Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Archives - Page 6 of 7

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Sheppard shines in World of Outlaws Late Model debut at Plymouth

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

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

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

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

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 15, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program falls to heat

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

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

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Justin Schmidt scores big victory in PDTR Russ Scheffler Tribute Race

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

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

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

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

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

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

79-year-old Hed claims PDTR Grand National main event

Dick Hed of Plymouth captured the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National A-main victory at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 2. – RC Custom Design photo

Rain washes out four of five A-mains

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 2, 2018 – The most experienced driver in the pit area also proved to be the fastest, as 79-year-old Dick Hed of Plymouth outran his fellow competitors and beat a fast-closing rain storm to capture the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Klips & Tips Grand National A main, during a rain-truncated PDTR program Saturday, June 2, at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

With rain looming throughout the evening, PDTR officials made an effort to accelerate the program, forgoing intermission and moving directly into A-main competition after the completion of the preliminary races.

However, shortly after Hed claimed his fourth career PDTR Grand National A main victory in a time-shortened 23-lap main event, the sky opened and a driving rain storm forced the remainder of the headline races to be cancelled.

Hed, who captured a Sportsman division championship in 1966 and a Winged Super Modified title in 1969 at the Plymouth track, started on the pole and led throughout, but the victory was far from easy as the 53-year racing veteran had to deal with pressure from a host of hungry drivers and survive five restarts in the accident-plagued race.

Hed grabbed the lead on the drop of the green flag with 2008 PDTR Grand National champion Matt Yancey of Sheboygan, who started second, providing pressure along the outside groove.

As Yancey settled into second place along the low line, Plymouth’s Tyler Kulow, who started fourth, worked his way into third with a high move around third starter Matt Loehr of Dotyville in turn two on lap 9.

The first of six yellow flags appeared on lap 19 when an infield tire was moved onto the track. On the restart, Hed continued to lead over Yancey, while sixth starter Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee dove under Kulow to assume third in turn four on lap 20.

After a pair of caution flags appeared for back-to-back multi-car spins, Davis worked his way into second place in turn two on lap 21. However, the move was negated for a four-car incident in turn three. After another caution on the ensuing restart, Davis again powered past Yancey to seize the runner-up spot.

Davis closed in on Hed’s rear bumper as the laps wound down before the sixth and final caution was displayed on lap 23, which rendered the race complete due to the 25-minute time limit.

Davis had to settle for second behind Hed, Yancey was third, Kulow took fourth and Loehr rounded out the top five.

Will Gerrits of Waupun won the Richard’s of Dunbar Sprint Car B main and Derek Fehling of Beaver Dam captured the Cellcom B Mod B main event.

The program, which was sponsored by Pit Stop Pizza of Sheboygan Falls, featured 103 cars, including 30 Richard’s Sprint Cars, 16 Gasroots Project Late Models, 17 Klips & Tips Grand Nationals, 30 Cellcom B Mods and 10 Kristine Hartmann Pleasant View Realty Micro Sprints.

PDTR racing action will continue next Saturday, June 9, with grandstands opening at 4:30 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The trophy sponsor for the program, which will include Sprint Car driver introductions, is WES Innovations.

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Walter, Siefert, Sorce Jr., Steenbergen, Ruh claim PDTR A-main triumphs

Josh Walter of Plymouth celebrates after winning the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car A main at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on Saturday, May 26. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 26, 2018 – Under steamy Memorial Day weekend weather conditions, the action on the track was equally hot and heavy as Plymouth Dirt Track Racing staged its annual Military Night racing program Saturday, May 26, at The Plymouth Dirt Track on the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis.

A strong field of 100 cars took to the one-third mile Plymouth Dirt Track with Josh Walter of Plymouth (Richard’s of Dunbar 360 Sprint Cars), Jared Siefert of Luxemburg (Gasroots Project Late Models), Don Sorce Jr. of West Allis (Klips & Tips Grand Nationals), Jeff Steenbergen of Watertown (Cellcom B Mods) and Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake (Micro Sprints) securing A-main victories in the second full PDTR racing program of the 2018 season.

In the 25-lap Sprint Car A-main, Paul Pokorski of West Bend lined up from the pole position flanked by 2010 PDTR Sprint Car champion Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee.

After an aborted start for a flip involving Chris Clayton of Waldo, Davis jumped out into the lead with a high move in turn two on the opening lap. On lap 2, third starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend and 2008 PDTR Sprint Car champ Lance Fassbender of Burnett, who started fifth, ducked under Pokorski to assume the second and third spots respectively.

Hugging the low line, Karnitz bolted under Davis to take the lead in turn one on lap 4. However, one lap later, Davis rode the cushion to power past Karntiz in turn two.

After Davis switched lines to run the low groove on lap 9, he quickly built up a half-straightaway cushion over Karnitz on lap 12. Meanwhile, Walter, who started sixth, flexed his muscle to move into third place on lap 13 before slipping past Karnitz to take the runner-up spot on lap 14 with a nifty low move.

Misfortune struck Davis on lap 16 when a flat left rear tire forced him to drop out of the race and relinquish the lead to Walter.

With Walter maintaining a half-straightaway lead, fourth starter Tim Haddy of Waupun gained second from Karnitz and began to set his sights on the top spot as the leaders worked through lapped traffic in the closing laps.

Jared Siefert of Luxemburg visits victory lane after winning the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Late Model A main at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on Saturday, May 26. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

As Walter found himself bottled up by lapped traffic, Haddy closed the gap along the cushion, trailed closely by 2005 PDTR Sprint Car champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex, who started eighth, in third and Pokorski, who rallied to mount a late charge along the cushion, in fourth.

With Haddy closing rapidly, Walter held on to collect his fourth career PDTR Sprint Car A-main victory by just over one car length over Haddy, who was second. Schlafer finished third, followed by Pokorski in fourth and Eagle’s Scott Conger, who placed fifth, after starting seventh.

After cautions for spins involving Justin Schmidt of Cleveland and Kevin Baldry of Omro on the opening lap, Jim Schmidt of Cleveland assumed the top spot from the pole on the drop of the green flag of the 25-lap Late Model A main with outside front row starter Tim Buhler of Greenbush settling into second with fourth starter Jared Siefert third.

After working around Buhler with a high move on lap 3, Siefert used the outside line to pull event with Schmidt on lap 5. One lap later, Siefert powered around Schmidt in turn one to assume the lead.

As Siefert held a comfortable edge at the front of the field, a three-car battle raged between Schmidt, Buhler and four-time and defending PDTR Late Model champ Brad Mueller of Random Lake, who started sixth.

Don Sorce Jr. of West Allis won the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Grand National A main at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on Saturday, May 26. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

On lap 10, Mueller rode the high groove to second in turn two. However, the tricky high groove proved to be a challenge for Mueller, as he dropped back to fourth on lap 18 after jumping the cushion.

