Tag: Joe Verdegan

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Pedal Down Promotions author Verdegan to tackle Monfils 6 case in next book

(DUNBAR, WI) – Pedal Down Promotions Author Joe Verdegan of Dunbar, Wis. is gearing up to pen a new book, which will take a look back at one of the most notorious murder cases in Brown County history more than three decades after it occurred.

“The Monfils 6 Case – 30 Years Later” will take a look at the November 1992 paper mill death of James River Paper Mill employee Tom Monfils, who was found dead at the bottom of a pulp vat. Following an exhaustive investigation lasting nearly three years, six of Monfils co-workers, referred to as the “Monfils 6,” were handed life sentence convictions in October 1995.

“I was actually working as a radio news reporter at WRLO in Antigo, Wisconsin when this case first surfaced and it has always intrigued me,” said Verdegan, who’s a Green Bay native. “The case was always in the news and to this day is talked about often in Green Bay.”

According to Verdegan, the new book won’t be about finger pointing or casting doubt. Instead, it will provide an opportunity to give the defendants in this case and their families an avenue to tell their stories.

“A lot of time has gone by since this happened, and we’ll take a look at pretty much all that has transpired on both sides since this case made national headlines,” Verdegan said.

Co-workers Dale Basten, Michael Hirn, Michael Johnson, Rey Moore, Keith Kutska and Michael Piaskowski were handed life–sentence convictions on Oct.28, 1995, for the murder of Monfils. Since that time, five of the six defendants have been paroled with Kutska currently the only defendant who remains incarcerated.

Batten passed away in 2018 after receiving a compassionate release due to an illness.

This will be Verdegan’s fifth book he’s published with Pedal Down Promotions and the eighth book publication of his writing career. Verdegan, who worked for nearly 27 years as a correctional officer, penned the 2020 Amazon No. 1 best-seller “The Reformatory – Tales From Green Bay’s maximum-security prison,” which detailed his years working the front lines at Green Bay Correctional Institution.

For additional information and updates on Verdegan’s new book project, visitwww.joeverdegan.com and Joe Verdegan’s personal Facebook page. No timetable has been seen for completion of the book.

Pedal Down Promotions is a publishing company, which assists clients with news releases, newsletters, website blog posts, photography, video presentations, website and social media content development, book editing, publishing and book cover design services.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions contact publisher Jeff Pederson at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com or visit pedaldownpromo.com.

VERDEGAN’S PRIOR TITLES

2015​“Life In The Past Lane – a history of stock car racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950-1980”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2016 ​“Wisconsin International Raceway – Where The Big Ones Run”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2017​“Life In The Past Lane – The Next Generation”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2018​“The Bird & The Bear”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2019​“Racing In The 906”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2020 “The Reformatory – Tales From Green Bay’s Maximum-Security prison”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2021 “5-10-32 McBride, Parker & Anvelink”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

December 7, 2022 / by Jeff Pederson

Pedal Down Promotions author Verdegan announces ‘5-10-32 – McBride, Parker & Anvelink’ holiday book tour

Verdegan’s seventh book tour hosts dates in Shawano, Outagamie ad Brown Counties 

(Dunbar, WI) August 26, 2021 – Motorsports author and Green Bay, Wis. native Joe Verdegan has announced a six-date book tour in December 2021 to promote his seventh book titled “5-10-32 – McBride, Parker & Anvelink,” which will feature the trio of Northeast Wisconsin dirt late model icons.

Those icons featured in the book are M.J. McBride from Shawano, Pete Parker from Kaukauna and Terry Anvelink from Navarino.

“5-10-32 – McBride, Parker & Anvelink” will be the fourth book Verdegan has penned with Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis. The book launch is set for Saturday, Dec. 4 from noon to 3 p.m. at Lenny’s Tap in Green Bay, Wis.

From there the book tour travels through a handful of communities in Shawano and Outagamie Counties. On Tuesday, Dec. 7, the tour stops at the Lighthouse Bar & Grill in Shawano, Wis. (one of McBride’s longtime sponsors) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Two nights later, Thursday Dec. 9 the tour swings into Anvelink’s hometown of Navarino for a stop at Peppermint Josie’s from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Peppermint Josie’s is formerly Walt’s Bar, which was a longtime sponsor of Anvelink’s.

On Saturday, Dec. 11, Hustle Inn in Seymour, Wis. will host a signing from noon to 3 p.m. The local watering hole has always been a longtime favorite of Seymour race fans and drivers alike.

