News - Page 26 of 33 - Pedal Down Promotions

Schlafer, Schmidt, Sorce, Hoeppner, Peterson claim PDTR A-main triumphs

Danny Schlafer of Sussex captured his 21st career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 11. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS, Plymouth, Wis.) August 11, 2018 – A photo finish and two first-time winners highlighted A-main racing action in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing action at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 11.

Despite a brief rain shower which hit the track in the late afternoon hours, racing went on as scheduled with a fast and wide surface greeting all competitors and providing for some hotly contested racing action throughout the evening.

In the 25-lap Richard’s of Dunbar 360 Sprint Car headliner, two-time PDTR champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex held off a late charge from 2017 PDTR champ Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh by a just a few feet to claim a photo-finish victory. Cleveland’s Justin Schmidt rolled to his fourth 25-lap Gasroots Project Late Model A-main triumph of the 2018 campaign. Dan Sorce of West Allis claimed his first Klips & Tips Grand National A-main victory of the season. Marcus Hoeppner of Hartford earned his first career Cellcom B Mod A-main triumph and Matt Peterson made the long trip from Escanaba, Mich. pay off with is first career 15-lap Kristine Hartmann Pleasant View Realty Micro Sprint A-main win.

Schlafer started the Sprint Car A main event from the pole flanked by West Bend’s Paul Pokorski on the outside of the front row. Shortly after the initial drop of the green flag, Ben Schmidt of Howards Grove jumped the cushion and flipped his machine in turn one. He emerged uninjured.

Following a complete restart, Schlafer bolted out to the lead along the inside line while Pokorski settled into second along the high groove. On lap 2, the caution flag was displayed for a spin in turn four involved Dick Kaiser of Milwaukee and Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum.

When the race resumed, third starter Justin Miller of Plymouth ducked low to power past Pokorski into the runner-up spot on lap 5 before McMullen, who started ninth, worked past eight starter and 2010 PDTR Sprint Car champion and point leader Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee to gain the fourth spot on lap 8.

Schlafer encountered slow traffic on lap 11, which allowed Miller to cut the gap significantly. On lap 12, the low-riding Miller pulled ahead of Schlafer briefly. However, the hard-charging Schlafer battled back to regain the top spot on the following lap along the outside groove.

Meanwhile, McMullen was continuing his march to the front of the pack as he worked under Pokorski to seize third place with a low move on lap 12. By lap 18, Schlafer had built up a half-straightaway cushion over Miller. The third caution flag of the race then appeared on lap 19 for a spin in turn four involving Al Schlafer of Sussex and Shane Wenninger.

Following the restart, McMullen powered in to pass Miller for second on lap 20 and quickly set his sights on Schlafer as the laps wound down. McMullen utilized the extreme low line to gain on Schlafer, who held tight to the cushion over the final six circuits, to move into position to challenge for the lead.

On the final lap, McMullen pulled even with Schlafer in turn two. However, Schlafer got a big run in turns three and four to maintain the top spot heading to the finish line where he nipped McMullen by a few feet to notch his second PDTR A-main victory of the 2018 season, 21^st PDTR Sprint Car A-main win of his career to tie Donny Goeden for the all-time lead in the 360 Sprint Car division at Plymouth and 50^th career Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main triumph.

McMullen had to settle for second, Pokorski gained two spots over the final six laps to finish third, Miller was fourth and 10^th starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend placed fifth.

The Late Model A-main featured plenty of action as four different drivers exchange the top spot during the action-packed race. Milwaukee’s Turk Letizia jumped out to the early lead before a two-car spin in turn four slowed the pace on the opening lap.

On lap 2, 2016 PDTR Late Model champ Tim Buhler of Greenbush used the high groove to pressure Letizia for the lead. One lap later, sixth starter Jim Schmidt of Cleveland joined in to duel three wide with Letizia and Buhler for the lead in turn four with Buhler emerging on top and Jim Schmidt slipping into second.

After the second caution flag of the race was displayed for debris in turn one on lap 3, Buhler built up a half-straightaway cushion over Jim Schmidt and Justin Schmidt, who started third.

As Buhler encountered lapped traffic on lap 18, Jim and Justin Schmidt cut the gap substantially before disaster struck for Buhler when he spun in turn two while attempting to move past a slower car to bring out the third caution of the race.

Jim Schmidt inherited the lead with his son Justin Schmidt in tow in second on the restart. Justin Schmidt dove low in turn one on lap 18 to assume the top spot while four-time PDTR Late Model champ and current point leader Brad Mueller of Random Lake charged in to make it a three-way battle along the high groove.

On lap 21, Mueller gained second in turn three while Justin Schmidt held strong at the front of the field en route to his fourth PDTR Late Model A-main triumph of 2018 and his ninth career main event victory at Plymouth.

Mueller was second, Jim Schmidt placed third, Buhler battled back from his spin to finish fourth and Letizia placed fifth.

On the drop of the green flag of the Grand National A-main, 78-year-old Dick Hed of Plymouth bolted up from his inside second row starting spot to lead the opening circuit.

On lap 2, fourth starter Dan Sorce moved into second before a caution for a spin in turn four slowed the pace on lap 3. Polesitter Jess Muehlbauer worked past Sorce for second on the ensuing restart and the two drivers dueled for several laps before Sorce secured the position.

The second of four caution flags appeared on lap 12 when Derek Kaat of Plymouth spun in turn four. On the restart, Sorce used the high groove to challenge Hed for the top spot and on lap 14, Sorce surged into the lead in turn two before another caution appeared on lap 15 for the stalled machine of Plymouth’s Justin Erickson in turn three.

Sorce, who captured the 2006 PDTR Late Model championship, then proceeded to pull away over the next five laps before the fourth and final caution was displayed for Kaat’s stalled car in turn two on lap 20. On the final restart, eighth starter Tyler Kulow of Plymouth moved in to pressure Hed for second along the high groove, but the cagey veteran held strong to retain the spot.

Sorce went to post his eighth career PDTR Grand National A-main victory. Hed was second, Kulow placed third, Donny Kulow of Elkhart Lake finished fourth after starting second and Kurt Davis placed fifth after starting sixth.

Polesitter Jess Jakubowski and Marcus Hoeppner led the field to the green flag in the B Mod main event. Jakubowski and Hoeppner dueled side by side over the first four circuits before Hoeppner surged ahead in turn one on lap 5 while third starter Gary Glander of Sheboygan Falls and fourth starter and current point leader Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam followed in second and third respectively.

The first of three caution flags flew on lap 12 when Jakubowski and Justin Bauer of Sheboygan Falls collided in turn four. On the restart, Hoeppner retained the top spot while Glander and Sheppard battled for second for multiple laps. On lap 15, Glander gained second along the low line before the second caution appeared for a two-car incident involving Phil Campanella of Sheboygan Falls and Andy Singer in turn two.

On the restart, Sheppard seized second and began to close on Hoeppner by lap 18. After the third caution of the race slowed the field on lap 20, Hoeppner again pulled away while Sheppard and Glander resumed their duel for second.

On lap 21, Sheppard finally gained second for good with a high move in turn four. Hoeppner held strong over the final four laps to seal his first career PDTR B Mod A-main triumph.

Sheppard placed second, Glander was third, fifth starter Cody Eickberg of Plymouth placed fourth and 11^th starter Travis Schmidt of Plymouth charged up to place fifth.

Matt Peterson placed opening lap of the Micro Sprint A main from the pole. Peterson’s strong run was slowed on three occasions for caution flags on lap 4, 5 and 10.

On lap 7, seventh starter Dave Collins of Madison wrestled second away from Jack Vanderboom of Dousman, who started sixth. However, Peterson proved to be too much for the field as he claimed his first career PDTR Micro Sprint A-main victory.

Collins placed second, Vanderboom was third and point leader Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake recovered from a spin on lap 4 to finish fourth.

The PDTR program, which was sponsored by the city of Sheboygan Falls Fire Department, featured 80 cars, including 21 Sprint Cars, 20 B Mods, 19 Grand Nationals, 12 Late Models and eight Micro Sprints.

The next PDTR program will take place on Saturday, Aug. 18 featuring the first annual Ken Markwardt Memorial Race with added purse money for A-main winners and an appearance from the Badgerland Vintage Modifieds. Hot laps begin 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.

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports claims 10th top-10 finish of 2018

Paul Pokorski (4) duels with Adam Miller (24M), during the third 360 Sprint Car heat race in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing action at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 3. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 8, 2018 – Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team continued their string of consistently strong performances by racking up their 10^th top-10 A-main showing of the 2018 season in 360 Sprint Car racing action at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 4.

With 22 PDTR Sprint Car checked in for the Past Champions Night event, Pokorski began the third PDTR Sprint Car heat race from the third starting spot. The 2014 Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) Masters Series champion used the low groove to slip past Adam Miller into second place in turn one of the opening lap.

On lap 2, Miller battled back to gain the second spot and the two veteran drivers exchange slide jobs in a thrilling duel over the next two laps before Miller caught the turn four wall and flipped as he raced with Pokorski for the second spot on lap 3.

Following the restart, Shane Wenninger stole second from Pokorski in turn two. However, on the next lap Pokorski battled back to execute a slide job in turn two to take command of the runner up spot, which he held to the checkered flag.

During intermission, Pokorski was recognized along with a large contingent of former track champions at Plymouth, during the annual Past Champions Night ceremony. Pokorski captured two Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified championships while racing at Plymouth weekly in 2003 and 2004.

After rolling off sixth in the 25-lap A-main event, Pokorski struggled to find grip on the slick and wide track surface before falling back to ninth place on lap 15. The lone caution flag appeared when early race leader Danny Schlafer spun to a stop in turn two on lap 21 to set up a four-lap dash to the finish.

After restarting seventh, Pokorski got a big jump along the outside groove to move up to fourth on lap 23. However, as the track began to lay rubber in the low groove, Pokorski found himself stuck in the outside lane on the final lap, which resulted in him falling back to sixth at the finish line in a race won by Kurt Davis.

“The car was good pretty good all night,” Pokorski said. “The track did change quickly during the feature and I was a little late moving down off the cushion to the bottom as the track changed. I was very disappointed with myself for missing the bottom on the entry to turn one on the last lap. That cost us a couple of spots at the finish. I’m looking forward to the doubleheader of racing next weekend at Plymouth and Angell Park.”

This weekend kicks off a string of four consecutive doubleheader weekends of racing action for the Pokorski Motorsports team.

On Saturday, Aug. 11, the team will return to The Plymouth Dirt Track for a night of racing featuring extra purse money in the 360 Sprint Car A main thanks to an anonymous donor. Grandstands open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

On Sunday, Aug. 12, the Pokorski Motorsports team will make its second and final appearance of the season at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie for a special Midwest Sprint Car Association traveling series event at the historic oval.

Pokorski will be looking to improve on an eighth-place showing in the MSA’s previous visit to Angell Park on June 3. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing to follow.

The Pokorski Motorsports sponsors for the 2018 season include: Quest Engineering Inc., Acme Armature Works Inc., Goeden’s Auto Body, Goodwin Racing Engines, Jens, Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Services & Crematory, 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.pedaldownpromotions.com.

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Quest Engineering Inc.

Pokorski Motorsports will like to welcome Quest Engineering of Richfield, Wis. as a new sponsor for the 2018 racing season.

Quest Engineering focuses solely on full overlay cabinetry and complimenting custom products, including kitchen, bath, closets, garage, entertainment and commercial casework projects.

Quest’s skilled team of customer advocates, product specialists, engineers, production managers and operations team rely on a continuous improvement philosophy to pave the road to success.

Founded as a contract wood products fabricator in West Bend by brothers Chris and Todd Lefeber in 2001, Quest operated on mostly manual machines until adding CNC equipment and parametric engineering software to its repertoire in 2006.

In late 2008, Quest Engineering made the move from a direct sales to a dealer sales model with an increased focus on its capacity as a manufacturer. Quest moved from its original facility in West Bend to a newly renovated production facility in Richfield in fall 2012.

In May 2015, working with equipment, software, and special service vendors, Quest expanded with the addition of a second manufacturing plant. Housing a flexible casework production cell, a custom fabrication cell and a small warehouse, a new facility in Jackson was opened, featuring a design center and showroom.

“We spent time working on new sponsorship for this year and we are very excited to have Quest Engineering on board with us for 2018,” Pokorski said. “Quest is a local manufacturer of quality cabinets and we encourage our fans to check out their line of products.”