Siefert went on to post his second career PDTR Late Model A-main victory, Schmidt was second, Buhler took third, Mueller claimed fourth and eighth starter Paul Parker of Kaukauna finished fifth.

In the 25-lap Grand National A main, two-time PDTR Grand National champion Don Sorce Jr. jumped out to the lead from the pole on the opening lap.

After running side-by-side for the first lap and a half, fifth starter Tyler Kulow of Plymouth outdueled Steven Ruh of New Holstein, who was driving for Matt Loehr and Bender Racing, to assume second in turn three on lap 2.

Kulow kept pace with Sorce Jr. along the low groove throughout most of the race, but was unable to mount a serious challenge for the lead as Sorce Jr. posted his 11^th career PDTR Grand National A-main victory in impressive flag-to-flag fashion.

Kulow had to settle for second, Ruh drove Loehr’s machine to a solid third-place showing, third starter Dick Hed of Plymouth placed fourth and Kurt Davis, who started seventh, rounded out the top five.

Elijah Koenig of Beaver Dam jumped out to the lead in the 25-lap B Mod A main followed by outside front row starter Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam.

Jeff Steenbergen of Watertown is interviewed in victory lane after winning the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing B Mod A main at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on Saturday, May 26. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

After the first of five caution flags was displayed on lap 2 for a spin involving Chris Gilson of Elkhart Lake.

One lap later, Sheppard spun in turn two while running second to bring out the second caution. On the restart, Koenig found himself feeling pressure from Jeff Steenbergen, who started fourth, and defending PDTR B Mod champion Justin Green of Sheboygan Falls, who started fifth.

On lap 9, Green dipped under Steenbergen in turn one to take second place. Three laps later, Green powered under Koenig to gain the lead in turn one.

However, Green’s lead was short-lived as he was penalized two spots for making contact with and knocking the infield tires onto the track in turn four to bring out the third caution of the race.

On the restart, Steenbergen wasted little time passing Koenig for the top spot. On lap 16, Green maneuvered around Koenig to assume the runner-up spot.

Steenbergen survived two more cautions to hold off Green by four car lengths to earn his first career PDTR B Mod A main victory. Green was second, 2016 PDTR B Mod champion Brandon Berth of Cascade finished third after starting seventh, Geoff Jeche of Juneau wound up fourth after starting ninth and Koenig rounded out the top five.

Dave Collins of Madison led the first eight laps of the 15-lap Micro Sprint A main before he was disqualified for a sparking brake rotor.

Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake captured the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Micro Sprint A main victory at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth on Saturday, May 26. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

With Collins relegated to the infield, 2017 PDTR Micro Sprint champ Preston Ruh, who started second, assumed the top spot trailed by fourth starter Tory Strauss of Sun Prairie.

The lone caution of the race appeared on lap 7 for the stalled car of rookie Miles Quandt of Watertown in turn two. When the race resume, Ruh maintained the top spot with Strauss in tow.

Ruh went on to claim his second career PDTR A-main victory by two car lengths over Strauss. Dousman’s Jack Vanderboom, who started fifth, placed third, Plymouth’s Emily Portschy finished fourth, after starting third, and Quandt was scored fifth.

John Krebsbach of Cascade won the Sprint Car B main. Spencer Long of Oshkosh captured the first B Mod B Main and Rick Kretschmann of Sheboygan Falls collected the victory in the second B Mod B main.

The race program, which was sponsored by Pedal Down Promotions, featured 27 Sprint Cars, 14 Late Models, 16 Grand Nationals, 36 B Mods and 7 Micro Sprints.

PDTR racing action will continue next Saturday, June 2, with grandstands opening at 4:30 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The trophy sponsor for the Graduates Night program will be Pit Stop Pizza.

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

All Star-IRA Sprints pack Plymouth pits, A mains rained out

Retired NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart (left) talks with television reporter and motorsports author Dave Argabright (right) in the pit area prior to the All Star Circuit of Champions-Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series Challenge event at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 19. – Pedal Down Promotions photo

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 20, 2018 – A stellar field of 47 of the best 410 Sprint Car drivers in the nation and a standing room-only crowd of enthusiastic dirt-track racing fans converged on The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds for the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions versus Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association (IRA) Sprint Car Challenge event on Saturday, May 19.

The event, which marked the first appearance for the All Star Circuit of Champions at the Plymouth facility since 1995, featured three-time NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart and former NASCAR Truck Series competitor and Chili Bowl champion Rico Abreu, along with a strong contingent of 17 All-Star regulars and 28 IRA competitors.

In addition, 32 Richards’ of Dunbar Plymouth Dirt Track Racing (PDTR) 360 Sprint Cars were on hand for the all-Sprint Car spectacular.

The All Star-IRA portion of the program saw the competition of qualifying, five heat races, two dashes and the B main. However, a heavy rain shower hit the track just after the competition of the All Star-IRA B main event to force the cancellation of the remainder of the program, including the 40-lap All Star-IRA A main and the 25-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main.

With the program deemed complete, money and points were equally distributed for All Star-IRA 410 Sprint Car and PDTR 360 Sprint Car competitors.

All Star point leader Aaron Reutzel of Clute, Texas clicked off the fastest lap of 11.571 seconds in All Star-IRA qualifying.

All Star-IRA heat race victories went to All Star regular Carl Bowser of Cabot, Penn., All Star regular Carson Macedo of Lemoore, Calif., 2017 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, IRA point leader Scotty Thiel of Sheboygan and six-time All Star champion Chad Kemenah of Findlay, Ohio.

Matt Vandevere of Zion, Ill. captured the All Star-IRA C main and 2011 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Howards Grove won the All Star-IRA B main. All Star-IRA dash victories went to Kemenah and Reutzel.

In PDTR 360 Sprint Car competition, Glenbeulah’s Jim Melis, Schmidt, Scott Conger of Eagle and two-time PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex posted heat race victories.

PDTR action is set to resume this Saturday, May 26 featuring Richards’ of Dunbar 360 Sprint Cars, Gasroots Project Late Models, Klips & Tips Grand Nationals, Cellcom B Mods and Kristine Hartmann Pleasant View Realty Micro Sprints. Pedal Down Promotions will serve as the trophy sponsor for the evening.

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

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Rain washes out PDTR event, All Stars on tap

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 13, 2018 – Excessive rain and wet grounds forced the cancellation of the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program on Saturday, May 12 at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth.

This Saturday, May 19 will mark the return of the All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car series to the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds for the first time since 1995 in a co-sanctioned event with the Interstate Racing Association Sprint Car Series.

Former NASCAR Cup champion and All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car Series owner Tony Stewart will be making his return to Sprint Car competition at Plymouth for the first time since he captured an IRA A-main victory at the third-mile facility in 2013.

