www.theracingconnection.comwww.theracingconnection.com

October 2016 Vol. 20, No. 6

Inside...

OktoberfestPast & Present

OktoberfestPast & Present

Pictures from the PastGustin Grabs 40 Grand

Page 2October 2016

Page 3 October 2016

The MidwestRACINGRACINGRACINGRACINGRACING

ConnectionOctober 2016

Vol. 20, No. 6

P.O. Box 22111St. Paul MN, 55122

651-451-4036info@theracingconnection.comwww.theracingconnection.com

PublisherDan Plan

Contributing WritersShane CarlsonDale P. DanielskiJacklyn Daniels-NuttlemanDean RellerJason SearcyCharlie Spry

PhotographersJim Ambruoso (815-623-3200)Jeff Blaser (715-498-7544)Martin DeFries (651-346-1199)TJ Harron (608-301-0993)Doug Hornickel (920-563-0993)Tom Loos (715-370-7895)Mark Melchiori (414-463-0131)Bruce Nuttleman (612-860-6622)Vince Peterson (612-419-6372)Mary Schill/Forte Design (608-792-1317)Jerry Zimmer (715-792-2174)

The Midwest Racing Connection is published six timesduring the summer racing season by

The Plan Company, Inc.All material is copyrighted 2016 and may not be

reprinted without permission. Subscriptions are $20for six issues. Call 651-451-4036.

Cover photos by: Doug Hornickel, BruceNuttleman and Dale P. Danielski

Dan Plan

Racing According to PlanRacing According to PlanRacing According to PlanRacing According to PlanRacing According to Plan

Publisher's NoteAn Epic Battle

AIRPORT SERVICE - CALL 24 HOURS

*Time Calls - Appointments

DISCOUNT TAXI

FOR TRANSPORTATIONToll Free 1-888-240-8294

www.discounttaxiracing.com

612-723-5500

continued on page 12

I’ve always enjoyed the aspect of awarding the pointchampionship based on the entire season’s efforts bydriver and his team. This year’s Big-8 point battle atElko came down to the final night, with only 11 pointsseparating Dylan Moore and Jon Lemke.

During the final night’s action, Lemke chipped away atthe lead, and the margin was down to just 5 pointsheading into the final point race of the season for thedivision. Moore and Lemke lined up right near eachother in the feature race to add more excitement to therace. While the two drivers were making their way tothe front, Moore was tagged by another competitorand went spinning into turn one. Lemke narrowlyavoided the carnage. From my vantage point, all Icould see was tire smoke and the crunching noise ofcars coming together.

When the smoke cleared, Moore’s car had receivedsignificant damage. It was a shame to see one of thesharpest looking cars all season torn to pieces, and thechampionship fading away.

Fortunately for Dylan, there was a lot of carnage anddebris to clear off the track before competition couldresume. Numerous members from various teamsswarmed into action. I’m guessing there may havebeen a duct tape shortage in the pits at Elko by thetime Dylan made it back onto the track with hiswounded machine.

Moore was able to gain afew spots and finish therace 5 spots behindLemke, causing a tie forthe overall championship.Dylan was declared thechampion based on morefeature race wins than Jonover the course of theyear. It was an epic battleto the end. Hats off to bothcompetitors for giving their

Martin DeFries photo

Page 4October 2016

CEDAR VIEWELECTRIC, INC.

Residential & Commercial

www.cedarviewelectric.com

New Construction - Remodel - Service WorkPools/Hot Tubs - Basements - Additions

952-469-2100

Lakeville, MN

Going in Circles

Charlie Spry

Going In Circles continued on page 5

Season point champions were decided at most of thetracks that I frequent in early September, with somepretty interesting scenarios presenting themselves, andeven when there weren’t any close battles, it’s still aninteresting time of the season.

At Wausau’s State Park Speedway it came down toDalton Zehr and Derek Kraus in the super lates.Kraus had whittled away Zehr’s point lead down toeight points before the feature race, but alas, Zehrtook the feature win over Kraus to seal the deal.

In the limited lates it was between veteran LyleNowak and rookie Jerry Brickner. Once again,Brickner won the feature on the final night overNowak, assuring himself of the title.

The Mini-Mod division didn’t share in the drama, asGeorge Seliger drove his Saturn to the title over PhilMalouf, bringing in a 100+ point lead into the finalnight. Malouf got the feature win, but it wasn’tenough.

In the Pure Stock division, it was Mike “Louie”Merriam with a slim lead over Travis Volm before thenight began. Before the racing, Volm told me, ‘Hewould have to have a kind of bad night, and I’d haveto have a real good night, but it’s possible.” Brock

Heinrich took his first ever feature win in the divisiontonight, holding off Volm and Merriam for the win,with Merriam getting the title.

In the Mini-Stock division, Greg Blount came into thenight with a slim lead over Rob Wruck. After Wruckset fast time, things were looking up for him, but fromthere on out he had nothing but troubles with his car,not even finishing the feature, which Blount won,giving him the title honors.

