Paul and Alex Pokorski hit father-son top-five mark at head of Plymouth MSA A-main field

Paul Pokorski (53A) raced to a third place finish and Alex Pokorski (4) claimed a fourth place showing in the 25-lap Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 12. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 15, 2023 – Paul and Alex Pokorski enjoyed the type of night that will live long in the memories of family, friends team members, supporters and fans, as the father-son racing duo steered their Spyder Akright-owned 360 Sprint Cars to top-five showings in Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A-main competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 12.

With 24 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars on hand, Alex Pokorski reeled off the fourth fastest qualifying time with a lap of 12.808 seconds around the third-mile semi-banked clay oval.

After lining up third in the second 10-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race, Alex dove low to pass front row starters Tony Wondra and Logan Julien and seize the early lead in turn two of the opening lap.

On lap 2, Ben Schmidt used the high groove to relegate Alex to second, which is where he finished the race to gain an A-main starting berth.

Alex rolled off third in the 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A main and moved past outside front row starter T.J. Smith to assume second in turn one on the opening lap to trail his father, Paul, who led the first five laps of the race from the pole.

On lap 4, Brandon McMullen powered around Alex to push the No. 4 Akright Auto car back to third in the running order. On lap 10, Ben Schmidt bolted past Alex to drop the West Bend driver back to fourth.

The first of two caution flags appeared on lap 15 when Justin Erickson spun in turn four. After the restart, T.J. Smith pulled off a slide job to briefly seize fourth from Alex. However, the fourth-year Sprint Car racer battled back to return the slide job favor and regain fourth in turn four on lap 16.

Alex held on through a lap 21 caution and heavy lapped traffic in the closing stages of the race to record a fourth place finish, which marked his ninth top-five and 17th top-10 finish in 18 2023 MSA A-main events.

“Qualifying and the heat race both went well,” Alex said. “When you start a race up front, the initial thought is always to keep yourself in contention for the win. I thought the race went well, but I didn’t quite have the edge to beat the guys in front of me, one of them being my dad [Paul Pokorski]. It was fun to race with him and to have both of us finish in the top five. That’s not something everyone gets to do. I enjoyed the night, even though he ended up beating me. I’m looking forward to finishing out the season strong with the team.”

Paul Pokorski (left) and Alex Pokorski (right) each collected top-five A-main finishes in the 25-lap Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 12. Paul earned a third place podium finish in his sixth 2023 appearance in Spyder Akright’s 53A car to best Alex by one spot.   – Akright Auto Racing Team-Pokorski Motorsports photo

In his sixth appearance of the 2023 season in Spyder Akright’s 53A car, Paul Pokorski began the night by qualifying 13th overall with a lap of 13.109 seconds.

After starting fifth in the second 10-lap PDTR-MSA heat race, Paul used a low move on lap 3 to work past Tony Wondra to take fourth. Two laps later, Paul maneuvered around Logan Julien to take third, which is where he finished.

Following the calculation of the heat race passing point formula and subsequent A-main inversion draw, Paul lined up on the pole of the 25-lap main event. The 31-year 360 Sprint Car and Winged Super Modified racing veteran bolted into the lead on the drop of the green flag and paced the first five laps before Brandon McMullen shot past along the outside groove to take over the lead in turn one on lap 6.

Paul maintained the runner-up spot until lap 12 when Ben Schmidt worked his way past to move Pokorski back to third. Paul worked the preferred outside groove to hold strong through a pair of caution flags and thick lapped traffic during the second half of the race on the way to a strong third place podium finish in a race won by Brandon McMullen.

It was Paul’s first top-five A-main finish and second top-10 main event showing in six 2023 appearances in Spyder Akright’s 53A machine.

“I was a little disappointed in my qualifying effort,” Paul said. “I thought the car was just a tick better than that. I was following another car in qualifying and got held up just a little bit on the entry to a corner or two and I think that probably cost us a little. In the end, it worked out as we passed a few cars in the heat race. The car felt pretty good. I think I’m finally starting to get comfortable with this car.

“When the invert put me on the pole for the A main, I got a little nervous,” he said. “I haven’t been nervous in a while. We made a fair amount of changes and I wasn’t sure it would be comfortable in the feature, so I was a little tentative at the start. Once we got a couple of laps in and the car felt good, the nerves certainly went away, and I had a good time. Even though I thought I was holding my own, I was pretty certain that Alex [Pokorski] would go past at some point. I knew from the scoreboard he was right behind me. You always want your kid to do good, but every once in a while, it’s nice to beat them too, so we’ll take it as a victory for the old guys. We’re both happy we could give Spyder [Akright] and the Akright Auto team a nice solid night for both of us. Needless to say, there were lots of smiles around the pit area after the race. When you had a good week and you’re looking forward to next week, it makes the work week go faster too.”

The next race for Alex Pokorski at the Akright Auto Racing Team is this Saturday, Aug. 19 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., which will also feature the PDTR Grand Nationals and B Mods, along with an appearance from the Wisconsin Legends Racing Dirt Series.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying set at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

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

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Petersen Septic Systems

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team are pleased to have Petersen Septic Systems on board as a returning sponsor for the 2023 racing season.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Remaining Schedule

Saturday, Aug. 19 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Friday, Aug. 25 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, Aug. 26 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.
Friday, Sept. 1 – Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway, Beaver Dam, Wis.
Saturday, Sept. 2 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, Sept. 30 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

 Total Events – 18
A Main Victories – 1
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 9
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 17
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 18
Heat Race Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 6
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 3
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Anvelink bags Super Six Late Model Series finale, Mueller claims fifth PDTR Late Model title

McMullen, Scholten, Steenbergen rack up PDTR main events wins

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Nick Anvelink of Bonduel collected his first career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model A-main victory in the 30-lap 2023 Super Six Late Model Series finale at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 12.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 12, 2023 – For all of his success at tracks throughout the state of Wisconsin, five-time Dirt Kings Late Model tour champion Nick Anvelink of Bonduel had not previously captured a Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model main event victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. until besting a strong field of 25 competitors to claim a $2,000 payday in the 30-lap 106.5 The Buzz Super Six Late Model Series A-main on Saturday, Aug. 12.

At the conclusion of the final event of the 2023 Super Six Late Model Series, Brad Mueller of Random Lake collected his fifth career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model championship after recording one victory and top-five finishes in each of the five completed A main events.

In the 25-lap Akright Auto PDTR-Midwest Sprint Car Association A main, two-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh tallied his third A-main victory of the 2023 PDTR campaign to retain his points lead heading into the final four nights of the season.

Defending PDTR Grand National champion Luke Scholten of Oostburg picked up his first 25-lap Oostburg Automotive main event win of the 2023 season.

Jeff Steenbergen of Johnson Creek notched his first 2023 Next Step Insurance 25-lap B Mod A-main victory in the car normally driven by two-time PDTR B Mod champion Tim Warner of Malone.

Five-time PDTR Late Model champion Justin Schmidt of Cleveland jumped into the lead on the drop of the green flag of the 30-lap Super Six Late Model Series A main from the pole position with third starter Nick Anvelink following in second.

On lap 3, Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha used the low line to work his way into third from the fifth starting position. By lap 5, Schmidt had built up a full straightaway lead over Anvelink before the leaders caught lap traffic three laps later.

With the leaders utilizing the preferred high groove of the well-manicured, multi-groove third-mile clay oval, Anvelink closed to within striking distance of Schmidt on lap 11. As Anvelink began to apply heavy pressure for the lead in dense lapped traffic, Schmidt’s car began to display heavy smoke on lap 14, which prompted him to pull his ailing machine into the infield.

Anvelink, who is the all-time career Shawano Speedway Late Model A-main victory leader, then inherited the lead with Scheffler trailing in second and 2014 PDTR Late Model champion Mitch McGrath of Waukesha, who started sixth, following in third. The lone caption flag of the race was displayed on lap 15 for Schmidt’s smoking car in the infield, which necessitated assistance from the track’s fire crew.

When the race resumed, McGrath powered his way past Scheffler into second with a high move exiting turn four on lap 16. Anvelink continued to work the cushion to perfection over the second half of the race as McGrath gave chase in his tire tracks.

With two-wide lapped traffic to work through in the closing laps, Anvelink adjusted his line to move down to the bottom groove on several occasions, which proved successful in extending his lead over McGrath.

Brad Mueller of Random Lake earned his fifth career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model championship, after placing fourth in the 30-lap 2023 Super Six Late Model Series finale at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 12.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Anvelink went on to notch his first career PDTR Late Model A-main victory and claim the $2,000 first-place prize in the final race of the 2023 PDTR Super Six Late Model Series.

“The track was really top dominant, so I stayed up there most of the race because it was so good,” Anvelink said. “Then I got boxed in behind lapped traffic late in the race and didn’t want to get slid, so I pulled down to the bottom for a few laps and it actually worked well for me. We had a good car. I’m happy. That’s for sure.”

McGrath had to settle for second, Scheffler placed third, Brad Mueller of Random Lake captured the 2023 Super Six Late Model Series title and his fifth overall PDTR Late Model championship by a two-point margin over Taylor Scheffler with a fourth place finish, after starting 10th and Mike Mullen of Seymour worked his way up from the 11th starting spot to place fifth.

In the 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A main, 2014 MSA Masters Series and three-time Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car Winged Super Modified champ Paul Pokorski of West Bend took the lead in turn one of the opening lap from the pole behind the wheel of Spyder Akright’s 53A car.

On lap 2, Paul’s son, Alex Pokorski of West Bend, maneuvered his way into second in turn one from the third starting position. Two laps later, Brandon McMullen worked the high groove from his fifth starting spot to assume second from Alex Pokorski in turn two.

McMullen then swept past Paul Pokorski into the lead in turn one on lap six before quickly building up a full straightaway cushion over the rest of the field. On lap 10, 2011 PDTR and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champ Ben Schmidt of Plymouth moved into third from his sixth starting spot before taking over second along the high groove in turn three on lap 12.

Two-time Plymouth Dirt Track Racing champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh maintained his points lead by earning his division-leading 30th career PDTR-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 12.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

The first of two caution flags was displayed on lap 15 when Justin Erickson of Plymouth spun in turn four. After the restart, outside front row starter T.J. Smith of Greenville and Alex Pokorski exchanged slide jobs before Alex Pokorski maintained fourth place in the running order.

Meanwhile, McMullen had built up a half-straightaway lead over Schmidt at the head of the pack. The leaders caught the rear of the field on lap 20 just before the second and final caution flag came out on lap 21 when T.J. Haddy of Waupun spun in turn two.

With five laps remaining in the race, a single-file restart was incorporated as McMullen used a strong restart to bolt away from Schmidt in the closing laps en route to his third PDTR 360 Sprint A-main victory and fourth MSA 360 Sprint main event win of the 2023 season. It was also the four-time MSA 360 Sprint Car champion’s all-time division leading 30th career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main triumph and 42nd overall MSA 360 Sprint A-main win to move into sole possession of third place on the all-time MSA victory list.

Schmidt placed second, Paul Pokorski finished third in just his sixth event of the 2023 season, Alex Pokorski was fourth and T.J. Smith rounded out the top five.

Second starter Luke Scholten outpowered polesitter Nick Schumacher of Eagle to assume the lead on the opening lap of the 25-lap Grand National main event with Schumacher following in second.

On lap 2, third starter Justin Pearson of Horicon moved his way into second before the lone caution flag of the race appeared on lap 3 when Dustin Weiss of Iron Ridge stopped along the front stretch, after losing a left front tire in turn four.

Following the restart, Pearson bolted in to pressure Scholten for the lead on lap 11. As the leader weaved their way through lapped traffic, Pearson continued to hound Scholten for the top spot.

Finally, on lap 21, Pearson used the outside groove to swing past Scholten into the lead. Two laps later, Scholten battled back to challenge Pearson for the top spot. However, one lap later Pearson slowed and pulled his car into the infield exiting turn four on lap 24, as the white flag was just about to be displayed to the field.

Defending Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National champion Luke Scholten of Oostburg racked up his 18th career 25-lap PDTR Grand National A-main triumph at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 12. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

With Pearson out of the race, Scholten regained the lead and held on through a green-white-checkered flag finish to secure his first PDTR Grand National A-main victory of the 2023 season and 18th career PDTR Grand National A-main triumph to move him six wins behind overall division victories leader Brad Lubach.

Fourth starter Will Sorce of Franklin placed second, 2019 PDTR Grand National champion Tyler Kulow of Plymouth placed third after starting fifth, Seth Westimayer of Horicon finished fourth after starting fourth and six-time Plymouth Dirt Track Super Stock and Grand National champion Brian Gilles of Plymouth finished fifth after starting seventh.

Brandon Knepprath of Kewaskum led the opening lap of the 25-lap B Mod A main from the pole with third starter Mark Hoeppner of Rubicon sliding into second on the opening lap.

On lap 2, Hoeppner began to close in on Knepprath before the first of two caution flags appeared on lap 3 when Joey Krentz of Denmark spun in turn four.

On the restart, Jeff Steenbergen steered the 03W car normally driven by Tim Warner into third in turn four from the sixth starting spot. Steenbergen advanced to second on lap 5 before powering his way into the lead with a high move in turn two on lap 6.

Jeff Steenbergen of Johnson Creek collected his fifth career 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod A-main victory behind the wheel of Tim Warner’s 03W car at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 12. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Two laps later, the second and final caution flag appeared when Michael Strean of Sheboygan stalled his car near the frontstretch infield off of turn four.

Steenbergen powered out to a sizeable advantage over Hoeppner on the restart as fourth starter Barry Maas of Cascade moved into third on lap 11. Steenbergen cruised the rest of the way en route to his first PDTR B Mod A-main victory of the 2023 campaign and fifth career PDTR B Mod main event win. It was also the fifth time Tim Warner’s 03W car had parked in victory lane in PDTR B Mod A-main competition this season.

Hoeppner finished second, Maas placed third, Knepprath wound up fourth and ninth starter Shane Long of Sheboygan Falls wound up fifth.

Taylor Scheffler was the top qualifier in the 106.5 The Buzz Super Six Late Model Series and set a new Plymouth Dirt Track Late Model track record in the process with a lap of 13.605 seconds.

Ben Schmidt registered the fast qualifier award in the Akright PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car division with a top lap of 12.566 seconds.

Tom Naeyaert of Shawano collected the victory in the 12-lap Super Six Late Model Series B Main.

Bill Taylor of Boltonville posted a victory in the 12-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car B main.

Extra money was donated to the top 12 finishes in the Grand National and B Mod A-main fields courtesy of Tom Ott and the family of Dave Deicher.

The 13th event of the 2023 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by JDL Automotive and Detailing, drew a total of 80 cars, including 25 Super Six Series Late Models 24 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, 16 Grand Nationals, 15 B Mods.

The next Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, Aug. 19 will feature the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods and the third and final appearance of the 2023 season from the Wisconsin Legends Racing Dirt Series.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

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.

106.5 THE BUZZ SUPER SIX LATE MODEL SERIES

A Main (30 Laps): 1. 15-Nick Anvelink [3]; 2. 74-Mitch McGrath [6]; 3. 10S-Taylor Scheffler [5]; 4. 89-Brad Mueller [10]; 5. 99M-Mike Mullen [11]; 6. 24S-Jayden Schmidt [15]; 7. 9Z-Jayme Zidar [4]; 8. 77-Bill Edler [8]; 9. 8R-Bill Rezutek [2]; 10. 70-Justin Ritchie [13]; 11. 19J-Justin Green [16]; 12. 10-Paul Parker [9]; 13. 9N-Tom Naeyaert [17]; 14. 33E-Chris Engels [7]; 15. 24-Turk Letizia [21]; 16. 99-Sawyer Specht [14]; 17. 57M-Eric Michaels [19]; 18. 22-Charlie Schmidt [18]; 19. 54-Kevin Baldry [12]; 20. 97-Justin Schmidt [1]; 21. (DNS) 44-Wayne Freimund

B Main (12 Laps): 1. 9N-Tom Naeyaert [1]; 2. 22-Charlie Schmidt [8]; 3. 57M-Eric Michaels [2]; 4. 44-Wayne Freimund [5]; 5. 24-Turk Letizia [7]; 6. 21-Bobby Gash [3]; 7. 55B-Joe Bongiorno [4]; 8. (DNF) 5X-Chad Ludwigson [6]; 9. (DNS) 95W-Aaron Wickersheim

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 8R-Bill Rezutek [2]; 2. 97-Justin Schmidt [6]; 3. 54-Kevin Baldry [1]; 4. 70-Justin Ritchie [3]; 5. 99-Sawyer Specht [5]; 6. 21-Bobby Gash [4]; 7. 57M-Eric Michaels [7]; 8. 5X-Chad Ludwigson [8]; 9. (DNS) 95W-Aaron Wickersheim

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 9Z-Jayme Zidar [1]; 2. 74-Mitch McGrath [2]; 3. 77-Bill Edler [3]; 4. 33E-Chris Engels [6]; 5. 24S-Jayden Schmidt [5]; 6. 19J-Justin Green [7]; 7. 22-Charlie Schmidt [4]; 8. 24-Turk Letizia [8]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 15-Nick Anvelink [1]; 2. 10S-Taylor Scheffler [3]; 3. 89-Brad Mueller [2]; 4. 99M-Mike Mullen [4]; 5. 10-Paul Parker [7]; 6. 9N-Tom Naeyaert [5]; 7. 55B-Joe Bongiorno [6]; 8. 44-Wayne Freimund [8]

Qualifying 1: 1. 70-Justin Ritchie, 14.116 [9]; 2. 8R-Bill Rezutek, 14.330 [5]; 3. 54-Kevin Baldry, 14.533 [7]; 4. 21-Bobby Gash, 15.022 [8]; 5. 99-Sawyer Specht, 15.149 [4]; 6. 97-Justin Schmidt, 15.390 [2]; 7. 57M-Eric Michaels, 16.225 [1]; 8. 5X-Chad Ludwigson, 17.231 [3]; 9. (DNF) 95W-Aaron Wickersheim, 17.231 [6]