In addition, the Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Richards’ Supper Club & Motel of Dunbar 360 Winged Sprint Cars will be on the card for the all-Sprint Car event.

Grandstands will open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and qualifying and racing to follow.

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Schlafer, Schmidt, Erickson, Schroeder, Larsen net victories in 2018 PDTR season opener

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 5, 2018 – After a long winter of hibernation, racing action roared back to life at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 5, as Plymouth Dirt Track Racing (PDTR) opened its 14^th season of competition with a huge contingent of 107 cars in the pit area and an equally large crowd of fans in the stands eager to take in the first racing action of the season.

The evening, which was sponsored by Collins State Bank, was filled with impressive performances from veterans and newcomers alike as a handful of drivers sent an early statement about their competitive intentions in 2018.

In the 25-lap Richard’s of Dunbar Sprint Car headliner, 2005 PDTR champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex led flag-to-flag en route to an impressive victory. Cleveland’s Justin Schmidt turned in a commanding performance to capture the victory in the 25-lap Gasroots Project Late Model A main. Justin Erickson of Plymouth opened the season on a high note by claiming the 25-lap Klips & Tips Grand National A main. Manitowoc’s Cody Schroeder notched his first career PDTR triumph in the Cellcom B Mod A main and Shiocton’s Dylan Larsen was also victorious for the first time in PDTR competition in the 15-lap Kristine Hartmann Pleasant View Realty Micro Sprint A main.

The front row of the 25-lap PDTR Sprint Car A main featured two most successful drivers in the history of the Midwest Sprint Car Association as Schlafer lined up on the pole flanked by South Milwaukee’s Kurt Davis to his outside.

On the drop of the green flag, Schlafer used the preferred low groove to speed out to the early lead on the dry, slick racing surface followed by third starter John Krebsbach of Cascade.

As Schlafer held a solid advantage at the point, Davis charged in to challenge Krebsbach for the runner-up spot on lap 8 and two laps later he secured the position with a low move in turn two.

By lap 12, Schlafer began to encounter lapped traffic, which allowed Davis to close the gap substantially. On lap 14, Davis charged in to mount a bid for the top spot as the leaders clung to fast line along the bottom of the track. Two laps later, the 2010 PDTR Sprint Car champion snuck under Schlafer in heavy lapped traffic to seize the top spot.

However, the move was negated when a caution flag flew for the stalled car of Glenbeulah’s Jim Melis in turn three. With scoring of the race reverting to the previously completed lap, Schlafer was reinstated as the race leader when the green flag flew again.

With an open track ahead of him, Schlafer solidly maintained the top spot over the final 10 laps on the way to his 20^th career PDTR Sprint Car A-main victory and 49^th overall MSA A-main triumph.

Davis, who tops the MSA all-time A-main victory list with 53, had to settle for second, Plymouth’s Justin Miller charged from the ninth starting spot to place third, former 410 Sprint Car driver Josh Walter of Plymouth scored a fourth-place showing in his return to regular PDTR 360 Sprint Car competition after starting eighth and fifth starter Kevin Karnitz of West Bend rounded out the top five.

The front row of the 25-lap Late Model A main featured the father-and-son team of Jim Letizia and Turk Letizia of Milwaukee.

Jim, who started on the pole, raced out to the early lead as Turk got sideways in the first turn of the opening lap to drop back to 10^th place in the early going. On lap 4, Justin Schmidt moved up from his fourth starting spot to slip past fifth starter Dave Jaeger of Slinger for second place.

Three laps later, Schmidt bolted under Jim Letizia with a nifty low move in turn one on lap 7. The lone caution of the event appeared on lap 9 when Jared Siefert of Luxemburg spun in turn 2.

On the restart, Schmidt pulled away while Jaeger moved past Letizia in turn four on lap 15 to gain second. However, out in front it was all Schmidt has he cruised to his sixth career PDTR Late Model A-main victory by a half-lap margin over Jaeger, who placed a strong second.

Jim Schmidt of Cleveland finished third after starting 11^th, 12^th starter Tim Buhler of Greenbush placed fourth and four-time and defending PDTR Late Model champion Brad Mueller of Random Lake came home fifth after starting sixth.

J.J. Pagel of Campbellsport grabbed the initial lead of the 25-lap Grand National A main from the pole as third starter Matt Loehr of Dotyville settled into second place. On lap 6, Erickson, who started sixth, began to make his presence felt as he dipped underneath Sheboygan’s Matt Yancey to take third in the running order.

On lap 8, Loehr was beginning to close the gap on Pagel before a caution flag flew on lap 9 for a spin on the backstretch involving Dylan May of West Bend. When the race resumed, Erickson bolted up to the high line to pass Loehr for second on lap 10.

Erickson steadily reeled in Pagel over the next eight laps before ducking underneath Pagel to take the lead in turn two on lap 18. Over the final seven laps, Erickson expertly negotiated lapped traffic to notch his second career PDTR Grand National victory by a half-straightaway margin over Pagel.

Loehr finished third, Yancey, who started fifth, ended up fourth and ninth starter Tyler Kulow of Plymouth placed fifth.

In victory lane after the race, Erickson revealed that 2018 will be his final year in the Grand National division has he intends to move to the Sprint Car ranks in 2019.

Outside front row starter Tom Stark grabbed the initial lead in the 25-lap B Mod A main. On lap 4, fifth starter Geoff Jeche of Juneau moved past third starter Glen Blanke of Sheboygan Falls to assume the runner-up spot.

As Stark encountered slower traffic, Jeche took advantage by reducing the margin substantially over the next 10 circuits. On lap 14, Jeche made contact with Stark while challenging for the lead in turn four. The collision caused Jeche to spin just inside the infield tires, which brought out a caution flag.

On the restart, eighth starter Cody Schroeder raced past Stark to assume the top spot in turn two. After that, Schroeder pulled away steadily on the way to his first career PDTR B Mod victory by a half-lap margin over runner-up Tim Sheppard of Beaver Dam, who started seventh. Sixth starter Travis Hansen of Brillion finished third, Stark wound up fourth and Travis Schmidt of Plymouth placed fifth after starting ninth.

After starting third, Jack Vanderboom of Dousman used a great start to assume the lead on the drop of the green flag in the 15-lap Micro Sprint A main.

Vanderboom cruised out to a large margin over polesitter Dylan Larsen until disaster struck when Vanderboom clipped an infield tire on lap 11, which caused him to spin in turn 4 to bring out a caution.

Larsen inherited the lead on the restart and never let go on the way to his first career PDTR Micro Sprint A-main victory by five car lengths over Plymouth’s Emily Portschy, who started sixth.

Defending PDTR Micro Sprint champion Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake finished third, after starting fifth, Kasi Graff was fourth after starting seventh and Vanderboom wound up fifth.

