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Sunday August 16th, 2009

The Warm-up 25

Jerry Coons Jr Wins!

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Sunday August 2nd, 2009

Racers Memorial 25

Brad Kuhn WINS   

There should be no doubt that the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association is alive and well. Car-counts have been a concern since early in the season for fans of Badger. But it’s the product, the racing on the track, that really counts.

At the start of the season, if all went right Angell Park could have easily counted on a minimum of 20 cars from its headliner, per week. That number was dashed early-on when Robbie Ray, Buddy Luebke and Jake Slotten all suffered major damage to their cars. This, coupled with an injury to Davey Ray, brought the Badger regulars to about 16.

Yet, on the track, Angell Park can often boast a field with at least five of the top ten cars in the National Midget Driver of the Year point race. National travelers are still wandering in as evidenced by the first appearance of Shane Hollingsworth at the Speedway this week. As the season winds down, things look to only get better.

This week, for the Racer’s Memorial 25 by Pizza Hut and Pepsi, Badger qualifying showed again that the clay was quick at Angell Park, as seven cars scored times in the fourteen- second range. The card was shared by the Illini Racing Series, who saw four cars in their seventeen-second benchmark bracket.

In Badger heat action, Bubba Altig lead off with his second heat win in two weeks, driving for the ever-improving RAB racing team.

The second heat saw Bob Schreffler lead the first six circuits, as Brandon Waelti and Brad Kuhn fought to get to him from the back of the pack. Before the seventh lap was complete Waelti and then Kuhn, went under Schreffler coming out of the west end. Waelti showed the power of his newly freshened engine, as he held off Kuhn.

Courtney Erfurth jumped to the lead in the last Badger heat, but Mike Hess was good too, as he went from last to third before the field exited turn-two on the start. The rookie Erfurth, looked like a vet as she gassed it around the rim. Once Hess broke free from the others it looked like he would still have trouble catching Erfurth. A yellow flag put him on her tail for a restart, but Erfurth got the jump when racing resumed. This time she seemed to be testing some other grooves and Hess was able to gain ground. Coming to the white flag, Hess dove under her and the two made contact. Hess maintained his momentum while Erfurth’s machine was stunned for a second. Hess then completed the task and took the checkers, followed by Erfurth. Suffering an uncharacteristic round of boos from the crowd during his Victory Lane interview, Hess told the crowd things are not as easy as they might look on the track and seemed to invite fans to give it a try sometime.

The first IRS heat was a stacked deck, with Allan Gillis, David Budress and Kurt Mayhew all in the field. From the front row, Budress got the jump as Mayhew immediately looked strong on the top of the track. An early yellow, bunched the field and had the restart as Budress, Gillis, Mayhew. As the three took off, the fireworks started with Mayhew splitting the two as they completed the lap. Budress battled back as the three continued with three cars in the space that would seem to only support two. As they continued wheel to wheel Gillis then edged forward as they came to the checkers and completed the thrilling event. With his customary pump of the fist, upon exiting the car, Gillis told the crowd, "Part of it was luck," that he took the point.

Scott Koerner, in a low-slung car that seemed better suited to pavement, was the winner of the second IRS heat. He had to survive two restarts and a charging Dave Oldendorf to do it.

The Badger qualifying race went to Chad Deselle despite a spirted battle from Scott Hatton. Hatton came back to win the semi.

The bounty on Kurt Mayhew has grown. At $400, Gillis and the rest of the IRS regulars were primed to unseat the IRS king of Angell Park features. The two started next to each other in the fourth row, while Oldendorf and Koerner occupied the front for the twenty lap main. Oldendorf looked good at the drop, stringing Koerner along while Mayhew and Gillis would have to work traffic.

A third lap restart had Oldendorf take off while Koerner, Rich Drangmeister and Mayhew quickly made it three-wide at the Pavilion turn. Mayhew broke free and hunted down Oldendorf on the next lap for the lead. With seven laps on the board, a restart showed the order as Mayhew, Oldendorf, Gillis, Drangmeister and Budress. From there, Mayhew made it anti-climactic as he put five lengths between himself and Gillis. Even a green, white, checker finish didn’t help the posse as Mayhew and his Brayton racing engine, beat Gillis and his Ford Escort power-plant.

The stage was set for an exciting feature for Badger as the field took the green. Within a couple of laps, some of the enthusiasm was diminished as a turn-two pile up took out contenders, Brandon Waelti, Schreffler, Loyet and Altig.

The restart saw DeSelle power by Hollingsworth, but the Indiana visitor kept on DeSelle’s tail. On the ninth circuit, Hollingswoth was overtaken by Kuhn for second and soon Hatton occupied third. Kuhn then jumped the cushion on the back straight, sending Hatton rocketing by for second. Just past the half way point, Hatton swung under DeSelle in four. In another lap the three were side by side going into one. They sorted out DeSelle, Kuhn and Hatton, front to back. Then with seven laps to go, Kuhn pulled a slidjob on DeSelle at the Pavilion and it stuck. DeSelle immediately fought back but Kuhn’s car was too strong. From there Kuhn wheeled it to the checkers ahead of Hatton, Hess, DeSelle and Hollingsworth. Kuhn, the USAC midget point leader, was understandably tired as he was fresh off a third place finish at the Belleville Nationals in Kansas on Saturday and the ten hour commute from there to Sun Prairie.

Angell Park will host Badger and support divisions for the next two weeks, without a price increase. From there, the Speedway builds up to the Cornfest 50; the Saturday/Sunday Hall of Fame Nationals, with Badger and USAC; and the Labor Day Weekend classic, the Pepsi Nationals, again with the two most venerable midget organizations in the world.

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Sunday July 26th, 2009

All but the Badger feature were completed on Sunday as the midgets shared the stage with the Wisconsin Illinois Mini-Sprints on Sunday. Scattered showers looked like they’d hold off early in the program, but as the evening went on it looked like the edge of a storm might touch the area.

Australian Matt Smith took qualifying honors for Badger, in an event that saw over half the field in the 14 second range.

Jason Dull looked strong in the first heat as he led the first four rounds before his car expired. Bubba Altig took the point from there and sailed to the win.

In the second heat, Jake Slotten looked strong early. Brad Kuhn caught him on lap-four and the two made contact. From there Kuhn took the checkers.

Chad DeSelle won the Badger semi.

A Rick Corso won for the first time in his career on dirt as he took the lead early in the first mini-sprint heat. In that race, Todd Lehr had a brief interview with the ambulance crew before being released, after he hit the turn-one wall head-on.

Another first occurred in the next heat as an excited Zach Fischer took his heat win ever.

The rains cut the mini-sprint feature short, but Ron Brannam was declared the winner.

This week Angell Park hosts the Badger Midgets in the Racer’s Memorial 25 sponsored by Pizza Hut and Pepsi.

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Sunday July 19th, 2009

Family Night  25

Mike Hess Wins!!

Some old friends paid a visit to Angell Park Speedway Sunday for the Family Night 25. About 40 midgets were in the pits for the Badger, IRS doubleheader. The event was sponsored by Budweiser and the Pit Stop Pub.

The track was thick at the start as five Badger drivers ran in the 14-second zone. Scott Hatton led the way with a time of 14.847. For the IRS Allen Gillis was one of five to run in the 17-second bracket, with a 17.359.

Chad DeSelle was dominant in the first heat, but for the efforts of Darren Hagen. Hagen, currently sixth in the National Midget Driver of the Year (NMDOTY) ranks, dogged DeSelle early. But, on lap five Hagen caught the cushion in turn two and lost a ton of ground. From there he seemed content to test other grooves on the track as DeSelle took the win.

Missouri’s Brad Loyet won the second heat over Bubba Altig and Jason Dull. In this race, tire woes continued for Brad Kuhn, the current leader in the NMDOTY race, as a flat left tire put him out early.

The last Badger heat saw Mike Hess cut his own groove above the cushion. Hatton followed in Hess’ tracks, but he couldn’t get around Hess in the end. Of his exploration at the top of the track, Hess explained to Dennis Thompson, that the ultra high side was, "Smooth compared to the rest of the track."

In IRS action David Budres, a regular with Badger, jump into the lead in a car normally campaigned by Freddy Teer at the speedway. Budres was good on the cushion and it didn’t take long for Dull and Kurt Mayhew, two double duty drivers on the night, to follow suit. An early yellow bunched the field, which found Mayhew within striking distance, in third. When they took off again, Mayhew dispatched Eric Nitz and set his sights on Budres. Three laps later, Mayhew peeked under Budres in three. He was rebuffed, only to get a better run off of turn-two on the next lap and he surged ahead and went on to the win.

Charlie Holt found Victory Lane again at Angell Park, after winning the second heat. He was followed by Dan George and Dave Ohlendorf.

Matt Smith won Badger’s qualifying race, while Kuhn took the semi. Today also marked the much anticipated return of Hall of Famer Kevin Olson, who finished second in the semi. Running a car painted like the Hess machine, KO managed a second place run in this race. Olson is the popular Rockford, Illinois driver who once told ESPN he was a "Lightbulb repairman" and currently works as one of the radio reporters on the Indy Racing League broadcasts.

Mayhew continued to run as a wanted in the IRS ranks as a $300 bounty remained on his head for the feature. A quick handicapping of the field indicated it could be an interesting race, as Gillis started sixth and Mayhew ninth. Things separated quickly though, as the green flew. Here, Eddie Sauer jumped into the lead from his start on the pole, only to have Gillis rocket by him before a lap was complete. Action was slowed on lap-two when Budres lost his left front wheel. Budres proved that this was the least critical of his four wheels as he managed to motor around for a complete lap on just three.

On the restart, Gillis had five cars between himself and Mayhew. Within three laps, Mayhew was breathing down his neck. One lap later they were wheel to wheel and stayed that way for two exciting laps. Mayhew lost some momentum and Gillis took off, only to have Mayhew back at him after four circuits. Gillis hit the cushion hard, jarring his body to the right as he managed to maintain control and the lead. An unrelated yellow soon came out with three to go, setting up some of the most exciting racing of the day. All eyes were on Gillis and Mayhew as they took off again.

Gillis had the preferred line on the top and out of four, Mayhew twice tried to take him on the outside, only to have Gillis cut him off and kill his momentum. Mayhew battled back and just when it looked like he hadn’t learned his lesson, he cut low out of four as Gillis stayed true to his high line. Mayhew’s car stuck and the two drag-raced to the white flag. Mayhew stayed low in the Pavilion turn and wrestled the lead away to preserve the bounty. Gillis was again relegated to second place, as he has been several times to Mayhew this year. Holt, Ohlendorf and Sauer rounder out the top five.

The IRS will be back at Angell Park Speedway on August 9^th, where Mayhew will again have to defend the bounty. Should he manage to hold the rest of the IRS off for the rest of their Angell Park goes, Mayhew will collect the $300 bonus.

In Badger action, Mike Hess lead wire to wire. He found himself in lapped traffic by the tenth lap, but he worked it well, as Hatton and Kuhn, his closest competition, couldn’t cut into his straightaway lead. He continued to work the lappers well, as did Hatton. But the pair finished one, two. Kuhn, Smith and Loyet rounded out the top five.

Of note:

Hagen was out before a lap was complete with mechanical issues. DeSelle started nineteenth after a tire change took him from a front row starting spot. He finished seventh. Olson finished a respectable ninth. David Gough was in a new RAB car, but was done early in the program due to mechanical issues. Harley Slotten was back, but fought gremlins most of the night. He was scored as fourteenth in the main.

Next week Badger will be in action for Firefighter’s Appreciation Night presented by Chaussee Automotive and Cardinal Roofing and Construction. Also on the card will be the first appearance for 2009 of the Wisconsin Illinois Mini Sprints.  

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Sunday July 12th, 2009

Mid Season  25

Merillat Cabinets present the Badger Reunion

Mike Hess Wins!

The Mid-Season 25 by Merillat Cabinets and Chase Lumber was contested at Angell Park Speedway on Sunday.

Indiana’s Brad Kuhn set the bar in qualifying, as he was the only car to crack the 14-second bracket.

The trophy dash was won by Mike Hess in the Jerryatric Motor Sports number 1.

In heat action, Scott Hatton in the Huston Solution Racing midget took the first one. Meanwhile, Kurt Mayhew wondered where all the fast guys were, as he backed up several Victory Lane visits of late, with a feature win over both Hess and Kuhn.

Bubba Altig, with Mopar power, won the qualifying race, while Sun Prairie’s Chad DeSelle took the Semi.

The Badger A-Main started with a strong run by Aaron Fiscus. Kuhn looked good early, but a flat tire put him in the pits and relegated him to a 13^th place finish. In the end it was Hess who topped the field.

Next week, expect an infield full of midgets as the Illini Racing Series has been added to the card. With word of the Kurt Mayhew bounty still in effect, the IRS regulars, with more and more seasoning on the Angell Park clay, are sure to be gunning for the $300 bonus. Several drivers from both the Badger and IRS groups have crossed over making for an interesting and entertaining night of racing.

Time trials for the Family Night 25 presented by the Pitstop Pub and Budweiser are scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m with racing to follow.

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Sunday July 5th, 2009

Kids Night 25

Scott Hatton Wins!

Fans had the pleasure of monitoring two streaks this week at Angell Park Speedway, as Brad Loyet and Kurt Mayhew each had a string of feature wins to defend. Loyet had won the last four Badger Midget Auto Racing Association mains at the Speedway, while Mayhew, also a Badger regular, had poached the last five events from the Illini Racing Series there. The race was sponsored by Mid-State Equipment, the Sun Prairie Tourism Commission and Pepsi of Madison who provided many kids in attendance with big Pepsi water bottles.

Jason Dull took the early lead in Badger’s first heat, from his starting spot on the front row. He could only hold on for a lap before Brandon Waelti grabbed the point. From there Waelti sailed while Dull had his hands full as Jerry Coons Jr. and Mike Hess worked him over, one going high, one low as they trio entered the third turn. The skill of all three prevailed, as they came though the battle unscathed. Coons then set his sights on Waelti and throughout the race gave the Sun Prairie native a few looks, but Waelti, running a car from the Fiscus stable, took the win. He told the crowd afterward, he appreciated the help from Jim Fiscus, but driving some else’s car was a little, "Like sitting on the neighbor’s couch."