Qualifying 2: 1. 24-Turk Letizia, 13.836 [6]; 2. 74-Mitch McGrath, 13.868 [3]; 3. 9Z-Jayme Zidar, 13.948 [7]; 4. 77-Bill Edler, 14.031 [8]; 5. 22-Charlie Schmidt, 14.085 [4]; 6. 24S-Jayden Schmidt, 14.518 [5]; 7. 33E-Chris Engels, 14.579 [2]; 8. 19J-Justin Green, 14.985 [1]

Qualifying 3: 1. 10S-Taylor Scheffler, 13.605 [5]; 2. 89-Brad Mueller, 13.742 [7]; 3. 15-Nick Anvelink, 13.855 [4]; 4. 99M-Mike Mullen, 13.876 [2]; 5. 9N-Tom Naeyaert, 14.120 [3]; 6. 55B-Joe Bongiorno, 14.180 [8]; 7. 10-Paul Parker, 14.273 [6]; 8. 44-Wayne Freimund, 14.902 [1]

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 98-Brandon McMullen [5]; 2. 35-Ben Schmidt [6]; 3. 53A-Paul Pokorski [1]; 4. 4-Alex Pokorski [3]; 5. 69S-TJ Smith [2]; 6. 22B-Brandon Berth [7]; 7. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [9]; 8. 2-Chris Clayton [12]; 9. 7-Lance Fassbender [8]; 10. 85J-Logan Julien [14]; 11. 30-Doug Wondra [10]; 12. 66-Nick Daywalt [11]; 13. 66T-Tristan Koenings [15]; 14. 3-Justin Erickson [13]; 15. 51-Chris Larson [18]; 16. 11-Tony Wondra [21]; 17. 24-Scott Conger [17]; 18. 69-Bill Taylor [16]; 19. 54-Randy Post [19]; 20. 7L-Ellie Hensley [20]; 21. 21H-TJ Haddy [4]; 22. 38-Ben Doak [22]; 23. (DNS) 08-Katelyn Krebsbach

B Main: 1. 69-Bill Taylor [1]; 2. 24-Scott Conger [4]; 3. 51-Chris Larson [3]; 4. 54-Randy Post [2]; 5. 7L-Ellie Hensley [8]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra [6]; 7. 38-Ben Doak [7]; 8. (DNF) 88-Chris Flick [5]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 98-Brandon McMullen [3]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [1]; 3. 22B-Brandon Berth [4]; 4. 66T-Tristan Koenings [2]; 5. 66-Nick Daywalt [5]; 6. 2-Chris Clayton [7]; 7. 24-Scott Conger [6]; 8. 88-Chris Flick [8]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski [3]; 3. 53A-Paul Pokorski [5]; 4. 85J-Logan Julien [2]; 5. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [6]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra [1]; 7. 54-Randy Post [7]; 8. 38-Ben Doak [8]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 21H-TJ Haddy [1]; 2. 69S-TJ Smith [3]; 3. 7-Lance Fassbender [4]; 4. 3-Justin Erickson [2]; 5. 30-Doug Wondra [5]; 6. 69-Bill Taylor [7]; 7. 51-Chris Larson [6]; 8. 7L-Ellie Hensley [8]

Qualifying 1: 1. 22B-Brandon Berth, 12.753 [2]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen, 12.768 [5]; 3. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 12.823 [4]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 12.854 [8]; 5. 66-Nick Daywalt, 12.908 [7]; 6. 24-Scott Conger, 13.129 [6]; 7. 2-Chris Clayton, 13.172 [1]; 8. 88-Chris Flick, 13.410 [3]

Qualifying 2: 1. 35-Ben Schmidt, 12.566 [6]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski, 12.808 [5]; 3. 85J-Logan Julien, 12.811 [3]; 4. 11-Tony Wondra, 12.986 [1]; 5. 53A-Paul Pokorski, 13.109 [7]; 6. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.158 [4]; 7. 54-Randy Post, 13.192 [2]; 8. 38-Ben Doak, 15.270 [8]

Qualifying 3: 1. 7-Lance Fassbender, 12.899 [5]; 2. 69S-TJ Smith, 12.996 [7]; 3. 3-Justin Erickson, 13.031 [1]; 4. 21H-TJ Haddy, 13.112 [2]; 5. 30-Doug Wondra, 13.223 [3]; 6. 51-Chris Larson, 13.281 [4]; 7. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.358 [6]; 8. 7L-Ellie Hensley, 13.652 [8]

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

A Main: 1. 80-Luke Scholten [2]; 2. 14X-Will Sorce [8]; 3. 24K-Tyler Kulow [5]; 4. 14-Seth Westimayer [4]; 5. 89-Brian Gilles [7]; 6. 47-Nick Schumacher [1]; 7. 95-Donny Kulow [9]; 8. 5R-Nate Ruh [13]; 9. 87-Eric Lingford [14]; 10. 34-Steven Weber [6]; 11. 6-Dick Hed [15]; 12. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [16]; 13. 42S-Jackson Specht [12]; 14. E85-Justin Pearson [3]; 15. 23-Matt Loehr [11]; 16. 53W-Dustin Weiss [10]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 34-Steven Weber [1]; 2. 14-Seth Westimayer [3]; 3. 89-Brian Gilles [8]; 4. 80-Luke Scholten [6]; 5. 23-Matt Loehr [2]; 6. 5R-Nate Ruh [4]; 7. 42S-Jackson Specht [7]; 8. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [5]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 14X-Will Sorce [5]; 2. E85-Justin Pearson [1]; 3. 24K-Tyler Kulow [6]; 4. 47-Nick Schumacher [2]; 5. 53W-Dustin Weiss [4]; 6. 95-Donny Kulow [7]; 7. 6-Dick Hed [3]; 8. 87-Eric Lingford [8]

NEXT STEP INSURANCE B MODS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 03W-Jeff Steenbergen [6]; 2. 84-Mark Hoeppner [3]; 3. 22M-Barry Maas [4]; 4. 17-Brandon Knepprath [1]; 5. 17S-Shane Long [9]; 6. 66-Steve Lorier [5]; 7. 73-Rory Welch [7]; 8. 26-David Paskiewicz [8]; 9. 59S-Spencer Long [11]; 10. 19-Parker Glander [13]; 11. 117-Tom Barnharst [12]; 12. 54-Michael Strean [15]; 13. 3-Travis Schmidt [10]; 14. 26JK-Joey Krentz [14]; 15. 25-Jim Fischer [2]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 17S-Shane Long [2]; 2. 3-Travis Schmidt [5]; 3. 03W-Jeff Steenbergen [6]; 4. 84-Mark Hoeppner [3]; 5. 17-Brandon Knepprath [4]; 6. 25-Jim Fischer [8]; 7. 19-Parker Glander [1]; 8. (DNF) 26JK-Joey Krentz [7]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 73-Rory Welch [1]; 2. 66-Steve Lorier [2]; 3. 26-David Paskiewicz [6]; 4. 22M-Barry Maas [5]; 5. 59S-Spencer Long [3]; 6. 117-Tom Barnharst [4]; 7. (DNS) 54-Michael Strean

Pokorski advances 10 spots in PDTR 360 Sprint Car top-10 charge

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski advanced from the 17th starting spot to earn a seventh place showing in the 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 5. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 8, 2023 – After an enduring a slow start to the night, Alex Pokorski turned it up when it mattered most to move up 10 positions and record his 16th top-10 showing in 17 2023 Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A-main events, during Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-MSA 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

With 24 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars signed in, a transponder issue relegated Pokorski to the eighth and final position in the second group qualifying session.

After starting eighth in the second 10-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race, the fourth-year 360 Sprint Car competitor worked his way around T.J. Haddy to assume seventh place in turn two on lap one. Pokorski held the position the rest of the way on the fast and narrow track surface en route to a seventh place showing.

The West Bend, Wis. driver rolled off 17th in the 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car main event before utilizing the high groove to advance to 13th on lap 6. By the halfway point, Pokorski had worked his way into 10th.

On lap 14, Pokorski maneuvered around Katelyn Kresbach to move into ninth before slipping past Doug Wondra on lap 22 to take over eighth. A caution flag on lap 24 bunched the field for a single-file green-white-checkered flag finish, which allowed Pokorski to power around Hayden Johnson to assume seventh on the final lap.

Pokorski went on to place seventh to secure his 16th top-10 A-main finish of the 2023 MSA campaign in a race won by Ben Schmidt.

“We didn’t record a qualifying time, so we started at the back of the heat race,” Pokorski said. “It was tough to pass on the narrow track in the heat race. The feature track was actually very nice, and it widened out well. I enjoyed racing through the pack to salvage a decent night in the A main.”

The next race for Alex Pokorski at the Akright Auto Racing Team is this Saturday, Aug. 12 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., which will also feature the Super Six Late Model Series, PDTR Grand Nationals and B Mods.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying set at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

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

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Petersen Septic Systems

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team are pleased to have Petersen Septic Systems on board as a returning sponsor for the 2023 racing season.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, Aug. 12 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, Aug. 19 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Friday, Aug. 25 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, Aug. 26 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.

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

Total Events – 17
A Main Victories – 1
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 8
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 16
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 17
Heat Race Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 5
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
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Schmidt cashes in 2023 PDTR 360 Sprint Car victory No. 7

Pearson, Warner, Heinert claim PDTR A-main wins

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

2011 Plymouth DIrt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champ Ben Schmidt racked up his seventh 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2023 season Saturday, Aug. 5 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – JW’s Car and Raccing photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 5, 2023 – Twelve years after collecting his first Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car championship, Ben Schmidt of Plymouth continued his quest for a second division crown by racking up his seventh Akright Auto PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2023 season at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Justin Pearson of Horicon tallied his second 25-lap Oostburg Auto Grand National A-main triumph of the 2023 campaign.

In the 25-lap Next Step Insurance B Mod main event, Malone’s Tim Warner earned his fourth A-main victory of the 2023 PDTR season.

Mark Heinert of Oak Creek notched his second IRA Lightning Sprints A-main triumph of the 2023 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season and sixth overall 2023 A-main victory by topping the 20-lap 106.5 The Buzz guest division main event.

Outside front row starter Brandon Berth of Cascade outpowered rookie polesitter Hayden Johnson of Campbellsport to grab the lead in turn one of the opening lap of the 25-lap PDTR-Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car A main, while sixth starter Ben Schmidt used the extreme outside groove to vault into third in turn two.

On lap 2, T.J. Smith of Greenville spun in turn two to bring out the first of two caution flags. On the restart, Schmidt wasted no time as he blasted his way around Berth in turn two on lap 3 to take over the top spot.

Schmidt built up a solid cushion at the head of the field over the next four laps before catching up to the back of the pack on lap 8, which allowed Berth to reduce the lead gap.

On lap 12, Berth closed to within striking distance of Schmidt, as the leaders weaved their way through thick lapped traffic on the well-manicured, multi-groove track surface. Berth continued to hound Schmidt over the next 12 circuits until the second and final caution flag was displayed on 24 when Chris Flick of Beaver Dam spun to a stop near the turn four wall.

Following a single-file green-white-checkered flag restart, Schmidt bolted away from Berth and the rest of the pack en route to his 22nd career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory, 41st career MSA 360 Sprint Car triumph, seventh A-main win of the 2023 PDTR 360 Sprint Car season and ninth over MSA main event win of his stellar 2023 campaign.

The win moved Schmidt, who captured the 2011 MSA 360 Sprint Car title, into sole possession of fourth place on the all-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory list and into a tie for third on the all-time MSA 360 Sprint A-main win list with four-time MSA champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh.

“Hats off to the track prep crew tonight for giving us a great track to race on,” Schmidt said. “The track was fast and smooth and there was a nice cushion to run tonight.”

Berth wound up second, two-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen charged up from the 14th starting spot to finish third, rookie Logan Julien of Oconomowoc placed fourth after starting seventh and fifth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend rounded out the top five.

Outside front row starter Chad Espen of West Bend jumped into the lead in the first turn of the opening lap of the 25-lap PDTR Grand National A main. On lap 2, fourth starter Justin Pearson moved up to take over the second spot in turn two.

Justin Pearson of Horicon secured his second 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National main event triumph at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 5. – RC Custom Design photo

One lap later, Pearson used a high move to power his way into the lead along the back stretch. On lap 4, third starter Will Sorce of Franklin engaged in a duel with Espen for second before taking over the runner-up spot in turn two on lap five.

As Pearson controlled the lead, Brian Gilles of Plymouth, a six-time Plymouth track champion in the Super Stock and Grand National divisions, moved up from his sixth starting position to work past Espen to secure third on lap 10.

Sorce caught Pearson on lap 13 and the two ran nose to tail along primarily the high line and middle groove of the third-mile clay oval during the second half of the race. The leaders caught lapped traffic on lap 20, which allowed Sorce to duck under Pearson on a couple of occasions.

However, Pearson was up to the challenge as he held off Sorce over the final five laps en route to his second career PDTR Grand National A-main victory in the caution-free race.

Sorce placed second, Gilles finished third, 2022 PDTR Grand National champ Luke Scholten of Oostburg wound up fourth after starting eighth and Espen rounded out the top five.

Steve Lorier of Sheboygan, who started second, bolted into the lead on the opening lap of the 25-lap B Mod A main with fourth starter Barry Maas of Cascade taking second.

On the second go around, Tim Warner maneuvered up from the sixth starting spot to take third. One lap later, Maas moved in to challenge the high-riding Lorier for the lead along the low groove.

Tim Warner of Malone notched his fourth 25-lap Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod A-main win of the 2023 campaign at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 5. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Over the next four laps, Lorier, Maas and Warner engaged in a heated duel for the top spot before the red flag appeared when the car of Hunter Larson of Oostburg flipped on its side during a three-car incident, which also involved Mark Hoeppner of Rubicon and Jonathan Hitsman of Newton.

On the restart, Warner used the low groove to take over second from Maas on lap 8. Warner challenged Lorier repeatedly for the top spot by working the high and low grooves during the next 11 laps before finally taking over the lead with a low move in turn two on lap 19 with Maas following in second.

Warner built up a huge lead over the final six laps en route to his division-leading 11th career PDTR B Mod A-main triumph and fourth PDTR B Mod main event victory of the 2023 campaign.

Polesitter Ron Brannam of Holiday Hills, Ill. moved into the lead in turn one of the opening lap of the 20-lap IRA Lightning Sprints main event with outside front row starter Max Brannam of Holiday Hills, Ill., who started second, taking second.

On lap 3, Mark Heinert, who started third, used a high move to assume second from Max Brannam. After moving in to challenge for the lead on lap 4, Heinert swept his way into the top spot exiting turn four on lap 5.

Once out front, Heinert switched his pace into overdrive, as he built up a solid cushion before the lone caution flag of the race appeared on lap 19 when the second place car of Ron Brannam got tangled up with Jordan Funderburk of Wadsworth, Ill. in turn two.

Following a single-file restart green-white-checkered flag restart, Heinert continued to lead, while the second place car of Max Brannam spun in turn four on the final lap.

In a special appearance from the IRA LIghtning Sprints, Mark Heinert of Oak Creek earned his sixth overall A-main victory of the 2023 season in the 20-lap main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 5.  – JW’s Car and Raccing photos 

Heinert, who won the IRA Lightning Sprints A-main at Plymouth on July 1, went on to notch his second IRA Lightning Sprints main event victory of The Plymouth Dirt Track 2023 campaign and sixth overall 2023 IRA Lightning Sprints A-main triumph.

Third starter Brian Strane Jr. of Paris took second, Derek Fortier of Franksville placed third after starting sixth, Jacob Irwin of Genoa City finished fourth after starting eighth and 13th starter John Kirk of Johnsburg, Ill. was fifth.

Justin Erickson of Plymouth turned in the fast qualifier award in the Akright PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car division with a top lap of 12.674 seconds.

Mark Heinert was the top qualifier in the 106.5 The Buzz IRA Lightning Sprints division with a lap of 13.440 seconds.

The 12th event of the 2023 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by Racers Hall, drew a total of 68 cars, including 24 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, 15 Grand Nationals, 14 B Mods and 15 IRA Lightning Sprints.

The next Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, Aug. 12 will feature the sixth and final event of the 2023 Super Six Late Model Series, along with the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals and B Mods.

