IRA Drivers Challenged for Supremacy on Home Turf!
July 18, 2013; Wilmot, WI – They’re coming, and they’re looking to steal away the top prize and take away the podium spots. They are the outsiders. They are the UNOH All-Star Circuit of Champions, and they are looking to kick tail and take names at Wilmot Raceway on Saturday Night, July 20th.
Fear not, defending the honor of the third-mile semi-banked clay oval are some of the best regional 410 sprint drivers around, members of the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints who are looking to avenge and improve upon the performance when the two series last ran together last season and put a familiar face in victory lane.
From the All-Star side, you can look to Dale Blaney to lead the way. The current series point leader and four-time title holder has captured nearly 100 victories with the All-Stars and was victorious last season at Wilmot Raceway nearly sweeping the event. He won his heat and captured the A-main effectively putting the All-Stars flag in the winner’s circle. Tim Schaffer currently sits second in series points and was runner-up last season at Wilmot Raceway. Shaffer should also factor as a potential winner this Saturday night. Danny Holtgraver, Cap Henry, and Caleb Helms are also expected to be on hand representing the All-Stars who took six of the top ten spots in the showdown last season.
Stepping up to defend the pride of the IRA will be a field of well over two dozen series regulars headed up by five-time and defending series champion Bill Balog who will be seeking his 10th victory of the 2013 season. Balog is looking to extend his win streak to 5 straight with a victory in the showdown this weekend. Mike Kertscher the defending Wilmot Raceway champion is a two-time series winner this year is looking to step-up and best not only the IRA series regulars but to also etch his name in the All-Star record books by talking a victory this coming Saturday night.
The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints will also be showcasing the talent of leading rookie Jeremy Schultz, who in his first year of full-time 410 sprint racing has served notice he’s going to be a star of the future currently sitting second in points and having recorded seven podium finishes so far while seeking his first series victory.
Tommy Sexton is another driver to keep an eye on, the 2011 Wilmot Raceway champion has stepped up his game in the IRA series and has captured IRA events before at Wilmot Raceway which is one of his favorite tracks. Sexton currently sits fourth in IRA points.
Fresh off a pair of podium finishes and showcasing a newly build ride Scott Neitzel is looking to bust back into the winner’s circle and he’s shown even more speed of late so it’s only a matter of time before an elusive checkered flag is his. Also pay attention to Phillip Mock who recently finished with runner up honors at Dodge County Fairgrounds last weekend. Mock would like to improve that spot one more position and take his first career victory in this major event.
Look for series regulars Russel Borland, cousins Scott and Dave Uttech, rookie of the year contender Lance Fassbender, Bill Wirth, Wayne Modjeski, Todd King, Nick Alden, Michael Decker, Kris and Dennis Spitz to be on hand for the show.
Overall a field of well over 30 winged 410 Sprints are expected to be on hand for this showdown event.
In addition to and outstanding field of winged 410 sprints two other local classes will participate including the Don’s Auto Parts & Machine Service / Hoosier Tire Modifieds and the Fec’s Place / Outlaw Race Parts Mini Sprints.
The pit area will open at 3:00pm, with the grandstands opening at 5:00pm. The grandstands usually fill quickly and fans are encouraged to arrive as early for the best possible seating. Racing is expected to start at 6:45pm.
Adult admission is $25 and members of the military with an active ID receive a discount of $5. Young fans ages 8 through 11 are admitted for $5 and children 7 and under are admitted FREE.
The Kenosha County Fairgrounds where the track resides is located just north of the intersection of county roads C and W in Wilmot, WI. Wilmot is located just 8 miles west of I-43 taking county highway C which is exit 345. For those seeking additional information please check out the track website at www.wilmotraceway.com or call the track on race day at 262-862-2090.
For more information on the IRA Outlaw Sprints check out the tour website at www.irasprints.com or logging onto the series Facebook page at www.facebook.com/irasprints
The IRA Outlaw Sprint Series is proudly supported by Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts & Service Centers, Hoosier Tire, Osborn & Son Trucking, TW Metals, Onan, Carriage Auto Body, Polaris DEFENSE, and Mother's Polishes and Waxes. The office of the IRA Sprints can be reached at 815-759-9269 or by e-mail at steve@irasprints.com
- Jeffrey Sachse on Jul 18, 2013
- Article Date: 7/18/2013 by Jeffrey Sachse