Pokorski Motorsports invites you to contact Quest Engineering Inc. by phone at 262-334-4949 or by visiting www.questcabinets.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.pedaldownpromotions.com or call 920-323-7970.

2018 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, August 11 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, August 12 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Saturday, August 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, August 19 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

Friday, August 24 – Dodge County Fairgrounds, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, August 25 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

2018 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 15

MSA events – 14

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

Top Five A Main Finishes – 3

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 10

Heat Race Victories – 2

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Davis, Jim Schmidt, Sorce Jr., Travis Schmidt, Rein stand tall in PDTR A-main action

Travis Schmidt of Plymouth posted his first career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod A-main triumph Saturday, Aug. 4, at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS, Plymouth, Wis.) August 4, 2018 – On a night when previous track champions were honored for their past title-winning accomplishments, five present-day drivers turned in impressive performances to notch A-main victories in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing competition at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 4.

Former PDTR Sprint Car champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee claimed his second A-main victory of the 2018 season in the 25-lap Richard’s of Dunbar Sprint Car A main. Jim Schmidt of Cleveland earned his second 25-lap Gasroots Project Late Model A-main triumph of the year. Two-time PDTR Grand National champ Don Sorce Jr. of West Allis claimed his second 25-lap Klips & Tips Grand National A-main win of the season. Plymouth’s Travis Schmidt racked up his first career 25-lap Cellcom B Mod A-main triumph and Andy Rein of West Bend notched his first 15-lap Kristine Hartmann Pleasant View Realty A-main win of 2018.

Two-time PDTR Sprint Car champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex led the opening lap of the 25-lap Sprint Car A main from his outside front row starting spot followed closely by Campbellsport’s Jason Johnson, who started on the pole.

On lap 3, fifth starter Justin Miller of Plymouth moved in to challenge Johnson for second along the low groove as the two veterans traded the position several times in the ensuing laps before Johnson secured the position and proceeded to track down Schlafer.

Six laps later, Schlafer encountered slower traffic, which allowed Johnson to cut the gap significantly. Eighth starter Bill Taylor of Boltonville made his presence known starting on lap 16 when he wrestled third place away from Miller and two laps later he worked past Johnson along the extreme inside groove to seize second.

However, on lap 19, Johnson and third starter Kurt Davis powered past Taylor in heavy lapped traffic to work their way into the top three. On lap 20, Davis slipped under Johnson for second and one lap later Davis ducked under Schlafer, who was hung up behind a slower car, to gain the lead exiting turn four.

On the following lap, Schlafer spun his machine in turn two to bring out the lone caution flag of the race and set up a four-lap dash to the finish. As Davis bolted away to a solid lead on the restart, Miller took second from Johnson, while a heated battle brewed just behind the top three cars.

Davis went on to post his 19^th career PDTR Sprint Car A-main victory and Midwest Sprint Car Association leading 55^th overall A-main triumph. Miller secured second, Johnson wound up third, 12^th starter Josh Walter of Plymouth charged up to finish fourth and ninth starter Jim Melis of Glenbeulah rounded out the top five.

The opening lap of the 25-lap Late Model A main saw third starter Jim Schmidt power under front row starters Eric Michaels of Cleveland and Milwaukee’s Jim Letizia to seize the lead in turn two.

Schmidt held the lead throughout the non-stop event with Michaels giving away to Justin Schmidt of Cleveland, who started fifth, for second on lap 2.

By lap 8, Jim Schmidt had built up a full straightaway cushion over his son, Justin. As Jim led Justin by a comfortable margin, four-time PDTR Late Model champion and current point leader Brad Mueller of Random Lake dueled with Michaels for third for several laps until finally securing the position on lap 19.

Jim Schmidt skillfully weaved his way through lapped traffic over the final circuits to collect his 13^th career PDTR Late Model A-main triumph. Justin Schmidt placed second, Mueller was third, Michaels notched a solid fourth-place showing and 2016 PDTR Late Model champion Tim Buhler of Greenbush finished fifth after starting sixth.

Polesitter Don Sorce Jr. outpowered outside front row starter Steven Weber of Plymouth to lead the opening lap of the 25-lap Grand National A main.

Two successive caution flags slowed the pace on lap 8 for an infield tire moved onto the track in turn three and a multi-car spin in turn four on lap 10. Sorce Jr. maintained the top spot after both restarts with Weber in tow.

By lap 13, Sorce Jr. had built up a full straightaway cushion over Weber. In the closing laps, 13^th starter Chad Espen of West Bend charged in to pass seventh starter Justin Erickson of Plymouth for sixth and 2008 PDTR Grand National champ Matt Yancey of Sheboygan, who started third, for fourth on lap 23.

Sorce Jr. cruised to his 12^th career PDTR Grand National A-main triumph, Weber had to settle for second, fifth starter Kurt Davis placed third, Espen was fourth and Yancey completed the top five.

Polesitter Travis Schmidt paced the opening lap of the 25-lap B Mod A main followed by outside front row starter Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam. As Schmidt held down the top spot along the preferred low groove, third starter Barry Maas of Cascade moved to seize second from Sheppard on lap 12.

As Schmidt encountered dense lapped traffic on lap 14, 2017 PDTR B Mod champion Justin Green of Sheboygan Falls, who started seventh, worked his way into fourth with a nifty move past fourth starter Sawyer Haese on lap 14.

On lap 22, Maas closed in to Schmidt’s rear bumper as the leaders worked through heavy lapped traffic, while Green dove under Sheppard to seize third on lap 24. Although within striking distance, Maas was unable to make a move in the closing laps as Schmidt held on to post his first career PDTR B Mod A-main victory in the caution-free race.

Maas was second, Green placed third, Sheppard wound up fourth and Haese rounded out the top five.

Andy Rein jumped into the lead of the 15-lap Micro Sprint A main from his outside front row starting spot and never looked back. Rein paced the field throughout en route to his third career PDTR B Mod A main triumph in the non-stop event.

Dave Collins of Madison placed second, 2017 PDTR Micro Sprint Champ Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake was third, Emily Portschy of Plymouth placed fourth and Jake Dohner of Milton finished fifth.

Donny Singer of Waldo won the B Mod B Main. In the third Sprint Car heat race, Plymouth’s Adam Miller made hard contact with the turn four wall before flipping. He emerged uninjured, but his car suffered significant damage and did not to return to competition.

The evening also featured an appearance by the Vintage Modifieds and introduction of many past champions from the rich history of racing at the Plymouth facility during a special intermission program.

The PDTR program, who was sponsored by Pit Stop Pizza, featured 89 cars, including 22 Sprint Cars, 27 B Mods, 22 Grand Nationals, 11 Late Models and seven Micro Sprints.

The next PDTR program will take place on Saturday, Aug. 11 with extra purse money added to the A-main events in each division. Hot laps begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing to follow at 6 p.m.

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

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports charges to top-five finish at Plymouth

Paul Pokorski (4) leads Tim Haddy (21) in 360 Sprint Car racing action 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) August 1, 2018 – After sitting idle for 14 days due to a rain out last Saturday, Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team returned to action in impressive fashion by notching a strong fourth-place 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, July 28.

With 27 PDTR Sprint Cars on hand for the event, Pokorski began the second PDTR Sprint Car heat race from the sixth starting spot. The 26-year veteran showcased his skill by ducking low in the first turn of the opening lap to maneuver his blue No. 4 machine past Chris Clayton and Anthony Knierim to claim fourth on the first circuit of the 10-lap event.

Despite encountering a throttle issue throughout the heat race, the 2014 Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) Masters Series champion held on to the fourth spot the rest of the way en route to locking up the 10^th starting position in the 25-lap PDTR Sprint Car main event.

“The throttle linkage was hanging up and the car wouldn’t idle in the heat race, so hitting my entry properly each lap was tough,” Pokorski said.

On a wide and smooth track surface that was ripe for slide jobs, Pokorski went to work slicing his way up through the field in the A main. On lap 4, Pokorski slid past PDTR Sprint Car rookie Chris Flick to assume ninth.

After a caution was displayed for Danny Schlafer, who caught the turn three wall on lap 11, Pokorski restarted the race in eighth place. On lap 16, Jim Melis executed a slide job to steal eighth. However, Pokorski returned the favor to maintain the eighth spot on lap 17.

Five laps later, Pokorski pulled off a huge slide job in turn two to squeeze his way past Justin Miller to assume seventh on lap 22. On lap 23, contact between Tyler Brabant and Doug Wondra brought out a caution flag and bumped Pokorski up to fourth on the final single-file restart.

On the restart, Miller briefly surged ahead of Pokorski in turn two, but Pokorski battled back to maintain the position with a power move off of turn four en route to a fourth-place showing and his third top-five and ninth top-10 A-main showing of the 2018 campaign in a race won by Brandon McMullen.

“We tried something a little different again and it seemed to work okay,” Pokorski said. “I thought the track prep was decent. All the slide jobs in the feature were fun, and some guys made passes on the bottom too, so I’d say the track was pretty good. I can’t wait to do all again this Saturday.”

On Saturday, Aug. 4, the Pokorski Motorsports team will again be in action at The Plymouth Dirt Track as PDTR celebrates Past Champions Night. Pokorski will be among the former Plymouth track champions who will be honored during a special ceremony at intermission. Pokorski captured two Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified championships while racing at Plymouth weekly in 2003 and 2004.

Grandstands open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

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

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Quest Engineering Inc.

Pokorski Motorsports will like to welcome Quest Engineering of Richfield, Wis. as a new sponsor for the 2018 racing season.

Quest Engineering focuses solely on full overlay cabinetry and complimenting custom products, including kitchen, bath, closets, garage, entertainment and commercial casework projects.

Quest’s skilled team of customer advocates, product specialists, engineers, production managers and operations team rely on a continuous improvement philosophy to pave the road to success.

Pokorski Motorsports invites you to contact Quest Engineering Inc. by phone at 262-334-4949 or by visiting www.questcabinets.com.

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

2018 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, August 4 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, August 11 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, August 12 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Saturday, August 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, August 19 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

2018 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 14

MSA events – 13

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

Top Five A Main Finishes – 3

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 9

Heat Race Victories – 2

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Sheppard shines in World of Outlaws Late Model debut at Plymouth

The top three finishers in the inaugural World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series main event at the Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on Monday, July 30 were Tyler Erb of New Waverly, Texas (third, left), Brandon Sheppard of New Berlin, Ill. (race winner, middle) and Devin Moran of Dresden, Ohio (second, right). – Pedal Down Promotions photo

Erickson and Steenbergen earn second PDTR A-main triumphs of 2018

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS, Plymouth, Wis.) July 30, 2018 – With a large crowd of eager spectators on hand and a pit area filled to the brim with 36 of the best Dirt Late Model drivers in the nation, defending World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series champion Brandon Sheppard of New Berlin, Ill. stole the show in the series first-ever visit to The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on Monday, July 30.

In support division action, Plymouth’s Justin Erickson notched his second PDTR Grand National A-main victory of the season, while Jeff Steenbergen of Watertown rolled to his second PDTR B Mod A-main triumph of 2018.

Tyler Erb of New Waverly, Texas and Jimmy Owens of Newport, Tenn. led the 26-car field to the green flag in the 50-lap World of Outlaws Craftsman Series A-main presented by Wisconsin Refrigerated Express of Sheboygan.

Erb rode the high groove into the lead as he slid past Owens in turn four to pace the opening lap. Brandon Sheppard, who started third followed Erb to the outside line to steal second place away from Owens in turn four on lap 4 before first of seven caution flags flew on lap 4 when 2015 World of Outlaws Series champion Shane Clanton of Zebulon, Ga. stalled in turn four with a broken driveshaft.

When the race resumed, Sheppard dove low to pressure the high-riding Erb for the top spot. After running side by side with Erb for nearly two laps, Sheppard surged ahead in turn four on lap 5 to seize the top spot.

Two laps later, seventh starter Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill. used the high groove to assume fourth on lap 7. After a pair of cautions for the stalled car of Brent Larson of Lake Elmo, Minn., fifth starter Devin Moran of Dresden, Ohio ducked under Erb to challenge for second place beginning on lap 9. Three laps later, Sheppard had built up a full straightaway cushion over Moran.

Sheppard encountered his first dose of lapped traffic on lap 15, which allowed Moran to cut the gap by lap 17. Four laps later, the pace slowed for the fifth time when debris was detected in turn two.

Following the restart, sixth starter Chris Madden of Gray Court, S.C. slipped past Shirley to gain third place on lap 22. The sixth caution of the event was displayed on lap 23 when former PDTR Late Model champion Mitch McGrath of Waukesha spun in turn two.