The tour’s fifth stop is set for Club 117 in Bonduel, Wis. Thursday, December 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Club 117 is a supporter of local racing including both Shawano Speedway and second-generation racer Nick Anvelink.

The six-date tour wraps up where it started in Green Bay Saturday, Dec. 18 at Bosse’s News Stand from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All three drivers earned extremely popular fan followings beginning with McBride. The Shawano  speedster’s career began in 1965 at his home track Shawano Speedway. McBride would go on to battle in USAC stock car competition in the early 1970s and eventually would wind up dominating at his hometown half-mile, bagging five straight track titles in the 1980s and still winning frequently into the ‘90s and into the 2000s era. McBride, who would wind up winning 13 track championships in all, was ushered into Shawano Speedway’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

Parker, from Kaukauna, Wis., began his career in drag racing after a stint in the military. It didn’t take long for the Eagle River native to explode onto the dirt late model scene. Parker began winning features and track titles frequently in the late 1970s and for the next few decades. Parker spread his wings in the 1980s chasing big-money specials throughout the United States, including the long-defunct National Dirt Racing Association (NDRA) circuit. After an estimated 450 feature wins at both the local and regional level and a pair of WISSOTA late model national crowns, Parker was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2006.

Anvelink won his first late model feature in 1977 and wasted little time becoming a consistent frontrunner and fan favorite in the years ahead at Shawano Speedway as well as nearby Seymour Speedway.

The “Navarino Nightmare” as he’s affectionately known has scored multiple feature wins and 13 track championships. Anvelink has also won some big races along the way, including the $5,000-to-win Legendary 100 at Cedar Lake Speedway in western Wisconsin and the $4,000-to-win Mid-Summer Classic at Shawano.  Anvelink was a 2009 inductee into the Shawano Speedway Hall of Fame.

For more details on “5-10-32 – McBride, Parker & Anvelink,” email Verdegan at jverdegan2@gmail.com  or follow his website joeverdegan.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions contact publisher Jeff Pederson at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com or visit pedaldownpromo.com.

VERDEGAN’S PRIOR TITLES

2015  – “Life In The Past Lane – a history of stock car racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950-1980”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2016 – “Wisconsin International Raceway – Where The Big Ones Run”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2017 – “Life In The Past Lane – The Next Generation”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2018 – “The Bird & The Bear”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2019 – “Racing In The 906”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2020 – “The Reformatory – Tales From Green Bay’s Maximum-Security prison”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

August 27, 2021 / by Jeff Pederson

Pedal Down Promotions to publish Verdegan’s ‘5-10-32’ book on McBride, Parker & Anvelink

Author Verdegan’s seventh book featuring Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Legends McBride, Parker and Anvelink to be released in December 2021

(Dunbar, Wis.) Jan. 21, 2021 – Motorsports author and Green Bay native Joe Verdegan has announced he’ll begin working on his seventh book titled “5-10-32 – McBride, Parker & Anvelink” which will feature the trio of northeastern Wisconsin dirt late model icons.

The book, hot on the heels of Verdegan’s 2020 best-selling book “The Reformatory – Tales From Green Bay’s Maximum-Security Prison” is set to be wrapped up and ready for release in December 2021. The book will be published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.  This book will be the fourth that Verdegan has had published with Pedal Down Promotions.

All three drivers earned extremely popular fan followings beginning with McBride. The Shawano (Wisconsin) Speedster’s career began in 1965 at his home track Shawano Speedway. McBride would go on to battle in USAC stock car competition in the early 1970s and eventually would wind up dominating at his hometown half-mile, bagging five straight track titles in the 1980s and still winning frequently into the ’90s and into the 2000s era. McBride, who would wind up winning 13 track championships in all, was ushered into Shawano Speedway’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

Parker, from Kaukauna, Wisconsin began his career in drag racing after a stint in the military. It didn’t take long for the Eagle River native to explode onto the dirt late model scene. Parker began winning features and track titles frequently in the late 1970s and for the next few decades. Parker spread his wings in the 1980s chasing big-money specials throughout the United States, including the long-defunct National Dirt Racing Association (NDRA) circuit. After an estimated 450 feature wins at both the local and regional level and a pair of WISSOTA late model national crowns, Parker was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2006.