The second heat saw Scott Hatton lead early and often as he took the checkers. Behind him was an interesting battle as Aaron Fiscus was busy fighting off Brad Kuhn who was in a new car. The two went at it for seven laps when Fiscus bobbled on the cushion and Kuhn slid by him. Kuhn later advised that the new car was a combination of parts laying around his shop and the shop of owner John Jones.

In the last heat, Loyet and Chad DeSelle battled hard for the first two laps, as DeSelle had the lead and Loyet wanted it. After one failed slidejob in turn-one, Loyet tried a second time and succeeded, sort of. Unable to pull up once he committed, Loyet slid into DeSelle on that latter effort. DeSelle did a great job maintaining control of the car, but lost a ton of momentum. Loyet got by and went on to the win, while DeSelle was able to maintain the runner up spot. Loyet was a bit sheepish about his win during the Victory Lane interview with Dennis Thompson and he did apologize for the contact.

After initially losing his front-row starting advantage, Rich Drangmeister put on a show as he split two cars in turn-two at the drop of the green for the first IRS heat. But, it only took a lap for the ever-strong Allen Gillis to get by Drangmeister for the lead. From here Freddie Teer was the car to watch as he battled from ninth place to work his way up to fourth by the fifth lap. By then the front runners had taken off, but Teer showed he might be one to unseat Mayhew in the feature, along with Gillis, who won the heat.

Lamont Critchett had everything under control in the next IRS heat, but with four to go, something in the car broke and he went into the turn-four wall. He exited the car and seemed unhurt and ready to hunt for parts as he walked toward the haulers. From here his brother, Loren Critchett Jr. worked his way to the win. Tyler Deschaine, flying the rookie flag on a car without down tubes, was impressive as he was heard to be on the gas at every opportunity in a car that likely had many miles on it.

Tracy Hines won the Badger qualifying race, while Mayhew took the semi.

The IRS main was off to a good start as they went two and three wide throughout the field. Here, Mayhew started on the outside of the third row with Teer next to him and Gillis behind him. But from the front row, for the first five laps, Scott Dunning lead the way. Meanwhile, Mayhew was working traffic, first trying the cushion, then running the rail. It was the low side that gave him the bite to eventually pass Dunning. Gillis, lurking in fourth, was also trying to find his groove.

At the half-way point Gillis gained second, but was a half a straight behind Mayhew. On lap 12 they were bunched due to a caution, giving Gillis the break he needed and a chance at the $300 bounty placed on Mayhew. When they restarted, Mayhew gave Gillis openings, but Gillis could not capitalize as he tried any grooved not currently occupied by Mayhew. Mayhew then survived another yellow and kept his record intact ahead of Gillis, Eric Nitz, Dave Ohlendorf and Dull.

Waelti started on the outside-pole for the Badger main and quickly took to the lead. He looked strong, but a restart on the fifth lap saw Hatton slide under him to take the point, only to have Waelti battle right back and regain the advantage. On lap-seven Waelti jumped the cushion a bit in the second turn, but kept going and stayed ahead of Hatton. But it turned into a drag race down the back chute and having lost the momentum earlier, Waelti gave way to Hatton via a slider in three and four.

From here it looked like smooth sailing for Hatton, as he surged toward a half-straightaway advantage over Coons, with that same measure back to Mike Hess who had Kuhn on dogging him.

A caution with two to go bunched the field and put Coons on Hatton’s tail with two lappers back to Kuhn and Hess. Hatton got a good start, but Coons had enough in him for one effort as they came to the white flag. Hatton, in the Huston Solution car was too tough to solve and the record books will show it was Hatton who broke Loyet’s streak. Behind Coons for third it was Kuhn, then Hess, Waelti and Hines.

Merillat Cabinets bring fans the Mid-Season 25 this week at Angell Park. It will also mark the annual Badger reunion.

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Sunday June 28th, 2009

Fire Cracker 25

Brad Loyet WINS!

Missouri’s Brad Loyet made it four straight feature wins at Angell Park Speedway, as he took the Firecracker 25. The main event saw Jason Dull and Aaron Fiscus lead the field to the green. It was a drag race between the two down the backstretch, where Fiscus won the battle into the third turn. From here Fiscus paced the field for the next five laps until Loyet slid under him in turn-four. With that, Fiscus got his car high and in trying to gain control, headed down toward the inner guardrail, as the field came toward him. Chad DeSelle did an excellent job as he swung high, just narrowly missing Fiscus.

The restart had Loyet in front followed by Scott Hatton, DeSelle, Mike Hess and Matt Smith. Hatton stuck to Loyet when racing resumed, but Loyet quickly put distance between the two. On the tenth lap, Hatton rode against the turn-four wall and appeared to be stuck in that cycle, but just as the yellow came out, he freed himself and continued on, as if all was well. The next restart had Hess in second and Hatton in third.

But, it was more of the same as Loyet got no initial jump on Hess, but freed himself from Hess in short order. With eight to go, Eric Johnson spun in front of the leaders. Loyet got by without issue, but similar to the earlier DeSelle maneuver. Hess just missed a bad wreck as he wheeled around Johnson.

In the end, Loyet survived two more yellows, including a near flip by David Budres, to score the win. Hess and Hatton ran an entertaining race as Hatton proved there were two grooves in trying to beat Hess, as Hess stayed on the cushion and Hatton had the huggy pole. In the end Hess prevailed for the runner up spot, followed by Hatton, DeSelle and Smith.

Asked by emcee Dennis Thompson, what he thought of Angell Park Speedway, Loyet told the fans, what several drivers learned on the night, "It will bite you if you run it wrong."

In other action, Fiscus took the low line for the first heat only to have rookie Courtney Erfurth wheeled around him on the high side in turn-two. On the third lap, Fiscus again went low on her at the line, but Erfurth again fought him off. On the next lap, in the fourth corner Erfurth jumped the cushion, but gathered it quickly enough that Fiscus couldn’t capitalize. In the end Erfurth became one of the most popular winners this year as she cruised to a five length victory over Fiscus, who had five lengths between himself and Hess.

In the Victory Lane interview Erfurth told the crowd, "I used to be one of you sitting up there dreaming of this." Asked about the race she admitted, "It was kind of intimidating seeing Aaron," on the bottom line. Lastly, asked if she’d like to come back, she quickly replied, "I’ve been here since I was three weeks old, I’ll come back here every day of the week!"

Hatton was the fast timer on the night and won the Dash. Smith won the qualifying race and Bubba Altig won the second heat.

A special race, with over 750 donated dollars was run, dubbed the "Firecracker Shootout." Nine cars raced with the winner taking $250, $250 going to a random draw of the drivers participating and the balance shared among the rest. Scott Hatton won the race and now is the race record holder for the fastest nine lap race at Angell Park Speedway.

At the end of the event, fans were treated to a fireworks display sponsored by Evergreen State Bank.

Next Sunday Badger and the Illini Racing Series will be in action. In a twist, the IRS has put a $300 bounty on Kurt Mayhew and anyone who can beat him in the feature will take home the bounty money.

Sunday June 21st, 2009

Dash For Dads 25

Brad Loyet WINS!

Just out of curiosity, the archives of Sun Prairie’s hometown newspaper, "The Star Countryman," were perused. Back in 1965 (a semi-arbitrary year of choice) it was discovered that the first two races at Angell Park Speedway qualified 20 and 24 cars, respectively. With that in mind, Sunday’s annual Dash for Dads by Mountain Dew and Stark Automotive Group saw 23 cars in the Badger pits, plus 17 more signing on with the Illini Racing Series.

It was a great car count and crowd considering rain came as close as County "N" and Lonely Lane (about a mile south of the tack), when qualifying pushed off.

And what a track it was. After seeing the previous week garner only one car in the 14- second bracket during qualifying, the dads in the crowd saw 12 cars slipping under 15 seconds for their special day.

When racing started Badger’s first heat saw Bubba Altig in the RAB Racing number 57 take the early lead. Altig seemed in command until a yellow bunched the field. Then it only took three quarters of a lap for Brandon Waelti to slip by for the top spot and the eventual win.

The second heat had Paul Perkins and Jason Dull on the front row. Dull got the jump, but by the fourth turn, former champion Scott Hatton took over for an easy win.

Badger’s last heat continued to showcase the abilities of rookie Courtney Erfurth. From her front row start, she took to the cushion and lead the first half of the race. Bob Shreffler, a consideration for the "Most Improved Driver Award," slipped under her out of the last turn and looked to be the car to beat. But California’s Cody Swanson spoiled Shreffler’s Father’s Day, as the youngster got underneath on the last corner of the last lap for the win.

In IRS action, Allen Gillis chased Kurt Mayhew for half of the race before catching him and then survived a restart to take home the win and a couple of cases of Mountain Dew. Gillis, as always, seemed truly pleased to be on Angell Park’s Victory Lane as he recapped the race with Dennis Thompson.

Charlie Holt lead wire to wire to take the second IRS heat and Chase Barber did the same in Badger’s qualifying go.

In the Badger semi, Chad DeSelle jumped to the lead from the pole, while Jim Fuerst surprised Brad Kuhn by taking second away from the second row. As DeSelle took off, Kuhn did his best to give chase, but it wasn’t until the last lap at the last turn that Kuhn had a chance, but it wasn’t enough as the Imhoff/Davis car, with DeSelle behind the wheel took the win.

Ken Drangmeister, who was doing double duty along with Dull and Mayhew, took the lead from the outside pole for the IRS Main. In one circuit, Mayhew assumed the point . Mayhew then survived three restarts to hold off Gillis for another victory at Angell Park with the IRS.

It was a typical track for the Badger feature, with a cushion about three-quarters of the way up the track and the potential for the bottom to come in. With that, Altig, who perhaps has never met a cushion he didn’t like, took to the top and immediately appeared to be the car to beat. It only took him six circuits to start finding lapped traffic along with Scott Hatton and Jerry Coons Jr.

On the ninth lap of twenty-five, the yellow flew, bunching the field. Altig got the jump on the restart, only to have another yellow come out on the next lap. That redo, had Hatton lag behind Altig when the green waived and allowed Brad Loyet to assume second. Altig kept to the cushion but was not smooth, as once he seemed to miss the turn and then just jumped the berm the next time. All the while, Loyet could not capitalize, as Altig’s car was strong. On lap-fifteen Loyet slid under Altig for the top spot and enjoyed the lead until a red flag stopped action due to a Chase Barber flip in the first turn.

Loyet was strong when the green flew again and eyes turned to the middle of the pack where Brandon Waelti was running on the rail and gaining position, with Coons in tow. As they motored on, Loyet enjoyed his lead, while Waelti and Coons gained two spots. Running lower than the top runners. After Loyet at the checkers, it was Hatton, Kuhn, Altig and Waelti.

It marked the fourth Badger win in a row for the driver from Missouri.

Next week it’s a Sun Prairie tradition, as Angell Park Speedway hosts the Miller Lite Firecarcker 25, with Badger Midgets and the only public fireworks display in the city presented by Evergreen State Bank.

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Sunday June 14th, 2009

Flag Day 25

Presented by Mounds Pet Food Warehouse &

The Sun Prairie Tourism Commission.

Brad Loyet Wins

In racing, it’s as hard to control quantity as it is quality at the track. You can offer a fair purse and a fast track, but that never guarantees you will get either of the , "‘Q’ Words." Of those two words, in the end what folks will recall is the quality. When two or more drivers are going wheel to wheel in a midget, risking life and limb, no one is paying attention to how many other cars are in the field. Their eyes are glued to the gladiators battling for position. On Sunday at Angell Park Speedway for the Flag Day 25, presented by Mounds Pet Food Warehouse and the Sun Prairie Tourism Commission, fans got the quality they have come to expect from the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association.

With Davey Ray out due to injury, several others, including Brad Kuhn racing in USAC’s Speedweek and a couple of more regulars with damaged mounts from running the night before, the stage was set for some new faces to show their stuff.

Scott Hatton started the night with the fast time in qualifying, as he was the only car in the 14-second range. He then backed that up with a win in the Fast Dash, after starting from the front row.

The first heat had Brad Loyet jump to the lead. While he made the track his personal testing ground, the battle to watch was for fourth. Illinois native Jason Dull held that position for about six laps, as 2008 champion Mike Hess and Dick Kaiser tried everything to solve him. Dull, a bit under-powered, did his best to hold off the pair as they tried high and low to get around him, while also battling each other. With about four to go, Hess and Kaiser finally dipped under Dull but got no further as Loyet took the win over Bubba Altig and Aaron Fiscus. It was Kaiser’s first go of the year at Angell Park, as it was also for Jason Therkelsen who finished at the tail of the field.

Rookies occupied the front row for the second heat, with Courtney Erfurth and Eric Johnson leading the parade lap. Once the green flew it only took until the third turn for Beloit’s David Budres to assume the lead from his fourth starting spot. Budres, a standout for Badger’s Most Improved Driver Award, kicked the clay as he tooled around on the top groove, putting half a straightaway between Brandon Waelti and himself by lap-two.

Meanwhile, the battle for fourth was the one to watch as Erfurth and Johnson were trying to hold off each other plus Bryon Walters and Bob Shreffler. If the track were wide enough it seemed these drivers would have been willing to go four abreast to gain an advantage over the other.

Back at the front, while Budres has improved, he still seems prone to a miscue at least slightly, at some point on the tricky Angell Park cushion. Every time he did, Waelti reeled him in a little more. With three to go, Waelti had erased the lead totally and tailed Budres as they crossed the line. Waelti, ever patient, seemed to be waiting for one last bobble, but Budres nailed his marks forcing Waelti to hope for the best in diving low out of turn-four as they came to the checkers. But Budres was smooth enough on the superior groove to earn the trip to Victory Lane for the second week in a row.

From the outside of the front row, Dull lead every lap of the qualifying race and was truly pleased to make an appearance at Victory Lane. He took the time to thank his dad, Ken Dull (a former Badger driver), his uncle Tom Dull, Andy Jones and others, for their support in the pits.

Walters lead every lap of the Semi. Of note was Erfurth running well the cushion as she continues to hone her skills.

