News - Page 5 of 32 - Pedal Down Promotions

Arenz corrals IRA top-10 at Cedar Lake Speedway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz posted his second top-10 A-main finish of the 2024 season with an eighth place showing in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A main at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, May 4. – Kulas Jr. Racing Images

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 8, 2024 – With fast and undulating track conditions demanding a cowboy-up driving style, Travis Arenz wrangled his Travis Arenz Motorsports 25T machine to stay as straight and smooth as possible in reining in his second top-10 showing of the young 2024 campaign in Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main competition at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Saturday, May 4.

With rain wreaking havoc on the three-eighths mile clay oval racing surface in the days and hours leading up to the second event of the 2024 IRA campaign, Arenz successfully negotiated the highly tacky and challenging track surface to qualify seventh in the 25-car field with a lap of 11.108 seconds.

After starting second in the second eight-lap IRA heat race, the 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion came home third.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver, who was making his Cedar Lake Speedway debut, turned in a fourth-place showing after lining up third in the first four-lap IRA dash to gain the seventh starting spot in the 30-lap main event.

Arenz moved into the top five in the opening laps of the A main, as he managed to stay connected with the leaders’ frantic pace, while keeping his car as stable as possible on the rapid, demanding and uneven track surface.

As the laps wound down, Arenz surrendered three positions on the way to an eighth-place finish, which marked his second top-10 A-main showing of the 2024 IRA season.

“With the track conditions we had, I pretty much went completely opposite of what a normal night consists of with both set-up and driving approach,” Arenz said. “Being in the dash helped with more track time and getting the car better for the rough surface. The A main definitely did not go as planned. While struggling with the car, I tired myself out, honestly, and started missing my marks at the end of the race.”

The team was scheduled to participate in the IRA series’ debut appearance at Ogilvie Speedway in Ogilvie, Minn. on Friday, May 3. However, rain washed out the event.

On Saturday, May 11, Arenz and the 25T team will follow the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series to the Sycamore Speedway in Maple Park, Ill. Arenz will be looking to equal a strong runner-up showing in his first Sycamore Speedway appearance in IRA A-main action on June 10, 2023.

The Badger Midgets and IRA Lightning Sprints are also on the card.

Qualifying is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. with racing at 7:30 p.m.

All 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

The 2024 Travis Arenz Motorsports sponsorship partners include Professional Plating Inc., Service One Transportation Inc., Don and Lynn Kiel, Oostburg Concrete, Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Schoen’s Wildlife Removal, Premier Insurance Solutions-Craig Ladwig, Carbliss Hand Crafted Cocktails, Pallet Works, Lake Auto Glass and Service, Roth’s Auto Restoration, Hair Fellers Barbershop, Fastenal of Plymouth, Jensen’s Sales and Service, Amy Bruechert Reality, Duehring’s Tax Service, Everhope Show Cattle, Sonntag Plumbing Inc., Kriete Truck Center and Arenz Auto Detailing.

The 2024 Travis Arenz Motorsports team consists of pit crew members Jerrod Gamb, Cameron Fritz, Bobby Bonelli, Jake Van Engen, Keith Fellner and Emily Stadler.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Don and Lynn Kiel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don loves to say, “It’s pretty cool when your vocation and avocation are one in the same!”

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, May 11 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)
Saturday, May 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 19 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 25 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 26 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Statistics

Total Events – 2
IRA Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 2
Heat Race Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 2
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

May 8, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Smith, Thomas tally triumphs in rain-shortened PDTR season opener

Wet weather washes out Sprint Car main events

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

T.J. Smith of Greenville picked up his second career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Oostburg Automotive Grand National A-main victory during the 2024 PDTR season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, April 27. – JW’s Car and Racing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 27, 2024 – On an evening hampered by on-and-off rain showers, Plymouth Dirt Track Racing fired up the 2024 racing season in truncated fashion at a damp Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, April 27.

After pressing through two separate rain delays, the third round of rain coupled with lightning brought the program to an early close with two of the four scheduled A-mains managing to make it to the checkered flag.

T.J. Smith of Greenville skillfully negotiated a slew of slower traffic to become the first Plymouth Dirt Track Racing A-main victor of the 2024 campaign in the 25-lap Oostburg Automotive Grand National main event.

In his first career appearance at The Plymouth Dirt Track, PDTR rookie Cole Thomas of Franklin delivered a standout debut performance on the way to victory in the Sheboygan Flooring 25-lap B Mod A main.

The first rain delay came shortly after the completion of the heat race competition in each of the four divisions. After the track was worked back into racing condition for the Grand National main event, the ensuing B Mod A main was halted for another rain shower on lap eight.

Another round of track manicuring during the second rain delay resulted in the completion of the B Mod main event. However, rain hit the track for a third time as the 106.5 The Buzz Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars pushed off for A-main action, which led to the cancellation of the remainder of the season-opening racing program.

As a result, points and payout were evenly divided among the scheduled A-main starters in the Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car and the Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car divisions.

Outside front row starter T.J. Smith outdueled polesitter Brad Weiss of Cascade to take the lead of the 25-lap PDTR Grand National A main in turn two of the opening lap. Smith promptly built up a solid cushion at the head of the pack in the early going as fourth starter Dustin Weiss of Iron Ridge and Brad Weiss settled into second and third respectively.

On lap four, Smith already found himself negotiating slower traffic while maintaining a quarter-straightaway lead over Dustin Weiss. Four laps later, defending Grand National division co-champion Will Sorce of Franklin, who started third, slipped past Brad Weiss to assume third in the running order.

Smith got held up among a gaggle of slower cars on lap 11, which allowed Dustin Wess and Sorce to move in to challenge for the top spot. After Smith recovered to maintain a solid advantage, another swarm of lapped cars nearly caused the second-year PDTR 360 Sprint Car competitor and infrequent PDTR Grand National racer to surrender the lead as Dustin Weiss charged in to briefly duck underneath Smith in turn two on lap 21.

Once again, Smith rebounded to retain the top spot on the way to his second career PDTR Grand National A-main victory in the caution-free race, which was completed in a swift six minutes and fifty-six seconds.

Dustin Weiss had to settle for second, Sorce placed third, 2022 PDTR Grand National champion Luke Scholten of Oostburg, who started 10th, charged up to place fourth and two-time and defending PDTR Grand National champion Brian Gilles of Plymouth moved up from the 12th starting position to finish fifth.

Outside front row starter Cole Thomas got the jump on polesitter Brandon Knepprath of Boltonville to lead the opening lap of the B Mod A main. On lap 3, the first of four caution flags appeared when ninth starter Travis Schmidt of Plymouth spun in turn three.

In his debut appearance at The Plymouth Dirt Track, Cole Thomas of Franklin earned his first career PDTR Sheboygan Flooring B Mod A-main triumph on Saturday, April 27. – JW’s Car and Racing Photos

Thomas controlled the ensuing restart with Knepprath holding down second and third starter Rory Welch of Plymouth running in third. Steve Lorier of Sheboygan, who started sixth, overtook Welch for third before the second caution was displayed for the stalled car of Hunter Larson of Oshkosh along the front stretch wall.

Following the next restart, Lorier moved past Knepprath into the runner-up spot as Thomas bolted away from the field. After two more cautions slowed the pace on lap 7 and lap 8, the first rain delay of the evening took hold.

After the completion of track restoration work, Thomas continued undeterred as he bolted away from the pack while seventh starter Barrett Hummelmeier of Beaver Dam powered past Lorier to take over second on lap nine.

Thomas, who has competed primarily on asphalt during his racing career, built up a big half-lap lead over Hummelmeier by lap 17 and weaved his way through slower traffic over the final five laps on the way to his first career PDTR B Mod A-main victory.

Hummelmeier placed second, Lorier wound up third, Travis Schmidt rebounded from his lap 3 spin to place fourth and Knepprath rounded out the top five.

T.J. Haddy of Waupun turned the overall fastest lap in Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car hot lap-heat race group qualifying in 12.883 seconds.

John Fahl of Brown Deer claimed the fast qualifier award in the 106.5 The Buzz Autometer Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car division with a lap of 13.755 seconds.

The first event of the 2024 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by Vesta accounting, wealth, and financial advisory firm drew a total of 81 entries, including 23 PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, 23 Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars, 20 Grand Nationals and 15 B Mods.

The next Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, May 4 will feature the 2024 Seubert Calf Ranches Super Six Late Model Series season opener, along with PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals and B Mods.

Earlier start times will again be in place with pit gates opening at 2 p.m. grandstand gates opening at 4 p.m. and racing beginning at 5 p.m.

Weather information for all Plymouth Dirt Track Racing events will be posted on the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram pages, as well as the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing website – www.plymouthdtr.com.