Running the low groove, Sheppard controlled the ensuing restart and another restart following the seventh caution flag of the race for debris on lap 33 before action really began to heat up for second as Moran, Madden and Erb dueled high and low on the extremely wide and smooth racing surface.

By lap 41, Sheppard found himself mired in slower traffic, which allowed Moran to cut the gap significantly in the closing laps. As Sheppard got hung up attempting to pass a slower car, Moran pulled in to nearly touch the leader’s rear bumper.

After Sheppard finally cleared the lapped car on lap 48, Moran ventured up to the high groove over the final circuit in an attempt to pry the lead away at the finish line. However, Moran’s late rally fell a car length car as Sheppard posted his ninth World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series victory of the 2018 campaign and 33^rd overall A-main victory of his World of Outlaws career.

Moran had to settle for second, Erb, who was one of the few drivers to stay glued to the high groove just inches from the wall throughout the entire race, came home third, Madden placed fourth and Shirley rounded out the top five.

Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha was the top local finisher with a 13^th-place showing. Four-time PDTR Late Model champion Brad Mueller posted a 19^th-place finish after taking a provisional to start the main event.

Five other local drivers competed in the main event, including Shawano’s Brett Swedberg (16^th), Nick Anvelink of Navarino (17^th), Paul Parker of Kaukauna (18^th), Mitch McGrath (22^nd) and Justin Reed of Camp Point, Ill. (24^th).

Polesitter Steven Weber of Plymouth led the 23-car field to the green flag in the 25-lap PDTR Grand National main event before outside front row starter Donny Kulow of Elkhart Lake and inside second row starter Justin Erickson of Plymouth pulled up to make it three wide for the lead heading into turn three on the opening circuit.

Erickson finally surged ahead to claim the top spot in turn one on lap 2 before the first of five caution flags slowed the pace. Following the restart, Erickson bolted away from Kulow and eighth starter Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, who had worked his way up to challenge for second along the outside groove.

Following another caution flag on lap 12, Davis wrestled second place away from Kulow and point leader Matt Loehr of Dotyville worked his way into third from the 12^th starting spot.

Just as Davis began to close the gap on Erickson a trio of consecutive caution flags for spins appeared on lap 16, 17 and 19. When green flag action finally got under way again Erickson again pulled out to a solid lead while Davis and Loehr dueled hard for second.

On lap 23, Loehr surged past Davis along the high line to secure the runner-up spot behind Erickson, who posted his second PDTR Grand National triumph of the 2018 season and his third career Grand National A-main victory at Plymouth.

Loehr placed second, Davis was third, Derek Schrauth of Omro took fourth after starting fourth and Kulow wound up fifth.

Polesitter Mark Hoeppner led the opening six laps of the 25-lap PDTR B Mod A main before sixth starter Jeff Steenbergen of Watertown moved in to take over the top spot with a low move in turn three on lap 9.

One later, Malone’s Tim Warner raced in to snag the runner-up position. Warner slowly reeled in Steenbergen by staying in his tire tracks around the third-mile clay oval for the better part of 10 laps.

On lap 20, Warner executed a low move on Steenbergen in turn one to assume the top spot. However, Steenbergen battled back to nearly regain the lead on lap 23 in turn one, but Warner successfully fended off the move.

As Warner attempted to negotiate a lapped car on the final circuit, Steenbergen made another bid for the lead in turn three, which worked to vault the veteran driver into the top spot, while Warner lost control and spun in turn three.

Steenbergen went on to rack up his second career PDTR B Mod A-main victory. RW Aschenbrenner of Oneida was second, Mark Hoeppner held on to place third, Warner recovered from his spin to finish fourth and Rick Kretschmann of Sheboygan Falls, who started eighth, placed fifth.

Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill. and Jared Siefert of Luxemburg each captured World of Outlaws Late Models Last Chance Showdown victories, while Devin Moran claimed the World of Outlaws Late Models Series fast qualifier award with a new Late Model record lap of 13.783 seconds.

The special Monday evening program PDTR featured 78 cars, including 36 World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Models, 24 Grand Nationals and 18 B Mods.

The next PDTR program will take place on Saturday, Aug. 4, featuring Past Championships Night, during which all former champions at the Plymouth track will be honored at intermission. Hot laps begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing to follow at 6 p.m.

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

World of Outlaws Sears Craftsman Feature (50 Laps): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard [3][$10,000]; 2. 9-Devin Moran [5][$5,000]; 3. 91-Tyler Erb [1][$3,000]; 4. 44-Chris Madden [6][$2,500]; 5. 3s-Brian Shirley [7][$2,000]; 6. 5-Don O’Neal [4][$1,700]; 7. 7-Rick Eckert [15][$1,400]; 8. 157-Mike Marlar [11][$1,300]; 9. 99jr-Frank Heckenast [14][$1,200]; 10. 16-Tyler Bruening [23][$1,100]; 11. 25F-Jason Feger [17][$1,050]; 12. 18c-Chase Junghans [20][$1,000]; 13. 15s-Taylor Scheffler [10][$950]; 14. 54-David Breazeale [9][$900]; 15. 28e-Dennis Erb [16][$850]; 16. 3-Brett Swedberg [19][$800]; 17. 15-Nick Anvelink [25][$770]; 18. 10-Paul Parker [21][$750]; 19. 89-Brad Mueller [26][$730]; 20. 51-Joey Moriarty [24][$700]; 21. 20-Jimmy Owens [2][$700]; 22. 74-Mitch McGrath [12][$700]; 23. 25j-Jared Siefert [18][$700]; 24. 11-Justin Reed [13][$700]; 25. B1-Brent Larson [22][$700]; 26. 25-Shane Clanton [8][$700]

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

McMullen, Buhler, Yancey, Hansen, Boden score PDTR A-main triumphs

Former Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model champion Tim Buhler of Greenbush posted his first PDTR Late Model A-main victory of the 2018 season Saturday, July 28 at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS, Plymouth, Wis.) July 28, 2018 – With a smooth and wide racing surface on which to showcase their skills, four former Plymouth Dirt Track Racing champions and a highly accomplished visitor tasted victory in A-main competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on Saturday, July 28.

Reigning PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh notched his second consecutive A-main victory in the Richard’s of Dunbar PDTR 360 Sprint Car headliner. 2016 PDTR Late Model champion Tim Buhler of Greenbush turned in an impressive performance to collect his first Gasroots Project Late Model A-main victory of the 2018 campaign. Sheboygan’s Matt Yancey, who claimed the PDTR Grand National title in 2008, earned his second Klips & Tips Grand National A-main win of the season. Potent area frontrunner Travis Hansen of Brillion made the most of his first appearance of the 2018 season at Plymouth by notching his first career Cellcom B Mod A-main win. Zach Boden of Madison, who picked up the 2016 PDTR Micro Sprint championship, scored his second consecutive Kristine Hartmann Pleasant View Realty Micro Sprint A-main victory.

In the 25-lap Sprint Car A main, cousins Tony Wondra of Campbellsport and Doug Wondra of Oakfield lined up on the front row with Tony Wondra rocketing out to the lead on the opening circuit.

Tony Wondra held a solid lead over the first five circuits as the leaders raced along the preferred high groove. On lap 6, slower traffic began to come into play, which allowed 2010 PDTR Sprint Car champ Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee to close the gap significantly.

By lap 10, Davis had pulled to within striking distance with Doug Wondra and two-time PDTR Sprint Car champ Danny Schlafer of Sussex following closely in tow. However, one lap later disaster struck for Schlafer as he hit the turn three wall hard to bring out the first caution flag of the event.

Following the restart, Tony Wondra bolted out to a big full-straightaway advantage over Davis until once again slower traffic began to come into play on lap 16. Davis moved into to challenge on lap 18 as slide jobs were being thrown for position throughout the field by multiple drivers on the extremely wide racing surface.

As the laps wound down, Davis powered past Tony Wondra briefly in turn two on lap 23 before Wondra turned back under Davis to maintain the lead. However, Brandon McMullen, who started eighth, worked the low groove to slip past both Wondra and Davis to take the lead exiting turn four on lap 23.

With McMullen holding a slight advantage over Tony Wondra and Davis, the caution flag flew again when Tyler Brabant of Waupun and Doug Wondra collided in turn two just as the white flag was displayed to the field, which set up a single-file restart with 23 laps officially complete.

McMullen used a great restart to power away from Tony Wondra and Davis as the rest of the field jockeyed for position over the final two laps. McMullen pulled away over the final lap to notch his 14^th career PDTR Sprint Car A-main triumph and 19^th overall Midwest Sprint Car Association main event victory.

Tony Wondra held on to finish second, Davis took third, Paul Pokorski of West Band charged from his 10^th starting spot to place fourth and PDTR Sprint Car point leader Justin Miller of Plymouth placed fifth after starting third.

Milwaukee’s Jim Letizia and four-time PDTR Late Model champion and current point leader Brad Muller of Random Lake led the 25-lap Late Model A-main to the green flag from the front row.

Mueller used the high groove to gain the early advantage before 2016 PDTR Late Model champ Tim Buhler, who started fourth, used an aggressive low move in turn three to slide past Mueller into the lead exiting turn four of the opening circuit.

On lap 4, third starter Justin Schmidt of Cleveland utilized the low groove to move past the high-riding Mueller in turn four while sixth starter Jim Schmidt of Cleveland worked the high line to pass Mueller for third on lap 13.

Schmidt chipped away at Buhler’s lead over the next 15 laps before attempting to dive under Buhler in turn two on lap 22. However, while attempting the move, Schmidt got sideways and spun in turn two to bring out the first caution flag of the race.

Buhler maintained his advantage on the ensuing restart followed by Jim Schmidt and Mueller before the second and final caution flag was displayed when Dave Jaeger of Slinger spun on the final lap.

Following the single-file restart with two laps remaining, Jim Schmidt jumped the cushion in turn two, which allowed eighth starter Kevin Baldry of Omro to assume second briefly before Mueller bolted past to gain the runner-up spot in turn four.

Meanwhile, Buhler raced on to post his 12^th career PDTR Late Model A-main victory. Mueller was second, Baldry took third, Jim Schmidt place fourth and Letizia rounded out the top five.

Outside front row starter Matt Yancey out maneuvered polesitter Darryl Traubel to lead the opening lap of the 25-lap Grand National A-main. After the low yellow flag of the race appeared on lap 2 for a spin involving Brad Weiss of West Bend, Yancey maintained the top spot along the low groove.

On lap four, fourth starter Kurt Davis, Traubel and Plymouth’s Justin Erickson, who started third, dueled three wide for second place with Davis eventually gaining the runner-up spot in turn one on lap five.

Davis then gradually reeled in Yancey along the inside groove and closed to Yancey’s rear bumper on lap 22. However, Davis was unable to make a move on the leader as Yancey held on to post his sixth career PDTR Grand National A-main triumph.

Davis claimed second, point leader Matt Loehr of Dotyville placed third, after starting 10^th, Traubel was fourth and Plymouth’s Steven Weber rounded out the top five after starting fifth.

Polesitter Rick Kretschmann of Sheboygan Falls led the opening lap of the 25-lap B Mod A-main before the first two of four caution flags for spins slowed the pace on lap 2.

When the race resumed, third starter Travis Hansen made his presence felt as he worked the high groove to pressure the low-riding Kretschmann for the top spot. On lap 4, Hansen cleared Kretschmann and proceeded to build up a full straightaway lead by lap 10.

As Kretschmann, second starter and current point leader Gary Glander of Sheboygan Falls and 2017 PDTR B mod champ Justin Green of Sheboygan Falls, who started fifth, mounted a heated duel for second, the third caution flag flew on lap 13 for a spin involving James Rautmann of Howards Grove.

Following the restart, Glander ducked low to claim second with Green following into third. On lap 21, Green ventured high to pressure Glander for second before the fourth and final caution flag flew to set up a four-lap dash to the finish.

On the restart, Hansen again bolted away from the pack while 11^th starter Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam mounted a huge charge along the high groove to power around Glander and Green into second place on the final circuit.

Hansen held on to post his first career PDTR B Mod A-main victory, Sheppard came home second, Green wound up third, Glander was fourth and Kretschmann completed the top five.

Polesitter Jake Dohner of Milton led the opening laps of the 15-lap Micro Sprint A main as fourth starter Jack Vanderboom of Dousman pressured Dohner for the top spot.

The first of two caution flags appeared on lap six when Miles Quandt of Watertown spun in turn six. On the restart, seventh starter Zach Boden charged in to pass Vanderboom and Dohner to assume the top spot.

