PORTAGE, Wis. (September 20, 2021) – Jake Zellmer has been very speedy in qualifying efforts over the past two seasons. However, up until the second half of this season, race results had been elusive for the driver from Muskego, Wis. He’s hoping that the upward trend he’s begun in 2021 brings some success in Sunday’s TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Round Six Dedicated to Carl Wegner this Sunday.

“We’ve definitely had our ups and downs, but with our strong runs at Jefferson and Plover, I’m looking forward to Sunday at the Dells,” Zellmer said.

Zellmer was the Section 715 Axing the Competition Fast Qualifier in the last event at Golden Sands Speedway where he set a new series track record.  He was able to back that up with a Sixth Place finish in the main event.  Couple that with a Seventh Place finish in the previous race at Jefferson, and there is a clear upward trajectory for Zellmer at the tail end of the season.

It seems each TUNDRA race event begins with Zellmer at or near the top of the charts in qualifying.  He says the hard work and focus of his team prior to race day helps them get off to strong starts.

“I would say setting the tone early on gives our small team great confidence for the rest of the night,” Zellmer said. “It’s also a weight lifted off our shoulders when we qualify into the show because we are able to focus on making the correct changes for the longer runs in the feature.”

Zellmer’s best result at Dells came last season when he raced to a Sixth Place finish. The year prior he scored his first Super Late Model fast time when TUNDRA came to town. DRP is the place where Zellmer began his career in weekly Late Models and will always be a special place for him. He also loves it’s racy nature.

“The Dells produces two lanes of racing, which you can’t find other places. And that’s what I like about it,” he said. “The Dells is home. I started racing a limited a bunch of years ago. It’s where I made my super late debut, it’s where I captured my first limited win, it’s where I set fast time in a super for the first time. The atmosphere, the people, the racing, it’s home.”

What will be different this time when TUNDRA comes to town is the race format. TUNDRA is extending the feature to 105 laps for the finale in honor of racing industry legend Carl Wegner. It changes the strategy for all involved.

 “I’d say for a longer race like this, you want to go into with the mindset of being on your toes early, keeping your nose clean, staying out of trouble, and just ride for a little bit,” he said. “You’ll have to let things sort themselves out before moving forward.”

Finding himself up front and in contention would be a major boost for Zellmer and his family-run team. It would also back up the major statements he’s been making in his qualifying efforts.

“We have shown the speed to compete up front, we just need a little luck on our side on Sunday,” Zellmer said. “Winning for this small team would mean the world. It would show everyone that we can win and be competitive, not just lay down a fast lap in qualifying.”

Despite wanting to score his first TUNDRA Top Five, podium, or perhaps win, Zellmer is remaining focused on putting himself in good position.  He said he’s ready for whatever might come his way.

“Honestly, I don’t have any expectations for Sunday. The team and I will roll in and focus on making the car right and the speed will come,” Zellmer said. “We are always pretty good at the Dells; we just need to capitalize and be there at the end.”

Round Six Dedicated to Carl Wegner takes place next Sunday, September 26 at Dells Raceway Park. Qualifying is scheduled for 12:30 with racing at 2 pm.  TUNDRA will be joined by the DRP Sportsman and American Super Cup Series.

Dells Raceway Park is located at N1070 Smith Road just north of downtown Wisconsin Dells.  For more information visit http://www.dellsracewaypark.com