Travis Arenz of Sheboygan won the Sprint Car B main. Brandon Berth of Plymouth captured the first B Mod B Main and Plymouth’s Cody Eickberg collected the victory in the second B Mod B main.

PDTR racing action will continue next Saturday, May 12, with grandstands opening at 4:30 p.m. and racing scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

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

November 13, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Start time moved up for May 5 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing opener

By Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 30, 2018 – Unseasonably cold weather conditions forced the cancellation of the 2018 Plymouth Dirt Track Racing season opener Saturday, April 28 at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds in Plymouth.

The start time for the rescheduled 2018 season opener on Saturday, May 5 has been moved up by two hours with grandstands opening at 2:30 p.m., hot laps at 3:30 p.m. and racing to begin at 4 p.m.

The weekly PDTR program features the Richards’ Supper Club & Motel of Dunbar 360 Winged Sprint Cars, Gasroots Project Late Models, Klips & Tips of Plymouth Grand Nationals, Cellcom B Mods and Kristine Hartmann – Pleasant View Realty Micro Sprints.

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

May 2, 2018 / by Jeff Pederson

Mueller, Fieber, Green, Ruh nail down PDTR titles

Miller posts first career PDTR Sprint Car A-main win

By Jeff Pederson, Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) September 9, 2017 – On a night when four of the five regular Plymouth Dirt Track Racing divisions crowned 2017 champions at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds third-mile clay oval, one of the biggest turnouts of cars and fans of the season gathered to join in the festivities Saturday, Sept. 9.

In the Late Model division, 30-year veteran Brad Mueller of Random Lake claimed his third A-main victory of the 2017 campaign and his fourth career PDTR Late Model title. Cascade’s Mark Fieber racked up his second career title in the Grand National division. Justin Green of Sheboygan Falls collected his first career B Mod championship and rookie Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake secured the Micro Sprint crown.

In main event action, Plymouth’s Justin Miller held off a hard charge from two-time PDTR Sprint Car champion Danny Schlafer of Sussex to earn his first career 25-lap Sprint Car A-main victory at Plymouth. Tyler Kulow of Plymouth notched his first PDTR Grand National A-main victory of the 2017 season in the 25-lap A main. Jared Siefert of Luxemburg raced to his first PDTR B Mod triumph of the season, while Zach Boden of Cambridge captured his third 15-lap Micro Sprint A-main victory of the 20017 PDTR campaign.

Polesitter Justin Miller grabbed the lead on the opening lap of the 25-lap Sprint Car A main with 2010 PDTR Sprint Car champ Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, who started on the outside of the front row, following in second.

On lap 4, Davis closed in to challenge Miller along the high groove. Two laps later, 2008 PDTR Sprint Car champ Lance Fassbender spun in turn two while running third, which brought out the first caution flag of the race.

With Miller running the high groove, Davis worked the middle to low lanes in an attempt to oust the lead from Miller when green flag action resumed. On lap 12, Davis attempted to slide past Miller in turn two, but Miller held strong to retain the lead.

The action really heated up two laps later when seventh starter Danny Schlafer joined the duel for the lead. With Miller sticking to the top, Davis running the middle and Schlafer working the low line, the three drivers raced three-wide on lap 17 with Miller holding the slightest of advantages over the two most successful drivers in the history of the Midwest Sprint Car Association.

On lap 18, Davis worked past Miller exiting turn two to seize the lead. However, Davis got very high in turn three and clipped the wall in turn four to bring out the second caution of the race and end his chance at victory.

Miller regained the lead on the restart with Schlafer trailing in second. Miller got a good job on the restart to pull out to a quarter straightaway cushion before Schlafer battled back to mount a late charge. The hard-charging Schlafer slipped past Miller along the inside lane to seize the lead on lap 24.

However, Miller pulled off a big power move on the cushion in turns one and two to regain the lead on the final lap and nip Schlafer by one car length at the finish line to register his first career PDTR Sprint Car main event victory and his second overall MSA A-main triumph.

Schlafer had to settle for second, eighth starter Jim Melis of Glenbeulah finished third, fifth starter Ben Schmidt of Howards Grove placed fourth and Kevin Karnitz of West Bend, who started sixth, placed fifth.

With extra money added to the Late Model A-main purse for the evening, courtesy of an effort led by Late Model supporters Chad Marquardt and Greg Wester, a strong field of 28 Late Models checked into the pit area with 22 lining up for the main event.

Outside front row starter Billy Rezutek of Big Bend grabbed the lead on the drop of the green flag ahead of polesitter Joe Reuter of Green Bay. On lap 3, Brad Mueller, who started fourth, worked around Reuter to take over second while sixth starter Chris Carlson of Union Grove gained third on lap 5.

With Rezutek running the extreme high groove, Mueller found grip in the middle of the wide, slick track surface to pull even with Rezutek on lap 8. After a brief side-by-side duel, Mueller assumed the top spot on lap 9.

Carlson then moved in to battle Rezutek for second place on lap 14 before taking over the runner-up position one lap later. However, Mueller was not to be denied at the head of the field as he rolled to his third A-main victory of the season and 19^th career PDTR Late Model A-main triumph by five car lengths over Carlson to secure his fourth career PDTR Late Model championship.

Carlson was second, Reuter placed third, third starter Jared Siefert of Luxemburg placed fourth and eighth starter Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha rounded out the top five in the caution-free race.

Polesitter Tyler Kulow assumed the lead on the drop of the green flag in the Grand National main event with 2008 PDTR Grand National champ Matt Yancey trailing in second. The first of four caution flags appeared on lap 2 for a spin involving Matt Jackson of Sheboygan in turn two.

On lap 3, fourth starter Mark Fieber moved past Yancey into second with Dotyville’s Matt Loehr, who started fifth, following into third. With the top three cars running in nose-to-tail fashion along the low groove, Loehr began to apply heavy pressure to Fieber on lap 15 before diving under Fieber to take second on lap 18.

Three consecutive caution periods slowed the race starting on lap 21. When the race resumed, Fieber outpowered Loehr to regain second on lap 22, while seventh starter Jeff Lammers of Plymouth slipped past Loehr to take third.

Meanwhile, Kulow pulled away to claim his second career PDTR Grand National A-main triumph. Fieber secured his second Grand National title by placing second, Lammers was third, Loehr took fourth and Kurt Davis came up for his 10^th starting spot to finish fifth.

After two aborted starts, Jared Siefert gained the lead on the opening lap of the 25-lap B Mod A main from his outside front row starting position. On lap 4, third starter Chad Vetting of Valders worked past polesitter Gary Glander of Sheboygan Falls to take over second, while Travis Schmidt of Plymouth moved up from the fifth starting position to take over third on lap 8.