In the 25 lap main event, it was Kaiser and Budres on the front row. At the drop of the green, they went three-wide going into turn one, on a freshly rolled racing surface. Budres had the preferred topside, Kaiser was at the rail, while Loyet was the meat of the sandwich. As they gassed it down the back straight, Budres and Loyet broke out with Budres scored in the lead on the first lap. Like Waelti, Loyet seemed content to wait for things to sort out in the early going with Budres. But on the third circuit, he was given an opening he couldn’t refuse as Budres found the fourth turn marbles. As the leader’s right rear swung out shooting clay at the wall, Loyet powered under him to take the point. Before he could run away though, lapped traffic quickly slowed his progress and on the ninth lap a yellow bunched everyone up.

A lapped car separated Loyet from Budres, Hatton, Waelti and Chad DeSelle as racing resumed. The lapper slowed the progress of the fast qualifier enough that Loyet got a good jump on the green. Within a lap Hatton took second and set his sights on Loyet. Hatton, the most experienced driver in the field, kept gaining a little on Loyet. With five to go, Loyet lost momentum as he approached two lapped cars dueling for position. This gave a small, quickly closing, window of opportunity for Hatton, who dove lower than Loyet in turn-two, drawing nearly even with the leader. Wheel to wheel exiting the turn it was Loyet who had the advantage when the dust settled as Hatton had to back off or run over one of the lapped cars. By the time Hatton cleared the scene, it was too late and Loyet took the checkers.

Loyet told the crowd in his Victory Lane interview that the lapped traffic, "Is part of racing, they’re running for positions too." In the end, Loyet dedicated the win to Marty Boyer, the well known backbone behind the popular website, www.midgetmadness.com . Boyer is recuperating from a serious stroke.

This coming Sunday, Badger is in action, along with the IRS sportsmen midgets for the Dash for Dads 25, presented by Mountain Dew and Stark Automotive.

Sunday June 7th, 2009

Fan Appreciation 25

Presented by The Sun Prairie Tourism Commission.

Brad Loyet Wins!

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Sunday May 31st, 2009

Badgerland 25

Presented by Quaker Steak & Lube 

Scott Hatton Wins!

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The Badger Midgets shared the stage with the IRS midgets for the Quaker Steak and Lube Badgerland 25 on Sunday at Angell Park Speedway.

In Badger qualifying, Bryan Walters scored his first fast time at Sun Prairie with a round of 15.073. Meanwhile in qualifying, Joel Wyttenbach, appearing for the first time in 2009 and Mark Brown in his first-ever visit to the historic track, both flipped their mounts, causing heavy damage.

Brad Kuhn lead flag to flag in the first heat as Missouri’s Brad Loyet chased Aussie Matt Smith for second. The two ran the cushion until Loyet tested the bottom on the last lap. Here he stuck and surged past Smith for a second place finish. In the post-race interview with emcee Dennis Thompson, Kuhn thanked Hall of Famer, Ron Hoettles of SESCO, for getting his engine back in shape.

The cushion was tricky on this night. It was about in the middle of the track around the curves, but almost to the wall on the front straight. Mike Hess lead flag to flag in the second heat, and added some excitement with a rare wheel stand, as he came to the white flag.

Bob Shreffler jumped out to an early lead from the pole in the last Badger heat. As they crossed the line to complete the first lap, Scott Hatton was even with him and then Hatton took the lead. The Huston car then sailed away, but track conditions made things interesting, as cars were pointing their tail tanks to the fans at the end of the front straight, much earlier than on most nights. In his Victory Lane speech, Hatton offered some great insight to his great career saying, "There’s nothing better than midget racing." He added further perspective by telling the crowd he’s, "doing this for fun."

The IRS, often described as a "sportsman," midget group, restricts more powerful engines, runs street-legal tires and otherwise tries to even the racing field for older cars. This allows for an interesting mix of racers.

Scott Koerner paced the first four laps of the IRS heat-one. But, just past turn three he looped his mount, with the whole field coming at him. They zigged and zagged their war around him and everyone miraculously came through unscathed. All eyes were on Kurt Mayhew, the Badger regular. He won three features with the IRS last year, but from his last place start he was not moving through the pack as well as expected, as he was mired in fourth place. As the laps wound down he started to pick the others off. But Allen Gillis was tough on the cushion. Meanwhile third place running, Lamont Critchett was entertaining the crowd as he seemed to run every lap with this left front tire in the air. In the end, Mayhew gave the low line a shot, but it did no good, as Gillis sailed ahead of him for the win, followed by Critchett.

In the second heat, Scott Dunning and Mike Adams Jr. went wheel to wheel at for the first lap before Dunning took the point. Eric Nitz caught Dunning and tailed him on the lower side. It seemed apparent that the top would be a good spot for the stronger Nitz machine and on the last lap, Nitz figured it out for himself, as he took to the top in turn one and powered by Dunning in the last turn for the win.

Loran Critchett Jr. survived a couple of restarts to take the last IRS heat. What was refreshing about this race was his enthusiasm. He pumped his fist for the entire cool-down lap. When he got to Victory Lane for his interview he exclaimed, "I’m standing in Victory Lane at Angell Park Speedway!" Within midget racing, very few tracks can elicit such a response for a heat win.

Bob Schreffler looked good running the rim for the qualifying race and Bubba Altig took the Badger semi.

Doug Orseske had the lead briefly in the IRS Main. But by the second round Mayhew took over. Running on top he was good, but Gillis looked to have something for him, going low in one and two. Gillis perhaps played his hand too early. After the third restart of the race, where Gillis had one lead nullified already, Mayhew started to run on the rail in turns one and two, effectively stealing the good line Gillis had. From there Mayhew went on to the win. Mayhew then bolted to his pit area to get switched over to run the Badger Main. Unfortunately, his crew, with some obvious help from neighbors, could not get it done quick enough. Later in his interview, ever the laid-back Midwesterner, Mayhew didn’t complain about being excluded from the main event. But seemed pleased with his IRS win and the case of Coors Light that came with it. He did confirm that once he saw the wheel of Gillis under him, he figured he better take the line away and that strategy paid off.

The Badger feature saw Schreffler take off from the pole. But by the third circuit, Hatton, who started seventh, took the lead in the last turn. Schreffler fought back at the line, but Hatton’s Pepsi machine was too much for him.

The red flag came out on the fifth lap for a tangle involving three cars. Among these were Brad Kuhn, Schreffler and Smith. The red was for Smith who tipped over, but appeared to be uninjured.

Hatton bolted from the field on the restart, leaving Zach Daum, Chad DeSelle and Hess in his dust. DeSelle quickly dispatched Daum, but Hatton was very strong.

An interesting battle occurred through much of the race for spots six through ten, with David Budress, Altig, Brandon Waelti Kuhn and Walters all trying to make the best of their nights. Budress and Altig went wheel to wheel several times with the other four poised to take advantage of any miscue. Budress hit the cushion hard in one, with about ten to go, jolting the driver in his cockpit. He hung on, but eventually gave up some spots.

Meanwhile Hatton was cruising to his first Angell Park win of the year. In the end he was tailed by DeSelle, Hess, Kuhn, Aaron Fiscus, Waelti and Altig.

Rookie Courtney Erfurth and Eric Johnson (a rookie on dirt), each ran clean and steady races, finishing (in itself half the battle) in the twelfth and thirteenth spots respectively.

Next week, Sunday, June 7, the Badger Midgets will be in action again, with The Best of Sun Prairie Night.

Sunday May 24th, 2009

The Memorial Day 50

Presented by Miller Genuine Draft  

Jerry Coons Jr. Wins!

Fans at Angell Park Speedway’s Miller Genuine Draft Memorial Day 50 enjoyed the efforts of drivers from six states and Australia, for the Sunday night tradition.

In the first heat, Sun Prairie’s Chad DeSelle took the lead from the front row, with the Aussie, Matt Smith in pursuit. Brandon Waelti, running third, looked to have his car back in order, after a frame-bending hit of the wall last week. But late in the race he was passed by Tracy Hines. DeSelle held off Smith for the win, with Hines finishing third. DeSelle told the crowd that his new team is on a learning curve this year with him behind the wheel and Angell Park Speedway is the hardest to learn.

Brad Kuhn took the early lead in the next heat, but it didn’t take long for Jerry Coons Jr. to break free from the back. By the second circuit he was tailing Kuhn and three laps later Coons went under Kuhn for the lead. Two laps later the engine made a sour sound and Kuhn and his John Jones car appeared done for the night. Coons won over Scott Hatton and Aaron Fiscus.

David Budres won the race to the first turn as the green flew for the last heat. He then spent the next two laps holding off the 2008 champion, Mike Hess. Budres bobbled on the cushion, allowing Hess to take the point. The miscue stalled enough momentum that Budres faded to fourth after looking very strong early. Davey Ray then took aim at Hess and tried to slide under him twice in two of the closing laps, but to no avail.

Waelti won the qualifying race easily. Later he noted that his car, which was "half new," after being rebuilt, didn’t like its old setups as they were used in the heat. It was better in the qualifier, but more adjustments were needed.

Bryan Walters took the semi, from a front row start. Budres looked good again on the cushion, in finishing second.

The 50 lap feature got off to a rough start. A car slowed in turn-one after the green flag flew, causing an accordion effect resulting in a three-car pile up and a Budres flip at the end as if to put an exclamation point on the mess. When racing restarted, Walters lead briefly, but was overtaken by Waelti by the second lap. By the fifth lap Waelti had Scott Hatton on his tail, with third place runner, Coon, a straightaway back. Around the tenth lap, Hatton tried twice to slide under Waelti, but he couldn’t make it stick. Five laps later, lapped traffic made it interesting, as Waelti found a lapped car in his line.

Waelti went to slide under that car, just as Hatton tried to go under him. The result was a three wide battle out of the second turn. Waelti squeezed through and maintained his lead.

A yellow flag settled things down on the next lap. The restart had Waelti, Hatton and Coons first in line. Waelti, a master of restarts, was nearly to turn-one before Hatton crossed the line at the green flag’

s waiving. Coons started to try the low groove, only to find it slow going, as he lost a spot to Hess. One lap later the Hess machine stalled on the track, bringing out another yellow. The lineup had the same top three, with Waelti again superior on the restart.

It became apparent that a mistake on the cushion would cost a driver a spot or two as Hatton soon found out, with Coons on his tail. After going high in turn-four, Hatton lost a spot not only to Coons, but also Brad Loyet and Davey Ray.

At the mid-point of the race, just as he was surging forward in the field, Tracy Hines appeared to break an axle, while running sixth.

From here, Waelti survived several slide-job attempts by Coons, seemingly out of all four corners. Then with ten to go, the last yellow of the night flew. Waelti again got the jump on Coons and was gliding along the cushion on the restart. Within five laps Waelti enjoyed a lead of five lengths. But with three to go they met a group of lappers who were in their own battle. Waelti’s groove was taken again and he had nowhere to go. This time when the splitting was done, Coons had the lead coming out of the second turn. Coons, an Arizona native, went on to the win.

Coons, ever the class act, told the crowd in his Victory Lane interview, "The fastest car didn’t win tonight, he (Waelti) didn’t make a mistake at all."

Waelti, the local racing "David", to Coons’ Toyota sponsored Wilke-Pak "Goliath", put things into perspective. Instead of being overly sad, mad or discouraged, he later said tonight’s run, especially after a disastrous opening day, "Encouraged me, it showed we can run with the best." Any other emotional sting he might have had was eased by the reaction of the hometown fans afterward. With an autograph line 15 deep, Waelti received many words of praise and encouragement.

Twenty-four hours after the race, he said he didn’t think there was much he could have done differently, under the circumstances given to him, to put the outcome in his favor.

MGD 50 News and Notes:

Bob Shreffler pulled into the pits early during his running of the semi.

There to greet him was Brad Kuhn, looking for a ride, as his car was done for the night. Shreffler accommodated and Kuhn took the car to a fifth place finish in the main event. After the race Shreffler seemed pleased with the run his car made. Asked if the deal to vacate his seat was as simple as Kuhn got the points, and he got the purse, Shreffler politely said, "I think he should get some money, don’t you? If I ran I might have finished tenth. I might not have been able to go 50 laps, I’m out of shape," he continued with a grin.

Jerry Coons Jr. was pleased to note his five month old son, Cale, was already a racing veteran, having followed Dad to seven states already, but that this was his first trip to Sun Prairie.

Mike Hess topped that, saying his infant son, Weston, was witnessing the first race of his life on this night.

Rockford’s Jason Dull usually has something fun, interesting or pertinent on his right panel that hangs high on the roll cage. For Memorial Day it read, "Thanks Veterans." Further, a small American flag flew on top of the cage and survived the night.

Several cars had more blank panels than they have had in previous years.

Some that caught the eye right away were the cars of Waelti, Aaron Fiscus and the John Jones car with Kuhn behind the wheel.

Waelti was heartened when a couple of different fans came to the pits after the race and stuffed some cash into his hand. He tried to beg off, but the fans would have none of it. Most fans have by now heard that the team is currently faced with a lack of sponsorship, causing one of the most popular efforts around, to consider running only a partial schedule this year.

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Sunday May 17th, 2009

The Spring Opener 25

Presented by Miller Genuine Draft Light

Jerry Coons Jr. WINS!

May 17, Sun Prairie, WI- It was a field any promoter would be proud to host, as the Badger midgets took to the tacky Angell Park clay for the first time in 2009. National stars, local heros and those who hope to earn such titles were on had for the Spring Opener 25 presented by MGD Light.

California’s Darren Hagen set the pace in qualifying as he circled the third-mile track in 14.489 seconds. A surprise in time trials was David Budres, in just his third season, who ran sixth quickest at 14.922.

The first heat saw Bubba Altig in the Bill Eckert machine battle Chad DeSelle early. By lap five it was a three-car race, with Davey Ray now in the picture. It took until lap eight for Ray to overtake the leader, DeSelle. Ray then hung on for the win ahead of DeSelle and Altig.

