started fourth used the high groove to power around Miller and Schlafer into the lead entering turn three. Arenz, who also won the fourth MSA 10-lap heat race earlier in the program, immediately pulled away from Schlafer utilizing the high line around the track.

Meanwhile, sixth starter Josh Walter of Plymouth worked the high line to pass Adam Miller for third on lap 5. However, Miller battled back around the low groove to regain the third spot two laps later. As Arenz began to encounter slower traffic on lap 7 the lone caution flag of the race was displayed on lap 8 when Anthony Knierim rolled to a stop in turn one.

On the restart, Arenz darted away from the field, while 2018 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing champion Justin Miller, who started ninth, dove underneath Josh Walter to take fourth on lap 10 and worked past his brother, Adam, for third on lap 12.

Out in front, it was all Arenz as he maintained a solid half straightaway cushion over Schlafer. However, as the laps wound down, Arenz encountered a throng of lapped traffic, which allowed Schlafer to cut the gap significantly.

On lap 23, Schlafer pulled to within striking distance as Arenz tip-toed his way through the rear of the field. On the final lap, Schlafer ducked low in turn two to briefly pull even with Arenz. However, Arenz used his momentum along the cushion to pull away down the backstretch.

The determined Schlafer again pulled nearly event with Arenz in turn four, but Arenz fended off the challenge to earn his fourth career MSA A-main victory and third MSA victory of the 2019 season by a two-car length margin over Schlafer, who had to settle for second. Adam Miller finished third, four-time MSA champ and current point leader Kurt Davis of Milwaukee worked his way up from his 10th starting spot to finish fourth and Josh Walter rounded out the top five.

The event drew 31 MSA cars to the Outagamie Speedway facility. Scott Conger of Eagle won the 12-lap MSA B main and heat race victories went to Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum, Josh Walter, 2005 MSA champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett and Travis Arenz.

During the National Anthem, MSA competitors Paul Pokorski of West Bend and Scott Conger honored longtime MSA supporter Dave “Hagar” Nelson , who passed away on July 5, by carrying the black flag in his memory. It was also announced that the Dave “Hagar” Nelson Tribute Night will be held during the next MSA appearance at Outagamie Speedway Powered by EWSC Racing on Friday, Aug. 2.

The MSA competitors will return to action with a doubleheader weekend of 360 Sprint Car action on Saturday, July 20 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. and Sunday, July 21 at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis.

Hot laps begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing to follow at 6 p.m. at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 20. On Sunday, July 21 at Angell Park Speedway, hot laps will begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing to follow.

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.

 

Midwest Sprint Car Association

Outagamie Speedway Powered by EWSC Racing

Seymour, Wisconsin

July 12, 2019

HEAT 1

1, Shane Wenninger 2, Justin Miller 3, Danny Schlafer 4, Scott Conger 5, Tyler Brabant 6, Josh Teunissen 7, Brandon Berth 8, Mike Decker.

HEAT 2

1, Josh Walter 2, Adam Miller 3, Brandon McMullen 4, Jack Vanderboom 5, Will Gerrits 6, Al Schlafer 7, Chris Larsen 8, Preston Ruh.

HEAT 3

1, Lance Fassbender 2, Anthony Knierim 3, Tony Wondra, 4, Tyler Tischendorf 5, Paul Pokorski 6, Bill Taylor 7, Blake Wondra 8, Ken Schmick.

HEAT 4

1, Travis Arenz 2, Kurt Davis 3, Wayne Modjeski 4, Nich Melis 5, Tim Haddy 6, Justin Erickson 7, Tyler Nelson.

B FEATURE

1, Scott Conger 2, Will Gerrits 3, Tim Haddy 4, Bill Taylor 5, Josh Teunissen 6, Nich Melis 7, Mike Decker 8, Justin Erickson 9, Tyler Brabant 10, Brandon Berth 11, Blake Wondra 12, Chris Larsen 13, Tyler Nelson 14, Preston Ruh 15, Ken Schmick.

A FEATURE

1, Travis Arenz 2, Danny Schlafer 3, Adam Miller 4, Kurt Davis 5, Josh Walter 6, Justin Miller 7, Brandon McMullen 8, Bill Taylor 9, Will Gerrits 10, Paul Pokorski 11, Lance Fassbender 12, Nich Melis 13, Josh Teunissen 14, Shane Wenninger 15, Scott Conger 16, Jack Vanderboom 17, Wayne Modjeski 18, Tim Haddy 19, Tony Wondra, 20, Tyler Tischendorf 21, Al Schlafer 22, Anthony Knierim.

 

 

 

 

Walter, Torque Racing looks to bounce back after Dodge County misfortune

After the team’s primary car was damaged in an accident at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam on Wednesday, July 3, Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team will race a back-up car in Midwest Sprint Car Association competition this Friday, July 12 at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis. and Saturday, July 13 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 10, 2019 – In a season that has had its share of challenges, Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team endured another tough night during a Midwest Sprint Car Association event at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Wednesday, July 3.

With 31 MSA competitors signed in for the third MSA travelling event of the 2019 season, Walter started sixth in the second heat race. After swapping the fifth spot with Kurt Davis in the first two laps of the race, Walter was running sixth on lap 4 when he began to apply pressure to rookie Tyler Davis on lap 5.

One lap later, Walter slipped past Tyler Davis to gain the fifth spot in turn two. The 14th-year Sprint Car driver maintained the fifth position to earn a berth in the 20-lap A main.

After rolling off 16th in the main event, Walter was running 16th on lap 8 when he spun in turn two, which triggered a four-car incident involving Kevin Karnitz, Tim Haddy and Danny Schlafer. Karnitz made hard contact with Walter’s stalled machine, which resulted in Karnitz flipping and left Walter’s car badly damaged.

Walter was credited with a 19th-place finish in a race won by Jim Melis.

“It was another disappointing night at the Dodge County Fairgrounds,” Walter said. “Our car hasn’t handled the same since our flip at Plymouth several weeks ago, an it’s been a frustrating last couple of weeks to say the least.”

In light of the extensive damage to the primary car, Walter and the Torque Racing team have put together a back-up car for MSA doubleheader competition this weekend.

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team will compete in an MSA doubleheader this weekend, which kicks off with an event on Friday, July 12 at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis. Grandstands open at 5 p.m. with racing at 6:30 p.m. The program will also feature IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Sport Mods, Street Stocks and Sport Compacts.

On Saturday, July 13, the team will return to The Plymouth Dirt Track to compete with the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars as part of the Randy Tracy Tribute Night. Grandstands open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

“It was a busy week for the team between getting the spare car together and participating in the Elkhart Lake Fourth of July Parade,” Walter said. “Now we are looking forward to running this weekend at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour on Friday and Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday.”

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, Ruh Custom Woodworking, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

Torque Racing Sponsor Showcase – Plymouth Tap

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team is pleased to welcome back Plymouth Tap as a returning sponsor for the 2019 season.

Plymouth Tap is the fourth tavern founded by the late Kevin Fetterer. After four years of renovations, Plymouth Tap opened at 101 East Mill St. in Plymouth on the day before Thanksgiving in 2016.

As a 5,000-square-foot bar and grill located in the heart of downtown Plymouth, Plymouth Tap features several televisions, pool tables, dartboards and many other games, along with an expansive food and drink menu.

“I like to think there is a little something for everyone here,” Plymouth Tap owner Nate Fetterer said. “We have a large menu and plenty of drink choices. We also have ample space to accommodate groups, both small and large.”

Fetterer has a close connection to the local racing scene and has jumped at the opportunity to be involved as a sponsor with the Torque Racing team.

“I used to go to PDTR as a small child with my grandfather and really enjoyed spending that time with him,” Fetterer said. “As a teenager, I became a pit mechanic for Sean Conrad, who raced motorcycles and just so happened to be my neighbor in Sheboygan Falls. We traveled across the Eastern United States chasing Kawasaki contingency money in several different motorcycle series including AMA, WERA, CRA.

“Josh is persistent and a hard worker,” he said. “He also helps out at the bar a ton. He is a great person to have on board when it’s not racing season. Along with the Torque Racing brat fry that is held every year, one of the highlights of this year’s event was the Plymouth Tap/Torque Racing Bar Olympics that we organized and ran together.”

For more information on Plymouth Tap, visit www.plymouthtap.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

Friday, July 12 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, July 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, July 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Thursday, July 25 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, August 2 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, August 3 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

 

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing By The Numbers

Total Events – 12

MSA events – 11

IRA events – 1

A-Main Victories – 1

B-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 5

Heat Race Victories – 2

 

 

 

 

Pokorski Motorsports nets top-10 at Dodge County, looks to rebound after TNT wreck

Paul Pokorski (4) competes in a Midwest Sprint Car Association event at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Wednesday, July 3. – Gasroots Project photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 9, 2019 – Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team competed in a pair of Midwest Sprint Car Association events with varying results at two very different tracks in opposite parts of the state during the Fourth of July holiday week.

On Wednesday, July 3, the Pokorski Motorsports team made its first of two scheduled MSA appearances during the 2019 season at the high-speed, wide-open Dodge County Fairgrounds “horsepower half mile” in Beaver Dam, Wis.

With 31 MSA competitors signed in for the evening, Pokorski lined up fifth in the fourth heat race. The 27-year veteran used a bold move in turn one of the opening lap to move past Nich Melis and Tyler Tischendorf into third place. Pokorski held on the rest of the way to secure a third-place finish and a starting spot in the 20-lap A main.

After starting ninth in the main event, the 2014 MSA Masters Series champion dropped back to 12th on lap 5 before a red flag for a four-car incident in turn two involving Kevin Karnitz, Danny Schlafer, Tim Haddy and Josh Walter slowed the pace.

Pokorski restarted eighth and found himself in 11th on lap 11 before engaging in a multi-lap duel with Al Schlafer beginning on lap 15. Pokorski eventually worked past Schlafer in turn three on lap 18 to secure 10th. He maintained the position over the final two laps to secure his sixth top-10 A-main showing of the 2019 season in a race won by Jim Melis.

“I was pretty disappointed with Dodge County,” Pokorski said. “I thought we’d be a little better. Overall, it was an okay night.”

The Pokorski Motorsports team ventured to the northwoods of Wisconsin to compete in the first of two scheduled 2019 MSA appearances at the tight, quarter-mile high-banked TNT Speedway in Three Lakes, Wis. on Saturday, July 6.

With 26 MSA cars on hand, Pokorski started second in the first heat race. Polesitter Bill Taylor got the jump on the green flag to lead the opening lap with Pokorski settling into second. On lap 8, Travis Arenz used the high groove to power around Pokorski, who wound up third at the checkered flag to advance to the A main.

Pokorski started on the outside of the front row in the 30-lap A main sponsored by Badger Steel. After some spirited jockeying at the front of the field in the opening laps, Pokorski was running sixth when a red flag was displayed on lap 13 for a multi-car incident in turn three involving Al Schlafer, Tyler Davis, Jack Vanderboom and Bill Taylor.

Following another multi-car incident on the ensuing restart attempt, Pokorski was involved in a four-car mishap in turn two on the third restart try after making contact with Tim Haddy and hitting the guardrail in turn two. The contact resulted in a broken axle, which forced Pokorski to drop out of the race with a 14th-place finish to his credit in a race won by Travis Arenz.

“TNT was going okay until we wrecked,” Pokorski said. “We lost some spots on the restart, but that was just a result of starting on the bottom and make a few bad choices during the first lap.”

Pokorski Motorsports will compete in an MSA doubleheader this weekend, which kicks off with an event on Friday, July 12 at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis. Grandstands open at 5 p.m. with racing at 6:30 p.m. The program will also feature IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Sport Mods, Street Stocks and Sport Compacts.

On Saturday, July 13, the team will return to The Plymouth Dirt Track to compete with the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars. Grandstands open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

“We wrecked a bunch of stuff at TNT on Saturday,” Pokorski said. “Thanks to my family, friends, Goeden’s Auto Body R&H Racing and Behling Racing Equipment, I think we are going to get it all together in time for Friday night at Outagamie, unless we have unexpected problems. I’m really looking forward to returning to Outagamie Speedway this Friday night.”

Off the track, it was a tough week for Pokorski Motorsports as one of the team’s biggest supporters, Dave “Hagar” Nelson of Hagar’s Half-Pounder Cookies, passed away on Friday, July 5.

“It is with a heavy heart that we say, ‘goodbye,’ to our friend Dave ‘Hagar’ Nelson,” Pokorski said. “Hagar was a great supporter of local auto racing and bluegrass music/musicians. He often came to events with his famous half-pound cookies, a warm smile and a story. He will be missed.”

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 ShowcaseGoeden’s Auto Body

As one of Pokorski Motorsports’ longest-running and most-valued sponsors, Goeden’s Auto Body, located at 2417 Highway 28 East in Kewaskum, has been in business since 1971. In 2015, David “Dusty” Goeden took over ownership of the family-owned business.

Goeden’s Auto Body specializes in quality, top-notch auto body repair, with a focus on collision work. Goeden’s also offers classic vehicle restoration and rust repair. In addition, it will work with all insurance companies. Goeden’s Auto Body uses PPG paints and clear coats, offers towing services and a locked fenced storage area. Continuing the Goeden Auto Body tradition, free loaner cars are also available.

“At Goeden’s Auto Body, we were born to perform,” Dave “Dusty” Goeden, Goeden’s Auto Body owner said. “With over 50 years of doing business and our racing involvement on and off the track, we know how to treat our customers like winners. With every job, we push ourselves to improve our performance and deliver a winning product. We work with all insurance companies, provide free computerized estimates and loaner vehicles while we repair your vehicle. Give us a call when you need a tow or some auto body work. Remember you, not your insurance company, have the right to choose where to take your vehicle for repairs.”

For more information on Goeden’s Auto Body, call 262-334-2759 or e-mail goedenauto@gmail.com.

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

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

2019 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule.

Friday, July 12 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, July 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, July 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, July 21 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Thursday, July 25 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, August 2 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, August 3 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

 

2019 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 13

MSA events – 12

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 6

Heat Race Victories – 1

Arenz bags MSA Badger 30 at TNT Speedway

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan earned his third career Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory in the Badger 30 at TNT Speedway in Three Lakes, Wis. on Saturday, July 6. 

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 6, 2019 – Second-year Midwest Sprint Car Association competitor Travis Arenz was clearly the class of the field throughout MSA A-main action at TNT Speedway in Three Lakes, Wis. on Saturday, July 6, as he flexed his muscle in the early going, persevered through four caution periods in the middle stages and pulled away in the closing laps to notch a commanding victory over his closest competitor in the Badger 30 presented by Badger Steel.

Polesitter Tony Wondra of Campbellsport got the initial jump to grab the lead on the opening circuit of the 30-lap A main. On lap 3, 2014 MSA Masters Series champion Paul Pokorski of West Bend used the outside groove to power around rookie Brandon Berth of Cascade, who started third, to secure second.

One lap later, Arenz, who started fifth, rode the high groove to pass Berth and move into third in the running order. The leaders began to work their way into slower traffic on lap 8, which allowed Arenz to close in to pressure Pokorski for second. Two laps later, Arenz dove under Pokorski to seize second and quickly set his sights on Wondra for the lead.