Boden pulled away over the final nine laps to notch his eighth career PDTR Micro Sprint A-main victory. Vanderboom finished second, Dohner was third, point leader Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake finished fourth, after starting fifth, and Dave Collins of Madison wound up fifth, after starting ninth.

Kevin Karnitz of West Bend won the 15-lap PDTR Sprint Car B Main. The 15-lap B Mod B main went to Randy Theys of Algoma. .

The Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program, which was sponsored by Cellcom, and included 77 drivers donating backyards to youngsters, featured 97 cars, including 31 B Mods, 27 Sprint Cars, 12 Late Models, 16 Grand Nationals and 11 Micro Sprints.

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

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Rain washes out PDTR program, WoO Late Models slated July 30

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(Plymouth, Wis.) July 21, 2018 – Rain showers and wet grounds forced Plymouth Dirt Track Racing officials to cancel the PDTR race program featuring the 22^nd annual Frank Filskov Memorial Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event on Saturday, July 21, at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

It is the sixth PDTR program of the 2018 season to be adversely impacted by weather conditions.

PDTR will hold its popular Backpack Night program on Saturday, July 28, beginning at 6 p.m. with A-main trophies sponsored by Cellcom. The evening will feature all five regular PDTR divisions, including 360 Sprint Cars, Late Models, Grand Nationals, B Mods and Micro Sprints.

On Monday, July 30, PDTR will welcome many of the top Dirt Late Model competitors in the nation as the World of Outlaws Craftsman Late Model Series makes its debut appearance at The Plymouth Dirt Track for a $10,000-to-win, 50-lap A-main event presented by Wisconsin Refrigerated Express of Sheboygan. Also on the card will be the PDTR Grand Nationals and PDTR B Mods.

Reserve seat tickets are available for the World of Outlaws Late Models Series event on July 30 by calling 920-893-5751. Additional information can be found at www.plymouthdtr.com.

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

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports takes home another top-10 finish

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 18, 2018 – Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team battled through challenging track conditions to secure another top-10 showing in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car competition Saturday, July 14, at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

With 22 PDTR Sprint Cars signed in for the evening, Pokorski lined up fifth in the second Sprint Car heat race. After dropping back to sixth on the opening lap, Pokorski worked his way past Chris Clayton with a low move in turn four on lap to assume fifth on lap 2. Pokorski held his position throughout the remainder of the 10-lap event to tally a fifth-place showing.

The 2014 Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) Masters Series champion took the green flag for the 25-lap PDTR Sprint Car A-main event from the 14^th starting position.

After falling back to 15^th in the opening laps, Pokorski stormed back to pass Scott Conger and Tony Wondra on lap 4 to move into 13^th. On lap 7, Pokorski slipped past Doug Wondra with a high move in turn four before advancing around Tim Haddy in turn two one lap later.

Pokorski bursted into the top-10 on lap 18 with a low move in turn four around Nich Melis and held on over the final seven laps to post a 10^th-place showing in a race captured by reigning PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen.

It was Pokorski’s eighth top-10 finish in 10 MSA A-main events this season.

“Track conditions were definitely a little tricky,” Pokorski said. “Adjusting to changing track surfaces and guessing what’s going to happen is part of why we do what we do. I definitely guessed wrong on Saturday.

“However, we managed to gain a couple of spots and salvaged a top-10 finish,” he said. “Hopefully, we will have a little bit better luck next week.”

After the races, Pokorski happily greeted a large contingent of fans of all ages in the pit area as part of PDTR’s annual Autograph Night event.

“I want to thank all the friends, fans and sponsors who came out last Saturday,” Pokorski said. “We had a lot of support and people cheering us on, which meant a lot to everyone on the team.”

On Saturday, July 21, the Pokorski Motorsports team will return to The Plymouth Dirt Track as the Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series is set to make a special appearance at the track.

In addition to the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars. PDTR B Mods will also be running a full points program. Grandstands open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and IRA qualifying and racing to follow.

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

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Quest Engineering Inc.

Pokorski Motorsports will like to welcome Quest Engineering of Richfield, Wis. as a new sponsor for the 2018 racing season.

Quest Engineering focuses solely on full overlay cabinetry and complimenting custom products, including kitchen, bath, closets, garage, entertainment and commercial casework projects.

Quest’s skilled team of customer advocates, product specialists, engineers, production managers and operations team rely on a continuous improvement philosophy to pave the road to success.

Pokorski Motorsports invites you to contact Quest Engineering Inc. by phone at 262-334-4949 or by visiting www.questcabinets.com.

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

2018 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, July 21 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

Saturday, August 4 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Saturday, August 11 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

Sunday, August 12 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.

2018 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 13

MSA events – 12

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

Top Five A Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 8

Heat Race Victories – 2

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

McMullen, Schmidt, Kulow, Koenig, Boden score PDTR A-main triumphs

Reigning Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh earned his first 25-lap A-main victory of the season in PDTR action on Saturday, July 14, at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS, Plymouth, Wis.) July 14, 2018 – A pair of former track champions currently testing their skills in regional traveling series competition returned to victory lane for the first time this year as Plymouth Dirt Track Racing held its annual Autograph Night racing program Saturday, July 14, at The Plymouth Dirt Track on the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

Reigning PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, who is competing as a regular on the Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Circuit this year, scored his first A-main victory of the season in the Richard’s of Dunbar PDTR 360 Sprint Car headliner. Jim Schmidt of Cleveland notched his first Gasroots Project Late Model A-main victory of 2018, while Plymouth’s Tyler Kulow posted his first Klips & Tips Grand National A-main triumph of the 2018 campaign. Elijah Koenig of Beaver Dam claimed his first career victory in the time-shortened Cellcom B Mod A-main. Former PDTR Micro Sprint champ Zach Boden of Madison, who is now a regular in the Badger Midget Racing Series, returned to post his first Kristine Hartmann Pleasant View Realty Micro Sprint A-main triumph of the season.

In the 25-lap Sprint Car A main, Mayer Automotive Racing teammates Nich Melis of Plymouth and Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum shared the front row with Wenninger getting the jump on the outside to lead the opening circuit.

After Wenninger bolted out to a 10-car length advantage over Melis in the early going, the lone caution of the event appeared on lap 3 when rookie Chris Larson of Greenfield spun in turn two.

By lap 5, 2010 PDTR Sprint Car champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, who started fourth began to make his presence felt as he used the outside groove to power his way into second. Meanwhile, the third-starting McMullen, who was making a rare start in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car division this season, worked the low line of the tricky third-mile track surface to pressure Davis for the runner up spot.

After stalking Wenninger through lapped traffic over the ensuing seven laps, Davis pounced on lap 12 executing a high move into the lead exiting turn four with McMullen in tow to seize second. Davis continued to work the high groove while McMullen made the low line work to his benefit as two of the most successful drivers in the history of the PDTR 360 Sprint Car division waged a spirited duel over the next six laps.

On lap 18, McMullen dove underneath Davis to seize the top spot in turn four. Davis attempted to regain the top spot with an aggressive move in turn three on lap 19, but the three-time reigning Midwest Sprint Car Association champion held off the 33-year racing veteran and extended his lead to a full straightaway over the final five laps to post his 13^th career PDTR Sprint Car A-main victory and 18^th overall career MSA Sprint Car A-main triumph.

Davis wound up second, rookie Travis Arenz of Sheboygan, who started fifth, placed third, Wenninger was fourth and sixth-starting Adam Miller of Plymouth was fifth.

Polesitter Charlie Schmidt of Cedar Grove grabbed the lead on the drop of the green flag of the 25-lap Late Model A main as fourth starter Jim Schmidt made a big move to advance into second on the opening lap.

On lap 4, Jim Schmidt worked the outside groove to challenge the low-riding Charlie Schmidt for the top spot. The two veteran competitors battled side by side over the next four circuits before Jim Schmidt finally pulled off the pass in turn two on lap 8.

On lap 10, fifth starter Jared Siefert of Luxemburg charged in along the high line to pressure Jim Schmidt, who had moved down to the low groove. However, a flat tire on lap 12 halted Siefert’s bid for victory just as 2016 PDTR Late Model champ Tim Buhler of Greenbush stalled in turn one to bring out the lone caution flag of the race.

On the restart, Charlie Schmidt rallied to mount a brief challenge along the low groove starting on lap 17, but Jim Schmidt proved to be too strong as he pulled away over the closing laps to post his 12^th career PDTR Late Model A-main victory by a full straightaway over Charlie Schmidt, who finished a strong second.

Seventh starter Justin Schmidt of Cleveland came home third, rookie Kevin Baldry of Omro placed fourth after starting 10^th and four-time PDTR Late Model champion and current point leader Brad Mueller of Random Lake finished fifth after starting second.

The 25-lap Grand National A-main featured a flurry of furious action at the head of the field as the top four drivers waged a fierce race-long duel for the victory.

Polesitter Steven Weber of Plymouth grabbed the lead on the opening lap as fourth starter Justin Erickson of Plymouth ventured to the high groove to seize second in the early going. On lap 9, Erickson advanced forward to nearly pull even with Weber on several occasions while third starter Tyler Kulow and Matt Loehr of Dotyville, who started fifth, battled in very close quarters for the top four spots.

On lap 15, Erickson used the outside groove to seize the lead in turn two as Kulow advanced into second place along with the low line. Three laps later, Kulow powered under Erickson into first place on lap 18 as Erickson jumped the treacherous cushion to fall back to third.

Just as it appeared that Kulow might have the race in hand, Erickson regrouped to reel off one last bid for the victory, pulling even with the low-running Kulow on lap 22. However, Kulow fended off Erickson’s challenge over the final three laps to secure his third career PDTR Grand National A-main victory and first A-main triumph of the 2018 season.

Loehr worked under the rim-riding Erickson on the final lap to finish second, Erickson wound up third, Weber placed fourth and second starter Donny Kulow of Elkhart Lake finished fifth.

Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam used his pole position to grab the lead on the opening lap of the accident-plagued, time-shortened B Mod main event.

The first of five caution flags appeared on lap 1 for an incident involving Shane Long of Sheboygan Falls and Barry Maas of Cascade in turn three. After a complete restart, Sheppard again grabbed the lead as eighth starter Elijah Koenig bolted in to take second along the high groove on lap 4.

After the second caution flag was displayed for a spin involving James Rautmann of Howards Grove and Barry Maas, Sheppard retained the top spot over Koenig and second starter J.J. Walvoord of Oostburg.

On lap 10, Koenig used the outside line to close in on Sheppard. Following two more caution periods for multi-car incidents on lap 11 and lap 15, Koenig used a strong move on the lap 15 restart to power into the lead in turn two.

Koenig and Sheppard dueled side by side over the next three circuits with Sheppard surging ahead on lap 18 just before the fifth and final caution appeared to end the race due to the 25-minute time limit.

Although Sheppard was leading at the time of the caution, per PDTR rules, scoring of the race reverts to the last completed lap, which gave Koenig his first career PDTR B Mod A-main victory.

Sheppard had to settle for second, Walvoord was third, 2017 PDTR B Mod champion Justin Green charged up from his 11^th starting spot to finish fourth and PDTR B Mod point leader Gary Glander of Sheboygan Falls finished fifth after starting seventh.

Jack Vanderboom of Dousman led the first lap of the 15-lap Micro Sprint A main from his outside front row starting spot before fifth starting Zach Boden, who was making his first start of the year at Plymouth, assumed the lead on lap 2.

Despite three caution flags for spins involving Dave Collins of Madison and 2017 PDTR Micro Sprint champion Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake, Boden held strong on each restart to pull away en route to his seventh career PDTR Micro Sprint A-main victory.

Vanderboom was second, Jake Dohner of Milton, who started on the pole, placed third, Ruh rallied to finish fourth and Collins rounded out the top five.

Glen Blanke of Sheboygan Falls won the B Mod B Main.

With all racing events completed by 9:20 p.m., fans made the most of an extended opportunity to visit with drivers in the pit area after the races on Autograph Night with many teams distributing treats, prizes and promotional items to young and old fans alike.

The Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program, which was sponsored by Hopf Farms, featured 87 cars, including 31 B Mods, 22 Sprint Cars, 13 Late Models, 13 Grand Nationals and eight Micro Sprints.

The next PDTR program, which will be sponsored by JDL Automotive and Detailing, will take place on Saturday, July 21, featuring a special appearance by the Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Series for the annual Frank Filskov Memorial event. Also on the card will be the PDTR 360 Sprint Cars and PDTR B Mods for full points events. Hot laps begin at 5:30 p.m. with IRA qualifying and racing to follow.

