After what was destined to be the biggest weekend for sprint cars in the state of Wisconsin was lost to rain, the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association is set to get back on the road for another two-day weekend. May 27th the series will make its return to Ashland, Wisconsin’s ABC Raceway. Then on the 28th the IRA will make its first of three appearances at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wisconsin.
Saturday, the fans in the North Woods will be treated to the return of the IRA for the first time this season, and the first appearance at ABC Raceway since 2014. On three occasions the IRA has completed events at ABC, and each time Bill Balog stood victorious at night's end. Fans will be sure to keep their eyes on the “North Pole Nightmare” as he attempts to keep his perfect record. This year, however, Balog will face his toughest challenge yet on the red clay: series point leader Scotty Thiel. In 2014, his rookie season, Thiel charged from his 8th place starting position to 2nd behind Balog. This year he brings with him seasons of experience and multiple trips to victory lane. Scotty Neitzel has also proven in the past to be a contender in Ashland, as he has recorded two 3rd place finishes and a 5th, making him the only driver besides Balog to record a top 5 on every appearance at ABC Raceway.
On Sunday, the teams head south to the unique 141 Speedway. The high banked 1/3rd mile oval hosted its first IRA event in 2010 and quickly became a fan favorite. Bill Balog has won 8 of the last 10 events at the formerly paved oval. His strongest challenge on Sunday night will likely come from the Meyer Electric 85m piloted by Steve Meyer. Meyer who currently sits 4th in points has shown great speed all season and is always in contention to win at 141 Speedway. Another likely challenge could come from Aurora, Illinois’ Blake Nimee. Nimee’s 79 team has had great speed all year, including setting fast time at Beaver Dam Raceway earlier this year but mechanical issues have plagued the team thus far. With the mechanical gremlins ironed out for this weekend Nimee is sure to be a front runner.
Saturday tickets at ABC Raceway will be $22 for adults and $8 for children with hot laps starting at 6:15. Sunday Pit Passes will be $30 with $20 for grandstand admission.
- Kim Tennyson on May 23, 2017
- Article Date: 5/23/2017 by Gared Tennyson