Full Results

MARSHFIELD, Wis. (June 12, 2021) – Riley Stenjem stormed to the lead on lap nine of the 60-lap Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial Presented by IncredibleBank and A&A Lock Service and never looked back on the way to his first TUNDRA Super Late Model Series win Saturday night at Marshfield Motor Speedway.

The win comes as yet another notch in the belt of the 21 year old from Utica, Wis., who made the move to Super Late Model racing last season.  He and his team have been working hard toward their goal of being a contender, and the effort paid off in a huge way.

“We worked so hard on this thing last night and got done around 4:30 in the morning just trying to dot our ‘i’s and cross our ‘t’s, and man, it’s unbelievable,” Stenjem said.  “I came here once last year and we just got embarrassed. It’s pretty damn awesome to come back like this.”

Stenjem made quick work of getting to the front of the field from his Fifth Place starting spot.  EPYK Media Rookie and Kulwicki Driver Development member Max Kahler outpaced fellow front-row starter Kevin Knuese to grab the lead at the drop of the green and began to build a healthy advantage as Stenjem went to work. He slipped past Corey Jankowski on lap two to grab fourth then followed Jordan Thiel past Knuese one lap later.  Stenjem made his move around Thiel on lap five and began to track down Kahler.

As Stenjem closed the gap, the battle was on between Thiel and Darren Jackson for Third.  All the while some of the faster qualifiers were starting to close in on the Top Five. A caravan containing defending series Champion Casey Johnson, Justin Mondeik, Mark Eswein, and Section 715 Throwing Co. Fast Qualifier Brock Heinrich were aligned and climbing to the front.

By lap nine, Stenjem had chewed up the real estate that was left between him and Kahler. He quickly swept to the low side, grabbed the lead, and began to build his advantage.

Things began to heat up as the race clicked off green flag laps.  Thiel and Jackson were soon joined by the quartet of Johnson, Mondeik, Eswein, and Heinrich, and spots started being swapped around lap 17.  When the dust settled by lap 26 Mondeik had surged to Second with Johnson battling Thiel and Eswein in hot pursuit.

The lone caution of the race came right at the halfway point when Kahler and Jankowski tangled, sending Kahler spinning to the outside wall without making contact.  Jankowski invoked the gentleman’s agreement to give Kahler his spot back, but Kahler elected to make a stop in the pits to check over his machine.

When the barrel came down for the restart there was no hesitation by Stenjem and Mondeik to take the inside row. That left Johnson with a chance to move up to the front row – which he did – setting up a duel between the former Champ and the up-and-comer.

Whatever doubt that it was going to be Stenjem’s night was erased when he powered away on the restart and began to build his gap over the field again.  He left Johnson to contend with Mondeik again for Second, with Mondeik retaking the runner-up spot on lap 34.

“I felt like the car was good, but obviously with those guys coming from so far back, you never really know what they have until they get to you,” Stenjem said. “This thing was just unbelievable tonight.”

As Stenjem cruised out front, another competitor was picking through the field. John Beale may have been quietly hanging inside the Top Ten by the halfway point of the race, but his second-half push to the front was impressive. Beale moved into the Top Five on lap 37, then passed Johnson on lap 43, then after a spirited battle, took Third from Mark Eswein on lap 50.  He continued to gain on the leaders, who had built too big of a gap to overcome.

In the final ten laps of the race, Eswein, Johnson, and Heinrich tussled for the final spots in the Top Five.  Johnson was able to secure Fourth and Heinrich made a late move to grab Fifth.

As the frantic racing in the Top Five raged, it was smooth sailing for Stenjem through lapped traffic. He was trailed to the line by Mondeik and Beale rounding out the podium spots.

“This is unbelievable, we’re a small family team with one car,” Stenjem said. “To be able to race against these teams…this is a huge win for us.”

Mondeik and Beale were both impressed with their efforts, but also felt they had winning machines.  In all, it was strong efforts by both making their moves to the front, and excellent bounce backs after tough days in Round One at Wisconsin International Raceway.

The win for Stenjem helped him climb the charts to Second in the TUNDRA standings, just 24 points back of Johnson as the series next stop is at the track where both cut their teeth – Jefferson Speedway.  The duo sit just ahead of Grant Thompson – who charged from 15^th to Eighth in his first visit to Marshfield – Heinrich, and Thiel, who round out the Top Five.  Beale and Mondeik are close behind, as well.

TUNDRA heads to Wisconsin’s Action Track, Jefferson Speedway, on Saturday, July 17. Racing is scheduled to begin at 7 pm.  More information on the race date will be available soon through TUNDRA’s web site and social media outlets.

Jefferson Speedway is located on US Hwy 18 between Jefferson and Cambridge, Wis. For more information visit http://www.jeffersonspeedway.com

PORTAGE, Wis. (June 10, 2021) – Wisconsin race fans are a wise breed. They seem to know talent the moment they see it.  And they appreciate seeing young racers who are on the rise.

So after Alabama youngster Grant Thompson held in with some of the best racers in the country during his TUNDRA Super Late Model Series debut at Wisconsin International Raceway, he was showered with cheers from the crowd. He’s hoping to give more Wisconsin fans something to cheer about this Saturday in the Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial Presented by IncredibleBank and A&A Lock Service at Marshfield Motor Speedway.

“It took a couple of days to set in for sure. It’s so cool to have Speed51 streaming the races live. We have enjoyed watching the race replay and all the other highlight videos over and over,” Thompson said.

“The 2nd place finish is a huge confidence builder going into the remaining TUNDRA season,” he continued. “One of the things I’m super proud of is how hard me, Dalton Zehr and Dennis Prunty raced each other, and we raced clean.”

It wasn’t just the fans who noticed Thompson. His competitors were impressed with him, as well. Having accomplished his goal of keeping clean and racing hard, Thompson earned respect from the veteran racers and former series Champs.

“It was really cool to have Dalton waiting to congratulate me with a handshake and shaking hands with Dennis Prunty after the race was crazy. That’s a big deal to me because I have watched these guys win races all over the country,” Thompson said.

“I am real proud of my first SLM race but the real credit goes to Casey Johnson, Travis Dassow for preparing such a good car and my spotter Kody Hubred,” Thompson said. “Kody did a great job of giving me really good race information. The whole team is a great fit.”

With plenty of confidence from his debut, Thompson and his team have shifted their focus to Round Two at Marshfield.  At another track that will be new to him, Thompson decided to do a little research ahead of time.

“I Googled some highlight videos and some in car video of past races,” Thompson said. “I will make my first laps there on race day.  We will meet Friday evening to walk the track together and talk about our race plan.”

Thompson is hoping they can be just as good as they were at WIR, but is keeping things in perspective.  Again, he says his main goal is to earn the trust and respect of the TUNDRA competitors.

“If everything goes well in practice and in qualifying, we will get busy. If I struggle or the team doesn’t feel comfortable, I will take up tail end and get some experience,” he said. “We will approach Marshfield just like we did at WIR with the goal of being in the top 1/3 in practice, qualifying and in the race.”

In all Thompson has a quiet confidence that WIR was no fluke, and that there can be similar results this weekend.

“Casey, Travis, Kody and Mr Johnson have a really good group of people involved in this program,” he said. “WIR was incredible but starting from the pole helped. The team works together really well.”

Surely the competitors and fans in attendance at TUNDRA Round Two this weekend will be keeping eyes on Thompson and ready to see what the talented youngster and his team have up their sleeve for his first visit to Marshfield.

The Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial is presented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service. TUNDRA will be joined by the Upper Midwest Vintage Racing Series and the Midwest Dash Series.  Qualifying is scheduled for 5:45 pm with racing at 7 pm.

Marshfield Motor Speedway is located at 10853 County Rd H just outside of Marshfield, Wis.  For more information visit http://www.marshfieldspeedway.com

PORTAGE, Wis. (June 9, 2021) – There will be no shortage of Championship pedigree in this Saturday’s TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial Presented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service at Marshfield Motor Speedway.

The entry list for TUNDRA’s annual stop to the half-mile is littered with drivers who have secured titles – providing the ingredients for a contentious battle to visit Victory Lane.

Leading the way is four-time and defending TUNDRA Champ Casey Johnson who secured the Section 715 Throwing Co. fast qualifier award and feature win in Round One at Wisconsin International Raceway.  Johnson will be looking to reverse his luck at Marhsfield, having been snake bitten at the facility in the past.  Two seasons ago he led the Bev Memorial, but was sidelined mid-race with a mechanical issue.

Another driver who will be looking to overcome some bad luck at Marshfield is Justin Mondeik, who scored titles at State Park Speedway and Golden Sands in 2020. Mondeik stormed to the front of the field in last year’s race and was a sure contender for the win until mechanical issues sidelined him.  He will be looking for redemption come Saturday.

Hot on their heels will be last year’s Marshfield and CWRA Champion John Beale.  Beale and his team seem to have the secret formula for success at Marshfield.  Beale swept feature wins at Marshfield last season and captured the first checkered flag there in 2021.  He will be looking to replicate the success of his teammate Dalton Zehr who won the race last year.

Prior to Beale’s track Championship, Darren Jackson sat on the throne at Marshfield.  He has had plenty of success thus far with a straight run of Second Place finishes and the point lead in Saturday night standings.

Jackson holds a slim lead over many-time former Golden Sands Speedway Champion Mark Eswein who already has a feature win at Marshfield this season.  Eswein always proves to be tough when TUNDRA comes to town, scoring visits to the Fast Dash and Top Fives in the feature.

A couple of drivers who scored Championships at WIR could prove to be tough, as well.  Former Red, White and Blue State Champions Jesse Oudenhoven and Bobby Kendall will also be in the mix this Saturday.  Kendall is also the defending Thursday Night Fox River Racing Club Champion at WIR.  Both drivers know half-mile racing well, but are prepared for a very different type of half-mile experience that Marshfied provides.

Other former Champions in the field include EPYK Media Rookie and 2020 Big 8 Champion Max Kahler, former Golden Sands Champion Frank Nitzke, multiple time Dells Raceway Park Champion Corey Jankowski, former Slinger Champ Jeremy Lepak, and last year’s Dells 602 Late Model Champion Brady Bill.

The field includes plenty of drivers hungry for titles as well.  Jordan Thiel has been close in the past, scoring four Top Five finishes in the past five TUNDRA series point battles.  Brock Heinrich is ready to contend after capturing EPYK Media Rookie of the Year Honors a season ago.

Fans will also want to keep an eye on Alabama rookie Grant Thompson who opened plenty of eyes with his Second Place finish to Johnson in Round One at WIR.

TUNDRA will be joined by the Midwest Dash Series and Upper Midwest Vintage Racing Series.  Qualfying is at 5:45 and racing begins at 7 pm.

Marshfield Motor Speedway is located at 10853 County Rd H just outside of Marshfield, Wis.  For more information visit http://www.marshfieldspeedway.com

The Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial
Presented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service
Marshfield Motor Speedway
Saturday, June 12, 2021
Expected Entries (28) as of 6/9/21

# – Driver, Hometown
1 – Jesse Oudenhoven, Kaukana, Wis.
1W – Wyatt Blashe, Pella, Wis.
2 – Jordan Thiel, Darboy, Wis.
2 – Darren Jackson, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
5 – Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis.
5B – John Beale, Verona, Wis.
5 – Jeff Holmgren, East Troy, Wis.
11 – Bobby Kendall, Montello, Wis.
16 – Luke Westenberg, Jefferson, Wis.
17 – Max Kahler, Caledonia, Ill.
18 – Frank Nitzke, Berlin, Wis.
31 – Corey Jankowski, Tomah, Wis.
31 – Jason Wells, Kingsford, Mich.
33 – Kevin Kneuse, Waukesha, Wis.
38 – Jordan DeVoy, Lake Geneva, Wis.
40 – Jeremy Lepak, Wausau, Wis.
40 – Curt Tillman, Rockford, Ill.
42 – Brian Hakala, Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
44 – Justin Mondeik, Gleason, Wis.
52 – Brock Heinrich, Wausau, Wis.
54 – Grant Thompson, Mobile, Ala.
64 – Mike Olson, Wausau, Wis.
70 – Brady Bill, Reedsburg, Wis.
71 – Mark Eswein, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
77 – Riley Stenjem, Utica, Wis.
89 – Mike Egan, Slinger, Wis.
99 – Jake Zellmer, Muskego, Wis.
107.5 – Darek Gress, Neillsville, Wis.

PORTAGE, Wis. (June 8, 2021) – Central Wisconsin race fans are becoming very familiar with John Beale. After capturing a big pay day in Golden Sands’ Trickle Memorial 99 on Memorial Day, the racer out of Verona is looking to collect another banner event this Saturday with the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series – the Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial Presented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service at Marshfield Motor Speedway

The location of the event just so happens to be the place where Beale captured his first track Championship a season ago.  It’s also a place where he scored his first feature win of 2021.  The wide, sweeping turns and racy nature of the half-mile just seem to suit him.  In fact, Beale has had an affinity for Marshfield for over half a decade.

“It all started back in 2014 when I was racing the Midwest Truck Series. They were headed to Marshfield Motor Speedway and I had never seen the place before. I decided to head up there the week before with some crew guys to “watch” the races and try to learn something about the track,” Beale recalled. “I threw my race gear in the back seat because I had a plan. We showed up after qualifying and I went up and down pit road asking guys to let me race their car that night. I received a bunch of solid no’s except for one guy. I jumped in and won the heat race and was leading the feature until I ran out of talent, but it taught me a lot about the track.”

It was an interesting debut to say the least for Beale, who was hooked on the facility. The following week he sought some advice from track promoter Wayne Brevik. In a moment of irony – or perhaps foreshadowing – Brevik directed him the way of Dalton Zehr.  Zehr gave Beale a tour of the racing groove prior to the event.  Much like the present, the partnership paid dividends. It continues to do so.

“I went on to set fast time and win the feature in the Midwest Truck Series during the Fall Shootout,” Beale recalled. “Fast forward to 2019 when Dalton Zehr became my Crew Chief and we headed back to Marshfield Motor Speedway and swept all the Super Late Model race wins and the All Star Triple Crown Challenge Championship.”

What’s more, driving for Gildan Racing, Dalton Zehr took a win in the TUNDRA race at Marshfield last season.  The magic of the partnership lasted all season as Beale went on to win the track Championship.

Even though the success was measurable, Beale and his team worked furiously throughout last year to set themselves up for an even more successful 2021.

“We learned a lot last year and our goal this past off season was to focus on durability and speed,” Beale said. “All off season the entire team tore our cars apart and rebuilt them to last. Then we did everything capable to find some speed. We’re not even close to where wewant to be but we have a long-term plan and are headed in the right direction.”

Despite believing there is still room for improvement, it’s hard to argue with the early success – especially in Central Wisconsin with wins at Marshfield and Plover.  Poised to contend this Saturday, Beale knows the stakes are high.

“I learned a long time ago that winning fixes everything. At Gildan Racing we have one goaland that is to win. Winning the Bev Memorial would be a highlight in my career. Outof all the divisions and series I race, TUNDRA is the most competitive. Large car countsand competitive drivers make it very difficult to get to victory lane.”

Although difficult, Beale feels confident, but doesn’t want to count his eggs before they hatch.

“This isn’t a stick and ball sport where you have a 50/50 chance of winning. I will have a 1 in 30 chance of winning,” Beale said. “Anything can happen from flat tires to mechanical issues. My strategy every weekend is plan for the worst and hope for the best. Roll the dice and see what happens.”

Should Beale be able to replicate the success he’ll be happy to celebrate his sponsors and team in Victory Lane with a second straight win in the Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial. Those sponsors include Gildan, First Business Bank, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, Prim + Preux, Sugar River Pizza Company of Verona, AMS Mobile Electronics, TJ Harron Photography and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin.

The Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial is presented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service. TUNDRA will be joined by the Upper Midwest Vintage Racing Series and the Midwest Dash Series.  Qualifying is scheduled for 5:45 pm with racing at 7 pm.

Marshfield Motor Speedway is located at 10853 County Rd H just outside of Marshfield, Wis.  For more information visit http://www.marshfieldspeedway.com

PORTAGE, Wis. (June 7, 2021) – Kulwicki Driver Development racer Max Kahler knows that each TUNDRA Super Late Model Series race in his rookie season is going to be a challenge. 

Saturday’s Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial Presented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service at Marshfield Motor Speedway may pose the biggest test for the teen racer out of Caledonia, Ill., as it his first visit to the Central Wisconsin half-mile.  But he and his team seem to be up to the task.

“Marshfield is another track that I have never been to, but I know it’s really slick,” Kahler said.

The big, sweeping half-mile is much different than what Kahler experienced in his first visit to Wisconsin International Raceway in TUNDRA’s Great Lakes Testing Round One.  Marshfield has wide turns, short straightaways, and rewards momentum.  Kahler knows he’ll have to start fresh.

“When I go to a track I’ve never been to I try and follow guys in practice that have ran there a lot and learn as much as I can from them,” Kahler said of his strategy.

In his first visit to Marshfield, Kahler will be looking to make up some ground in the EPYK Media Rookie battle and standings overall.  He held in at WIR during Round One and drove to an 11^th Place finish.

“I really liked WIR, it’s a really fun track,” Kahler said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t get the results we were hoping for due to brake issues, but the car was fast, and we learned a lot.”

TUNDRA Round Two is just another stop along a busy schedule for Kahler, who has competed in several events since Round One.  Every step in the process has provided a learning opportunity for Kahler and his team. 

“Being a part of the KDDP has been awesome so far,” Kahler said. “We haven’t performed as well as I had hoped – struggled with shocks going bad and brakes going bad. Hopefully all that is fixed now, and we can have some good finishes for Alan”

Kahler is hoping that this Saturday’s event at Marshfield will be a step in the right direction, and one that propels him to start bringing home the big results he knows he and his team can get.

“The TUNDRA race at Marshfield will be fun and challenging for us. As long as I get the feel for the track quickly I expect us to be pretty fast,” he said.

The Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial is presented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service. TUNDRA will be joined by the Upper Midwest Vintage Racing Series and the Midwest Dash Series.  Qualifying is scheduled for 5:45 pm with racing at 7 pm.

Marshfield Motor Speedway is located at 10853 County Rd H just outside of Marshfield, Wis.  For more information visit http://www.marshfieldspeedway.com

PORTAGE, Wis. (June 5, 2021) – When Darren Jackson decided to join the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series on a full-time basis for the 2021 season, there was a race he had circled boldly in red on the schedule – the Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial

Jackson’s anticipation is continuing to build as TUNDRA’s stop at Marshfield Motor Speedway is now less than a week away, next Saturday, June 12.

The race has huge meaning for the 2019 Marshfield Motor Speedway Champion. Not only does he get to welcome his fellow TUNDRA travelers to his home turf, but he also gets to compete in honor of one of his all-time favorite race fans.

“I can’t wait to get to Marshfield for the TUNDRA race,” Jackson said. “This is the race I’ve been looking forward to the most, not only because it is my home track, but it honors a very special lady we all miss dearly.

These sentiments have been very clear throughout TUNDRA’s involvement in the Bev Memorial.  Eugene Gregorich was victorious in the event two years ago, and let his emotions be shown in Victory Lane. Dalton Zehr and Colin Reffner both explained the importance of winning the race when they captured the victories. Clearly this is an event that those who knew Bev want to win.  Jackson hopes it could be his turn.

“The Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial is the biggest race of the year,” Jackson said. “The Aschenbrenner family means so much to the racing community and to our team. They have always made sure to come to the pits to talk with us after the races, no matter the outcome of the night. She was a very special lady, and it’s great to honor her with this event.”

What’s more for Jackson, it’s a chance to prove himself in his own stomping grounds.  Marshfield is where Jackson began his Late Model career. As shown by his 2019 Championship, it’s a place where he’s found a lot of success, as well.

“Marshfield is a special place for me,” Jackson said. “The track has multiple grooves and has a little character.  It makes it fun to race.”

Unfortunately, Jackson’s first full season with TUNDRA got off to a rocky start in Great Lakes Testing Round One at Wisconsin International Raceway on May 15. He broke a steering component while in traffic and was collected in an incident with Colin Reffner.  Jackson was able to make the repairs and has since scored a couple Second Place feature finishes at Marshfield.  He believes this will translate to success come next Saturday.

“I expect to make the show by time and have a solid run. We’ve had a very good car at MMS this season starting with back-to-back 2nd place finishes,” Jackson explained. “We have one more week to dial in the car some more before the TUNDRA show.”

The Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial is presented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service. TUNDRA will be joined by the Upper Midwest Vintage Racing Series and the Midwest Dash Series.  Qualifying is scheduled for 5:45 pm with racing at 7 pm.

Marshfield Motor Speedway is located at 10853 County Rd H just outside of Marshfield, Wis.  For more information visit http://www.marshfieldspeedway.com

KAUKAUNA, Wis. (May 15, 2021) – Casey Johnson battled two foes late in Saturday’s TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Great Lakes Testing Round One at Wisconsin International Raceway. One was familiar, the other is one he’s getting to know very well.

Johnson chased down driver and protege Grant Thompson to take the lead after the halfway point of the 60-lap feature event. He then had to fend off fellow multiple-time TUNDRA Champion Dalton Zehr on a late restart to secure the win.

After battling on and off showers throughout the afternoon, the skies cleared in time for the 60-lap main event.  Thompson, making his Super Late Model debut, and Riley Stenjem led the field to green and Thompson quickly secured the lead from the inside line. He held that spot until the midway point of the main event.

As Thompson built his advantage, Stenjem was left to deal with the duo that put on a dazzling display in TUNDRA’s last visit to WIR – Justin Mondeik and Dennis Prunty.  Mondeik was the first to get past Stenjem, setting his sights on Thompson.  However, on lap 7 a mechanical issue sidelined Mondeik and handed Second to Prunty.  He worked furiously to catch Thompson with Stenjem in tow.

While things were sorting themselves out in the top Five, Casey Johnson was on the move.  By lap 21 he had moved to Fourth and began challenging Stenjem, making the pass on lap 23.  Five laps later he powered past Prunty into Second.

Quietly, Dalton Zehr was also picking his way through the field.  Zehr missed the invert, but won his qualifying race and picked up speed throughout the day.  He battled his way into the Top Five just before the halfway point.  Unfortunately, there was some track position to make up, but Zehr kept clicking off quick laps.

Johnson tailed Thompson for the better part of five laps after catching him.  Thompson held strong, forcing Johnson to bide his time.  He would make his move on lap 35, sliding to the inside of Thompson as the duo hit lapped traffic.  The traffic cleared just in time for Johnson to secure the top spot coming back to lap 36.

As Johnson solidified his spot up front, Zehr continued to chop his way through the Top Five. He moved past Stenjem on lap 43 and Prunty just a few laps later.  Zehr quickly closed the gap on Thompson and swiped the spot with a dozen laps remaining.

It looked as though Zehr was closing the gap, but not quickly enough. He got his chance when a caution flew for an incident involving Darren Jackson and Colin Reffner.

After a botched restart, Johnson and Zehr were left to do battle.  Johnson was able to power away from Zehr using the high line as Zehr was left to deal with Thompson.  Several laps later the field settled again after an incident involving Brock Heinrich, who was experiencing mechanical issues, and Andy Monday.

On the single-file restart Johnson was able to get away cleanly, leaving Thompson to try to fight off Zehr.   A slight bobble by Zehr coming off turn four allowed Thompson to jump back into the runner-up spot with two laps remaining.  Zehr swept down low at the start finish line to try to take the spot back, but came up just short.

Behind the lead trio Dennis Prunty finished Fourth Riley Stenjem rounded out the Top Five.

In all, it was a banner day for the four-time and defending Champion Johnson. He nearly broke his own track record in qualifying, he was able to give his car owner Aaron Larson his first TUNDRA win on his birthday, his driver Thompson finished Second, and he was able to snag a huge trophy for his daughter’s seventh birthday.

Thanks to Great Lakes Testing, Darboy Corner Store, B&B Race Engines, Speed51.com, and Section 715 Throwing Co., Johnson secured a payday of $2,100 toward the $2,300 investment for the 2021 TUNDRA season – with five races and a point fund check yet to go.

The next stop for the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series is at Marshfield Motor Speedway on Saturday, June 12 for the Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial Presented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service.  Qualifying will begin at 5:45 with racing at 7 pm.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Midwest Dash Series and Upper Midwest Vintage Racing Series.

Marshfield Motor Speedway is located at 10853 County Rd H just outside of Marshfield, Wis.  For more information visit http://www.marshfieldspeedway.com

Full Results: https://tundrasuperlates.com/2021/05/16/2021-great-lakes-testing-round-one-results-wisconsin-international-raceway/

PORTAGE, Wis. (May 14, 2021) – Qualifying seemed all but settled in last year’s TUNDRA Super Late Model Series visit to Wisconsin International Raceway.  But late in the qualifying session, a dark horse in his first visit to the track surged to the top of the charts.

Riley Stenjem’s 19.199 second lap to capture the Section 715 Axing the Competition Fast Qualifier Award seemingly came from nowhere.  It left the remainder of the field and fans stunned.  WIR isn’t an easy place to get around, so for the young driver to set fast time in his first visit was something special.  The surprise wasn’t lost on Stenjem either.

“Yes, I definitely was surprised to set fast time at WIR my first time there,” Stenjem said. “We really didn’t prepare any different than I did going to any other track the first time, I just felt like being later in the year I had a few races under my belt and became a little more comfortable in car and had a better idea what I was looking for in the setup.”

For those who have followed the career of Stenjem, the fast time couldn’t have been too much of a shock. He cut his teeth at the always-tough Jefferson Speedway, the same place he made his series debut just a couple months earlier.  In that debut Stenjem rounded out the podium with a Third Place finish.

Stenjem went on to finish 14^th in TUNDRA standings, having missed the season opener at Dells Raceway Park. Had he not, he certainly could have posed a significant threat to fellow rookies Brock Heinrich and Kody Hubred in the EPYK Media Rookie of the Year battle.  However, with the pressure of point racing off, Stenjem was able to hone his skills and learn each facility for the first time in a Super Late Model.

“The main thing I learned in my first TUNDRA season was how to be as prepared as possible when we showed up to the racetrack,” Stenjem said. “Being new to about half of the tracks , we just made sure we had a decent baseline to start and a good plan of attack for the short amount of practice time we had.”

Now having a feel for the facilities, Stenjem is ready to shake the expectation of being a dark horse, and become a favorite.  If he rips off another monster lap on Saturday, no one should sit in stunned silence as they did last year.  The same goes when he inevitably starts challenging for Top Fives and wins.

“For our second season in TUNDRA I definitely have a little higher expectations than my rookie year last year,” Stenjem said. “This year I’m hoping be closer to the Top Five everywhere we go, which will hopefully put us in position for our team’s main goal which is to win a race this year with TUNDRA.”

Stenjem returns to TUNDRA Super Late Model Series action this Saturday, May 15 in Great Lakes Testing Round One at Wisconsin International Raceway.  Qualifying is scheduled for 12:30 pm and racing is slated for 2 pm.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Midwest Dash Series, WIR ¼-Mile Late Models, and Wisconsin Sport Trucks.

Wisconsin International Raceway is located past the intersection of Highways 55 and KK just outside of Kaukauna, Wis. For more information visit http://www.wirmotorsports.com

PORTAGE, Wis. (May 13, 2021) – Viewers of Speed51.com’s Bull Ring sat on pins and needles awaiting the final selection into the 2021 Kulwicki Driver Development Program. Finally, a young driver was able to slip out of his high school football team meeting to take the call and accept his spot in the KDDP.

That young driver was 2020 Big 8 Series Champion Max Kahler from Caledonia, Ill.  Already with an impressive resume in a short period of time, Kahler has earned the national attention he’ll now receive. He’ll spend part of his busy 2021 schedule as an EPYK Media Rookie with the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series.

“I’m really looking forward to getting more experience in the Super Late at different tracks and learning everything I can while racing with some of the best drivers in the Midwest,” Kahler said of his entry into TUNDRA.

Kahler cut his teeth at the always-tough Rockford Speedway before traveling with Big 8.  Despite a banner season with Big 8, Kahler made his biggest mark at his home track.  He was able to top a star-studded field to win the National Short Track Championship, becoming one of the youngest drivers ever to do so.

“The win certainly helped push him towards the eventual selection into the KDDP.  He’ll join the likes of Ty Majeski, Reagan May, and Justin Mondeik to run a full season with TUNDRA representing Kulwicki.

“It is truly an honor to represent Alan Kulwicki and the KDDP this year, Alan’s career started out in the Midwest racing at some of the same tracks I am, it’s really cool to carry on his legacy,” Kahler said.

With the jump from full-time Big 8 action to full-time Super Late Model action will come challenges. Most of those challenges come in visiting facilities for the first time.

“This year will be a big challenge for me and my team, but we’re ready and hope to be competitive every race, battling for a win,” Kahler said. “It will be my first time at WIR, Marshfield, Golden Sands, and my first time at State Park Speedway in the Super Late.”

Kahler already has one start with TUNDRA, joining the series for last year’s race at Jefferson. He had a respectable day, making the field by time while 14 others had to try race their way in.  He went on to record a Tenth Place finish.

With some momentum to build on, Kahler is ready to take on the challenge.  He’s already going to the his football-playing mindset and watching tape before Saturday’s opener.

“I know very little about WIR, but have been trying to learn as much as I can through watching videos and asking questions, I really enjoy going to new tracks so I’m sure it’ll be fun,” Kahler said.

Kahler makes his TUNDRA Super Late Model Series debut this Saturday, May 15 in Great Lakes Testing Round One at Wisconsin International Raceway.  Qualifying is scheduled for 12:30 pm and racing is slated for 2 pm.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Midwest Dash Series, WIR ¼-Mile Late Models, and Wisconsin Sport Trucks.

Wisconsin International Raceway is located past the intersection of Highways 55 and KK just outside of Kaukauna, Wis. For more information visit http://www.wirmotorsports.com