Friday, July 6th the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association (IRA) make their return to the half-mile Dodge County Fairgrounds for the Harry Neitzel Tribute. While many half-mile race tracks struggle to produce exciting racing, the Dodge County Fairgrounds never disappoints, often treating fans to exciting battles and numerous lead changes.

The best Sprint Car and Dirt Late Model teams in the region will be on hand. The fastest cars in Wisconsin, racing on Wisconsin’s fastest track. Come to Feel The Thunder!

With 6 races in this season, Scotty Thiel leads the points but has never won on the Dodge County half-mile. He’s carrying plenty of momentum into July, with 2 IRA wins on the year and an exciting victory over Tony Stewart in MOWA competition, also a win at last years Langlade County Fair in Antigo Wisconsin making him the most recent winner on a half mile track in IRA competition.

While Bill Balog also has 2 wins on the year and is always a threat to win, he might not be Thiels biggest challenger come July 6th. The driver to beat might be hometown favorite, Scotty Neitzel. Neitzel who has proven numerous times that he can win on the big track, will also undoubtedly want to win as the Harry Neitzel Tribute is in honor of his father.

IRA Outlaw, MSA 360 Sprint Cars & Dirt Kings Late Model Series

Jake Blackhurst, Steve Meyer, Mike Reinke and Jeremy Schultz are among the other drivers to keep an eye on. Meyer has 2 410 sprint car victories on the season and has won at Dodge County before, as has Jeremy Schultz and Mike Reinke, but the pair is still looking for their first wins of 2018. Blackhurst has been strong all season, and it has kept him 2nd in points, but he is still searching for his first career IRA win, and Dodge County on July 6th could just be that night.

This years line up is the same as the extremely successful inaugural event last year, featuring the Bumper To Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints, Dirt Kings Late Models, and MSA Sprints. The 3 fastest dirt track divisions all together for one very special night.

Just 2 years ago fans saw Rico Abreu make one of the most impressive runs in IRA history at Dodge County. Abreu flipped in the opening laps of the 25 lap event, made repairs under the caution and was able to drive back through the field and claim the victory! Will we see another jaw-dropping performance this year?

Pit Gates open at 3 pm, Spectator Gates 5 pm, Hot Laps start at 6 pm followed by Qualifying and racing to follow at 7:30 pm.  Spectator Admission prices same as last year; Adults $25, kids 6-12 yrs $5, 5 yrs and younger FREE. Pit admission $30.

article by Gared Tennyson of the IRA Outlaw Sprint Car Series