The Super Six Late Model Series A main will pay $2,000 to win and $200 to start. In addition, extra money will be added to the PDTR Grand National and B Mod purses courtesy of Judy Deicher and an anonymous donor.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

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

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [6]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth [2]; 3. 98-Brandon McMullen [14]; 4. 85J-Logan Julien [7]; 5. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [5]; 6. 7-Lance Fassbender [3]; 7. 4-Alex Pokorski [17]; 8. 44-Hayden Johnson [1]; 9. 69-Bill Taylor [4]; 10. 30-Doug Wondra [9]; 11. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [16]; 12. 66-Nick Daywalt [12]; 13. 11-Tony Wondra [18]; 14. 51-Chris Larson [13]; 15. 66T-Tristan Koenings [19]; 16. 69S-TJ Smith [8]; 17. 12P-JJ Pagel [10]; 18. 54-Randy Post [15]; 19. 21H-TJ Haddy [21]; 20. 88-Chris Flick [11]; 21. 53A-Spyder Akright [20]; 22. 92-Kevin Seidler [22]; 23. (DNS) 53-Shane Wenninger; 24. (DNS) 3-Justin Erickson

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [2]; 2. 22B-Brandon Berth [3]; 3. 12P-JJ Pagel [1]; 4. 30-Doug Wondra [4]; 5. 66-Nick Daywalt [6]; 6. 66T-Tristan Koenings [5]; 7. 53A-Spyder Akright [7]; 8. (DNF) 92-Kevin Seidler [8]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [1]; 2. 85J-Logan Julien [2]; 3. 69S-TJ Smith [4]; 4. 98-Brandon McMullen [3]; 5. 51-Chris Larson [6]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra [5]; 7. 4-Alex Pokorski [8]; 8. 21H-TJ Haddy [7]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 69-Bill Taylor [1]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender [3]; 3. 44-Hayden Johnson [5]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [2]; 5. 88-Chris Flick [6]; 6. 54-Randy Post [7]; 7. (DNF) 53-Shane Wenninger [4]; 8. (DNS) 3-Justin Erickson

Qualifying 1: 1. 22B-Brandon Berth, 13.394 [4]; 2. 35-Ben Schmidt, 13.429 [5]; 3. 53A-Spyder Akright, 13.937 [8]; 4. 12P-JJ Pagel, 14.043 [2]; 5. 30-Doug Wondra, 14.189 [7]; 6. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 14.224 [6]; 7. 66-Nick Daywalt, 14.605 [3]; 8. 92-Kevin Seidler, 14.863 [1]

Qualifying 2: 1. 69S-TJ Smith, 12.794 [8]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen, 12.927 [7]; 3. 85J-Logan Julien, 13.093 [3]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.105 [4]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.201 [2]; 6. 51-Chris Larson, 13.215 [6]; 7. 21H-TJ Haddy, 13.294 [1]; 8. 4-Alex Pokorski, 13.294 [5]

Qualifying 3: 1. 3-Justin Erickson, 12.674 [1]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender, 12.743 [3]; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 12.866 [8]; 4. 69-Bill Taylor, 12.893 [4]; 5. 53-Shane Wenninger, 12.988 [5]; 6. 44-Hayden Johnson, 13.000 [7]; 7. 88-Chris Flick, 13.400 [2]; 8. 54-Randy Post, 13.519 [6]

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

A Main: 1. E85-Justin Pearson [4]; 2. 14X-Will Sorce [3]; 3. 89-Brian Gilles [6]; 4. 80-Luke Scholten [8]; 5. 72E-Chad Espen [2]; 6. 24K-Tyler Kulow [5]; 7. 95-Donny Kulow [10]; 8. 53W-Dustin Weiss [7]; 9. 54-Matt Yancey [1]; 10. 34-Steven Weber [15]; 11. 23-Matt Loehr [13]; 12. 5R-Nate Ruh [11]; 13. 15-Derek Kaat [14]; 14. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [9]; 15. 6-Dick Hed [12]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 24K-Tyler Kulow [2]; 2. 54-Matt Yancey [1]; 3. 72E-Chad Espen [5]; 4. 80-Luke Scholten [3]; 5. 53W-Dustin Weiss [8]; 6. 23-Matt Loehr [4]; 7. 6-Dick Hed [7]; 8. 34-Steven Weber [6]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 89-Brian Gilles [3]; 2. 14X-Will Sorce [4]; 3. E85-Justin Pearson [7]; 4. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [1]; 5. 5R-Nate Ruh [2]; 6. 95-Donny Kulow [5]; 7. 15-Derek Kaat [6]

NEXT STEP INSURANCE B MODS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 03W-Tim Warner [6]; 2. 22M-Barry Maas [4]; 3. 3-Travis Schmidt [8]; 4. 66-Steve Lorier [2]; 5. 17S-Shane Long [7]; 6. 73-Rory Welch [11]; 7. 17-Brandon Knepprath [1]; 8. 84-Mark Hoeppner [3]; 9. 59S-Spencer Long [9]; 10. 19-Parker Glander [13]; 11. 117-Tom Barnharst [14]; 12. 117H-Jonathon Hitsman [5]; 13. 25-Jim Fischer [12]; 14. 9L-Hunter Larson [10]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 03W-Timothy Warner [4]; 2. 66-Steve Lorier [2]; 3. 84-Mark Hoeppner [6]; 4. 17S-Shane Long [3]; 5. 59S-Spencer Long [5]; 6. 73-Rory Welch [1]; 7. 117-Tom Barnharst [7]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 117H-Jonathan Hitsman [4]; 2. 22M-Barry Maas [6]; 3. 17-Brandon Knepprath [1]; 4. 3-Travis Schmidt [3]; 5. 9L-Hunter Larson [5]; 6. (DNF) 25-Jim Fischer [7]; 7. (DNF) 19-Parker Glander [2]

106.5 THE BUZZ IRA LIGHTNING SPRINTS

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 55H-Mark Heinert [4]; 2. 22S-Brian Strane Jr. [3]; 3. 11-Derek Fortier [6]; 4. 63-Jacob Irwin [8]; 5. 9-John Kirk [13]; 6. 6-Jeff Schmidt [5]; 7. 3-Ron Curasi [7]; 8. 55X-Xander York [11]; 9. 33-David Powers [10]; 10. 74M-Max Brannam [2]; 11. (DNF) 21T-Mitchell Reich [14]; 12. (DNF) 23-Dominick Swierad [15]; 13. (DNF) 01-Ron Brannam [1]; 14. (DNF) 17-Jordan Funderburk [12]; 15. (DNF) 74-Tim Brannam [9]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 55H-Mark Heinert [4]; 2. 3-Ron Curasi [1]; 3. 74M-Max Brannam [3]; 4. 6-Jeff Schmidt [2]; 5. 74-Tim Brannam [5]; 6. 9-John Kirk [8]; 7. 21T-Mitchell Reich [7]; 8. 17-Jordan Funderburk [6]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 11-Derek Fortier [2]; 2. 63-Jacob Irwin [1]; 3. 22S-Brian Strane Jr. [4]; 4. 01-Ron Brannam [3]; 5. 33-David Powers [6]; 6. 55X-Xander York [5]; 7. 23-Dominick Swierad [7]

Qualifying: 1. 55H-Mark Heinert, 13.440 [2]; 2. 22S-Brian Strane Jr, 13.585 [9]; 3. 74M-Max Brannam, 13.592 [13]; 4. 01-Ron Brannam, 13.667[ 6]; 5. 6-Jeff Schmidt, 13.897 [4]; 6. 11-Derek Fortier, 13.997 [15]; 7. 3-Ron Curasi, 14.063 [5]; 8. 63-Jacob Irwin, 14.133 [11]; 9. 74-Tim Brannam, 14.206 [3]; 10. 55X-Xander York, 14.556 [8]; 11. 17-Jordan Funderburk, 14.803 [1]; 12. 33-David Powers, 14.923 [14]; 13. 21T-Mitchell Reich, 15.336 [12]; 14. 23-Dominick Swierad, 15.336 [10]; 15. 9-John Kirk, 15.336 [7]

Hartmann completes challenging IRA doubleheader, looks forward to 2023 season stretch run

Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann competed in a pair of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events last weekend, including the third annual Road America Challenge at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, July 28 and the Founder’s Night race at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, July 29.  – Shawn Mueller Photography

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 2, 2023 – One week after turning in one of their most complete efforts of the 2023 season in weekly 410 Sprint Car action at Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy, Mich., Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team showcased plenty of speed, which did not translate to the results column, during a Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association doubleheader weekend featuring the third annual Road America Challenge at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, July 28 and the annual Founder’s Night racing program at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, July 29.

Hartmann opened the Road America Challenge event at The Plymouth Dirt Track by recording the 22nd fastest qualifying lap in the 27-car field with a lap of 14.477 seconds on an exceedingly dry and dusty track surface.

The Plymouth, Wis. driver started the first eight-lap IRA heat race from the eighth position and moved up one spot to finish seventh to just miss out on a top-six A-main transfer spot.

The 2020 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association Rookie of the Year Award winner rolled off fourth in the 10-lap IRA B Main and finished fourth to advance to the 30-lap main event.

After extensive track work during intermission, the track proved to feature multiple grooves in the 30-lap IRA headliner, which saw Hartmann start from the 22nd position.

Hartmann worked the high line through much of the race and was running around the 21st spot when he made contact with the backstretch wall and flipped on the white flag lap of the race, which was won by Greg Wilson. Hartmann was scored with a 22nd place showing.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team returned to action one night later at Wilmot Raceway for Founder’s Night. The event got off to a solid start for Hartmann, who registered the 15th fastest overall qualifying lap in the 38-car field and seventh quickest lap among the 19 Group B qualifiers by touring the three-eighths mile semi-banked oval in 13.091 seconds.

After starting on the pole of the third IRA eight-lap heat race, Hartmann secured a fourth place finish to earn a spot in the 25-lap main event and a berth in the second IRA dash.

Hartmann started fourth in the second four-lap IRA dash and came home fifth to earn the 10th starting position in the 25-lap main event. Hartmann was running in the 15th position when a caution flag was displayed for a spin involving race leader Bill Balog on lap 22.

After another caution flag slowed the pace on lap 29 when Jordan Goldesberry spun in turn two, Hartmann crossed the finish line in 19th place in a race won by Brenham Crouch.

With the IRA idle during the next two weekends to allow competitors to compete in and attend the Knoxville Nationals in Knoxville, Iowa, the Austin Hartmann and 87A Hartmann Racing team will return to action with the Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series for the annual Kenosha County Fair Night-Roger Illes Tribute Night racing program at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 19.

One night later, the team will visit Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. with the IRA for the annual Corn Fest event Presented by Zimbrick Chevrolet.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4 p.m., followed by engine heat at 4:45 p.m., hot laps at 5 p.m. and opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor ShowcaseCompetition Specialists

Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team are thrilled to welcome Competition Specialists as a partner for the 2023 season.

Headquartered at 1342 Earl St. in Menasha, Wis., Competition Specialists has been a high-performance race engine builder, specializing in oval track engines, since 1982.

Under the leadership of Steve Blom and Jason Johnson, Competition Specialists aims to carry on the tradition of reliable and powerful racing engines. With Steve’s 40-plus years of engine-building knowledge and Jason’s family tradition of building race-winning engines with his Hall of Fame great grandpa and grandpa, this newly formed partnership forged in 2022 brings proven winning power.

Competition Specialists builds a wide range of race engines for Sprint Cars, Dirt Late Models, Asphalt Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Sportsman and road course cars. In addition, the team of engine builders at Competition Specialists can build marine engines (inboard, small block and big block), hot rod engines (Mopar, Ford and Chevrolet) and other V-8 engines by request.

Competition Specialists features a full-service machine shop where detail is the highest priority from drop off to ready-for-assembly, including the ability to mill heads, blocks and injections. The machine shop also includes lathes to turn cranks and cams. The top-of-the line equipment showcased throughout the shop can also balance cranks, rods and flywheels, while providing the ability to flow cylinder heads for maximum horsepower.

Precision and inspection rank as a top priority for every part that comes through the Competition Specialists machine shop doors. Through a thorough evaluation and examination process, Competition Specialists’ technical staff can find cracks invisible to the eye by closely magnifying every inch of every part.

Contact Competition Specialists by calling 920-725-9384, emailing sales@competitionspecialists.com, visiting www.competitionspecialists.com or checking out the Competition Specialists Facebook page.

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

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

 

Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, Aug. 19 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Aug. 20 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, Aug. 25 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA-MOWA)
Saturday, Aug. 26 – Federated Auto Parts I-55 Raceway, Pevely, Mo. (IRA)

 

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 25
IRA Events – 19
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 – 9
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 17
Heat Race Victories – 2
Dash Appearances – 5
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Hard-charging Arenz blasts to IRA top five finishes at Plymouth, Wilmot

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 2023 rookie Travis Arenz collected a pair of top-five A-main showings at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, July 28 and at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, July 29. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 2, 2023 – Despite being mired in middle-of-the-pack A-main starting positions, Travis Arenz proved to be undaunted during back-to-back Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events last weekend, improving a grand total of 16 spots en route to a pair of fifth place showings in the third annual Road America Challenge at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, July 28 and annual Founder’s Night event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, July 29.

Returning to the familiar confines of The Plymouth Dirt Track where he has claimed three championships in two different divisions over the past 10 years on Friday, July 28, the Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver opened the Road America Challenge night program by qualifying 18th in the 27-car IRA field with a lap of 14.265 seconds in very dry and slick track conditions.

Arenz, who captured his first career IRA 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory in his last appearance at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, July 1, lined up fourth in the third eight-lap IRA heat race before charging past Josh Schneiderman, Scotty Neitzel and Russel Borland to record a third place finish.

The 16th-year competitor started the 30-lap A main 12th and moved up steadily during the first half of the race to seize ninth from Dave Uttech on lap 12. Ten laps later, Arenz pulled off an impressive move to work his way past Jack Vanderboom and Jordan Goldesberry and advance into seventh on lap 22…

The lone caution flag of the race appeared on lap 29 when Scotty Thiel spun in turn two. After restarting sixth, Arenz gained one more spot during the green-white-checkered flag finish to secure a fifth place showing in a race won by Greg Wilson.

“We actually had a good qualifying draw at Plymouth,” Arenz said. “But with the amount of rain we had received over a couple of days leading to the race, I was pretty surprised with the condition the track was in. We aren’t where we need to be for qualifying, so it’s something we are going to continue to work on. I was pretty happy to be able to finish fifth from the 12th starting spot in the feature. I’ve been able to move forward in the heat races and feature events, so if we can figure out qualifying, it will be huge.”

On Saturday, July 29, Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports team headed south to the birthplace of the IRA – Wilmot Raceway – for the annual Founder’s Night program.

With a late qualifying draw, Arenz turned in the 31st fastest qualifying time in the 38-car field with a lap of 13.450 seconds around the three-eighths mile semi-banked clay oval.

Arenz rebounded with a strong run in the third eight-lap IRA heat race to advance seven spots from the ninth starting position to finish second and secure a transfer spot to the 25-lap Founder’s Night A main.

The 2021 and 2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champion started 14th in the main event and mounted a strong run up through the field to advance nine spots and claim a second straight fifth place A-main showing in a race won by Brenham Crouch.

Arenz’s 14th-to-fifth A-main run netted him the race’s Hard Charger Award for moving up a race-best nine positions.

“At Wilmot, again we qualified horribly, which started us in the back of our heat race,” Arenz said. “I was able to go ninth to second, which was huge. One of my crew members likes to give me ‘motivation speeches’ and told me she doesn’t help B-main cars, so I knew I had to finish in the top five. This set us up for a 14th starting position in the feature and we were able to earn hard charger, passing nine cars to finish fifth. Overall, we have had decent heat race and feature results in our recent events. We will continue to push every week as we move forward.”

With the IRA taking the next two weekends off to allow teams to participate in the Knoxville Nationals in Knoxville, Iowa, the Travis Arenz Motorsports team will return to action with the IRA for the annual Kenosha County Fair Night-Roger Illes Tribute Night racing program at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 19.

One night later, the team will visit Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. with the IRA for the annual Corn Fest event Presented by Zimbrick Chevrolet.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4 p.m., followed by engine heat at 4:45 p.m., hot laps at 5 p.m. and opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.

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

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

The 2023 Travis Arenz Motorsports team consists of pit crew members Greg Piedot, Jerrod Gamb, Emily Stadler, Cameron Fritz, Bobby Bonelli and Trevor Hittman (public relations). ..Additional information on the Travis Arenz Motorsports team can be found by visiting the team’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Roth’s Auto Restoration

Travis Arenz Motorsports is pleased to have Roth’s Auto Restoration on board as a sponsorship partner for the team’s rookie season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in 2023.

Located at 113 Balsam Road in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Roth’s Auto Restoration has specialized in collision and auto body repair since 2008, providing exact color matching, paintless dent repair, car and motorcycle painting among many more services. Roth’s Auto Restoration service technicians are ASE certified, Axalta paint certified and PPG paint certified to ensure the best match for all vehicles. In addition to auto body repair, Roth’s Auto Restoration also offers base mechanical services such as brake work, tires, wheel balances and oil changes, along with free estimates and insurance work.

To contact or learn more about Roth’s Auto Restoration, call 920-980-0098, email tompainter1@yahoo.com or visit www.rothsautorestoration.com.

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports
Upcoming 2023 Schedule

Saturday, August 19 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, August 20 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, August 25 – 34 Raceway, West Burlington, Iowa (IRA)
Saturday, August 26 – Federated Auto Parts I-55 Raceway, Pevely, Mo. (IRA-MOWA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 20
IRA Events – 19
All Star Events – 3
A Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 9
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 11
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 14
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 15
Heat Race Victories – 2
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 4
Dash Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

Pokorski turns in two MSA top fives in Plymouth, Eagle River doubleheader

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski recorded two top-five A-main finishes in Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series competition with a fifth place finish at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, July 28 and a fourth place showing at Eagle River Speedway in Eagle River, Wis. on Saturday, July 29. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 1, 2023 – Another doubleheader weekend of Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series competition produced two more top-five A-main showings for Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team Friday, July 28 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. and Saturday, July 29 in the MSA series’ debut appearance at Eagle River Speedway in Eagle River, Wis.

Pokorski opened the third annual Road America Challenge Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-MSA 360 Sprint Car event at The Plymouth Dirt Track by recording the second fastest overall qualifying lap in the 25-car field with a time of 13.612 seconds.

After rolling off third in the first eight-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race, Pokorski got pinched low by another car just after the green flag was displayed to the field on the initial start, which caused the fourth-year Sprint Car driver to fall back to seventh in the running order.

However, the West Bend, Wis. competitor battled back by working his way past Bill Taylor, Josh Bilicki, Shane Wenninger and T.J. Smith over the final seven laps of the race to record a third place finish.

After the track crew worked on the very dry and dusty track surface at intermission, Pokorski and his fellow competitors in the large 25-car field were greeted with a vastly different fast and tacky track surface for the 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A main.

Pokorski started 10th and moved to seventh by lap 5 before moving into the top five by passing Lance Fassbender with a low move in turn one on lap 16. Chris Clayton relegated Pokorski to sixth on lap 22 before the lone caution flag was displayed to the field when Devan Meyers of Bringhurst, Ind. spun in turn four.

On the restart, Pokorski moved up to the high line to work around T.J. Haddy in the closing three laps and secure a fifth place finish in a race won by Ben Schmidt.

“The heat race was a bit frustrating because I felt there should have been a caution thrown on lap one,” Pokorski said. “That put us behind a bit, but luckily we rebounded to third. The feature was fun going from 10th to fifth. I was happy to finish in the top five.”