Just as Arenz was about to unseat Wondra for the lead the first of four caution flags appeared on lap 11 when rookie Justin Erickson of Plymouth spun in turn three. On the restart, Arenz pulled off a slide job in turn two to clear Wondra for the top spot. However, Wondra battled back to pull even with Arenz and maintain the top spot on lap 12 before Arenz powered under Wondra for good entering turn one on lap 13.

One lap later, a red flag was displayed when Al Schlafer of Sussex, rookie Tyler Davis of South Milwaukee, rookie Jack Vanderboom and Boltonville’s Bill Taylor collided entering turn three, which resulted in Schlafer tipping on his side. Schlafer was unable to return, but Davis, Taylor and Vanderboom were each able to tag the back off the field on the restart.

The ensuing restart produced a three-car pileup in turn two involving Tyler Davis, Brandon Berth and Kirt Boers of Belleville, which produced enough damage for all three drivers to be done for the night. The next restart resulted in more trouble in turn two as Pokorski collided with Waupun’s Tim Haddy and two-time MSA champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex with Plymouth’s Adam Miller also involved in the incident, which forced Pokorski, Haddy and Schlafer to retire from the race.

Following the restart, Arenz bolted away from the field while four-time MSA champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, who started 11th, made his way to the front of the field moving into fifth on lap 15. One lap later, Davis advanced into fourth before moving into third on lap 20.

Meanwhile, at the front of the pack, Arenz had checked out on the field as he cruised through lapped traffic to post his second MSA A-main victory of the 2019 season and third career MSA main event triumph by a half-lap margin.

Wondra wound up second, Davis placed third, 2018 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing champion Justin Miller of Plymouth finished fourth, after starting 13th, and fourth starter Will Gerrits of Waupun rounded out the top five.

The event drew 26 MSA cars to the third-mile high-banked TNT Speedway facility. Adam Miller won the 12-lap MSA B main and heat race victories went to Bill Taylor, Danny Schlafer and Kurt Davis.

The next MSA race on the 2019 schedule is this Friday, July 12 at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis. Grandstands open at 5 p.m. with racing at 6:30 p.m. The program will also feature IMCA Modifieds, Stock Cars, Sport Mods, Street Stocks and Sport Compacts.

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.

 

Midwest Sprint Car Association

TNT Speedway

Three Lakes, Wisconsin

July 6, 2019

HEAT 1

1, Bill Taylor 2, Travis Arenz 3, Paul Pokorski 4, Will Gerrits 5, Justin Erickson 6, Justin Miller 7, Scott Conger 8, Tyler Davis.

HEAT 2

1, Danny Schlafer 2, Tim Haddy 3, Shane Wenninger 4, Robbie Pribnow 5, Jack Vanderboom 6, Adam Miller 7, Tyler Nelson 8, Tyler Brabant 9, Bob Reichert (DNS).

HEAT 3

1, Kurt Davis 2, Lance Fassbender 3, Al Schlafer 4, Brandon Berth 5, Tony Wondra 6, Blake Wondra 7, Tyler Tischendorf 8, Kirt Boers.

B FEATURE

1, Adam Miller 2, Scott Conger 3, Tyler Brabant 4, Tyler Davis 5, Tyler Tischendorf 6, Kirt Boers 7, Tyler Nelson 8, Blake Wondra 9, Bob Reichert (DNS).

A FEATURE

1, Travis Arenz 2, Tony Wondra 3, Kurt Davis 4, Justin Miller 5, Will Gerrits 6, Shane Wenninger 7, Lance Fassbender 8, Scott Conger 9, Adam Miller 10, Tyler Tischendorf 11, Tyler Brabant 12, Bill Taylor 13, Jack Vanderboom 14, Paul Pokorski 15, Tim Haddy 16, Danny Schlafer 17, Robbie Pribnow 18, Brandon Berth 19, Tyler Davis, 20, Kirt Boers 21, Al Schlafer 22, Justin Erickson.

 

 

 

 

Melis claims MSA Harry Neitzel Tribute hardware at Dodge County

Jim Melis of Glenbeulah (middle) is pictured with Scotty Neitzel (left) and Brendalee Neitzel (right) after winning the Midwest Sprint Car Association Harry Neitzel Tribute Race at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Wednesday, July 3. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 3, 2019 – One of the most experienced Midwest Sprint Car Association drivers in the pit area also turned out to be the fastest, as Jim Melis of Glenbeulah led all 20-laps of A-main competition on the way to victory in the third annual MSA Harry Neitzel Tribute Race at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Wednesday, July 3.

The special event to honor the universally respected Neitzel, who was one of the MSA’s biggest supporters, drew a strong field of 31 360 Sprint Cars and a near capacity crowd of enthusiastic spectators to the track commonly dubbed, “the horsepower half mile.”

Melis, who is a 38-year veteran of open-wheeled racing, began the A-main from the pole flanked by Kevin Karnitz of West Bend. On the drop of the green flag, Melis got the jump and outpowered Karnitz to gain the lead in turn two of the opening circuit, while Karnitz settled into second and Tim Haddy of Waupun, charged up from the sixth starting to take third on the fast, narrow and tricky racing surface.

As Melis began to stretch out his lead to a half-straightaway margin in the early going, Haddy was on the move as he used the high groove to shoot past Karnitz exiting turn four on lap 3. Haddy continued his charge over the next five laps to cut Melis’ advantage to just 10 car lengths on lap 8.

However, disaster struck on lap 9 when a red flag appeared after Josh Walter of Plymouth spun in turn two, which triggered a four-car incident involving Haddy, the third-place car of Karnitz and the fourth-place machine of two-time MSA champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex, who started eighth.

Karnitz flipped after clipping the stalled machine of Walter, while Haddy and Schlafer also suffered damage in the melee, which forced all four drivers to retire from the race.

On the restart, Melis again powered away from the field while 10th starter Tony Wondra of Campbellsport snuck underneath Travis Arenz of Sheboygan, who started 12th, to seize second in turn four on lap 10.

As Melis build up a half-straightaway cushion over Wondra at the front of the field, 14th starter Adam Miller of Plymouth was making his presence felt as he moved into the top five on lap 12 and wasted little time tracking down his brother, 2018 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Justin Miller of Plymouth, who started fourth, to work his way into fourth on lap 15.

Wondra closed the gap significantly as the leaders encountered slower traffic over the final three laps, but he was not able to mount a serious challenge as Melis secured his first career Harry Neitzel Tribute Race victory and 20th career MSA A-main triumph.

Wondra placed second, Arenz finished third, Adam Miller wound up fourth and Justin Miller completed the top five.

2005 MSA champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett captured the 12-lap MSA B main, while heat race victories went to Chris Clayton of Waldo, Al Schlafer of Sussex, Kevin Karnitz and Tim Haddy.

The next MSA race on the 2019 schedule is this Saturday, July 6 at TNT Speedway in Three Lakes, Wis. Gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 5 p.m. and racing beginning at 6 p.m. Also on the card are Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Street Stocks and Trucks.

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.

 

Midwest Sprint Car Association

Dodge County Fairgrounds

Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

July 3, 2019

HEAT 1

1, Chris Clayton 2, Tyler Brabant 3, Justin Miller 4, Lance Fassbender 5, Adam Miller 6, Scott Conger 7, Brandon Berth 8, Chris Flick.

HEAT 2

1, Al Schlafer 2, Jim Melis 3, Robbie Pribnow 4, Kurt Davis 5, Josh Walter 6, Bill Taylor 7, Tyler Davis 8, Blake Wondra.

HEAT 3

1, Kevin Karnitz 2, Danny Schlafer 3, Travis Arenz 4, Tony Wondra 5, Sean Rayhall 6, Chris Larson 7, Nick Daywalt 8, Bryce Schmitt.

HEAT 4

1, Tim Haddy 2, Will Gerrits 3, Paul Pokorski 4, Nich Melis 5, Tyler Tischendorf 6, Jack Vanderboom 7, Mike Yurmanovich.

B FEATURE

1, Lance Fassbender 2, Nich Melis 3, Bill Taylor 4, Scott Conger 5, Sean Rayhall 6, Jack Vanderboom 7, Tyler Tischendorf 8, Blake Wondra 9, Nick Daywalt 10, Tyler Davis 11, Brandon Berth 12, Chris Larson. 13, Chris Flick (DNS), 14, Bryce Schmitt (DNS) 15, Mike Yurmanovich (DNS).

A FEATURE

1, Jim Melis 2, Tony Wondra 3, Travis Arenz 4, Adam Miller 5, Justin Miller 6, Will Gerrits 7, Robbie Pribnow 8, Kurt Davis 9, Lance Fassbender 10, Paul Pokorski 11, Al Schlafer 12, Nich Melis 13, Jack Vanderboom 14, Bill Taylor 15, Scott Conger 16, Tim Haddy 17, Kevin Karnitz 18, Danny Schlafer 19, Josh Walter 20, Sean Rayhall 21, Tyler Brabant 22, Chris Clayton.

 

 

Walter, Torque Racing fall short at Plymouth, prep for Dodge County

Josh Walter of Plymouth turns a lap in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, June 28. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 2, 2019 – For the second time during the 2019 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car season, Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team found themselves on the outside looking in for A-main competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, June 28.

With a season-high 40 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars registered for the special Friday night event, Walter drew the fifth starting position in the third heat race. After dropping back to sixth on the opening lap, Walter moved in to pass Mike Yurmanovich for fifth place on lap 4.

Walter was gaining on the fourth-place machine of Brandon McMullen on lap 7. However, he was not able to move into striking distance over the final three laps and held on to finish the race in fifth.

“The car was good in the heat race,” Walter said. “We just had a difficult time navigating around traffic early in the race. Once I caught up to the top four, it was difficult to pass on such a fast track early in the night.

After lining up fifth in the first 12-lap B main, Walter needed to finish third or better to advance to the 22-car A main. The 14th-year driver passed Tony Wondra to take fourth place on lap one. Walter gradually moved closer to the third-place car of Lance Fassbender over the next eight laps and appeared to be gaining on a potential A-main transfer position when the caution flag flew on lap 11 for a spin in turn four involving rookie Preston Ruh.

After another spin in turn four involving rookie Tyler Tischendorf, Nich Melis used the high groove to power around Walter on the lap 11 restart, which relegated Walter to fifth. The yellow flag was displayed again for the stalled car of rookie Tyler Davis in turn four just as the leader took the white flag, which resulted in the completion of the race with Walter finishing fifth, two spots out of an A-main transfer position.

“In the B main, the car was okay,” Walter said. “It was still somewhat of a single-groove track at that point with the bottom just being too fast yet to do much passing.”

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team will compete on Wednesday, July 3 in the third annual Harry Neitzel Tribute Race at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. in conjunction with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series and Modifieds.

Grandstands will open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and IRA qualifying and racing to follow.

“We are looking forward to running at the Dodge County Fairgrounds with the MSA on Wednesday night,” Walter said. “After that, we will be enjoying a long weekend of family time. We will also be taking the car through the Elkhart Lake Fourth of July weekend parade on Sunday, July 7th to represent our sponsors.”

In addition, Walter has announced that the Torque Racing team has elected not pursue 100-percent participation in the remainder of the Midwest Sprint Car Association schedule. As a result, the team will not compete at TNT Speedway in Three Lakes, Wis. on Saturday, July 6.

“The Torque Racing team has made the decision to no longer run 100 percent of the MSA schedule,” Walter said. “We will still be running all of the races at Plymouth and the majority of the other MSA races. However, due to family obligations and safety concerns, we will not be racing the remaining Angell Park Speedway or TNT Speedway events this year.”

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, Ruh Custom Woodworking, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

Torque Racing Sponsor Showcase – Plymouth Tap

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team is pleased to welcome back Plymouth Tap as a returning sponsor for the 2019 season.

Plymouth Tap is the fourth tavern founded by the late Kevin Fetterer. After four years of renovations, Plymouth Tap opened at 101 East Mill St. in Plymouth on the day before Thanksgiving in 2016.

As a 5,000-square-foot bar and grill located in the heart of downtown Plymouth, Plymouth Tap features several televisions, pool tables, dartboards and many other games, along with an expansive food and drink menu.

“I like to think there is a little something for everyone here,” Plymouth Tap owner Nate Fetterer said. “We have a large menu and plenty of drink choices. We also have ample space to accommodate groups, both small and large.”

Fetterer has a close connection to the local racing scene and has jumped at the opportunity to be involved as a sponsor with the Torque Racing team.

“I used to go to PDTR as a small child with my grandfather and really enjoyed spending that time with him,” Fetterer said. “As a teenager, I became a pit mechanic for Sean Conrad, who raced motorcycles and just so happened to be my neighbor in Sheboygan Falls. We traveled across the Eastern United States chasing Kawasaki contingency money in several different motorcycle series including AMA, WERA, CRA.

“Josh is persistent and a hard worker,” he said. “He also helps out at the bar a ton. He is a great person to have on board when it’s not racing season. Along with the Torque Racing brat fry that is held every year, one of the highlights of this year’s event was the Plymouth Tap/Torque Racing Bar Olympics that we organized and ran together.”

For more information on Plymouth Tap, visit www.plymouthtap.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

Wednesday, July 3 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Friday, July 12 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, July 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, July 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Thursday, July 25 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing By The Numbers

Total Events – 11

MSA events – 10

IRA events – 1

A-Main Victories – 1

B-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 5

Heat Race Victories – 2

 

Pokorski Motorsports makes the show, holds own at Plymouth

Paul Pokorski (4) of West Bend duels with Ben Schmidt (35) of Howards Grove, during Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on Friday, June 28. -RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

 (PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 1, 2019 – With a season-high 40 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Cars packing the pit area, Paul Pokorski and the Pokorski Motorsports team earned one of 22 coveted starting spots in the A main field and held on to post a solid 13th-place showing at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, June 28.

After drawing the fifth starting spot in the fourth PDTR 360 Sprint Car heat race, Pokorski used a strong start to power past Mike Decker into fourth place on the opening lap. Five laps later, Pokorski pulled off a bold move as he dove low in turn three to work past Robbie Pribnow into third place.

The 2014 Midwest Sprint Car Association Masters Series champion then held onto third over the final four laps to earn enough passing points to transfer into the 22-car A-main field.

Following the heat race passing points invert, Pokorski lined up 11th in the 25-lap A main. Pokorski hovered around the top-10 through the first half of the race on the wide and multi-groove track surface. Following a caution period on lap 11, Pokorski moved up to the high groove where he struggled to find grip and fell back a few spots.

After jockeying for position mainly utilizing the low groove over the final 10 laps, Pokorski crossed the finish 13th place in the race, which was won by Scotty Thiel.

“The car was good in the heat race again, but I struggled with it in the A main,” Pokorski said. “For some reason, it seemed that the car was a handful throughout most of the A main. We will try to figure it out and make the car better for our two MSA races this week.”

The Pokorski Motorsports team will take part on a pair of Midwest Sprint Car Association travelling events this week. On Wednesday, July 3, the team will compete in the third annual Harry Neitzel Tribute Race at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. in conjunction with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series and Modifieds.