Anvelink, from the small town of Navarino, Wisconsin, won his first late model feature in 1977 and wasted little time becoming a consistent frontrunner and fan favorite in the years ahead at Shawano Speedway as well as nearby Seymour Speedway.

The “Navarino Nightmare” as he’s affectionately known has scored multiple feature wins and 13 track championships. Anvelink has also won some big races along the way, including the $5,000-to-win Legendary 100 at Cedar Lake Speedway in western Wisconsin and the $4,000-to-win Mid-Summer Classic at Shawano.  Anvelink was a 2009 inductee into the Shawano Speedway Hall of Fame.

An exact date and location of this book launch is expected to be released sometime in November 2021.

For more details on “5-10-32 – McBride, Parker & Anvelink,” email Verdegan at jverdegan2@gmail.com  or follow his website joeverdegan.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions contact publisher Jeff Pederson at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com or visit pedaldownpromo.com.

VERDEGAN’S PRIOR TITLES

2015  “Life In The Past Lane – a history of stock car racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950-1980”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2016 “Wisconsin International Raceway – Where The Big Ones Run”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2017  “Life In The Past Lane – The Next Generation”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2018  “The Bird & The Bear”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2019  “Racing In The 906”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2020 “The Reformatory – Tales From Green Bay’s Maximum-Security prison”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

January 21, 2021 / by Jeff Pederson

Verdegan’s new GBCI prison book to launch Dec. 5 at Lenny’s Tap in Green Bay

“The Reformatory – Tales From Green Bay’s Maximum Security Prison” provides inside look behind the walls

(Green Bay, WI) – Author and Green Bay native Joe Verdegan has announced he’ll host the launch for his newest book “The Reformatory – Tales From Green Bay’s Maximum Security Prison” at a book signing Saturday, Dec. 5 at Lenny’s Tap located on Green Bay’s west side.

Verdegan worked at the 125-year-old Green Bay Correctional Institution for nearly 27 years, retiring in July 2020.

Through his book Verdegan shares tales from his interviews with more than 150 of his former co-workers.

“I’ve known Lenny’s Tap owner Marty Leonhard and it’s a well-respected pub that’s been on Broadway since 1975,” Verdegan said. “It’s a comfy establishment and will offer a great venue for us to launch this book.”

The signing will last from 12 p.m. through 4 p.m.

“We’re extending our hours for this event so we can have folks trickle in steadily all day long and do so in a safe manner,” Verdegan explained. “And for those who aren’t comfortable with that we totally understand and respect that. Folks can pre-order their copy of the book at joeverdegan.com.”

The GPS address for Lenny’s Tap is 431 North Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54303.

The book will be Verdegan’s third he’s authored which will be published through Pedal Down Promotions in Manitowoc, Wis.

This will be Verdegan’s sixth book he has penned. His other five titles all documented local and regional stock car racing history in Wisconsin and Michigan. All Verdegan’s other five titles will be for sale at this signing at the discounted price of just $15 per book.

For more details you can email Verdegan at jverdegan2@gmail.com. For more information on Pedal Down Promotions you can reach publisher Jeff Pederson at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com.

VERDEGAN’S PRIOR TITLES

2015    “Life In The Past Lane – a history of stock car racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950-1980”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2016    “Wisconsin International Raceway – Where The Big Ones Run”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2017    “Life In The Past Lane – The Next Generation”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2018    “The Bird & The Bear”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2019    “Racing In The 906”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

November 13, 2020 / by Jeff Pederson

Pedal Down Promotions to publish Joe Verdegan’s next book ‘The Reformatory’

Author and corrections officer Joe Verdegan to release book on Green Bay prison life in December 2020

(Allouez, WI) – Author Joe Verdegan, who recently retired as a correctional officer after nearly 27 years, has announced he will write a book on his experiences working at Green Bay Correctional Institution in Allouez, Wis.

The book, which will be titled “The Reformatory – Tales From Green Bay’s Maximum Security Prison”, is expected to be released in December 2020. The book will be the third one Verdegan has authored that will be published through Pedal Down Promotions in Manitowoc, Wis.

In 1993 Verdegan left his job as a news reporter at WOSH radio in Oshkosh, Wis. to embark upon a career with the state Department of Corrections.

“For my family at the time it was simply about getting better benefits including health insurance and a better pension down the road,” Verdegan recalled. “I loved working in radio but honestly it was tough paying the bills back then. I went from covering criminal’s trials to supervising them daily. It was quite the switch.”