Paul Pokorski, who made his fifth start of the 2023 season in the seat of Spyder Akright’s 53A car, qualified 16th with a lap of 14.392 seconds before starting ninth and finishing seventh in the first eight-lap PDTR-MSA heat race.

The 31-year veteran started the 25-lap main event 17th and wound up 18th at the finish.

Paul Pokorski competed for the fifth time during the 2023 season in Spyder Akright’s 53A car, posting an 18th place A-main finish in an Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, July 28.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos 

“The night was a little frustrating,” Paul said. “In group qualifying, I felt I was held up a little bit by another car, which put us in a bad spot. That can sort of set up how your night will go. The car was okay, not bad, but not great all night. We will keep digging and having some fun.”

On Saturday, July 29, Alex Pokorski and the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team headed three hours north for the first-ever full-sized Sprint Car race held at Eagle River Speedway.

Once again, Alex posted the second overall qualifying lap in the 17-car field by touring the D-shaped third-mile clay oval in 12.547 seconds.

After lining up fourth in the third eight-lap MSA 360 Sprint Car heat race, Alex spun in turn four on the opening lap. Following a brief visit to the work area, Alex started fourth in the five-car field for a complete restart.

Alex used a strong outside move shortly after the start to sweep past both Tristan Koenings and Kevin Karnitz to nail down second in turn two. Alex closed the gap on leader T.J. Smith over the final few laps before settling for second.

After starting fourth, Alex drove a steady race mainly along the preferred outside groove of the well-manicured semi slick and ultra smooth racing surface to record a fourth place showing in a race won by Ben Schmidt and presented by RC Custom Design.

The fourth place finish was Alex’s eighth top-five and 15th top-10 A-main showing of the 2023 MSA campaign in 16 total events.

“I enjoyed visiting Eagle River Speedway and they prepared a nice surface for us to race on,” Alex said. “Qualifying still seems to be taunting me a bit. We finished second overall both nights this past weekend. I felt the A main went well, but I wish I were more aggressive on the initial start. I had thought about going above the cushion right away, but decided against it. Ben [Schmidt] went for it, and it worked very well for him. I’m glad we put on a good show for the fans there. I’d be happy to go back next year.”

The next race for Alex Pokorski at the Akright Auto Racing Team is this Saturday, Aug. 5 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., which will also feature the PDTR Grand Nationals and B Mods, along with the IRA Lightning Sprints.

In addition, the event will include a kids’ coin and candy drop courtesy of VanDerVaart Concrete.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying set at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

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

Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Petersen Septic Systems

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team are pleased to have Petersen Septic Systems on board as a returning sponsor for the 2023 racing season.

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

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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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

Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, Aug. 5 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, Aug. 12 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, Aug. 19 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

Total Events – 16
A Main Victories – 1
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 8
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 15
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 16
Heat Race Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 5
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
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing on tap for return to Manitowoc’s Sabbatical Brewing Co.

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Joe Verdegan, pictured second right at the 2022 Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing, will be among the featured authors at 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, 2023. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 31, 2023 – Following a highly successful debut in 2022, by popular demand Pedal Down Promotions is slated to host the second annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing event 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.

Other authors tentatively scheduled to be on hand with copies of their books for sale are Karen Lueders of Little Chute, Wis. (“To God Be The Glory,” “God’s Promise of Salvation” and “Nourishment for the Soul”), former Fox Valley Lutheran High School Football Coach and Athletic Director Gene Strusz of Appleton, Wis. (“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. (“Wheels Up – Grief to Peace”), Steven Wilton of Birnamwood, Wis. (“Queen of Crows”), Jacob Immel of Sheboygan Falls, Wis. (“What Do You Worship – A Guide For Combating Idolatry”) and Bob Rogler of Kiel, Wis. (“Heart of Light Book One – Madea’s Fate,” “Rendered Soul,” and “Witch’s Valley Book Two – Madea’s Fate”) among many others.

The second annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing Presented by Pedal Down Promotions is scheduled to take place Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 at Sabbatical Brewing Co. in Manitowoc, Wis. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

Books available for purchase will cover a wide range of genres including true crime, auto racing, youth sports/coaching, romance, Christian/inspirational poetry, medieval fantasy, children’s stories and more.

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

Authors interested in reserving table space at the second annual Lakeshore Book Show and Author Signing event can request an author registration form by contacting Jeff Pederson by phone at 920-323-7970 or via email at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com.

Additional and up-to-date information 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 Pedal Down Promotions, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com.

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

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

Schmidt secures eighth 2023 MSA A-main score in Eagle River Speedway debut

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

2011 Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth claimed his 40th career Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory in the MSA’s debut appearance at Eagle River Speedway in Eagle River, Wis. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 29, 2023 – A dream season filled with a flurry of victory lane visits rolled on for 2011 Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth as he cruised to his eighth Akright Auto MSA A-main victory of the 2023 campaign before a packed house of enthusiastic fans in the first-ever full-sized Sprint Car race in the history of Eagle River Speedway in Eagle River, Wis. on Saturday, July 29

The 16th MSA event of the 2023 season produced a swift 25-lap headliner completed in non-stop flag-to-flag fashion with one of the series’ most successful drivers assuming the top step of the podium.

Four-time MSA champion and current point leader Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh jumped into the initial lead of the 25-lap main event from the pole position as Ben Schmidt used the preferred outside groove to blast his way from the sixth starting spot into second by turn three of the opening lap.

Over the next five laps, Schmidt gradually reeled in McMullen along the cushion of the well-manicured D-shaped third-mile clay oval. Schmidt moved to within striking distance on lap 6 just before the leaders caught up to slower traffic one lap later.

After sizing up McMullen by testing the middle groove over the next two laps, Schmidt fired off a slide job to power past McMullen into the lead in turn four on lap 9.

McMullen stayed in sight of the top spot for the remainder of the event as the leaders wound their way through voluminous lapped traffic during the final 16 circuits.

Over the final two laps McMullen moved down to the low line in an attempt to mount a late challenge. However, Schmidt held strong on the cushion to edge McMullen by three car lengths at the finish line to claim the $1,000 first place check courtesy of race sponsor Rob Eisentraut of RC Custom Design.

The win marked Schmidt’s 40th career MSA A-main triumph, which moves him one behind Brandon McMullen for third place on the all-time MSA A-main victory list.

“With Brandon McMullen starting on the pole, I knew I had to get a good start to have a chance at tracking him down,” Schmidt said. “I tried some different lines around the middle of the track to try to get by him before deciding to pull the trigger on a slider. This is the first time I’ve raced here. It’s an awesome facility.”

After starting on the pole and leading the first eight laps of the race, McMullen was disappointed with finishing one spot short of victory.

“I was too cautious and should have been more aggressive in traffic,” McMullen said. “It sucks being second, but it was a hell of a crowd that came out tonight. I hope they enjoyed that race.”

MSA rookie T.J. Smith of Greenville, who started third, turned in an MSA 360 Sprint Car career-best third place showing.

“This is the best finish I’ve had so far in a Sprint Car,” Smith said. “I’m just happy to be on the podium with Ben Schmidt and Brandon McMullen. Those guys are great Sprint Car racers.”

Alex Pokorski of West Bend started and finished fourth and rookie Logan Julien of Oconomowoc, who is a former regular Micro Sprint competitor at Eagle River Speedway, placed fifth after starting fifth.

MSA heat race victories went to Logan Julien, Ben Schmidt and T.J. Smith.

Brandon McMullen earned fast qualifier honors by topping the 17-car field with a fast lap of 12.538 seconds.

The next race for the MSA 360 Sprint Cars is this Saturday, Aug. 5 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., which will also feature the PDTR Grand Nationals and B Mods, along with the IRA Lightning Sprints.

In addition, the event will include a kids’ coin and candy drop courtesy of VanDerVaart Concrete.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying set at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

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

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

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

Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association
Eagle River Speedway
Eagle River, Wis.
July 29, 2023

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [6]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [1]; 3. 69S-TJ Smith [3]; 4. 4-Alex Pokorski [4]; 5. 85J-Logan Julien [5]; 6. 51-Chris Larson [2]; 7. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [8]; 8. 7-Lance Fassbender [7]; 9. 6K-Kurt Davis [11]; 10. 20-Robbie Pribnow [12]; 11. 7R-Devan Myers [10]; 12. 69-Bill Taylor [9]; 13. 53-Shane Wenninger [16]; 14. 66T-Tristan Koenings [15]; 15. 11-Tony Wondra [13]; 16. 38-Jeff Neubert [17]; 17. 21H-TJ Haddy [14]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 85J-Logan Julien [ 2]; 2. 7-Lance Fassbender [1]; 3. 98-Brandon McMullen [4]; 4. 6K-Kurt Davis [3]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra [5]; 6. 53-Shane Wenninger [6]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 2. 51-Chris Larson [2]; 3. 69-Bill Taylor [1]; 4. 20-Robbie Pribnow [3]; 5. 7R-Devan Myers [6]; 6. 38-Jeff Neubert [5]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 69S-TJ Smith [1]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski [4]; 3. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [3]; 4. 66T-Tristan Koenings [2]; 5. 21H-TJ Haddy [5]

Qualifying 1: 1. 98-Brandon McMullen, 12.538 [3]; 2. 6K-Kurt Davis, 12.565 [6]; 3. 85J-Logan Julien, 12.576 [2]; 4. 7-Lance Fassbender, 12.846 [5]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra, 12.906 [1]; 6. 53-Shane Wenninger, 12.974 [4]

Qualifying 2: 1. 35-Ben Schmidt, 12.584 [3]; 2. 20-Rob Pribnow, 13.191 [2]; 3. 51-Chris Larson, 13.231 [4]; 4. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.329 [1]; 5. 38-Jeff Neubert, 13.854 [6]; 6. 7R-Devan Myers [5]

Qualifying 3: 1. 4-Alex Pokorski, 12.547 [4]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 12.962 [2]; 3. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 13.380 [5]; 4. 69S-TJ Smith, 13.462 [1]; 5. 21H-TJ Haddy, 13.790 [3]

Schmidt soars to sixth 2023 PDTR 360 Sprint Car triumph

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

Wilson nips Crouch to claim Road America Challenge IRA 410 Sprint Car win

2011 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth racked up his 39th career PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A main victory in the 25-lap Road America Challenge headliner at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, July 29. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 28, 2023 – Former Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth continued his season-long stranglehold over the competition by notching his sixth Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car main event victory of the 2023 campaign during the third annual 25-lap Road America Challenge A-main at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Friday, July 28.

In the 30-lap Road America Challenge Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car main event, two-time All Star Circuit of Champions titlist Greg Wilson of Benton Ridge, Ohio held off points leader Brenham Crouch of Lubbock, Texas in photo-finish fashion to claim his second career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory by 26 one thousands of a second.

In the Akright Auto PDTR-Midwest Sprint Car Association 25-lap Road America Challenge main event, polesitter Kevin Karnitz of West jumped into the lead on the drop of the green flag with rookie T.J. Haddy of Waupun, who started second, and 2011 PDTR and MSA champ Ben Schmidt, who started fourth, following in second and third, respectively.

On lap 3, Schmidt worked his way past Haddy to assume the runner-up spot before Karnitz caught the back of the field on lap 6. Schmidt hounded Karnitz through thick lapped traffic over the next two laps before surging ahead exiting turn four on lap 8.

As Schmidt skillfully sliced his way through lapped traffic on the lightning fast track surface, two-time PDTR and four-time MSA champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh maneuvered his way into third before working past Karnitz to assume second on lap 20.

Two laps later, Devan Myers of Bringhurst, Ind. spun in turn four to bring out the lone caution flag of the race on lap 22. Following the single-file restart, Schmidt pulled away while McMullen moved up to the high line in an attempt to wrestle the lead away from the 24-year racing veteran, who captured the 2011 PDTR and MSA championships.

McMullen’s late bid for the top spot fell short as Schmidt claimed his sixth PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2023 season, fifth main event victory in the last six main PDTR 360 Sprint Car events, 21st career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory, seventh MSA A-main win of 2023 and 39th career MSA main event win.

McMullen had to settle for second, Karnitz was third, fifth starter Chris Clayton of Waldo finished fourth and 10th starter Alex Pokorski of West Bend rounded out the top five.

In his debut appearance at The Plymouth Dirt Track, Joel Myers Jr. of Santa Rosa, Calif. bolted into the lead on the opening lap of the 30-lap Road America Challenge IRA A-main with Brenham Crouch, who started third, sliding into second.

Two-time All Star Circuit of Champions champion Greg Wilson of Benton Ridge, Ohio earned his second career Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series A-main victory in the 30-lap Road America Challenge event Friday, July 28 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

On lap 6, Myers began to work his way through lapped traffic, which allowed Crouch to pull to within striking distance over the next three laps before the rookie IRA driver wrestled the lead away from Myers Jr. with a low move in turn four on lap 9.

Meanwhile, 10-time IRA champion Bill Balog of Hartland disposed of Crouch lap 12 to seize second. Balog, who won the previous two additions of the Road America Challenge event in 2021 and 2022, stalked Crouch for the ensuing 16 laps as the leaders wound their way through slower traffic.

On lap 28, Balog made his move as he dove low in turn three to rip off a well-executed slide job and assume the lead. However, Crouch battled back to regain the lead with a slide job in turn four on lap 29 before the caution flag flew when Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan spun in turn two.

The ensuing restart saw former World of Outlaws Series regular competitor Greg Wilson, who started sixth, flex his muscle by diving low in turn two to move from fourth on the restart to take over the top spot on lap 29. Crouch battled back to pull even with Wilson heading to the checkered flag. However, the veteran Wilson edged out the young up-and-coming racer in a drag race to the finish line by just 26 thousands of a second to collect the $5,000 first-place check.

It was Wilson’s second career IRA A-main victory to go along with 25 career All Star Circuit of Champions main event triumphs and two World of Outlaws Series A-main wins.

“It’s been a hell of a few weeks,” Wilson said. “I have my wife and my two girls here helping me tonight with no other crew. It feels great to come to one of my favorite tracks in the county and get a win on the last lap.

“I knew when that caution came out that the middle would be good, especially if the leaders got to sliding each other and messing around, especially if no one blocked me,” he said. “This is unbelievable. I’m a blessed dude to be able to race cars across the country with my own team at 47 years old.”

Crouch wound up second, Myers Jr. placed third, Balog ended up fourth and two-time PDTR and MSA 360 Sprint Car champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan Falls charged up from the 12th starting spot to finish fifth.

Jack Vanderboom of Dousman won the 10-lap IRA B main.

Tylar Rankin of Coldwater, Mich. earned IRA 410 Sprint Car Series fast qualifier honors with a lap of 13.289 seconds.

Bill Taylor of Boltonville registered top qualifying honors in the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car division in 13.567 seconds.

The 11th event of the 2023 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by Road America, drew a total of 52 Sprint Cars, including 25 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars and 27 Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprints 410 Sprint Cars.

The next Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, Aug. 5 will feature a special appearance from the IRA Lightning Sprints, along with the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals and B Mods.

The event will also feature a kids coin and candy drop provided courtesy of PDTR and VanDerVart Concrete Products.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

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.

BUMPER TO BUMPER INTERSTATE RACING ASSOCIATION 410 SPRINT CARS

A Main (30 Laps): 1. W20-Greg Wilson [6]; 2. 1-Brenham Crouch [3]; 3. 46-Joel Myers Jr. [2]; 4. 17B-Bill Balog [7]; 5. 25T-Travis Arenz [12]; 6. 2W-Scotty Neitzel [1]; 7. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [14]; 8. 47-Todd King [4]; 9. 3N-Jake Neuman [11]; 10. 16C-Tylar Rankin [8]; 11. 73-Scotty Thiel [5]; 12. 68-Dave Uttech [10]; 13. 4K-Kris Spitz [9]; 14. 9K-Kyle Schuett [16]; 15. 99-Tyler Brabant [24]; 16. 23-Russel Borland [13]; 17. 79-Blake Nimee [15]; 18. 25-Danny Schlafer [20]; 19. 21-Will Gerrits [18]; 20. 49-Josh Schneiderman [17]; 21. U2-Jack Vanderboom [19]; 22. 87A-Austin Hartmann [22]; 23. 26-Tyler Tischendorf [21]; 24. 19CW-Ion Stear [23]

B Main (10 Laps): 1. U2-Jack Vanderboom [3]; 2. 25-Danny Schlafer [1]; 3. 26-Tyler Tischendorf [2]; 4. 87A-Austin Hartmann [4]; 5. 19CW-Ion Stear [6]; 6. 99-Tyler Brabant [5]; 7. 43-Jereme Schroeder [7]; 8. 24-Scott Conger [8]; 9. 6X-Jake Reif [9]

Dash 1 (4 Laps): 1. 2W-Scott Neitzel [1]; 2. 1-Brenham Crouch [2]; 3. 73-Scotty Thiel (3]; 4. 17B-Bill Balog [5]; 5. 4K-Kris Spitz [4]

Dash 2 (4 Laps): 1. 46-Joel Myers Jr. [1]; 2. 47-Todd King [2]; 3. W20-Greg Wilson [4]; 4. 16C-Tylar Rankin [5]; 5. 68-Dave Uttech [3]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 1-Brenham Crouch [2]; 2. 16C-Tylar Rankin [4]; 3. 68-Dave Uttech [1]; 4. 47-Todd King [3]; 5. 79-Blake Nimee [7]; 6. 9K-Kyle Schuett [5]; 7. 87A-Austin Hartmann [8]; 8. 26-Tyler Tischendorf [6]; 9. 24-Scott Conger [9]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 73-Scotty Thiel [1]; 2. 3N-Jake Neuman [6]; 3. 4K-Kris Spitz [2]; 4. 65-Jordan Goldesberry [5]; 5. W20-Greg Wilson [3]; 6. 21-Will Gerrits [7]; 7. 99-Tyler Brabant [8]; 8. 43-Jereme Schroeder [9]; 9. (DNF) 25-Danny Schlafer [4]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 17B-Bill Balog [4]; 2. 46-Joel Myers Jr. [2]; 3. 25T-Travis Arenz [6]; 4. 23-Russel Borland [1]; 5. 2W-Scotty Neitzel [3]; 6. 49-Josh Schneiderman [5]; 7. U2-Jack Vanderboom [7]; 8. 19CW-Ion Stear [8]; 9. 6X-Jake Reif [9]