Grandstands will open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and IRA qualifying and racing to follow.

On Saturday, July 6, the Pokorski Motorsports team will venture to the TNT Speedway in Three Lakes, Wis. with the MSA Series for the Badger 30. Gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 5 p.m. and racing beginning at 6 p.m. Also on the card are Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Street Stocks and Trucks.

“I am really looking forward to going to Dodge County this week,” Pokorski said. “The last four times we have been there, our car has been good and we’ve had solid results. TNT should be fun. I’m hoping for a good crowd on the holiday weekend up north.”

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., 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 ShowcaseGoeden’s Auto Body

As one of Pokorski Motorsports’ longest-running and most-valued sponsors, Goeden’s Auto Body, located at 2417 Highway 28 East in Kewaskum, has been in business since 1971. In 2015, David “Dusty” Goeden took over ownership of the family-owned business.

Goeden’s Auto Body specializes in quality, top-notch auto body repair, with a focus on collision work. Goeden’s also offers classic vehicle restoration and rust repair. In addition, it will work with all insurance companies. Goeden’s Auto Body uses PPG paints and clear coats, offers towing services and a locked fenced storage area. Continuing the Goeden Auto Body tradition, free loaner cars are also available.

“At Goeden’s Auto Body, we were born to perform,” Dave “Dusty” Goeden, Goeden’s Auto Body owner said. “With over 50 years of doing business and our racing involvement on and off the track, we know how to treat our customers like winners. With every job, we push ourselves to improve our performance and deliver a winning product. We work with all insurance companies, provide free computerized estimates and loaner vehicles while we repair your vehicle. Give us a call when you need a tow or some auto body work. Remember you, not your insurance company, have the right to choose where to take your vehicle for repairs.”

For more information on Goeden’s Auto Body, call 262-334-2759 or e-mail goedenauto@gmail.com.

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

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

2019 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule.

Wednesday, July 3 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, July 6 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

Friday, July 12 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, July 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, July 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth

Sunday, July 21 – Angell Park Speedway, Plymouth, Wis.

Thursday, July 25 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

2019 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 11

MSA events – 10

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 5

Heat Race Victories – 1

Rick Scheffler keeps it all in the family with Russ Scheffler Tribute Race victory

Rick Scheffler of Waukesha was victorious in the second edition of the 30-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Russ Scheffler Tribute Race for the Late Model divisions in honor of his late brother on Friday, June 28 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. – C-MarQ Photography photo

Thiel, Cullen, Pierce claim PDTR A-main triumphs

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 28, 2019 – For a driver that has raced sparingly in recent years, Rick Scheffler of Waukesha was certainly on top of his game in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model competition at the Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. as he powered his way to a fitting victory in the 30-lap Russ Scheffler Tribute race, a special event honoring his late brother’s memory on Friday, June 28.

With a stellar field of 28 of the region’s top Late Model competitors signed in, Rick Scheffler topped them all to bag the big $2,574 first-place check and gigantic trophy in the second edition of the Russ Scheffler Tribute Race presented by Allied Resource Recovery, which was organized by Late Model supporters Chad Marquardt and Greg Wester, along with promotional assistant Nicole Rehberg Carlson, who worked tirelessly to raise funds to support a huge boost in the Gasroots Project Late Model purse throughout the field.

Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan claimed his first PDTR Richard’s of Dunbar 360 Sprint Car A-main victory of the season at Plymouth and second overall win of the 2019 season in Randy Sippel’s 39s car. Josh Pierce of Random Lake pulled off a last-lap pass to claim his first career Klips & Tips Grand National A-main victory at Plymouth, while Chilton’s Jesse Cullen earned his second Cellcom B Mod A-main triumph of the 2019 season in PDTR competition.

In the 30-lap Russ Scheffler Tribute Late Model headliner, polesitter Troy Springborn of Shawano bolted into the lead with Rick Scheffler, who started on the outside of the front row, in tow in second. On the beginning of lap 2, a seven-car incident in turn two involving Green Bay’s Joe Reuter, Nick Anvelink, Ron Stroika, Justin Reed, Turk Letizia, Brett Swedberg and Tom Naeyaert brought out the first and only caution of the event.

The incident knocked Anvelink, Naeyaert, Stroika and Swedberg out of the event. On the restart, Springborn again charged out to a solid advantage over 2010 PDTR Late Model champion Rick Scheffler on the smooth and multi-groove racing surface. As Springborn was showing the way at the front of the field, eighth starter Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha used the outside groove to power his way into fifth place on lap 4.

One lap later, Taylor Scheffler, who is Russ Scheffler’s nephew and Rick Sheffler’s son, worked past 2016 PDTR Late Model champ Tim Buhler of Greenbush, who started fifth, to seize fourth.

On lap 6, Rick Scheffler had closed the gap on Springborn and began applying heavy pressure for the top spot along the inside groove. After three laps of dueling side by side with Springborn, Rick Scheffler ducked low to power his way into the lead in turn two on lap 8.

Once in front, Rick Scheffler proceeded to pull away from Springborn along the inside line of the track. Meanwhile, Taylor Scheffler continued to put on a show on the cushion as he worked his way around Joel Bennett, who started third, to take over third place on lap 9.

Over the final 20 laps of the event, Rick Scheffler was locked in to the low groove and maintained a solid full straightaway cushion over Springborn and the fast-closing Taylor Scheffler on the way to his 14th career PDTR A-main victory and his first career victory in the Russ Scheffler Tribute Race.

Springborn finished second, Taylor Scheffler placed third, Bennett wound up fourth and Buhler rounded out the top five.

“This was a great race to win, that’s for sure,” Rick Scheffler said after the race. “There are a great group of people that worked really hard to put this race together. They raised a lot of extra money for all the Late Model drivers to race for tonight. I’m sure my brother would have appreciated it.”

Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan (right) celebrates a victory in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, June 28th with car owner Randy Sippel of Elkhart Lake (left). – RC Custom Design photo

Outside front row starter Tyler Brabant of Waupun outpowered polesitter Anthony Knierim of Franksville to grab the lead of the 25-lap 360 Sprint Car A-main in turn three of the opening lap. On lap two, sixth starter Scotty Thiel bolted into third place with a power move along the high groove of the track. Four laps later, Thiel worked his way past Knierim to seize second place.

On lap 10, Glenbeulah’s Jim Melis, who started fifth, maneuvered past both Knierim and third starter Brandon Berth of Cascade to secure third. Meanwhile, Thiel had cut the gap substantially on Brabant for the top spot as the leaders approached slower traffic on lap 11.

The first caution flag of the race flew seconds later when Waldo’s Chris Clayton spun in turn three. Another caution was displayed on the ensuing restart when Josh Teunissen of Waldo, Chris Clayton, 2008 PDTR champion Lance Fassbender of Burentt and Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum got together entering turn one. All four drivers were able to continue the race at the rear of the field.

When the race resumed, Thiel went to work to wrestle the lead away from Brabant along the high grove exiting turn four on lap 13. Utilizing the low line, Brabant battled back three laps later to give Thiel a real run for his money over the closing nine circuits.

As the leaders worked their way through slower traffic over the final five circuits, Brabant pulled event with the high-riding Thiel on a couple of occasions exiting turn four. However, Thiel proved to be too strong as he held on to secure his second career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory and his 12th career Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main triumph.

Brabant finished a career-best second in PDTR 360 Sprint Car competition, Melis finished third, defending PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Justin Miller of Plymouth charged from the ninth starting spot to place fourth and 2010 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee finished fifth after starting eighth.

“Hats off to the track crew for getting the track ready tonight with all the rain we had,” Thiel said. “It was really a great racetrack tonight. I can’t thank Randy Sippel enough for giving me a great car to run. This is the second time I’ve won in this car now this year and it feels really good to get another win. I have to hand it to Tyler Brabant for putting up a good fight there at the end. He ran the bottom very well and I got little nervous a few times when he pulled even with me for the lead in the closing laps.”

In the 25-lap Grand National A main, polesitter Steven Weber of Plymouth dueled side by side with outside front row starter Donny Kulow of Elkhart Lake throughout the opening lap before finally taking the lead in turn four on lap two.

As Weber held the top spot, fourth starter Josh Pierce of Random Lake used the outside groove to challenge Donny Kulow for second starting on lap 6. Two laps later, Pierce surged into second along the outside groove and quickly set his sights on the lead. On lap 9, Pierce charged in along the high line to pressure Weber, who was clinging to the low grove of the third-mile clay oval.

The two drivers waged a heated duel for the remaining 16 laps while eighth starter Will Sorce of Franklin moved in to challenge take over third on lap 20. On lap 21, Pierce, who was the 2012 PDTR Outlaw Compact division champion, switched lanes, moving from the high to the low grove to mount one finish push for the lead.

After attempting to duck low to gain the top spot on three consecutive laps, Pierce eventually made it work on the final lap as he found an opening exiting turn two on the final circuit and charged underneath Weber for good entering turn three. Pierce then held on to secure his first career PDTR Grand National A-main triumph with a thrilling last-lap pass.

Sorce finished second, Weber placed third, Kulow wound up fourth and third starter Jason Juech of Plymouth rounded out the top five.

“We’ve been trying to get a win at Plymouth for seven years in the Grand National division and it finally happened tonight,” Pierce said. “We’ve come close a lot lately, and it feels great to get the job done with a last-lap pass and a clean sweep too.”

Polesitter Brian Wieland of Elkhart Lake grabbed the lead on the opening lap of the 25-lap B Mod A main with outside front row starter Gary Glander of Sheboygan Falls falling into second. The first of three caution flags appeared on lap 2 when Rick Kretschmann spun in turn two.

Another yellow flag was displayed on lap 3 when Rory Welch and Phil Campanella collided in turn three. On the restart, Wieland again led while third starter Travis Schmidt of Waldo and Glander dueled side by side for second on lap 4 while Schmidt surging into second on lap 5.

As Wieland continued to lead, sixth starter Jesse Cullen was making noise as he used the high groove to move into third place on lap 8. The final caution slowed the field on lap 16 when Justin Bauer stopped on the backstretch.

One lap later, Cullen bolted around Wieland to secure the top spot on lap 17. Fourth starter Barry Maas of Cascade also rode the high groove past Wieland into second on lap 18 and attempted to reel in Cullen over the final seven laps.

However, Cullen proved to be too formidable as he maintained the top spot over the final seven circuits en route to his second career PDTR B Mod A-main triumph. Maas placed second, Wieland wound up third, Schmidt placed fourth and 17th starter Tim Warner of Fond du Lac charged all the way up to post a fifth-place finish.

Brett Swedberg of Shawano won the Late Model B main and Kyle Raddant of Shawano captured the Late Model non-qualifiers dash. Travis Arenz of Sheboygan captured the first 360 Sprint Car B main and Kewaskum’s Shane Wenninger was victorious in the second 360 Sprint Car B main.

The special second edition of the Rus Scheffler Tribute Race drew a PDTR season-high total of 104 cars, including 28 Late Models, 40 360 Sprint Cars, 22 B Mods and 14 Grand Nationals.

The Friday night event was a non-points program for the Late Models, B Mods and Grand Nations with full PDTR points distributed in the 360 Sprint Car division.

Next Saturday, July 6 there will be no PDTR racing in conjunction with the Fourth of July weekend.

PDTR Saturday night racing will resume on Saturday, July 13 and include a special Remembering Randy Tracy tribute in honor of the former Winged Super Modified racer, who recently passed away. Additional money will be awarded in the 360 Sprint Car division on July 13. Hot laps will begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing to start at 6 p.m.

GASROOTS PROJECT LATE MODEL

Date of Race: June 28, 2019

HEAT 1

1, Joel Bennett 2, Jesse Glenz 3, Chris Engels 4, Joe Bongiorno 5, Kevin Baldry 6, Eric Michaels 7, Justin Reed.

HEAT 2

1, Justin Schmidt 2, Rick Scheffler 3, Taylor Scheffler 4, Turk Letizia 5, Jim Schmidt 6, Kyle Raddant 7, Jim Juneau.

HEAT 3

1, Tim Buhler 2, Brad Mueller 3, Nick Anvelink 4, Brett Swedberg 5, Tom Naeyaert 6, Mark Rose 7, Zack Kessler.

HEAT 4

1, Troy Springborn 2, Joe Reuter 3, Justin Ritchie 4, Ron Stroika 5, Charlie Schmidt 6, Chad Vetting 7, Bily Rezutek.

B MAIN

1, Brett Swedberg 2, Tom Naeyaert 3, Mark Rose, 4, Justin Reed 5, Kyle Raddant 6, Jim Schmidt 7, Chad Vetting 8, Charlie Schmidt 9, Billy Rezutek 10, Zack Kessler 11, Eric Michaels (DNS) 12, Jim Juneau (DNS).

NON-QUALIFIERS DASH

1, Kyle Raddant 2, Chad Vetting 3, Jim Schmidt 4, Billy Rezutek 5, Zack Kessler 6, Charlie Schmidt (DNS).

A MAIN

1, Rick Scheffler 2, Troy Springborn 3, Taylor Scheffler 4, Joel Bennett, 5, Tim Buhler 6, Brad Mueller 7, Jesse Glenz 8, Justin Schmidt 9, Justin Reed 10, Chris Engels 11, Joe Bongiorno 12, Turk Letizia 13, Kevin Baldry 14, Justin Ritchie 15, Mark Rose 16, Joe Reuter 17, Nick Anvelink 18, Ron Stroika 19, Brett Swedberg 20, Tom Naeyaert.

RICHARD’S OF DUNBAR 360 SPRINT CAR

HEAT 1

1, Scotty Thiel 2, Josh Teunissen 3, Al Schlafer 4, Shane Wenninger 5, Tim Haddy 6, Blake Wondra 7, Preston Ruh 8, Nick Daywalt.

HEAT 2

1, Jim Melis 2, Brandon Berth 3, Kurt Davis 4, Ben Schmidt 5, Adam Miller 6, Chris Larson 7, Chris Flick 8, Tyler Tischendorf (DNS).

HEAT 3

1, Chris Clayton 2, Tyler Brabant 3, Kevin Karnitz 4, Brandon McMullen 5, Josh Walter 6, Mike Yurmanovich 7, Will Gerrits 8, Nich Melis.

HEAT 4

1, Anthony Knierim 2, Doug Wondra 3, Paul Pokorski 4, Robbie Pribnow 5, Danny Schlafer 6, Tony Wondra 7, Tyler Davis 8. Mike Decker.

HEAT 5

1, Scott Conger 2, Jack Vanderboom 3, Justin Miller 4, Lance Fassbender 5, Travis Arenz 6, Justin Erickson 7, Bill Taylor 8, Ken Schmick (DNS).

B MAIN 1

1, Travis Arenz 2, Kevin Karnitz 3, Lance Fassbender 4, Nich Melis 5, Josh Walter 6, Chris Flick 7, Nick Daywalt 8, Tyler Tischendorf 9, Tyler Davis 10, Chris Larson 11, Preston Ruh 12, Tony Wondra.

B MAIN 2

1, Tim Haddy 2, Tim Haddy 3, Danny Schlafer 4, Adam Miller 5, Robbie Pribnow 6, Justin Erickson 7, Will Gerrits 8, Mike Decker 9, Bill Taylor 10, Mike Yurmanovich 11, Blake Wondra 12, Ken Schmick (DNS).

A MAIN

1, Scotty Thiel 2, Tyler Brabant 3, Jim Melis 4, Justin Miller 5, Kurt Davis 6, Brandon McMullen 7, Ben Schmidt 8, Anthony Knierim 9, Brandon Berth 10, Travis Arenz 11, Tim Haddy 12, Kevin Karnitz 13, Paul Pokorski 14, Scott Conger 15, Chris Clayton 16, Lance Fassbender 17, Jack Vanderboom 18, Josh Teunissen 19, Danny Schlafer 20, Al Schlafer 21, Shane Wenninger 22, Doug Wondra.

KLIPS & TIPS GRAND NATIONAL

HEAT 1

1, Tyler Kulow 2, Will Sorce 3, Donny Kulow 4, Jason Juech 5, Steven Weber 6, Josh Hitsman 7, Juke Scholten.

HEAT 2

1, Josh Pierce 2, Dan Sorce 3, Nick Schumacher 4, Brue Troesch 5, Collin Skindzwelewski 6, Derek Kaat 7, Dakota Cabunac (DNS).

A MAIN

1, Josh Pierce 2, Will Sorce 3, Steven Weber 4, Donny Kulow 5, Jason Juech 6, Tyler Kulow 7, Josh Hitsman 8, Nick Schumacher 9, Bruce Troesch 10, Dan Sorce 11, Dakota Cabunac 12, Derek Kaat (DNS) 13, Collin Skindzelwski (DNS) 14, Luke Scholten (DNS).

 

CELLCOM B MOD

HEAT 1

1, Jesse Cullen 2, Justin Bauer 3, Donny Singer 4, Rick Kretschmann 5, Steve Lorier 6, Randy Theys 7, Tim Warner 8, Patrick Hanson.

HEAT 2

1, Matt Valiquette 2, Travis Schmidt 3, Gary Glander 4, James Rautmann 5, Tim Lange 6, Rory Welch 7, John Fleury.

HEAT 3

1, Barry Maas 2, Travis Hansen 3, Brian Wieland 4, Brandon Knepprath 5, Phil Campanella 6, Nick Schultz 7, Joshua Mavis.

A MAIN

1, Jesse Cullen 2, Barry Maas 3, Brian Wieland 4, Travis Schmidt 5, Tim Warner 6, Travis Hansen 7, Nick Schultz 8, Steve Lorier 9, Rick Kretschmann 10, Matt Valiquette 11, Brandon Knepprath 12, Gary Glander 13, Randy Theys 14, James Rautmann 15, John Fleury 16, Tim Lange 17, Patrick Hanson 18, Rory Welch 19, Justin Bauer 20, Donny Singer 21, Phil Campanella 22, Joshua Mavis (DNS).

 

Walter, Torque Racing add to top-10 tally in MSA doubleheader

Josh Walter of Plymouth turns a lap in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 22. -C-MarQ Photography photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 26, 2019 – A double dose of Midwest Sprint Car Association racing action yielded a solid top-10 showing at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. and a narrow miss on another top-10 result at SK Speedway in Unity, Wis. for Josh Walter and his Torque Racing team last weekend.

On Friday, June 21, Walter and the Torque Racing team made their second annual trip to SK Speedway in Unity, Wis. as 27 MSA Sprint Cars signed in to do battle on the banked third-mile dirt oval.

Walter drew the ninth starting spot in the second MSA 10-lap heat race and passed rookie Brandon Berth to take eighth on lap 4. Two laps later, Walter maneuvered around Josh Teunissen to take seventh before sliding by rookie Jack Vanderboom to secure sixth on lap 9, which is where he finished to secure the 14th starting spot in the 25-lap A main.

“Friday at SK speedway was a challenge,” Walter said. “The track was in good shape early and we were able to pass some cars in the heat race starting ninth and finishing sixth.”

After lining up on the outside of the seventh row in the MSA headliner, Walter was running 12th when he slowed to a stop in turn two on lap 9 with a flat right front tire. After having to restart the race from the rear of the field in 22nd, Walter went to work to move back up through the field.

By lap 20, Walter had advanced to 16th in a race that was slowed by a seven caution flags. Walter continued to pick off cars on each and every restart eventually coming home 11th in a race won by Scotty Thiel.

“We started 14th in the A and had our work cut out for us,” Walter said. “The track I believe was still in pretty good shape. However, traffic was a bit of an issue along with the restarts. It was just guys playing games up front causing issues mid-pack and back. I had tagged the wall early on and punctured a right front tire. We stopped and got that fixed to come out and continue the A main. The car had a good set up, but again traffic was difficult and unknowingly the right rear rim had damage and was slowly losing tire pressure through the remaining laps of the A.”

The following night Josh and the Torque Racing team returned home to The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. where another solid field of 31 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars signed in to do battle.

Josh started and finished third in the first PDTR 360 Sprint Car heat race to earn the 12th starting spot in the 25-lap headliner. Walter found his stride in the early going of the A main and mounted a strong charge to the front, passing six cars en route to a solid sixth-place finish in a race won by Kurt Davis.

“On Saturday we had another okay draw starting us third in the heat and finishing there,” Walter said. “I just felt like the car was lacking in speed and the crew did a great job getting the car ready for the A making some big changes. The crew did a great Job setting up the car for the A. We were able to pass six cars and finish sixth. I couldn’t be prouder of the crew and our sponsors for all the support.”

On Friday, June 28, Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team returns to The Plymouth Dirt Track for a special Friday night program, featuring the Russ Scheffler Tribute Race for the Late Model division. Also included on the card will be the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals and B Mods. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with racing slated to start at 7 p.m.

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, Ruh Custom Woodworking, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

Torque Racing Sponsor Showcase – Plymouth Tap

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team is pleased to welcome back Plymouth Tap as a returning sponsor for the 2019 season.

Plymouth Tap is the fourth tavern founded by the late Kevin Fetterer. After four years of renovations, Plymouth Tap opened at 101 East Mill St. in Plymouth on the day before Thanksgiving in 2016.

As a 5,000-square-foot bar and grill located in the heart of downtown Plymouth, Plymouth Tap features several televisions, pool tables, dartboards and many other games, along with an expansive food and drink menu.

“I like to think there is a little something for everyone here,” Plymouth Tap owner Nate Fetterer said. “We have a large menu and plenty of drink choices. We also have ample space to accommodate groups, both small and large.”

Fetterer has a close connection to the local racing scene and has jumped at the opportunity to be involved as a sponsor with the Torque Racing team.

“I used to go to PDTR as a small child with my grandfather and really enjoyed spending that time with him,” Fetterer said. “As a teenager, I became a pit mechanic for Sean Conrad, who raced motorcycles and just so happened to be my neighbor in Sheboygan Falls. We traveled across the Eastern United States chasing Kawasaki contingency money in several different motorcycle series including AMA, WERA, CRA.

“Josh is persistent and a hard worker,” he said. “He also helps out at the bar a ton. He is a great person to have on board when it’s not racing season. Along with the Torque Racing brat fry that is held every year, one of the highlights of this year’s event was the Plymouth Tap/Torque Racing Bar Olympics that we organized and ran together.”

For more information on Plymouth Tap, visit www.plymouthtap.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

Friday, June 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Wednesday, July 3 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, July 6 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

Friday, July 12 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, July 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, July 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

 

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing By The Numbers

Total Events – 10

MSA events – 9

IRA events – 1

A-Main Victories – 1

B-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 5

Heat Race Victories – 2

 

Pokorski Motorsports battles back from tough luck in MSA twinbill

Paul Pokorski (4) leads Justin Miller (15M) in a Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main event at SK Speedway in Unity, Wis. on Friday, June 21. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 25, 2019 – Despite encountering misfortune in back-to-back Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main competition, during a doubleheader weekend of 360 Sprint Car racing action at SK Speedway in Unity, Wis. and The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis., Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports displayed commendable perseverance in salvaging two respectable showings.

The MSA twinbill of action began with the team’s third trip to SK Speedway in Unity, Wis. where 27 MSA Sprint Cars signed in for an evening of action on the third-mile banked dirt oval.

Pokorski drew the seventh starting spot in the second MSA heat race. After falling back to eighth on lap 1, Pokorski slipped past rookie Brandon Berth to take seventh on lap 2. One lap later, the 2014 MSA Masters Series champion worked his way past Josh Teunissen to seize sixth in turn one and Jack Vanderboom in turn four to move into fifth.

Pokorski crossed the finish line in fifth, but moved up to fourth when Scotty Thiel, who took the checkered flag in third, was penalized two spots for jumping the initial start.

After the tabulation of heat race passing points and the invert draw, Pokorski lined up fifth in the 25-lap A main. After jockeying for position on the smooth and slick track surface in the opening laps, Pokorski found himself dueling for seventh place with Kurt Davis on lap 8.

Following a spirited duel between the two former MSA champions, Davis eventually claimed the seventh spot for good on lap 13 moving Pokorski back to eighth. Pokorski held strong in the eighth spot through a string of caution flags until the fifth caution flag of the race appeared on lap 17. On the restart, a chain-reaction incident at the front of the field forced Pokorski to make contact with several other cars, which resulted in a flat right front tire.

After going to the work area to replace the tire, Pokorski had to restart the race in the 19th position. Pokorski worked his way back up through the field in the closing eight laps to salvage a 13th-place finish in a race won by Scotty Thiel.

“Friday at SK was a great event,” Pokorski said. “The fans seemed very excited for the show. The track conditions were also the best we have had there. The heat race went well, and the main was good until the restart with about five to go. I’m not sure who got crossed up in the front or why, but we started stacking up really quickly. Someone got into the left side nerf bar and somehow we broke a radius rod on the right front that put us in the work area.”

On Saturday, June 22, Pokorski returned to The Plymouth Dirt Track where 31 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars were on hand for the evening. Pokorski started third in the second PDTR Sprint Car heat race and placed second to earn the ninth starting spot in the 25-lap A main.

Early in the main event, Pokorski spun in turn one to bring out a yellow flag. After restarting at the rear of the field, he moved up steadily over the remaining laps to earn a 13th-place showing for the second time in as many nights in a race won by Kurt Davis.

“Saturday the night started out good,” Pokorski said. “In the feature, we were doing okay, running about eighth and I missed the cushion on entry. I got into the slick and spun all by myself. It was a straight-up driver error. Looking at the rest of the guys bearing down on you sucks. Luckily, everyone was on the ball and missed me. We had tried some new stuff and learned some things, but won’t be doing exactly the same thing this Friday.”

On Friday, June 28, the Pokorski Motorsports team returns to The Plymouth Dirt Track for a special Friday night program, featuring the Russ Scheffler Tribute Race for the Late Model division. PDTR 360 Sprints, Grand Nationals and B Mods will also be on the card. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with racing slated to start at 7 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., 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 ShowcaseGoeden’s Auto Body

As one of Pokorski Motorsports’ longest-running and most-valued sponsors, Goeden’s Auto Body, located at 2417 Highway 28 East in Kewaskum, has been in business since 1971. In 2015, David “Dusty” Goeden took over ownership of the family-owned business.

Goeden’s Auto Body specializes in quality, top-notch auto body repair, with a focus on collision work. Goeden’s also offers classic vehicle restoration and rust repair. In addition, it will work with all insurance companies. Goeden’s Auto Body uses PPG paints and clear coats, offers towing services and a locked fenced storage area. Continuing the Goeden Auto Body tradition, free loaner cars are also available.

“At Goeden’s Auto Body, we were born to perform,” Dave “Dusty” Goeden, Goeden’s Auto Body owner said. “With over 50 years of doing business and our racing involvement on and off the track, we know how to treat our customers like winners. With every job, we push ourselves to improve our performance and deliver a winning product. We work with all insurance companies, provide free computerized estimates and loaner vehicles while we repair your vehicle. Give us a call when you need a tow or some auto body work. Remember you, not your insurance company, have the right to choose where to take your vehicle for repairs.”

For more information on Goeden’s Auto Body, call 262-334-2759 or e-mail goedenauto@gmail.com.

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

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

2019 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule.

Friday, June 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Wednesday, July 3 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, July 6 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

Friday, July 12 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, July 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, July 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

 

2019 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 10

MSA events – 9

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 5

Heat Race Victories – 1

Davis, Schmidt, Kulow, Schultz claim PDTR A-main hardware

Tyler Kulow of Plymouth earned his second Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National A-main victory of the 2019 season on Saturday, June 22 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. – C-MarQ Photography photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 22, 2019 – Racers and fans arrived at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. amidst warm weather and clear skies for the first time during the 2019 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season on Saturday, June 22.

Two drivers won for the second time this season, one for the first time in nearly a year, and another for the first time with PDTR. The four divisions of competitors would give the fans an evening of exciting racing on a well-prepared track, which provided two and sometimes three-wide racing.

The 25-lap Richard’s Supper Club and Motel of Dunbar 360 Sprint Car A-main saw 2010 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Kurt Davis from South Milwaukee take advantage of his outside front row starting position and edge ahead of polesitter Travis Arenz of Sheboygan on the second lap. Davis would show his 30 plus years of experience and drive to his 22nd win with PDTR and series leading 59th overall win with the Midwest Sprint Car Association.

In the Gasroots Project Late Model division, Jim Schmidt from Cleveland won for the first time since last August, besting a field of fast cars that raced hard. In the Klips and Tips Grand National A-main, Plymouth’s Tyler Kulow took his second win of the season and sixth career checkered with PDTR.

Visiting driving Nick Schultz of Beaver Dam won for the first time with PDTR besting the field in the Cellcom B-Mod division.

In getting his second win in his last three races with PDTR, Kurt Davis had to take the lead away from a determined Arenz, who started on the pole. Davis used a wide track to pass Arenz on the outside early and survived several restarts to stay in front.

While Davis and Arenz stayed close until a caution flag waved on lap four, others were charging ahead. After the restart, 2017 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh would move into third coming from his sixth-place starting spot. Another driver on the move was Josh Walter from Plymouth, who came from his 12th starting spot to settle into seventh in the running order.

The second caution flag for a spin in turn three bunched the field again, but still Davis was too fast to be passed. At this point, Davis, Arenz, McMullen, Kevin Karnitz of West Bend and Glenbuelah’s Jim Melis would be the front five cars.

Davis would eventually build a six car-length lead and would soon catch the back of the field. While Davis was weaving past cars high and low, last year’s PDTR 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year, Arenz, would catch him with five laps remaining and make for an exciting finish, but again it would be 30-plus year veteran, Davis, the winner.

Finishing in the top-five behind Davis were Arenz in second, McMullen third, Melis fourth and Karnitz rounding out the top five.

For Jim Schmidt, who was making only his third start of the season with PDTR, despite starting outside the front row next to polesitter “Diamond” Jim Letizia of Milwaukee, the win was anything but easy. A high-side pass in turn four gave Schmidt the lead, but a caution would slow the pace after Joe Bongiorno of Milwaukee and Rick Scheffler of Waukesha tangled between turns three and four. Both drivers would make a quick visit to the pits and promptly return.

Back under the green, Tim “The Toolman” Buhler from Greenbush would move into second from his fourth starting spot before Letizia would spin on lap 3, resulting in a flat tire and another caution. Defending PDTR Late Model champion Justin Schmidt of Cleveland would now settle into third and soon he would be in second challenging his father. Justin’s attempted inside pass was negated by Jim, who would stay in front.

Four-time PDTR Late Model champion Brad Mueller of Random Lake picked up a several spots moving from sixth to fourth before racing side by side with Buhler. Meanwhile, last week’s winner Justin Ritchie from New London closed in from his seventh starting spot.

After a restart when two cars tangled on the backstretch, Ritchie and Mueller would swap positions creating a lot of excitement for the fans. With 10 laps left, Jim Schmidt would enjoy a nice lead with Justin Schmidt and Ritchie behind. Then with six laps left Oostburg’s Charlie Schmidt would squeeze past Buhler for fourth.

By the final lap, Justin Schmidt would move in close to the leader, but the veteran Jim Schmidt would hold on for the win, which would be his 15th Late Model A-main victory with PDTR.

Rounding out the top behind the winner were Justin Schmidt in second, Ritchie third, Charlie Schmidt in fourth and Mueller rounding out the top five.

The Grand National feature, which was the first run in the program was also raced hard. Polesitter Josh Pierce from Fredonia would establish an early lead from the pole. On the second lap, three cars tangled and the yellow flag waved.

On the restart, Tyler Kulow who started in the fourth position, would be in second. They would stay that way until lap 10 when Kulow would make a pass coming into turn three for the lead.

J.J. Pagel of St. Cloud and Will Sorce of Franksville would run a number of laps side by side for third and fourth, but later they would get together bringing out a yellow. Oostburg’s Luke Scholten, who started 11th, raced hard on the high side of the track, as did Dick Hed from Plymouth. With 10 laps left, Kulow would be ahead of Pierce, Steven Weber of Plymouth, Nick Schumacher of Eagle and Jess Muehlbauer of Elkhart Lake.

Sorce, after restarting at the back, would charge up to sixth by lap 20 where he would finish. With two laps left, Schumacher, Weber and Muehlbauer would show the fans some three-wide racing before the race ended with Kulow claiming the victory, followed by Pierce in second, Schumacher third, Weber in fourth and Muehlbauer rounding out the top five.

Nick Schultz would start on the pole of the B Mod A main with Skyler Woods of Beaver Dam on the outside. The start was negated immediately when Justin Bauer and Gary Glander came together at the starting cone. Glander’s car was done for the night. However, Bauer would restart at the tail.

The yellow lap would wave after one lap when two cars got together in turn two. Bill Edler of Howards Grove would restart in second with Woods in third and Elijah Koenigs of Beaver Dam ahead of Barry Maas of Cascade.

Schultz and Edler would race hard and on lap seven, making contact in turn one, but both were able to hold their positions. Meanwhile, Koenig would close in on both of them before a caution came out after Koenig and Edler, along with several other cars, would tangle in turn one. Tim Warner of Fond du Lac would go to the pits, but promptly return.

On the restart, Schultz would be followed by Woods, Barry Maas. Mark Hoeppner of Rubicon and Steve Lorier of Sheboygan. After restarting at the back, Bauer would make his way up to sixth where he would finish. With two laps left Hoeppner, Maas and Bauer would be three-wide.

At the finish line, it was Schultz leading the way, followed by Woods in second, Travis Schmidt of Waldo in third, Hoeppner fourth and Maas in fifth.

The 360 Sprint Car B-Main was won by Lance Fassbender of Burnett, while Marcus Hoeppner won the B-Mod B main.

The next PDTR racing program, which will be held on Friday, June 28, will pay tribute to Late Model racer Russ Scheffler, who passed away in the fall 2017. To date, Scheffler has won more races with PDTR than any other driver.

A reported purse of about $18,500 will be paid to the Late Model Division. 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals and B Mods will also compete. The grandstand will open at 4:30 with hot laps at 5:30 and racing to start at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, June 29, there will no racing at The Plymouth Dirt Track and on Saturday, July 6 again there will be no racing in conjunction with the Fourth of July weekend.

PDTR Saturday night racing will resume on Saturday, July 13 and include a special “Remembering Randy Tracy” tribute in honor of the former Winged Super Modified racer, who recently passed away. Additional money will be awarded in the 360 Sprint Car division on July 13.

RICHARD’S OF DUNBAR SPRINT CAR

Date of Race: June 22, 2019

HEAT 1

1, Travis Arenz 2, Shane Wenninger 3, Josh Walter 4, Anthony Knierim 5, Tim Haddy 6, Josh Teunissen 7, Brandon Berth 8, Mike Decker.

HEAT 2

1, Jack Vanderboom 2, Paul Pokorski 3, Al Schlafer 4, Danny Schlafer 5, Tyler Brabant 6, Nich Melis 7, Scott Conger 8, Preston Ruh.

HEAT 3

1, Kevin Karnitz 2, Jim Melis 3, Will Gerrits 4, Lance Fassbender 5, Adam Miller 6, Tony Wondra 7, Chris Clayton 8, Sean Rayhall.

HEAT 4

1, Justin Miller 2, Brandon McMullen 3, Kurt Davis 4, Justin Erickson 5, Tyler Davis 6, Chris Flick 7. Blake Wondra.

B FEATURE

1, Lance Fassbender 2, Tim Haddy 3, Tony Wondra 4, Chris Flick 5, Justin Erickson 6, Brandon Berth 7, Chris Clayton 8, Mike Decker 9, Scott Conger 10, Josh Teunissen 11, Preston Ruh 12, Sean Rayhill 13, Blake Wondra 14, Tyler Davis 15, Nich Melis (DNS).

A FEATURE

1, Kurt Davis 2, Travis Arenz 3, Brandon McMullen 4, Jim Melis 5, Kevin Karnitz 6, Josh Walter 7, Justin Miller 8, Will Gerrits 9, Lance Fassbender 10, Adam Miller 11, Tyler Brabant 12, Danny Schlafer 13, Paul Pokorski 14, Tim Haddy 15, Shane Wenninger 16, Al Schlafer 17, Justin Erickson 18, Anthony Knierim 19, Tony Wonda 20, Brandon Berth 21, Jack Vanderboom 22, Chris Flick.

 

GASROOTS PROJECT LATE MODEL

HEAT 1

1, Justin Schmidt 2, Justin Ritchie 3, Tim Buhler 4, Jim Schmidt 5, Taylor Scheffler 6, Rick Scheffler 7, Brian Konitzer.

HEAT 2

1, Joe Bongiorno 2, Brad Mueller 3, Eric Michaels 4, Charlie Schmidt 5, Jim Letizia 6, Kevin Baldry.

A FEATURE

1, Jim Schmidt 2, Justin Schmidt 3, Justin Ritchie 4, Charlie Schmidt 5, Brad Mueller 6, Kevin Baldry 7, Rick Scheffler 8, Tim Buhler 9, Joe Bongiorno 10, Taylor Scheffler 11, Eric Michaels 12, Jim Letizia 13, Brian Konitzer (DNS).

 

KLIPS & TIPS GRAND NATIONAL

HEAT 1

1, Donny Kulow 2, Dick Hed, 3, Tyler Kulow 4, Jason Juech 5, Jeff Muehlbauer 6, Derek Kaat 7, Jim Fischer 8, Bruce Troesch 9, Dakota Cabunac.

HEAT 2

1, Steven Weber 2, Nick Schumacher 3, J.J. Pagel 4, Will Source 5, Josh Pierce 6, Luke Scholten 7, Brad Weiss 8, Josh Hitsman 9, Jess Muehlbauer.

A FEATURE

1, Tyler Kulow 2, Josh Pierce 3, Nick Schumacher 4, Steven Weber 5, Jeff Muehlbauer 6, Will Source 7, J.J. Pagel 8, Donny Kulow 9, Luke Scholten 10, Dick Hed 11, Brad Weiss 12, Jess Muehlbauer 13, Derek Kaat 14, Dakota Cabunac 15, Jim Fischer 16, Bruce Troesch 17, Jason Juech 18, Josh Hitsman.

CELLCOM B MOD

HEAT 1

1, Elijah Koenig 2, Barry Maas 3, Gary Glander 4, Rory Welch 5, Mark Hoeppner 6, Brandon Knepprath 7, Craig Gessner 8, Joshua Mavis 9, Nathan Jakubowski (DNS).

HEAT 2

1, Travis Schmidt 2, Nick Schultz 3, Bill Edler 4, Skyler Woods 5, James Rautmann 6, Marcus Hoeppner 7, Patrick Hanson 8, Justin Lueck.

HEAT 3

1, Steve Lorier 2, Tim Warner 3, Brian Wieland 4, Justin Bauer 5, Andy Singer 6, Tim Lange 7, Phil Campanella 8, Christopher Gilson.

B FEATURE

1, Marcus Hoeppner 2, Craig Gessner 3, Andy Winger 4, Justin Lueck 5, Patrick Hanson 6, Phil Campanella 7, Christopher Gilson 8, Joshua Mavis 9, Nathan Jakubowski (DNS).

A FEATURE

1, Nick Schultz 2, Skyler Woods 3, Travis Schmidt 4, Mark Hoeppner 5, Barry Maas 6, Justin Mauer 7, Tim Warner 8, Steve Lorier 9, Brain Wieland 10, Andy Singer 11, Brandon Knepprath 12, Rory Welch 13, James Rautmann 14, Tim Langer 15, Craig Gessner 16, Justin Lueck 17, Bill Edler 18, Elijah Koenig 19, Gary Glander 20, Marcus Hoeppner (DQ).

Thiel survives seven cautions to master SK Speedway MSA event

Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan claimed his 11th career Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory at SK Speedway in Unity, Wis. on Friday, June 21. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 21, 2019 – In a race that combined the varying elements of a hotly contested Sprint Car event and a survival of the fittest competition, Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan endured seven caution periods and turned back spirited challenges from a pair of highly accomplished veteran competitors to score a convincing victory in a Midwest Sprint Car Association 25-lap A-main event at SK Speedway in Unity, Wis. on Friday, June 21.

The second MSA travelling event of the 2019 season drew a stout field of 27 MSA 360 Sprint Car teams and a robust and highly appreciative crowd eager to see the only Sprint Car race of the 2019 season at the SK Speedway third-mile dirt oval, known previously as the Spring Lake Speedway.

Behind the wheel of Randy Sippel’s 39s machine, Thiel led the 22-car A-main field to the green flag flanked by outside front row starter Tony Wondra of Campbellsport. The current Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series competitor, who began his Sprint Car career as a regular with the MSA series, bolted out to a commanding lead in the early going on the smooth and slick track surface.

Just as Thiel was about to negotiate heavy lapped traffic, the first of seven caution flags appeared on lap 9 when Josh Walter of Plymouth stopped in turn two. After a trip to the work area, Walter restarted at the rear of the field.

Thiel ruled the restart and again opened up a solid lead over Wondra and two-time MSA champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex, who had worked his way into third. The second caution flag flew on lap 13 when rookie Blake Wondra of Fond du Lac spun to a stop in turn one.

On the restart, fourth starter Tim Haddy of Waupun made a bold move to advance past Schlafer and Tony Wondra into second on lap 14. Haddy then quickly moved in to pressure Thiel for the top spot. Haddy used the high groove to pull even with Thiel in turn four on lap 15. However, the third caution was then displayed for a spin in turn two involving Robbie Pribnow of Lomira on lap 15.

The restart saw Schlafer get the jump on Haddy and slingshot his way into second while four-time MSA champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, who started seventh, advanced into the top five on lap 16.

Another caution appeared on lap 17 when Will Gerrits of Waupun stopped along the frontstretch. On the restart, Schlafer dove low in turn three and pulled off a daring slide job in turn four to briefly wrestle the lead away from Thiel.

However, Thiel battled back to return the favor by pulling off a similar move on Schlafer in turn one to regain the top spot. On lap 19, rookie Tyler Davis of South Milwaukee brought out the fifth caution when he spun his machine in turn one.

A ragged restart led to Schlafer getting bottled up and turning sideways in turn four as the field was about to take the green flag, which triggered a chain reaction accident, which resulted in Josh Teunissen of Waldo rolling his car over on its side in turn four to bring out the sixth caution of the race. The damage sustained in the melee forced Schlafer to become the first car to officially retire from the race.

Thiel rocketed away from Haddy on the next restart and appeared on his way to the victory. However, one more caution was displayed for debris in turn two just as the field took the white flag.

The seventh caution set up a green-white-checkered flag finish, which saw Thiel execute another strong restart as he pulled away from Haddy to notch his 11th career MSA A-main victory in the 10th MSA race ever to be contested at the SK Speedway facility.

With the victory, Thiel joins 2018 MSA Rookie of the Year Travis Arenz of Sheboygan, who captured the first MSA Series travelling event of 2019 at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie on June 2, as a 2019 MSA travelling race winner.

Haddy had to settle for second, Tony Wondra finished third, Kurt Davis placed fourth and defending Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Justin Miller of Plymouth charged up from the 16th starting spot to place fifth.

Spyder Akright of Sheboygan Falls was victorious in the MSA B main, while Al Schlafer of Sussex, 2005 MSA champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett and Kurt Davis earned heat race victories.

The next travelling MSA Series event will take place at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway on Wednesday, July 3 prior to the first of two 2019 appearances at the TNT Speedway in Three Lakes later in the week on Saturday, July 6.

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.

 

Midwest Sprint Car Association

SK Speedway

Unity, Wis

June 21, 2019

HEAT 1

1, Al Schlafer 2, Ben Schmidt 3, Danny Schlafer 4, Travis Arenz 5, Justin Miller 6, Chris Flick 7, Preston Ruh 8, Sean Rayhall 9, Justin Erickson.

HEAT 2

1, Lance Fassbender 2, Tim Haddy 3, Tony Wondra 4, Paul Pokorski 5, Scotty Thiel 6, Josh Walter 7, Jack Vanderboom 8, Brandon Berth 9, Josh Teunissen.

HEAT 3

1, Kurt Davis 2, Robbie Pribnow 3, Tyler Davis 4, Adam Miller 5, Tyler Brabant 6, Will Gerrits 7, Spyder Akright 8, Blake Wondra 9, Scott Conger.

B FEATURE

1, Spyder Akright 2, Scott Conger 3, Sean Rayhall 4, Blake Wondra 5, Josh Teunissen 6, Chris Flick 7, Jack Vanderboom 8, Brandon Berth 9, Preston Ruh 10, Tyler Brabant 11, Justin Erickson (DNS).

A FEATURE

1, Scotty Thiel 2, Tim Haddy 3, Tony Wondra 4, Kurt Davis 5, Justin Miller 6, Ben Schmidt 7, Travis Arenz 8, Adam Miller 9, Lance Fassbender 10, Scott Conger 11, Josh Walter 12, Al Schlafer 13, Paul Pokorski 14, Robbie Pribnow 15, Sean Rayhall 16, Chris Flick 17, Will Gerrits 18, Tyler Davis 19, Josh Teunissen 20, Spyder Akright 21, Blake Wondra 22, Danny Schlafer.

 

 

 

 

Walter, Torque Racing steady the course at Plymouth

Josh Walter of Plymouth, Wis. recorded a 10th-place showing in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 15. – C-Marq Photography photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 19, 2019 – After enduring a night which included a heat race flip, heavy duty pit repairs just to make the B main and ultimately a failure to qualify for the A main, Josh Walter and his Torque Racing team righted the ship with a clean night and a solid top-10 A-main showing in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 15.

With 36 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Cars signed in to do battle, Walter drew the pole position in the third PDTR Sprint Car heat race of the evening. Outside front row starter Lance Fassbender got the jump on Walter to take the lead in the first turn of the opening lap of the third 360 Sprint Car heat race and controlled the lead throughout the race. The caution flag flew on lap 2 when rookie Jack Vanderboom stalled in turn two.

On the ensuing restart, Walter felt pressure from Tim Haddy, but the 14th-year Sprint Car racer fended off Haddy’s advance to claim second to himself on lap 3. Walter held on to post a second-place finish and punch a ticket to the 25-lap A-main event.

Following the heat race passing points invert, Walter lined up 12th in the A main. The initial start produced a four-car incident exiting turn four, which knocked Brandon McMullen, Adam Miller, Bill Taylor and Josh Teunissen out of the race.

With Miller and Teunissen unable to continue, Walter advanced two spots to start 10th on the complete restart. Walter moved up two spots in the early laps of the race to run eighth on lap 5. As the remainder of the event ran caution-free, Walter fell back to 10th in the second-half of the race, which is where he ended up at the finish in a race won by first-time PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main winner Will Gerrits.

The car felt good throughout the night,” Walter said. “We’ve been experimenting with setups early in the season.”

The Josh Walter-Torque Racing team is set to take part in an MSA doubleheader racing weekend kicking off on Friday, June 21 at SK Speedway (formerly Spring Lake Speedway) in Unity, Wis. Hot laps are slated to begin at 5:45 p.m. with racing scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, June 22, Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team returns to The Plymouth Dirt Track for a four-division program, including the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Grand Nationals and B Mods. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing slated to begin at 6 p.m.

I’m looking forward to the two-day weekend ahead,” Walter said. “SK Speedway in Unity is a great track. I’m just hoping it doesn’t lay rubber down like last year. That gets expensive for tires and can be a boring show for fans to watch. I’m really looking forward to Plymouth on Saturday. We’ve got some more setup things we want to try.”

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, Ruh Custom Woodworking, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

Torque Racing Sponsor Showcase – Plymouth Tap

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team is pleased to welcome back Plymouth Tap as a returning sponsor for the 2019 season.

Plymouth Tap is the fourth tavern founded by the late Kevin Fetterer. After four years of renovations, Plymouth Tap opened at 101 East Mill St. in Plymouth on the day before Thanksgiving in 2016.

As a 5,000-square-foot bar and grill located in the heart of downtown Plymouth, Plymouth Tap features several televisions, pool tables, dartboards and many other games, along with an expansive food and drink menu.

I like to think there is a little something for everyone here,” Plymouth Tap owner Nate Fetterer said. “We have a large menu and plenty of drink choices. We also have ample space to accommodate groups, both small and large.”

Fetterer has a close connection to the local racing scene and has jumped at the opportunity to be involved as a sponsor with the Torque Racing team.

I used to go to PDTR as a small child with my grandfather and really enjoyed spending that time with him,” Fetterer said. “As a teenager, I became a pit mechanic for Sean Conrad, who raced motorcycles and just so happened to be my neighbor in Sheboygan Falls. We traveled across the Eastern United States chasing Kawasaki contingency money in several different motorcycle series including AMA, WERA, CRA.

Josh is persistent and a hard worker,” he said. “He also helps out at the bar a ton. He is a great person to have on board when it’s not racing season. Along with the Torque Racing brat fry that is held every year, one of the highlights of this year’s event was the Plymouth Tap/Torque Racing Bar Olympics that we organized and ran together.”

For more information on Plymouth Tap, visit www.plymouthtap.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

Friday, June 21 – SK Speedway, Unity, Wis.

Saturday, June 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, June 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Wednesday, July 3 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, July 6 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

Friday, July 12 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, July 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing By The Numbers

Total Events – 8

MSA events – 7

IRA events – 1

A-Main Victories – 1

B-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 4

Heat Race Victories – 2

Pokorski Motorsports tallies strong top-five at Plymouth

Paul Pokorski racked up his second top-five and fifth top-10 A-main finish of the 2019 season with a fourth-place showing in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car racing action at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 15. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 18, 2019 – The luck of the heat race passing points invert roll played right into the hands of Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team on the way to a rock solid top-five A-main showing in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

With yet another impressive field of 36 PDTR 360 Sprint Car drivers and teams assembled to do battle, an unlucky pill draw relegated Pokorski to the seventh starting position in the first 10-lap heat race of the evening.

The 27-year racing veteran wasted little time getting to work as he moved past Mike Decker to gain sixth place in turn one of the before passing Chris Flick for fifth in turn four on lap 1. Pokorski then worked his way around Brandon Berth into fourth place on lap 5 and held the fourth-place position the rest of the way to earn enough passing points to advance to the evening’s 25-lap A main.

“The heat race was very good,” Pokorski said. “We made the best of a bad draw. Then we had a little luck with the heat race passing points invert to start on the pole of the A main.”

The initial start of the PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main was wiped clean on the opening lap following a four-car incident exiting turn four involving Brandon McMullen, Adam Miller, Bill Taylor and Josh Teunissen.

After rolling off from the pole position on the complete restart, Pokorski felt immediate pressure from outside front row starter Will Gerrits, who outpowered the West Bend driver to seize the lead in turn one of the opening circuit.

Pokorski then fell to third when Danny Schlafer worked his way past in turn three on the first lap. On lap 9, Travis Arenz worked his way around Pokorski to drop the 2014 Midwest Sprint Car Association Masters Series champion to fourth in the running order.

Pokorski maintained the fourth position the rest of the way on the fast and smooth racing surface to record the team’s fifth top-10 and second top-five A-main finish of the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association campaign, while Gerrits went on to collect his first career MSA A-main victory.

“I was a little disappointed with the A-main,” Pokorski said. “I never like backing up, but it’s hard to complain about a fourth-place finish. We also learned a few things and will try to improve the car for next week with those changes.”

The Pokorski Motorsports team is set to take part in another MSA doubleheader racing weekend kicking off on Friday, June 21 at SK Speedway (formerly Spring Lake Speedway) in Unity, Wis. Hot laps are slated to begin at 5:45 p.m. with racing scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, June 22, the Pokorski Motorsports team returns to The Plymouth Dirt Track for a four-division program, including the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Grand Nationals and B Mods. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing slated to begin at 6 p.m.

“I always look forward to two-race weekends,” Pokorski said. “Going to SK Speedway in Unity is fun. It is always nice to get to race in front of fans who don’t always get to see Sprint Car racing. I hope we [MSA] put on in a good show for 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., 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 ShowcaseGoeden’s Auto Body

As one of Pokorski Motorsports’ longest-running and most-valued sponsors, Goeden’s Auto Body, located at 2417 Highway 28 East in Kewaskum, has been in business since 1971. In 2015, David “Dusty” Goeden took over ownership of the family-owned business.

Goeden’s Auto Body specializes in quality, top-notch auto body repair, with a focus on collision work. Goeden’s also offers classic vehicle restoration and rust repair. In addition, it will work with all insurance companies. Goeden’s Auto Body uses PPG paints and clear coats, offers towing services and a locked fenced storage area. Continuing the Goeden Auto Body tradition, free loaner cars are also available.

“At Goeden’s Auto Body, we were born to perform,” Dave “Dusty” Goeden, Goeden’s Auto Body owner said. “With over 50 years of doing business and our racing involvement on and off the track, we know how to treat our customers like winners. With every job, we push ourselves to improve our performance and deliver a winning product. We work with all insurance companies, provide free computerized estimates and loaner vehicles while we repair your vehicle. Give us a call when you need a tow or some auto body work. Remember you, not your insurance company, have the right to choose where to take your vehicle for repairs.”

For more information on Goeden’s Auto Body, call 262-334-2759 or e-mail goedenauto@gmail.com.

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

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

2019 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule.

Friday, June 21 – SK Speedway, Unity, Wis.

Saturday, June 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, June 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Wednesday, July 3 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, July 6 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

Friday, July 12 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis.

Saturday, July 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

 

2019 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 8

MSA events – 7

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 5

Heat Race Victories – 1

Gerrits, Ritchie, Muehlbauer, Warner star in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing A mains

Will Gerrits of Waupun recorded his first career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory on Saturday, June 15 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) June 15, 2019 – On an evening more reminiscent of late fall than early summer, three first-time A-main winners and another competitor that is no stranger to victory lane turned up the heat on an otherwise unseasonably cold evening at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 15.

Will Gerrits of Waupun claimed his first career PDTR 25-lap Richard’s of Dunbar 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in dominant wire-to-wire fashion. Veteran competitor Justin Ritchie of New London notched his first career 25-lap Gasroots Project Late Model A main in his debut season competing regularly at Plymouth. Jeff Muehlbauer of Elkhart Lake captured his first Career 25-lap Klips & Tips Grand National A-main and Tim Warner of Fond du Lac was victorious in the 25-lap Cellcom B Mod A main.

Gerrits grabbed the lead on the initial start from his outside front row starting spot as polesitter Paul Pokorski of West Bend tucked into second. Before one lap was completed, a four-car incident exiting turn four brought out a red flag as Bill Taylor Boltonville flipped into the frontstretch wall after 2017 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, Plymouth’s Adam Miller and Josh Teunissen of Waldo made heavy contact. All four drivers were forced to retire from the race after their machines suffered heavy damage in the melee.

Following a complete restart, Gerrits again got the jump to lead the opening lap, while two-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex slid past Pokorski into second in turn three.

By lap 8, Gerrits had built up an impressive full-straightaway advantage over Schlafer on the fast and smooth track surface. On lap 9, Gerrits caught the back of the 22-car field, which allowed Schlafer, to cut the gap on the leader slightly.

One lap later, eighth starter Travis Arenz of Sheboygan dove underneath Pokorski to claim third and quickly set his sights on Schlafer in third. On lap 18, Arenz worked his way past Schlafer into second place.

Meanwhile, Gerrits had his way at the front of the field, working through lapped traffic expertly on the way to his first career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main triumph. Arenz finished second, Schlafer finished third, Pokorski wound up fourth and 2010 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee finished fifth after starting seventh.

Justin Ritchie grabbed the lead of the Late Model A main on the opening lap from the pole with 2016 PDTR Late Model champion Tim Buhler powering his way into second from the fourth starting spot.

The first of three caution flags appeared on lap 1 for debris on the frontstretch, which prompted a completed restart. When the green flag flew, Ritchie again got the jump on outside front row starter Jim Schmidt of Cleveland to lead the opening lap.

On lap 3, the second caution appeared for an incident in turn four. Ritchie used a strong restart to bolt away from the field as Jim Schmidt dueled with third starter Charlie Schmidt of Cedar Grove for the runner-up spot.

Jim Schmidt assumed second place in turn four on lap 5 before the third and final caution appeared on lap 6 when Charlie Schmidt spun out in turn four. The restart saw defending PDTR Late Model champion Justin Schmidt of Cleveland, who started fifth, work past sixth starter Turk Letizia of Milwaukee to seize second on lap 7.

On lap 11, Letizia found himself dueling with Jim Schmidt and four-time PDTR Late Model champion Brad Mueller of Random Lake for third. The trio battled three-wide for third on lap 12 before Mueller grabbed spot for good. As Ritchie began to encounter slower traffic, Justin Schmidt closed the gap significantly on lap 14. Justin Schmidt pulled to within striking distance on lap 18.

Justin Schmidt looked as though he might make a run at Ritchie as the race wound down. However, Ritchie was just too strong as he widened his lead over the final three laps on the way to his first career PDTR Late Model A-main victory behind the wheel of the Schueffner Racing No. 70 machine.

Justin Schmidt finished second, Mueller placed third, Jim Schmidt wound up fourth and eighth starter Brett Swedberg of Shawano finished fifth.

Jeff Muehlbauer of Elkhart Lake posted his first career PDTR Grand National A-main victory on Saturday, June 15 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

Jeff Muehlbauer outpowered polesitter Jason Juech of Plymouth to lead the opening lap of the Grand National A main. Muehlbauer staying glued to the high grove in the early going as third starter Steven Weber of Plymouth moved in to take second away from Juech in turn three on lap 5.

Weber was closing the gap on Muehlbauer before the first caution flag of the race appeared on lap 12 when Dylan May of West Bend spun in turn four. On the restart, Juech regained second place on lap 13, while Tyler Kulow of Plymouth, who started fourth, pressured Weber for third.

After another caution flag slowed the pace on lap 15, Muehlbauer drifted very high in turn one the ensuing restart, which allowed Juech to take the lead with Kulow sneaking into second on lap 16. However, Muehlbauer recovered along the high line to set up a spirited three-car duel for the top spot, which saw Muehlbauer, Juech and Kulow go three wide exiting turn four on lap 18.

Muehlbauer emerged with the lead with Kulow gaining second and charging in to pressure for the lead on lap 20. The third and final caution flag then appeared on lap 20 when J.J. Pagel of Mount Calvary spun in turn two. On the final restart, Muehlbauer darted away from the pack while Kulow and Weber resumed their side-by-side battle for second place in the closing laps.

Muehlbauer pulled away in the waning laps to secure his first career PDTR Grand National A-main victory. Kulow placed second, Weber took third, Luke Scholten of Oostburg charged up from the 10th starting spot to finish fourth and Juech rounded out the top five.

After the first attempt to start the 25-lap B Mod A main was aborted when Patrick Hanson of Sheboygan Falls spun in turn one of the opening lap, polesitter Jesse Cullen of Chilton grabbed the lead on the drop of the green flag.

On lap 7, outside front row starter Barry Maas of Cascade applied pressure to Cullen along the low groove. However, three laps later Maas felt pressure of his own as fifth starter Tim Warner used the high line to challenge for second.

As the leaders moved into lapped traffic on lap 12, Warner slipped past Maas on lap 14 and set his sights on the lead. On lap 16, the second caution flag appeared when Tony Gates spun in turn four.

One lap later, Cullen brought out the third and final caution of the race when he looped his machine in turn four while leading. With Cullen relegated to the rear of the field following the spin, Warner assumed the top spot.

With nothing but clear track ahead of him, Warner pulled away over the final eight laps en route to his third career PDTR B Mod A-main victory and second main event triumph of the season at Plymouth. Maas placed second, Travis Schmidt of Waldo, who started third, finished third, Marcus Hoeppner of Hartford placed fourth after starting sixth and Brandon Knepprath of Kewaskum charged from the 11th starting spot to place fifth.

Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum won the 12-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main 1 and Tony Wondra of Campbellsport claimed the 12-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main 2.

The sixth PDTR program of the 2019 season, which was presented by Butch and Janet Hafemann, featured a total of 92 cars, including 36 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, 20 Late Models, 19 B Mods and 17 Grand Nationals.

The next PDTR racing program on Saturday, June 22 will feature the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Grand Nationals and B Mods. Hot laps will start at 5:30 p.m. with racing to follow at 6 p.m.

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

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.pedaldownpromotions.com or call 920-323-7970.

RICHARD’S OF DUNBAR SPRINT CAR

Date of Race: June 15, 2019

HEAT 1

1, Kevin Karnitz 2, Travis Arenz 3, Bill Taylor 4, Paul Pokorski 5, Brandon Berth 6, Chris Flick 7, Chris Clayton 8, Scott Conger 9, Mike Decker.

HEAT 2

1, Josh Teunissen 2, Adam Miller 3, Jim Melis 4, Shane Wenninger 5, Justin Miller 6, Anthony Knierim 7, Blake Wondra 8, Al Schlafer 9, Robbie Pribnow.

HEAT 3

1, Lance Fassbender 2, Josh Walter 3, Tim Haddy 4, Will Gerrits 5, Tony Wondra 6, Justin Erickson 7, Jack Vanderboom 8, Cole Possi 9, Nich Melis.

HEAT 4

1, Danny Schlafer 2, Kurt Davis 3, Tyler Brabant 4, Brandon McMullen 5, Bryce Schmitt 6, Tyler Davis 7, Doug Wondra 8, Tyler Nelson 9, Preston Ruh.

B FEATURE 1

1, Shane Wenninger 2, Bryce Schmitt 3, Justin Erickson 4, Jack Vanderboom 5, Chris Flick 6, Mike Decker 7, Preston Ruh 8, Cole Possi 9, Anthony Knierim 10. Chris Clayton.

B FEATURE 2

1, Tony Wondra 2, Brandon Berth 3, Nich Melis 4, Al Schlafer 5, Doug Wondra 6, Scott Conger 7, Blake Wondra 8, Tyler Davis 9, Tyler Nelson 10, Robbie Pribnow.

A FEATURE

1, Will Gerrits 2, Travis Arenz 3, Danny Schlafer 4, Paul Pokorski 5, Kurt Davis 6, Justin Miller 7, Jim Melis 8, Kevin Karnitz 9, Tim Haddy 10, Josh Walter 11, Tony Wondra 12, Tyler Brabant 13, Shane Wenninger 14, Nich Melis 15, Justin Erickson 16, Brandon Berth 17, Bryce Schmitt 18, Lance Fassbender 19, Josh Teunissen 20, Adam Miller 21, Brandon McMullen 22, Bill Taylor.

 

GASROOTS PROJECT LATE MODEL

HEAT 1

1, Tim Buhler 2, Joe Bongiorno 3, Jim Schmidt 4, Billy Rezutek 5, Joel Bennett 6, Brian Konitzer 7, Lukas Postl.

HEAT 2

1, Brett Swedberg 2, Turk Letizia 3, Justin Reed 4, Ron Stroika 5, Paul Parker 6, Kevin Baldry 7, Derek Janke.

HEAT 3

1, Justin Schmidt 2, Charlie Schmidt 3, Brad Mueller 4, Justin Ritchie 5, Jim Juneau 6, Zack Kessler.

A FEATURE

1, Justin Ritchie 2, Justin Schmidt 3, Brad Mueller 4, Jim Schmidt 5, Brett Swedberg 6, Justin Reed 7, Joel Bennett 8, Turk Letizia 9, Tim Buhler 10, Kevin Baldry 11, Ron Stroika 12, Billy Rezutek 13, Charlie Schmidt 14, Brian Konitzer 15, Jim Juneau 16, Lukas Postl 17, Derek Jahnke 18, Paul Parker 19, Joe Bongiorno (DNS) 20, Zack Kessler (DNS).

 

KLIPS & TIPS GRAND NATIONAL

HEAT 1

1, Matt Loehr 2, Chad Espen 3, Dick Hed 4, Steven Weber 5, Jeff Muehlbauer 6, Josh Pierce 7, Jim Fischer 8, Donny Singer 9, Josh Hitsman.

HEAT 2

1, Luke Scholten 2, Donny Kulow 3, Tyler Kulow 4, J.J. Pagel 5, Jason Juech 6, Dylan May 7, Jacob Muehlbauer 8, Derek Kaat.

A FEATURE

1, Jeff Muehlbauer 2, Tyler Kulow 3, Steven Weber 4, Luke Scholten 5, Jason Juech 6, Matt Loehr 7, Donny Kulow 8, Donny Singer 9, Jacob Muehlbauer 10, Dylan May 11, J.J. Pagel 12, Josh Pierce 13, Dick Hed 14, Chad Espen 15, Derek Kaat 16, Josh Hitsman 17, Jim Fischer.

 

CELLCOM B MOD

HEAT 1

1, Travis Schmidt 2, Justin Bauer 3, Jesse Cullen 4, Tony Gates 5, Phil Campanella 6, Brian Wieland 7, Joshua Mavis.

HEAT 2

1, Tim Warner 2, Marcus Hoeppner 3, Brandon Knepprath 4, Tim Lange 5, Patrick Hanson 6, Christopher Gilson.

HEAT 3

1, Barry Maas 2, Gary Glander 3, Mark Hoeppner 4, Andy Singer 5, Brady Harsbarger 6, Steve Lorier.

A FEATURE

1, Tim Warner 2, Barry Maas 3, Travis Schmidt 4, Marcus Hoeppner 5, Brandon Knepprath 6, Gary Glander 7, Mark Hoeppner 8, Andy Singer 9, Tony Gates 10, Steve Lorier 11, Brady Harshbarger 12, Brian Wieland 13, Tim Lange 14, Patrick Hanson 15, Joshua Mavis 16, Phil Campanella, 17, Jesse Cullen 18, Justin Bauer 19, Christopher Gilson (DNS).

 

 

 

 

Walter, Torque Racing look forward following challenging night

Josh Walter (12w) challenges Bill Taylor (69) for position, during Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car racing action at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 8. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 12, 2019 – Josh Walter and his Torque Racing team experienced the kind of night on Saturday, June 8 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. that is best tucked away in file 13.

With 35 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Sprint Cars in the pit area for an all-open wheel racing program, which also featured the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series and Badger Midget Auto Racing Association, Walter drew the third starting spot in the fourth PDTR 360 Sprint Car heat race.

Things went wrong quickly for Walter when outside front row starter Chris Larson’s car failed to get up to speed on the opening lap creating a log jam on the backstretch. An accordion affect ensued, which led to Walter making contact with Larson and Scott Conger and flipping end over end in entering turn three.

Walter emerged uninjured, but heavy damage to the top wing and suspension of the car led to the battered machine being removed from the track on a wrecker with Walter credited with a seventh-place finish.

“Prior to the start of the heat race, we were rolling into turn three slowly picking up pace and the front row jackrabbited the start by slowing down then taking off,” Walter said. “The 51 car [Chris Larson] had an itch to get to the bottom, cutting in front of me. Then the 51 slid up mid corner in turns one and two, so I tried ducking underneath.

“The at the exit of turn two, the 51 came down into my right front tire,” he said. “As that happened, he turned off of me and the 24 car [Scott Conger] got jacked up and turned both of the cars across my nose leaving me nowhere to go. It was all just a racing deal and par for the course with our format.”

The Torque Racing pit crew went to work quickly and made the necessary repairs to get Walter back on track for the second PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main.

“As for the car, it was in pretty bad shape,” Walter said. “Hats off to my crew and several others for disassembling and building a car from scratch. We didn’t know if we’d get it done in time, but I’m extremely thankful and blessed with all the support.”

Starting eighth in the 12-lap race, Walter was faced with the task of advancing into the top three to gain a spot in the A main. Walter went to work on the drop of the green flag to advance three spots into fifth place on the opening lap. Walter then moved up to pressure Bill Taylor for fourth place on lap 7.

However, he fell back over the next four laps and eventually stalled on the final lap of the race without reaching the finish line. He was scored ninth in the race and failed to advance to the A main for the first time this season.

“The car didn’t handle as well as I hoped in the B, but it was a car I felt deserved to be in the A,” Walter said. “There’s nothing worse than doing all that work and not making the show. However, we won’t hang our heads and we’ll be back out this Saturday with the same goals we started the season with.

“There is a long season left,” he said. “My confidence is at an all-time high right now. When something like this happens and you see the results of the hard work everyone is putting in, you feel like you can’t fail for the team’s sake and mine as well.”

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team will return to action this Saturday, June 15 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. four a four-division program featuring the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Grand Nationals and B Mods. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing to follow at 6 p.m.

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, Ruh Custom Woodworking, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

Torque Racing Sponsor Showcase – Plymouth Tap

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team is pleased to welcome back Plymouth Tap as a returning sponsor for the 2019 season.

Plymouth Tap is the fourth tavern founded by the late Kevin Fetterer. After four years of renovations, Plymouth Tap opened at 101 East Mill St. in Plymouth on the day before Thanksgiving in 2016.

As a 5,000-square-foot bar and grill located in the heart of downtown Plymouth, Plymouth Tap features several televisions, pool tables, dartboards and many other games, along with an expansive food and drink menu.

“I like to think there is a little something for everyone here,” Plymouth Tap owner Nate Fetterer said. “We have a large menu and plenty of drink choices. We also have ample space to accommodate groups, both small and large.”

Fetterer has a close connection to the local racing scene and has jumped at the opportunity to be involved as a sponsor with the Torque Racing team.

“I used to go to PDTR as a small child with my grandfather and really enjoyed spending that time with him,” Fetterer said. “As a teenager, I became a pit mechanic for Sean Conrad, who raced motorcycles and just so happened to be my neighbor in Sheboygan Falls. We traveled across the Eastern United States chasing Kawasaki contingency money in several different motorcycle series including AMA, WERA, CRA.

“Josh is persistent and a hard worker,” he said. “He also helps out at the bar a ton. He is a great person to have on board when it’s not racing season. Along with the Torque Racing brat fry that is held every year, one of the highlights of this year’s event was the Plymouth Tap/Torque Racing Bar Olympics that we organized and ran together.”

For more information on Plymouth Tap, visit www.plymouthtap.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, June 15 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, June 21 – SK Speedway, Unity, Wis.

Saturday, June 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, June 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Wednesday, July 3 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, July 6 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

 

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing By The Numbers

Total Events – 7

MSA events – 6

IRA events – 1

A-Main Victories – 1

B-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 3

Heat Race Victories – 2

 

Pokorski Motorsports rallies from tough draw at Plymouth

Paul Pokorski of West Bend earned an 11th-place showing the 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 8. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 11, 2019 – Finding success when competing against a talented field of 35 to 40 Sprint Car drivers and teams on a weekly basis requires a little bit of good old-fashioned luck.

Just ask Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team who have found the luck of the heat race draw system not to be on their side through the first six events of the 2019 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car campaign.

With 35 PDTR Sprint Car signed in at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 8, a very unlucky pill draw found Pokorski lined up ninth in the second heat race. Pokorski worked his way past Bill Taylor on lap 1 and Shane Wenninger on lap 3 to move into seventh place. On lap 7, Pokorski powered past Josh Teunissen to finished sixth in the 10-lap heat race.

After failing to accumulate enough passing points to transfer directly to the A main, Pokorski lined up second next to polesitter Justin Miller in the second PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main. Pokorski bolted past Miller into the lead on the drop of the green flag and held the top spot throughout the 12-lap race to post his first B-main victory of the 2019 season and earn a spot in the A main lineup.

After lining up 18th in the 22-car A main, Pokorski advanced to 15th on lap 9 before a caution flag on lap 11 slowed the pace. After the restart, Pokorski hit his stride along the outside groove of the fast and tricky track surface to move past Lance Fassbender, Brandon Berth and Tony Wondra into 11th place on lap 15.

Pokorski moved up to challenge Tyler Brabant for 10th on lap 19, but he fell back over the final five laps to secure an 11th-place finish in a race won by Kurt Davis.

The 27-year racing veteran was pleased that he was able to improve a total of 11 positions in the three races he competed in, while at the same time acknowledging the importance of the heat race pill draw.

“With 35-40 cars competing with our series on a regular basis, everything makes an impact on your night, including the heat race draw,” Pokorski said. “Considering we haven’t started a heat race better than fifth all year, I’d say we are doing well. We’ll keep trying to make the best of the bad draws and hope the luck switches at some point and try to capitalize when it does.”

The Pokorski Motorsports team will return to action this Saturday, June 15 at The Plymouth Dirt Track for a four-division program, including the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Grand Nationals and B Mods. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing slated 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., 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 ShowcaseGoeden’s Auto Body

As one of Pokorski Motorsports’ longest-running and most-valued sponsors, Goeden’s Auto Body, located at 2417 Highway 28 East in Kewaskum, has been in business since 1971. In 2015, David “Dusty” Goeden took over ownership of the family-owned business.

Goeden’s Auto Body specializes in quality, top-notch auto body repair, with a focus on collision work. Goeden’s also offers classic vehicle restoration and rust repair. In addition, it will work with all insurance companies. Goeden’s Auto Body uses PPG paints and clear coats, offers towing services and a locked fenced storage area. Continuing the Goeden Auto Body tradition, free loaner cars are also available.

“At Goeden’s Auto Body, we were born to perform,” Dave “Dusty” Goeden, Goeden’s Auto Body owner said. “With over 50 years of doing business and our racing involvement on and off the track, we know how to treat our customers like winners. With every job, we push ourselves to improve our performance and deliver a winning product. We work with all insurance companies, provide free computerized estimates and loaner vehicles while we repair your vehicle. Give us a call when you need a tow or some auto body work. Remember you, not your insurance company, have the right to choose where to take your vehicle for repairs.”

For more information on Goeden’s Auto Body, call 262-334-2759 or e-mail goedenauto@gmail.com.

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

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

2019 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule.

Saturday, June 15 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, June 21 – SK Speedway, Unity, Wis.

Saturday, June 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, June 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Wednesday, July 3 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, July 6 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

2019 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 7

MSA events – 6

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

B Main Victories – 1

Top Five A Main Finishes – 1

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 4

Heat Race Victories – 1

Blackhurst outduels Balog in IRA thriller, Davis claims PDTR 360 Sprint Car triumph

Former Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee earned his 21st career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory Saturday, June 8 at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

Routson bags Badger Midget A main

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 8, 2019 – The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. served as the ultimate paradise for open-wheel racing lovers on Saturday, June 8, as it played host to three premier regional traveling series – Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars and Badger Midget Auto Racing Association – for the first and only time in 2019.

On a beautiful night for racing, 85 open-wheel machines packed the pit area and the largest crowd of spectators of the season turned out to witness the only racing program featuring all three regional touring series in 2019.

The IRA A-main turned out to a barn burner as defending IRA champion Jake Blackhurst of Hanna City, Ill. edged eight-time IRA champ Bill Balog of Hartland in the closing laps in the 30-lap headliner. 2010 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee claimed the 25-lap Richard’s of Dunbar PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main in wire-to-wire fashion. Point leader Jack Routson of Waterman, Ill. secured his first career Badger Midget main event triumph in the 20-lap A main.

Fast qualifier Ben Schmidt of Howards Grove used his outside front row starting spot to launch his way into the lead on the opening lap of the 30-lap IRA headliner. Schmidt led polesitter Dave Uttech of Kenosha during the initial stages of the event until lap 5, when Jake Blackhurst moved up from his third starting spot to dive low in turn four to challenge Schmidt and Uttech in breathtaking three-wide fashion.

Uttech, who was in the middle of the three-wide sandwich, emerged with the lead exiting turn four on lap five with Blackhurst second before the first of three caution flags flew on lap 6 when Schmidt stalled in turn four. After Schmidt made repairs and restarted the race at the rear of the field, Uttech assumed command of the race on the restart.

On lap 8, Bill Balog, who started seventh, slipped underneath sixth starter Steve Meyer of Sheboygan Falls to seize second as positions were being jockeyed around throughout the 24-car field on the ultra-fast, but tricky racing surface.

Balog then bolted in to challenge Uttech for the top spot along the outside groove on lap 10 before the second caution flag was displayed on lap 11 when Wayne Modjeski of Oak Creek stopped in turn four.

After restart, Balog continued to hound Uttech along the heavy cushion of the tacky third-mile clay oval before finally moving into the lead in turn four on lap 13. Meanwhile, Blackhurst was also flexing his muscle as he maneuvered around Uttech into second on lap 14.

With Balog running predominantly the outside groove, Blackhurst stayed stuck to the bottom. On lap 16, Balog got boxed in behind two lapped cars, which allowed Blackhurst to dive low in turn four and wrestle the lead away from the high-riding Balog in heavy traffic.

The race was stopped on lap 17 when National Sprint Car Hall of Fame driver Danny Smith of Chillicothe, Ohio flipped in turn four. On the restart, Blackhurst fended off Balog’s relentless assault on the top spot until lap 22 when Balog moved low as Blackhurst drifted high to regain the lead exiting turn four.

Undaunted, Blackhurst hung within striking distance as the laps wound down. On lap 26, Balog jumped the tall cushion in turn four, which allowed Blackhurst to dart into the lead. Blackhurst then held on over the final four laps to secure his fifth career IRA A-main victory and first IRA main event triumph of the 2019 season.

Balog had to settle for second, Meyer finished third, two-time IRA champ Scotty Neitzel of Beaver Dam place fourth after starting fifth and Joey Moughan of Springfield, Ill. moved up from his ninth starting spot to finish fifth in an entertaining race, which featured four different leaders and a total of six lead changes.

“It was definitely fun racing with Bill Balog there in the final laps,” Blackhurst said. “Bill is one of the best drivers out there right now and a great guy to race with. Sometimes when you are leading one of these races, you are kind of a sitting duck and that’s what happened a couple of times to myself and Bill. I started to hit the bottom pretty good in three and four and that is what eventually helped us win the race.”

Ever the competitor with a total of 106 IRA A-main victories to his credit, Balog was disappointed, but gracious after the race.

“We were really good early and I got the lead, but then lost it in lapped traffic,” Balog said. “I didn’t want to do something stupid in that situation and tried not to get into trouble, but then Jake ended up getting by. We came back to get the lead, but then I jumped the cushion let him by again right near the end. I am happy about how things are coming together. Right now, this Rhine Auto team is developing into a heck of a race team.”

After an up-and-down race, Meyer was satisfied with his third-place showing.

“Navigating the track was a challenge tonight,” Meyer said. “There were some daring moves that were made out there and some real close calls. I screwed up one time in turn two, which caused me to fall back several positions. Luckily, I was able to come back forward and pick up a third-place finish.”

Kurt Davis, who started second, outpowered polesitter Wayne Modjeski to take the lead on the opening lap of the 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main. The red flag was displayed on lap 3 when Chris Flick of Beaver Dam and two-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Danny Schlafer of Sussex both flipped along the frontstretch.

On the restart, 2017 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, who started eighth, dove low to work past Modjeski into second lap 7. McMullen was closing on Davis in trapped traffic when the caution flag flew on lap 11 for the stalled car of Elkhart Lake’s Preston Ruh in turn four.

Sixth starter Travis Arenz of Sheboygan pressured McMullen briefly for second on lap 14 before McMullen pulled away and set his sights on Davis as the leaders encountered heavy lapped traffic down the stretch. McMullen tried every move in the book over the final eight laps, but the cagey veteran Davis turned them back each time.

Davis successfully fended off McMullen’s determined challenge over the final five laps to post his 21st career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory and the Midwest Sprint Car Association’s leading 58th A-main triumph of his career.

McMullen placed second, Arenz finished third, 10th starter Adam Miller of Plymouth charged up to finish fourth and Ben Schmidt started and finished fifth in the debut of his new 360 Sprint Car team.

In the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association A-main, Kurt Mayhew of Demotte, Ind. led the first seven laps of the 20-lap headliner from the pole with third starter Ryan Probst of New Lenox, Ill. giving chase.

On lap 8, Mayhew spun along the backstretch and tipped over on his side while leading the field. When the race resumed, Probst inherited the lead while 11th starter Jack Routson used the outside groove to take over third on lap 10.

Routson continued his march to the front by slipping into second place on lap 12. The fourth and final caution flag of the race appeared on lap 16 when Badger Midget legend Kevin Olson of Machesney Park, Ill. spun to a stop in turn four on lap 6.

Routson dialed up the pressure on the final restart in an effort to unseat the lead from Probst’s possession. After two laps of dueling side by side, Routson surged ahead for good with a high move in turn two on lap 18. Routson then cruised away to secure his first career Badger Midget Auto Racing Association A-main victory.

Probst placed second, Chase McDermand of Springfield, Ill. came home third after starting 10th, defending Badger Midget Series champion Scott Hatton came from 12th at the start to finish fourth and Matthew Recheck of Beaver Dam finished fifth after starting fourth in the first Badger Midget event to be contested at Plymouth since September 2007.

Lance Fassbender of Burnett won the 12-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main 1 and Paul Pokorski of West Bend claimed the 12-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main 2. Kris Spitz of Salem was victorious in the 15-lap IRA B main.

The fifth PDTR program of the 2019 season, which was presented by the Interstate Racing Association, featured a total of 85 cars, including 35 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, 28 IRA 410 Sprint Cars and 22 Badger Midgets.

The next PDTR racing program on Saturday, June 15 will feature the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Grand Nationals and B Mods. Hot laps will start at 5:30 p.m. with racing to follow at 6 p.m.

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

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.pedaldownpromotions.com or call 920-323-7970.

Richard’s of Dunbar Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Cars, June 8, 2019

A Main-25 laps

1. Kurt Davis; 2. Brandon McMullen; 3. Travis Arenz; 4. Adam Miller; 5. Ben Schmidt; 6. Tim Haddy; 7. Kevin Karnitz; 8. Justin Miller; 9. Chris Clayton; 10. Tyler Brabant; 11. Paul Pokorski; 12. Lance Fassbender; 13. Justin Erickson; 14. Brandon Berth; 15. Tony Wondra; 16. Bryce Schmitt; 17. Jack Vanderboom; 18. Will Gerrits; 19. Wayne Modjeski; 20. Preston Ruh; 21. Chris Flick; 22. Danny Schlafer.

 

Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series-Plymouth Dirt Track, June 8, 2019

A Main-30 laps

1. Jake Blackhurst; 2. Bill Balog; 3. Steve Meyer; 4. Scotty Neitzel; 5. Joey Moughan; 6. Mike Reinke; 7. Scotty Thiel; 8. Jeremy Schultz; 9. Russel Borland; 10. Austin Deblauw; 11. Dave Uttech; 12. Scott Biertzer; 13. Brandon Wimmer; 14. Todd Daun; 15. Jereme Schroeder; 16. Ben Schmidt; 17. Jimmy Fifield; 18. Nick Matuszewski; 19. Hunter Custer; 20. Keith Fellner; 21. Kris Spitz; 22. Danny Smith; 23. Wayne Modjeski; 24. Bryon Walters.

Badger Midget Auto Racing Association – Plymouth Dirt Track, June 8, 2019

A Main-20 laps

1. Jack Routson; 2. Ryan Probst; 3. Chase McDermand; 4. Scott Hatton; 5. Matthew Rechek; 6. Zach Boden; 7. Brian Peterson; 8. Jeff Zelinski; 9. Sean Murphy; 10. Mike Stroik; 11. Tristan Koenings; 12. Jim Fuerst; 13. Shay Sassano; 14. Pat Hensen; 15. Dave Collins Jr.; 16. Kyle Koch; 17. Kevin Olson; 18. Harrison Kleven; 19. Kurt Mayhew; 20. Jordan Mattson; 21. Denny Smith; 22. Chase Jones (DNS).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walter, Torque Racing ride roller coaster in MSA twinbill

Josh Walter negotiates Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, during a Midwest Sprint Car Association event on Sunday, June 2. – Casey Bollig photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 5, 2019 – Josh Walter and his Torque Racing team experienced the spectrum of the highs and lows of racing as it embarked on the first doubleheader weekend of the 2019 Midwest Sprint Car Association racing season on Saturday, June 1 the Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. and Sunday, June 2 at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis.

On Saturday, June 1, Walter was among 35 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car entries as he drew the sixth starting spot in the first heat race. On the drop of the green flag, Walter took off like a rocket on the fast and smooth, multi-groove racing surface to move into fourth on the opening lap. On lap 2, Walter slipped past Mike Decker to claim third before gaining second place from Tyler Davis on lap 3.

Walter was closing on leader Kevin Karnitz when the checkered flag flew with the 14th-year Plymouth driver placing second to earn a spot in the evening’s 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main event.

After starting sixth, Walter drove a steady race, hovering around the top five throughout. After gaining fifth place when Lance Fassbender dropped out on lap 15, Walter moved to fourth in the running order in the closing laps and he hung on to the spot to finish fourth in a race won by Kevin Karnitz.

“We had a solid run on Saturday at Plymouth,” Walter said. “The heat race was good. We drew a higher number this week, but we were able to capitalize on the track conditions, starting sixth and finishing second. The highlight of the heat race was after we got into second, we were able to run down the leader. That really helped the confidence going into the A main.

“In the A main, the car was handling pretty well,” Walter said. “The track was fairly single file, allowing the high side to really only work on restarts. We started sixth and finished fourth in the A main, and it’s always a good feeling to go forward.”

While acknowledging the ongoing debate about the condition of the racing surface at The Plymouth Dirt Track, Walter weighed in on the topic this week.

“The racing this year at Plymouth has been good so far in my opinion,” Walter said. “However, I don’t know that the track is the reason for that. I don’t know anyone involved in racing who shows up and says, ‘How can we make this a bad track.’  The track is a victim of changing conditions weekly. The last time I checked, none of the track workers are Nostradamus. If they could make every prediction they would.

“The track gets packed tight, so the water will run off when it rains during the week from my understanding,” he said. “They do this so we can race on the weekend.  I’m no expert at track prep, but I do know that I bought a race car to race and the surface is the same for everyone that I am racing with. Starting position plays a huge role late in the night lately, which just puts more emphasis on capitalizing in the heat races.”

On Sunday, June 2, Walter traveled to Sun Prairie, Wis. for the first of three scheduled races at Angell Park Speedway in 2019 where 31 Midwest Sprint Car Association entries packed the pit area.

After lining up second in the third MSA heat race, Walter held down the runner-up spot throughout en route to a second-place finish behind Travis Arenz to gain a berth in the evening’s 25-lap A main.

“We had a good heat race starting spot again, which was advantageous on a fairly narrow track early in the night,” Walter said. “We started second and finished second in the heat race and had a good handling car. We just lacked some speed.”

Walter started the main event from the ninth starting spot and advanced to eighth on lap 4 when he moved past rookie Justin Erickson. Four laps later, Walter powered past rookie Jack Vanderboom and Will Gerrits to seize sixth.

Following a yellow flag restart on lap 8, Walter made contact with the outside retaining wall, which affected the handling of his machine the rest of the way. On lap 13, Walter fell to 10th before clipping an infield tire and spinning in turn two to bring out a caution flag on lap 19.

Walter restarted the race 18th and working his way past three cars in the final seven laps to finish 15th in a race won by Travis Arenz.

“We made some fueling changes and gear changes for the feature and had a really good car,” Walter said. “I slipped up early in the race and hit the wall hard enough to knock out the Jacob’s ladder, which holds the rear end in the center of the car. The car was a handful from that point on, but manageable. Later in the race with handling issues, I was doing all I could to take advantage of other people’s mistakes and try to climb back to the spots I had lost.

“We were racing hard and it seemed like every time we had a good rhythm going, we had another caution and restart,” Walter said. “In the end, I ended up making a choice late in the race to get into a collision with another driver or hit the infield tire. You never want to see anyone get tangled up. It just wrecks cars and potentially hurts people, so I just nicked the infield tire and spun out. We restarted the race 18th and drove back to a 15th place finish.  I think it is a fairly respectable finish for the way the night could have gone when you take on a tractor tire. We’re working on the car this week to get everything back to new. We’ll be ready for this Saturday night June 8th at PDTR.”

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team will return to action this Saturday, June 8, at The Plymouth Dirt Track in an all open wheel show featuring the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, PDTR 360 Sprint Cars and Badger Midgets. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

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, Ruh Custom Woodworking, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

Torque Racing Sponsor Showcase – Plymouth Tap

Josh Walter and the Torque Racing team is pleased to welcome back Plymouth Tap as a returning sponsor for the 2019 season.

Plymouth Tap is the fourth tavern founded by the late Kevin Fetterer. After four years of renovations, Plymouth Tap opened at 101 East Mill St. in Plymouth on the day before Thanksgiving in 2016.

As a 5,000-square-foot bar and grill located in the heart of downtown Plymouth, Plymouth Tap features several televisions, pool tables, dartboards and many other games, along with an expansive food and drink menu.

“I like to think there is a little something for everyone here,” Plymouth Tap owner Nate Fetterer said. “We have a large menu and plenty of drink choices. We also have ample space to accommodate groups, both small and large.”

Fetterer has a close connection to the local racing scene and has jumped at the opportunity to be involved as a sponsor with the Torque Racing team.

“I used to go to PDTR as a small child with my grandfather and really enjoyed spending that time with him,” Fetterer said. “As a teenager, I became a pit mechanic for Sean Conrad, who raced motorcycles and just so happened to be my neighbor in Sheboygan Falls. We traveled across the Eastern United States chasing Kawasaki contingency money in several different motorcycle series including AMA, WERA, CRA.

“Josh is persistent and a hard worker,” he said. “He also helps out at the bar a ton. He is a great person to have on board when it’s not racing season. Along with the Torque Racing brat fry that is held every year, one of the highlights of this year’s event was the Plymouth Tap/Torque Racing Bar Olympics that we organized and ran together.”

For more information on Plymouth Tap, visit www.plymouthtap.com.

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2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, June 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, June 15 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, June 21 – Spring Lake Speedway, Unity, Wis.

Saturday, June 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Friday, June 28 – Plymouth Dirt Tracks, Plymouth, Wis.

 

2019 Josh Walter-Torque Racing By The Numbers

Total Events – 6

IRA events – 1

MSA events – 5

A-Main Victories – 1

B-Main Victories – 1

Top Five A-Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A-Main Finishes – 3

Heat Race Victories – 2