In his book Verdegan will take you from his start in the officer’s academy, through his short time working at Racine Correctional Institution and eventually winding up at the 125-year-old prison, which was commonly referred to as “Gladiator School” because of the high number of inmate brawls staff had to respond to on almost a daily basis.

The book will be written from his perspective and will include interviews and tales from several of his co-workers in his three decades inside the walls. 

This will be Verdegan’s sixth book he has written. His other five titles all documented local and regional stock car racing history in Wisconsin and Michigan.

Readers can follow Verdegan’s progress on the book through his page on Facebook titled “Gladiator School.”

An exact date and location of this book launch is expected to be released sometime this fall.

For more details, email Verdegan at jverdegan2@gmail.com.

For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, contact publisher Jeff Pederson at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com.

VERDEGAN’S PRIOR BOOK TITLES

2015 – “Life In The Past Lane – a history of stock car racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950-1980”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2016 – “Wisconsin International Raceway – Where The Big Ones Run”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2017 – “Life In The Past Lane – The Next Generation”

Publisher – M and B Global Solutions

2018 – “The Bird & The Bear”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

2019 – “Racing In The 906”

Publisher – Pedal Down Promotions

June 30, 2020 / by Jeff Pederson

‘Racing in the 906’ 2020 book signing dates released

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2020 “Racing in the 906” Book Tour

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

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

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

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

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

January 19, 2020 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2019 “Racing in the 906″ Holiday Book Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 14, 2019 / by Jeff Pederson

2019 ‘The Bird & The Bear” book tour scheduled

Nine dates slated at seven venues across Wisconsin to promote new Pedal Down Promotions book publication

(GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN) December 19 – Motorsports author Joe Verdegan of Green Bay has released his 2019 tour schedule for his fourth book “The Bird & The Bear,” published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis.

The book chronicles a pair of Northeastern Wisconsin racing legends – Kimberly’s Roger “The Bear” Regeth and Appleton’s J.J. “The Tweety Bird” Smith. In their racing careers spanning several decades starting in the 1960’s, the pair racked up several hundred feature wins and multiple track championships along the way on both dirt and asphalt ovals across Northeastern Wisconsin.

The tour includes a pair of radio show appearances, two motorsports related shows and stops at three Northeastern Wisconsin race tracks that Regeth and Smith experienced a great deal of success in their colorful careers.

The ’19 Tour kicks off Monday night, Jan. 21, 2019 at the Big Apple Pub & Grill in Manitowoc on “Sports Talk” on 1240 WOMT AM with hosts Greg Anderson and Brian Norton. Stop two will be at the fourth annual Luxemburg Racing Show Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds in Luxemburg.

Stop number three will be at the 5th annual NEW MOTORAMA at Shopko Hall in Green Bay Friday thru Sunday March 29-31. The tour then heads south to West Allis Tuesday, April 2 at the famed Milwaukee Mile at Paulie’s Pub for the 35th season of host Jim Tretow’s “Racing Roundup” show.

Shawano Speedway, the famed half-mile where both Regeth and Smith are members of the track’s Hall of Fame, will host a signing at their season opening race Saturday, April 13. Outagamie Speedway in Seymour powered by Eastern Wisconsin Stock Car, another track where “The Bird” and “The Bear” boast several track titles, will host a signing at their season lid lifter Friday night, May 10 at the Outagamie County Fairgrounds.

The final leg of the ’19 Tour will be at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna for the second annual “Pre-Season Pit Party” Thursday night, May 16.

“What these signings have evolved into is a true racer’s reunion for both former drivers and fans alike,” Verdegan said. “Those two legendary drivers will be attending some of these signings next year.”

Verdegan’s other books include “Life In The Past Lane – a history of stock car racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950-1980” (released 2015), “Wisconsin International Raceway – Where The Big Ones Run” (released 2016) and “Life In The Past Lane – The Next Generation” (released 2017).

All four of Verdegan’s books can be obtained through the following venues:

Amazon.com
Coastal181.com
barnesandnoble.com Barnes and Noble (print on demand)
Muenster Shell (Green Bay)
Bosse’s News (Green Bay)
Book Stop (Green Bay)
Bay Speed Center (De Pere)
Hobby Town (Ashwaubenon)
Hank N Karen’s Pub (Appleton)
Right Foot Performance (Appleton)

December 19, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

2018 ‘The Bird & The Bear’ Holiday Book Tour Announced

Six Wisconsin book tour dates on tap for December 2018 as Pedal Down Promotions second book publication launches

The front cover for Northeastern Wisconsin Motorsports Author Joe Verdegan’s fourth book “The Bird & The Bear,” chronicling the racing adventures of J.J. “Tweety Bird” Smith and Roger “The Bear” Regeth, has been released. The book will be launched on Saturday, Dec. 8. with a special event at Les Stumpf Ford in Appleton, Wis. – Woody’s Signs book cover design.