In the Bandolero division, Levon Vandergeest had athirty-four point lead over Kolton Guralski coming intothe night, and while Guralski won the feature andVandergeest finished back in the pack a bit, it wasn’tenough to overcome, and Vandergeest got the title.

Third generation driver Rayce Haase was present,racing in the Mini-Stocks. At seventeen years old,Rayce is just starting his racing career. He ran anenduro here a couple of years ago, only finishing a fewlaps, then came out late last year and raced his Mini-Stock on the dirt at Tomahawk late in the year. Hestarted on the dirt again this year before switching tothe asphalt, and runs well here now. His Dad is JesseHaase, who also got his start in racing at Tomahawkback when it was paved, and went on to race limitedlates and super lates for many years. Jesse had this tosay about Rayce, “My Dad was just so smooth in thecorners, just kind ofglided in there andmade the turns, and Iwas way different, Ijust threw it into thecorners. Now, I see inRayce that he drivesthe same way my Daddid. Maybe it skips ageneration orsomething.” The plan isfor Rayce to move upto the limited lates nextyear with Jesse’s superlate.

The Haase family was well represented, as Grandpaand Dad to the pair, Rick Haase was present. Thefamily found Rick’s old super late that had been soldmany years ago, still sitting in a shed. It had beenstored since probably the late 1980’s, and was leftintact, save for the engine. The family cleaned it upand left it alone, appearance wise, as it still had all thelettering on it from when Rick raced it. They found anengine, redid all of the brakes and rear end, and nowhave a neat piece of history. Rick was reunited withhis old car and drove it out for opening ceremonies.Rick is fighting some health issues, so this was a realcool thing to see.

Next up for the champions chase was a trip to theMadison International Speedway to see who would becrowned 2016 champs there. Casey Johnson had beendeclared the winner of the triple crown series forsuper lates a couple of weeks prior, with the weeklydivisions having their time to shine on the final pointnight.

In the NASCAR late model division, veteran BobbyWilberg was seeking the 20th championship of hiscareer, and he got it done, winning the title on the finalnight over last years’ champ Zack Riddle. Ty Majeskiwas present, seeking to add to his NASCAR point

TJ Harron photo

Page 5 October 2016

total, and won the first feature over Wilberg with alate race pass, while John Beale won the secondfeature over Riddle. Wilberg basically had the titlewrapped up before the racing began.

In the sportsman division, it was Robert Hansberry Jr.placing third in the first feature and winning the secondone to claim the title over Steve Abderson. This was asimilar scenario as to the late models, being thatHansberrry pretty much had the deal sealedbeforehand.

In the Bandit division, it was BrandonDelacy gaining the title over SteveDickson. Dickson won the first featureover Delacy, while Nick Schmidt wonthe second one over Dickson andDelacy. Brandon pretty much knewwhat he had to do to get the title and hedid it.

On the final couple of nights variousdrivers made appearances to collectNASCAR points, as Lacrosse veteranSteve Carlson also showed up on the

final night. Casey Johnson had showed up the previousweek as well, and while he wasn’t really chasingpoints, he was a great addition to the field. JeremyMiller, Tyler Hromadka, and Jake Gille also werepresent.

Craig Phillips brought out a really sharp looking carlate this season in the late models. A very deepmaroonish-red color with a simple #79 on the side. Nogaudy graphics or anything, just a sharp looking carthat stands out. Craig said that he really was not set upfor racing at MIS, but he ran well and stayed out oftrouble. Nice job!

We took in our first post-season special event early inSeptember, the Fall Spectacular at the MarshfieldMotor Speedway. This has become an annual trek forus, usually a chance to see a few different drivers andcars that we don’t see much of.

The two day event started off on Friday night, which isa tough sell pretty much anywhere, as this is a bignight for high school football. Racing was on ourminds, however, and it was nice to see the late modelsof the Central Wisconsin Racing Association headlinetonight’s action.

Several drivers are still racing that ran with theCWRA years ago, including Kirby Kurth, WayneBreitenfeldt, Jack Greenwood, Monte Gress, BrianBack, and Jeff Weinfurter. The night was in honor ofBrian Back’s Grandfather, Jim Back. Weinfurter wonboth CWRA late model feature events, but had towork hard for both victories. The CWRA was alwaysall about saving the racers money, and that is still themantra, as they run on a Towel City recap tire. Thetires seem to have a great wearability, and as Iunderstand it, driving on these helps a driver learnthrottle control better, as if you are not smooth, youwill spin and lose traction. Too many racers seem alltoo willing to bolt on fresh rubber all too often, and inracing today, you will spend lots of money doing this,when track purses can’t cover this cost more oftenthan not.