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

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports tallies top showings in MSA twinbill

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Paul Pokorski posted a heat race victory during the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Mid-Season Championship Night program on Saturday, July 7, at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 10, 2018 – Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team completed a successful doubleheader weekend of Midwest Sprint Car Association action by racking up a pair of impressive top-10 showings.

On Friday, July 13, Pokorski posted a season-best runner-up finish in the MSA portion of the Harry Neitzel Tribute event at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. and came back on Saturday, July 14 to post a sixth-place finish in a Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Mid-Season Championship race at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

Before a standing room-only crowd at the big half-mile track at the Dodge County Fairgrounds for an event also featuring the Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars and Dirt Kings Late Models, 23 MSA Sprint Cars checked into the pit area for the second annual Harry Neitzel Tribute Night.

After starting on the outside of the front row in the second MSA eight-lap heat race, Pokorski outpowered polesitter Adam Miller to take the lead in turn one of the opening circuit.

Pokorski survived a pair of caution flags for the stalled machines of Bill Taylor and Ben Schmidt to post his first heat race victory of the 2018 season and 55^th overall race triumph of his MSA career.

The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion rolled off for the 20-lap MSA A main from the seventh starting spot and was running inside the top 10 when a five-car incident set off by the flipping car of Al Schlafer in turn three brought out a red flag on lap 3.

After restarting in the seventh spot, Pokorski bolted around Emily Portschy and Travis Arenz to move into the top five. The caution flag was displayed on lap 11 for the stalled machine of Tim Haddy to set up a nine-lap sprint to the finish.

Pokorski restarted in the third position and quickly moved past Justin Miller to assume the runner-up spot on lap 12.

Over the final eight laps, Pokorski found his comfort zone along the high groove on the lightning fast “horsepower half mile” to reel in leader Kevin Karnitz. As the laps wound down, Pokorski was closing quickly. However, Pokorski’s bid for victory came up four car lengths short at the finish as he had to settle for a season-best second-place finish behind Karnitz.

“The car was the most comfortable car I have ever had at Dodge County,” Pokorski said. “We tried a couple new things to get it to that point, so I was pretty happy with the result.”

The doubleheader weekend of action continued at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 7 as 20 PDTR Sprint Cars checked in for the Mid-Season Championship Night of racing at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds.

Pokorski started second in the heat PDTR Sprint Car heat race and wasted no time making a low move on polesitter Tony Wondra in turn four to take the lead on the opening lap. By lap 6, Pokorski had built up a full straightaway advantage over Wondra on the dry, slick racing surface.

The 26-year open-wheel racing veteran cruised the rest of the way to notch his second heat race victory of the weekend.

After lining up sixth in the extended 30-lap Mid-Season Championship Sprint Car A main, Pokorski was running in the eighth position when the second of two caution flags appeared on lap 10 for a spin involving Danny Schlafer and Chris Clayton in turn three.

On the restart, Pokorski ducked low on the predominantly one-lane track to slip past Shane Wenninger on lap 21 and Kenjay Fiedler on lap 23 to secure sixth in the running order.

As the track started to lay rubber along the low line, Pokorski maintained the sixth spot the rest of the way en route to his seventh top-10 A-main showing of the 2018 campaign.

“Saturday night at Plymouth found us facing some very different track conditions,” Pokorski said. “It was not my favorite kind of track for sure. The car was reasonably good, but we still need to do better for the next time we have those conditions.”

On Saturday, July 14, the Pokorski Motorsports team will return to The Plymouth Dirt Track for Autograph Night. Grandstands open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing slated to begin at 6 p.m.

After the races, the team encourages fans to visit the No. 4 Sprint Car pit area for autographs, treats and gifts courtesy of Pokorski Motorsports.

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

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Quest Engineering Inc.

Pokorski Motorsports will like to welcome Quest Engineering of Richfield, Wis. as a new sponsor for the 2018 racing season.

Quest Engineering focuses solely on full overlay cabinetry and complimenting custom products, including kitchen, bath, closets, garage, entertainment and commercial casework projects.

Quest’s skilled team of customer advocates, product specialists, engineers, production managers and operations team rely on a continuous improvement philosophy to pave the road to success.

Pokorski Motorsports invites you to contact Quest Engineering Inc. by phone at 262-334-4949 or by visiting www.questcabinets.com.

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

2018 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule

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

Saturday, July 21 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

Saturday, August 4 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

2018 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 12

MSA events – 11

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

Top Five A Main Finishes – 2

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 7

Heat Race Victories – 2

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Miller, Baldry, Scholten, Glander, Ruh reign supreme on PDTR Mid-Season Championship Night

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS, Plymouth, Wis.) July 7, 2018 – A thrilling last lap pass and a pair of first-time A-main winners highlighted the evening as Plymouth Dirt Track Racing staged its annual Mid-Season Championship Night of racing at The Plymouth Dirt Track on the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 7.

In the extended 30-lap Richard’s of Dunbar 360 Sprint Car A main, Plymouth’s Justin Miller stole the lead from Sprint Car rookie Travis Arenz of Sheboygan on the final lap to post an exciting victory. Gasroots Project Late Model rookie Kevin Baldry of Omro notched his first career PDTR Late Model A-main victory in the 30-lap main event. Luke Scholten of Oostburg claimed the 30-lap Klips & Tips Grand National A-main victory in the Bender Racing entry, while Gary Glander of Sheboygan Falls collected his first career Cellcom B Mod A-main triumph. Defending Micro Sprint champion Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake was victorious in the 15-lap Kristine Hartmann Pleasant View Realty Micro Sprint A main.

The Sprint Car A-main headliner began with Tyler Brabant of Waupun and Tony Wondra of Campbellsport lined up on the front row. Despite dry and slick track conditions, the race featured three different leaders and plenty of jockeying for position throughout the field.

Wondra got the jump on the drop of the green flag from his outside front row starting spot as point leader Josh Walter of Plymouth used the outside groove to jump from fourth at the start into second on the opening lap.

The first of two caution flags appeared on lap 5 when Scott Conger of Eagle spun in turn three. On the restart, Wondra continued to lead while Travis Arenz, who started third, bolted past Brabant and Walter to secure second on lap 8.

The second caution flag slowed the pace on lap 10 when two-time PDTR Sprint Car champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex spun in turn three and was collected by Chris Clayton of Waldo.

On the restart, Arenz flexed his muscle utilizing the extreme low groove to gain ground on Wondra, while Justin Miller, who started 10^th, charged into third on lap 11.

After hounding Wondra for several laps, Arenz made his move on lap 16, taking the lead in turn one. Justin Miller followed suit in getting past Wondra to set up an exciting duel to the finish.

On lap 18, Arenz encountered slower traffic, which allowed Miller to close the gap considerably. The two dueled side-by-side briefly on lap 20 before Arenz pulled away after clearing the lapped car.

Miller worked the low line to perfection in the final five circuits to close within striking range. On the final lap, Miller shot underneath Arenz in turn one to seize the top spot. Miller then held on to claim his second career PDTR Sprint Car and fourth overall Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main triumph.

Arenz, who captured the 2013 PDTR Outlaw Compact championship, posted a career-best runner-up finish in his first season behind the wheel of a Sprint Car. Walter was third, Brabant finished fourth and Wondra rounded out the top five.

Kevin Baldry grabbed the lead on the opening lap of the 30-lap Late Model A main from the pole position with four-time PDTR Late Model champion and current point leader Brad Mueller of Random Lake, who started second, sliding into the runner-up spot.

Just as Mueller closed the gap along the prevailing inside groove on lap 9 the first of four caution flags appeared for an infield tire on the track surface. On the restart, seventh starter Charlie Schmidt of Cedar Grove moved past 2016 PDTR Late Model champ Tim Buhler of Greenbush, who started third, to assume third.

After two more caution periods for spins involving Eric Michaels of Cleveland and Jim Letizia of Milwaukee, fourth starter Justin Schmidt of Cleveland showed some strength, moving into third place and pressuring Mueller for second.

The final caution flag appeared on lap 17 when Late Model rookie Chad Vetting of Valders, Charlie Schmidt and Eric Michaels collided in turn one.

Over the final 13 laps, Baldry clung tight to the inside lane to successfully hold off Mueller and Justin Schmidt en route to his first career PDTR Late Model A-main triumph. Mueller was second, Justin Schmidt finished third, Buhler took fourth and sixth starter Jim Schmidt of Cleveland rounded out the top five.

Polesitter Chad Espen of West Bend jumped into the lead of the 30-lap Grand National A main followed by third starter Steven Weber of Plymouth. Four caution flags over the first two laps ground the race to a halt in the early going.

When the race returned to green flag action, Luke Scholten, who was behind the wheel of the Bender Racing No. 89 machine, moved into third on lap 3 after starting ninth. After the fifth and final caution flag of the race appeared on lap 12 for an infield tire in turn four, Espen continued to lead with Scholten hot on his heels.

On lap 19, Espen lost control of his car and spun into the infield in turn four. Espen’s misfortune turned the lead over to Scholten, who held off fifth starter Tyler Kulow of Plymouth over the final 11 circuits to claim his 10^th career PDTR Grand National A-main victory.

Kulow was second, fourth starter Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee recovered from a trip to the pits to repair a flat tire on lap 1 to finish third, Espen battled back from his spin to place fourth and 10^th starter Donny Kulow of Elkhart Lake placed fifth.

Outside front row starter Gary Glander outpowered polesitter Patrick Hanson of Sheboygan Falls to gain the lead of the 30-lap B Mod A main on the opening circuit with third starter Rick Kretschmann of Sheboygan Falls and seventh starter Tim Warner of Malone in tow.

On lap 9, Travis Schmidt of Plymouth, who started ninth, worked his way into third and three laps later Schmidt passed Kretschmann in turn one to assume second.

After a pair of caution flags for spins, Schmidt continued to pressure Glander for the top spot, pulling even with Glander on a few occasions with some contact made between the two on lap 26.

After the fourth and final caution flag appeared on lap 27 for a spin involving Jesse Cullen of Chilton, Glander closed out the race in impressive fashion to post his first career PDTR B Mod A-main victory.

A slight bobble from Schmidt on the final lap allowed 2016 PDTR B Mod champion Brandon Berth of Cascade to steak into second after starting sixth, Schmidt wound up third, Derek Fehling of Beaver Dam charged up from the 17^th starting spot to finish fourth and 16^th starter J.J. Walvoord of Oostburg placed fifth.

Polesitter Jake Dohner of Milton paced the first five laps of the 15-lap Micro Sprint A main before fourth starter Preston Ruh assumed the top spot on lap 6.

Dave Collins of Madison, who started second, closed the gap on Ruh on lap 10 before fifth starter Jack Vanderboom of Dousman slipped past Collins to gain the runner-up spot.

After two caution flags on lap 13 and lap 14 for spins, Ruh maintained the top spot over the final two laps to collect his fourth career PDTR Micro Sprint A main victory. Vanderboom was second, Collins took third and Dohner placed fourth.

The Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program, which was sponsored by Dale’s Pale Ale and Oskar Blues Brewery, featured 81 cars, including 28 B Mods, 20 Sprint Cars, 11 Late Models, 16 Grand Nationals and six Micro Sprints.

The next PDTR program will take place on Saturday, July 14, topped off by autograph night following the races. The racing program, which begins at 6 p.m., will be sponsored by Hopf Farms.

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

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

UW-Sheboygan Foundation celebrates 40 years

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

SHEBOYGAN, WIS. (July 2, 2018) – Since its inception in the late 1970s, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation has earned a spot at the head of the class in blazing the trail for students throughout Sheboygan County to pursue their higher-education dreams.

Officially incorporated on Dec. 30, 1977 with its first board meeting held several months later in 1978, this year the UW-Sheboygan Foundation is celebrating 40 years of paving the way for campus building expansion projects, student scholarships and faculty development initiatives.

“Back in the late 1970s, our dean at the time, Dr. Ken Bailey, had a dream to form the UW-Sheboygan Foundation,” UW-Sheboygan Foundation Charter Board Member and Treasurer Gerald Van De Kreeke said. “It was his idea and he saw it through to fruition and here we are 40 years later. Back then, it was one of the first foundations of its kind formed for a two-year campus in the UW-System.”

Since forming four decades ago, the UW-Sheboygan Foundation has raised $6.8 million dollars through community-based fundraising events, contributions and investment income.