 
(Green Bay, WI) – Motorsports Author Joe Verdegan of Green Bay has announced a six-date holiday book tour to promote his new book “The Bird & The Bear” for the month of December 2018.
 
The book features the tales of Northeast Wisconsin racing legends J.J. “Tweety Bird” Smith and Roger “The Bear” Regeth. It will be launched Saturday, Dec. 8 at Les Stumpf Ford in Appleton from noon to 3 p.m. Les Stumpf Ford is a longtime sponsor of “The Bear” and was Regeth’s employer for 17 years.
 
Following the book launch, Kaukauna’s “The X Bar” will host a signing Thursday, Dec. 13 from 6-8 p.m. The X Bar is owned by late model and Figure 8 racer Craig Krueger. Two days later, Hank & Karen’s Pub in Appleton will host a signing on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 1-4 p.m. Local racing enthusiast Hank Grishaber owns the bar with his wife Karen.
 
The tour will make its only Milwaukee area stop Sunday, Dec. 16 at the Milwaukee Miniature Motors Racing Memorabilia show at the Waukesha County Exposition Center in Waukesha from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 
The tour swings over to Seymour on Wednesday night, Dec. 19 at the Hustle Inn. from 6-8 p.m. The Hustle Inn is owned by Leslie Fulton. Her uncle was former Seymour Speedway promoter Paul Kaczrowski and George Kaczrowski owned the Hustle Inn for many years and sold the bar to Fulton 14 years ago.
 
The final stop on the book tour will be Saturday, Dec. 22 at Bosse’s News Depot on Green Bay’s east side from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
“We’ve trimmed our holiday book tour down to six dates as I think that’s plenty,” Verdegan said. “Both J.J. and Roger will be at the book launch at Les Stumpf Ford on December 8th. Roger has committed to all of them and there’s a good chance J.J. will make some of the other signings, too. Those guys are both great story tellers and we very much look forward to the tour in December. The books have always made great Christmas gifts for race fans and this one will be no exception.”
 
Verdegan’s other books will be on sale at the signings. They include his 2015 release “Life In The Past Lane – a history of stock car racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950 – 1980.” “Wisconsin International Raceway – Where The Big Ones Run”, a 2016 release will also be available, along with “Life In The Past Lane – The Next Generation,” which was launched in 2017.
 
Race fans who cannot attend any of the signings can pre order books. You can purchase books through PayPal at jverdegan2 or you can send check or money order for $20.00 plus $8.00 shipping and handling to Joe Verdegan, 203 N. Ashland Avenue, Green Bay, Wisconsin 54303. Any book purchases made prior to the Dec. 8 book launch will guaranteed shipping during the week of Dec. 10 in plenty of time for the holidays.
“The Bird & The Bear” will be published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis. To contact Pedal Down Promotions, call 920-323-7970, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com or visit www.pedaldownpromotions.com.
 
You can reach Verdegan at jverdegan2@gmail.com or message him through his Facebook account. To keep track of other developments with “The Bird & The Bear” please check out the Northeast Wisconsin Racing History page on Facebook.
“The Bird & The Bear” 2018 Holiday Book Tour Schedule 
Saturday, December 8 - Les Stumpf Ford Appleton, WI, 12-3 p.m. 

Thursday, December 13 - The “X” Bar Kaukauna, WI, 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, December 15 - Hank & Karen’s Pub Appleton, WI, 1-4 p.m.

Sunday, December 16 - Racing Memorabilia Waukesha, WI, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesday, December 19 - The Hustle Inn. Seymour, WI, 6-8 p.m. 

Saturday, December 22 - Bosse’s News Depot Green Bay, WI, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

‘The Bird & The Bear” book cover released

The front cover for Northeastern Wisconsin Motorsports Author Joe Verdegan’s fourth book “The Bird & The Bear,” chronicling the racing adventures of J.J. “Tweety Bird” Smith and Roger “The Bear” Regeth, has been released. The book will be launched on Saturday, Dec. 8. with a special event at Les Stumpf Ford in Appleton, Wis. – Woody’s Signs book cover design.