Going In Circles continued from page 4

Going In Circles continued on page 17

Bruce Nuttleman photo

Page 6October 2016

Oktoberfest Past & Present

Clip and save this coupon. Present it to the driver of theRedneck Express for a free ride from the Oktoberfestcampgrounds to The Silverado Saloon in downtown

West Salem on Saturday October 8, 2016.

Free Shuttle Coupon!

As mentioned in our Oktoberfestissue last year, what I originallythought as a youngster was aSunday afternoon , late-seasonspecial was in all actuality a 2-day show.

As the years progressed, theevent Larry Wehrs inventedgrew to a 3-day show and nowis a 4-day extravaganza underthe current Deery/McKarns era.For many race fans, it hasbecome a weeklong event,arriving on Monday before ‘Festand staying until the Mondayafter the last race.

Unlike many post season specialevents, Oktoberfest is fastpaced, efficient program.Granted, each night may belonger than a regular race night,there are a lot of cars, andminimal down time. Unless thereare events beyond thepromoter’s control, the days ofracing well past midnight are

long gone. Oktoberfestgives everyone achance to go to bedearly or enjoy a postrace bonfire with plentyof time to rest before itall starts over again thenext day.

The list of past winnersreads like a venerable“who’s who” of shorttrack racing. Personally,I feel extremely lucky tohave seen guys from thepast with multiple winslike Detjens, Reffner

By Dan Plan

2015 - Dan Fredrickson2014 - Travis Sauter2013 - Nathan Haseleu2012 - Travis Sauter2011 - Travis Sauter2010 - Dan Fredrickson2009 - Travis Sauter2008 - Dan Fredrickson2007 - Dan Fredrickson2006 - Steve Holzhausen2005 - Tim Schendel2004 - Brian Hoppe2003 - Tim Schendel2002 - Brian Hoppe2001 - Eddie Hoffman2000 - Steve Carlson1999 - Eddie Hoffman1998 - Eddie Hoffman1997 - Terry Baldry1996 - Joe Shear1995 - Joe Shear1994 - Joe Shear1993 - Matt Kenseth1992 - Tom Carlson1991 - Tom Carlson1990 - Scott Hansen1989 - Joe Shear1988 - Ted Musgrave1987 - Dick Trickle1986 - Rich Bickle, Jr.1985 - John Ziegler1984 - Bryan Reffner1983 - Tom Reffner1982 - Jim Back1981 - Junior Hanley1980 - Mark Martin1979 - Butch Miller1978 - Dave Watson1977 - Larry Detjens1976 - Larry Detjens1975 - Tom Reffner1974 - Jerry Makara1973 - Marv Marzofka1972 - Joe Shear1971 - Dick Trickle1970 - Tom Reffner

Oktoberfest Champions

continued on page12Doug Hornickel photo

Bruce Nuttleman photo

Dan Plan photo

Oktoberfest Past & Present

Page 7 October 2016

For the past several years, The Legendary 100 has been plagued by inclement weather. This year was no exception with the entire Thursday night show being awash out, and Friday’s program being cut short due to a passing shower. The remainder of the Friday night program was completed on Saturday afternoon, and the

Saturday show went on as scheduled. Legendary 100 top-three finishers for the weekend included: Late Models – Darrell Nelson, Jake Redtezke and JohnKaanta; Modifieds – Corey Mahder, Lucas Schott and Darrell Nelson; Pro Stocks – Shane Sabraski, Nick Oreskovich and Ben Hillman; Midwest Modifieds –

Mack Estey, Jason VandeKamp and Josh Bazey.

Upcoming EventsOctober 23

Club Meeting - American LegionSavage, MN

2016 Legendar2016 Legendar2016 Legendar2016 Legendar2016 Legendary 100y 100y 100y 100y 100Vince Peterson photos

2016 Legendar2016 Legendar2016 Legendar2016 Legendar2016 Legendary 100y 100y 100y 100y 100

Page 8October 2016

656565656511111-----346-346-346-346-346-11991199119911991199www.redlinegraphics.net

Classic Corner

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTubewww.facebook.com/themidwestracingconnection

@MidwestRacewww.youtube.com/theracingconnection

The Classic Corner this month goes to 70-year-old Charlie Karau. Charlie swept both main eventslate in the summer at Eau Claire Raceway, beating drivers nearly 20 years younger than him. Also

pictured are youngsters that ran behind Charlie: Bob Snyder (left) and Steve Vermeer (right).

trackratphotos.vfcfunding.comtrackratphotos.vfcfunding.comtrackratphotos.vfcfunding.comtrackratphotos.vfcfunding.comtrackratphotos.vfcfunding.com

Page 9 October 2016

Works Like Adding Two or More Rows of Tubes to your Radiator• Increases horse power

• Smooths gear changing

• Saves fuel consumption

• Runs quieter, cooler and smoother

• Reduces cavitation and electrolysis

JUSTICE BROTHERSCar Care Products Toll Free: 800-533-7492 | www.justicebrothers.com