“We started small with fundraisers like Chicken and All That Jazz and the Wombat Classic Run,” Van De Kreeke said. “Today, we have our golf outing, which now serves as a big fundraiser for us.”

Over the past 40 years, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation has provided over $3.4 million in updates for campus facilities, equipment, marking/outreach and campus activities.

Through its fundraising efforts, the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation has partially funded the Brotz Science Building, the Acuity Technology Center and the Plastics Engineering Company Center for Engineering Studies.

“The buildings that the foundation has had a hand in bringing to the campus were among the most high-profile projects the foundation has been involved with over the years,” Van De Kreeke said. “The Plastics Engineering Company Center for Engineering Studies has played a key role in bringing a four-year engineering degree option to the UW-Sheboygan campus through a partnership with UW-Platteville.”

To date, the foundation has also helped to generate more than $1.8 million dollars to support student scholarships and internships and cover extended degree costs and support expenses for students, as well as faculty and staff development programs.

“We have distributed a tremendous number of scholarships over the years,” Van De Kreeke said. “Over the past few years, we have been giving out an average of 100 scholarships and a total of $100,000 in scholarship funds each year.”

According to UW-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director and Development Officer Allyson Olivier, the 15-member foundation board has derived much of its success from its high profile in the community.

“Our foundation board is a working board of Sheboygan County business leaders that is very active and well connected in the community,” Olivier said. “They set a plan of action, talk to people and get things done. They are ambassadors and advocates for our campus and never miss an opportunity to talk about the great things going on at UW-Sheboygan when they are out in the community.

“It has been amazing to work with this board over the past two years,” she said. “The members of the board do an amazing job.

University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Foundation Board Member Dr. Tom Ries commended the level of commitment of the Sheboygan County business community in supporting the foundation.

“During my 15-year tenure on the foundation board, I have been struck by the generosity of the businesses and individuals in Sheboygan County,” Ries said. “We have a number of great, locally-owned manufacturers that are committed to keeping their money in the community and making it a great place to live, work and get an education.”

After opening in downtown Sheboygan in 1933, UW-Sheboygan moved to its current location at One University Drive on the west side of Sheboygan in 1964.

Over the years, 13-year UW-Sheboygan Foundation Board Member and Past President Elizabeth Braden says the foundation’s commitment to supporting its students and faculty has never wavered.

“UW-Sheboygan is a gem in our community,” Braden said. “It offers students high-quality education at an affordable price, while giving them the opportunity to stay at home and save on housing expenses.”

Above all, the UW-Sheboygan Foundation’s highest priority is providing a multitude of educational opportunities for students.

“Over 50 percent of our student population is comprised of first-generation college students,” Olivier said. “We are providing opportunities to students that may not have gone to college otherwise. Starting out with a strong comfort level with a great student-to-instructor ratio is very important and that is what we offer at UW-Sheboygan.

“Although UW-Sheboygan may be a small school, that does not diminish the size of our students’ dreams,” she said.

For more information on the UW-Sheboygan Foundation, contact UW-Sheboygan Foundation Executive Director and Development Officer Allyson Olivier at Allyson.olivier@uwc.edu or 920-459-6612.

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program falls to heat

(Plymouth, Wis.) June 30, 2018 – Excessive heat prompted Plymouth Dirt Track Racing officials to cancel the PDTR race program on Saturday, June 30, at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

PDTR will host its Mid-Season Championship Night program on Saturday, July 7, beginning at 6 p.m. with A-main trophies sponsored by Dale’s Pale Ale and Oskar Blues Brewery.

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports doubles down with PDTR, MSA

Paul Pokorski completed a doubleheader weekend of Midwest Sprint Car Association action with a ninth-place finish at Spring Lake Speedway in Unity, Wis. on Friday, June 22 and a 12th-place showing at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 23. – RC Custom Design ph

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 26, 2018 – Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team tallied yet another top-10 A-main showing, during a doubleheader weekend of 360 Sprint Car racing action with the Midwest Sprint Car Association at Spring Lake Speedway in Unity, Wis. and The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

After turning in an 11^th-place finish in the team’s debut at Spring Lake Speedway last year, Pokorski and his team returned to the Northwoods of Wisconsin for a special Midwest Sprint Car Association event on Friday, June, 22.

With 24 MSA Sprint Cars on hand, Pokorski started and finished fifth in the second Sprint Car heat race. All 24 cars transferred to the A main where Pokorski started 13^th and improved four spots to place ninth and record the team’s fifth top-10 A-main showing of the 2018 season.

Despite encountering a rubbered-over track surface for the much of the A main, Pokorski was pleased to register another top-10 finish in the race, which was won by Justin Miller.

“We were so, so in the heat race and pretty good for the A main,” Pokorski said. “We got a couple of spots early on and then the rubber came in and that kind of killed any passing. It did make it fast though.”

For the second consecutive year, an enthusiastic crowd turned out in droves for the lone Sprint Car event of the 2018 season at Spring Lake Speedway.

“The crowd was very good and the promoter was happy,” Pokorski said. “We are looking forward to coming back to Spring Lake again next year.”

Less than 24 hours after pulling out of the Spring Lake Speedway pit area, the Pokorski Motorsports team rolled through the pit gates at The Plymouth Dirt Track where 25 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Sprint Cars were on hand.

After starting eighth, Pokorski placed sixth in the first Sprint Car heat race to earn the 14^th starting spot in the 25-lap main event.

The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion advanced to the 10^th spot in the early going before getting caught up in an accident, which forced him to the work area with a flat tire.

After restarting at the tail of the field, Pokorski battled back to register a 12^th-place finish in a race won by Kurt Davis.

“We were really solid and car was good at Plymouth on Saturday,” Pokorski said. “We had a poor heat race draw and a very fast race track made passing hard in the heat race. The car was really good in the A main. However, we had a flat after getting involved with a mess created by a spinning car.

“We managed to get back past a few cars to salvage a 12^th-place finish, so things turned out pretty well all things considered,” he said. “It was just a little frustrating to get caught up an accident, which spoiled a good chance at a strong top-10 showing.”

Pokorski joined with the racing community in reflecting on the loss of 2016 Knoxville Nationals champion and five-time ASCS National 360 Sprint Car Series champion Jason Johnson of Eunice, La., who suffered fatal injuries in an accident while battling for the lead in a World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series event at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, June 23.

“God bless Jason Johnson’s family and friends,” Pokorski said. “That was very sad to hear about.”

On Saturday, June 30, the Pokorski Motorsports team will return to The Plymouth Dirt Track with grandstands opening at 4:30 p.m., hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing slated to begin at 6 p.m.

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

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Quest Engineering Inc.

Pokorski Motorsports will like to welcome Quest Engineering of Richfield, Wis. as a new sponsor for the 2018 racing season.

Quest Engineering focuses solely on full overlay cabinetry and complimenting custom products, including kitchen, bath, closets, garage, entertainment and commercial casework projects.

Quest’s skilled team of customer advocates, product specialists, engineers, production managers and operations team rely on a continuous improvement philosophy to pave the road to success.

In late 2008, Quest Engineering made the move from a direct sales to a dealer sales model with an increased focused on its capacity as a manufacturer. Quest moved from its original facility in West Bend to a newly renovated production facility in Richfield in fall 2012.

Pokorski Motorsports invites you to contact Quest Engineering Inc. by phone at 262-334-4949 or by visiting www.questcabinets.com.

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

2018 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule

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

Friday, July 6 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, July 7 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

2018 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 10

MSA events – 9

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

Top Five A Main Finishes – 1

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 5

Heat Race Victories – 0

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Davis, Schlieper, Schumacher, Edler, Ruh shine in PDTR A-main action

Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee claimed his 18th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Sprint Car A-main victory at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on Saturday, June 23. – RC Custom Design pho

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(Plymouth, Wis.) June 23, 2018 – For one of the few times during the 2018 season, racers gathered for an evening of racing competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth without the possibility of rain in the forecast on Saturday, June 23.

The Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program featured 105 cars, including 37 B Mods, 25 Sprint Cars, 19 Late models, 19 Grand Nationals and five Micro Sprints, competing on a very tacky, wide and fast track for a program sponsored by Mayer Automotive.

The first A-main to take to the track was the Richard’s of Dunbar 360 Sprint Car event. 2010 PDTR Sprint Car champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee took the lead as the green flag waved and would not be passed during the 25-lap race.

Davis who has won more A-mains in this highly competitive Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car division than any other driver would taste victory for the 18^th time with PDTR and 54^th occasion with the Midwest Sprint Car Association.

Hometown driver Justin Miller of Plymouth quickly moved into second on lap four and chased Davis the rest of the distance. The leaders caught the back of the field on lap nine with Davis finding the outside groove to his liking. A caution flag on lap 10 tightened the field as Miller, Sprint Car rookie Travis Arenz of Sheboygan, Jim Melis of Glenbeulah and Kewaskum’s Shane Wenninger trailed Davis on the restart.

Melis showed the experience he has gained during his 37-year racing career and grabbed the second spot immediately. Soon Davis would enjoy a five-car length lead over Melis. However, that advantage disappeared when PDTR Sprint Car point leader and two-time PDTR Sprint Car champ Danny Schlafer of Sussex jumped the cushion in turn two and stopped against the wall.

On the restart, two cars touched in turn two setting off a scramble that included at least six cars. Several would need a tow to the pits before the race could resume.

Wenninger slipped past Miller into second following the restart. Meanwhile, Davis maintained his lead on the way to victory lane for the first time in A-main competition in 2018, followed by Wenninger, Miller, Plymouth’s Josh Walter and Tyler Brabant of Waupun.

In victory lane, Davis reminded everyone that he is racing this season in memory of his father, who passed away last year.

The Gasroots Project Late Model main event was won by part-time driver Dan Schlieper of Milwaukee, who started on the front row alongside Glenbuelah’s Tim Buhler. Cleveland’s Jim Schmidt jumped from his second row starting spot to challenge the leader.

A caution flag flew and slowed the very fast pace on a restart early in the race. Buhler restarted in third with Mitch McGrath of Waukesha and “top-gun” Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha in tow.

Soon McGrath moved into third with four-time and defending PDTR Late Model champion Brad Mueller of Random Lake fourth ahead of Scheffler. Drivers used every bit of the racing surface to set a blistering pace lap after lap.

On lap 19, McGrath and Schmidt dueled side by side, not far behind Schlieper and they battled that way to the checkered flag.

Schlieper held the lead the rest of the way to post his first career PDTR Late Model A-main triumph. Jim Schmidt placed second, followed by McGrath, Buhler and Justin Schmidt of Cleveland.

In victory lane Schlieper, after catching his breath, said he hadn’t driven since last season.

The Cellcom B-Mods would take to the track next featuring the 20 drivers, who made the cut from the strong field of 37 entrants

Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam and Shane Long of Sheboygan Falls lead the field to the start. Sheppard was first to turn one with Long and Bill Edler of Howards Grove side by side for second.

As Sheppard built a six-car length lead, the racers behind him were staging a fierce battle for position using every bit of the third-mile surface.

Third row starters Tim Warner from Malone and Tom Stark from Egg Harbor would stay right behind the leaders until former champion Justin Green of Sheboygan Falls passed Warner to move into fourth.

By the midway point in the race, Sheppard held the top spot with Long and Edler racing hard for position and several times making contact.

A yellow flag slowed the pace down on lap 16 and on the restart, Edler passed Sheppard on the inside in turn three with Stark following. Stark challenged Edler for the top spot in the closing laps, but Edler would not be denied.A short time later, Green would make a nifty low-side pass of Sheppard only to see him relinquish the spot when Sheppard came back on the outside.

Edler held on to post first PDTR B Mod A-main victory. Stark placed second with Sheppard third, Green fourth and Warner rounding out the top five.

The Klips & Tips sponsored Grand National A-main would be as exciting the previous events. Front row starters were Nick Schumacher of Eagle and Kurt Davis, still on a high from his Sprint Car victory.

Schumacher held the lead throughout in a race that never saw much distance between any of the competitors. Former PDTR Grand National champion Matt Yancey of Sheboygan again used the outside groove to gather a lot of speed and make his way into the top-five.

A lap nine caution would tighten the field with Schumacher ahead of Davis, Josh Pierce of Fredonia, Yancey and Plymouth driver Steven Weber.

Pierce moved outside the leader on lap 13, but the veteran Schumacher would not yield the point after a side-by-side battle. Tyler Kulow of Plymouth found his way into the top five a lap later as three-wide racing was featured.