Siefert was strong out front as he built up a full straightaway lead over Vetting by lap 12. The third and final caution flag of the event was displayed on lap 18 when John Singer spun in turn four.

Four laps later Schmidt used the high groove to work past Vetting into second place. However, it was all Siefert at the head of the field en route to his first career PDTR B Mod A-main victory.

Schmidt placed second, Vetting was third, Randy Lemieux placed fourth after starting 10^th and Glander rounded out the top five.

Chad Bogar of Sun Prairie took the lead in the early going of the 15-lap Micro Sprint A main from the third starting spot. On lap 8, Zach Boden, who started sixth, moved into to challenge Bogar for the lead.

On lap later, Boden executive a low move in turn one to take the lead for good. The 2016 PDTR Micro Sprint champion cruised the rest of the way to a full straightaway victory over Bogar. Jack Vanderboom of Dousman placed third after starting seventh, fifth starting Dave Collins of Madison was fourth and second starter Preston Ruh wrapped up the 2017 PDTR Micro Sprint title with a fifth place showing.

Prior to the racing program, Randy Markwardt of Sheboygan was presented with the PDTR Dedication to Dirt Award for his efforts during a long and successful racing career, which began with Eastern Wisconsin Stock Cars at Plymouth in 1977.

During his career, Markwardt racked up two track championships at Plymouth in the Sportsman (1993) and Limited Late Model (1999) divisions and was one of the most popular drivers with fans. Markwardt, who was inducted into the Southeastern Wisconsin Short Track Racing Hall of Fame in 2014, announced his retirement from racing earlier this year with Saturday’s PDTR program serving as his final race.

Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum won the Sprint Car B main, Dave Fieber of Neenah captured the Late Model B main and Steve Lorier of Sheboygan won the B Mod B main.

A total of 111 cars check into the pit area for the evening, including 29 Sprint Cars, 28 Late Models, 24 B Mods, 22 Grand Nationals and 8 Micro Sprints.

After two weekends off, the final race of the season at The Plymouth Dirt Track is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30. The program will feature the final points night for the PDTR 360 Sprint Car division, along with the Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car, Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Cars and Wisconsin-Illinois Mini Sprints.

Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. with IRA qualifying and racing to follow.

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

September 10, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

McMullen, Buhler, Cullen, Green, Vanderboom snag PDTR A-main triumphs

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 19, 2017 – With only a handful of Plymouth Dirt Track Racing events remaining in the 2017 season at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds, competitors in each division looked to put their best foot forward Saturday, Aug. 19, whether it was to rack up valuable points in the quest for a track championship, earn a coveted A-main victory or to carry positive momentum into the final races of the season.

On PDTR’s annual Race for Cancer Night featuring an appearance by the Pink Heals of Sheboygan County pink fire truck and Project Angel Hugs, Sprint Car point leader Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh posted his third 25-lap Sprint Car A-main victory of the 2017 campaign. Defending PDTR Late Model track champ Tim Buhler of Glenbeulah notched his second PDTR 25-lap Late Model A-main victory of the season, while Jesse Cullen of Chilton earned his first career 25-lap PDTR Grand National A-main triumph. Justin Green of Sheboygan Falls won his sixth B Mod A-main triumph of the season and Jack Vanderboom of Dousman claimed his third PDTR Micro Sprint main event win of 2017.

Polesitter Bill Taylor of Boltonville raced into the lead along the low groove on the opening lap of the Sprint Car A main. On lap 5, Brandon McMullen, who started on the outside of the front row, moved in to challenge Taylor along the high groove. Taylor fended off McMullen’s early challenge before third starter Justin Miller of Plymouth ducked under McMullen to briefly assume second place on lap 10.

The action heated up significantly one lap later when McMullen, Miller and Taylor raced three-wide for the lead heading into turn three. Utilizing the high groove, McMullen blasted into the lead in turn four, while Miller followed into second.

The first caution of the race appeared on lap 12 when Campbellsport’s Tony Wondra stopped on the frontstretch after losing a right rear tire. When the race resumed, McMullen bolted out to a full straightaway cushion over sixth starter Tim Haddy of Waupun by lap 17.

McMullen was cruising to a comfortable victory when the second caution of the event flew just as the field took the white flag for an incident in turn two involving Danny Schlafer of Sussex and Bill Taylor.

The late caution set up a green-white-checkered flag finish and again it was all McMullen at the head of the field as he pulled away to post his 11^th career PDTR Sprint Car A-main victory and 16^th overall career Midwest Sprint Car Association A-main triumph.

McMullen was followed to the finish line by Haddy in second, 11^th starter Jim Melis of Glenbeulah placed third, Miller wound up fourth and West Bend’s Kevin Karnitz, who started ninth, finished fifth.

Polesitter Tim Buhler jumped out to the lead on lap 1 of the 25-lap Late Model A main as 2014 PDTR Late Model champ Mitch McGrath of Waukesha ventured up to the high groove to challenge for the top spot. McGrath pounded the cushion, while Buhler held tight to the bottom groove to maintain a quarter-straightaway edge.

The first of four caution flags were displayed on lap 11 for the stalled car of Sheboygan’s Randy Markwardt. When the race resumed, three-time PDTR Late Model champ Brad Mueller of Random Lake used the high line to challenge McGrath for second. The two championship-caliber drivers dueled back and forth until lap 17 when McGrath took command of the runner-up spot.

After two more caution flags on lap 19, McGrath continued to pressure Buhler along the high groove on lap 20. One lap later, Jared Siefert of Luxemburg powered around Mueller to grab third place.

The fourth and final caution for the stalled car of Randy Markwardt on lap 23 set up a two-lap dash to the finish. Despite a valiant effort from McGrath, Siefert and Mueller in the closing laps, Buhler held on to notch his 11^th career PDTR Late Model A-main victory. In doing so, Buhler moved into a tie for fourth on the all-time PDTR Late Model A-main win list.

McGrath wound up second, Siefert was third, Mueller took fourth and 2008 PDTR Late Model champion Billy Rezutek placed fifth, after starting ninth.

After the completion of driver introductions, Plymouth’s Travis Schmidt took the initial lead of the extended 30-lap B Mod A main from the pole, while third starter John Rothmund of Manitowoc, who was making his first appearance of the season at the Plymouth track, assumed second from his third starting spot.

As Rothmund ran the high groove, PDTR B Mod point leader Justin Green, who started fifth, worked the low line to seize second place on lap 5. Following a caution for Jonathon Singer’s stalled car in turn 4, Green got a great jump on the ensuing restart to slip under Schmidt in turn four on lap 6.

On lap 8, Rothmund charged past Schmidt into second, but he soon felt pressure from former PDTR Outlaw Compact champion Travis Arenz of Sheboygan in Justin Bauer’s No. 75 car. As Green built up a half straightaway lead, Rothmund and Arenz waged an epic duel for second starting on lap 14.