(GREEN BAY, WI) Oct. 8, 2018 – The much-anticipated front cover of motorsports author Joe Verdegan’s fourth book “The Bird & The Bear” has been released.

The cover of the book, which features Northeast Wisconsin racing legends J.J. “Tweety Bird” Smith and “The Bear” Roger Regeth, was completed by Bryan “Woody” Wodack of Woody’s Signs in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

The book will be launched in less than two months on Saturday, Dec. 8 from noon to 3 p.m. at Les Stumpf Ford in Appleton.

 “I’ve had Woody put together signs and banners for my book signings these past three years and his work is second to none,” said Verdegan of Green Bay, Wisconsin. “It was important for me to go with local talent in designing the cover for this fourth book and Woody is one of the best in the region when it comes to this sort of thing.”

 The photos on the cover were both taken by De Pere native and former Midwest Racing News columnist Pete Vercauteren at Shawano Speedway in the 1970s.

The top photo includes Smith with his famous Gene Wheeler-owned “Tweety Bird” racer from 1976. The bottom picture is of Regeth on Shawano’s pit lane from 1977 in his famous “Les Stumpf Ford-sponsored-Chevy” owned by Jerry Sheriff and prepared by Mike Randerson.

“In the ‘70s, Shawano Speedway didn’t have guardrail along the backstretch so some younger fans may not pick that up when they glance at the cover,” Verdegan said. “The ‘70s provided some excellent racing on the half-mile and on dirt tracks in the greater Green Bay area. In this book we’ll cover that entire era, along with the sportsman and coupe days for both Roger and J.J., their days racing in USAC and  their racing careers after the ‘70s with Roger in the grand national and Mid-American Sportsman divisions and J.J. battling on Thursday nights in the late models at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna.”

 A complete Holiday Book Tour will be released in the very near future.

Woody’s Signs is a full-service vinyl lettering and embroidery shop. To learn more about Woody’s Signs and the services they offer check their website at woodyssigns.com or call 920 743 7052. You can also email Wodack at woody@woodysigns.com.

 “The Bird & The Bear” is being published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis. You can learn more about their services at pedaldownpromotions.com or email Jeff Pederson at pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com.

 To follow progress on the completion of “The Bird & The Bear” please check the “Northeast Wisconsin Racing History” page on Facebook. You can email Verdegan at jverdegan2@gmail.com.

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Verdegan’s ‘The Bird & The Bear’ book to be launched Dec. 8 at Les Stumpf Ford in Appleton

Jeff Pederson (left) of Pedal Down Promotions and Northeast Wisconsin Motorsports Author Joe Verdegan (right) have joined forces for Verdegan’s fourth book titled “The Bird & The Bear,” which is set to be launched with a special event held on Saturday, Dec. 8, at Les Stumpf Ford in Appleton from noon to 3 p.m. The book will be published by Pedal Down Promotions. – Pedal Down Promotions phot

Pedal Down Promotions publication features Northeast Wisconsin racing legends Roger Regeth and J.J. Smith

(Appleton, Wis.) – Motorsports author Joe Verdegan of Green Bay has announced the release of his fourth book “The Bird & The Bear” will be launched Saturday, Dec. 8 from noon to 3 p.m. at Les Stumpf Ford in Appleton, Wis.

The book chronicles a pair of Northeastern Wisconsin racing legends – Kimberly’s Roger “The Bear” Regeth and Appleton’s J.J. “The Tweety Bird” Smith. In their racing careers spanning several decades starting in the 1960s, the pair racked up several hundred feature wins and multiple track championships along the way on both dirt and asphalt ovals.

Both competed in the old USAC stock car circuit as well in the 1960s. Regeth played the “villain” role to a “T”, while Smith was a popular driver wherever he competed. Both drivers elicited a chorus of “cheers and jeers” whenever they showed up to do battle.

Regeth was employed at Les Stumpf Ford for 17 years and was a manager/buyer for one of Wisconsin’s largest car dealers. He was famous for wheeling his Les Stumpf Ford sponsored pink and blue No. 96 Chevrolet Camaro at area tracks, which was a conversation piece in itself. Regeth and Smith won multiple track titles on area ovals in the dirt tracks in the 1970s.

Regeth’s career stopped after the 1978 season, but “The Bear” came out of retirement to compete in Grand National Sportsman and Mid American Stock Car Series action in the early 1990s.

When the 1980s rolled around, Smith began to focus most of his attention on the weekly asphalt racing at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna. Smith captured WIR’s late model title driving for Anthony Brothers Racing in 1990.

“I’m beyond thrilled that company president Corey Stumpf and his staff have agreed to host our book launch at Les Stumpf Ford,” Verdegan said. “Les Stumpf Ford has been a prominent business in the Fox Valley for several decades, dating back 97 years. They’ve also been huge backers of local stock car racing, most notably supplying the pace car at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna for many years. We’re hoping for a great turnout at Les Stumpf Ford on December 8th!”

Both Regeth and Smith will join Verdegan at the book launch on Dec. 8.

Verdegan has previously penned three other books covering motorsports history. In 2015, Verdegan released “Life In The Past Lane – A history of stock car racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950-1980.” “Wisconsin International Raceway – Where The Big Ones Run” was published in 2016, while Verdegan’s third book, “Life In The Past Lane – The Next Generation” was launched in 2017.

Verdegan’s first three books were published through M and B Global Solutions of Green Bay, Wisconsin. “The Bird & The Bear” is being published by Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wis.

Les Stumpf Ford is located at 3030 W. College Ave. in Appleton, just 30 minutes south of Green Bay. You can learn more about Les Stumpf Ford by visiting the website Stumpfford.com.

A complete 2018 “Holiday Book Tour” with Verdegan, Regeth and Smith is expected to be released in the near future.

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Verdegan, Pedal Down Promotions reach two-book publishing deal

Motorsports author Joe Verdegan (right) has reached an agreement with Jeff Pederson (left) of Pedal Down Promotions to publish his next two books set to be released in 2018 and 2020. Pedal Down Promotions will publish Verdegan’s fourth book titled “The Bird & The Bear” about Northeast Wisconsin racing legends J.J. “Tweety Bird” Smith of Appleton and Roger “The Bear” Regeth of Kimberly in late 2018. Verdegan’s fourth book “Racing In The 906” documenting the racing scene in Upper Michigan over the past five decades is set to be published in 2020. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

Motorsports author set to release two new books in 2018, 2020

(Green Bay, Wisconsin) – Motorsports journalist and author Joe Verdegan has reached an agreement with Pedal Down Promotions of Manitowoc, Wisconsin to publish his two newest books, set for release in December 2018 and 2020, respectively.

The title of the 2018 release is one every Wisconsin race fan will want to add to their book collection. “The Bird & The Bear” will feature the life and times and two of Northeast Wisconsin’s most colorful and successful stock car drivers of the 1970s – Roger “The Bear” Regeth of Kimberly and J.J. “The Tweety Bird” Smith of Appleton.

The 2020 release will be “Racing In The 906” and will cover extensive racing history in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula dating back five decades.

Verdegan, from Green Bay, has authored three books in the past three years. “Life In The Past Lane – a history of stock car racing in Northeast Wisconsin from 1950-1980” was released in 2015. His second book “Wisconsin International Raceway – Where The Big Ones Run” was launched in 2016 while his third book “Life In The Past Lane – The Next Generation” was released in 2017.

“When I began putting together the first book and I put together the chapters on J.J. and ‘The Bear’ I realized there was so much history between those two guys a book covering their racing careers would be not only great reading for the fans but also a great seller,” Verdegan said. “It was a no-brainer really. The stories those two have along with the tales from their respective car owners are must-read stuff!”

Pedal Down Promotions is owned and operated by Jeff Pederson of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Pederson has 24 years of experience in community journalism as an editor, writer, page layout specialist and photographer. He is currently employed as the editor of The Sheboygan Falls News.

Pederson, a Sheboygan Falls native who currently lives in Manitowoc, serves as a race reporter for Plymouth Dirt Track Racing, PR and media relations representative for Paul Pokorski Motorsports, racing columnist for the WHBL 1330 Radio website in Sheboygan and staff writer for Full Throttle Magazine.  Pedal Down Promotions has previously published “Days Gone By – Growing Up In Small Town Wisconsin” by John Wirth, which was released in August 2016.

For updates on the progress of the newest book “The Bird & The Bear” please check out Northeast Wisconsin Racing History’s Facebook page. A release date for “The Bird & The Bear” will be announced in the very near future.

You can reach Verdegan at jverdegan2@gmail.com.

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson