While most racing groups are winding their seasons down, the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association is starting their toughest stretch of the year, with 15 races between mid-August and the beginning of October. One of the most looked forward to of those races is the Rick Schmidt Memorial at the Dodge County Fairgrounds on August 24th.
The favorite going into the night has to be Hanna City Illinois Jake Blackhurst. The 22-year-old pulled into Dodge County on July 6th for the Harry Neitzel Tribute with very little half-mile track experience, and no wins with the IRA, he ended that night in victory lane. Since then Blackhurst has also scored wins twice at Wilmot Raceway and once at the big half-mile Langlade County Fairgrounds in Antigo Wisconsin. Blackhurst also took over the series points lead from Scotty Thiel this past Saturday night, before Thiel took it back on Sunday.
Scotty Thiel has been Blackhurst toughest competition nightly, but since July the Scott Thiel Motorsports team has been plagued by mechanical problems. If Thiel can keep the Professional Plating 64 car running all night he will surely be a challenge to Blackhurst and is coming into Friday night with momentum on his side as he won Sunday at Angell Park.
Other drivers to keep your eye on include a pair of hometown favorite in Scotty Neitzel and Jeremy Schultz. The pair have not had the season they were hoping for as neither of them have found victory lane in 2018. They both have been able to win at the Dodge County fairgrounds though and will surely be looking to break into victory lane in front of the hometown crowd.
Bill Balog has not had quite the year he hoped for either, struggling at times, but has found victory lane a couple of times this season and can never be counted out. The Rhine Auto 17b is a threat to win every night they pull into the pits and this coming Friday will be no different.
Also look for a good showing from Steve Meyer behind the wheel of the Meyer Electric 85m, Meyer comes into Dodge County with 2 wins on the season and as a former winner at the fairgrounds he could be a contender as well.
The earth-shaking, ground pounding, 900 horsepower THUNDER of the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints storm into the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway Friday Night, August 24th for the annual Rick Schmidt Memorial. Wisconsin’s fastest cars on Wisconsin’s fastest track, the IRA Outlaws at Dodge County!
Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 winged sprints and local Modifieds join the field to create an outstanding triple header of dirt track racing action. Pit Gates open at 3, Spectator Gates 5, warm-ups 6 pm with hot laps to follow, opening ceremony 7:30 pm. Spectator Admission; Adults $20, kids 6-12 yrs $5, 5 yrs and younger FREE. Pit admission $30.
by Gared Tennyson of the IRA Sprint Car Series
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