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

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): Rained Out

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 24-Scott Conger [2]; 2. 69S-TJ Smith [1]; 3. 22B-Brandon Berth [3]; 4. 7-Lance Fassbender [4]; 5. 25-Danny Schlafer [5]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra [7]; 7. 46-Steven Ruh [8]; 8. 66T-Tristan Koenings [6]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [2]; 2. 21H-TJ Haddy [4]; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [1]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [3]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson [5]; 6. 52-Cody Schlafer [8]; 7. 12P-JJ Pagel [6]; 8. 54-Randy Post [7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 4-Alex Pokorski [2]; 2. 09-Clayton Rossmann [4]; 3. 33-Josh Bilicki [1]; 4. 69-Bill Taylor [3]; 5. 30-Doug Wondra [5]; 6. 51-Chris Larson [7]; 7. 53A-Spyder Akright [6]

Qualifying Heat Race Group 1 (3 Laps): 1. 7-Lance Fassbender, 13.050 [3]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth, 13.098 [2]; 3. 24-Scott Conger, 13.296 [5]; 4. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.341 [1]; 5. 25-Danny Schlafer, 13.343 [7]; 6. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 13.365 [4]; 7. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.433 [6]; 8. 46-Steven Ruh, 13.459 [8]

Qualifying Heat Race Group 2 (3 Laps): 1. 21H-TJ Haddy, 12.883 [7]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 12.905 [5]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt, 12.954 [6]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.008 [3]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson, 13.186 [4]; 6. 52-Cody Schlafer, 13.328 [8]; 7. 12P-JJ Pagel, 13.965 [1]; 8. 54-Randy Post, 14.109 [2]

Qualifying Heat Race Group 3 (3 Laps): 1. 09-Clayton Rossmann, 12.898 [4]; 2. 69-Bill Taylor, 12.923 [2]; 3. 4-Alex Pokorski, 13.070 [5]; 4. 33-Josh Bilicki, 13.192 [7]; 5. 30-Doug Wondra, 13.214 [6]; 6. 53A-Spyder Akright, 13.240 [3]; 7. 51-Chris Larson, 13.833 [1]

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 69-TJ Smith [2]; 2. 53W-Dustin Weiss [4]; 3. 14X-Will Sorce [3]; 4. 80-Luke Scholten [10]; 5. 89-Brian Gilles [12]; 6. 5M-Jeff Muehlbauer [11]; 7. 23-Scott Kafka [7]; 8. 55-Tony Miller [5]; 9. 95-Donny Kulow [14]; 10. 15-Derek Kaat [13]; 11. 54-Austin Yancey [18]; 12. 24K-Tyler Kulow [9]; 13. 14-Benjamin Mccoy [17]; 14. (DNF) 35-Jared Weiss [16]; 15. (DNF) 52W-Jack Wiroll [8]; 16. (DNF) 23B-Trent Bogart [15]; 17. (DNF) 53B-Brad Weiss [1]; 18. (DNF) 5MM-Nate Ruh [6]; 19. (DNS) 34-Steven Weber; 20. (DNS) 6-Dick Hed

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 53W-Dustin Weiss [2]; 2. 80-Luke Scholten [1]; 3. 14X-Will Sorce [4]; 4. 5M-Jeff Muehlbauer [5]; 5. 15-Derek Kaat [6]; 6. 23B-Trent Bogart [7]; 7. (DNF) 6-Dick Hed [3]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 24K-Tyler Kulow [1]; 2. 89-Brian Gilles [2]; 3. 52W-Jack Wiroll [3]; 4. 23-Scott Kafka [4]; 5. 95-Donny Kulow [5]; 6. 35-Jared Weiss [6]; 7. 54-Austin Yancey [7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 5MM-Nate Ruh [2]; 2. 69-TJ Smith [4]; 3. 53B-Brad Weiss [5]; 4. 55-Tony Miller [3]; 5. 34-Steven Weber [1]; 6. 14-Benjamin Mccoy [6]

SHEBOYGAN FLOORING B MODS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 91-Cole Thomas [2]; 2. 33H-Barrett Hummelmeier [7]; 3. 66-Steve Lorier [6]; 4. 3-Travis Schmidt [9]; 5. 17-Brandon Knepprath [1]; 6. 9-Hunter Larson [5]; 7. 59S-Spencer Long [11]; 8. 73-Rory Welch [3]; 9. 11B-Brad Buckman [12]; 10. 2-Joe Shelby [13]; 11. (DNF) 19-Parker Glander [10]; 12. (DNF) 11S-Zachary Schmidt [8]; 13. (DNF) 22M-Barry Maas [4]; 14. (DNF) 31W-Kelan Wolfe [14]; 15. (DNS) 25-Jim Fischer

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 17-Brandon Knepprath [1]; 2. 66-Steve Lorier [3]; 3. 22M-Barry Maas [8]; 4. 19-Parker Glander [2]; 5. 73-Rory Welch [5]; 6. 59S-Spencer Long [4]; 7. 11B-Brad Buckman [6]; 8. 2-Joe Shelby [7]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 91-Cole Thomas [2]; 2. 3-Travis Schmidt [1]; 3. 33H-Barrett Hummelmeier [5]; 4. 9-Hunter Larson [3]; 5. 11S-Zachary Schmidt [4]; 6. 25-Jim Fischer [7]; 7. 31W-Kelan Wolfe [6]

106.5 THE BUZZ AUTOMETER WISCONSIN WINGLESS SPRINT CAR SERIES

A Main (20 Laps): Rained Out

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 50-Rusty Egan [3]; 2. 40-Tim Cox [5]; 3. 0-John Fahl [4]; 4. 38-Allen Hafford [2]; 5. 14Z-Ryan Zielski [6]; 6. 7-Trinity Uttech [7]; 7. 29OG-Tom Eller [1]; 8. (DNS) 17-Bryce Andrews

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 7X-Ryan Marshall [2]; 2. 91-Jimmy Sivia [4]; 3. 23Z-Zach Raidart [3]; 4. 70H-Tate Hensley [1]; 5. 11-Austin Hansen [5]; 6. 29J-Ralph Johnson [6]; 7. 4G-George Gaertner III [7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 70-Chris Klemko [2]; 2. 57F-Tristan Furseth [3]; 3. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse [4]; 4. 7D-Josh Davidson [6]; 5. 13A-Dave Wallace [7]; 6. (DNF) 99J-Seth Johnson [1]; 7. (DNF) 4L-Lance Thompson [5]

Qualifying: 1. 0-John Fahl, 13.755 [2]; 2. 91-Jimmy Sivia, 13.816 [7]; 3. 711-Tyler Kuxhouse, 13.849 [13]; 4. 50-Rusty Egan, 13.897 [3]; 5. 23Z-Zach Raidart, 13.941 [19]; 6. 57F-Tristan Furseth, 13.977 [10]; 7. 38-Allen Hafford, 14.016 [4]; 8. 7X-Ryan Marshall, 14.027 [12]; 9. 70-Chris Klemko, 14.046 [8]; 10. 29OG-Tom Eller, 14.136 [6]; 11. 70H-Tate Hensley, 14.200 [1]; 12. 99J-Seth Johnson, 14.249 [16]; 13. 40-Tim Cox, 14.254 [22]; 14. 11-Austin Hansen, 14.280 [20]; 15. 4L-Lance Thompson, 14.411 [21]; 16. 14Z-Ryan Zielski, 14.435 [9]; 17. 29J-Ralph Johnson, 14.485 [11]; 18. 7D-Josh Davidson, 14.496 [5]; 19. 7-Trinity Uttech, 14.616 [18]; 20. 4G-George Gaertner III, 15.264 [17]; 21. (DNF) 13A-Dave Wallace [14]; 22. (DNF) 17-Bryce Andrews [15]

April 28, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz starts 2024 IRA opener quick, finishes up front at Beaver Dam Raceway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. racked up fast qualifier honors and posted a sixth-place A-main showing in the 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association season opener at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 20. – KulasJr8 Racing Images

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 24, 2024 – After completing his first full season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series as a top-three points performer and a night-in and night-out contender for race victories and podium finishes in 2023, Travis Arenz picked up right where he left off a year ago in the 2024 IRA season opener contested on a chilly spring evening at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 20.

Arenz, who placed third in the 2023 IRA point standings in his rookie campaign with the series, opened his second full season of IRA competition by ripping off his first career 410 Sprint Car fast qualifier award, as he topped the 30-car field with a fast lap of 13.650 seconds on the high-banked, third-mile clay oval.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion rolled off fourth in the first 10-tap IRA heat race before recording a fifth-place showing to secure a spot in a second four-lap IRA dash.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver started second and finished second to earn the right to start fourth in the 30-lap IRA headliner. Arenz used a good start to settle into third behind the second-place car of two-time IRA champion Jake Blackhurst and leader Scotty Thiel in the early going.

Arenz stuck tight to the preferred inside lane of the delicate track surface throughout the majority of the race. After eventual race winner Tim Estenson, Mike Reinke and Danny Schlafer slipped past during the second half of the main event, Arenz held strong to secure a solid sixth-place A-main finish to open up the 2024 IRA campaign.

“The track was very technical and we were one of the last cars to qualify, so I wasn’t sure how far to tighten the car,” Arenz said. “To our surprise when I came back from the scales we were second quick. Then my crew kept receiving texts congratulating us on quick time. We were confused and found out there was a disqualification, which granted us quick time. This was definitely how we wanted to start our season, after struggling a lot in qualifying last year. Hopefully, we can keep the momentum going.