Davis continued to challenge the leader with Pierce after him. after fading a bit, Yancey would mount another charge and move into second on lap 20 coming off turn four. Several late cautions slowed the pace, but under green the racing would be tight until Schumacher parked in victory lane with his first PDTR Grand National A-main win.

Yancey placed second, Davis was third, Pierce took fourth and Kulow rounded out the top five.

In the Kristine Hartman-Pleasant View Realty A-main, 2017 champion Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake would best the small field and posted his third career PDTR Micro Sprint A-main victory. Emily Portschy of Plymouth took second and Andy Rein of West Bend was third.

The Sprint Car B-main saw Bill Taylor from Kewaskum take the checkers in a race that saw rookie Chris Larson from Franksville flip in turn three on the final lap.

The large B Mod field featured two B-main events. Brandon Knepprath of Kewaskum and past track champion Brandon Berth of Cascade posted B Mod B-main victories.

In the third B Mod heat race, Brad Mueller driving for Travis Schmidt who was standing up in a wedding, went for a wild ride after it appeared something in the rear suspension failed. after turning over numerous times, the car came to a rest upside down with extensive damage, but Mueller would emerge uninjured.

The next PDTR program will take place on Saturday, June 30, featuring a salute to police, fire and EMS personnel. The racing program, which begins at 6 p.m., will be sponsored by the city of Sheboygan Falls Fire Department and include Late Model driver introductions.

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Adjustments produce solid showing for Pokorski Motorsports

Paul Pokorski posted his fourth top-10 A-main finish of the 2018 season in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, June 15. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 19, 2018 – A week of hard work in the shop paid off with another top-10 finish in A-main competition for Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team in 360 Sprint Car competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, June 15.

With 29 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars checked into the pit area for the special Friday night event featuring the Russ Scheffler Tribute Race in the PDTR Late Model division, Pokorski started third in the fourth Sprint Car heat race.

Pokorski ducked under Nich Melis to gain the third spot in turn three on the opening lap. On lap 5, Kurt Davis powered around Pokorski to briefly take over third. However, Pokorski battled back to regain the third position on lap 6 and held on the rest of the way to secure a spot in the 25-lap Sprint Car A main.

After rolling off 12^th in the Sprint Car main event, Pokorski settled into 10^th on lap 4 before advancing past two more cars along the high groove of the wide and racey track surface to take eighth on lap 11.

Following first caution flag of the event flew on lap 17, Pokorski fell back to 10^th place in the restart before another caution appeared on lap 18. On the second restart, Pokorski found hit his stride to streak past Justin Miller and Tony Wondra on lap 19 before passing Josh Walter on lap 21 and Brandon McMullen on lap 23 to secure a solid sixth-place finish.

“I didn’t get a very good start at the beginning of the A main and the dust made it hard to see the first couple of laps, but once we got spaced out a little, we got rolling and the end result was good,” Pokorski said. “We advanced six spots from where we started, but I think I lost at least three spots at the start, so we passed more cars than it would appear.”

After failing to finish in the top 10 for the first time this season in a PDTR/MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main event on June 9 at Plymouth, Pokorski credited the team’s fourth top-10 A-main finish of the year to a highly productive midweek brainstorming session in the shop.

“We tried something new this week,” Pokorski said. “Dave Schultz came down and spent Wednesday evening in the shop with me, experimenting and discussing a few new theories to try. It had an immediate positive effect. We have a new baseline to work off of now and few other things we will need to tweak and hopefully make things even better.”

The team was scheduled to take part in a Bank First Midwest Sprint Car Association event at TNT Speedway in Three Lakes on Saturday, June 16, but rain forced the race to be cancelled. The MSA will appear at TNT Speedway later in the season on Sunday, Aug. 19.

Pokorski Motorsports is now gearing up for a doubleheader weekend of action starting with a special Friday night Midwest Sprint Car Association event event at the Spring Lake Speedway in Unity on Friday, June 22.

Grandstand gates open at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 7 p.m. and racing beginning at 7:30 p.m.

On Saturday, June 23, the Pokorski Motorsports team will return to The Plymouth Dirt Track with grandstands opening at 4:30 p.m., hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing slated to begin at 6 p.m.

“I can’t wait for two straight days of racing this coming week,” Pokorski said. “I hope that our team and the other Bank First MSA teams can put on a good show for the fans at Spring Lake Speedway in Unity on Friday.”

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

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Quest Engineering Inc.

Pokorski Motorsports will like to welcome Quest Engineering of Richfield, Wis. as a new sponsor for the 2018 racing season.

Quest Engineering focuses solely on full overlay cabinetry and complimenting custom products, including kitchen, bath, closets, garage, entertainment and commercial casework projects.

Quest’s skilled team of customer advocates, product specialists, engineers, production managers and operations team rely on a continuous improvement philosophy to pave the road to success.

Pokorski Motorsports invites you to contact Quest Engineering Inc. by phone at 262-334-4949 or by visiting www.questcabinets.com.

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

2018 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule

Friday, June 22 – Spring Lake Speedway, Unity, Wis.

Saturday, June 23 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

Friday, July 6 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis.

Saturday, July 7 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

2018 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 8

MSA events – 7

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

Top Five A Main Finishes – 1

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 4

Heat Race Victories – 0

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Justin Schmidt scores big victory in PDTR Russ Scheffler Tribute Race

Justin Schmidt of Cleveland earned the $2,274 winner’s check for capturing the 30-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Russ Scheffler Late Model Tribute Race at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, June 15. – RC Custom Design photo

Ben Schmidt, Matt Loehr notch A-main triumphs before rain hits

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(Plymouth, Wis.) June 15, 2018 – Justin Schmidt of Cleveland collected the biggest victory of his seven-year Dirt Late Model racing career by capturing the 30-lap Russ Scheffler Tribute Race at The Plymouth Dirt Track Friday, June 15, at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

The special Friday night PDTR program honored the memory of Scheffler, who posted a PDTR record 92 race victories, including 45 A-main triumphs, in PDTR Late Model competition between 2005 and 2016, along with winning the PDTR Late Model title in 2007. Scheffler passed way in September 2017 at the age 54.

The event attracted a strong field of 28 Gasroots Project Late Model drivers from throughout the state of Wisconsin, who were vying for the $2,274 first-place check, along with extra purse money courtesy of several area businesses.

In the 25-lap PDTR Richard’s Supper Club and Motel of Dunbar 360 Sprint Car A main, Ben Schmidt of Howards Grove posted the victory and points leader Matt Loehr of Dotyville won the rain-shortened 10-lap Klips & Tips Grand National A main. Rain also forced the cancellation of the Cellcom B Mod A-main event.

Polesitter Tim Buhler of Greenbush took the lead at the drop of the green flag in the Russ Scheffler Tribute Race as Justin Schmidt, who started second, settled into the runner-up spot.

On lap 2, Schmidt charged in to pressure Buhler for the top spot. Two laps later, Schmidt swung around the 2016 PDTR Late Model champion to assume the top spot exiting turn 2.

Four laps later, 2014 PDTR Late Model champion Mitch McGrath of Waukesha, who started sixth, executed a low move to take third in turn three on lap 8. The first caution of the race appeared on lap 10 for debris in turn one.

On the restart, McGrath shot past Buhler along the high groove to assume second, while Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha, who started fifth, followed suit to charge into third place on lap 12.

Over the final 18 circuits, McGrath worked the top, bottom and middle of the track in an attempt to wrestle the lead away from Schmidt. However, Schmidt fended off each of McGrath’s challenges as the leaders began to work through lapped traffic over the final six laps.

On the final lap, McGrath mounted one final challenge along the low groove in heavy lapped traffic, but it fell just one car length short at the finish line.

Schmidt held on to post his eighth career PDTR Late Model A-main victory, including three of the first four A mains of the 2018 PDTR season, and pocket the big $2,274 Russ Schleffer Tribute Race first-place check.

McGrath had to settle for second, Nick Anvelink of Navarino put on a solid performance, charging from 10^th at the start to finish third, Taylor Scheffler placed fourth after starting fifth and Buhler rounded out the top five.

The first four laps of the 25-lap Sprint Car A main included a whirlwind of action as outside front row starter Justin Miller of Plymouth led the opening lap after polesitter Danny Schlafer of Sussex drifted high in turn one during the first lap.

On lap 2, PDTR Sprint Car rookie sensation Travis Arenz of Sheboygan, who started third, slipped past Miller to take over the top spot. Two laps later, Schmidt charged up from his outside third row starting spot to mount a challenge for the lead along the outside groove.

Schmidt then executed a daring outside pass of Arenz in turn two on lap 4 to assume the top spot. After a pair of caution flags on lap 17 and lap 18 for spins involving Plymouth’s Nich Melis, Waldo’s Chris Clayton and Waupun’s Tyler Brabant, Schlafer battled back to gain second on lap 19.

As the laps wound down, Schmidt maintained a solid full-straightaway margin over Schlafer en route to his ninth career PDTR Sprint Car A main victory and 24th overall Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main triumph of his career.

Schlafer finished second, Arenz wound up third, 2010 PDTR Sprint Car champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee finished fourth after starting eighth and Jim Melis of Glenbeulah, who started seventh, completed the top five.

Matt Loehr, who started on the outside of the front row, outpowered Appleton’s Jason Fish to take the lead in turn one of the opening lap of the Grand National A main.

After a caution on lap 3, two-time PDTR Grand National champion Don Sorce Jr. of West Allis, who started third, powered his way into the runner-up spot, while sixth starter Dan Sorce of West Allis followed into third place on lap 4.

As the wind picked up and rain storm approached, Loehr maintained the top spot over the next six laps until rain began to fall on lap 10, forcing the remainder of the race to be cancelled. Per PDTR rules, all A-main events that reach the 10-lap mark are considered complete giving Loehr his sixth career PDTR Grand National A-main victory.

Dan Sorce placed second, Sorce Jr. was third, fifth starter Roger Lee of Wind Lake took fourth and Fish rounded out the top five.

Justin Reed of Camp Point, Ill. was victorious in the Late Model B main. Tom Naeyaert of Shawano won the Late Model non-qualifier’s dash. Adam Miller of Plymouth captured the Sprint Car B main and Justin Bauer of Sheboygan Falls was victorious in the B Mod B main.

The special Friday night PDTR race program, which was sponsored by A-1 Appliance Repair, drew a total of 112 cars, including 28 Late Models, 29 Sprint Cars, 32 B Mods and 23 Grand Nationals.

The next PDTR program will take place on Saturday, June 23, beginning at 6 p.m. sponsored by Mayer Automotive and featuring B Mod driver introductions.

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

After snapping top-10 streak, Pokorski Motorsports focuses on doubleheader weekend

Paul Pokorski posted a 13th-place showing in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main on Saturday, June 9, at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 12, 2018 – Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team came into Plymouth Dirt Track Racing (PDTR) Sprint Car competition at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 9 riding the wave of three consecutive top-10 A-main showings.

However, the evening proved to be an uphill battle, which resulted in Pokorski racking up a 13^th-place showing in the PDTR Sprint Car A main to finish outside of the top 10 for the first time in Midwest Sprint Car Association (MSA) A-main action this season.

After starting sixth in the first Sprint Car heat race, Pokorski crossed the finish line fifth, which relegated him to the B main, where he rolled off fifth. The 2014 MSA Masters Series champion ran a steady race to finish fourth in the B Main and earn one of the six available transfer spots to the Sprint Car A main.

Pokorski began the 30-lap Sprint Car A main from the 20^th starting spot and gradually worked his way up through the field utilizing the outside groove of the third-mile clay oval.

Aided by a pair of caution periods, Pokorski managed to gain seven spots over the course of the event to record a 13^th-place finish in a race won by Kevin Karnitz.

“The track was a little heavier than normal and we struggled a bit,” Pokorski said. “We have some work to do this week to try and find some solutions.”

Pokorski Motorsports is gearing up for a doubleheader weekend of action starting with a special Friday night event at The Plymouth Dirt Track featuring the Russ Scheffler Tribute Race for the PDTR Late Model division on Friday, June 15. Pit gates will open at 4 p.m. with grandstands opening at 5:30 p.m. and racing slated to begin one hour later than normal at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, June 16, the Pokorski Motorsports team is slated to make its first appearance at TNT Speedway in Three Lakes, Wis. for a special Midwest Sprint Car Association event. Hot laps are scheduled to start at 5 p.m. with racing to begin at 6 p.m.

“I’m looking forward to TNT,” Pokorski said. “Hopefully it will be wide and racey. Two nights of racing, as long as things go well, is always fun.”