Qualifying : 1. 16C-Tylar Rankin, 13.289 [1]; 2. 25-Danny Schlafer, 13.435 [7]; 3. 17B-Bill Balog, 13.474 [4]; 4. 47-Todd King, 13.663 [6]; 5. W20-Greg Wilson, 13.733 [8]; 6. 2W-Scotty Neitzel, 13.773 [12]; 7. 1-Brenham Crouch, 13.912 [23]; 8. 4K-Kris Spitz, 13.986 [17]; 9. 46-Joel Myers Jr, 13.999 [20]; 10. 68-Dave Uttech, 14.070 [2]; 11. 73-Scotty Thiel, 14.085 [25]; 12. 23-Russel Borland, 14.089 [3]; 13. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 14.134 [19]; 14. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 14.151 [14]; 15. 49-Josh Schneiderman, 14.183 [16]; 16. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 14.233 [5]; 17. 3N-Jake Neuman, 14.245 [21]; 18. 25T-Travis Arenz, 14.265 [9]; 19. 79-Blake Nimee, 14.279 [18]; 20. 21-Will Gerrits, 14.329 [13]; 21. U2-Jack Vanderboom, 14.458 [10]; 22. 87A-Austin Hartmann, 14.477 [11]; 23. 99-Tyler Brabant, 14.639 [22]; 24. 19CW-Ion Stear, 14.649 [24]; 25. 24-Scott Conger, 14.741 [15]; 26. 43-Jereme Schroeder, 15.253 [27]; 27. 6X-Jake Reif, 15.259 [26]

Hot Laps: 1. 65-Jordan Goldesberry, 13.380 [14]; 2. 2W-Scotty Neitzel, 13.409 [12]; 3. 49-Josh Schneiderman, 13.431 [16]; 4. 9K-Kyle Schuett, 13.593 [19]; 5. 4K-Kris Spitz, 13.670 [17]; 6. 21-Will Gerrits, 13.796 [13]; 7. 79-Blake Nimee, 13.845 [18]; 8. 25-Danny Schlafer, 13.850 [7]; 9. 46-Joel Myers Jr, 13.902 [20]; 10. 17B-Bill Balog, 13.923 [4]; 11. 1-Brenham Crouch, 13.928 [23]; 12. 47-Todd King, 13.937 [6]; 13. 25T-Travis Arenz, 14.146 [9]; 14. W20-Greg Wilson, 14.203 [8]; 15. 16C-Tylar Rankin, 14.215 [1]; 16. 68-Dave Uttech, 14.229 [2]; 17. 3N-Jake Neuman, 14.306 [21]; 18. 19CW-Ion Stear, 14.360 [24]; 19. 99-Tyler Brabant, 14.486 [22]; 20. U2-Jack Vanderboom, 14.580 [10]; 21. 43-Jereme Schroeder, 14.661 [27]; 22. 26-Tyler Tischendorf, 14.669 [5]; 23. 23-Russel Borland, 14.974 [3]; 24. 6X-Jake Reif, 15.048 [26]; 25. 24-Scott Conger, 15.346 [15]; 26. (DNS) 87A-Austin Hartmann, 15.346; 27. 73-Scotty Thiel, 15.346

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [6]; 3. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [1]; 4. 2-Chris Clayton [5]; 5. 4-Alex Pokorski [10]; 6. 21H-TJ Haddy [2]; 7. 7-Lance Fassbender [3]; 8. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [9]; 9. 3-Justin Erickson [7]; 10. 22B-Brandon Berth [12]; 11. 69S-TJ Smith [8]; 12. 6K-Kurt Davis [22]; 13. 53-Shane Wenninger [15]; 14. 51-Chris Larson [11]; 15. 38-Josh Bilicki [16]; 16. 11-Tony Wondra [14]; 17. 69-Bill Taylor [24]; 18. 53A-Paul Pokorski [17]; 19. 66T-Tristan Koenings [13]; 20. 88-Chris Flick [20]; 21. 85J-Logan Julien [21]; 22. 39-Michael Decker [19]; 23. 66-Nick Daywalt [23]; 24. 12P-JJ Pagel [18]; 25. 7R-Devan Myers [25]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 7-Lance Fassbender [2]; 2. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [1]; 3. 4-Alex Pokorski [3]; 4. 69S-TJ Smith [6]; 5. 53-Shane Wenninger [5]; 6. 38-Josh Bilicki [7]; 7. 53A-Paul Pokorski [9]; 8. 12P-JJ Pagel [8]; 9. (DNF) 69-Bill Taylor [4]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [3]; 2. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [2]; 3. 3-Justin Erickson [4]; 4. 22B-Brandon Berth [5]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra [6]; 6. 6K-Kurt Davis [1]; 7. 7R-Devan Myers [8]; 8. 88-Chris Flick [7]

Heat 3 (8 Laps): 1. 98-Brandon McMullen [4]; 2. 2-Chris Clayton [6]; 3. 51-Chris Larson [3]; 4. 21H-TJ Haddy [8]; 5. 66T-Tristan Koenings [7]; 6. 85J-Logan Julien [1]; 7. 39-Michael Decker [5]; 8. (DNF) 66-Nick Daywalt [2]

Qualifying 1: 1. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.567 [7]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski, 13.612 [6]; 3. 7-Lance Fassbender, 13.738 [1]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.747 [4]; 5. 53-Shane Wenninger, 13.760 [2]; 6. 69S-TJ Smith, 14.077 [3]; 7. 38-Josh Bilicki, 14.140 [8]; 8. 12P-JJ Pagel, 14.210 [5]; 9. 53A-Paul Pokorski, 14.392 [9]

Qualifying 2: 1. 3-Justin Erickson, 13.979 [1]; 2. 35-Ben Schmidt, 13.985 [6]; 3. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.991 [2]; 4. 6K-Kurt Davis, 13.999 [8]; 5. 22B-Brandon Berth, 14.075 [4]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra, 14.082 [3]; 7. 7R-Devan Myers, 14.353 [5]; 8. 88-Chris Flick, 14.452 [7]

Qualifying 3: 1. 98-Brandon McMullen, 14.276 [3]; 2. 51-Chris Larson, 14.561 [8]; 3. 66-Nick Daywalt, 14.584 [7]; 4. 85J-Logan Julien, 14.737 [2]; 5. 39-Michael Decker, 14.858 [1]; 6. 2-Chris Clayton, 14.966 [4]; 7. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 15.032 [5]; 8. 21H-TJ Haddy, 15.032 [6]

Michigan detour leads Hartmann on fast path at Butler Motor Speedway, big IRA double dip awaits

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann steered his 87A Hartmann Racing machine to a sixth-place finish in the 31-lap Chuck Wilson Memorial 410 Sprint Car A main at Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy, Mich. on Saturday, July 22.  – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 26, 2023 – After rain washed out the scheduled Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series at Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis. on Friday, July 21, Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team made a late decision to head east for a weekly 410 Sprint Car event Butler Motor Speedway in Quincy, Mich. on Saturday, July 22, which paid off with an impressive top-10 A-main result for the Plymouth, Wis.-based team.

In his first career appearance at the three-eighths mile high-banked Butler Speedway clay oval, Hartmann ripped off the third fastest qualifying lap in the 24-car field in 13.424 seconds.

The fourth-year Sprint Car driver then lined up fourth in the third eight-lap heat race before advancing two spots to place second.

The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner rolled off fourth in the 31-lap Chuck Wilson Memorial Legends of the Past 410 Sprint Car main event and drove a smooth and smart race to finish sixth in a race won by Darin Naida.

The sixth place showing was Hartmann’s sixth top-10 A-main finish of the 2023 campaign.

“Butler is a badass little joint, which fit my driving style perfectly,” Hartmann said. “Overall, we had a good showing. We found some speed late in the A main, which is where we’ve slacked so far this season. I want to thank Scotty Thiel and Eric Bergschultz for making the trip to Michigan with us.”

The 87A Hartmann Racing team is set to make its fourth appearance of the 2023 season at his hometown track – The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth Wis. – on Friday, July 28 with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association for the third annual $5,000-to-win Road America Challenge event in conjunction with the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4:30 p.m., packing/hot laps at 6 p.m. and qualifying and racing to follow.

On Saturday, July 29, Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team will travel to Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. for the annual $4,000-to-win Founder’s Night event. The Wisconsin wingLESS Sprints and IRA Lightning Sprints will also be on the car for the all-open wheel event.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 5 p.m., on-track action starting at 6 p.m. with qualifying and racing to follow.

“I’m very excited for this upcoming weekend,” Hartmann said. “We’re gonna get one of these done soon.”

The 87A Hartmann Racing team recently debuted a new website, which can be accessed at https://www.team87a.com.

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor ShowcaseShufflebotham 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.

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

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

Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, July 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, July 29 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, Aug. 19 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Aug. 20 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)

 Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 23
IRA Events – 17
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 – 9
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 16
Heat Race Victories – 2
Dash Appearances – 4
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Arenz hangs tough in first tripleheader road trip of rookie IRA 410 Sprint Car campaign

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Travis Arenz’s three-race swing through Minnesota and North Dakota with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series was highlighted by an 11th place showing at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. on Saturday, July 15. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 19, 2023 – In their 16th year of competition, Travis Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports team experienced something new, as they embarked on the first multi-state tripleheader racing weekend road trip of their rookie season with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Thursday, July 13 at I-94 emr Speedway in Fergus Falls, Minn. and Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D.

The three-race stand of IRA versus Northern Outlaw Sprint Association (NOSA) events rolled off with the IRA’s initial visit to I-94 emr Speedway, a three-eighth mile high-banked facility in Fergus Falls, Minn., with a strong field of 38 competitors on hand on Thursday, July 13.

In his first competitive laps at I-94 emr Speedway, Arenz started the night by qualifying 20th overall with a lap of 15.118 seconds. The 2021 and 2022 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and  Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car champion started on the pole of the fourth eight-lap IRA-NOSA heat race before outside front row starter Mark Dobmeier moved Arenz back to second in turn two of the opening lap.

The Sheboygan Falls, Wis. driver then held off Jade Hastings to earn an A-main transfer spot with a second place showing.

After starting 14th in the 30-lap IRA-NOSA main event, Arenz was running in the 13th position when he slowed to bring out a caution flag on lap 13. After retiring from the race with a broken throttle linkage, Arenz was scored 23rd in the final running order in a race won by Mark Dobmeier.

“Once again, drawing for qualifying was not in our favor for any of the nights at I-94 or River Cities,” Arenz said. “I thought I-94 was a neat track. It was the first time I had been there, but I just took it as any normal night of racing.

”I tried to do my best to read the track with the hopes to set up a competitive car,” he said. “The car felt decent for the most part, but I did break a throttle linkage in the feature, which ended our night.”

On Friday, July 14, the Travis Arenz Motorsports team headed northwest to the vaunted quarter-mile River Cities Speedway bullring in Grand Forks, N.D. where a field of 36 competitors signed in for the first half of the two-night Buffalo Wild Wings King of the Wings event.

Arenz opened the program by registering a qualifying lap of 11.361 seconds, which was good for 22nd overall. After starting the pole in the third eight-lap IRA-NOSA heat race, Arenz wound up second behind hometown Grand Forks, N.D. racer Brendan Mullen.

After starting 14th in the 30-lap IRA-NOSA A-main, Arenz endured a lengthy stop-and-start main event, which featured five caution and red flag periods, to record a 12th place showing in a race won by Mark Dobmeier.

The second half of the IRA versus NOSA Buffalo Wild Wings King of the Wings event saw Arenz begin the program by qualifying eighth in the 37-car field with a lap of 11.002 seconds.

Arenz again started on the pole of his heat race for the third straight event, as he rolled off first in the second eight-lap IRA-NOSA heat race and wound up second behind IRA points leader and leading IRA Rookie of the Year Award contender Brenham Crouch.

The 30-lap IRA vs. NOSA tripleheader finale A main saw Arenz start and finish 11th in a race won by Austin Pierce.

“I thought River Cities Speedway was an awesome facility,” Arenz said. “The nights got late because we were fighting with rain and track conditions, but they got everything handled well. We did improve in qualifying and were able to transfer to the feature from the heat. I would have liked to be in a dash, but we will get there.

“This was the farthest I have traveled to race and it was a long haul, but we learned a lot and got to race at new tracks with a different type of racing surface,” he said.

Arenz and the members of the Travis Arenz Motorsports team will return to racing closer to home with a visit to Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis. for a Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series event during the Outagamie County Fair on Friday, July 21.

“I’m excited to go back to Outagamie Speedway this Friday night,” Arenz said.

IMCA Modifieds and Stock Cars are also on the card with pit gates opening at 3 p.m., spectator gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Travis Arenz Motorsports Sponsor Showcase – Myhre Construction LLC

Travis Arenz Motorsports is pleased to have Myhre Construction LLC on board as a sponsorship partner for the team’s rookie season of competition with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series in 2023.

Located in Belgium, Wis., Myhre Construction provides construction contractor services in the areas of concrete, forestry removal land management and ice and snow control.

To contact or learn more about Myhre Construction LLC, call (414) 659-4646 or visit the Myhre Construction LLC Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/myhreconstructionllc/.

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
Upcoming 2023 Schedule

Friday, July 21 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, July 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, July 29 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)

Travis Arenz Motorsports
410 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 18
IRA Events – 17
All Star Events – 3
A Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 7
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 9
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 12
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 13
Heat Race Victories – 2
B Main Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 4
Dash Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Travis Arenz Motorsports
360 Sprint Car
2023 Season
By The Numbers

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

Hartmann’s River Cities Speedway top 10 highlights IRA western road trip

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann completed a three-race swing through Minnesota and North Dakota with the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Thursday, July 13 through Saturday, July 15, which was highlighted by a heat race victory and 10th place A-main finish at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. on Friday, July 14. – Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprint Car Series photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 19, 2023 – Three straight nights of racing on two different tracks against a tough band of local 410 Sprint Car competitors 621 miles away from home is the test Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing Team took on gladly, during a tripleheader weekend of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association (IRA) 410 Sprint Car Series versus Northern Outlaw Sprint Association (NOSA) action at 1-94 emr Speedway in Fergus Falls, Minn. Thursday, July 13 and River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15.

The three-race weekend fired up Thursday, July 13 with the IRA’s first visit to  the high-banked three-eighth mile I-94 emr Speedway facility. The Plymouth, Wis. competitor opened the night strong by qualifying fourth overall in the stout 38-car field with a lap of 14.029 seconds.

The 2020 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner started third in the second eight-lap IRA heat race before dropping back to fifth. Hartmann recovered to pass Gage Pulkrabeck on lap 7 to secure a fourth place finish and earn a spot in the 30-lap main event.

After starting 13th in the IRA-NOSA headliner, Hartmann fell back to 18th on lap 18 before three caution and red flag periods helped him move up to 14th on lap 27. However, Hartmann dropped out of the event in the closing laps and was scored 19th in a race won by Mark Dobmeier.

The action moved further Northwest to the high-banked quarter-mile River Cities Speedway clay oval in Grand Forks, N.D. for the first half of the two-night IRA versus NOSA Buffalo Wild Wings King of the Wings event.

With a 36-car field on hand, Hartmann qualified 11th overall with a lap of 10.943 seconds before starting on the pole of the second IRA-NOSA heat race and leading all eight laps to notch his second heat race victory of the 2023 season.

The heat race victory earned Hartmann his fourth IRA dash appearance of the 2023 campaign. After lining up third in the first four-lap IRA-NOSA dash, Hartmann finished fourth to earn the seventh starting spot in the 30-lap A main.

Hartmann moved up from his seventh starting spot to assume sixth on lap 12. The second-year 410 Sprint Car competitor hovered around the seventh and eighth positions over the last half of the event before coming home with a 10th place finish to secure his fifth top-10 A-main finish of the 2023 campaign in a race won by Mark Dobmeier.

The three-race western swing concluded with the second half of the Buffalo Wild Wings IRA-NOSA King of the Wings event at River Cities Speedway on Saturday, July 15.

With 37 cars registered for the event, Hartmann qualified seventh with a lap of 10.822 seconds before starting on the pole and finishing third in the first 10-lap IRA-NOSA heat race.

Hartmann rolled off 13th in the 30-lap main event and went on to cap off the weekend with a 20th place finish in a race won by Austin Pierce.

“It was a great weekend overall for the team and myself,” Hartmann said. “We built a lot of confidence on the slick tracks.”

Hartmann and the members of the 87A Hartmann Racing Team will return to racing closer to home as it visits Outagamie Speedway in Seymour, Wis. for a Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Sprint Car Series event during the Outagamie County Fair on Friday, July 21.

IMCA Modifieds and Stock Cars are also on the card with pit gates opening at 3 p.m., spectator gates opening at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6:30 p.m.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team recently debuted a new website, which can be accessed at https://www.team87a.com.

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor ShowcaseKristine Hartmann of Pleasantview 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

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

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

Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, July 21 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, July 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, July 29 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 22
IRA Events – 17
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 – 5
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 8
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 15
Heat Race Victories – 2
Dash Appearances – 4
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Pokorski completes solid MSA doubleheader weekend with pair of top-10 showings

Alex Pokorski earned a 10th place showing at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 15 and a sixth place finish at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, July 16, during a Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series doubleheader weekend. – RC Custom Design photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 18, 2023 – Despite facing a few bumps in the road, Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team continued their focused, even-keel approach to the 2023 season by tallying two more top-10 A-main showings, during an Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series doubleheader weekend of competition at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 15 and Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, July 16.

On Saturday, July 15, a stout field of 27 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-MSA 360 Sprint Cars signed in for Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Night at The Plymouth Dirt Track. Pokorski opened the proceedings by clicking off the second-fastest group qualifying lap of 12.818 seconds, to end up just .001 of a second behind fast qualifier Kurt Davis.

The fourth-year 360 Sprint Car competitor then lined up third in the first 10-lap PDTR-MSA heat race and fell back to fourth when Kurt Davis moved by on the opening circuit. Pokorski held on the rest of the way to collect a fourth place showing.

After the passing points and inversion draw was completed, Pokorski began the 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A main from the 14th starting position. The West Bend, Wis. driver attempted to utilize the high and wide cushion in the early going, which saw him get crossed up in turn three on lap 2 to briefly fall back to 17th in the running order.

Pokorski had passed Doug Wondra and J.J. Pagel to move up to 15th when he lost control of his No. 4 machine in turn two, resulting in the car flipping on its side to bring out a red flag on lap 12. Following a trip to the work area, Pokorski returned at the rear of the field to roll off 21st on the following restart.

Pokorski passed Bill Taylor and Katelyn Krebsbach to move up to 19th before a string of four consecutive caution flags ground the race to a screeching halt on lap 19. The lengthy race was then ruled complete due to the 25-lap minute time limit when the fourth attempt to restart the race ended with a six-car incident in turn two.

When the scoring was sorting out from the four late-race mishaps, Pokorski was credited with a 10th place showing in a race won by Kevin Karnitz.

“Plymouth was a bit of a wild night,” Pokorski said. “Luckily, tipping the car didn’t do too much damage, and we could keep racing. We managed to salvage a 10th place finish out of a bad night.”

The Alex Pokorski Akright Auto Racing Team then turned their attention to an MSA event during Bryan Gapinski Tribute Night at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, July 16 where a total of 21 MSA 360 Sprint Cars were on hand.

The heat race draw format saw Pokorski start seventh in the first 10-lap MSA heat race. He managed to move up one spot by passing Eric Wilke on lap 2 to gain a sixth place finish.

Pokorski rolled off 14th in the 20-lap MSA main event and found himself up to ninth, following a pair of cautions on lap 2 for rookie T.J Haddy’s turn four spin and lap 7 when Clayton Rossmann spun in turn two in Nick Daywalt’s No. 66 car.

On the restart, Pokorski moved past Ben Schmidt on lap 8 to advance to eighth before Tommy Colburn hit the turn two wall to bring out a caution flag. After restarting seventh, Pokorski drove around Kurt Davis with a high move on lap 9 to gain sixth before Bill Taylor flipped on the front stretch to bring out the fourth stoppage period of the race on lap 10.

Pokorski fell back to seventh on the next restart and held the spot until lap 17 when rookie Logan Julien flipped in turn two. The final three laps saw Pokorski engage in a tight duel with rookie T.J. Smith for sixth with Pokorski edging out Smith by a half car length at the finish line to secure a sixth place finish in a race won by Brandon Berth.

The sixth place showing marked Pokorski’s 13th top-10 A-main finish in 14 MSA races during the 2023 season.

“On Sunday, we ran really well and made nice adjustments for the A main,” Pokorski said. “Our car was much better than last time at Angel Park. I think it was the best track we have had all year. It was a little rough, but it had multiple fast lanes, which made for good racing. I hope we can have more racing surfaces like that.”

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team will return to PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car action this Saturday, July 22 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. with the Super Six Late Model Series, Grand Nationals and B Mods also on the card.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

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

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

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team are pleased to have Goeden Auto Body as a returning sponsor for the 2023 racing season.

Located at 2417 Highway 28 East in Kewaskum, Wis., Goeden Auto Body has been in business since 1971. In 2015, David “Dusty” Goeden took over ownership of the family-owned business.

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

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

For more information on Goeden Auto Body, call 262-334-2759 or e-mail goedenauto@gmail.com or visit https://goedenauto.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 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.

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

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

 

Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, July 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Friday, July 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, July 29 – Eagle River Speedway, Eagle River, Wis.
Saturday, Aug. 5 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.

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

Total Events – 14
A Main Victories – 1
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 6
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 13
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 14
Heat Race Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 4
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
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Berth enjoys first taste of MSA A-main victory at Angell Park Speedway

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Brandon Berth of Cascade captured his first career Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series A-main victory in the 20-lap main event at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Saturday, July 16.

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 16, 2023 – After coming close on several occasions during his five-year career in the seat of a 360 Sprint Car, Brandon Berth of Cascade finally found the previously elusive combination to the victory lane lock, charging from the eighth starting spot to secure his first career Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car Series A-main victory in the 20-lap Bryan Gapinski Tribute Night main event at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis.

The 14th MSA event of the 2023 campaign featured an eventful 20-lap main event, which included three caution flags, two red flag stoppages and a slew of spirited position swapping throughout the field, while culminating with a jubilant first-time winner celebration.

Outside front row starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend, who was coming off of first MSA A-main victory of the 2023 campaign one night earlier at The Plymouth Dirt Track, jumped into the lead in turn two of the opening lap with MSA 360 Sprint Car rookie polesitter T.J. Smith of Greenville trailing close behind in second. The first of five caution-red flag periods came on lap 2 when rookie T.J. Haddy of Waupun spun exiting turn four.

On the restart, four-time MSA champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, who started sixth, moved into second in turn two. Karnitz caught lapped traffic on lap 7 before the second caution flag of the race appeared later in the lap when Clayton Rossmann of Wadsworth, Ill., who was in the seat of Nick Daywalt’s No. 66 car, spun in turn two.

Following the restart, Smith battled back to slip past McMullen into second on lap 8 before the third caution flag of the race was displayed when Tommy Colburn of New Berlin made contact with the turn two wall.

Smith used another strong restart to pressure Karnitz for the top spot on lap 9. However, Karnitz fended off the challenge before a red flag was displayed on lap 10 when Bill Taylor of Boltonville flipped along the front stretch.

Berth, who started the race on the outside of the fourth row, flexed his car’s muscles on the ensuing restart to blast past McMullen and Smith into second on lap 12. The 2019 MSA Rookie of Year Award winner quickly moved in to challenge Karnitz for the lead along the low groove of the slick and tricky traffic surface starting on lap 15.

The race was halted for the fifth and final time on lap 17 when rookie Logan Julien of Oconomowoc jumped the thick cushion and flipped in turn two to bring out the red flag.

The final restart saw Berth hold tight behind Karnitz to set up a race-win-securing slide job entering turn three on lap 18. Berth maintained the top spot over the final two laps to earn his first career MSA 360 Sprint Car Series A-main victory.

“I’ve been dreaming about this for way too long,” Berth said. “There were times I thought it was never going to happen. It feels great to finally get to victory lane in a Sprint Car. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and support to get here. I have to give credit to Kevin [Karnitz], Brandon [McMullen], Ben [Schmidt] and Kurt [Davis]. Those guys are tough to beat and I’m proud that we were able to do it tonight.

“I saw Kevin was getting tight in turns one and two, so I ducked low there and then drove it in hard entering three with kind of a ‘wreckers or checkers’ mindset. I took his line away a bit, but I hope I left enough room,” he said. “Luckily, it worked out. I have to thank our sponsors and everyone that helps this race team. What they do is greatly appreciated and it’s the reason we are where we are tonight.”

Karnitz placed second, McMullen wound up third, Schmidt moved up from his 11th starting sport to take fourth and five-time MSA champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, who started ninth, wound up fifth.

MSA heat race victories went to Tommy Colburn, Clayton Rossmann and Brandon McMullen.

The 14th MSA event of the 2023 season drew a field of 21 MSA 360 Sprint Cars to the historic 87-year-old Angell Park Speedway facility for the series’ second and final visit of the year.

The next race for the MSA 360 Sprint Cars is this Saturday, July 22 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis., which will also include the fifth race of the 2023 PDTR Super Six Late Model Series, along with the PDTR Grand Nationals and B Mods.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with Late Model and 360 Sprint Car qualifying set at 5:30 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

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

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

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

Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association
Angell Park Speedway
Sun Prairie, Wis.
July 16, 2023

A Main (20 Laps): 1. Brandon Berth 2. Kevin Karnitz 3. Brandon McMullen 4. Ben Schmidt 5. Kurt Davis 6. Alex Pokorski 7. T.J. Smith 8. Lance Fassbender 9. Tony Wondra 10. Josh Bilicki 11. Eric Wilke 12. Clayton Rossmann 13. Katelyn Krebsbach 14. J.J. Pagel 15. Jeff Neubert 16. T.J. Haddy 17. Logan Julien 18. Bill Taylor 19. Tommy Colburn 20. Kevin Seidler 21. Tristan Koenings (DNS)

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. Tommy Colburn 2. Kurt Davis 3. Ben Schmidt 4. Brandon Berth 5. Katelyn Krebsbach 6. Alex Pokorski 7. Eric Wilke

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. Clayton Rossmann 2. Kevin Karnitz 3. T.J. Haddy 4. Lance Fassbender 5. J.J. Pagel 6. Tony Wondra 7. Tristan Koenings

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. Brandon McMullen 2. T.J. Smith 3. Logan Julien 4. Josh Bilicki 5. Jeff Neubert 6. Kevin Seidler 7. Bill Taylor

McGrath doubles up on Plymouth Super Six Late Model Series triumphs on Wall of Fame Night

Karnitz, Sorce, Maas score PDTR A-main wins

Mitch McGrath of Waukesha picked up his 15th career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model A-main victory in the 25-lap Super Six Late Model Series main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 15. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 15, 2023 – With 11 accomplished competitors, five valued contributors and three dedicated racing families  representing various eras of the track’s 73-year history in attendance as part of the second annual Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Night induction program, four modern-day racers carved out their own slice of history by notching Plymouth Dirt Track Racing A-main victories at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 15.

In the fourth Super Six Late Model Series main event of the 2023 campaign, 2014 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model champion Mitch McGrath of Waukesha outdueled Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha following a late restart and fended off a a spirited charge from four-time PDTR Late Model champ Brad Mueller of Random Lake in the closing laps to earn his second straight 30-lap 106.5 The Buzz Super Six Late Model Series A-main triumph.

Kevin Karnitz of West Bend survived five caution and red flag restarts to secure his first Akright Auto PDTR-Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main victory of the 2023 season in the incident-plagued time-shortened 19-lap main event.

Will Sorce of Franklin earned his second straight and fourth overall 25-lap Oostburg Automotive PDTR Grand National A-main victory of the 2023 season.

Cascade’s Barry Maas rolled to his first main event victory of the 2023 campaign in the caution-free 25-lap Next Step Insurance PDTR B Mod main event.

The initial start of the Super Six Late Model Series A main was negated when Bill Edler of Howards Grove spun in turn four. After dueling side by side on the opening circuit, outside front row starter Jayme Zidar of Greenfield used the outside groove to outpower polesitter Mitch McGrath and grab the lead on lap 2.

On lap 4, fourth starter Taylor Scheffler used the extreme high groove of the third-mile clay oval, which approached the outside fence, to take second away from McGrath on lap 6. One lap later, Scheffler blasted his way past Zidar into the lead exiting turn four on lap 7.

Scheffler wasted no time in building up a huge lead over Zidar during the next 10 laps before he caught the rear of the field on lap 17. Two laps later, McGrath used the outside lane to surge past Zidar into second on 19 lap, while Scheffler continued to enjoy a half-lap lead at the front of the field.

Just as Scheffler appeared to be locked on cruise control, his half-lap cushion evaporated when the lone caution flag was displayed on lap 23 for the slowing car of Sawyer Specht of Sheboygan Falls.

The ensuing restart kicked off a spirited display of slide jobs on the smooth and slick racing surface as Scheffler and McGrath exchanged the lead in turn two and turn four on laps 24 and 25 before McGrath ducked low to beat Scheffler into turn one on lap 26, following a lap 25 turn-four slide job, to secure the top spot for the first time in the race.

Meanwhile, eighth starter Brad Mueller worked the low groove to power his way into third on lap 26. Mueller’s late drive to the front saw him move past Scheffler into second on lap 28 before setting his sights on McGrath for the lead.

Mueller moved to within striking distance of the lead on the final circuit. However, he was unable to unleash a serious challenge for the lead on the white-flag lap as McGrath held on to pocket $1,500 and notch his 15th career PDTR Late Model A-main triumph to move into sole possession of fifth place on the all-time PDTR Late Model main event victory list.

Mueller had to settle for second, Scheffler placed third, Late Model rookie Jayden Schmidt of Seymour moved up from his 11th starting spot to finish fourth and fifth starter Justin Ritchie of New London rounded out the top five.

After battling side by side with polesitter Anthony Knierim of Franksville on the opening lap, fourth starter Brandon Berth of Cascade swept into the lead along the outside line on lap 2.

Kevin Karnitz of West Bend racked up his sixth career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory in the time-shortened 19-lap main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 15. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

One lap later, sixth starter used the cushion to move past Berth into the lead in turn two on lap 3. With the smooth, wide and slick track surface receptive to sliders, Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum pulled one off to work past Berth into second lap 9.

As Karnitz ran away to an early half-lead advantage the first of five caution/red flag periods occurred on lap 12 when Alex Pokorski of West Bend brought out a red flag when he flipped his machine on its side in turn two.

On the restart, 2011 PDTR-MSA champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, who started ninth and came into the event as the winner of four consecutive PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A mains, ripped off a slider to edge two-time PDTR and five-time MSA champ Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee and gain fourth on lap 13.

Five laps later, Davis charged back to re-engage Schmidt in trading sliders for fourth on lap 18. Just as Karnitz caught the rear of the field, a caution flag was displayed just after the completion of lap 19 when rookie Logan Julien of Oconomowoc, who started third, and Shane Wenninger collided and spun to a stop in turn three in an incident, which also collected two-time PDTR and four-time MSA champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh. All three contenders had to restart at the rear of the field.

The next three attempts to restart the event proved to be fruitless as Bill Taylor of Boltonville stopped on the back stretch to bring out the third caution of the race before Justin Erickson of Plymouth hit the turn two wall and stopped to produce the race’s fourth caution flag.

Following a six-car incident involving Randy Post of Oostburg, Shane Wenninger, Doug Wondra of Oakfield, Logan Julien, rookie T.J. Haddy of Waupun and Robbie Pribnow of Lomira sent Julien and Haddy flipping along the back stretch on the third consecutive restart attempt, the race was determined to be complete at the 19-lap mark due to the 25-minute time limit.

In earning his first main event victory of the 2023 campaign, Karnitz claimed his sixth career PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main triumph and eighth career MSA 360 Sprint Car main event win.

“When they sprinkled the top of the track with water at intermission, I knew it would probably be good on the cushion, but I didn’t know how good it would be or for how long,” Karnitz said. “It turned out to be really good for us. I knew Ben [Schmidt] would be coming as the winner of four in a row and trying to get that fifth one. I figured people behind me would be throwing sliders considering the way the track was shaping up in the A main.

“I have to thank Dan Mayer for the opportunity to drive this Mayor Automotive car this year,” he said. “I also want to thank all of the sponsors and people that have been with me for many years now. This is a great win for us and pretty special as the first one for us together as a team.”

Schmidt placed second to fall just short of extending his record four consecutive PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victories, Davis wound up third, Berth placed fourth and PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car rookie T.J. Smith of Greenville moved up from the 16th starting spot to earn a fifth place finish.

After a caution flew when Steven Ruh of New Holstein spun along the front stretch on the start of the 25-lap Grand National A main, outside front row starter Tyler Kulow of Plymouth moved into the lead in turn two on the opening lap.

Will Sorce of Franklin notched his eighth career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National A-main victory on Saturday, July 15 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

On lap 2, Will Sorce moved up from the fourth starting spot to take second in turn two before working the outside groove to power around Kulow into the lead in turn four one lap later.

The lone caution flag of the race appeared on lap eighth when Steven Weber of Plymouth stopped in turn one. On the restart, 2010 PDTR Grand National and six-time overall Plymouth Dirt Track division champion Brian Gilles of Plymouth, who started six, worked the cushion to pass fifth starter Donny Kulow of Plymouth and gain third in turn four.

Two laps later, Gilles maneuvered around Tyler Kulow to seize second, while 2022 PDTR Grand National champ Luke Scholten of Oostburg, who started third, followed in Gilles high-riding tire tracks to gain third on lap 14.

Gilles reeled in the low-riding Sorce in the closing laps, but he was unable to mount a serious challenge for the lead as Sorce went on to secure his fourth main event victory of the 2023 season and eighth career PDTR Grand National main event win.

Gilles placed second, Scholten wound up third, 2008 PDTR Grand National champion Matt Yancey of Sheboygan finished fourth after starting on the pole and Tyler Kulow rounded out the top five.

Polesitter Shane Long of Sheboygan Falls grabbed the initial lead of the 25-lap PDTR B Mod main event before outside front row starter Barry Maas worked the high line to initiate a side-by-side duel with Long for the top spot over the next two laps.

Barry Maas of Cascade captured his second career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod main event victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 15. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

Maas finally surged into the lead on lap four and began to stretch out a sizable advantage. As the laps wound down, two-time PDTR B Mod champion Tim Warner of Malone, who started fourth, used the outside groove to sweep past Long into second on lap 23.

Two laps later, Warner used a huge run along the cushion on the white-flag lap to make a final run at Maas for the victory. However, Warner’s impressive final-lap charge fell a half car length short at the checkered flag as Maas notched his first A-main victory of the 2023 campaign and second career PDTR B Mod main event victory.

Warner wound up second, Long finished third, third starter Travis Schmidt of Waldo was fourth and 2022 PDTR B Mod champion Andy Welter of Hartford rounded out the top five after starting sixth.

Doug Drews of Sheboygan Falls was victorious in the Milwaukee Stock Car Association Vintage Modified main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 15. – JW’s Car and Raccing photos

Doug Drews of Sheboygan Falls won the special Milwaukee Stock Car Association Vintage Modified main event.

T.J. Smith earned his first career PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car race victory in the 12-lap B Main.

Kurt Davis collected the fast qualifier award in the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car division with a top lap of 12.817 seconds.

Turk Letizia of Milwaukee was the fastest qualifier in the Super Six Late Model Series qualifying session with a lap of 14.055 seconds.

NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series driver Josh Bilicki of Menominee Falls, Wis. made the first Winged Sprint Car start of his career, earning a ninth place finish in the shortened 19-lap PDTR-MSA A main behind the wheel of Randy Sippel’s No. 38 car.

The 10th event of the 2023 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by Butch and Janet Hafemann, drew a total of 88 cars, including 20 Super Six Late Model Series cars, 27 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, 17 Grand Nationals, 12 B Mods and 12 Milwaukee Stock Car Association Vintage Modifieds.

During intermission, drivers Steve Edler, Frankie Heimerl, Woody Klug, Hal Kulow, Gary Laack, Ron Luedtke, John and Rodney Michaels, Ken Painter, Jim Pitzen and Scott Vollbrecht were inducted into the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023.

Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees in the Dedication to Racing category include track workers Donna Bader, Beth and Tom Breher and Evie Robel, along with car owner and mechanic Glenn Haddy.

In addition, the Akright, Ruh and Wondra families were inducted to the Plymouth Wall of Fame as part of the Class of 2023 in the Racing Families category.

The next Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, July 22 will feature the fifth event of the 2023 Super Six Late Model Series, along with the 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals and B Mods.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

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.

106.5 THE BUZZ SUPER SIX LATE MODEL SERIES

A Main (30 Laps): 1. 74-Mitch McGrath [1]; 2. 89-Brad Mueller [8]; 3. 10S-Taylor Scheffler [4]; 4. 24S-Jayden Schmidt [11]; 5. 70-Justin Ritchie [5]; 6. 9N-Tom Naeyaert [9]; 7. 3-Brett Swedberg [12]; 8. 42-Terry Casey [7]; 9. 19J-Justin Green [13]; 10. 97-Justin Schmidt [6]; 11. 44-Wayne Freimund [14]; 12. 42N-Paul Niznik [15]; 13. 54-Kevin Baldry [17]; 14. 9Z-Jayme Zidar [2]; 15. 22-Charlie Schmidt [10]; 16. 55B-Joe Bongiorno [16]; 17. 57M-Eric Michaels [18]; 18. 99-Sawyer Specht [20]; 19. 24-Turk Letizia [19]; 20. 77-Bill Edler [3]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 74-Mitch McGrath [2]; 2. 89-Brad Mueller [1]; 3. 9N-Tom Naeyaert [3]; 4. 42-Terry Casey [7]; 5. 44-Wayne Freimund [5]; 6. 55B-Joe Bongiorno [6]; 7. (DNF) 99-Sawyer Specht [4]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 9Z-Jayme Zidar [1]; 2. 10S-Taylor Scheffler [3]; 3. 22-Charlie Schmidt [2]; 4. 3-Brett Swedberg [4]; 5. 42N-Paul Niznik [5]; 6. 54-Kevin Baldry [6]; 7. 57M-Eric Michaels [7]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 77-Bill Edler [1]; 2. 97-Justin Schmidt [2]; 3. 70-Justin Ritchie [5]; 4. 24S-Jayden Schmidt [4]; 5. 19J-Justin Green [6]; 6. 24-Turk Letizia [3]

Qualifying 1: 1. 9N-Tom Naeyaert, 14.387 [5]; 2. 74-Mitch McGrath, 14.414 [6]; 3. 89-Brad Mueller, 14.638 [2]; 4. 99-Sawyer Specht 14.995 [7]; 5. 44-Wayne Freimund, 15.433 [3]; 6. 55B-Joe Bongiorno, 15.576 [1]; 7. 42-Terry Casey, 15.853 [4]

Qualifying 2: 1. 10S-Taylor Scheffler, 14.219 [5]; 2. 22-Charlie Schmidt, 14.368 [2]; 3. 9Z-Jayme Zidar, 14.376 [1]; 4. 3-Brett Swedberg, 14.404 [7]; 5. 42N-Paul Niznik, 14.606 [4]; 6. 54-Kevin Baldry, 15.172 [3]; 7. 57M-Eric Michaels, 15.639 [6]

Qualifying 3: 1. 24-Turk Letizia, 14.055 [1]; 2. 97-Justin Schmidt, 14.112 [3]; 3. 77-Bill Edler, 14.161 [2]; 4. 24S-Jayden Schmidt, 14.338 [6]; 5. 70-Justin Ritchie, 14.398 [5]; 6. 19J-Justin Green, 14.632 [4]

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [6]; 2. 35-Ben Schmidt [9]; 3. 6K-Kurt Davis [5]; 4. 22B-Brandon Berth [4]; 5. 69S-TJ Smith [16]; 6. 16-Anthony Knierim [1]; 7. 12P-JJ Pagel [20]; 8. 11-Tony Wondra [12]; 9. 38-Josh Bilicki [22]; 10. 4-Alex Pokorski [14]; 11. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [19]; 12. 98-Brandon McMullen [10]; 13. 7-Lance Fassbender [11]; 14. 69-Bill Taylor [17]; 15. 3-Justin Erickson [13]; 16. 20-Robbie Pribnow [7]; 17. 54-Randy Post [2]; 18. 30-Doug Wondra [15]; 19. 21H-TJ Haddy [18]; 20. 85J-Logan Julien [3]; 21. 53-Shane Wenninger [8]; 22. 44-Hayden Johnson [21]

B Main (12 Laps): 1. 69S-TJ Smith [2]; 2. 69-Bill Taylor [5]; 3. 21H-TJ Haddy [4]; 4. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [3]; 5. 12P-JJ Pagel [6]; 6. 44-Hayden Johnson [1]; 7. 66T-Tristan Koenings [9]; 8. 2-Chris Clayton [8]; 9. 51-Jeff Neubert [11]; 10. 53A-Spyder Akright [7]; 11. (DNF) 92-Kevin Seidler [10]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [2]; 2. 85J-Logan Julien [1]; 3. 6K-Kurt Davis [4]; 4. 4-Alex Pokorski [3]; 5. 11-Tony Wondra [6]; 6. 69S-TJ Smith [5]; 7. 44-Hayden Johnson [8]; 8. 2-ChrisClayton [7]; 9. 66T-Tristan Koenings [9]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 53-Shane Wenninger [1]; 2. 20-Robbie Pribnow [3]; 3. 22B-Brandon Berth [4]; 4. 16-Anthony Knierim [5]; 5. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [2]; 6. 30-Doug Wondra [8]; 7. 21H-TJ Haddy [6]; 8. 12P-JJ Pagel [7]; 9. 51-Jeff Neubert [9]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 98-Brandon McMullen [3]; 2. 54-Randy Post [1]; 3. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [5]; 4. 7-Lance Fassbender [4]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson [6]; 6. 69-Bill Taylor [2]; 7. 38-Josh Bilicki [9]; 8. 53A-Spyder Akright [7]; 9. (DNF) 92-Kevin Seidler [8]

Qualifying 1 (5 Laps): 1. 6K-Kurt Davis, 12.817 [2]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski, 12.818 [3]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt, 12.854 [6]; 4. 85J-Logan Julien, 12.866 [5]; 5. 69S-TJ Smith, 12.895 [9]; 6. 11-Tony Wondra, 13.069 [4]; 7. 2-Chris Clayton, 13.104 [7]; 8. 44-Hayden Johnson, 13.122 [1]; 9. 66T-Tristan Koenings, 13.168 [8]

Qualifying 2 (5 Laps): 1. 22B-Brandon Berth, 13.124 [3]; 2. 20-Robbie Pribnow, 13.174 [1]; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 13.372 [6]; 4. 53-Shane Wenninger, 13.393 [7]; 5. 16-Anthony Knierim, 13.531 [2]; 6. 21H-TJ Haddy, 13.603 [4]; 7. 12P-JJ Pagel, 14.035 [5]; 8. 51-Jeff Neubert, 14.117 [9]; 9. 30-Doug Wondra, 14.212 [8]

Qualifying 3 (5 Laps): 1. 7-Lance Fassbender, 13.305 [8]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen, 13.444 [2]; 3. 69-Bill Taylor, 13.590 [3]; 4. 54-Randy Post, 13.634 [7]; 5. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 13.636 [1]; 6. 3-Justin Erickson, 13.693 [6]; 7. 38-Josh Bilicki, 13.855 [9]; 8. 53A-Spyder Akright, 14.259 [5]; 9. 92-Kevin Seidler, 15.609 [4]

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

A Main: 1. 14X-Will Sorce [4]; 2. 89-Brian Gilles [6]; 3. 80-Luke Scholten [3]; 4. 54-Matt Yancey [1]; 5. 24K-Tyler Kulow [2]; 6. 95-Donny Kulow [5]; 7. 53W-Dustin Weiss [7]; 8. 93-Mavrick Ruh [12]; 9. 5M-Nate Ruh [10]; 10. E85-Justin Pearson [11]; 11. 6-Dick Hed [13]; 12. 23-Scott Kafka [15]; 13. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [14]; 14. 82H-Steven Ruh [9]; 15. 72E-Chad Espen [16]; 16. 8-Jake Richards [17]; 17. 34-Steven Weber [8]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 89-Brian Gilles [6]; 2. 54-Matt Yancey [1]; 3. 80-Luke Scholten [5]; 4. 24K-Tyler Kulow [7]; 5. E85-Justin Pearson [4]; 6. 82H-Steven Ruh [8]; 7. 6-Dick Hed [3]; 8. 8-Jake Richards [9]; 9. (DNF) 72E-Chad Espen [2]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 95-Donny Kulow [5]; 2. 53W-Dustin Weiss [1]; 3. 14X-Will Sorce [7]; 4. 34-Steven Weber [6]; 5. 93-Mavrick Ruh [4]; 6. 5M-Nate Ruh [8]; 7. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [2]; 8. (DNF) 23-Scott Kafka [3]

NEXT STEP INSURANCE B MODS

A Main: 1. 22M-Barry Maas [2]; 2. 03W-Tim Warner [4]; 3. 17S-Shane Long [1]; 4. 3-Travis Schmidt [3]; 5. 32Z-Andy Welter [6]; 6. 84-Mark Hoeppner [7]; 7. 96-Brian Konitzer [5]; 8. 9L-Hunter Larson [8]; 9. 66-Steve Lorier [9]; 10. 62-James Rautmann [11]; 11. 73-Rory Welch [10]; 12. 19-Parker Glander [12]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 3-Travis Schmidt [1]; 2. 17S-Shane Long [2]; 3. 22M-Barry Maas [6]; 4. 84-Mark Hoeppner [3]; 5. 66-Steve Lorier [4]; 6. (DNF) 19-Parker Glander [5]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 03W-Tim Warner [6]; 2. 96-Brian Konitzer [1]; 3. 32Z-Andy Welter [2]; 4. 9L-Hunter Larson [3]; 5. 73-Rory Welch [4]; 6. 62-James Rautmann [5]

Hartmann duels with The Outlaws, eyes Minnesota-North Dakota IRA swing

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Austin Hartmann qualified for his third NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws 410 Sprint Car Series A-main of the 2023 season Saturday, July 8 at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. – JW’s Car and Raccing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 12, 2023 – In his final scheduled 2023 appearance with the NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Series, Austin Hartmann guided his 87A Hartmann Racing 410 Sprint Car to his third A-main start of the season with “The Greatest Show on Dirt” in the Badger 40/Larry Hillerud Memorial at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, July 8.

With 32 410 Sprint Cars signed in for the night, Hartmann opened the program by ripping off the 18th fastest qualifying lap with a time of 12.554 seconds around the three-eighths mile semi-banked clay oval.

After lining up fifth in the second 10-lap World of Outlaws heat race, Hartmann fell to sixth in the early going. After a caution on lap 5, Hartmann used a low move following the restart to move past Matt Vandevere into fifth in turn three on lap 6. He held on to punch his ticket to his third World of Outlaws A-main start of the 2023 season by placing fifth.

Hartmann’s fifth-place A-main transfer position heat race showing, netted him his first DIRTVision on-track interview with World of Outlaws Pit Reporter Chase Raudman.

“We just had a bad start there, but we were able to capitalize,” Hartmann said with the DIRTVision camera spotlight shining into the cockpit of his 87A machine. “I can’t thank my guys enough. They’re all giving it their all, so I have to give it my all.”

The Plymouth, Wis. driver rolled off 18th in the 24-car Badger 40/Larry Hillerud Memorial field. After running as high as 16th in the early going, Hartmann dropped out in the latter stages of the race. He was scored as finishing 19th in a race won by Carson Macedo.

”I felt like it was a good overall night with the Outlaws,” Hartmann said. “Qualifying was good, which put us in a good position for the heat race.

”I had a terrible start in the heat, but thankfully a caution came out and I was able to pass back for the A-main transfer spot,” he said. “I also got some cool screen time with Chase [Raudman] down in the infield. The feature started off great, just fell off slightly and pulled off with an assembled car and took it for what it was.”

The 87A Hartmann Racing team is set to embark on a road trip west for a tripleheader weekend of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association vs. Northern Outlaw Sprint Association (NOSA) 410 Sprint Car competition starting Thursday, July 13 at I-94 Speedway in Fergus Falls, Minn. and continuing Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D.

Pit gates open at 4 p.m., followed by spectator gates at 5:30 p.m. with racing at 7 p.m. at I-94 Speedway on Thursday, July 13.

For the Buffalo Wild Wings – King of the Wings IRA vs. NOSA events at River Cities Speedway on Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15, hot laps are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. with qualifying at 7 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m.

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

The 87A Hartmann Racing team recently debuted a new website, which can be accessed at https://www.team87a.com.

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor ShowcaseHepfner Racing Products

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team is pleased to have Hepfner Racing Products on board as a sponsorship partner for the 2023 IRA season.

For well over a decade, Hepfner Racing Products (HRP) has led the racing industry in innovative designs and manufacturing technology.

HRP is directly involved with manufacturing, sales and design in Sprint Cars, Midgets, Modifieds, Late Models, NASCAR, Indy Car, SCCA, NHRA, karting, road racing, off-road and more. HRP’s continued success is led by a strong team of individuals dedicated to delivering top-notch innovation, technology, pricing and customer service.

Hepfner Racing Products (HRP) services as a sister company to Streeter Super Stands, under the parent company of Glenn Hepfner Incorporated. HRP’s products are made in the USA at its 80,000-square-foot facility, located at 2133 Constitution Ave. in Hartford, Wis.

For more information on Hepfner Racing Products (HRP), call 1-262-457-5015, email hrpsales@ghilaser.com or visit http://www.hrpracing.com/.

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

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

Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Thursday, July 13 – I-94 Speedway, Fergus Falls, Minn. (IRA-NOSA)
Friday, July 14 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, N.D. (IRA-NOSA)
Saturday, July 15 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, N.D. (IRA-NOSA)
Friday, July 21 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA)
Friday, July 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Saturday, July 29 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 19
IRA Events – 14
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 – 4
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 8
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 13
Heat Race Victories – 1
Dash Appearances – 3
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Pokorski qualifies quickest, adds to 360 Sprint Car top-10 tally at Plymouth Dirt Track

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Alex Pokorski (4) leads T.J. Haddy (21H) during Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 8. – RC Custom Design photo

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 11, 2023 – After coming up just short on several occasions, Alex Pokorski finally reached the top rung of the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car qualifying ladder, while collecting his 11th top-10 A-main showing in 12 attempts behind the wheel of the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team car, during Pedal Down Promotions Night at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 8.

With 19 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars on hand, the fourth-year racer opened the night by earning his first-career fast qualifier award with a top lap of 12.368 seconds around the lightning fast third-mile clay oval.

After lining up fourth in the second 10-lap 360 Sprint Car heat race, Pokorski used a strong start to pass T.J. Smith in turn two and Katelyn Krebsbach in turn three to work his way into second on the opening circuit. The West Bend, Wis. driver gradually reeled in the lead car of rookie T.J. Haddy in the closing laps before settling for second.

Following the heat race passing points calculation and an unfavorable inversion draw, Pokorski started ninth in the 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car main event. Pokorski worked his way up to eighth on lap 4 on the fast, narrow and tricky track surface before moving around Katelyn Krebsbach to claim seventh on lap 6.

In the latter stages of the race, Pokorski found himself hung up along the low line on a few occasions, which slowed his progress in negotiating the razor thin racing groove. Brandon Berth used the high line to slip past Pokorski in the closing circuits, which resulted in an eighth place finish in the caution-free race, which was won by Ben Schmidt.

“It felt good to finally get quick time, after being close a bunch of times,” Pokorski said. “The heat race was largely decided in the first lap, which went well for us. I might’ve had a chance to win it, but the 21 [T.J. Haddy] did a nice job, and I didn’t have an opening to get past.

“We had a fast car for the A main, but the track was narrow and difficult to pass on,” he said. “We got buried by the invert draw to start ninth and ended up eighth. I think it was a night where the starting position really mattered. If we started closer to the front, we could’ve been on the podium.”

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team are set for an MSA doubleheader weekend beginning with a PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car event this Saturday, July 15 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. with the Super Six Late Model Series, Grand Nationals, B Mods and Vintage Modifieds also on the card.

The program will also include the induction of the Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Class of 2023 during intermission, along with Autograph Night.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

On Sunday, July 16, Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team will travel to Sun Prairie, Wis. for the second and final appearance of the 2023 season for the MSA 360 Sprint Cars at the venerable third-mile track.

The Salute to Bryan Gapinski event will also include the Badger Midgets and Wisconsin Legends Racing Dirt Series.

Pit gates open at 1:30 p.m. with spectator gates opening at 4 p.m. and opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.

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

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

Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team are pleased to have Goeden Auto Body as a returning sponsor for the 2023 racing season.

Located at 2417 Highway 28 East in Kewaskum, Wis., Goeden Auto Body has been in business since 1971. In 2015, David “Dusty” Goeden took over ownership of the family-owned business.

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

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

For more information on Goeden Auto Body, call 262-334-2759 or e-mail goedenauto@gmail.com or visit https://goedenauto.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 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.

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

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

 

Alex Pokorski – Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Saturday, July 15 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Sunday, July 16 – Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis.
Saturday, July 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Friday, July 28 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, July 29 – Eagle River Speedway, Eagle River, Wis.

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

 Total Events – 12
A Main Victories – 1
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 6
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 11
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 12
Heat Race Victories – 2
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1

Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers

 Total Events – 4
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
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0

Schmidt secures record fourth straight PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main triumph

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

Sorce, Larson, Zellmer claim main event victories

Former Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth turned in a record fourth-straight PDTR 360 Sprint A-main victory and 20th career win in the 25-lap Pedal Down Promotions Night main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 8. Also pictured are Jeff Pederson and Fred Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions.. – JW’s Car and Racing Photos

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 8, 2023 – Going where no 360 Sprint Car racer has gone before at The Plymouth Dirt Track, 2011 Plymouth Dirt Track and 360 Sprint car champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth stayed flaming hot behind the wheel of his white and orange No. 35 machine by turning in a record fourth straight Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A-main victory and sixth overall Akright Auto Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main triumph of the 2023 campaign at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 8.

In the 25-lap Oostburg Auto PDTR Grand National A-main, Will Sorce of Franklin executed a last-lap pass to rack up his third main event win of the 2023 campaign.

Hunter Larson of Oshkosh collected his first career Next Step Insurance B Mod A-main victory in the 25-lap main event.

Adam Zellmer of Horicon used a final-lap pass to notch his first career 106.5 The Buzz Wisconsin Legends Racing Dirt Series 20-lap A-main win.

Outside front row starter Justin Erickson of Plymouth outpowered polesitter Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade to grab the lead on the drop of the green flag of the 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car main event. On lap 2, Schmidt, who started fourth, moved up into second and quickly began to pressure Erickson for the top spot.

After hounding Erickson for four laps, the 24-year racing veteran worked his way past Erickson entering turn three. One lap later, the 2011 MSA 360 Sprint Car champ caught the rear of the field as Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum, who started sixth, charged past Erickson into second.

As Schmidt found himself bottled up in slower traffic, Wenninger closed the gap considerably on lap 17. Four laps later, Wenninger ducked low to pull even with Schmidt in turn four. On the following circuit, Wenninger attempted to wrestle the lead away from Schmidt using the high line.

However, Schmidt fended off Wenninger’s challenge and pulled away over the final three laps while two-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion, four-time MSA champ and current point leader Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, who started fifth, worked his way into second.

Schmidt went on to notch his fifth PDTR, sixth MSA and record fourth straight PDTR 360 Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2023 season in the caution-free race. It was also Schmidt’s 20th career PDTR and 38th career MSA 360 Sprint Car main event triumph.

McMullen placed second, Wenninger wound up third, eighth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend took fourth and 2008 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion and 2005 MSA champ Lance Fassbender of Burnett placed fifth, after starting third.

Will Sorce of Franklin collected his seventh career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National A-main victory in the 25-lap Pedal Down Promotions Night main event at Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 8. Also pictured are Jeff Pederson and Fred Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions.  – JW’s Car and Racing Photos 

Outside front row starter Steven Weber of Plymouth led the opening lap of the 25-lap PDTR Grand National main event before 2022 PDTR Grand National champ Luke Scholten of Oostburg, who started on the pole, took the top spot with a low move in turn four on lap 2.

On lap 5, Weber battled back to challenge Scholten for the lead before the lone caution flag of the race appeared on lap 7 when Josh Koslowski of Chilton spun in turn four.

When the race resumed, 2018 PDTR Grand National champion Matt Loehr of Dotyville, who started seventh, moved into third before taking over second on lap 12.

Scholten encountered slower traffic on lap 18, which allowed Loehr to cut into the lead. Four laps later, Will Sorce, who started third, began to flex his muscle as he maneuvered past Loehr, who got boxed in behind a lapped car along the high groove, to take over second.

Sorce quickly tracked down Scholten as the laps wound down before diving low in turn three on the white final lap to pull off the winning move in last-lap fashion en route to his third PDTR Grand National A-main triumph of the 2023 season and seventh career main event win.

Scholten had to settle for second, Loehr placed third, 2010 PDTR Grand National champ Brian Gilles of Plymouth finished fourth, after starting fifth and fifth starter Chad Espen of West Bend rounded out the top five.

Travis Schmidt of Plymouth took the lead at the start of the 25-lap B Mod main event from his outside front row starting spot with fourth starter Hunter Larson moving into second on the opening lap.

Larson worked the high line to pull even with Schmidt on lap 2 as the two drivers dueled side by side on the fast and tricky track surface over the next two laps until Larson surged ahead on lap 4.

The first of two caution flags was displayed on lap 5 when two-time PDTR B Mod champ Tim Warner of Malone and 2018 PDTR B Mod champion Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam made contact along the backstretch, resulting in Sheppard hitting the backstretch wall before Jim Fischer of Oostburg collided hard with Sheppard’s disabled machine.

Hunter Larson of Oshkosh picked up his first career Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod A-main victory in the 25-lap Pedal Down Promotions Night main event at the Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 8. Also pictured are Jeff Pederson and Fred Pederson of Pedal Down Promotions. – JW’s Car and Racing Photos

When the race resumed, fifth starter Shane Long of Sheboygan Falls moved into second and seventh starter Barry Maas of Cascade took third. Long charged in to briefly challenge Larson for the top spot before the second caution flag came out when Rory Welch of Plymouth and Brandon Knepprath of Kewaskum made contact in turn four.

On the restart, Schmidt moved in to challenge Long for second before seizing the runner-up spot on lap 18. Meanwhile, Larson built up a comfortable full straightaway lead en route to his first career PDTR B Mod A-main triumph.

Schmidt placed second, Long was third, Maas finished fourth and Warner placed fifth, after restarting 12th following the caution on lap 5.

Hunter Cardinal of Richfield, who started on the pole, grabbed the lead on the opening lap of the 20-lap Wisconsin Legends Racing Dirt Series A main before Matt Gritt of Plymouth, who started fourth, took over the top spot.

On lap 4, sixth starter Dallas Ross of Sussex charged in to take over second along the high groove before moving in to challenge Gritt for the lead on lap 5.

The first of three caution flags was displayed on lap 5 when Ethan Ross of Waupun stopped in turn two. Following the restart, Ross swept into the lead along the high line in turn one on lap 7 before the second caution flag appeared on lap 8 for the smoking car of Carl Swenson of Hortonville.

Adam Zellmer of Horicon notched his first career Wisconsin Legends Racing Dirt Series A-main triumph at The Plymouth Dirt Track in the 25-lap Pedal Down Promotions Night main event in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 8. – JW’s Car and Racing Photos

When the race resumed ninth starter Adam Zellmer charged in to pressure Gritt for second. Two laps later, the third and final caution period came when Hayden Schmuhl of Beaver Dam stopped in turn one.

Zellmer kicked it into overdrive following the final restart to take control of second on lap 13 and challenge high-riding Ross for the lead along the low line on lap 14.

Zellmer and Ross dueled side by side over the final six laps until Zellmer finally surged into the lead for good in turn one of the final lap and held on to post his first career Wisconsin Legends Racing Dirt Series A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track.

Ross placed second, 13th starter Austin Winkel of Sheboygan Falls moved up to finish third, Ryan Sullivan of Waupun placed fourth after starting 10th and Gritt rounded out the top five.

Alex Pokorski of West Bend earned his first-career fast qualifier award in the PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car division with a top lap of 12.368 seconds.

The ninth event of the 2023 PDTR campaign, which was sponsored by Pedal Down Promotions, drew a total of 62 cars, including 19 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars, 15 Grand Nationals, 14 B Mods and 14 Legends.

The next Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, July 15 will feature the fourth event of the Super Six Late Model Series, along with the 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods and a special appearance from the Vintage Modifieds.

In addition, the program will feature the second annual Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Night program, during which 11 drivers, five track workers and car owners/mechanics and three racing families will be honored during intermission.

Grandstand gates open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

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

AKRIGHT AUTO PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK RACING 360 SPRINT CARS

A Main (25 Laps): 1. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [5]; 3. 53-Shane Wenninger [6]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [8]; 5. 7-Lance Fassbender [3]; 6. 3-Justin Erickson [2]; 7. 22B-Brandon Berth [12]; 8. 4-Alex Pokorski [9]; 9. 85J-Logan Julien [14]; 10. 69S-TJ Smith [18]; 11. 11-Tony Wondra [10]; 12. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [1]; 13. 21H-TJ Haddy [7]; 14. 69-Bill Taylor [13]; 15. 51-Chris Larson [19]; 16. 54-Randy Post [16]; 17. 12P-JJ Pagel [11]; 18. 53A-Spyder Akright [15]; 19. (DNF) 30-Doug Wondra [17]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 11-Tony Wondra [2]; 2. 53-Shane Wenninger [3]; 3. 7-Lance Fassbender [4]; 4. 30-Doug Wondra [1]; 5. 12P-JJ Pagel [6]; 6. 69-Bill Taylor [7]; 7. (DNF) 51-Chris Larson [5]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 21H-TJ Haddy [1]; 2. 4-Alex Pokorski [4]; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach [2]; 4. 3-Justin Erickson [5]; 5. 69S-TJ Smith [3]; 6. 53A-Spyder Akright [6]

Heat 3 (10 Laps): 1. 63K-Kevin Karnitz [1]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen [3]; 3. 35-Ben Schmidt [4]; 4. 85J-Logan Julien [2]; 5. 22B-Brandon Berth [5]; 6. 54-Randy Post [6]

Qualifying 1: 1. 7-Lance Fassbender, 12.524 [4]; 2. 53-Shane Wenninger, 12.829 [3]; 3. 11-Tony Wondra, 12.998 [1]; 4. 30-Doug Wondra, 13.154 [7]; 5. 51-Chris Larson, 13.198 [2]; 6. 12P-JJ Pagel, 13.316 [6]; 7. (DNS) 69-Bill Taylor, 13.316

Qualifying 2: 1. 4-Alex Pokorski, 12.368 [2]; 2. 69S-TJ Smith, 12.485 [4]; 3. 08-Katelyn Krebsbach, 12.641 [6]; 4. 21H-TJ Haddy, 12.782 [5]; 5. 3-Justin Erickson, 12.801 [3]; 6. 53A-Spyder Akright, 12.837 [1]

Qualifying 3: 1. 35-Ben Schmidt, 12.397 [3]; 2. 98-Brandon McMullen, 12.557 [4]; 3. 85J-Logan Julien, 12.611 [5]; 4. 63K-Kevin Karnitz, 12.696 [2]; 5. 22B-Brandon Berth, 12.696 [1]; 6. 54-Randy Post, 12.870 [6]

OOSTBURG AUTOMOTIVE GRAND NATIONALS

A Main: 1. 14X-Will Sorce [3]; 2. 80-Luke Scholten [1]; 3. 23-Matt Loehr [7]; 4. 89-Brian Gilles [5]; 5. 72E-Chad Espen [6]; 6. 6-Dick Hed [10]; 7. 95-Donny Kulow [9]; 8. 7A-Todd Ascherien [11]; 9. 53W-Dustin Weiss [4]; 10. 24K-Tyler Kulow [14]; 11. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [13]; 12. 9-Josh Koslowski [8]; 13. 5C-Collin Skindzeleski [12]; 14. 03-Timothy Warner [15]; 15. 34-Steven Weber [2]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 89-Brian Gilles [1]; 2. 34-Steven Weber [2]; 3. 14X-Will Sorce [5]; 4. 95-Donny Kulow [4]; 5. 7A-Todd Ascherien [3]; 6. 6-Dick Hed [8]; 7. 6B-Vince Bartolotta [6]; 8. 03-Timothy Warner [7]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 72E-Chad Espen [2]; 2. 80-Luke Scholten [1]; 3. 53W-Dustin Weiss [5]; 4. 23-Matt Loehr [6]; 5. 9-Josh Koslowski [7]; 6. 5C-Collin Skindzeleski [4]; 7. (DNF) 24K-Tyler Kulow [3]

NEXT STEP INSURANCE B MODS

A Main: 1. 9L-Hunter Larson [4]; 2. 3-Travis Schmidt [2]; 3. 17S-Shane Long [5]; 4. 22M-Barry Maas [7]; 5. 03W-Tim Warner [6]; 6. 32Z-Andy Welter [8]; 7. 66-Steve Lorier [11]; 8. 84-Mark Hoeppner [9]; 9. 73-Rory Welch [1]; 10. 19-Parker Glander [10]; 11. 17-Brandon Knepprath [13]; 12. 29S-Tim Sheppard [3]; 13. 25-Jim Fischer [12]; 14. 54-Michael Strean [14]

Heat 1 (10 Laps): 1. 32Z-Andy Welter [3]; 2. 22M-Barry Maas [5]; 3. 73-Rory Welch [1]; 4. 29S-Tim Sheppard [7]; 5. 84-Mark Hoeppner [6]; 6. 25-Jim Fischer [4]; 7. (DNF) 54-Michael Strean [2]

Heat 2 (10 Laps): 1. 03W-Tim Warner [1]; 2. 17S-Shane Long [3]; 3. 9L-Hunter Larson [5]; 4. 3-Travis Schmidt [7]; 5. 66-Steve Lorier [2]; 6. 19-Parker Glander [6]; 7. (DNF) 17-Brandon Knepprath [4]

106.5 THE BUZZ WISCONSIN LEGENDS RACING DIRT SERIES

A Main (20 Laps): 1. 117-Adam Zellmer [9]; 2. 87-Dallas Ross [6]; 3. 88-Austin Winkel [13]; 4. 43S-Ryan Sullivan [10]; 5. 5G-Matt Gritt [4]; 6. 45C-Hunter Cardinal [1]; 7. 7F-Lilly Fassbender [2]; 8. 33S-Mike Swenson [12]; 9. 51-Tim Franz [14]; 10. 59S-Hayden Schmuhl [3]; 11. 7A-Brady Ascherien [11]; 12. 95M-Mike Mueller [5]; 13. 19X-Cal Swenson [7]; 14. 54R-Ethan Ross [8]

Heat 1 (8 Laps): 1. 43S-Ryan Sullivan [7]; 2. 59S-Hayden Schmuhl [3]; 3. 95M-Mike Mueller [4]; 4. 19X-Cal Swenson [5]; 5. 7F-Lilly Fassbender [2]; 6. 7A-Brady Ascherien [1]; 7. (DNF) 88-Austin Winkel [6]

Heat 2 (8 Laps): 1. 45C-Hunter Cardinal [1]; 2. 5G-Matt Gritt [3]; 3. 54R-Ethan Ross [5]; 4. 117-Adam Zellmer [6]; 5. 87-Dallas Ross [4]; 6. 33S-Mike Swenson [7]; 7. (DNF) 51-Tim Franz [2]

Hartmann registers solid top-15 IRA finish at Plymouth Dirt Track

Austin Hartmann turned in a 15th place finish in the 30-lap Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Scott Semmelmann Memorial race Saturday, July 1 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. – Dave Olson Studio 360 photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 5, 2023 – Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing celebrated the Independence Day weekend with another smooth and steady effort to notch their eighth top-15 A-main showing of the 2023 campaign in the Scott Semmelmann Memorial Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series event at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 1.

With 28 IRA 410 Sprint Cars on hand, Hartmann turned in the 14th fastest qualifying time with a lap of 11.968 seconds. The Plymouth, Wis. driver then rolled off fifth in the second eight-lap IRA heat race before an opening lap caution with a spin involving Ryan Ruhl prompted a complete restart.

The fourth-year Sprint Car driver fell back to fifth on the opening lap and maintained the spot en route to a fifth place showing and a berth in the 30-lap Scott Semmelmann Memorial main event.

The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner started 14th and hovered around the top-15 throughout the event, enduring five caution periods along the way.

After restarting 16th following the fifth caution flag of the race on lap 27, Hartmann advanced one spot in the closing laps to secure a 15th place finish and his eighth overall top-15 A-main showing of the 2023 season.

At the half-way point of the 2023 IRA 410 Sprint Car Series campaign, Hartmann stands 11th in the IRA points standings with three top-10 A-main finishes in 10 main events with 16 races remaining in the 2023 season.

With the IRA off, the 87A Hartmann Racing team will compete in its third NOS Energy Drink World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series event of the 2023 season at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, July 8.

The Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars and IRA Lightning Sprints are also on the card.

Pit gates for the Badger 40/Larry Hillerud Memorial will open at 2 p.m. with grandstand gates opening at 4 p.m., followed by hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m.

The 87A Hartmann Racing team recently debuted a new website, which can be accessed at https://www.team87a.com.

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

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

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

87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor ShowcaseRC Custom Design

The Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing team is happy to have RC Custom Design on board as a sponsorship partner for the 2023 IRA season.

Since opening in 1999, RC Custom Design has grown over the past 24 years into a full-service graphic design, vinyl graphics and photography business under the direction of owner Rob Eisentraut with a strong foundation in the motorsports field.

“RC Custom Design started as a small side project and has grown into a full shop and a semi full-time business,” Eisentraut said. “Our main product lines have always been, but not limited to, vinyl graphics and photography with a special emphasis on local and national motorsports. We also service local business and customers with vinyl graphic needs, logo design services, apparel design, personal and product photography and product design layouts.”

To contact or learn more about RC Custom Design, contact Rob Eisentraut by phone at 262-323-1046, email rcdesign74@yahoo.com or through the RC Custom Design Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/rccustomdesign.

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

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

Austin Hartmann – 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Upcoming Schedule

Friday, July 8 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (World of Outlaws)
Thursday, July 13 – I-94 Speedway, Fergus Falls, Minn. (IRA-NOSA)
Friday, July 14 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, N.D. (IRA-NOSA)
Saturday, July 15 – River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, N.D. (IRA-NOSA)
Friday, July 21 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA)

Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2023 Season
By The Numbers

Total Events – 18
IRA Events – 14
World of Outlaws Events – 2
All Star Events – 4
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 4
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 8
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 12
Heat Race Victories – 1
Dash Appearances – 3
Dash Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0