In heat number two, Bryan Walters of Beaver Dam jumped into the early lead. By the fourth circuit he was tailed by three-time champion Scott Hatton. Hatton put the right rear hard into the cushion, but bobbled. Walters surged ahead and put five lengths back on the Pepsi machine. Hatton caught up again a couple of laps later only to have Walters play a lapped car perfectly, leaving Hatton in the hole again. But, with just a couple of laps to go Brandon Waelti’s car shot straight for the second turn wall. He made contact and tipped over, bringing out the red flag. Waelti was uninjured, but later confirmed something broke in the car. Walters was stout on the restart and held off Hatton, Jerry Coons Jr. and Brad Loyet for the win.

Before the green flew for the last heat, Brad Kuhn took to the pits followed shortly thereafter by Aaron Fiscus. Mike Hess took advantage of these strong cars exiting and lead wire to wire from his inherited pole position. He had a challenger in Tracy Hines until that car went up in smoke at the mid-point of the race.

Brad Kuhn, in the John Jones car, made it out for the semi and took the checkers by ten lengths. Of interest was the battle in the back between young drivers Eric Johnson and Courtney Erfurth. Johnson dogged Erfurth for most of the 15 laps, but Erfurth held him off for a finish in about twelfth.

The fans knew they were in for a great opening night as the line-up was set for the feature. Eight of the front ten cars were among the top 20 in the National Midget Driver of the Year Standings for 2008. Nowhere outside of the Chili Bowl or a USAC race, would fans find a field with such credentials.

Altig was strong at the start of the main, from his outside pole position. He earned a five-length lead by the third lap, but the crowd could see Ray picking off cars quickly from his eight starting spot. It only took Ray until the sixth lap to get around Altig. By lap ten Ray was ahead by half a straightaway over Altig and Hatton, but lapped traffic was coming on. A stalled car caused a yellow two circuits later. The restart saw Ray ahead of Altig, Hatton, Loyet, Coons, Robbie Ray, Kuhn and Hess. When the green flew Hines was the driver of note. Breaking from his normal low line, he found the cushion to his liking and picked off several cars in short order.

After looking very ordinary through most of the race, Coons seemed to find his groove and broke free from the pack to mount a challenge for Ray with five to go. As the white flag flew Coons nipped Ray at the line, but Ray kept up hope until he jumped the rim in turn three, allowing Coons the hard earned win. Altig, Hatton, Loyet and Hines rounded out the top six.

The MGD Memorial Day 50 is next on the slate for Angell Park Speedway where the Badger Midget Series will again be in action. The race is scheduled for the normal Sunday go, with a dance in the pavilion after the races. Memorial Day, Monday is scheduled as a rain date for the race if need be.

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Saturday August 30th, 2008

The Firemen's Nationals 50

Presented by Pepsi

$15,000 to win and over $35,000 paid out!!

Brady Bacon Wins the Firemen's Nationals

Thirty-four of the best midgets in the country took shots at qulifying for the Fireman’s Nationals presented by Pepsi on Saturday. At $15,000 to win and a total purse of over $35,000, this was one of the riches midget races in the world.

The day started with a big trophy dash payout, as the six fastest Badger regulars drove for a purse of over $3,000 in the Dave Schulenberg Memorial Dash. Jerry Coons Jr. added his name to the unique trophy of trowels as he lead every lap of the event. Schulenberg was a Sun Prairie High School grad, who owned Dave’s Masonry. He was a regular fan at Angell Park Speedway and a sponsor of Brandon Waelti’s car. He was tragically killed while driving home after a midget race in Illinois and since then his family and friends have supported this race in his memory.

Jim Fuerst lead the first heat race of the night from the outside pole. He was able to hold off Tony Stewart Racing’s driver Levi Jones for two laps, before the much stronger Chevy overtook him. Fuerst, who has only made a handful of races this year, was having an excellent run and early-on it looked like he might race his way into the feature. But just before the mid-point of the race he hit the berm hard in turn four, bolting himself to the left and killing his momentum. Much of the field sped by him and his hope of entering the feature cleanly was dashed. Jones took the win.

Tim Noble, a candidate for Badger’s Most Improved Driver award lead early in the second heat after starting on the pole. He was tailed by his teammate, Aaron Fiscus and Brady Bacon. Noble held off the factory-backed Mopar of Bacon until the middle of the race where Bacon got the advantage and went on to the win.

Visiting for the first time this season, from his Ohio home, Matt Westfall lead the third heat at the drop of the green. In a preview of things to come, most cars were opting for the cushion as their preferred line, including the leader and second place car of Brad Kuhn. The Buckeye had been leading the Indiana driver, when on the sixth circuit, coming through turn two, Kuhn swung low, under Westfall, but didn’t quite have him cleared as he came back high. Westfall didn’t back down and the two made contact. Both continued on, with Kuhn in the lead, but Westfall faded. In the end Kuhn got pressure from Dave Darland in the Hans Lein car, but Kuhn’s Fontana was up to the task and he eked out the victory. Westfall missed the transfer spot due to a last lap pass by Darren Hagen.

The last heat saw Chad DeSelle lead early, but at about lap five he gave way to Tracy Hines in the other TSR Chevy. Hines held on for the win.

The semi-feature started with a scary flip as Sun Prairie’s Joe Wipperfurth caught a rut and vaulted his Imhoff/Davis mount over the turn four wall. Emergency vehicles were quick to the scene and it didn’t take long for track announcer Dave Shannon to project the most eagerly anticipated words in midget racing, "He’s out of the car." Soon thereafter Wipperfurth could be seen waiving from the top of the same billboard he conquered. When racing resumed, Chad Boat ,who rode the turn three wall and flipped in his heat, bested the field from start to finish. A teenager, Boat’s car owner is his father, former Indy 500 pole sitter Billy Boat, who has also competed at Angell Park Speedway.

Part of the allure of dirt track racing is how track conditions can change from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. It offers a much less generic surface for a racing contest. Last week’s racing offered two grooves and three wide racing, over the back to back nights with a cushion nearing the wall. Today, the cushion was only about mid-track wide. It didn’t lend itself to three wide racing by virtue of usable space. As they took off at the drop of the green Brady Bacon tried to change that, it seemed. The Oklahoma driver immediately started cutting a groove above the well marked line of previous races, kicking clay as he went. This worked well for the first ten laps as the rest of the field gave chase. A yellow bunched the field with a restart order of Bacon, Coons, Hagen, Ray, Cole Whitt and Mike Hess.

When they took off again, Coons made easy work of Bacon and within five laps the Arizona driver had the field by half a straightaway. In five more circuits Coons started to encounter lapped traffic and Bacon gained a length or two. Most of the lappers kept to the bottom, but an occasional one would stay on the berm. This made for some textbook practice in the art of the slide job. Both Coons and Bacon received high marks as they forged on.

As Coons was cruising, everyone in the park had to be wondering the same thing. No one expected another malfunction by the Wilke car he was piloting. But still, there had to be a nagging worry that the car would not be up to the task, as it has lead and lost so often of late at the speedway. Lap 24 answered the question as Coons appeared to lose power as he rolled to a stop on the track. His team tried to repair the car and while it fired, he pulled out once the green flag flew.

Bacon was again on the point and enjoyed the buffer of two lapped cars between himself and teammate Brad Sweet along with Hagen, Davey Ray in the Fike car, Hines, Hess and Kuhn. Bacon immediately distanced himself as everyone was running on the berm. By lap 30 the running order was basically the same. Bacon had a straightaway on Sweet who had the same distance on Hagen.

Bacon worked lapped traffic well and he met them on lap 36. On lap 41 the Sweet midget started to smoke. Four laps later Sweet banged the cushion hard coming out of four jolting him to the left and then to the right, toward the wall. He appeared to brush the barrier a bit, but he kept charging.

Bacon continued to keep a comfortable lead as they approached the white flag, when Sweet had a review of his lap 41 run. This time he couldn’t hold it and after hitting the front stretch wall he took a nasty tumble past the flag stand. The car landed upright, facing the crowd. He paused for a moment. He then unstrapped, climbed out and promptly spiked his helmet in disgust.

The restart saw Bacon with four lapped vehicles behind him. Hines was in second place behind them. With Bacon dictating the pace and the rule that there is to be no passing until a driver passes the cone located near the push off area, it seemed unlikely Bacon could lose. It took Hines a lap to clear the lapped traffic and he set his sights on Bacon. Had there been another five laps, it looked as if Hines might have had a shot. But that wasn’t the case and Bacon took home the big prize for Mopar and his Kasey Kahne team. After Hines the top five rounded out with Hagen, Kuhn and Scott Hatton.

News and Notes:

Mike Hess sealed the 2008 Badger Driver’s Championship the night before at a race at the Dodge County Fair Grounds. His owner, Jerry Hardy had to wait until tonight to seal the deal for the owner’s crown, which he did.

To date there appears to be no other dirt track that the top teams have contested at least three times this season. This would seem to make Angell Park Speedway a proving ground of sorts. But it only allowed for questions, as the last three features that highlighted the top teams in USAC saw wins by Fontana, Chevy and Mopar. Toyota, with a new driver, was in the top five on two of those nights and Esslinger made the top five, twice.


Brady Bacon is only 18 years old and appears to be the youngest winner of the Nationals. He joins a list of winners which includes National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame members, Billy Englehart, Rich Vogler, Kevin Olson and Kevin Doty.

Aaron Fike hoped to make a run for the $15,000, but a crash the night before left him still suffering and while he was in the pits, he opted to stay out of the cockpit.

Sunday August 24th, 2008

Hall of Fame Classic

Presented by MIller Genuine Draft

Levi Jones Wins!

Night-two saw more of the same for Hall of Fame weekend at Angell Park Speedway. The track was well prepared as thirty-six cars took a shot at the pole, three more than the night before. All fell well short of Friday’s speeds though, as no one cracked the 14-second mark on the heavy clay. Michael Pickens, in a second Huston Solution car, won the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame plaque for fast time at 15.073.

Pickens lead off the first heat in an inauspicious manner as he appeared to catch another car’s wheel and did a violent end over ender toward the turn one fence. He climbed out of the machine, but that entry was done for the night. When racing resumed, they went two by two early as Joe Wipperfurth and Mike Hess battled for first while Jerry Coons Jr. and Darren Hagen (the newest Steve Lewis driver) went at it for third. On the third lap, Hagen couldn’t hold his low line coming out of turn one and spun, bringing out the first caution. Hess took the point on the restart and by lap eight Coons caught him. They ran even for an entire lap with Coons on the top and Hess at the rail. On the last lap Coons powered through two and passed Hess for the lead and win.

The second heat came down to the last lap too. Critter Malone, in the Jones car, was smooth on the cushion all race. By the second lap he was ahead of the second place Buddy Luebke car by half of the straightaway. From his second row start it took Tony Stewart driver, Tracy Hines, eight laps to get within striking distance of the leader. Hines made his move on the last lap, wheeling around Malone in turn two and went on to the win. Luebke, a Badger regular, lost the last transfer spot to former Badger champion Brad Kuhn after holding the spot for nearly all the race.

Brad Sweet showed the power of his Kasey Kahne Mopar as he worked his way up from the last row to take the lead half way through the third heat. He won by a comfortable margin over Levi Jones, Cody Swanson and Chad Boat.

Chase Barber caught a wheel at the drop of the green and tumbled down the front stretch of the last heat. He appeared uninjured as he made his way to the ambulance. Last night’s quick qualifier, Bobby East was 33^rd in qualifying on this night and found himself on the pole for the race and took the lead right away. Davey Ray and Brandon Waelti put on a show as the two battled for fourth, swapping the lead several times over two laps. As East distanced himself from the field, Ray powered past Waelti and then Cole Whitt. But in the end, East lead every lap despite a spirited charge from Ray.

Dave Darland in the Lein car had his hands full with Barber working him over as the Semi took off. For five laps the younger Barber worked on the veteran. But the fresh engine in the Lein car was too much and the popular Darland cruised to the win.

The front row of the feature made for strange bedfellows as Darland was on the pole and Hagen was to his outside, in the car bearing Darland’s name until this weekend. Surely the laid back Indiana driver had to have at least a little extra motivation to put himself ahead of his old mount. As they gassed it for the green Darland got the jump with Hagen in tow. After five laps Darland had six lengths between himself and Hagen, as they both ran the rim. The track did not allow for much three-wide action in this race. But, they were two wide all around for the first ten laps, a tribute to the efforts of the track prepping crew. As the race wore on more and more behind Darland started to go low, while he and Hagen remained on the upper part of the track.

A yellow on lap 12 bunched the field and saw a running order of Darland, Hagen, Hines, Brad Loyet, Ray, Levi Jones, Whitt, Sweet and Coons. Hines, who made the huggy pole his specialty when he was a regular at Angell Park, took to that groove as Darland insisted on the top when racing resumed. Darland seemed just too strong though as he overcame Hines and the rest of the field, to enjoy a half straightaway advantage with ten to go.

At that juncture, Loyet was in second and banging the cushion like the leader. It looked like he might make it interesting with a couple of more laps under his belt. But, the Missouri driver, known to wear a helmet patterned after Evil Knievel, made it exciting for the fans in another way, as he caught the turn three berm and flipped his ride.

Darland was then followed by Hines, Jones, Whitt, and Hagen. Coons was lurking in sixth and it appeared the driver with more laps than any of the other top runners, might get a chance at the win, after expiring the night before. As they gassed it, Jones went high as Darland and Hines went low. Jones proved that Darland was right all along, when the top propelled him passed both of the cars below him for the lead. Hines then got by Darland, who promptly went back topside.

The two Chevys were then nose to tail, until Hines worked his way next to Jones at the line on lap 28. Hines remained low but Jones regained the advantage topside, as they went through turn two. Jones then held off Hines the rest of the way to give TSR a one-two finish.

The Fireman’s Nationals presented by Pepsi will wrap up the Angell Park season this Saturday, August 30^th. The total purse is $35,000 with $15,000 going to the winner. This is one of the biggest midget paydays in the country.

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Saturday August 23rd, 2008

USAC Show!

Presented by McGovern's Hotel.

Brad Kuhn Wins!!

Hall of Fame Weekend got off to a great start all around, at Angell Park Speedway on Saturday night as the best of Badger and USAC clashed on the clay. Prior to the races fans took time to enjoy a display of vintage midgets, could view shots from the Armin Krueger collection of midget photos and had time to check out other special vendors. During intermission Dave Shannon announced the 2008 inductees into the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame. There had been much speculation as to who might go in, with many locals wondering if one of their own was going to make it. One of their own and an adopted son did indeed make it as Kevin Doty and Jeff Gordon were both voted in and will be honored in Tulsa, Oklahoma this coming January.

On the track, the Hall was represented in the form of ownership by Steve Lewis and Tony Stewart. Hall of Fame engine builder Ron Hoettles was also spotted on the grounds.

Thirty-two cars took times ranging from Paul Perkins testing out a new motor at 16.449 to Bobby East at 14.779. For his efforts, East received a special Hall of Fame plaque. Another seven drivers were in the 14 second bracket. Jerry Coons Jr. was the only Badger regular in that group. Mike Hess came close at 15.01.

Three wide racing was the norm, as four heats were contested and drivers had to race their way into the feature, vying for a top four result. In the first heat Aaron Fiscus limped his mount to the win. Early on, he had the field covered, but with three laps left smoke started coming from the engine. On Victory Lane, without the car, which was being attended to in his pit area, he told the crowd there was currently so much oil on the machine that they couldn’t tell where the leak was coming from. Then, drawing a big laugh from the crowd he admitted that he was holding onto his seatbelts as he drove the last couple of laps, "Just in case it caught fire," and he needed to make a quick exit.

The second heat saw Brad Loyet, versus Darren Hagen in a Lewis car, swap the lead about four times in two laps, Loyet came out on top at lap eight. Brady Bacon then came into the picture to give Loyet a run but Loyet held him off.

In Heat Three Chase Barber looked good on the cushion but a miscue late, allowed veteran Tracy Hines to slip by in one of the Stewart cars for the win.

The last heat went to Scott Hatton. The battle for the last transfer in that race had Joe Wipperfurth and Levi Jones going toe to toe for several laps, only to have Dave Darland split them coming into turn three on the white flag lap. The three seemed synchronized as they wheeled next to each other through the last corner. In the end Darland in Hans Lein’s car edged the other two for a birth in the main event.

Levi Jones took the Semi. Badger regulars Bubba Altig, Mike Hess and Tim Noble all raced their way from this event into the feature.

The 30 lap feature kicked off with three wide racing through much of the field. Action was stopped quickly though, as on lap two Badger regulars, Hatton and Altig, stalled on the track bringing out the yellow. Levi Jones, Bacon and Tracy Hines gassed it as the green waived and they went three wide into turn one. Jones came out on top, only to have the field slowed again on lap four.

On the restart Jones and Jerry Coons raced each other even with Coons low and Jones high. Coons seemed to have the advantage, especially in the corners, but they then switched places as they passed the line on lap six. Jones took to the pole while Coons banged the cushion as they drove into turn one.

Lap nine saw another caution flag fly with the running order Coons, Jones, Bacon, Brad Kuhn and Chad Boat making up the top five. Coons took off again on the green, but he brought out the yellow as his car stalled out with mechanical problems. Jones inherited the lead with Kuhn in tow. With the cushion near the wall Jones stayed high, but Kuhn rode low. At about lap 25, Kuhn took the lead for good while still running the bottom as Jones seemed to bang the berm a bit too hard. Brad Sweet charged past Jones after passing the rest of the field from a back row restart earlier in the race, but it was too late as Kuhn cruised the last couple of laps to the win.

Kuhn told emcee Dennis Thompson and the crowd that if someone told him he’d win at Sum Prairie, running the bottom, he would not believe them. He later noted that he tried a slidejob once on Jones, but he aborted the mission. He immediately regretted not following through, wondering if he’d get another shot. That shot came a short time later as he drove under Jones for the lead. Even though Jones bobbled, Kuhn felt he had enough momentum that he would have made the pass anyway.

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Sunday August 17th, 2008

Corn Fest 50

Presented by Miller Lite

Davey Ray  WINS!

It was an interesting mix of cars at Angell Park Speedway for the Miller Lite Cornfest 50 on Sunday. There were some testing the waters in leu of the big races coming the next two weekends; one who pulled a car out of mothballs and a few that have not made as many races as they had hoped this year.

The action started early for the huge crowd corn eating crowd, as in hot laps Robbie Ray and Jon LeJeune tangled in turn two. Ray got the worst of it as he hit the wall hard with the front of his car. The LeJeune machine looked alright, but he found a valve problem on his car and both were scratched before qulifying.

The four car, four lap dash saw Scott Hatton take the first checkers of the night.

Heat One, had a lot of wheel to wheel action as the field chased Tim Noble at the start. Both Davey Ray and Ricky Ehrgott split two vehicles, each making it three wide in their quest toward Victory Lane. By the mid-point his work paid off as Ray took the lead in the John Jones car. But, one lap later, Tracy Hines beat Ray to the line and lead Ray the rest of the way. Noble and Ehrgott swapped the third spot several times at the end, with Noble coming out on top. Hines told the crowd during his post race interview that this was only the second time out with this car. Further he hoped to talk the owner of his USAC car, Tony Stewart, into letting the midget team stay in Wisconsin for the Pepsi Nationals.

The second heat launched with Bryon Walters in the lead from the pole. By lap four Brad Kuhn was trying him, after starting fifth. Walters was very smooth on the cushion, with Scott Hatton now in the picture on the bottom. Hatton got by Kuhn and was trying Walters low, but it seemed the high groove was the place to be. Finally, at the waiving of the white, Hatton slid under Walters and went on to the win. The battle for second came down to the line as they were three wide with Bubba Altig, Walters and Kuhn low to high. It was a race where the transponders proved their worth as they scored Kuhn over Walters and Altig.

Jerry Coons Jr. opened the last heat by doing a pirouette in turn two, as his car got high, but never over, basically spinning on its tail. As a precaution, the red came out, but the Arizona driver was all right. The restart saw Chad DeSelle take a big lead early, but by lap two Coons was in second and two laps later he passed DeSelle for the lead. Coons won by a straightaway.

In Semi-Feature action, Ehrgott, a Florida driver with little dirt experience, took off from the pole. He got sideways in turn two and tried his best to save it. Jim Fuerst had nowhere to go and collected Ehrgott. Fuerst got the worst of it as he flipped. Early reports indicated he was okay. When racing resumed, Altig took the lead but his engine sounded sick. Waelti got by him and won ahead of the hard charging Joe Wipperfurth, both Sun Prairie drivers.

For the 50 lap feature, Noble and Wipperfurth lead the field to the green. As they charged into the first curve, Wipperfurth banged the cushion hard and propelled himself into the early lead. He and Ray then took off, leaving the rest of the field several lengths behind. Ray got by Wipperfurth on lap four at the line, only to have Wipperfurth return the favor in turn two, only to have Ray pulling ahead again, as they went down the back chute.

The running order after a lap six yellow had Aaron Fiscus, Hines, Mike Hess and Kuhn behind the leaders. It only took four laps and Coons was a factor, though, as he took the lead over Ray, with Hines in tow. Within three more laps, Coons had them by a straight. Hines got by Ray and was closing the gap on Coons when they encountered lapped traffic on lap 20. Coons got through, Hines got caught, and the Coons lead was again extended.

Bobby East hit the wall on lap 29, kept going, but stalled a half a track later bringing out another yellow. Meanwhile the Hines machine expired and he headed to the pits. With a running order of Coons, Ray, Hatton and Kuhn they charge off again. Within four laps, the leader, Coons expired, giving the point to Ray again.

The race then took to the low groove, with no one daring to try the top as Ray lead Hatton, Kuhn and Waelti. On the forty-third circuit, Waelti took over third and it looked like he’d gain some ground in the points chase. But three laps later, in a rarity for Angell Park, he blew the right rear tire on his racer, bursting the bubble of the hometown crowd.

As they forge toward 50, Ray continued to lead with Hatton hot on his tail. But with three to go Hatton stalled in front of Kuhn. Kuhn had to slow a bit and Mike Hess blew by for second. Kuhn regained his composer and got him back. But Hess didn’t give up and in the end as Ray cruised, Kuhn could not fight off the point leader and Hess took second at the line.

In Victory Lane, Ray told Dennis Thompson of his inheritance, "I didn’t know I was leading until I looked at the scoreboard." As for his strategy at the end Ray noted, "I just tried to keep it tight on the bottom and smooth."

It was the first feature win for owner John Jones and he seemed to receive as many congratulations after the race as his driver did.

"There are people who thought I couldn’t do it in that car," said Ray later. "It’s not the strongest engine, but I’m happy," Ray concluded.

Next week it’s a double header at Angell Park as Badger and USAC will co-sanction races on both Saturday and Sunday in the form of the Hall of Fame Classic. Sponsoring the races will be McGovern’s, the Sun Prairie Tourism Commission and Miller Genuine Draft. A great filed of cars is expected for both nights.

NEWS AND NOTES:

For only his fifth or so dirt race, Ricky Ehrgott looked comfortable on the cushion. Normally a pavement racer, he was disappointed that his engine expired keeping him out of the Cornfest 50 lap feature. He plans on returning for the Hall of Fame weekend. Further, he’s being coached by Badger favorite Danny Stratton who not only knows the track, but also the car, as it’s a former Hans Lein car, that Stratton campaigned.

The rumor mill is rampant with stories of people quitting, getting fired or moving on. Indications are some of these stories should become clearer during Hall of Fame Weekend.

John Jones was very pleased with his team’s win with Ray behind the wheel, but make no mistake, "It’s still Nick’s (Lundgreen) car. I built it for him," Jones noted after the race.

While Waelti’s was the only tire to blow, most right rears in the feature field had blistering, per a Badger official, upon a casual post-race inspection.

It’s been a few years since Tracy Hines had been to Sun Prairie. After his heat win he told Dennis Thompson and the crowd, "It’s great to be back. I can’t believe how the town’s grown. It’s not a little town anymore." He went on to note all the new housing and business that have cropped up since he was here last.

His night still ended short, but Coons noted that Robbie Ray loaned him a rocker arm, since Ray would not need it, as his car was too damaged from the hot lap crash. This allowed Coons to make a run at Cornfest glory.

The Greenfield Gallery will be bringing the photos from the Armin Krueger collection. Krueger was a prolific early photographer at Angell Park and many other venues. The photos will be for sale.

There will be a number of vintage midgets on display during the Hall of Fame weekend.

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Sunday August 10th, 2008

Summer Sizzle 30

Presented by Quaker Steak and Lube & Sign 1-1

Scott Hatton Wins!

The "Summer Sizzle," was a good choice of titles for the racing at Angell Park on Sunday as the race sponsor Quaker Steak and Lube held a chicken wing eating contest on the front stretch at intermission. Contestants had to eat the Atomic flavor made famous at the racing themed restaurant. They were warned not to touch any part of their body afterward. The resulting sting would be similar to being pepper sprayed apparently. The youngest of contestants, who looked to be of teen years, won. At least one of his competitors was asking the firefighters for a fire extinguisher afterward. SIGN-1-1 was also on board as a sponsor tonight.

The Badger Midget Series and the Illini Racing Series both took to the Angell Park clay on Sunday. Sean Murphy was fastest qualifier for the IRS with a time of 18.4, Mike Hess was the leader with Badger at 14.7. Badger then held a four car trophy dash which was won by Chad DeSelle.

There was a ton of Badger experience in the first IRS heat were six of the nine starters were current or former drivers with the club. Aaron Fiscus took the early lead from the pole. Jason Dull bolted into second by lap two, after starting fifth. On the next lap Dull slid under Fiscus for the lead. Coming out of turn four on lap five Dull got just short of totally sideways, but collected his car. Fiscus tried to take advantage and got even with Dull. But an unrelated yellow flag soon came out with Dull still ahead. Dull lead them on the restart and went on to the win followed by Fiscus, Allen Gillis and Joe Knipple, all current or former Badger drivers.

Scott Dunning took the early lead for the second IRS heat, but at the mid-point of the race Scott Koerner took over. Dunning seemed to fade, perhaps with mechanical problems and Koerner went on to the win over Mike Adams and Loran Critchett.

Joe Wipperfurth took to the point for the first Badger heat, with Brandon Waelti trying to chase him down. Meanwhile, DeSelle and Scott Hatton were splitting Steve Irwin in a battle for fourth. The three wide, wheel to wheel duel saw DeSelle come out ahead of Hatton. But Hatton soon got by DeSelle. Both were now too far behind to be a factor as Wipperfurth and Waelti forged ahead. On lap eight Wipperfurth’s rear jolted right then left as he came out of turn four. He saved it, but lost his momentum and Waelti pulled even as they crossed the line. Waelti then powered past Wipperfurth for the final third of a mile and Waelti won.

The last Badger heat saw Jon LeJeune take the lead from the pole. By lap three the powerful Chevy of Adam Clarke muscled by LeJeune. The Chevy started to sound sour by lap five and on the next circuit Mike Hess got past the Australian. Hess went on to the win followed by Robbie Ray, Bubba Altig and Clarke. Asked about the work that goes into his point leading car, Hess gave all the credit to John Callahan indicating his crew chief does all the weekday work on the car. Hess also likes the set ups Callahan chooses saying, "About all we do is change tires."

DeSelle looked strong and sturdy tonight as he took the RAB, Printing Place car to Victory Lane in the Semi. The car has had its unfair share of gremlins this year.

It looked like it could be a yawner in the IRS feature as Kurt Mayhew, winner of the last two IRS features at Angell Park, started on the pole. He took the lead at the green, but from the third row, Dull was already in second on lap two. They both ran smoothly along the cushion as they left the rest of the field behind. On lap seven of the 25 lap race, they encountered lapped traffic. They split the lappers once or twice with Dull finding the advantage on lap 11, only to have Mayhew get him back three laps later. There was clear sailing for a bit as Mayhew had a comfortable lead over Dull. But six circuits later lapped traffic played a role again as Mayhew had to slam on his brakes to avoid running over a lapped car also working his line on the top. Dull dove under as they came out of four and was the leader at lap 18, but then Dull got sideways in the first turn and collected a lapped car. That car lapped car stalled out, but Dull kept going. The resulting yellow put Mayhew ahead of Dull. Soon after the resumption of racing, Dull pulled off for the night and Mayhew went on to the win.

It’s been a tight point race between Hess, Waelti and Hatton all year and each one is a threat to win every week. But there were other former winners in the field also looking to add another Angell Park trophy to their collection. Things got interesting early, as before the first lap could be completed, Hess took a tumble coming out of turn four. He seemed a bit dazed as he climbed out of the car, but his mandatory visit with the EMS crew as a short one. He was done before a lap was officially finished.

On the restart DeSelle and Waelti tangled in turn two. They almost looked locked together as they came out of the corner, but separated by the time they hit the middle of the backstretch. DeSelle charged on, but Waelti slowed and brought it into the pits. In two laps of racing, the top two in points were done for the night.

The front row had been comprised of the two Jim Fiscus cars with Aaron Fiscus and Tim Noble each behind a wheel. The two battled hard in the early going, with Noble finding himself in front on lap seven. It was at this point that Hatton had worked his way to second. Three laps later Hatton started to pass Noble on the back straight and worked the Janesville native through turn three before completing the maneuver in the next corner. On lap 17 Noble found his way back around Hatton, thanks in part perhaps to lapped traffic. One lap later Hatton got him back though.

Noble now had to deal with Altig who is currently fourth in points. On lap 23 Altig bumped the berm hard in two and rocketed under Noble for the runner up spot. Noble then tried to fend off Clarke, but the Chevy’s earlier problems were resolved and Noble was relegated to fourth as Hatton finished up unchallenged.

Hess still leads the way in Badger points. Hatton’s win took him past Waelti for the second spot and Altig is a seemingly distant fourth.

Sunday, August 17 is Corn Fest Weekend at Angell Park. On track it will be the Governor’s Cup 50. Fans are encouraged to get here early and enjoy the carnival, craft show, petting zoo and more. This is the major fund raiser for the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce and the many local charities that staff concession and game booths. Please help support our community. Check out www.sunprairiechamber.com for details.

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Sunday August 3rd, 2008

Racers Memorial 30

Presented by Pizza Hut and Pepsi

Mike Hess Wins!

Betty Berg Passes Away

On August 2nd, Angell Park Speedway lost its matriarch with the passing of Betty Berg. Surely her family has to be thought of as "The First Family of Sun Prairie Racing." Or as son Bill Berg noted, "It’s hard to think of someone who’s given more to racing around here." Indeed, as she lost both her brother, Elver Lund and husband Al Fredenberg to midget racing, it would have been within her rights to despise the sport. Instead, as Father Dale Grubba noted during Sunday night’s invocation, after the passing of Al she came right back to Angell Park as that’s where her extended family, the racing people, were.

Her devotion to the sport later brought her together with Dick Berg, a Badger official. Then her sons started to race. Bill was the youngest, following Al, Dan and Ron Fredenberg into the ring. Of his mom’s feeling for the boys racing he noted, "She never said a bad thing about us racing. She never talked about it much, but she said, ‘I’ll never stop you guys from running.’" He noted that the more he or his brothers raced, the less she would go to the track. But she knew what was going on. Berg noted that even at home, "She knew what race was going and she could count the laps (as she listened from her Jones St. address on Sunday nights). She knew if there was a yellow or a red. She’d wait for the ambulance sirens or a phone call."

Her racing sons could all be seen moving through the stands at the speedway on Sunday, none ever getting too far before being approached by someone offering condolences. "The community out there (at Angell Park) is second to none. I talked to more people last night than I have all year," said Berg. "We (the kids) were all there in the stands." He couldn’t recall the last time that happened. He also noted in a touch of irony that this weekend would have been the traditional Fredenberg Memorial weekend.

The Angell Park Speedway family extends its condolences to the family and friends of the First Lady of Sun Prairie racing.

The Badger midgets and Illini sportsman midgets each raced a program on Sunday at Angell Park, with several drivers attempting to run both shows. This makes things interesting, as there is not always a lot of time to regroup when one race gets over and the driver has to switch things up to be legal for the other class.

Six cars ducked under the 15 second mark in qualifying for Badger, with Adam Clarke being the fastest at 14.644. The IRS qualified for the first time at the track and Kurt Mayhew set their track record with a time of 17.124. To compare, all but two of the Badger cars were 15.5 or faster. Mayhew’s time in his Badger car was 15.226.

The first heat for Badger saw Mike Hess and Tim Noble trade slidejobs several times on lap four, but Hess came out on top in the end. Hess, the Badger point leader told the crowd that he is not concentrating on the points but, "You win races and the points will take care of themselves."

Aaron Fiscus lead early in heat two, but Bubba Altig’s Mecum car was too strong as Altig got by the Sun Prairie racer and won by a straightaway.

Davey Ray took the lead in the John Jones machine in the last heat by passing early leader David Budres, as Budres got into the marbles in turn four. Adam Clark was charging hard from his last place starting spot and by lap four he drew next to Ray. They stayed wheel to wheel for the next two laps before Clarke found an advantage and took the win.

Some were high, some ran low and Kurt Mayhew went wherever he needed to at the start of the first IRS heat. As Mayhew cruised past everyone from his third row start, they went three wide behind him in a battle for third on lap three. Joe Knippel, the current IRS point leader, came out ahead in that fight. He caught a break three laps later when a yellow bunched the field. But Mayhew was too strong and he lead a parade around the cushion to take the win.

Scott Koerner walked away from the field in the last IRS heat as his most likely adversary, Eddie Sauer was close early, but got caught up in a racing incident and was relegated to start in the rear after a yellow. Koerner, who is also a stock car regular, won easliy.

It was a reunion of sorts in the Badger Semi, as Brandon Waelti was competing against his old engine, now employed by Jim Fuerst and his former chassis being steered by Jon LeJeune. From the pole Waelti won over David Gough and Budres.

The 20 lap feature for the IRS started with Jason Dull on the outside pole and Mayhew right behind him. Mayhew won the last time the IRS ran at Angell Park and Dull is always strong with the group. Both are also Badger regulars. Dull took the lead early, but Mayhew was right behind him. On lap one Mayhew took a peek under Dull, but Dull cut the route off in turn one. Mayhew then passed Dull on the next lap only to have Dull get him back. The two worked closely together for several laps when Mayhew finally got by Dull at the line on lap ten. Dull stayed on the gas and banged the cushion hard in turn one, trying to regain the lead, but to no avail. Before that lap was complete, Dull was noticeably slower and Mayhew distanced himself.

Mayhew was able to glide along the cushion while encountering respectful lapped cars and went unchallenged to make it a clean sweep. Knippel was second and Alen Gillis was third. Both have run with Badger in the past. Dull came across in fourth, barely under power.

The Badger drivers were advised that the IRS feature would serve as their ten minute warning. The problem with this is there is no break for the IRS crossovers. Mayhew did an abbreviated Victory Lane interview, but had the luxury of two cars, so he had to just strap into a different machine. Dull could sit in his car, already strapped in, but his crew had to change injector pills and tires to make the car Badger-ready. Both made the bell, with some courtesy from Badger.

Gough and Ray put on a show at the drop of the green for the Badger feature, as the stayed wheel to wheel for two laps. Ray then got the advantage and he enjoyed the lead for a third of the race. Waelti, who started fifth, patiently picked off cars before reaching Ray and taking him low at the line.

At the half way mark, a yellow came out and on the restart it was Waelti, Hess, Ray and Altig making up the front of the field. Waelti got a four length jump at the green and extended his lead to about seven midgets long by lap 22. The leaders encountered lapped traffic with about four laps to go, helping Hess reel in Waelti. On the white flag, at the line, Hess powered past Waelti, but the pass wouldn’t stick as Hess jumped the turn one cushion allowing Waelti by. It looked like Waelti might get his first Angell Park win of the year, but Hess didn’t give up as they rounded three. Waelti took a lower line through four, as Hess took his highest route of the night. They got straight, gassed it to the line and in the end Hess inched Waelti for the win. It was the second victory in a row at Angell Park for Hess.

Next week both clubs will again be in action at Angell Park for the Summer Sizzle 30 by Sign-1-1 and Quaker Steak and Lube.

The Badger Kart Club will also have a display of the various karts that compete at their Dousman road circuit. Owners, crew members and drivers will be on hand to answer questions.

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Merillat Cabinets and The Sun Prairie Tourism Commission

present the mid season 50 lap event.

Scott Hatton Wins!

On the strength of a doubleheader weekend for the Badger Midgets, fans at Angell Park Speedway enjoyed a solid field of over 30 cars for the Merrillat Cabinets Mid-Season 50 on Sunday.

Nick Lundgreen set the pace in qualifying with a time of 15.159. This marked the first time in 2008 that someone couldn’t crack the 14 second mark. But, it came as no surprise to onlookers, as the track was very heavy and a bit rough. During hot laps, Father Dale Grubba, the famed "Racing Reverend," asked former Badger pilot turned official, Ron Fredenberg, if he’d like to be back in the cockpit on a night like tonight. With a huge grin Fredenberg replied, "No, I don’t like racing in corn fields." For some portions of the track, this was not a totally unfair analogy. Cars often get their front wheels up at Angell Park, but on this night they were bouncing enough to get both rears up too.

Before the racing could get started, two feature contenders were scratched for the night as Bubba Altig and Davey Ray each had car problems that kept them from taking the green in heat action.

The first heat saw the Australian, Matt Smith, take the early lead. On the third circuit he caught a rut in turn one which jolted him above the cushion. The teen stayed on the gas, as NASCAR racer Bobby East tried to take advantage underneath. The two went side by side for a bit, but Smith snuck ahead. East got next to Smith several more times, but Smith settled into the low groove and held off East.

Heat two started with Randy Polewczynski’s car on the point and Michigan native, Steve Irwin behind the wheel for a return engagement. Irwin, normally a sprint car shoe, lead the field for half of the race. But from the back of the pack, Brad Loyet and Scott Hatton were coming. Loyet, the first to really try Irwin, had a setback thanks to a rut. This gave Hatton, who was cutting his own groove on the high side of the track, the runner up spot. On lap six, the Huston Solution car sped around Irwin and went on to the win. Asked about the track conditions, Hatton noted in a matter of fact tone, "The track changes every week," and he shied away from making the famed clay a two headed monster.

In the third heat Chad DeSelle lead the way for half of the race, while AJ Fike followed in Hatton’s tire tracks. At the mid-point, Fike got around DeSelle, only to have DeSelle fight back briefly. But the high groove had some bite and Fike used it to his advantage and held off DeSelle.

Joe Wipperfurth lead wire to wire in the last heat, from the second starting spot. He won in convincing fashion, by half a straightaway.

In that race, Justin Allgaier came closer than a car had all night to flipping. Anyone who’s leaned back on a standard kitchen chair knows the feeling. There’s that special spot between balance and breakneck. It’s the spot that makes your gut jump, just as you save yourself and put all fours back on the floor. As he bounced on the now famous turn one rut, that’s likely a little how the Illinois driver felt when his car got on two wheels, tilting as sideways as possible, without actually getting on its top. He landed on all fours and stalled out, but was able to restart.

Zach Daum took the early lead in the Semi, from the outside of the front row. Both he and second row starter, Michael Pickens had sick sounding engines in their heats, each making noises that sounded terminal at the time. At the green it was apparent that both crews diagnosed their problems and had the motors at full song again. On lap five, Allgaier’s luck ran out as he flipped as high as the billboards in turn three. He was uninjured but his day was done. On the restart, Pickens fought Daum for a lap of side by side action before Pickens got the advantage. Pickens then survived two more restarts for the win.

With visitors like East and Loyet, coupled with fifty laps on a track that sometimes made the cars look like they were on pogo sticks, fans were prepared for an interesting feature. At the green East took the lead from the pole, but within two laps Pickens was wheel to wheel with him. East was on the smoother bottom, while Pickens was on the rough, but fast top.

A lap four yellow bunched the field and saw Pickens get a good jump on the restart. His advantage was such, that many were watching battles farther back, when the Pickens machine was suddenly noticed on its side in the middle of the back straight. Even the track’s main camera was trained elsewhere. But all eyes were on his car as a small flicker quickly grew to a noticeable flame and then to a near engulfment, in a matter of twenty seconds. The New Zealand naive, proved the "Stop, Drop and Roll," is a universal technique, upon his exit from the vehicle. Track personnel were readily on the scene with an extinguisher and appeared to doused the fire quickly enough to substantially save the car. Asked later how he knew the car was on fire, Pickens dead panned, "My back was hot." Of the incident he explained that his car broke an axle and he merely had a tip over. He did not feel the track conditions contributed to the damaged part.

East inherited the lead followed by Brandon Waelti and Hatton who battled each other briefly before Hatton broke away and conquered East. By lap 15 Hatton was encountering lapped traffic but worked it well enough to keep Waelti, now in second, ten car lengths behind.

Lundgreen flipped hard in turn two at the mid-point of the race, but appeared to escape serious injury. When engines were fired again, East was unable to continue and took it to the pits. With several lapped cars between first and second place, Hatton again enjoy a big advantage over Waelti. With the curfew looming, it seemed unlikely the full 50 laps would be run, as another stoppage would require the event to be considered complete. But the drivers settled in and completed all but the last scheduled lap, as during the white flag lap, Robbie Ray flipped on the back stretch. The red was displayed and Hatton came to a stop 50 feet from the scheduled distance.

Pleased to have his first Angell Park win of the year Hatton noted of the track, "It’s been a long time since it’s been this rough." But he contended that, "I like this kind of track."

Ron Imberg, the man responsible for the track prepping, later said, while nodding toward Victory Lane, "No matter what I do, I only make one guy happy."

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Sunday July 6th, 2008

Kids Night 30

Presented by Mid-State Equipment & Sun Prairie Sand & Gravel

Mike Hess Wins!!

Kurt Mayhew Wins the IRS Feature

Like, "Supply and demand," is used to describe why our gas prices are so high; so it goes with, "Quality over quantity," and the racing at Angell Park Speedway this year. No doubt there’s an amount of allure that goes with a pit area full of cars. But, in the end it’s the product on the track that will keep the fans’ interest. So it was again last night, as the cars of Badger and the Illini Series showed what midget racing is all about.