Page 10October 2016

Photo Gallery

The MKA's Dave MacIntyre getting the field lined up at Eau Claire RacewayBrewster Baker photo

A whole new meaning to leave the left front at home at Fountain CityBruce Nuttlmean photo

The Rossier's in TUNDRA Vintage actionJeff Blaser photo

The Inside Dirt continued on page 17Marty on the Mic

Vince Peterson photoThe Discount Taxi ride of Todd Tracy

Martin DeFries photo

John Kaanta and Jesse Glenz in action at the Legendary 100Vince Peterson photo

Page 11 October 2016

Photo Gallery

Dylan Moore on championship nightMartin DeFries photo

Elko Big 8 Late Model champion Dylan Moore at the beginning of the seasonMartin DeFries photo

MIS track champion Bobby Wilberg battles with Ty MajeskiTJ Harron photo

The six fastest cars in each division at Rockford SpeedwayJimmy Ambruoso photo

Derek Kraus on his way to winning the ARCA Midwest Tour race at the DellsDoug Hornickel photo

A large crowd waited through several rain delays at Fountain CityBruce Nuttleman photo

Page 12October 2016

Publishers note from page 3

and Shear pick up wins in the prime of their careers.Throw in wins by Mark Martin and Jr. Hanley and akid like me didn’t realize how lucky he was at thetime.

During recent years, drivers such as Travis Sauter andDan Fredrickson have made their way to the top asmulti-time Oktoberfest champions. The folks watchingthese days are watching a new era of heros race andhopefully realize how lucky they are that an eventsuch as Oktoberfest continues on. The race may notpay the most money of any event in the upper-Midwest, and may not have the most laps, but is themost prestigious in my book.

In addition to all of the on track activity, there’s alsoplenty else going on over the course of the weekend.One of the more popular items the last few years has

Oktoberfest Pat & Present from page 6

all and giving the fans something to see. It’s true, youcan’t make this stuff up.

Miscellaneous News & Notes: For as long as Ican remember, I’ve gone to the races on Labor Day.For many, many years it was the annual MinnesotaState Fair race. After they tore up the track, thetradition became the Enduro race at Raceway Park onLabor Day. After Raceway shut down, it was a trip toBoone, Iowa for the IMCA Super Nationals followedby a trip to Golden Sands Speedway in Plover, Wisc.for the annual TUNDRA series Labor Day race. Thisyear my plan was to check out the annual Russ/BrentLaursen Classic at St. Croix Speedway. This race wastypically held the Friday before Labor Day and is theonly Late Model race of the year at St. Croix.Unfortunately, Mother Nature got in the way and theshow was cancelled.

All was not lost, as I was able to see some racing onLabor Day. If you remember the grandstand at theMinnesota State Fair, they had green folding stadiumseats to sit on. Once again this year, I sat in a greenfolding stadium seat, watching racing with a largecrowd of people for the first time in 14 years. But thisevent was a little different. There was plenty ofhorsepower on hand, but from actual horses. I think

the biggest draw of the day was the wiener dog racesthat are an annual event at Canterbury Downs. I thinkthe wiener dog races are something a local short trackcould use to draw in fans also, but I digress.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know much abouthorse racing, so I tried my best to relate myexperience at the horse track to short track racing. Forthe first race of the day, I noticed the lineup sheet hadthe first horse listed as the Red 1 and named NativePrinces. I figured Dan Wheeler drives the Red 1, but Iwould never call him Native Princess, but he does wina lot. I was sure this had to be a good pick.Unfortunately, Dan is out for the season, and horsescratched from the race too. Thenext name I noticed in the lineupwas a horse named Saturday NightHero. Who at a short track doesn’twant to be a Saturday Night Hero?Sounded like a good bet to me, and Iwon.

For my final wager of the day, Inoticed a horse named SuddenlySeymour. I thought to myself; TyMajeski is from the town ofSeymour, so this was assuredly agood pick. My hunch was rightagain, and Suddenly Seymour madea last corner charge to the front.

Another trip to the betting window to pick up mywinnings. All in all not a bad day, but I still would haverather experienced the sights and sounds of short trackracing.

And finally, the quote of the month goes to MikeKelly Jr. As I was in the scoring tower at Cedar LakeSpeedway during the Legendary 100 to take a pictureof Marty on The Mic, I noticed Mike Jr. was in thetower. I mentioned the officials years ago probablycringed if they saw him walking towards the tower.Mike replied he never went into the tower. He justclimbed into the flag stand. It’s true. I saw it happen.Twice.

been the Racers Reunion puton by Dale P. Danielski eachSunday. Drivers from dirt andasphalt are on hand to benchrace for several hours beforethe Sunday afternoon showkicks off. If you haven’t madeyour way to the turn onepavilion Sunday morning in thepast, I would highlyrecommend it.

Bonfires, bean bags, and theRedneck Express bringingeveryone to downtown WestSalem are also recent fanfavorites. As they said lastyear, #FestIsBest.