The fourth caution flag was displayed for Fond du Lac’s Tim Warner, who looped his car to a stop in turn 2 on lap 27. After Arenz was penalized two spots on the restart for hitting the infield tires, he wasted little time regaining second as he passed Schmidt and last week’s B Mod A-main winner J.J. Walvoord of Howards Grove, who started 11^th, on lap 28.

While the rest of field jockeyed for position, Green stayed in control at the front of the pack en route to is sixth PDTR B Mod victory of the 2017 racing season.

Arenz placed second, Walvoord was third, Schmidt ended up fourth and Sturgeon Bay’s Kelsey Hayes placed fifth from her seventh starting spot.

The 25-lap Grand National A main saw Chilton’s Jesse Cullen assume the lead on the drop of the green field from the pole position. Outside front row starter J.J. Pagel kept Cullen in sight throughout the race while also dueling with seventh starter Jeff Lammers of Plymouth over the final five laps of the event.

As Cullen set a blistering place at the front of the pack, 2011 PDTR Grand National champ and current point leader Mark Fieber, who started 11^th, Lammers and eighth starter Matt Loehr of Dotyville went three-wide for third place on lap 22 with Loehr gaining control of the spot.

Pagel mounted a big run over the final three laps to close in on Cullen, but it was not quite enough as Cullen posted his first career PDTR Grand National A-main win by three car lengths over runner-up Pagel. Loehr wound up third, Plymouth’s Tyler Kulow, who started sixth, was fourth and Fieber rounded out the top five.

In the 15-lap Micro Sprint A main, rookie Tyler Davis of South Milwaukee led the first six laps from the pole. On lap 3, Jack Vanderboom moved up from his fifth starting spot to take over second.

On lap 7, disaster struck Davis as he spun in turn four while leading to give the top spot over to Vanderboom. Three more cautions slowed the pace over the final eight laps, but Vanderboom held strong to post his third Micro Sprint A main victory of the 2017 PDTR season.

Tory Strauss of Marshall finished second, followed by Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake in third, Davis fourth and Josh Rehberg of Milwaukee fifth. Dave Collins of Madison emerged uninjured after his car went on a wild series of flips in turn four on lap 12.

Danny Schlafer won the Sprint Car B main and Jim Bailey of Oostburg claimed the victory in the B Mod B main.

The trophy sponsor for evening was Sorce Services. The next Plymouth Dirt Track racing program will take place on Saturday, Aug. 26. Racing will begin at 6 p.m.

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

August 20, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

Schlafer, Schmidt, Fieber, Walvoord, Ruh shine in PDTR action

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 12, 2017 – On a night when Plymouth Dirt Track Racing honored the best drivers who have ever strapped into a race car at the venerable Plymouth track, the stars of today treated fans to thrilling finishes and side-by-side racing action as PDTR presented its annual Past Champions Night program Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds.

In the Sprint Car 25-lap headliner Danny Schlafer pulled off a last-lap pass to claim his third A-main triumph of the 2017 season. Likewise, Justin Schmidt of Cleveland executive a final-lap pass of his own to win his first PDTR Late Model A-main event of the year. Former PDTR Grand National champion Mark Fieber of Cascade notched his second main event victory of the season, while J.J. Walvoord of Sheboygan (B Mod) and Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake (Micro Sprint) each picked up their first career A-main victories in their respective divisions.

Will Gerrits of Waupun jumped out the lead with a low move in turn four of the opening lap. Gerrits held down the top spot while Boltonville’s Bill Taylor, who started on the pole, road the high groove to pressure the lead on lap 6.

The first of five caution flags appeared on lap 7 when Tyler Brabant of Waupun spun in turn four. Two more caution periods ensued before another green flag lap was completed. The first came when Taylor and 2008 PDTR Sprint Car champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett collided in turn two, and the second appeared for debris in turn one.

When green flag action resumed, 2010 PDTR Sprint Car champ Kurt Davis of South Milwaukee, who started fifth, used the high line to take second. One lap later, Davis charged around Gerrits to assume the top spot.

Meanwhile, two-time PDTR Sprint Car champion Danny Schlafer powered up from his 11^th starting spot to take third on lap 9. After the fourth caution of the race came out for Jeremy Hunt’s spin in turn four, Schlafer flexed his muscle to sweep past Gerrits and Davis to take over the lead on lap 11.

Schlafer and Davis each rode the high groove over the second half of the race with Davis staying within five car lengths as the leaders worked through lapped traffic starting on lap 16.

Just as Schlafer appeared set to cruise to the victory the fifth and final caution flag was displayed on lap 23 when Shane Wenninger of Kewaskum and Waupun’s Tim Haddy made contact in turn three.

That set up a mad two lap dash to the finish between the two winningest drivers in the history of the Midwest Sprint Car Association. After a single-file restart, Davis used the high groove in turns one and two to set up a slide job in turns three and four, which vaulted him past Schlafer into the lead on lap 24.

However, Schlafer was not to be denied as he ducked under Davis in turns one and two and slid in front of Davis in turn four of the final lap to post his third PDTR Sprint Car victory of the season, 19^th career A-main PDTR Sprint Car triumph and 48^th MSA A-main victory of his career.

Davis finished second by just a car length, point leader Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, who started seventh, finished third, 10^th starter Justin Miller of Plymouth placed fourth and Dannon Tessmer of Slinger rounded out the top five after starting eighth.

The caution-free 25-lap Late Model A main rolled off with polesitter Jim Letizia of Milwaukee leading the first three circuits before 2014 PDTR Late Model champ Mitch McGrath, who started fifth, used the high groove in turn two to power past Letizia into the lead on lap 4.

As McGrath held a half-straightway lead at the front of the field, defending PDTR Late Model champion Tim Buhler of Glenbuelah used the low and middle groove to work his way into third place on lap 5 and second place on lap 7.

Buhler gradually began to reel in McGrath over the next 14 laps before pulling even with McGrath in turn two on lap 21. The two former champions dueled side by side on lap 22 before second starter Justin Schmidt of Cleveland, who dropped well back in the field on the start, charged in to pressure the leaders.

On lap 24 used the extreme low line to sneak past Buhler into second and he continued his momentum to dip underneath McGrath in the final turn to seal his first A-main victory of the 2017 season and fifth triumph of his PDTR Late Model career in the non-stop race.

McGrath had to settle for second by less than a car length, Buhler wound up third, fourth starter Jim Schmidt of Cleveland placed fourth and Chris Carlson of Union Grove rounded out the top five after starting third.

Mark Fieber took the lead on the drop of the green flag in the 25-lap Grand National A main from the pole position.

Outside front row starter Jeff Lammers of Plymouth held tight to Fieber along the low groove during the first 11 laps before two-time PDTR Grand National champ Don Sorce Jr. of West Allis worked the high line to work past Lammers into second on lap 12.

Sorce Jr. then moved in to challenge Fieber for the lead on lap 14. The two former Grand National champs dueled side by side over the next two laps, but Fieber was too tough and Sorce Jr. eventually fell in line behind him on lap 15. On lap 20, Sorce Jr. ventured high again to pressure Fieber, but again Fieber fended off the advances of Sorce Jr.

The lone caution of the race appeared on lap 23 when Dick Hed of Plymouth and Brian Cesar of Sheboygan spun to a stop. On the restart, Lammers moved past Sorce Jr. into second up high on lap 24. However, Sorce Jr. battled back to take second at the finish as Fieber cruised to his second PDTR Grand National A-main victory of the season and 12^th career A-main triumph at the Plymouth track.

Sorce Jr. was second, Lammers took third, fifth starter Kurt Davis placed fourth and third starter Tyler Kulow of Plymouth claimed fifth.

Polesitter J.J. Walvoord took the lead on lap one of the 25-lap B Mod A main as Chad Vetting of Valders mounted a huge run to work his way into second from the seventh starting spot.

On lap 2, former PDTR Outlaw Compact champ Travis Arenz of Sheboygan, who was filling in for Justin Bauer, moved into second from his eighth starting position. Arenz then proceeded to close the gap on Walvoord before the first of four caution flags appeared on lap 12 when Brandon Berth of Plymouth spun in turn four.

After two more cautions, Arenz continued to hound Walvoord along the low to middle groove. However, Walvoord fended off each of Arenz’s efforts. Meanwhile, point leader Justin Green of Sheboygan Falls, who started 11^th, used the high groove to challenge Arenz for second starting on lap 18.

Following one more caution, Arenz and Green continued their duel for second place as Walvoord maintain the lead. At the finish line, it was Walvoord claiming his first career PDTR B Mod A-main victory.

Arenz finished second, Green was third, fifth starter Cody Eickberg of Plymouth place fourth and Vetting rounded out the top five.

In the 15-lap Micro Sprint A main, Preston Ruh grabbed the initial lead from the pole and held off repeated challenges from second starter Dave Collins of Madison on the way to his first career Micro Sprint A-main triumph.

Collins was second, Tyler Davis of South Milwaukee took third and Josh Rehberg of Milwaukee placed fourth.

Ten Vintage Modifieds were also on hand to stage an exhibition race.

The trophy sponsor for evening was Pit Stop Pizza. The next Plymouth Dirt Track racing program on Saturday, Aug. 19 will feature Race Against Cancer Night with a special appearance by Pink Heals of Sheboygan County and the pink fire truck. Racing will begin at 6 p.m.

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

August 13, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

Thiel stays red hot with Plymouth IRA Sprint Car triumph

Melis tops PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main, Boden rules Micro Sprints

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 5, 2017 – Over the past month of the Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car season, no driver has been hotter than Sheboygan racer Scotty Thiel.

Considering his performance in the 21^st annual Frank Filskov Memorial A main at The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds Saturday, Aug. 5, it doesn’t appear that Thiel will be cooling off anytime soon.

Thiel, who came into the event second in the IRA point standings behind seven-time series champ Bill Balog of Hartland, claimed a wire-to-wire victory in the 27-lap Sprint Car A-main.

In the 27-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main, Jim Melis of Glenbleulah claimed the A-main win, while Zach Boden of Cambridge notched the PDTR Micro Sprint A-main win.

Thiel bolted out to the lead of the IRA A-main from his outside front row starting spot on the opening lap, while polesitter Dave Uttech of Kenosha settled into second in the early going.

Meanwhile, the evening’s fast qualifier Bill Balog worked his way into third from his fifth starting spot on lap 2. At the front of the field, Thiel quickly stretched out a half straightaway cushion over Uttech before he encountered lapped traffic starting on lap 5.

On the same lap, Balog bolted past Uttech to assume the runner-up spot on lap 5. As the leaders worked through dense lapped traffic, Balog closed the gap on Thiel on lap 11 along the low groove.

However, Balog was briefly bottled up behind two lapped cars racing side by side, which allowed Thiel to build up a half-straightaway cushion by lap 18. Thiel’s advantage was erased on lap 18 when two-time IRA champion Scotty Neitzel of Beaver Dam spun to a stop between turns three and four.

With Balog on his rear bumper, Thiel flexed his muscle on the restart to fend off Balog’s attempt to duck low and wrestle away the lead. By lap 21, Thiel had carved out a half-straightaway lead over Balog, who is the winningest driver in IRA history.

In the final six laps, Balog came to life pushing his Rhine Auto machine the limit to reel in Thiel along the treacherous outside groove. Using a big run on the final lap, Balog dove low to pull nearly even with Thiel heading to the checkered flag. However, Thiel was just too strong as he held off Balog by just over a car length at the finish line.

The A-main victory was Thiel’s fourth IRA main event win of the season and eighth overall in his IRA career. Thiel has now won four the last seven IRA A-main events, including three of the last four.

Balog had to settle for second, third starter Wayne Modjeski of Oak Creek placed third, Blake Nimee of Oswego, Ill. placed fourth after starting ninth and Uttech rounded out the top five.

“The track was really different than what it normally is here,” Thiel said. “Usually it slicks off and has a curb. My crew guys worked their tails off to give me a great car tonight. “We’ve been on a hot streak lately and I just want to keep riding it as long as we can.”

Balog, who came into the event with a 104-point lead over Thiel in the IRA point standings, put together a solid night to remain in control of the IRA point lead.

“We were fast all night on a very fast track,” Balog said. “I was trying to go for the win in the last few laps, but I couldn’t quite get to him.”

Modjeski was pleased after posting his best A-main finish of the IRA season.

“It felt good to have a good car all night,” Modjeski said. “I can’t say enough about everyone that helps me out. They have done an incredible job to help me get out here with these guys in the top three tonight.”

In the 27-lap PDTR 360 Sprint Car A main, 40-year veteran Al Schlafer of Sussex grabbed the lead on the opening lap from the pole. On lap 2, 2010 PDTR Sprint Car champ Kurt Davis drove low to pass outside front row starter Tim Haddy of Waupun for second.

Davis quickly moved in to challenge Schlafer and on lap 11 the Midwest Sprint Car Association career A-main victory leader swept past Schlafer to assume the top spot. Two laps later, Davis spun in turn two as Slinger’s Dannon Tessmer suffered a steering malfunction directly in front of him in turn two on lap 13.

After Davis restarted at the rear of the field, Schlafer inherited the lead back with fourth starter Will Gerrits of Waupun second and seventh starter Jim Melis running third.

On lap 16, a four-car incident in turn one sent the cars of Doug Wondra of Oakfield and 2008 PDTR Sprint Car champion Lance Fassbender of Burnett flipping. Wayne Modjeski and Anthony Knierim of Franksville were also involved in the melee. Both Wondra’s and Fassbender’s cars were heavily damaged and both drivers were done for the night.