“The track was difficult to read all night,” he said. “It was one of those tracks you throw the kitchen sink at and hope it’s not too much. You have to be mindful of your surroundings and make adjustments to your driving style as the race progresses. We did end up going backwards in the A-main, but for the first night of the season and getting back in the swing of things with some new equipment, I don’t have too many complaints.”

The Travis Arenz Motorsports Team was slated to open the 2024 IRA campaign at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis. on Friday, April 19. However, cold and wet weather forced the event to be postponed and rescheduled for Friday, Sept. 27.

The team is scheduled to take the upcoming weekend off before resuming the 2024 IRA scheduled with the series’ debut appearance at Ogilvie Speedway in Ogilvie, Minn. on Friday, May 3, which will include support from the WISSOTA Midwest Mods and WISSOTA Mod Four divisions.

On Saturday, May 4, the team will head to Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. for the Sprint Open Wheel Spectacular, which will also include UMSS Traditional Sprint Car and UMSS Limited Winged Sprint Car divisions.

Hot laps will begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing listed as starting at 6 p.m.

The 2024 Travis Arenz Motorsports team consists of pit crew members Jerrod Gamb, Cameron Fritz, Bobby Bonelli, Jake Van Engen, Keith Fellner and Emily Stadler.

All 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Professional Plating

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, May 3 – Ogilvie Raceway, Ogilvie, Minn. (IRA)
Saturday, May 4 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 11 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 Statistics

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

April 24, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann mounts plus-10 A-main rally in 2024 IRA curtain-raiser

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann advanced 10 positions to earn a 12th place A-main finish in the 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series opener at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 20. – KulasJr8 Racing Images

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 24, 2024 – Following three consecutive race cancellations due to uncooperative spring weather conditions, Austin Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing Team finally got the 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series season off the ground in front of a chilled contingent of hearty fans for the inaugural Wisconsin Triple Crown event at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 20.

With air temperatures hovering in the mid-30s, Hartmann fired up his third full season of IRA competition by qualifying 16^th in the 30-car field with a lap of 14.469 seconds around the high-banked third-mile clay oval.

After lining up sixth in the first eight-lap IRA heat race, the Plymouth, Wis. driver lost one spot to place seventh and just miss gaining an automatic A-main transfer position.

Hartmann then started second and came home fourth in the 10-lap B main to nail down the 22^nd starting position in the 30-lap Wisconsin Triple Crown IRA main event.

The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Rookie of the Year Award recipient utilized a smooth, patient and consistent driving approach to negotiate a tricky track surface and push his 87A machine forward 10 spots to secure a 12^th-place A-main finish in a race won by first-time IRA victor Tim Estenson.

“I put our team behind the eight ball during qualifying,” Hartmann said. “I didn’t want to make any excuses, so we had to work a little bit harder after that. During the feature, we planned to get the car balanced enough so I could run anywhere on the track. We hit the setup good for the first 15-20 laps and we were able to pass some cars. The car got tighter during the end of the race, making it hard to hold the bottom. Luckily, there was enough moisture throughout the middle of the track, which allowed me to pass through traffic. Overall, we pulled out of a hole and managed to save the night with a decent finish.”

The team was slated to open the 2024 IRA campaign at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis. on Friday, April 19. However, cold and wet weather forced the event to be postponed and rescheduled for Friday, Sept. 27.

The 87A Hartmann Racing Team is scheduled to take the upcoming weekend off before resuming the 2024 Bumper to Bumper IRA schedule with the series’ debut appearance at Ogilvie Speedway in Ogilvie, Minn. on Friday, May 3, which will feature support from the WISSOTA Midwest Mods and WISSOTA Mod Four divisions.

Hot laps will begin at 5:30 p.m. with racing listed as starting at 6 p.m.

All Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association events will be streamed live on FloRacing during the 2024 season.

The sponsorship partners for the 2024 87A Hartmann Racing team include Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Competition Specialists, Feldmann Sales & Service, Holler n Hills, Quasius Construction Inc., TheD8Dispensary, AF Inc., Metalcraft, Rich’s Truck and Auto Repair, Fastenal of Plymouth, Waldo Oil, RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Maxim Chassis, Berryman Racing Shocks and My Race Pass.

The 2024 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Eric Bergschultz, Ian Schultz, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham and Kristine Hartmann.

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Shufflebotham Tree Service

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

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

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, May 3 – Ogilvie Raceway, Ogilvie, Minn. (IRA)
Saturday, May 4 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 11 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Statistics

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

April 24, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz aims to run it back with IRA in 2024

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. is set to embark on another season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in 2024. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 16, 2024 – In his first full season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series, Travis Arenz wasted no time entrenching himself among the top competitors in the series throughout a highly successful 2023 rookie campaign.

The 2021 and 2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion put together a season packed with standout performances, including his first career IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory at his home track – The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on July 1, 2023.

Despite suffering motor problems in the final month of the 2023 season, the Sheboygan Falls, Wis. racer piled up a total of 12 top-five and 15 top-10 A-main showings, while also notching three heat race victories, seven dash appearances and two dash victories in a total of 28 410 Sprint Car events last year.

After earning an impressive third place showing in the final 2023 Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series point standings, Arenz picked up the Sage Fruit-Hepfner Racing Products Apple Cup Award for finishing as the second-highest point-earning IRA rookie driver last season.

“I learned a lot in my rookie season with the IRA,” Arenz said. “I’m proud of what we accomplished last season with the small budget we had compared to others that we race with.”

Arenz, who owns a total of 71 career A-main victories in four different divisions (410 Sprint Car, 360 Sprint Car, Sport Mod and 4-Clylinder) as well as the 2013 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Outlaw Compact 4-Cylinder title and 2016 141 Speedway Northern Sport Mod championship, is looking forward to returning to IRA competition in 2024.

“Our plan at this point is to run the IRA schedule again this year,” he said. “I want to thank all of the sponsors, as well as the new and returning crew members who have stepped up to give us the opportunity to run with the IRA.”

Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports Team are preparing to open the 2024 IRA campaign at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis. for the IRA Spring Sizzler Presented by Kickass Beef Jerky on Friday, April 19.

Also on the card are Modifieds, USRA B Mods and USRA Hobby Stocks.

Pit gates open at 4 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 5:30 p.m., followed by hot laps at 6:45 p.m., IRA qualifying at 7 p.m. and opening ceremonies at 7:15 p.m.

The following night, the team will compete in the IRA Spring Trifecta at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. with pit gates open at 2:30 p.m. and spectator gates opening at 3:30 p.m. with racing at 5:30 p.m.

The Dirt Kings Late Model Series and Badger Midgets will join the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series for the three-division program.

The 2024 Travis Arenz Motorsports team consists of pit crew members Jerrod Gamb, Cameron Fritz, Bobby Bonelli, Jake Van Engen, Keith Fellner and Emily Stadler.

All 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Service One Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
2024 IRA Schedule

Friday, April 19 – Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, April 20 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, May 3 – Ogilvie Raceway, Ogilvie, Minn. (IRA)
Saturday, May 4 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 11 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)
Saturday, May 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 19 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 25 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 26 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, June 9 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 15 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Thursday, June 20 – Lincoln Park Speedway, Putnamville, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Friday, June 21 – Bloomington Speedway, Bloomington, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Saturday, June 22 – Tri-State Speedway, Haubstadt, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Sunday, June 23 – Terre Haute Action Track, Terre Haute, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Friday, June 28 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 29 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Thursday, July 18 – Norman County Raceway, Ada, Minn. (IRA-Red River SS)
Friday, July 19 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, N.D. (IRA-NOSA)
Saturday, July 20–River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, N.D. (IRA-NOSA)
Friday, July 26 – Dodge County Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, July 27 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 17 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Aug. 18 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 24 – To Be Determined (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 31 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Sept. 1 – The Hill Raceway, Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Sept. 6 – Gondik Law Speedway, Superior, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 14 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 28 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
Final 2023 Statistics

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Career Highlights
2008-2023

Total Career A Main Victories – 71
Outlaw Compact 4-Cylinder A Main Victories – 20
IMCA Northern Sport Mod/B Mod A Main Victories – 20
MSA/PDTR 360 Sprint Car A Main Victories – 30
IRA 410 Sprint Car A Main Victories – 1
2013 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Outlaw Compact 4-Cylinder Champion
2016 141 Speedway Northern Sport Mod Champion
2021 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Champion
2021 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Champion
2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Champion
2022 Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Champion
2023 Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Apple Cup Rookie Award

April 16, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Children’s book author Karen Meyer unveils ‘Papa Bear’s Fence’

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 11, 2024 – To commemorate her 10^th year of creating children’s books designed to capture the imagination of the entire family, Plymouth, Wis. Author Karen Meyer has released “Papa Bear’s Fence” as her 16^th book publication.

Published through Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis., Meyer’s whimsical new children’s picture book showcases Meyer’s engaging storytelling coupled with the vivid hand-drawn illustrations of Joan Graven.

“‘Papa Bear’s Fence’ is the story of a bear family and their efforts to work together to protect their house after reading in the newspaper about a girl who went into a bear family’s house and caused trouble,” Meyer said. “Most of my picture books offer humor for adults and pictures and stories for children. ‘Papa Bear’s Fence’ is a book for the whole family.”

Meyer says writing children’s books has allowed her to utilize her love of writing to help entertain her grandchildren.

“Papa Bear’s Fence” author Karen Meyer

“My introduction to writing was from high school writing assignments,” Meyer said. “The teacher encouraged me to continue writing.

“When our grandson was seven, he asked us if hyenas were real,” she said. “We took him to the zoo. There were two hyenas who offered a number of different poses. I took pictures. A few years later, I put captions under selected poses and wrote a sweet family hyena story, ‘Hootch’, which was published in 2015.”

Meyer has excelled in the children’s book genre since debuting “Hootch” nine years ago.

“Papa Bear’s Fence” illustrator Joan Graven

“I have released picture books for young children and chapter books for tweens over the years,” Meyer said. “A medieval knight story is waiting to be published, and I’m presently writing a romantic comedy for adult readers.

“Writing books gives me an opportunity to use my imagination,” she said. “I also enjoy connecting with readers.”

For more information on Karen Meyer and how to order her new book, “Papa Bear’s Fence,” visit www.karenmeyerbooks.com, www.amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

For more information on “Papa Bear’s Fence” publisher Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com or call 920-323-7970.

April 11, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann pushes off 2024 campaign with Farmington top-10 run

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann earned a seventh place-showing in a 25-lap 410 Sprint Car A main at Farmington Empire Speedway in Farmington, Mo. on Saturday, April 6. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 10, 2024 – After unfavorable weather conditions derailed their initial plans to start the 2024 campaign, Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing Team ventured to the state of Missouri for back-to-back events at US 36 Raceway in Osborn, Mo. on Friday, April 5 and Farmington Empire Speedway in Farmington, Mo. on Saturday, April 6 to fire off the team’s third full season of 410 Winged Sprint Car competition.

The team was slated to compete in the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association (IRA)-Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) doubleheader event at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6. However, uncooperative weather led to the cancellation of the event and sent Hartmann and the team seeking a Plan B racing option.

The 2024 lid lifter came at not only a new track for Hartmann, but also against the best drivers and teams in the Winged Sprint Car racing business as the Plymouth, Wis. competitor signed in for a NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Series event at US 36 Raceway.

With 41 cars on hand, Hartmann timed 21^st in qualifying group A before starting 11^th and moving up two spots to place ninth in his heat race. After starting on the pole of the C Main, Hartmann finished fourth to miss transferring to the Last Chance Showdown by two positions.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team moved on to Farmington Empire Speedway on Saturday, April 6 for a weekly 410 Sprint Car program, which featured a 24-car field.

After drawing the pole position, Hartmann placed second in the first 10-lap heat race. He then lined up fifth in the 25-lap A main and came home with a seventh-place finish to secure the eighth top-10 A-main showing of his 410 Sprint Car career.

“It was a hell of a weekend,” Hartmann said. “Not much went our way, from engine problems on Friday night to truck problems on Saturday morning. After dealing with those issues, it was good to finish the weekend with a top-10 finish at Farmington.

“With adding Ian Schultz to the team this year, along with Eric Bergschultz and myself, we’ve been gelling quick as a crew and looking forward to getting the IRA started,” he said.

The 87A Hartmann Racing Team will hold a brat fry fundraiser on Saturday, April 13 at Holler n Hills, located at 5837 South Business Drive in Sheboygan, Wis., starting at 11 a.m. with food and raffles available all day.

The team is scheduled to open its third full-time season of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series competition on Friday, April 19 with the IRA Spring Sizzler Presented by Kickass Beef Jerky at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis.

Also on the card are Modifieds, USRA B Mods and USRA Hobby Stocks.

Pit gates open at 4 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 5:30 p.m., followed by hot laps at 6:45 p.m., IRA qualifying at 7 p.m. and opening ceremonies at 7:15 p.m.

The Dirt Kings Late Model Series and Badger Midgets will join the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series for the three-division program.

All Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association events will be streamed live on FloRacing.

The 2024 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Eric Bergschultz, Ian Schultz, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham and Kristine Hartmann.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Schedule

Saturday, April 13 – Brat Fry at Holler n Hills, Sheboygan, Wis., 11 a.m.
Friday, April 19 – Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, April 20 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, May 3 – Ogilvie Raceway, Ogilvie, Minn. (IRA)
Saturday, May 4 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 11 – Sycamore Speedway, Sycamore, Ill. (IRA)
Saturday, May 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 19 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, May 25 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, May 26 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, May 31 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Saturday, June 1 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Saturday, June 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, June 9 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 15 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Thursday, June 20 – Lincoln Park Speedway, Putnamville, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Friday, June 21 – Bloomington Speedway, Bloomington, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Saturday, June 22 – Tri-State Speedway, Haubstadt, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Sunday, June 23 – Terre Haute Action Track, Terre Haute, Ind. (IRA-Maverick)
Friday, June 28 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, June 29 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, July 12 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Saturday, July 13 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Thursday, July 18 – Norman County Raceway, Ada, Minn. (IRA-Red River SS)
Friday, July 19 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, N.D. (IRA-NOSA)
Saturday, July 20–River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, N.D. (IRA-NOSA)
Friday, July 26 – Dodge County Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, July 27 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 17 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Aug. 18 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 24 – To Be Determined (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 31 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Sept. 1 – The Hill Raceway, Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Sept. 6 – Gondik Law Speedway, Superior, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 14 – 141 Speedway, Francis Creek, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Sept. 28 – The Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Oct. 18 – Dirt Oval at Route 66, Joliet, Ill. (World of Outlaws)
Saturday, Oct. 19 – Dirt Oval at Route 66, Joliet, Ill. (World of Outlaws)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Statistics

Total Events – 2
IRA Events – 0
World of Outlaws Events – 1
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 1
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
Final 2023 Statistics

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

April 10, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Alex Pokorski plans full 2024 MSA slate, select 410 Sprint Car starts

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski is set to run the full Midwest Sprint Car Association schedule during the upcoming 2024 racing season. -RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 10, 2024 – Coming off of a breakthrough 2023 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car season, the Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team is gearing up to contest the full MSA schedule, while mixing in a handful of 410 Sprint Car events during the upcoming 2024 campaign.

The 2023 season saw Pokorski entrench himself as a top contender in the MSA and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car ranks in his fourth overall and second full-time season in the Sprint Car ranks.

Following a 2022 campaign that yielded a mixed bag of results, as well as a 15^th place showing in the final MSA point standings and a 14^th place finish in the PDTR points race, Pokorski took a big leap forward throughout the 2023 campaign displaying both speed and consistency in the seat of the Spyder Akright-owned Akright Auto Racing Team No. 4 360 Sprint Car.

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

After advancing from 14^th in 2022 to fourth in the 2023 PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings and moving up from 15^th to fourth in the final 2023 MSA 360 Sprint Car Series points race, Pokorski secured the 2023 Most Improved Driver Award in both PDTR and MSA competition.

In addition to another full season of MSA 360 Sprint Car action, Pokorski will dip his toes into the 410 Sprint Car waters by running 4-5 events in 2024.

The Akright Auto Racing Team’s first event of the 2024 season will mark Pokorski’s first career 410 Sprint Car start with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Series at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Saturday, April 20.

On Saturday, April 27, Pokorski will launch the 24-race 2024 MSA-PDTR campaign at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

“The off-season has been a lot of work getting two cars together [360 and 410 Sprint Car], but we have been fortunate to have plenty of help,” Pokorski said. “We are planning to run the full MSA schedule as well as 4-to-5 IRA shows.

“My goals for the 2024 season are to improve on what we did last year, win a couple more races and get some experience in the 410,” he said.

In addition, Pokorski’s father, Paul, who wrapped up his stellar career as a regular full-time competitor at the conclusion of the 2021 season, is expected to make selected starts in the seat of Spyder Akright’s 53A PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car in 2024.

The 32-year veteran competed in 11 PDTR-MSA events during the 2023 campaign, posting one top-five, four top-10 and six top-15 A-main finishes to go along with one B main victory.

The highlight of Paul’s 2023 season was a third-place podium A-main finish at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Aug. 12. With Paul sharing driving duties with Spyder Akright, the 53A Akright Auto car finished 14^th in the 2023 PDTR and MSA 360 Sprint Car point standings while competing in all 17 PDTR and 21 of 24 MSA events in 2023.

Sponsors and supporters for Alex Pokorski and the 2024 Akright Auto Racing Team include Akright Auto, Mulch Express of Wisconsin, Countryside Designs, Goeden Auto Body, Petersen Septic Systems, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, Professional Plating, Ace Hardware (Kiel and Sheboygan Falls locations), Cedar Valley Hunt Club, Real Estate Property Shop-Sue Erdmann, Bonafide Security Solutions, Novak’s Service Center, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
2024 Schedule

Saturday, April 20 – Beaver Dam Raceway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, April 27 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, May 4 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, May 11 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, May 18 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, June 1 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Sunday, June 2 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, June 8 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, June 15 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, June 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, June 29 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, July 6 – Eagle River Speedway, Eagle River, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, July 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Sunday, July 14 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, July 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Friday, July 26 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, July 27 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, August 3 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, August 10 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, August 17 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Friday, August 23 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Saturday, August 24 – To Be Determined (MSA 360)
Saturday, August 31 – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Friday, September 20 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (MSA 360)
Saturday, September 28–Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)

Additional 410 Sprint Car races to be announced

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
Final 2023 Statistics

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

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

April 9, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

S.L. Wilton returns with epic fantasy novel sequel ‘Crows and Wyverns’

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 8, 2024 – Three years after releasing his debut epic fantasy novel, S.L. Wilton is back to take readers on another suspense-filled journey through the complex, mysterious and dangerous world he created in “Queen of Crows” with a multi-faceted female main character once again at the forefront in his second novel, a sequel titled “Crows and Wyverns”.

Published through Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis., “Crows and Wyverns” showcases Wilton’s unique ability to weave together epic fantasy and magical realism storytelling, while detailing a highly intricate and vividly defined world filled with power struggles, passionate encounters and ominous forces.

The Wisconsin resident drew on his love of reading to release “Queen of Crows” in 2021, which was met with both strong reader interest and critical acclaim, including a spring 2023 nod as The BookFest Awards prize winner.

A retired 20-year U.S. Army veteran, being an avid reader all his life, Wilton thought about writing an epic fantasy novel for many years before unleashing his creative vision in “Queen of Crows”.

“I had the basic idea for my first novel in my head for a while,” Wilton said. “Then I read a poorly constructed fantasy novel and thought I could do better. Most fantasy stories are formulaic with a male lead. I thought a female lead should step up to save the world and herself.

Like his first novel, “Crows and Wyverns” is a fantasy novel set in a medieval European setting.

“It follows a character from the first book, but rounds out the first book’s main character’s story,” Wilton said. “It also expands the world the story takes place in. For me, it’s very satisfying to see a complex story idea get fleshed out and come to an appropriate end.

“I write with an adult audience in mind, but I tell people, mature young readers of 14 or older will find the books enjoyable,” he said. “There is violence and some sexual innuendo, but no on-the-page sex.”

“Crows and Wyverns” is available on several online book sales platforms, including amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com and bookshop.org, as well as at yet-to-be-determined future in-person shows and events.

“The book will be available on most online outlets,” Wilton said. “I do several in-person book sale/signing events each year in Wisconsin and have a few scheduled this year with the plan of adding more.”

For more information on S.L. Wilton, author of “Crows and Wyverns, and Queen of Crows” visit https://slwilton.com, Facebook and X (Twitter).

For more information on “Crows and Wyverns” book publisher, Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com or call 920-323-7970.

April 8, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Everlasting Living Memories captures life’s cherished moments

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Daryl Duchatschek launched Everlasting Living Memories in March 2021 as a videography business focusing on legacy, sports and tribute videos designed to preserve the memories of loved ones. – Everlasting Living Memories photo

OSHKOSH, WIS. (January 26, 2024) – The colorful, complex and everlasting fabric of life is commonly weaved together with memories of loved ones, special events and key moments in time.

With over 10 years of experience in the videography field, Oshkosh, Wis. resident Daryl Duchatschek is aiming to produce videos highlighting the people, places and things, which hit close to the heart, mind and soul through his video-creation business – Everlasting Living Memories.

Launched in March 2021, Everlasting Living Memories features a range of video packages designed to appeal to a wide variety of individuals, businesses, organizations and teams.

“Everlasting Living Memories offers Legacy Videos, which provide an opportunity to give someone the gift of a lifetime by capturing their life story recorded on film,” Duchatschek said. “A Legacy Video includes a filmed and edited interview with those who live in senior living, assisted living or in hospice. The biography is put together with family photos, documents, maps and other sources of information. We will also add titles and music throughout the video. The result is a video that captures loved ones as they recount their life story and family history. This is a one-hour video collection filmed either on location or on Zoom ranging from early childhood up to the present day.

“I have to credit Jeff Larson for giving me this idea,” he said. “I thought it was a great idea to give people the opportunity to obtain a video created for their loved ones to pass on to family and friends, which can be remembered for many years after the video recording ends.”

In addition to traditional, life-spanning Legacy Videos, the Oshkosh native also shoots, edits and produces Sports Legacy Videos and Video Tributes.

Everlasting Living Memories owner Daryl Duchatschek of Oshkosh gained valuable experience serving as the official videographer for the weekly races at the Oshkosh Speedway dirt race track. – Everlasting Living Memories photo

“A Sports Legacy Video is a filmed and edited interview of an individual, along with family, friends and colleagues, with a legacy in a given sport,” Duchatschek said. “In addition, someone can be honored by telling their story in a Video Tribute, which typically captures comments from family and friends, along with photos, home movies and new video footage set to music and narrated by a loved one, who will tell the individual’s story. The Video Tribute provides an amazing keepsake featuring long-lasting memories of the individual when they are gone.”

Duchatschek’s passion for videography stems from his initial introduction to the world of video creation as a teenager.

“In high school we had an in-school television station,” Duchatschek said. “My interest started there. After moving away from it for a period of time, I got back into videography in 2014 when I became the lead videographer for dirt track races at the Oshkosh Speedzone.”

Over the past 12 years, Duchatschek has cultivated valuable video training and videography experience in a broad array of settings.

“In 2012, I had a friend who worked at a local peg [public access] channel called Oshkosh Media,” Duchatschek said. “I became a volunteer to learn how video production works in all of the phases. I attended Full Sail University for some time, so I was able to learn about storytelling and how to work in the video production industry.”

“My video portfolio consists of videography work for some businesses like the Oshkosh Speedzone,” he said. “I would video record the racing events of the evening and send footage to the race promoters and also to drivers and fans who wanted a video product of the races. I would edit the footage that was made available for purchase. I did an internship at 4Imprint where I learned to conduct a session with a person from the company, create storytelling and organize the shoot. After the shoot was completed, I would edit the video product and place it on the 4Imprint YouTube channel. I am also experienced in live streaming through the work I do at my church. In this role, I set up the live stream and camera angles and prepare to launch the video recording just before the service starts.”

Duchatschek is eager to carry his videography talents forward in creating videos, which pull on heartstrings while telling intriguing life stories.

“When I do videography, I think my passion for doing something I really like to do is on full display,” Duchatschek said. “Helping those interested in having a video done for them, filming projects and video editing are passions I truly enjoy.

“My long-term goal is to be successful in the video business industry,” he said. “The overall goal is to help clients showcase memories by sharing their loved ones’ experiences in life in video form. My hope is to keep Everlasting Living Memories going strong for generations to come.”

Snippets of Duchatschek’s videography work can be viewed on the Everlasting Living Memories YouTube Channel.

“Everlasting Living Memories has a YouTube Channel where samples can be viewed to get a better understanding of what we have to offer,” Duchatschek said. “The YouTube link is https://www.youtube.com/@darylduchatschek6935/videos.”

For more information on Everlasting Living Memories, call 920-410-4379, email everlastinglivingememories@gmail.com or visit everlastinglivingmemories.com.

January 25, 2024 / by Jeff Pederson

Local racing legends poised for Plymouth Racing Class of 2024 Wall of Fame induction

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) December 11, 2023 – A new group of eight drivers, three track workers and one racing family will join an esteemed list of dirt track racing standouts enshrined on the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024 induction ceremony Saturday, July 13, 2024 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.

In recognition of the spirit of competition and outstanding achievements at the Plymouth racing facility over the past 74 years, the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Committee formed in late 2021 with a goal of recognizing individuals who have exemplified dirt track racing at the highest level since The Plymouth Dirt Track’s inception in 1950.

The members of the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2024 will be recognized during a special induction ceremony at intermission of the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2024 includes the following eight drivers.

Fuzzy Fassbender

FUZZY FASSBENDER – Nicknamed “The Hound,” the Rubicon, Wis. driver began his highly successful racing career in 1949 comparing primarily at tracks throughout the Milwaukee area, while topping the Milwaukee Stock Car circuit point standings in 1962. Fassbender began racing at Plymouth in 1975 finishing third in the final Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Modified point standings in 1975 and 1976, while winning four feature races in 1976. Fassbender piloted purple cars throughout his career, including a well-known Gremlin model.

Donny Goeden

DONNY GOEDEN – The Kewaskum, Wis. driver began racing in the Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Modified division in 1985 and won two feature races in 1987. Goeden earned back-to-back EWSC Winged Modified titles in 1992 and 1993, while collecting two feature wins in 1992 and four main event victories in 1993. Goeden collected four feature wins in 1994 before turning his attention to the Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series. Goeden later returned to compete regularly at Plymouth in the 360 Sprint Car division winning three straight track championships in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and tallying a total of 21 career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victories.

Dave Haag

DAVE HAAG – The Plymouth, Wis. driver opened his racing career in the EWSC Hobby Stock division in 1980, earning feature victories during the 1980 and 1982 seasons. After finishing second in the EWSC Hobby Stock division in 1982, Haag was crowned as the Hobby Stock track champion at Plymouth in 1983, while capturing four feature victories. He went on to compete for a number of years in the EWSC Sportsman division.

Steve Hoffmann

STEVE HOFFMANN – The Plymouth, Wis. competitor began racing at The Plymouth Dirt Track in 1981 before capturing three straight Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Limited Late Model championships at Plymouth in 1996, 1997 and 1998. Hoffmann’s three straight track titles ties him with Gary Laack and Donny Goeden for the third most consecutive championships in track history.

Randy Markwardt

RANDY MARKWARDT – Hailing from Sheboygan, Wis., “The Mighty” Markwardt, who began his racing career in 1977, won the EWSC Sportsman title at Plymouth in 1993 and captured an EWSC Limited Late Model crown in 1999. A fan favorite throughout his lengthy racing career, Markwardt placed sixth in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model division in 2017. To promote his Markwardt Sales & Service family business, Markwardt carried a Mighty Mouse with wheels holding a wrench logo on some of his race cars.

Pete Ostrowski

PETE OSTROWSKI – After competing in Sprint Cars and Modifieds primarily at Wilmot Raceway in the early portion of his racing career, the Milwaukee, Wis. driver started racing full time at The Plymouth Dirt Track in 1991, claiming one fast time and one feature victory in his debut season. Utilizing an aggressive, cushion-pounding driving style, Ostrowski went on to become one of the most accomplished EWSC Winged Super Modified drivers in the history of The Plymouth Dirt Track. He captured a total of four track championships at Plymouth in 1994, 1996, 1997 and 2001 and won four main events in 2003 before claiming his 50^th career feature victory in 2004.

Steve Schad

STEVE SCHAD – Racing out of Cleveland, Wis., Schad placed second in the EWSC Hobby Stock division in 1983, while racking up seven feature race victories. He then won back-to-back Hobby Stock track titles at Plymouth in 1984 and 1985, while tallying a total of 14 main event wins over the course of both championship seasons.

K.J. Skelton

K. J. SKELTON – The Cascade, Wis. driver began his career in the EWSC Winged Super Modified division as a teenager in 1987. His hard charging nature netted him runner-up showings in the highly competitive Winged Super Modified division at The Plymouth Dirt Track in 1991, 1992 and 1993, while claiming two feature victories and eight fast qualifier awards during the 1993 campaign. Skelton finally broke through to capture the 1995 EWSC Winged Super Modified track title on the strength of five feature victories and three fast qualifier awards. His final EWSC Winged Super Modified feature victory came in 1996 before moving on to compete in the 360 and 410 Sprint Car ranks.

Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2024 inductees in the Dedication to Racing category include longtime flagman Bill Krueger, who also served as a pit crew member and car sponsor, along with track workers Lee Glomski and John Laack.

McMullen Family

In addition, the McMullen family, which features three generations of racers (Jerry, Tim and Brandon) will be inducted as part of the Plymouth Wall of Fame Class of 2024 in the Racing Families category. After Jerry forged the way for the McMullen family as a competitor in the early days of racing at the Plymouth Dirt Track, Tim was a top competitor in the EWSC Winged Super Modified division from 1993 through the mid-2000s. In recent years, Tim’s son, Brandon, has been a force in the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car division, earning three track titles in 2017, 2020 and 2023, while claiming a division record 33 PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victories.

The names of each Class of 2024 inductee will be permanently etched on the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame, located underneath the grandstand at The Plymouth Dirt Track racing facility.

The Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2024 Induction Night event is scheduled to include a driver meet-and-greet and autograph session prior to the racing program, as well as photo and memorabilia displays showcasing the racing careers and accomplishments of the Class of 2024 Wall of Fame honorees.

In addition, past Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame inductees are invited to take part in the evening’s festivities, including the meet-and-greet autograph session. In the event of inclement weather on Saturday, July 13, a make-up date for the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2024 Induction Ceremony has been set for Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Family members of 2024 Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame inductees and past Class of 2022 and Class of 2023 Wall of Fame inductees are encouraged to attend the induction event at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Family members of Class of 2024 inductees and past Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame inductees wishing to attend are asked to contact Ken Schulz in advance of the Class of 2024 Wall of Fame Induction Night event at kenschulz91@gmail.com.

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

December 11, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz makes his mark in rookie IRA 410 Sprint Car campaign

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz (25T) capped off his rookie season of full-time Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series competition with a third place finish in the final 2023 point standings. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 30, 2023 – After claiming back-to-back Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car titles in 2021 and 2022, Travis Arenz and the Travis Arenz Motorsports team made a successful leap to 410 Sprint Car competition as a full-time entrant with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series during the 2023 season.

Arenz’s first full season in the 410 Sprint Car ranks turned heads as he earned his first career IRA A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 1 to go along with a total of 12 top-five and 15 top-10 A-main showings, as well as three heat race victories, seven dash appearances and two dash victories in 28 410 Sprint Car events in 2023.

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

The 16^th-year racer opened the 2023 IRA campaign with a doubleheader weekend at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa, during which he missed an A-main transfer spot by one position with a third place finish in the first B main on Friday, April 7 before placing fifth in the second B main on Saturday, April 8.

On April 15, Arenz returned to more familiar territory as he charged from his 15^th starting spot to place fifth in IRA A-main action at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis.

After starting sixth in a non-sanctioned 410 Sprint Car A-main event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on May 6, the Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver finished in the runner-up spot behind race winner Bill Balog. The second place showing equaled Arenz’s previous career-best 410 Sprint Car finish, which also came at Wilmot Raceway in a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event on Aug. 27, 2022.

In his Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Car Series debut, Arenz placed 14^th in A-main action at Wilmot Raceway on May 13.

After suffering a blown motor in hot laps, Arenz switched to a backup car for the remainder of an IRA event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on May 20. However, contact in heat race competition resulted in a flip, which relegated Arenz to the B main where he ended his night with an eighth-place finish. Arenz rebounded the following night to finish seventh in A-main action at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on May 21.

During an IRA doubleheader weekend at Wilmot Raceway on May 27 and 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on May 28, Arenz posted eighth place and fifth place A-main showings respectively.

Arenz, who began his racing career in the Outlaw Compact 4-cylinder division at The Plymouth Dirt Track in 2008, entered a pair of All Star-IRA events at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on June 1 and The Plymouth Dirt Track for the annual Rayce Rudeen Foundation race on June 2, during which he finished fifth in the B main to just miss out on an A-main transfer spot at Dodge County and placed 20^th in A-main action at Plymouth.

Travis Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports team celebrated their first career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 1, 2023. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

In his Sycamore Speedway debut on June 10, Arenz won the second IRA dash to start second and equal his career-best IRA finish with a second place A-main showing at the Maple Grove, Ill. facility before placing fifth in A-main action at Angell Park Speedway on June 11.

Arenz then earned a fourth place finish in IRA A-main competition in his first appearance at Fairbury American Legion Speedway in Fairbury, Ill. on June 24.

The highlight of Arenz’s 2023 season came on July 1 when he advanced from the sixth starting spot to claim his first career IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory in the 30-lap Scott Semmelmann Memorial event at The Plymouth Dirt Track. The win marked Arenz’s 37^th overall career A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in four different divisions (Outlaw Compact 4-Cylinder, B Mod (Sport Mod), 360 Sprint Car and 410 Sprint Car), as well as his 71^st career A-main triumph.

After starting 14^th in an IRA-NOSA main event at I-94 emr Speedway in Fergus Falls, Minn. on July 13, Arenz retired from the race with a broken throttle linkage and was scored 23^rd. During an IRA-NOSA doubleheader at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. on July 14-15, Arenz posted 12^th and 11^th place A-main finishes respectively.

An IRA doubleheader weekend at The Plymouth Dirt Track and Wilmot Raceway on July 28 and July 29, netted Arenz a pair of fifth place A-main showings.

After turning in a 22^nd to 11^th place A-main charge during the annual Kenosha County Fair race at Wilmot Raceway on Aug. 19, Arenz posted a second place showing during the IRA Corn Fest event at Angel Park Speedway on Aug. 20.

Five days later, Arenz notched a ninth place finish in IRA’s return visit to 34 Raceway on Aug. 25. On Sept. 1 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Arenz turned to a backup car for the A main, after his primary car suffered engine issues in heat race action. In the main event, Arenz came home 15^th.

Arenz returned to his home track – The Plymouth Dirt Track – during the Sheboygan County Fair on Sept. 2, during which he won the first IRA dash and led the first four laps of the A main from the pole before settling for a fourth place finish.

In his debut at Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wis. on Sept. 8, Arenz placed fourth in the main event. However, a serious motor issue was discovered prior to the Jerry Richert Memorial IRA race at Cedar Lake Speedway on Sept. 9, which forced the team to scratch from the event and left it without a 410 motor for the remainder of the 2023 season.

With an underpowered 360 motor bolted in for the 2023 lid-sealing IRA Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Sept. 30, Arenz started 18^th and advanced to seventh in the B main to fall three spots short of earning an A-main transfer spot.

“I learned a lot in my rookie season with the IRA,” Arenz said. “I’m also proud of what we accomplished with the small budget we had this year compared to others that we race with. I want to thank all of our great sponsors, especially those who have stuck with us over all these years. They are very much appreciated. I also want to thank our many, many fans and, of course, all my crew members. Plans for 2024 are uncertain at the moment. Regardless, we will still have a 410 car in the shop.”

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Duehring’s Tax Service

Travis Arenz Motorsports would like to acknowledge Duehring’s Tax Service for its support during the team’s rookie season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in 2023.

Located at 615 South Eighth St., Suite 110-6 in Sheboygan, Wis., Duehring’s Tax Service is a local, family-owned business specializing in tax preparation services.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Duehring’s Tax Service via email at bneils09@gmail.com or by calling 920-452-8665.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
Final 2023 Statistics

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
Final 2023 Statistics

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Career Highlights
2008-2023

November 30, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Hartmann’s sophomore 410 Sprint Car season nets second top-10 IRA points showing

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

In his second season of full-time 410 Sprint Car competition, Austin Hartmann earned a ninth place showing in the final 2023 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series point standings. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 29, 2023 – After a completing a promising rookie Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series campaign in 2022 in just his third year behind the wheel of a race car, Austin Hartmann came back to register a solid second season in the seat of the 87A Hartmann Racing 410 Sprint Car during the 2023 campaign.

In all, Hartmann’s demanding six-month 2023 season schedule featured trips to 14 different tracks in six states with the team placing ninth in the final IRA point standings. Along with completing the full IRA slate, Hartmann mixed in additional races with the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws 410 Sprint Car Series and Tezos All Star Circuit of Champion 410 Sprint Car Series, while sprinkling in non-sanctioned events at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. and Butler Speedway in Quincy, Mich.

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

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

The Plymouth, Wis. driver opened the 2023 IRA schedule with a ninth place effort in B-main competition at 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa on April 7 before placing sixth in B-main action on April 8.

After finishing fifth in the second IRA dash to claim the 10^th A-main starting spot in the 30-lap A-main event at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on April 15, Hartmann did not turn another competitive lap for the remainder of the program. Shortly after pushing off for the 30-lap A main, a broken component in the driveline of the 87A Hartmann Racing machine forced Hartmann to leave the track and retire to the pit area for the remainder of the event. He was listed 22^nd in the final race rundown.

The highlight of Hartmann’s 2023 season followed on May 6 as he turned in a career-best fifth place showing in a non-sanctioned 410 Sprint Car A-main event at Wilmot Raceway.

A doubleheader weekend of competition with the Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions netted a ninth place B main showing at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Ill. on Friday, May 12 and a 20^th place A-main finish in a co-sanctioned All Star-IRA event at Wilmot Raceway on Saturday, May 13.

Hartmann’s best A-main showing of the 2023 IRA season came one week later as he turned in an eighth place finish at The Plymouth Dirt Track on May 20.

The ensuing three IRA events netted a 17^th place finish at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on May 21, a 12^th place showing at Wilmot Raceway on May 27 and a 13^th place finish at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis. on May 28.

Another doubleheader weekend of Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions action resulted in a 10^th place B-main showing at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2 before Hartmann came home 25^th in the annual Rayce Rudeen Foundation A-main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, June 3.

The following weekend saw Hartmann tally a pair of top-15 A-main finishes in IRA competition as he came home ninth at Sycamore Speedway in Maple Grove, Ill. on June 10 and placed 12^th at Angell Park Speedway on June 11.

Hartmann joined the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Series for a pair of events at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on June 16-17, coming away with 20^th place finishes in both A-main events.

After taking 10^th place in IRA A-main competition at Fairbury Speedway in Fairbury, Ill. on June 24, Hartmann finished 15^th in IRA main event action at The Plymouth Dirt Track on July 1.

A stirring heat race run saw Hartmann qualify directly into a NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Series A main at Wilmot Raceway on July 8. A lap 6 heat race pass for fifth place earned Hartmann his third World of Outlaws series A-main start of the 2023 season and his first interview with World of Outlaws Pit Reporter Chase Raudman before capping the night with a 19th place finish in A-main action.

A long trip to Minnesota and North Dakota followed with Hartmann placing 19^th in IRA A-main action at I-94 emr Speedway in Fergus Falls, Minn. on July 13 before taking 10^th in main event competition at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. on July 14 and a 20^th place A-main finish on July 15.

After qualifying third in the 25-lap field, rain washed out main event action at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis. on July 21, Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team notched a strong sixth place A-main showing in a non-sanctioned 410 Sprint Car event at Butler Speedway in Quincy, Mich, on July 22.

Hartmann then posted 22^nd and 19^th place A-main finishes in IRA events at The Plymouth Dirt Track and Wilmot Raceway respectively on July 28 and July 29.

Following a two-week break from competition, Hartmann finished 10^th in an IRA B main at Wilmot Raceway on Aug. 19 before placing 14^th in an IRA A main at Angell Park on Aug. 20.

Hartmann escaped without injury, following a hard crash and ensuing fire in his No. 87 machine, during IRA heat race action at 34 Raceway on Aug. 25.

The final month of the 2023 season saw Hartmann record top-20 A-main finishes in IRA events at Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway on Sept. 1 (19^th), The Plymouth Dirt Track on Sept. 2 (19^th), Gondik Law Speedway in Superior, Wis. on Sept. 8 (15^th), Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. on Sept. 9 (15^th) and The Plymouth Dirt Track on Sept. 30 (20^th).

“I would like to thank all of the sponsors, crew members, family, friends and fans, who have helped me live out my dream of racing a 410 Sprint Car at track across the Midwest,” Hartmann said. “I appreciate everything they have done over the past two years.”

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – TheD8Dispensary

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team was thrilled to have TheD8Dispensary on board as a sponsorship partner for the 2023 season.

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

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

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
Final 2023 Statistics

November 29, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Breakthrough 2023 campaign vaults Alex Pokorski to most improved, top-five status

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski earned his first career Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series A-main victory at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) November 28, 2023 – In his fourth overall and second full-time season behind the wheel of a 360 Sprint Car, Alex Pokorski firmly established himself as a consistently strong, top-flight competitor in the Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car competition throughout the 2023 campaign.

Following an up-and-down debut season in the seat of the Spyder Akright-owned Akright Auto Racing Team No. 4 car, which saw him place 15^th in the final MSA point standings and 14^th in the PDTR points race in 2022, the West Bend, Wis. driver showcased his skills out right of the gate with a new Triple X chassis, fresh motor and updated equipment at his disposal in 2023.

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

After advancing from 14^th in 2022 to fourth in the 2023 PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings and moving up from 15^th to fourth in the final 2023 MSA 360 Sprint Car Series points race, Pokorski claimed the 2023 Most Improved Driver Award in both PDTR and MSA competition.

In addition, Pokorski’s father, Paul, who wrapped up his stellar career as a regular full-time competitor at the conclusion of the 2021 season, returned to the cockpit on a limited basis in Spyder Akright’s 53A PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car. The 31-year veteran competed in 11 PDTR-MSA events during the 2023 campaign, posting one top-five, four top-10 and six top-15 A-main finishes to go along with one B main victory.

Alex Pokorski roared out of the gate to record a career-best equaling fifth place showing in the 2023 PDTR 360 Sprint Car season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 6.

One week later, Pokorski charged from his 10^th starting position to earn his first career A-main podium finish with a third place effort at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 13.

On Saturday, May 20, Pokorski was running second in A-main action when he was collected in an incident involving two slower cars. After the crew made repairs in the pit area, the fourth-year 360 Sprint Car racer rebounded to salvage a 14^th place finish.

The Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team ventured to Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. for an MSA event on Saturday, May 27, which saw Pokorski pick up a ninth place showing.

The crowning achievement of Pokorski’s Sprint Car racing career thus far came six days later in an MSA event at the sprawling half-mile Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, June 2, as Pokorski led all 20 laps of the A main from the pole to notch his first career MSA A-main triumph.

Pokorski capped off a tripleheader weekend of action with a fifth place A-main showing at Plymouth on June 3 and a 10^th place finish at Angell Park Speedway in Angell Park, Wis. on June 4.

After placing seventh in a PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main on June 10, Pokorski led the first 18 laps of the June 17 A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track before settling for a third place finish. He went one spot better on June 24 to record a second-place A-main showing at Plymouth.

Following a sixth place A-main showing at Plymouth on July 1, Pokorski tallied his first career fast qualifier award at Plymouth on July 8 before placing eighth in the main event.

Alex Pokorski (4) and his father, Paul Pokorski (53A), battle near the front of the field in Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. during the 2023 season. – RC Custom Design photo

After enduring a flip and several caution flags in A-main action at the Plymouth Dirt Track on July 15, Pokorski rallied to earn a 10^th place showing before coming home sixth in MSA competition at Angell Park Speedway on July 16.

Alex then placed fifth at Plymouth on July 28 before recording a fourth place showing in the MSA’s first-ever appearance at Eagle River Speedway in Eagle River, Wis. on July 29.

On Aug. 5, Pokorski improved 10 spots in the main event, advancing from his 17^th starting spot to place seventh in PDTR 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

Both Alex and his father, Paul Pokorski, enjoyed a memorable night on Aug. 12 at Plymouth as Paul led the first five laps from the pole before recording a strong third place A-main finish in Spyder Akright’s 53A car, while Alex followed close behind to finish fourth in the main event.

Paul and Alex recorded a pair of top-10 A-main showings at Plymouth on Aug. 19 with Paul placing ninth and Alex taking 10^th. One week later, Alex finished third at Plymouth on Aug. 25 before rebounding from an early incident in the A main to place 14^th in MSA A-main action at Wilmot Raceway on Aug. 26.

Alex Pokorski earned the 2023 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association Most Improved Driver Award at the annual Midwest Sprint Car Association Awards Banquet held Saturday, Nov. 11 at Amore Banquet Hall in Plymouth, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

Alex placed fourth in A-main action at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway on Friday, Sept. 1 before leading the first eight laps and coming home second in A-main competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track during the annual Sheboygan County Fair on Saturday, Sept. 2.

The 2023 PDTR-MSA season came to a close with Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at Plymouth on Saturday, Sept. 30 as contact with the back stretch wall in the early stages of the A main ended Alex’s night early with a 21^st place finish. The race marked the only time Alex failed to finish an A-main and his lone time placing outside of the top 15 in MSA 360 Sprint Car main event action during the 2023 campaign.

Alex Pokorski is grateful for the support of the team’s sponsors, crew members, family, friends and fans during the 2023 season.

“The 2023 season was a lot of fun,” Pokorski said. “I feel blessed to have had all the people around me who made it possible. I hope they all enjoyed it as well. We had a big improvement from last year, which got us up to a fourth place finish in MSA points. I will be back racing with Spyder and the Akright Auto Racing Team again in 2024. I’m really excited to have that opportunity again, and I am looking forward to improving further.

“Our plan for the 2024 season is to run the MSA schedule again and do a few 410 races as well,” he said.

After competing in just two 360 Sprint Car events in 2022, Paul Pokorski relished the opportunity to race Spyder Akright’s 53A car in 11 events during the 2023 season.

“The season was a lot of fun,” We all had a good time. The entire Akright Auto Racing and Pokorski Motorsports team is looking forward to 2024.”

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

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

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

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team would like to acknowledge the support of long-time sponsor Novak’s Service Center of Manitowoc, which is celebrating its 51^styear in business in 2023.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
Final 2023 Statistics

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

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

November 28, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Mulch Express of Wisconsin bolsters high-tech specialty landscaping equipment fleet

Mulch Express of Wisconsin recently added an Express Blower TR-HD to its specialty landscaping equipment fleet.

(NEWTON, WIS.) November 17, 2023 – Since its inception in 2000, Mulch Express of Wisconsin has thrived on the leading edge of the specialty landscaping service industry through an unwavering dedication to expanding and enhancing its multifaceted capabilities for delivering maximum quality satisfaction to its legion of customers.

Over the past 23 years, the Newton, Wis.-based state-of-the-art specialty landscaping company has found its niche as the to-go mulching provider for municipalities, school districts, commercial businesses and residences throughout Northeastern Wisconsin and beyond.

As the lid closes on the 2023 specialty landscaping season, Mulch Express of Wisconsin staff is already looking forward to 2024 with a new piece of high-tech equipment added to its arsenal, designed to help make the material application process even more efficient, effective and eye-pleasing.

“We recently purchased a new piece of equipment that expands our material application capabilities for our customers,” Jensen Wetenkamp of Mulch Express of Wisconsin said. “It is an Express Blower TR-HD. With this piece, we can blow materials more than 20 stories high and 2,000-plus feet away from the machine. With this machine, we can blow aggregate, soil, compost and mulches. We are looking to use it on specialty jobs that consist of high-volume material applications that are typically hard to reach.”

According to Wetenkamp, the newly purchased Express Blower TR-HD has already turned heads for its ability to deliver high octane results for a wide range of projects.

Click here to check out the Express Blower TR-HD in action

“Through the use of the Express Blower TR-HD machine, we have completed jobs such as green roofs, rooftop gardens, high-volume mulch applications, bio retention ponds and a recent job where we installed more than 250 cubic yards of stone into a former storage pit underneath a building,” Wetenkamp said. “This saved the customer thousands of dollars, as we were able to fill the void without having to remove the existing concrete floor.”

Formed in 2000 out of the desire to control the cost and efficiency of installing mulch, bark, soil and playground chips, Mulch Express of Wisconsin has established a strong reputation for offering top-quality mulch, bark, chip and soil blowing services from early spring through late fall, thanks in large part to the expansive spreading capabilities of its top-of-the-line blower truck.

“When we set out to start Mulch Express of Wisconsin, our goal was to reduce the cost of the mulching process and make it more efficient to install,” Wetenkamp said. “We offer pneumatic installation of mulch, bark, chip and soil products to our commercial, residential and institutional customers in our service area.

“We provide a more efficient and cheaper service to the customer,” he said. “We do this by using less men and wheelbarrows and relying more on the high-tech landscaping machines we have available to us, which now includes our new Express Blower TR-HD. Whether it is mulch, bark, playground chips, soil mixes, seeding or light stones and aggregates, our blower truck can install 30-plus cubic yards an hour compared to a person with a wheelbarrow, who is only capable of doing one cubic yard an hour.”

To contact or obtain additional information on Mulch Express of Wisconsin, call 920-726-4840, send an email to mulchexpressofwi@gmail.com or visit Mulch Express of Wisconsin on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

November 17, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I want to give special recognition to Sheila Leamer, who really does everything for the MSA,” Bader said. “In addition to the MSA staff members that I noted, I would also like to recognize and thank the push truck and wrecker drivers for all that they do to support our racing program. The MSA staff helps out in many different ways all year long and all of their efforts are greatly appreciated.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MSA 2023 contingency product sponsors were R& H Racing Equipment, HRP, Behling, Waldo Oil, American Racer Tires, Boubin Tire, Buege High Performance, Super Shox, Vortex Racing Products, PDTR, Torsion Bear Rating, Afco Shocks, M&W Radius Rods, KSE, Karavan Trailers, Maxim Chassis, Winter Products, FK Rod Ends, Bell, Wilwood, XXX Chassis, Schroeder/PAC, Competition Specialists, J&J Auto Racing, Saldana, Pyrotech, DMI, Schoenfeld, Hilborn, Lane Automotive, Velocity Wings, MRI, Racing Optics, Allstar Performance, Corey Oil, Ultrashield, MPD, Race Bumpers, Mayer Automotive (American Racer) and Bumper to Bumper IRA.

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

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

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

November 14, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 18, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

Set to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the show will again feature free admission and serve as a showcase for several noted area authors, including Joe Verdegan of Dunbar, Wis., who penned the Amazon No. 1 true crime best seller “The Reformatory – Tales from Green Bay’s Maximum Security Prison” in 2020 and has released six additional books covering the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan auto racing scene.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lisa Vihos of Sheboygan, Wis. (historical fiction and poetry author of “The Lone Snake: The Story Sofonisba Anguissola,” “Fan Mail From Some Flounder,” “100 Thousand Poets for Change: 10+ Years of Poetic Activism,” “From Everywhere a Little: A Migration Anthology” and “Van Gogh Dreams”)

Valerie J. Clarizio of Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (author of 15 steamy romantic suspense, time travel and contemporary romance books, including the Chandler County Series, Nick Spinelli Romance Mystery Series, The Preserver and Protector Series, Standalone Romantic Suspense Books, The Crime and Passion Stalk City Hall Series and “Family Forever”)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Last year’s inaugural Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing was very well received among the participating authors and the book enthusiasts who attended,” Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Organizer Jeff Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions said. “We have 16 new authors joining us this year, along with 12 returning authors from last year. The show provides a great opportunity to meet and interact with many area authors, several of whom have written New York Times, USA Today and Amazon best sellers in a wide range of genres. It also provides an excellent opportunity to purchase books for the reader on your holiday gift list no matter what their favorite genre might be.”

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

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

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

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

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

October 16, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

Arenz caps breakout rookie IRA 410 Sprint Car campaign

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Amy Bruechert Realty

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

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

For more information on Amy Bruechert Reality, email amy.bruechertrealestate@gmail.com, call 706-482-8557 or visit amy.townncountryre.com.

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
Final 2023 Statistics

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
Final 2023 Statistics

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

October 4, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – TheD8Dispensary

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

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

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

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
Final 2023 Statistics

October 4, 2023 / by Jeff Pederson