Top photo - The Racers Reunion put on byDale P. Danielski has become a fan favorite

on Sunday morning of Oktoberfest.

Left photo - Travis Sauter and DanFredrickson have come to the top of the listof multi-time winners at Oktoberfest putting

their names alongside drivers such asCarlson, Detjens, Hoffman, Shear etc.Doug Hornickel photo

Page 13 October 2016

Auto Racing Facts,Auto Racing Facts,Auto Racing Facts,Auto Racing Facts,Auto Racing Facts,

Observances andObservances andObservances andObservances andObservances and

OpinionsOpinionsOpinionsOpinionsOpinions

Dale P. Danielski

continued on page 14

Dale's Pictures from the past

I don’t think you ever totally take the “Racer” out of aracer. Case in point would be Dave Tradup, asuccessful racer for many years out of Viola, MN.

Tradup is from a racing family as his father Paul didvery well in the sport racing on both dirt and pavementin East Central Minnesota. Dave’s brothers also racedso it was inevitable Dave would get behind the wheelas well.

Of course the sport atsome point will wearyou down, and youeither become satisfiedand keep doing whatyou are doing atwhatever level that maybe, get out of the racinggame entirely, or pickanother avenue ofspeed. In Tradup’s caseit was not exactly anormal, naturalprogression, as a matterfact it was more of anescalation of sorts as hisavenue of choice wasattempting to set a landspeed record at theBonneville Salt Flats!

So now instead of racing around dirt and pavementbull rings in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Dave would betaking his wheel driven missile shaped racing machinein a straight line down a runway of salt at over 200miles per hour! The goal for Dave as he headed toUtah back in August was to average right around 250miles per hour which would be a new record for hisclass of car that featured a 304 CI V-8 engineproducing 685 horsepower. The team got up to speedquite quickly and reached a top speed of 253.5 milesper hour. In order to set the record however they hadto average in that 250 mph range over a certainamount of miles which unfortunately due tomechanical issues they were unable to do. Theiraverage of 245.3 mph is certainly not a speed to take

lightly and having been so close this year, TradupRacing Enterprises plans another trip out to the flats in2017. With what they have learned and a couplechanges with their car mechanically they plan this timeto come home with the record.

In talking to Dave I asked him how big a difference itwas going over 200 in a straight line compared toracing in circles at 100 mph or so. And according tohim once you got up to the 200-250 mph speed it reallywas not that noticeable how fast you were going. Iguess it’s similar to race cars going over 200 on anoval track. You don’t really notice the element of

In the Dale’s pics from the past category it’s the #75 Dave Noble driven coupe (right photo). Dave was a top shoe racing pavement and dirt inthe 1960s and ’70s. The left photo is one of the coolest creations ever, the Mert Williams wagon #96.

Dave Tradup Bonneville Salt Flats car #2201

Page 14October 2016

speed until you hit something! In Dave’s case he wasfortunate and didn’t have that happen although he didmention having one finger on the parachute releasebutton just in case the car started to get away fromhim. That actually did happen to some extent, but withthe parachute deployment, the car slows drasticallyand very quickly and in turn gets straightened outbefore disaster can hit.

Like I said earlier, you really never totally take the“Racer” out of a racer. Some aspect of it may begone but in Dave Tradup’s case it was filled in withsomething at least as much if not more exciting andfulfilling.

And speaking of Tradup, his Salt Flats car was ondisplay at Elmer Duellman’s Annual Racing Reunionin Fountain City the weekend of September 17-18. Inlooking at the car up close you wouldn’t really think itwas capable of speeds in excess of 200 miles perhour, but upon further inspection underneath the tubeshaped shell, you can see some pretty tricked up stuffthat enables you to reach those speeds. A really cooldeal to say the least. And of course at the Reunion wewere able to view a number of race cars from daysgone by. And with the cars, of course a number ofdrivers that raced back in the day were on hand aswell. All the storytelling broke out and as usual it wasa fun time for all the one day we were there. Again, Ican’t emphasize enough for those that haven’t been toElmer’s Auto and Toy Museum to make a trip there ifyou get the chance. There is so much cool stuff thereI guarantee you will not leave disappointed. Elmer’s isopen into October so go to the websitewww.elmersautoandtoymuseum.com and see whatdays you can attend.

Here and there...With a huge field of cars andweather issues throwing a wrench into things the bigA Feature finale of the Modified Nationals atMississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, WI.,turned into a Marathon. Just now wrapping things up,here comes Ryan Gustin taking the checkered flag,your A Mod main event winner! The big paying B

mod main has just ended with Michael Truscott takingthe win! I’m sure those two aren’t complaining aboutthe lengthy program as the wins were worth awhopping $40,000 and $20,000 respectively...ScottBloomquist was at the Fountain City race placing 2ndin the A Mod Feature. Of course as most have heardBloomquist has filed a lawsuit against EldoraSpeedway and others over having been disqualifiedtwice there for tire and weight infractions. Litigation ofthis nature could be the death knell for the sport as weknow it and in Bloomquist’s case going for asettlement of 16.5 million just isn’t warranted. Rulesare in place for a reason and someone has to make adetermination in these instances. Take your lumps andmove on, don’t try to ruin the sport over something youare more than likely guilty of...

In the quote of the column department, and there’sactually several here, we need a bit of a backgroundlead in. Of course everyone knows of the successesof Steve Carlson. He’s won everywhere and a lot. Butin talking to his brother Tom, no slouch in racing eitherwe learned that the Wisconsin International Racewayof Kaukauna, WI., was one that took a bit longer forSteve to conquer. According to Tom “I was followingJ.J. Smith there and boy did I learn a lot about how toget around that place.” At a race that both Tom andSteve were at Steve didn’t make the show while Tomgot a top 5 in the main event. According to Tom “Inoticed Steve wasn’t in the race, here he was on hishauler waiting to get out of the pits and head home.He came over to me and pretty humble looking asked,“Can you show me how to get around this place.?Tom pretty much unbelieving his brother would ask,promptly responded, “Come with me I’ll show youaround.” He rode with me and learned the right linejust like I had, and from then on Steve was fast,eventually winning a number of races at Kaukauna!”

And looking back in time to July 22nd, 1972 it wasJohn Brevik taking his second consecutive Late ModelFeature event win at the North La Crosse Speedbowlof La Crosse WI. Following Brevik were Don Grant,Al Kroes, Don Turner and Larry Anderson... August19th, 1978 it was Steve Holzhausen winning his firstever Feature race in Late Model competition as hetook the 30 lap main event at the Dells Motor

Racing Facts, Observances and Opinionsfrom page 13

Speedway, Wis. Dells, WI. Following Holzhausen atthe stripe were Mike Miller, Marv Marzofka, TomMusgrave and Ted Musgrave the top 5....On June11th, 1987 it was Rick Haase taking the Late ModelFeature win at Wausau’s State Park Speedway.Following Haase were Tom Reffner, Jim Back,Wayne Lodholz and Perry Redeker. In theHobbystock main it was Terry Marzofka taking his 6thwin of the season followed by Keith Witt, DarwinBrunow, Nick Erickson and Don Woller...On June26th, 1991 it was Mark Lamoreaux winning theCWRA Late Model Feature at La Crosse FairgroundsSpeedway. Following Lamoreaux were BryanReffner, Steve Holzhausen, Steve Carlson and TimSauter. The Sportsman Feature went to MikeKoeneke followed by Kurt Thicke, Scott Helmers,John Stasiak and Terry Miller...Looking back to May30th, 1991 it was Tom Carlson winning the 30 lap lateModel Feature at Wisconsin International Raceway,Kaukauna, WI. Following Carlson at the line were JimWeber, Rod Wheeler, J.J. Smith and Steve Paoli...

And in closing, don’t forget to make it out toOktoberfest 47 at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway,West Salem, WI., October 5-9, 2016. Way too muchracing to try and list it all here but believe me there willbe something if not a number of things going on duringthe weekend you will enjoy. And of course as part ofthe racing event is Champions Reunion VIII to be heldSunday October 9th, from 11am-2pm in the HospitalityChalet in the turn one grandstand area. This part ofthe weekend will feature racers from the past doingwhat they do best, b.s.-ing about all their racingaccomplishments. Fans with a Sunday ticket can get inon the fun and attend free of charge. A number of oldtime race cars will also be on hand for all to enjoy.Just a sampling of some of the racers that will be atthe reunion include, Tom Carlson, Roy Bohm, RoryMelbinger, Tom Reffner, John Rogge, Les Katzner,Rick Hauser, John Brevik, Nelson Drinkwine, PatDurnen, Paul Thicke, Ron Waite, Steve Holzhausen,John Bell, Bruce Backus, Jim Hendricks, Tom Jones,Marv Marzofka, and more than 50 others the way itlooks!

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTubewww.facebook.com/themidwestracingconnection

@MidwestRace

www.youtube.com/theracingconnection

Page 15 October 2016

Racing Nuggets

Jacklyn Daniels-Nuttleman

God, Beer & Bowel Movements

We’ve been getting pounded with rain in the upperMidwest as of late, and while it’s been devastating tomany with the horrendous flooding and mudslides, Ican’t help but try to find a bright spot in all of thisdismal drenching. I’m hoping that Mother Nature hasnow purged all the rain out of her system, so we areleft with gorgeous sunshine and temperatures rangingin the 60s to 70s for Oktoberfest Race Weekend at LaCrosse Speedway.

Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy the brisk temperaturesof fall, and I would welcome them as well. Anywoman over the age of 40 appreciates the opportunityto wear a sweatshirt to cover up her hip grips. Thefact that these types of temperatures would be idealfor four days of racing is just icing on the cake; cakethat I ate more than my share of, hence the need forthe sweatshirt.

It’s not just cake that is my Achilles heel. No, I havea propensity for enjoying malted beverages a bit moreduring Oktoberfest Race Weekend. Beer is likepotato chips for me. I can’t have just one.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not out of control by anymeans. It’s just when I’m immersed in such a partyatmosphere, like Fest, it makes it extra easy to pop atop again… and again… and again. Probably the factthat so many good friends from all over the Midwestconverge on La Crosse Speedway for that weekendaids in that revelry too.

It’s been said before that Oktoberfest Race Weekendis like the racing community’s “Family Reunion,” andthat’s true. Only this is one reunion that you WANTto attend, and don’t have to worry about Aunt Dorisasking you when you’re going to settle down and havekids.

Which is not to say that there haven’t been plenty ofkids created during Oktoberfest, because there have

been. I think I’ve inadvertently witnessed the act atime or two as well. You know who you are.

That’s actually one of the best things aboutOktoberfest Race Weekend—you never know whatyou’re going to see—both on and off the track.We’ve witnessed track records being broken, racecars getting demolished in spectacular fashion,underdogs taking checkered flags, and hot tubs in thecampground with lots of skin—Skin to Win.

Winning in the campground is subjective. Winning onthe track is black-and-white—which is probably whythe checkered flag is done in those two shades. Whenyou win against and in front of your peers, it’s a hugefeat. When you do it at Oktoberfest, which isarguably the stoutest field of competitors, it’s a realcrown jewel.

There’s a distinctive energy crackling and sparking inthe air each race day, when drivers secure theirhelmets and safety gear and crew members give thelug nuts a final wrenching before the cars roll out tothe starting grid. Every driver and team wants to snaga victory and have their moment in the white-hotspotlight. Every fan wants to feel like they are a partof watching history be made with “their” driver.

Racing fans are the best; they are so passionate. I geta kick out of watching the body English on fans in thestands when their driver is trying so hard to complete apass—it doesn’t even have to be for the lead. Fansliterally are “leaning into it,” trying to “help” theirdriver. What’s that saying? It’s not weird if it works,so lean on fans and keep the fist pumps coming. Yourdrivers are depending upon you.

Superstitions have always had their place in autoracing. I can remember a certain driver over a

decade ago, who shall remain nameless, that refusedto wash his driver suit, because he kept winning. Hewas fearful if he washed it, the “mojo” would bewashed off too. Let me tell you, that “mojo” wasmighty stinky after about 20-some races.

I know other drivers who will swear if they don’t havea serious bowel movement the morning of a race, theywon’t win. I might know a crew chief who swears bya good BM too, but I’m married to him and he’s mostdefinitely full of “it,” whether it’s race day or not.

Prayer has also played a role in auto racing. Probablymore than any other sport, and for that—I’m grateful.I’m a Christian, and the prayer before each race nightmeans a lot to me, not just because I want God towatch over everyone and protect them—but becauseI’m grateful for all that He has given us. From myhusband’s health after surgery two years ago toremove cancer from his colon, to the opportunities thatare on the horizon, God is good and He’s always beenwelcome in auto racing, unlike some other sports thatstrive to be what is deemed “politically correct” thesedays.

If someone asked you to describe Oktoberfest RaceWeekend in three words, you might be hard-pressed todecide only upon three words. Even my meanderingmusings here seem a bit scattered. I don’t think I’veever covered God, beer, and bowel-movements inonce article before, and while those are three wordsthat could be someone’s description of OktoberfestRace Weekend, they’re maybe not the bestcombination as a whole.

Whichever words you might use to describe thisfantastic race weekend we are about to embark uponat La Crosse Speedway, there’s definitely one wordthat can sum it up after it’s over: Memorable.

Page 16October 2016

Thunderstruck 93

Doug Hornickel photo Doug Hornickel photo

Martin DeFries photo Martin DeFries photo

Martin DeFries photo

The 8th annual Thunderstruck event at ElkoSpeedway once again featured the Stars and Carsof the ARCA Midwest Tour and the Big 8 LateModel Series joining the regular weekly divisions.Dan Fredrickson picked up his 5th win in theevent, narrowly edging the defending tourchampion, Ty Majeski.

The finish of the Big 8 Late Model event wasdefinitely one for the record books. The battle ofthe Michaels took place during the closing stagesof the race as Michael Ostdiek and MichaelBilderback swapped the lead back and forth on thelast lap, and nearly crashing across the finish line.Bilderback picked up the win by inches.

The event was also the final point night for theElko Thunder Cars and Power Stocks. JeremyWolff picked up his first Elko Speedwaychampionship, and Tom Doten picked up thePower Stock point title.

Page 17 October 2016

Mississippi held their annual Modified Nationals early in the month ofSeptember. Although planned as a 3-day show, Mother Nature forced the

race into a condensed 2-day show. The B-Mods raced for 20K to win and theA-Mods had 40K at the end of the rainbow. After a Friday night rain out, a

long day was ahead for race fans on Saturday.Through a marathon 16-hourevent, Ryan Gustin held off “Black Sunshine” Scott Bloomquist ( in a rare

Modified start) to win $40,000.00 in the wee hours of the morning.

Gustin Wins 40 Grand

The Kobs & Kouba Show

It seems that most of the Traditional Sprintraces held during the 2016 have had Rick

Kobs and Jimmy Kouba battling for the leadand putting on a heck of a show for the fans.

Vince Peterson photo

MMS regular Charlie Nickel showed the visitors fromthe Midwest Compact Touring Series how to get itdone, as he took the win over visitor GeorgeSparkman. Kevin Tessmer took the win in the Banditdivision, while teammate Greg Blount secured thetrack title, and Brent Strelka won the limited latemodel feature. This division had an interesting crosssection of cars and drivers from various tracks,including Michael Clapper, who turned a lot of laps atmy old stomping grounds, the Columbus 151Speedway.

Saturday brought several rain showers, seeminglypopping up every time the track dried. After severalsuch showers, mother nature finally relented, and theshow went on as scheduled.

An outstanding field of 29 super lates were present,down to 28 when Jeff Weinfurter scratched for theevening. Jason Weinkauf took the win in the rainedout, make-up Yellow River Racing Series feature forthe super lates, also taking the overall YRRS title overDalton Zehr, who finished sixth. Zehr won the regularFall Shootout feature later in the evening, giving himthe track title to go along with titles at Golden Sandsand Wausau as well. Derek Kraus finished secondand Colin Reffner third, as the field was, as they say,star studded.

It was also nice to see several visitors from someother tracks that we don’t get to see too often.Coming from Norway, Michigan area were regularsRobbie Iverson, Scott Stanchina, and Chad Butz.Several Lacrosse area cars came out in variousdivisions and a smattering of Minnesota drivers aswell. Even the entry level Bandit division had some dirtcars come to play, as Jake Halterman, JodyHalterman, Chad Halterman, and Jason Junkerbrought their dirt cars out.

Steve Hauser won the feature, but Kevin Eckesfinished right behind in second, which was enough togive him his second consecutive track title in the X-treme four division, while Brian Weinfurter took thefeature win and track title in the super stocks onFriday night. These cars ran with others in thesportsman division on Saturday night, with TravisVolm getting the close win over Weinfurter.

Overall, an excellent show, which was a great way tokick of the post-season specials part of the year.Always have a good time at Marshfield, and thisweekend was no different.

At the Rockford Speedway, Michael Bilderbackdominated most of the season to take home the latemodel track title. A couple of bad nights made it closeat times, but he clearly had the car to beat on mostnights, and he drove it well. Kelly Evink took home theRookie-Of-The-Year title.

Going In Circles continued from page 5 In the sportsman division, it was Brett McCoy onceagain taking the title, his third in a row. Brett neverreally faltered during the year, with consistent topfinishes throughout. Chris Jones finished second with agreat year and garnered ROY honors.

The American Short Tracker division title was notsettled until the final night and final lap turned, as NickCina Jr. edged out Zach Rodriguez for the title. Late inthe season Cina made headway on Rodriguez, taking asmall point lead going into the final night. Both drivershad difficulties on the final night, with Cina remainingon top by a slim margin.

The Roadrunner division had Chris McQuality grab thetitle over Josh Thiering. As McQuality remainedconsistent throughout the year.

The Roadrunner challenge title went to Jeff Allendorf,a long-awaited title for him.

On the final regular night of the year, Rockford hadtwenty-three late models present, the most for aregular weekly show in quite some time. The carcount went up steadily throughout the year, which wasgreat to see. The track normally had ten or less carsjust a couple of years ago, and things are reallyheading in the right direction. Thanks to those that aremaking this happen! Really can’t wait for the postseason shows here in 2016, and the regular season in2017!

Gustin Wins 40 Grand

Bruce Nuttleman photo

Page 18October 2016

Street Stock/Sportsmen Parts

www.dcaracefab.comLaCrosse, WI

Downtown Shakopee952-445-9668

The Midwest Racing Connection Directory Page

www.aRaceWorthWinning.org

1-800-634-96661-800-634-96661-800-634-96661-800-634-96661-800-634-9666Red Wing, MNRed Wing, MNRed Wing, MNRed Wing, MNRed Wing, MN

www.wilsonoilcompany.com

Methanol Available

HillsideDrywall

612-812-0278Shakopee, MN

Page 19 October 2016

Like us on Facebook, watch us on YouTube, or follow us on Twitterwww.facebook.com/themidwestracingconnection

www.youtube.com/theracingconnection

@MidwestRace

Page 20October 2016