This season the cars and drivers of the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association have put on a solid show every week, despite fewer cars in the pits than fans have been used to. Sometimes one had to be adept enough to look beyond the race for first place. A fan had to realize that the guys banging wheels further in the pack, fighting for fourth, were racing each other just as hard and skillfully as if it were the top stop they were going for. Tonight there were battles and surprises on many different levels.

The first Badger heat started with Buddy Luebke showing the way from the front row. The Stoughton driver had a tough field behind him with the likes of Scott Hatton hunting him down. He held off a challenge or two from Hatton, but on lap five, after Hatton showed him his nose, Luebke went into turn one a little too hard, trying to hold off the former champion and spun toward the inner guardrail. Luebke later sheepishly admitted the miscue was, "Driver error." On the restart, Hatton went on to an easy win.

Sun Prairie’s Brandon Waelti took the lead from the pole for the second heat. Michael Pickens in the Lein Acres car, came from the back and took the lead before the fourth circuit was complete. The New Zealand national sailed from there to an easy win.

Badger’s last heat saw Nick Lundgreen lead the field early on. By lap four Jerry Coons Jr came from seventh and was trying Lundgreen on the low side. Twice he got next to Lundgreen, but to no avail. On the next lap, just when Coons snuck by, his effort was nullified by a yellow flag. On the restart, Lundgreen was running the cushion proficiently and put some distance on the field. Coons took some seemingly impossible long runs at Lundgreen, starting passing attempts from some five car lengths away. But one of them stuck and his powerful Mopar motor shot him past the leader on lap eight and Coons went on to the win.

The Illini Racing Series is an excellent compliment to a Badger show. These cars are midgets that might look just like a Badger car, but with restricted engines and smaller tires one can by off the rack. They are billed as a sportsman midget group and their goal is to keep costs down and even their playing field. Their enthusiasm is palpable. They bring a respect and awe for running at Angell Park like a Pop Warner team would if they were allowed to play at Lambeau Field. But make no mistake, they are as brave and skilled as any midget racers in the world.

Heat one for the IRS saw a field with no less than three drivers having Badger experience. One of those was David Budres who started in the back of the eight, car lineup. With cars battling two by two for the first two laps, Budres pulled ahead as they crossed the line. But the Beloit driver promptly spun in turn one as the field bore down on him. All seven managed to avoid contact and Budres was relegated to the rear on the restart. As the green flew again, Loran Critchett put a lot of distance on the field as the second place car faltered. But by lap five Dick Kaiser, who holds the track record for a four lap race, got by him. Meanwhile, Budres made it three wide before claiming second out of turn two. On the next lap he went under Kaiser for the lead and eventual win. In his interview with Dennis Thompson, Budres said, only half jokingly, "I’d like to thank all those great IRS guys for not hitting me," referring to his early spin.

The last IRS heat had three more Badger vets in the field with Joe Knipple, Allen Gillis and Kurt Mayhew all taking the green. Knipple, who was already cutting his own high groove in hot laps took the lead from the pole and never looked back. He beat Mayhew, who started at the opposite end of the grid, by about one car length. Asked about the track conditions an excited Knipple said, "Even a bad track at Sun Prairie is better than anywhere else in the country." He went on to tell the crowd, on behalf of all the IRS drivers what, "An honor and privilege," it was to race at Angell Park.

Prior to the Badger semi-feature the track got an extra rollout by several Sun Prairie Sand and Gravel dump trucks, appearing to smooth out the track from top to bottom. The race featured Australian Matt Smith and Sun Prairie’s Joe Wipperfurth running the rim with the greatest of ease. Wipperfurth tailed Smith the entire race. Despite being within striking distance, he never got by the teenager.

It had been a rough week for Kurt Mayhew. A current Badger driver, Mayhew intended to run both shows this week. Fate had other plans. On his way back to Indiana, from Sun Prairie last weekend, he was struck from behind on the highway as he towed home. He was sick to see parts and equipment strewn across the road after he eased himself out of his van. The perpetrator was never located. Luckily he had a second midget sitting at a friend’s house in Madison and he chose to still run the IRS race.

Starting from the pole, he took the early lead and never gave it up. The other’s had their chances as there were a couple of field bunching yellows. One of those occurred when Doug Orseske lost his front right wheel on the backstretch. These things happen. But instead of coming to a stop, Orseske kept the car moving. He idled around, to the front of the grandstands, displaying his skill in driving on three wheels. He then entered the pits from about the spot the wheel removed itself from the car, effectively completing the lap with the incomplete car.

For many laps Gillis and Knipple battled for second, with Gillis finally getting the advantage. Mayhew gave up some ground, as he could be seen avoiding the cushion, after once banging it hard in turn one. But as Gillis got closer, Mayhew used the cushion again and went on to an easy win.

Mayhew, at 59 years old, is one of the oldest midget racers in the country. Further, he has raced midgets contiguously for 34 years, a record shared by few. He admitted after the race that, thanks to the highway crash, his ribs hurt a lot. When he hit the cushion he really felt it, so he backed off of it when he could afford to. The injuries, not his age, were the reason he exited his car so slowly after the win. "I have a lot of laps around here," he noted of his convincing win over the visiting group.

Coons told the crowd after his heat race win that he was running his USAC car again this weekend as there were still a few bugs to be worked out in the engine. Whichever car Coons is in, he’s sure to be a favorite. But he’d have his work cut out, as he started tenth for the Badger feature.

Wipperfurth took the early lead over Aaron Fiscus and was again smooth on the high line. Coons wasted no time in his march to the front, as by lap four he was in second, but Wipperfurth had a straightaway advantage. Behind these two was a two by two battle between six cars for third through eighth places. The eighth lap saw Coons ease under Wipperfurth despite the topside being the better grove, based on the number of cars using it.

A yellow bunched the field on lap twelve and three laps later Davey Ray was battling Coons for the lead. Ray got by Coons, only to have the move negated by another yellow. Ray stayed in line with Coons as racing resumed, but the momentum was halted by another caution flag. Ray continued to follow Coons at the green and like the fans in the stands, Ray could hear the engine getting sour in the Coons car. On lap 21, as Ray was making his move under Coons coming out of turn two, the Coons machine gave up and he tried pulling into the back pit entrance, only to clip the passing Ray. Coons stalled on the track as Ray continued on and the yellow flew again.

Ray was on the point, but one had to wonder if any damage was done due to the contact with Coons. Ray paraded the field as if all was well, but when the green flew, he slowed going into turn one. The resulting yellow allowed Mike Hess to inherit the lead. He went on to the win followed by Waelti, Hatton and Wipperfurth. Hess thanked the makers of his Callahan chassis and Hawk engine in his Jerryatric Motorsports car. Asked if he would have had anything for Coons or Ray had they continued, he simply said, "I’d like to think so."

Ray noted of his misfortune that, "Everything seemed okay. We took the green and it stopped. It was the throttle shaft, that broke, but it had nothing to do with the contact."

Next week the Badger midget will again be in action at the speedway as the Sun Prairie Tourism Commission presents the Mid-Season 50.

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Angell Park’s Fantasy Midget experts have been battling hard all year, but after a good week five, they fell off a bit for the seventh installment. Tom Lindner lead all but five fans en route to a solid finish in the fifth week of the contest. From there, however, the experts slacked off, with 35 fans behind Lindner, but ahead of the next best expert, Bryan Gapinski. Amy Schulz, an early season star, brought up the rear of the pack on a week where even Racetrack Ronnie beat her.

Rain won week six, so with several days to gather their thoughts, we hoped the experts would be ready for the Firecracker 30, in week seven. In a half full world, it was great to see that only 16 fans snuck by our top two experts. But our prize vault will be a little emptier this week, as of those fans, 11 were ahead of our best expert on the week, Gapinski. Lindner was a respectable seventeenth over all.

In the season-long point race, Lindner is in third with Gapinski just outside the top ten.

Fans that beat the experts during the week are eligible for prizes. Winners will be notified by Email.

With three different feature winners on the season and guys like Hatton, Waelti and Hess lurking each week the picks will get tougher and tougher. We expect our experts to step up to the challenge and crush the competition from now to season’s end.

Visit www.angellpark.com to play Fantasy Midgets. It’s fun and free!

Don't forget to check www.midgetmadness.com to see how you can help out Marty Boyer!

Sunday June 29th, 2008

Miller Lite Fire Cracker 30

Bubba Altig Wins!

Angell Park Speedway hosted the Miller Lite Firecracker 30 amid a hearty crowd eager for some racing action and Sun Prairie’s annual fireworks display. With a heavy, well watered track, it was a bit of a surprise to have only one car qualify under the 15 second mark, as Michael Pickens ran the fastest lap at 14.665.

Sun Prairie’s Brandon Waelti opened the racing action with a wire to wire win in the first heat. Starting fourth, he took the lead before the first lap was over and never looked back. Waelti joked that he, "needed directions to Victory Lane," as it had been so long since he had won a race. Indeed, while he’s been solid all season and is in the top five in the point chase, it was his first win of the year. Joe Wipperfurth, also from Sun Prairie, was second.

Aaron Fiscus took the early lead in the second heat, but was challenged on the second circuit by Gary (Bubba) Altig. Two laps later Altig drove by Fiscus for the lead. As Altig gained distance on the field, Fiscus had his hands full as AJ Fike tailed him from the midpoint of the race to the checkers. Altig took the checkers unchallenged. Fike dove under Fiscus at the line, but it was not enough, as the Sun Prairie driver maintained his runner up spot.

Pole sitter, Chad DeSelle of Sun Prairie, jumped into the early lead for the last heat. A caution flag on the second lap erased his advantage, though. The running order on the restart found Pickens in fourth after starting last in the eight car field. At the green, Pickens picked off Jake Slotten and Nick Lundgreen, while setting his sights on DeSelle. At about lap five, DeSelle bobbled and Pickens flew by. The New Zealand native was never challenged after that and won by a half a lap.

Scott Hatton lead every lap of the semi-feature after starting from the pole. With four laps to go he had to deal with lapped traffic, which allowed Mike Hess to get within four lengths of him, but there was never a serious challenge.

The last time the Badger midgets convened at Angell Park, Pickens had stopped the Angell Park winning streak of Jerry Coons Jr. With fast time and a heat win under his belt, Pickens was a favorite for the 30 lap feature, as Coons was absent this weekend. Fiscus lead the field into turn one at the start of the race, but front row mate Waelti took the point on lap three. Davey Ray, wheeling the Bernie and Bob Schreffler car, was in second by the fourth circuit, while a two wide battle with five cars ensued behind him for the third spot.

Ray took Waelti on the outside at the starting line on lap seven, but the lead was short-lived as Altig split the two frontrunners on the next lap. At this point Pickens had worked his way to fourth, running the top of the track unless he needed to get by another car running the high side. Altig enjoyed a lead spanning half a straightaway as he met lapped traffic on the fifteenth lap. By lap 20 Pickens had battled to the second spot, but soon got sideways coming out of turn two as he appeared to make contact with another car. He did a power slide, stopping in the middle of the back straight as the field came toward him. Several cars swerved by, but Dan Mecum caught the front of the Pickens machine, sending Mecum into a fast and hard flip. Mecum exited his car and appeared to escape any serious injury, but he was done for the night. The hit looked like it should have damaged some components around the left front wheel on the Pickens car too, putting that car on the hook. However, his crew expecting the worst, found nothing askew and later speculated that Mecum just caught their front bumper.

On the restart, with a cushion of lapped traffic between his car and the second place Waelti vehicle, Altig took off and sailed to the win. Waelti, Hatton, Hess and Ray rounded out the top five. Pickens came from the last spot to pass ten cars and finish in tenth.

The stands remained full after the races as fans stayed to enjoy the fireworks display sponsored by Evergreen State Bank.

Angell Park will host the usual Badger show this weekend and the Illini Racing Series midgets will also be in action with their own program. The Illini cars are billed as a midget sportsman group. They run chassis compatible with Badger, but have tire, engine and weight rules which attempt to level the field and keep the cost of racing down. Some drivers are expected to make adjustments between races so they can compete in both programs on the night. With the extra group, activities will start a half an hour earlier as hot laps will be at 5:30 and time trials at 6 p.m.

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Sunday June 15th, 2008

The Dash for Dads 30

Presented by Start Pontiac GMC of Sun Prairie, Budweiser & Pepsi

Micheal Pickens Wins!!

The Father’s Day race at Angell Park Speedway was held despite an early threat of rain and a still soggy infield. Cars pitted on the outside of the track due to the conditions, but the program ran smoothly, as in recent years this circumstance is less of a novelty for the teams.

Jerry Coons Jr started the night off by scoring the fastest lap in time trials, driving the car he usually runs in USAC competition.

In preliminary action, Australia’s Matt Smith took the first heat over NASCAR Truck Series driver Bobby East. The second heat was won by New Zealand’s Michael Pickens. Coons kept his unbeaten streak alive, dating back to last season, as he came from his eighth starting spot to claim the last heat. Sun Prairie’s Joe Wipperfurth had a bittersweet win in the semi, as it was his first trip to Victory Lane without his father, Jim who passed away last year.

Fan’s could see the track was ironically dry considering the period of flooding our area had suffered. Even so, it seemed there would be two grooves for racing in the feature. Smith took the early lead from the pole position as many watched what was happening far behind him. Justin Allgaier of Riverton, Illinois started in the back of the field and passed six cars prior to the first lap being completed. Coons seemed to be held up on his way to the front and at lap five he had only gained a couple of spots after starting tenth. By lap seven Mike Hess was tailing Smith and on the next circuit Hess took the lead over the teenager. A lap nine yellow flag bunched the field after Brandon Waelti and Scott Hatton tangled with each other and a lapped car. Waelti was the only one of the group to continue.

As Hess lead them down for the restart, Smith was still behind him. Coons was in fifth and Allgaier had worked his way to eighth. In the next four laps Pickens caught Hess and was battling for the lead. He got under Hess in turn two, but Hess got him back in turn three. This allowed Coons to enter the picture and he got around them both by lap 15. Lap 17 saw the field bunched again for a caution.

On the restart Coons took the green but before he arrived in turn one, his engine made a popping noise and a sick sounding drone. He stalled a bit and Pickens got by him for the lead, as Coons got back to speed. Waelti and Allgaier then put on an entertaining battle for fourth, as they traded lanes and position a couple of times, but then Allgaier’s motor let loose and he rolled to a stop, bringing out another caution.

With less than ten to go, Pickens lead the field down for the green. Coons immediately stalled and pulled high to allow those behind him to move on, his day was done. Pickens went on to the win, ending the Angell Park win streak of Coons who was unable to finish. Hess was second followed by Waelti and East. For Pickens it was his first feature win since August of last year, in what had been the last time Coon’s had been beaten at Angell Park.

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Sunday June 1st 2008

The Badger Land 30

Presented By Quaker Steak & Lube, Sign 1-1, and The Sun Prairie Tourism Commission

Jerry Coons Jr. WINS!!!

The Badger midgets shared the card with the MSA sprint cars on Sunday at Angell Park Speedway. When the bigger cousins to the midgets share a dirt track for a night of racing, there is always a concern the track will be a little rough. On this night the new clay held up well, thanks in part to the sprint car group running without their customary wings.

The midget heats started with Mike Hess going from fourth to first by turn three of the first heat. Sun Prairie’s Joe Wipperfurth gave chase but was never really a threat to the winner, Hess.

Brad Kuhn was making his homecoming tonight at Angell Park, hoping to show his new car owner, Bill Mentgen the way to victory lane. His night was cut short though. With Nick Lundgreen leading a hard charging Bubba Altig in heat two, the pair tangled on the backstretch. As Lundgreen got sideways, Altig got into him on lap six, sending both cars flipping. Kuhn, who was not far behind, at first looked to be a benefactor, but just past the leaders, he took a tumble of his own. Going higher and farther than either of the other two, his crash started just past the middle of the back straight and didn’t end until turn three. Afterward Kuhn indicated he thought he caught his right rear on one of the others’ as he passed them. None of these cars returned on the night. The race was declared complete and Buddy Luebke was the winner.

Heats three and four were won by AJ Fike and Jerry Coons Jr. respectively.

Lance Fassbender overcame a hot lap mishap to claim the first sprint car heat.

Brian Kristan licked the field by half the track in the second heat.

An early crash took four of the ten starters in the last MSA heat. But when the racing resumed, midget regular Chad DeSelle gave MSA front runner Wayne Modjeski a battle. Modjeski seemed to be enjoying his ride on the top side for several laps. But, at about lap seven DeSelle was poking his nose under Modjeski on the very bottom of the track. Modjeski slid down for the remaining laps, taking DeSelle’s line in turns one and two. It was enough to keep DeSelle in check and Modjeski nipped DeSelle at the line.

The midget semi was won by David Gough. Gough started on the pole and lead every lap.

With the only Ford motor in the MSA field, Alex Crimmings, a former Badger competitor, went from a lack luster heat race effort, to shining in the semi. Doug Wondra lead early on in the MSA semi-feature, but on lap six Crimmings took the point at the line, only to promptly smack the turn one wall. He bounced off it and continued forward, never seeming to miss a beat. Crimmings lost two positions, but caught right back up and made a pass on lap nine to seal the win.

The MSA feature was Kristan’s playground, despite his fifth lap slide job for the lead, that was called back due to a yellow flag. Shortly after the restart, Kristan got by the leader, Kurt Davis, after Davis hit the wall. Davis continued on, but filed in at about twelfth. From there no one came close to Kristan, who worked heavy lapped traffic with the greatest of ease. He won by a half of a lap.

The midget main held some promise that Coons and his Mopar motor would see his winning streak of eight Angell Park races come to an end. With a Hawk engine on the pole and a Toyota in row two, there seemed to be a chance that someone would have something for Coons. He had to work a little, as he was saddled with a starting spot of tenth. But when leader Scott Hatton’s car expired on lap six, Coons took the lead from Mike Hess with the Hawk, soon after the restart. On lap 20 Cody Brewer stalled in turn one. Hess, Davey Ray and Dave Darland in the Toyota all narrowly missed the Oklahoma driver. Another yellow three laps later gave the best hope for someone to beat Coons as the restart saw Hess put a slider on Coons coming out of turn three. Hess couldn’t hold it though and got into the loose clay on the far top, allowing Coons to go back under him. Coons went on to an easy victory.

Coons told the crowd that he understands if some fans are getting tired of him winning, but he said he really enjoys coming to Sun Prairie and is having a lot of fun. Other racing commitments will likely keep him from pursuing the Badger points race and he noted he will not be at Angell Park next week.

Pepsi presents the Flag Day 30 this Sunday at Angell Park, as the Badger Midget Series will again be in action.

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Three fans beat the Fantasy Midget Experts in week two. Dushek, dirtraceme and Lane19 finished one, two, three ahead of fourth place Tom Lindner. Lindner was the best of our experts while Bryan Gapinski is getting close to stride with a top ten finish. Amy Schulz fell a little, but was till in the top 20.

Ron Imberg improved some and beat out the children who trounced him last week.

Justin Zoch came in last among the experts.

Points were awarded for qualifying, but the feature was rained out.

Don’t forget to play this week and look at the choices carefully, as several names have been added.

While the feature event for the Miller Genuine Draft Memorial 50 was rained out, there was plenty of action leading up to it at Angell Park Speedway on Sunday. With fresh clay on the track fans have been anticipating a new one lap track record. Stoughton’s Buddy Luebke set the fast time for the field, but it was half a second slower than last week’s time and well off any track record. For Leubke, it was his first time leading the field in qualifications at the speedway.

The trophy dash saw more of the same from Jerry Coons Jr. The initial laps had Luebke in the lead, but Coons soon slid by him and sailed to an easy win.

Heat number one had Dan Mecum taking the point. By lap two Sun Prairie’s Joe Wipperfurth, showing no ill effects from last week’s tumble, took the lead, but everyone could see Coons was coming. At the mid point of the race Coons went by Wipperfurth and cruised to the win. Coons seems unstoppable at Angell Park, as he has won eight races in a row dating back to last year’s Nationals weekend.

Indy Light driver, Jake Slotten fresh off a start at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, powered Bill Ecker’s car to the front of the second heat. Sun Prairie’s Chad DeSelle got by him on lap three, but Brandon Waelti of Sun Prairie, was joining the hunt too. Waelti faded a little, while Slotten faded a lot. DeSelle had too much for the others, but NASCAR competitor AJ Fike gave Waelti a battle for second as they crossed the line wheel to wheel on lap seven. DeSelle won the race tailed by Waelti well over Fike. Asked about his car that has displayed noticeable amounts of smoke recently, DeSelle told the crowd he’d fixed the problem to a degree, but it seemed faster the more it smoked.

Pole sitter Jon LeJeune lead the initial laps of the final heat, as he did the week prior. Running his usual high groove the Iowa transplant seemed smooth over the cushion. Davey Ray, in his second week of duty in the Bernie and Bob Schreffler car, made it seem easy as he slid by LeJeune on the second lap. As Ray sped away, LeJeune had his hands full holding off Bryon Walters. The two cars seemed equal but any miscue by LeJeune was capitalized upon by Walters. The two ran nose to tail with Walters at his inside from time to time over the last six laps. In the end LeJeune won the battle for second.

The cars were pushed off for the feature but sprinkles turned into showers and showers to heavy rain. The event was deemed official, by virtue of four completed races. The points and purse were split equally among the teams.

Fans will be allowed to turn their ticket stubs in from this event, for a $3 discount at next week’s races. Sponsored by Quaker Steak and Lube, Sign-1-1 and the Sun Prairie Tourism Commission, race will feature the Badger Midgets along with the MSA Sprint Cars. The sprinters will race without wings.

Altig v. Mecum

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Sunday May 25th 2008

Miller Genuine Draft Memorial Day 50

COMPLETED SHOW DECLARED DUE TO RAIN, BUT...

The Miller Genuine Draft Memorial Day 50 race at Angell Park was declared complete, due to the running of four events. The Dash and a heat were won by Jerry Coons Jr. Coons is undefeated on the season at Angell Park. Chad DeSelle and Davey Ray also scored heat wins.

With the feature pushed off, the skies opened up and fans, teams, drivers, and officials alike were hit by the bullet they had hoped to dodge.

However, as announced by Dave Shannon at the track, fans turning in a ticket stub from the shortened MGD 50, will receive a $3 discount for next week’s Badgerland 30 (presented by Quaker Steak and Lube, Sign-1-1 and the Sun Prairie Tourism Commission). Included in this event will be the TechSquad MSA Sprint Cars on the card with the normal Badger show.

We at Angell Park appreciate the support we have received from the teams and fans thus far this year and we look forward to a great season of racing at the speedway.

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Schulz Beats the Boys:

Well, it’s not exactly how we pictured it. If the Fantasy Midget at angellpark.com contest was a perfect world our experts would have filled the top five positions for week-one of the contest. But beyond Amy Schulz’ third place effort, the rest of the group could not even crack the top twenty. Perhaps they got together and hedged their picks so they had all the bases covered, and as a team they knew one of them would be on top. Doubtful, considering the pre-race strategizing some of them were engaged in, they were going all out, for themselves.

Tom Lindner was the best of the boys, as he finished in the top 25. As for the rest, it was really a rookie outing for Bryan Gapinski and Justin Zoch who finished near the 35^th and 65^th spots respectively. We thank them for joining and applaud their effort. We have no doubt they will get better in the coming weeks.

Then we have Racetrack Ronnie who only managed to beat four other people. Ronnie, a veteran of the game, must have been up too early watering the track on Sunday morning and thought some of our throw off picks, like Darland or Allgaier, were going to show. While we don’t know everyone playing the game, we do know he was beaten by at least one 8 year old and a 12 year old. Ronnie is currently on probation according to the Fantasy Midget commissioner and we are in search of a replacement for him at this time. Interviews will be conducted at local grade schools all week.

Congratulations to codename VRR3 and Jen for beating all of our experts and a tip of the hat to the three people who tied Amy. Thanks so much to everyone who played. We will be tweaking the columns as the weeks go on, so pay attention.

To find your results just log on. You’ll see your point total and the top 25 in the point standings. If you don’t want to log in, there’s a spot to click on the right, once you get to the Fantasy Midget section of Angell Park’s site. There you can see the full rundown.

Thanks to all who played. It’s never too late to join the fun, just sign up, log in and make your picks!

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Sunday May 18th 2008

Miller Genuine Draft Light Spring Opener 30
Jerry Coons Jr. Wins

Angell Park Speedway kicked off their 2008 season with the 30 lap, Miller Genuine Draft Light Spring Opener, contested by the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association.

Arizona’s Jerry Coons Jr started the new campaign where he left off last year, as he took the checkers in the Trophy Dash. He then had to make a quick turnaround to join the first heat race. Jon LeJeune took the early in that race, but by lap two Coons, who started in the back, took the point and went on to win by a half lap.

The second heat race saw Sun Prairie’s Chad DeSelle charge from sixth to first on the initial circuit. He held the lead over Jake Slotten but the field halted for a lap three tumble by Buddy Luebke. The Luebke machine crashed in turn four and ended up laying against the inside guardrail. Luebke exited the machine on his own. When the race resumed DeSelle had his hands full as AJ Fike was on the charge. The two battled with Fike showing a nose under DeSelle at the line on lap five and then completing the pass one lap later. Fike, who has had several starts in NASCAR, told the crowd that he had recently considered getting out of racing, but at this point was pleased to be back in the cockpit.

Robbie Ray held off advances from Brandon Waelti of Sun Prairie and Bubba Altig, to claim the last heat of the night. Thanks to a caution that bunched the field, Altig and Waelti ganged up on Ray coming out of turn two on lap eight. With Waelti low and Altig high they both got a wheel next to Ray, but Ray held his ground during the battle and at the checkers was safely ahead of both. After the race he thanked his father, Mark Ray, for building the new engine under the hood. His early assessment was that it gave him much more horse power than in the past.

Bryan Walters of Beaver Dam, started on the outside of row one and got the jump on pole sitter Nick Lundgreen for the feature. But Coons was coming, and by lap two he took the lead from Walters. Lap seven saw a red flag situation due to a nasty end over end flip by Joe Wipperfurth. The car came to a rest almost at the foot of the flag stand and was heavily damaged. Wipperfurth exited in fairly short order but was limping noticeably. He later said his calf whacked the down tube in the cockpit but he thought he’d be alright. Contact with another vehicle was the cause of the flip according to the Sun Prairie driver.

When action resumed, Coons checked out and the only hope for anyone to catch him was the dreaded curse of lap 26 or beyond that had befallen so many leaders last year. But Coons would have no such bad luck and he cruised to victory. Behind him were some great battles as Waelti and Hess went side by side for third, while three lengths behind them, Davey Ray and Aaron Fiscus were doing the same thing for the fifth spot. Once that was sorted out, DeSelle got worked over by Hess and Waelti for second. In the end it was Hess in the runner up spot, then DeSelle and Waelti. Sun Prairie’s Aaron Fiscus, who started fourteenth, rounded out the top five.

To the thump of winter gloves clapping together, more reminiscent of a December Packer game, Coons declared to emcee Dennis Thompson and the crowd, "This is a blast."

Next week Angell Park hosts the Badger midgets again, with the Miller Genuine Draft 50.

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Signup for the 2008 fantasy midget league has begun. Visit our Fantasy Midget page to signup and submit your picks for the spring opener at Angell Park.

ALLGAIER LEADS THE WAY IN ARCA

Justin Allgaier of Riverton, Illinois beat a stout ARCA stock car field on Sunday, April 13 on the half mile paved oval of Salem Speedway in Indiana. This marks the second time he’s conquered the high banks, as he took the checkers there last year too. Allgaier beat midget ace and NASCAR vet Ken Schrader to the line.   After an impressive runner up finish at Daytona during Speedweeks, where he went from 30th to finish second, Allgaier is now the ARCA point leader.  Check www.arcaracing.com for full details

At this year’s Chili Bowl, Allgaier told us he would be chasing the ARCA title, but his schedule would allow for several Angell Park bouts. He was excited to note he would be back in Ebby Bergfield’s midget for those races. Check Allgaier’s website for schedule updates at www.justinallgaier.com.

Two other Angell Park veterans raced on this day with Ricky Stenhouse finishing sixth in a Roush-Fenway car and Tom Hessert finishing 15th.

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