On the restart, Melis worked his way into second and wasted no time closing in on Schlafer for the lead. On lap 21, Melis used the low line to power past Schlafer in turn three. Four laps later, 12^th starter Justin Miller of Plymouth worked past Schlafer to gain the runner-up spot.

Out in front, Melis cruised over the final six laps to notch his second A-main victory of the season, 16^th career PDTR A-main win and 19^th overall Midwest Sprint Car Association main event triumph.

Miller was second, Schlafer took third, Gerrits claimed fourth and point leader and 10^th starter Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh posted a fifth-place showing after his team executed an engine change between his heat race and the A main.

Rookie Preston Ruh of Elkhart Lake led the first seven laps of the 20-lap PDTR Micro Sprint A main from the fourth starting spot. On lap 8, 2016 PDTR Micro Sprint champ Zach Boden, who started sixth, used the low groove to pass Ruh for the lead.

From there, Boden pulled out to a half lap victory over the final 12 laps en route to his fifth career PDTR Micro Sprint A-main triumph. 10^th starter Dave Collins of Madison was second, fifth starter Jack Vanderboom of Dousman placed third, Ruh wound up fourth and third starter Tyler Davis of South Milwaukee claimed fifth.

B main victories went to Bill Wirth of Cudahy (IRA 410 Sprint Car) and Lance Fassbender (PDTR 360 Sprint Car).

The racing program, which honored longtime IRA competitor Frank Filskov, who died in a racing accident in October 1996, was delayed for over any hour by rain. After quick work by the track crew, the night went on as scheduled on a lightning fast track surface, which yielded track record times in heat race action.

The evening was sponsored by JDL Automotive. The next Plymouth Dirt Track racing program on Saturday, Aug. 12 will honor all past champions at the Plymouth track. Racing will begin at 6 p.m.

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

August 6, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

Mars bags big money in Plymouth Dirt Kings Late Model special

Block claims first PDTR B Mod A-main triumph

By Jeff Pederson – Pedal Down Promotions

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTINS) July 31, 2017 – Jimmy Mars of Menomonie lived up to his “Iceman” moniker in the inaugural Dirt Kings Late Model 50-lap main event at The Plymouth Dirt Track Monday, July 31.

While his nearest competitors put their cars to the ultimate test working the high groove feverishly throughout the non-stop event, the cagey veteran multi-time Dirt Late Model crown jewel race winner bided his time along the inside lane, saving his tires wisely for the stretch run on the way to his first Dirt Kings Late Model A-main victory worth a cool $4,000.

The special weeknight race drew a stellar field of 34 local, regional and national level drivers to kick off a weeklong series of high-dollar Dirt Late Model races in Wisconsin featuring the national-touring World of Outlaws Late Model series.

After claiming the top qualifying time of the night, Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill. led the field to the green flag from the pole with Plymouth Dirt Track Racing regular Jim Schmidt of Cleveland on the outside of the front row.

After a flurry of action on the opening lap, which saw Shirley and Schmidt trade the lead, inside second row starter Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill. ducked low to pace the opening circuit.

The next 12 laps saw Feger ride the high groove exclusively with Shirley sticking to the low to middle line on the smooth multi-groove racing surface. The two longtime Midwestern rivals dueled side by side until lap 13 when heavy lapped traffic bottled up the track and forced the leaders to scramble for a way through the logjam.

On lap 16, Jim Letizia of Milwaukee got sideway in front of Shirley along the low groove, which forced Shirley to check up and opened the door for Jimmy Mars, who started fourth, to assume the runner-up spot.

Two laps later, Mars inched past Feger to take the lead briefly before Feger battled back to gain the top spot on lap 21. In dense lapped traffic, Mars slipped past Feger on the bottom of the track to take the lead on lap 25, but again Feger powered to the front along the high groove on lap 29, as Shirley rebounded to rejoin the highly entertaining battle for the lead.

As Feger and Shirley continued to pound the cushion and occasionally venture to the middle and low grooves to negotiate past slower cars, Mars stayed tuck down low and eventually assumed the top spot for good on lap 34 while Shirley following into second.

By lap 39, Mars had built up a half straight advantage with Shirley and Feger left to duel it out for second. Lapped traffic again made things interesting in the final seven laps as Shirley and Feger closed to within striking distance.

However, Mars was not to be denied as he went on to post his third victory of the 2017 season by a three-car length margin over Shirley. Feger came home third with Dirt Kings point leader Nick Anvelink of Navarino, who started ninth, following in in fourth. World of Outlaws series regular Tyler Erb of New Waverly, Texas, capped off an impressive charge from the 15^th starting spot to finish fifth.

Rounding out the top 10 were Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark. (sixth), Brent Larson of Lake Elmo, Minn. (seventh), Justin Hirt of Tigerton (eighth), Jared Siefert of Luxemburg (ninth) and Waukesha’s Mitch McGrath (10^th).

“Jason and Brian both ran a good race and I just tried to keep a nice pace in lapped traffic and run a good line when those guys got to racing hard up on the top,” Mars said. “It was a chess match in traffic and luckily it worked in our favor. We’ve been close to getting wins all year and tonight luck went our way.”

In the 25-lap PDTR B Mod A main, Wyatt Block of Marion got the jump on the start with outside front row starter Travis Arenz of Sheboygan following in second and Chilton’s Travis Hansen, who started fourth, third.

Block, Arenz and Hansen stayed glued to the bottom of the track throughout the non-stop race with Arenz unable to close to within striking distance until the leader encountered lapped cars on lap 20.

Although Arenz was able to close up to Block’s bumper in the closing laps, he was unable to mount a challenge for the lead as Block held strong to post his first PDTR B Mod A-main triumph in his first appearance at Plymouth.

Arenz finished second, Hansen was third, Green Bay’s Hunter Parsons, who started fifth, placed fourth and ninth starter Joel Seegert of Sheboygan rounded out the top five.

Both A-main events were contested caution free, which accounted for 75 total laps of non-stop racing.

Chris Engels of Green Bay won the Dirt Kings Late Model C main, while Taylor Scheffler of Waukesha captured the Dirt Kings Late Model B main. Brandon Berth of Plymouth was victorious in the PDTR B Mod B main.

The next Plymouth Dirt Track racing program on Saturday, Aug. 5 will feature the second appearance of the season of the Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series. PDTR 360 Sprint Cars and Micro Sprints will also be on the all-open-wheel card. The trophy sponsor will be JDL Automotive and Detailing. Hot laps will begin at 6 p.m. with IRA qualifying and racing to follow.

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

August 1, 2017 / by Jeff Pederson

Tag: Plymouth Dirt Track Racing