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

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Quest Engineering Inc.

Pokorski Motorsports will like to welcome Quest Engineering of Richfield, Wis. as a new sponsor for the 2018 racing season.

Quest Engineering focuses solely on full overlay cabinetry and complimenting custom products, including kitchen, bath, closets, garage, entertainment and commercial casework projects.

Quest’s skilled team of customer advocates, product specialists, engineers, production managers and operations team rely on a continuous improvement philosophy to pave the road to success.

Pokorski Motorsports invites you to contact Quest Engineering Inc. by phone at 262-334-4949 or by visiting www.questcabinets.com.

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

2018 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule

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

Saturday, June 16 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

Friday, June 22 – Spring Lake Speedway, Unity, Wis.

Saturday, June 23 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

2018 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 7

MSA events – 6

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

Top Five A Main Finishes – 1

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 3

Heat Race Victories – 0

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Karnitz, Schmidt, Yancey, Engebregtsen, Collins claim PDTR A-main triumphs

Kevin Karnitz of West Bend earned his second career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on Saturday, June 9. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(Plymouth, Wis.) June 9, 2018 – Overcast skies with a light mist at times kept the racing surface very fast for the 104 cars that gathered in the pits for a highly competitive night of Plymouth Dirt Track Racing action at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis., sponsored by WES Innovations LLC of Wisconsin on Saturday, June 9.

The fast and wide racing surface made for plenty of spirited side-by-side racing action, as well as some hard crashes.

In A-main action, Kevin Karnitz of West Bend took top honors in the Richard’s of Dunbar 360 Sprint Car main event, Justin Schmidt of Cleveland captured the Grasroots Project Late Model headliner, Matt Yancey from Sheboygan earned the triumph in the Klips & Tips Grand National feature event, Vince Engebregtsen of Algoma earned the victory in the Cellcom B Mod A main and Dave Collins of Lake Mills was the victor in the Kristine Hartmann Pleasant View Realty Micro Sprint feature race.

In the 30-lap Sprint Car A main, Chris Clayton of Waldo and Al Schlafer of Sussex were on the front row. As they charged into turn one, Clayton would be the leader. Past PDTR 360 Sprint Car champions Danny Schlafer of Sussex, Brandon McMullen of Plymouth and Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee were close behind the leader rounded out the top five competitors in the early going.

With Clayton setting a fast pace in front, the action behind him was intense. Davis and McMullen ran wing to wing before McMullen slipped ahead on the low side. Soon Karnitz would make his presence known by pressuring McMullen for second. By lap 11, Karnitz had secured the second spot just ahead of McMullen.

Meanwhile, 2011 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Ben Schmidt of Howards Grove, who started ninth, showed off his driving skill running outside line into the top five. On lap 16, the leaders caught the back of the field with Clayton holding off Karnitz, but a nifty move in turn one would send Karnitz to the lead with McMullen and Danny Schlafer in tow.

The action was slowed when Clayton’s car and another made contact in turn two resulting in front-end damage to his car, which ended his night.

With the restart tightening the field, a multi-car crash took place entering turn three, after it appeared a car slowed with a mechanical issue and cars went in all directions. The car of Al Schalfer flipped end over end before stopping on its side. After a few minutes, the veteran would immerge from the car and appeared uninjured, although shaken up.

The final laps saw plenty of action behind Karnitz, as Schmidt, McMullen and Danny Schlafer would swap positions.

Karnitz held on to post his second career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory and his third overall in Midwest Sprint Car Association competition. The victory was also the second in a row for Karnitz, who captured the most recent MSA A main at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie on Sunday, June 3. In victory lane, Karnitz gave credit to his pit crew for giving him the winning car.

Schmidt placed second, followed by McMullen in third, Danny Schlafer fourth and Davis, who rounded out the top five.

Justin Schmidt, who was a close second in the point’s standings entering the evening, would line up on the pole of the 25-lap Late Model A main, flanked by Turk Letizia of Milwaukee with four-time and defending PDTR Late Model champion Brad Mueller of Random Lake and Paul Parker of De Pere comprising second row.

Schmidt would grab the early lead and soon led Mueller by five car lengths, while Letizia and Parker engaged in a tight race close behind.

By lap 10, Mueller tracked down Schmidt to challenge for the lead. On lap 11, coming off turn four Mueller’s car jumped the cushion. The seasoned veteran would be able to keep his mount off the wall, but the bobble allowed Schmidt to build up a solid advantage.

By lap 12, Schmidt’s lead was seven lengths with Letizia and Parker following in nose-to-tail formation. On lap 14, the yellow flag waved for the stopped car of Zach Kessler.

On the restart, 2016 PDTR Late Model champ Tim Buhler of Glenbuelah lined up fifth and at the drop of the green, split the cars of Parker and Letizia to gain third.

The race would be stopped a lap later for an incident between Parker and Jim Schmidt of Cleveland, resulting in three cars sliding to a stop near the wall.

The next laps would see Buhler running low and Mueller high as they fought for the second spot. After a restart on lap 20, 2008 PDTR Late Model champion Bill Rezutek of Big Bend and Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha dueled for position side by side not far behind the leaders.

In the closing laps, Buhler and Mueller would continue running side by side and 2014 PDTR Late Model champ Mitch McGrath of Waukesha, who started the race 18^th, charged up to sixth.

Schmidt said he was glad he had a lead that allowed him to run his preferred line while the others had to race all over the track. For the Cleveland driver, it was his second A-main win three events this season at Plymouth and his seventh career PDTR Late Model A-main triumph.

Mueller had to settle for second, Buhler was third, Scheffler placed fourth and Rezutek rounded out the top five.

Justin Bauer of Sheboygan Falls took the initial lead in the 25-lap B-Mod main event. Gary Glander of Sheboygan Falls passed Bauer on the second circuit with defending PDTR B Mod champ Justin Green of Sheboygan Falls and Vince Engebregtsen right behind.

Engebregtsen would made a high side pass for the lead on lap 6 and would stay in front for the remainder of the race. Engebregtsen started lapping traffic by lap 10, while Glander would stay in second with Green, Rick Kretschmann of Sheboygan Falls and Glen Blanke of Sheboygan Falls rounding out the top five in the early going.

After several cautions, things settled down with Cody Eickberg of Plymouth and Travis Schmidt of Plymouth moving into the top five.

Engebregtsen and his family traveled from Algoma to The Plymouth Dirt Track for the first time and he was very happy in victory lane after notching his first career PDTR B Mod A-main victory.

Green wound up second, Glander was third, Kretschmann placed fourth and Eickberg rounded out the top five.

The 25-lap Grand National A-main event saw Sheboygan drivers Ryan Minster and Matt Yancey comprise the front row. Yancey, the 2008 PDTR Grand National champion, took the lead on the backstretch of the first lap. Luke Scholten of Oostburg, who was driving the Bender Racing car for Matt Loehr, made an outside pass for second place on lap 3.

A caution waved on lap 6 to keep the field tight. Yancey would maintain his lead, but could never put much distance on the hungry drivers close behind. Scholten made numerous attempts to get past the leader, but was unsuccessful.

Minster, Kurt Davis, Steven Weber of Plymouth and Tyler Kulow of Plymouth ran very close inside the top five to create suspense until the checkered flag flew. After a lap-23 caution, it was a two-lap dash to the finish with Yancey holding on to claim his fifth-career PDTR Grand National A-main victory.

Scholten finished second, Kulow was third, Minister took fourth and Weber wound up fifth.

The 15-lap Micro Sprint main event went to Dave Collins in a race that saw several leaders have problems.

Defending PDTR Micro Sprint champion Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake had the lead until he spun out, turning the lead over to 14-year-old Jack Vanderboom of Dousman.

All appeared well for Vanderboom until his car stopped and the lead was turned over to Collins, who started the race fifth. Emily Portschy of Plymouth chased Collins to the finish before ending up second. Ruh came back to get third ahead of Jake Dohner of Janesville and Vanderboom.

Anthony Knierim of Franksville won the Sprint Car B-Main; The two B-Mod B-mains went to Tim Shepard of Beaver Dam and Mark Hoeppner of Rubicon. In the third Sprint Car heat race, Adam Miller from Plymouth escaped injury when contact with another car sent his machine on a wild series of flips.

The race program saw 36 B-Mods, 28 Sprint Cars, 18 Late Models, 17 Grand Nationals and 5 Micro Sprints take to the third-mile Plymouth Dirt Track facility.

PDTR would like to thank Hagar Nelson for once again sponsoring his cash giveaway, providing an opportunity for drivers to take home extra cash.

This Friday, June 15, PDTR will hold a special Friday night event paying tribute to former Late Model champion Russ Scheffler, who passed away last September. The event will feature a special 30-lap Late Model A-main paying $2,274 to the winner and $300 to start. Grandstand gates open at 5 p.m. with racing set to begin at 7 p.m.

The PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, B-Mods and Grand Nationals will also be in action for the Friday night program, which is sponsored by A1 Appliance.

There will be no racing at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, June 16.

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Pokorski Motorsports racks up third straight top-10 showing

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 7, 2018 – Paul Pokorski and his Pokorski Motorsports team emerged from a scheduled doubleheader weekend of Midwest Sprint Car Association competition by adding a third straight top-10 A-main finish to its 2018 racing resume.

The planned two-race weekend began Saturday, June 2, with 30 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Sprint Cars signed in at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. However, the program fell victim to rain just prior to the start of the PDTR Sprint Car A-main.

The team came back the next day to record its third consecutive top-10 A-main finish by placing eighth in the 25-lap MSA 360 Sprint Car main event at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, June 3.

After starting fourth in the first PDTR Sprint Car heat race on Saturday at Plymouth, Pokorski raced into third place on the opening lap before Scott Conger slipped past to push the 2014 MSA Masters Series champion to fourth.

Pokorski regrouped to power around Emily Portschy in turn four on lap 8 to secure a third-place finish in the 10-lap heat race.

After passing points were tallied, Pokorski was scheduled to start the 25-lap PDTR Sprint Car A-main from the pole position. However, mother nature had other plans as a heavy rain shower hit the track just as cars were being pushed off for the Sprint Car A main, forcing the remainder of the program to be cancelled.

With 27 MSA Sprint Cars on hand on Sunday at Angell Park, Pokorski started third in the second MSA heat race. The West Bend driver worked past Jordan Mattson to seize second in turn one of the opening lap. Pokorski ran a steady race the rest of the way to finish second to MSA rookie Travis Arenz.

After starting fifth in the 25-lap MSA A main, Pokorski settled into fourth place in the opening laps before Arenz flipped on the backstretch to bring out a caution on lap 6.

On the restart, Pokorski got shuffled back to seventh in turn three on lap 7 before making a sweeping move past Scott Conger and Ben Schmidt to climb back to fifth in turn 1 on lap 8.

The second and final caution appeared on lap 10 when Adam Miller encountered motor problems while running second. After lining up fourth on the restart, Pokorski fell back to sixth when Brandon McMullen and Ben Schmidt got by on lap 11.

As the laps wound down, Kurt Davis gained a spot on Pokorski and Lance Fassbender edged past at the finish line as the Pokorski Motorsports machine was scored eighth in a race won by Kevin Karnitz.

Pokorski Motorsports is set to return to the Plymouth Dirt Track this Saturday, June 9 for an extended 30-lap PDTR Sprint Car A main, featuring Sprint Car driver introductions.

The grandstand will open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing set to begin at 6 p.m.

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

Pokorski Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Quest Engineering Inc.

Pokorski Motorsports will like to welcome Quest Engineering of Richfield, Wis. as a new sponsor for the 2018 racing season.

Quest Engineering focuses solely on full overlay cabinetry and complimenting custom products, including kitchen, bath, closets, garage, entertainment and commercial casework projects.

Quest’s skilled team of customer advocates, product specialists, engineers, production managers and operations team rely on a continuous improvement philosophy to pave the road to success.

Pokorski Motorsports invites you to contact Quest Engineering Inc. by phone at 262-334-4949 or by visiting www.questcabinets.com.

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

2018 Pokorski Motorsports Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, June 9 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

Saturday, June 16 – TNT Speedway, Three Lakes, Wis.

Friday, June 22 – Spring Lake Speedway, Unity, Wis.

Saturday, June 23 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

2018 Pokorski Motorsports By The Numbers

Total Events – 6

MSA events – 5

IRA events – 1

A Main Victories – 0

Top Five A Main Finishes – 1

Top 10 A Main Finishes – 3

Heat Race Victories – 0

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson