WAUSAU, Wis. (August 2, 2015) – Sometimes TUNDRA Super Late Model Series victories come with a few battle scars. Dalton Zehr’s machine showed some wounds after Saturday night’s 75-lap feature at State Park Speedway, but he was able to capitalize, grabbing his first win of the season in Round Five Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes.

The win was Zehr’s ninth of his TUNDRA career and came in Zehr’s second-ever appearance at State Park Speedway.  Last week he finished second to NASCAR driver Johnny Sauter in the Larry Detjens Memorial.  This week the defending TUNDRA Champion was not to be outdone.

“Last week was a huge learning experience,” Zehr said.  “We didn’t make any changes to the car today.  That was big for me to have the experience of last week.”

Two wild mid-race incidents left their mark on both the event itself and the cars involved.  Those incidents just so happened to take place in heated battles for the lead on lap 28.

After Ryan Farrell cut a tire and spun on lap 28, the field was bunched up and put into side-by-side formation for the restart.  Mike Lichtfeld, who had grabbed the lead from Jeremy Lepak on lap five, was to go toe-to-toe with Zehr.

Fresh out of a spirited tussle with Dean’s Satellite and Security Rookie of the Year contender Cole Anderson, Zehr chose to restart on the outside of Lichtfeld.  As they raced out of the second turn, Zehr surged ahead.  When entering turn three both racers went for the same plot of real estate and came together, sending Zehr spinning and the remainder of the field scrambling to avoid contact.

Under caution, Lichtfeld pulled to the front stretch and tapped on his hood, invoking the gentleman’s agreement.  By Lichtfeld accepting responsibility for the caution, Zehr and all others involved in the incident were awarded their spots back.  Lichtfeld sustained some heavy damage to his front suspension and radiator, and was forced to retire.

“Tons of respect to Lichtfeld there for tapping and giving me my spot back.  I don’t think we would have been here without that,” Zehr said.

Under yellow, Zehr’s teammate Reagan May, who had moved from 13^th to fourth, experienced a fire under the hood of her machine.  May quickly exited her racer unharmed and the SPS safety crew members extinguished the flames.  A red flag was required for the cleanup before the race was to continue.

Although he avoided a near-calamity with Lichtfeld, the threat to Zehr’s chances of victory were far from over.  The following restart, still on lap 28, brought TUNDRA point leader Ty Majeski and Performance Diesel Fast Qualifier Dan Lensing.

At the drop of the green Zehr was able to use the inside line to try to hold onto the top spot.  As they entered turn three, again contact was made.  However, this time, both drivers were able to carry on and maintain their positions under green.

“Ty was capitalizing on a situation.  I got a little crossed up going into three,” Zehr said.  “I might have overcooked it a little on my own and there might have been some contact.  Plus, Dan was there.  It was a crazy couple of laps where I thought, ‘oh boy, this race could really boil over.’”

Majeski was caught in the sticky spot of trying to pass for the lead and hold off Lensing.  “It was just good tight racing.  I was trying to clear Danny and (Zehr) checked up just a little bit more than I anticipated,” Majeski said.

As both cars skated to the high line, Lensing stayed low.  He pulled even with Zehr, but was unable to complete the pass for the lead. “That looked like free candy right there.  I was hoping they would tangle and I would run off,” Lensing said.

Lensing continued to pressure Zehr on the inside line until another yellow fell on lap 33 when Wyatt Brooks went up into the outside retaining wall in turn three.  The caution saw Lensing choose to stay behind Zehr on the inside while Majeski returned to the top, and the front row.

It was a short-lived battle after the restart as Majeski desperately tried to find grip on the high side.  However, it wasn’t meant to be as he filed back into second in hopes to keep pace with Zehr.  The restart was as close as Majeski would get, as Zehr pulled away to victory.  “It’s so tough to make the outside work here especially with his car as good as it was.  I just didn’t have the forward drive off the corner,” Majeski said.

Behind Zehr, Majeski held a comfortable advantage over Lensing, who went on to finish third.  Brandon Selle saw a late race resurgence pay off with a fourth-place finish.  Anderson rounded out the top five.

With the win, and a slightly better qualifying effort Zehr was able to carve away ten points from Majeski’s advantage.  The point lead now sits at just nine markers with two races remaining in the 2015 season.

“We needed this more now than ever,” Zehr said.  “Ty was running away with the points show and he finished second tonight so we didn’t gain a lot on him but we still gained.  We couldn’t afford to lose more.”

The next event for the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes is scheduled for Labor Day Monday, September 7.  Racing action is scheduled for a 2 P.M. start time.  More information will be available soon through TUNDRA’s web site and social media pages.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Midwest Truck Series, Upper Midwest Vintage and another class to be announced.

Golden Sands Speedway is located on Highway 54 between Plover and Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.  For more information visit www.gssraces.com

The Unified Northern Drivers Racing Association (TUNDRA) Super Late Model Series was formed in 2011 as the Alive For Five Super Late Model Series at Dells Raceway Park. TUNDRA’s business plan is based on a sustainable program for promoters and race teams alike, while still providing high-quality Super Late Model entertainment to fans.

For more information on TUNDRA including news, results and the point standings, archived results and standings, and more visit http://www.tundrasuperlates.com. Also, interact with us on Facebook (facebook.com/TundraSuperLateModels) or Twitter (@TUNDRAslms).

By Zach Onan

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (July 18, 2015) – “He made one mistake, he went high in turns one and two and I got underneath him and I was just trying to be smooth and stay calm and I was able to make the pass” said Ty Majeski on his battle for the lead with Dalton Zehr.

At the site of his first Late Model victory, Ty Majeski did it again Saturday night, earning a second straight TUNDRA Super Late Model Series victory at Dells Raceway Park, the birthplace of TUNDRA in Round Four Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes.

Things got off to rocky start coming out of turn two on lap five.  At least nine cars were involved in some fashion.  Performance Diesel Fast Qualifier Brian Hakala was involved and left on the hook as well as Dan Lensing, Maxwell Schultz and Bobby Kendall who all sustained major damage.  All drivers were physically okay after the incident.

Following a red flag for cleanup, which also included a water break for drivers on a day where temperatures hung around ninety degrees, the green flag flew again to begin the 70 laps that remained.  The front row for the restart remained the same as the original start five laps earlier with Deans Satellite and Security Rookie of the Year contender Cole Anderson on the inside and defending TUNDRA champion Dalton Zehr to his outside.

Cole Anderson made fairly quick work of Zehr who quickly was under pressure from Majeski for second.  Meanwhile, Alex Prunty made his way into fifth past Rich Schumann Jr. and began to track down Ryan Farrell for the fourth position.

Fifteen laps into the race Majeski got to the back bumper of  Anderson and began to pressure for the lead.  Zehr got back to Majeski’s bumper and the top three ran nose to tail as they checked out from the rest of the field.  Prunty made the pass on Farrell via the inside line and began to track down the top three as Anderson, Majeski and Zehr seemed to be content riding nose to tail for the time being.

Majeski began to work Cole Anderson for the top spot at lap 35.  As the battle up front intensified with Majeski trying to find a hole on the inside, a few more cars joined the scrum at the front.  Michael Sauter, Ryan Farrell and Mike Lichtfeld made it a seven car train at the front all nose to tail.  Lichtfeld, who caught a piece of the incident on lap five and sustained some right front damage, seemed to have a very strong car making passes on the inside and outside as he battled back to the front after the early red flag.  Lichtfeld worked past Sauter for sixth position with 28 laps to go and then got by Farrell for fifth the following lap.

The top four of Anderson, Majeski, Zehr and Prunty again began to pull away.  With 25 laps remaining Majeski took a look inside Anderson and made very slight contact which allowed Dalton Zehr to get to Majeski’s outside and shortly thereafter cleared Majeski and started to work to Anderson’s outside.  Zehr nosed ahead to lead lap 51 by a nose.  Lap 53 rolled around and Zehr was able to clear Anderson as Majeski was next to try Anderson from the outside.

With Zehr trying to pull away, Majeski knew he had to make quick work of Anderson to have a shot at Zehr.  With 19 laps to go Majeski was able to clear Anderson.  Zehr had built up a half-a-dozen car length lead on Majeski, but he wasn’t going to quit.

Shortly after Majeski cleared Anderson, Prunty snuck by for third followed by Lichtfeld gaining the fourth position.

With ten laps to go it was obvious that Majeski was gaining ground on the leader.  The next lap he was a half of a car length off Zehr’s bumper.  With eight laps to go Majeski took a look inside Zehr in turns one and two.  The leaders battled side by side for two laps with Majeski finally prevailing on the inside line and began to run away.  Zehr was left to fend off Alex Prunty for second as Ty Majeski ran off to win his second straight Dells Raceway Park TUNDRA feature event.  Zehr was able to keep Prunty at bay to record a second place finish and Prunty, in his first TUNDRA start, finished third followed by Mike Lichtfeld.

TUNDRA makes its first appearance at State Park Speedway in Wausau, Wis. for Round Five Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes on Saturday, August 1.  Local divisions will complete the card.  More information will be available through http://www.tundrasuperlates.com.

WEST SALEM, Wis. (July 3, 2015) – On paper Skylar Holzhausen’s win in the Johnny’s Hobbies 40 as part of TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Round Three Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes came from the outside pole.  In actuality is was an uphill climb for the Bangor, Wis., pilot to grab his first series win at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway Friday night.

Holzhausen surrendered the lead to defending race winner Reagan May, fell back out of the top five and climbed his way to third before inheriting the lead due to an incident involving the top two.  He then had to fight off Performance Diesel Fast Qualifier Jim Sauter Jr. to grab checkers in his TUNDRA debut.

“The car wasn’t as good on the starts,” Holzhausen said.  “It got a little tight for some reason, but it would come in on the long runs. The car is usually set up for longer races and it was here tonight, but we had just long enough greens to keep us going.”

Holzhausen and May required two attempts to get the feature started.  After a called-off start, May was able to fight off Holzhausen and secure the lead exiting turn two.  As she began to pull away in the opening laps, Holzhausen fell back on the outside line.

Mike Licthfeld and Michael Sauter were next to challenge Holzhausen, with Austin Nason soon to follow.  Sauter, also making his TUNDRA debut, moved to second while Lichtfeld was left to deal with Nason for third.  Meanwhile fast qualifier Jim Sauter Jr. and TUNDRA point leader Ty Majeski were closing in on the top five.

On lap eight Sauter began to challenge Lichtfeld for fourth, however, he was unable to make the pass.  Three laps later Majeski took the fifth spot from Sauter and made a quick challenge of Lichtfeld pay off.  At this point the top three of May, Michael Sauter and Nason were nearly a straightaway ahead of the rest of the field.

Their advantage was washed away on lap 17 when Lichtfeld cut a left front tire and spun to the infield, bringing out the caution.

The restart pit May against Michael Satuer. Once again a second restart was necessary as May and Sauter engaged in a chess match coming back to green.

On the second restart Sauter benefitted from a huge run on the outside to take the lead entering turns one and two.  May tried to take the lead back in turns three and four as she charged to the inside and slid off the bottom groove.  Although May attempted to save the machine, the gamble did not pay off and she spun toward the grass.  Drivers were sent scrambling throughout the field, with several receiving damage.  Everyone was able to continue.

The following restart gave Sauter the option to choose the inside.  Nason chose the outside of the front row without hesitation.  At the drop of the green Nason surged away from Sauter and began to build up a healthy advantage.

Just past the halfway point Majeski, who restarted third, began to find some jump.  He moved to the inside of Sauter on lap 21 and had second by lap 22.  Three laps later Holzhausen took the third spot back from Sauter.

Over the next three laps Majeski steadily caught up to Nason.  He had several challenges after lap 26, but could not get to the inside line.  Entering turns three and four on lap 28, Majeski’s challenge was a bit overzealous.  Trying to find the inside, Majeski made contact with the left rear of Nason’s machine, sending him spinning into the outside retaining wall.  Nason’s car was badly damaged, and although very displeased, he was unharmed.  Majeski was sent to the tail of the field.

While the two were trying to sort out the lead before the incident, Holzhausen was closing, and felt as though it would have been more than a two-car showdown for the win.

“I got to have a first-hand seat for that ordeal, but we were catching them and I felt like we had a really strong piece.  It ended up perfect for us.”

A strong challenge was awaiting Holzhausen on the restart in the form of Jim Sauter Jr.  Sauter fought hard on the outside line, but for the first time since the initial start, the inside line held the advantage and Holzhausen seized the lead on lap 29.

“The restart was good,” Sauter said.  “I thought we might have had him cleared off of two.  We were just a tick tight off the corner and I couldn’t squeeze the throttle.”  By the next circuit Holzhausen was clear and built up a cushion over Sauter, who would finish second.  Michael Sauter finished third, just ahead of a hard-charging Dan Lensing and Joel Theisen rounded out the top five.

For Holzhausen the win was some redemption for a tough start to 2015.  A little home cooking can go a long way to helping jump start a season.

“I really want to thank the good Lord for helping us get through a rocky season so far,” Holzhausen said.”  To come away with a win in front of our home crowd like this is really special.”

The event caused a change at the top of the TUNDRA point standings.  With his late run through the top ten to fourth, Dan Lensing took a one-point lead over Majeski.  Casey Johnson sits just ten points out of the lead, defending TUNDRA Champion Dalton Zehr only 13 out and Jim Sauter Jr. (with teammate Cory Kemkes from WIR) sits just 15 points out of the lead thanks to a stellar day.

Even better news for the new point leader is the next stop for the series on July 18.  It’s his home track Dells Raceway Park.  Lensing set fast time and recorded a top five in the event last season.  However, Majeski picked up the feature win.

Round Four Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes at Dells Raceway Park will include the DRP Sportsman, Bandits, Outlaw Bandits and Central States Region Super Cups.  Qualifying is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with racing at 7 p.m.

Dells Raceway Park is located at N1070 Smith Road just off highway 12/16 outside of Wisconsin Dells.  For more information visit http://www.dellsracewaypark.com

The Unified Northern Drivers Racing Association (TUNDRA) Super Late Model Series was formed in 2011 as the Alive For Five Super Late Model Series at Dells Raceway Park. TUNDRA’s business plan is based on a sustainable program for promoters and race teams alike, while still providing high-quality Super Late Model entertainment to fans.

For more information on TUNDRA including news, results and the point standings, archived results and standings, and more visit http://www.tundrasuperlates.com. Also, interact with us on Facebook (facebook.com/TundraSuperLateModels) or Twitter (@TUNDRAslms).

Kaukauna, Wis. (May 10, 2015) – If TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Round One Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes proved one thing, it was this – the next generation of Super Late Model stars are here, and they are good.

Ty Majeski topped a tussle of four drivers under the age of 26 who won a Late Model Championship last season. The Midwest Tour titlist battled past last year’s TUNDRA Champion Dalton Zehr. He chased down then outlasted two-time Big 8 Champion Casey Johnson for the lead on a restart. He then held off two-time Slinger Speedway Champion Steve Apel in a dazzling shootout in the Duke FM 50 on Saturday at Wisconsin International Raceway.

The win was anything but easy for the Seymour, Wis., native who lives just 20 miles away from WIR. Majeski finally fought off Johnson after a three-lap, side-by-side battle following a restart on lap 29. He then was tailed by Steve Apel, who had several brief looks to in the inside line, over the final 15 laps.

“It was a really good race. I’d clear him by one or two down the straightaways and he’d get me going into the corner,” said Majeski, who picked up his second career TUNDRA win. “I knew if I kept hitting my marks it would be tough for him to make the pass.”

The 15-lap showdown between Kulwicki Driver Development Program finalists was a virtual tug of war. Any time Majeski built his lead to several car lengths, Apel pulled back to his bumper. When Apel closed, Majeski jumped away to gain a small amount of breathing room.

Although Apel had the chances, the Performance Diesel fast qualifier came up just short of doubling up his awards for the day.

“We had a really good battle with Ty. He’s a really clean racer,” Apel commented. “I wanted to race him like I think he would race me. We didn’t get the win, but I think we had a car that definitely could have won the race.”

Neither driver had an easy cruise to the front of the field. In fact, both sported battle scars of moving to the front of the field from their 12th and 14th starting spots.

The 14-car invert placed Jeremy Lepak and Frank Nitzke on the front row of the feature. As has been the case over the past several seasons, the outside line proved to be the better line when the green flag dropped. Frank Nitzke cleared Lepak coming to the line on lap one and brought Randy Schuler along to second.

Eventually Lepak found his way back inside Schuler for second. While Nitzke built the lead, the field behind him started to sort out. Just six laps in Majeski was up to seventh, with Apel riding ninth and Zehr jumping from 15th to tenth. Their charges were halted when a yellow flew for a spin involving Mike Lichtfeld and Alex Stumpf.

The lap seven restart brought the first of several field-altering restarts. For Majeski and others further back in the field, the task of choosing a lane became a gamble each time.

“You didn’t know which lane to pick and what guys were going to do what,” Majeski said. “We picked a good lane on some restarts and not-so-good of a lane on the others.”

The first restart was short lived as another spin forced the field back under caution. A restart on lap ten gave Maxwell Schultz his first chance to race for the lead. He powered away from Nitzke on the outside after Lepak surrendered the high line to stay low for the restart. Jesse Oudenhoven followed to second and was tailed by Casey Johnson, who had started seventh.

Johnson, driving the winning Chase Motorsports entry from a season ago, immediately challenged Schuler for the runner up spot, proving the outside lane to be successful again. Behind him the outside line paid dividends for Zehr, who slid to fifth on lap 12. Majeski and Apel were stuck on the inside line and fell backward in the running order.

A caution for debris off Ryan Farrell’s machine saved a melee in turn three that involved Zehr, Austin Nason, and Frank Nitzke. Nason’s machine was damaged, stalling his run to the front. Nitzke had damage, but was able to return to his starting spot in the top ten.

The restart on lap 13 pitted Schultz outside Oudenhoven with Johnson outside Schuler and Majeski flanking Zehr in the third row. Apel was just outside the top ten.

Schultz overpowered Oudenhoven and regained the lead. One lap later Johnson slid to second. Riding that momentum, Johnson shot past Schultz to the lead on lap 15. As he started to jump away, Zehr and Majeski pressured Schultz.

Another caution fell on lap 19 when Schuler’s machine experienced mechanical failure and he came to a stop in turn four. Schultz elected to stay behind Johnson up high, leaving the inside for Zehr to face off against the car he drove to victory in this race one season ago.

Johnson pushed his racer past Zehr after a short battle up front and began to stretch his lead. Once Majeski passed Schultz, a frantic race for second began. Majeski found a way to dip to the inside on lap 21. Just as he got to that spot, Apel made a pass and made his first appearance in the top four. Apel had the best seat just behind the five-lap scrap. Majeski finally cleared Zehr on lap 26. Two laps later Apel had his turn to work past Zehr.

A caution on lap 28 set up the battle between Majeski and Johnson. For the first time all day, choosing the inside line paid off, although Majeski had to work frantically to fight off Johnson. Apel passed Johnson just two laps later, then reeled in Majeski for the 15-lap showdown. Behind them Johnson held third, Zehr finished fourth and Oudenhoven (also 26) rounded out the top five.

The win for Majeski sends a statement that he is back on his game early this season. Majeski was a solid title threat for most of last year, but had to sacrifice two TUNDRA starts to chase the Midwest Tour title. This season there are no conflicts to keep him from doing both. He is already looking forward to Round Two.

“I really like Jefferson. That’s another of my favorite race tracks,” Majeski said. “I’m excited to go there. Hopefully we can keep qualifying up front and getting good consistent finishes. We should be [in the Championship chase] at the end.”

It is possible Majeski could be facing the same three drivers for a TUNDRA title this season. Zehr has committed to the full schedule. Johnson will be at the next two races (Jefferson and La Crosse), then will face a decision. Apel said prior to the event they would “see how things went at WIR and may be at more races.” It would seem things went pretty well.

“We really did our homework over the winter. Our goal this year was to go to a track and win a race other than at Slinger. That’s our number one priority,” Apel said. “Winning a race at Slinger is up there, but I want to be able to go run other tracks and be competitive everywhere I go. To be able to do that in our first race outside of Slinger is a huge confidence booster for the team and myself.”

Round Two for the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes is set for Saturday, June 20 at Jefferson Speedway in Jefferson, Wis. Qualifying is set for 5 P.M. with racing to begin at 7. TUNDRA will be joined by the Mid-American Stock Car Series.

Jefferson Speedway is located on Highway 18 just outside of Jefferson, Wis. For more information visit http://www.jeffersonspeedway.com

The Unified Northern Drivers Racing Association (TUNDRA) Super Late Model Series was formed in 2011 as the Alive For Five Super Late Model Series at Dells Raceway Park. TUNDRA’s business plan is based on a sustainable program for promoters and race teams alike, while still providing high-quality Super Late Model entertainment to fans.

For more information on TUNDRA including news, results and the point standings, archived results and standings, and more visit http://www.tundrasuperlates.com. Also, interact with us on Facebook (facebook.com/TundraSuperLateModels) or Twitter (@TUNDRAslms).

SLINGER, Wis. (September 8, 2014) – Sunday’s TUNDRA Super Late Model Series finale provided a last-lap pass that Michael Bilderback will remember forever.  It provided a win that went far beyond the reaches of Slinger Super Speedway.  It provided excitement, an escape and hope.

Earlier in the week Bilderback’s grandfather fell ill.  He, his family and his team huddled by his grandfather’s side and kept vigilant.  Some wondered if he would race, but as one of his team member proclaimed on social media, “Bilderback Racing will be at Slinger Sunday, because that’s what we do.”

That’s what they did – and much, much more.

With just five laps remaining Bilderback took his slightly damaged racer to the high line, looking to steam past an upstart Ryan Farrell for the lead.  Bilderback edged ahead at the white flag and secured the win on the final circuit in TUNDRA Round Eight Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes.

After his celebration Bilderback was handed a cell phone.  On the other end was his grandmother, who typically is a fixture at the Bilderback pit.  She was the first to be delivered the news.  The news that she had to return was just as good for Bilderback.

“It’s amazing.  He went into the ICU and hasn’t been responsive yet,” Bilderback explained in Victory Lane.  “They told him we won and he started crying, so there’s hope.”

As for the pass, Bilderback said he was determined to charge to the front. He and Ryan Farrell gave the crowd one of the most thrilling TUNDRA finishes in the series’ four-year history.

“We were on the outside for so long earlier in the run then when we went to single file I thought I was going to have to get him on the bottom,” Bilderback said.  “He ran me clean and gave me the option to the top.  I wasn’t going to let this one go.”

Farrell, who made just his second TUNDRA start – and ninth Super Late Model start – knew the stakes, and was hoping he would be the story on the Sunday afternoon.

“I used every ounce of track, but he had the better car than me,” Farrell said.  “We got beat by a couple of inches.  I gave him all I had.  Congrats to Bilderback.  I’ll remember that forever.  They had a rough week and they deserve it.”

It was the second photo finish Bilderback had been involved in this season.  With Eugene Gregorich Jr. closing in quickly, Bilderback secured his first TUNDRA win back in May.  This time it was Bilderback who was the aggressor rather than the defender.

The Country Plumber 75-lap feature was led to green by Brandon Selle and Randy Schuler.  Schuler took a quick jump on the outside with Selle settling back in second.  Behind them Dean’s Satellite Rookie of the Year contenders Reagan May and Mike Lichtfeld battled for third.

Just three laps into the main both drivers were sideways heading into turns three and four, sending cars throughout the field scrambling.  A caution came out and the field was set to return to green with 72 to go.

Selle grabbed the lead from Schuler on the restart and showed the way until caution fell on lap 12.  By this time Bilderback had slid to second.  He chose the outside line when the Barricade Flasher System TUNDRA Barrel was placed and dashed away when the green fell.

Several quicker drivers in the field took the next 14-lap green flag run as a chance to move toward the top five.  Farrell got to second by lap 18 and defending race-winner Brad Mueller took third one lap later.  On lap 20 fast qualifier Dennis Prunty moved to fifth.

Another caution fell on lap 21 when Chris Blawat stalled attempting to exit the track.  The restart pitted Bilderback, who chose the outside line, against Farrell.  The green did not stay out long as the left rear tire on Travis Dassow’s machine disintegrated, sending him spinning.

Farrell held strong in the battle against Bilderback until another caution fell just before halfway. Paige Decker and May came together down the front stretch, leaving the two hooked in turn one.  Once unhooked May went to the attention of her crew and was able to return to action on the lead lap.

The restart saw Farrell to the inside of Bilderback again.  Mueller chose to follow Farrell, while Prunty trailed Bilderback.  Eventually Bilderback jumped away, leaving room for Prunty to take the second spot.  Prunty went to work on Bilderback and took the lead on lap 53.  Mueller slipped past Bilderback into second just before the yellow came out for a spin involving Tom Gee and Brandon Selle.

Dalton Zehr, who had claimed the TUNDRA title by starting the feature, was hanging in and staying out of trouble up to this point.  He neared the top five, but eventually was forced to drop out due to damage he sustained attempting to avoid spinning cars.

After four laps of a side-by-side tussle for the lead, Prunty nudged ahead.  However, Mueller closed in quickly and began to challenge Prunty.  Entering turn three with 17 laps remaining, both drivers vied for the same plot of race track.  As a result Mueller would spin.

Under the subsequent yellow Prunty curiously passed the pace car as Mueller was closing in to express his displeasure.  Prunty ducked off the track, sensing problems in the left rear of his machine.  The team would later discover that the issues on Prunty’s machine were too big to return to the race for a sustained period of time.

With Prunty and Mueller out of the fray, the lead went back to Bilderback.  He and Farrell were allowed to resume the battle they had started earlier, and had continued for third behind Mueller and Prunty.

With 13 laps to go James Swan had a left-rear tire go down, sending him spinning for what would be the final yellow.

A single file restart had Farrell in the top spot with Bilderback on his bumper.  Bilderback closed in, surveyed several times, and eventually set up the last-lap pass.

Mueller stormed back through the field to finish third, Brad Keith secured fourth, and Randy Schuler rounded out the top five.

Behind them rookie Tommy Gee survived the skirmish with Selle to finish sixth.  Trailing him was May, who had significant damage to her machine, but was able to carry on.   She claimed the Dean’s Satellite Rookie of the Year title by 11 points over Lichtfeld.  Lichtfeld had looked as though he had a chance to take the title from May, but he sustained damage trying to avoid the Mueller spin with 17 laps remaining.

The TUNDRA Super Late Model Series would like to thank its 2014 partners: The Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, Advanced Engine Concepts, Bear Creek Cranberries, Best Western Derby Inn (Eagle River, Wis.), Bonafide Security Solutions, Coleman Racing Products, Country Plumber, Draco Springs, Eagle River Derby Track, Five Star Race Car Bodies, Habelman Brothers Company Cranberries, Howard’s Cams, Leo’s Upper Dells Bar, QA1 Shocks, Radiographic Services, TD Graphics, Tiry’s Race Engines,  and Wegner Automotive Research.

TUNDRA would also like to thank the staff and management of its partner tracks for the 2014 season: Wisconsin International Raceway, Golden Sands Speedway, Jefferson Speedway, Norway Speedway, LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway, Marshfield Motor Speedway, Dells Raceway Park and Slinger Super Speedway.

The 2014 Championship Banquet will be held this offseason.  A date and location are to be determined.

The Unified Northern Drivers Racing Association (TUNDRA) Super Late Model Series was formed in 2011 as the Alive For Five Super Late Model Series at Dells Raceway Park. TUNDRA’s business plan is based on a sustainable program for promoters and race teams alike, while still providing high-quality Super Late Model entertainment to fans.

For more information on TUNDRA including news, results and the 2014 standings, archived results and standings, and more visit http://www.tundrasuperlates.com. Also, interact with us on Facebook (facebook.com/TundraSuperLateModels) or Twitter (@TUNDRAslms).