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).

Teammate May Wins Wild Rookie of the Year Battle

SLINGER, Wis. (September 8, 2014) – Dalton Zehr has had the distinction of being the winningest driver in TUNDRA Super Late Model Series action since he burst on the scene in 2011.

That season, Zehr won two of the four Alive For Five Super Late Model Series races at Dells Raceway Park he attended. Had he not missed the first event, he may have knocked Frank Kreyer off the top of the standings. It was not to be.

In 2012 Zehr was engaged in the tightest point battle TUNDRA has yet to see. In prime position heading into the feature, Zehr was involved in an early incident that forced him to nurse his machine to the finish. Dennis Prunty won and took the title. Although Zehr again took two wins, it was not to be.

Last season Zehr burst into Victory Lane in the season opener at Golden Sands Speedway. He had strong runs all throughout the season, until he was bit by bad luck at Marshfield Motor Speedway. Zehr finished second again. It was not to be.

In 2014 – it was meant to be.

A complete eight-race body of work left Zehr in cruise control heading into Sunday’s finale at Slinger. Zehr needed only to start the feature event. With his two closest competitors sidelined for the event by engine issues, Zehr appeared loose the entire event. The pressure of three seasons lifted off his shoulders.

“We lost one two years ago on the last night. We had it pretty much wrapped coming into tonight, so it was nice to not have as much pressure and we could just chase the feature win,” Zehr explained.

The afternoon did not go as Zehr planned. Mired in traffic throughout the feature, Zehr eventually succumbed to some front end damage with less than 20 laps remaining in the final feature. It was Zehr’s only DNF of the season. It was the first time he finished outside the top ten.

“I watched the final laps from up top, which is nowhere a driver wants to see it, but we have to be happy with the end result,” Zehr said.

He also recognized the team effort it took to secure his first touring title.

“I couldn’t ask for a better crew. They’re extremely faithful guys and I have to thank them for coming to all of the races.”

Zehr tallied three wins, five top fives and seven top tens in the eight-race season.

MAY TAKES ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

It may have been a frantic day in the Coleman camp, but it ended on a high note. Zehr’s teammate Reagan May survived a wild race which allowed her to hang on to the Dean’s Satellite Rookie of the Year title.

May was involved in an incident on lap 32 with last year’s Rookie of the Year Paige Decker. The two cars made contact down the front stretch and were hooked in turn one. Once the cars were untangled May went to the pit area where the crew was able to fix her machine.

“Both times I got rookie of the year I had a smashed race car on the last night of the run. I guess it’s going to have to be tradition,” May joked afterward.

She was able to work her way back through the field patiently. May needed to stay within four spots of fellow rookie Mike Lichtfeld late in the race to secure the honors. With 17 laps remaining, bad luck bit Lichtfeld. The leaders came together, sending Brad Mueller spinning. As James Swan checked up to avoid Mueller’s machine, Lichtfeld ran out of room and sustained heavy front-end damage when he came together with Swan.

From there, May cruised to a seventh-place finish and the title. She was also the SuperPro Late Model Rookie of the Year in 2010.

“We started right next to Mike, so I knew it was going to be interesting,” May said. “We had a lot of ups and downs, a lot of downs. My crew did an amazing job of getting me back out. We were able to ride around and stay out of trouble again. I still can’t believe we ended it the way that we did.”

TUNDRA has awarded two Dean’s Satellite Rookie of the Year titles – both were claimed by 20-year-old female drivers.

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).

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (August 24, 2014) – Ty Majeski is having a 2014 season that will be tough to forget. The Seymour, Wis., native, quickly becoming one of the top Super Late Model drivers in the country, made another mark Saturday night when he captured his first TUNDRA Super Late Model Series win.

With his victory in TUNDRA Round Seven Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes at Dells Raceway Park Majeski became the youngest winner in TUNDRA history at 20 years and 5 days.

The win had some more significance for Majeski as it came at the venue where he jumpstarted his racing career. DRP is where Majeski tasted victory for the first time in a Late Model when he took a six-for-six dash in 2010. Majeski was 15 years of age at the time.

Ty Majeski became the youngest winner in TUNDRA history with his win in Round Seven at Dells Raceway Park (Jeff Blaser Photo)

“I’ve always liked this place. It feels good to come back and get a checkered flag in the Super Late,” he commented in Victory Lane.

Majeski left little doubt in the 60-lapper that was interrupted by only one early caution. Majeski started third row inside and crept into the second spot at the most critical of times. Majeski had just moved past Dennis Prunty into second when the yellow came out for a skirmish involving Dalton Zehr and Billy Mohn on lap four.

Electing the outside lane, Majeski was able to pull away from early-race leader Jerry Blystone. Prunty slid back, but returned to the second spot and pursued Majeski all race long.

“This car had good roll speed,” Majeski said. “I was fortunate enough to get in the lead, get out front and conserve my tires, so I had a little something left at the end.”

After the lap-four restart when Majeski escaped Blystone, the DRP veteran was left to contend with a hungry pack of fast race cars. Although Prunty lost ground to the top two in the opening laps after the restart, he was able to reel in Blystone and took the runner-up spot back on lap 12.

Dennis Prunty (42) closes in before Ty Majeski (91) breaks away in TUNDRA Round Seven at Dells Raceway Park (Jeff Blaser Photo)

From that point, the chase was on. Prunty dashed away from what eventually turned into a battle for third among Blystone, Austin Nason and Mike Lichtfeld. On lap 14 Nason slipped past Blystone and brought the tandem of Lichtfeld and Bobby Kendall into the top five.

Shortly after grabbing third, Nason had his hands full with hearty challenges from Lichtfeld. Lichtfeld, who has won three features this season at DRP, muscled his way past Nason by lap 24. By this point Majeski and Prunty were well ahead of the heated scrap, leaving Lichtfeld a large deficit to erase.

At the halfway point Lichtfeld had stepped away from the battle for fourth. Kendall, Nason, Nick Panitzke and fast qualifier Dan Lensing disputed the spots for the next 10 laps. Kendall’s machine seemed to fade with 20 laps remaining. Nason was able to move past Kendall and soon brought Panitzke and Lensing.

While the battle for fourth was grabbing attention, TUNDRA point leader Dalton Zehr was frantically trying to work his way back through the field. With ten laps remaining Zehr had moved back to tenth. He quickly worked past Kendall, Rich Schumann, Blystone, Nason and Panitzke to fifth with three laps to go.

Meanwhile, Majeski continued to cruise up front. At times lapped traffic seemed to slow him enough to allow Prunty to close. However, any time Prunty closed the gap to get within striking distance, Majeski powered away to build his advantage.

In the final circuits Majeski grew his lead and soared to victory. Prunty remained unchallenged in second. Lichtfeld valiantly closed the gap on the top two, but simply did not have enough time to catch them. He settled for third. Behind him Lensing was just able to fend off Zehr for fourth. Lensing kept high going around the lapped car of Frank Nitzke. Zehr dived to the inside, almost completing a three-wide pass at the line.

Although Majeski cruised to a dominant victory, Zehr was able to maintain in the TUNDRA title chase. Zehr gained six passing points versus Majeski’s two. His lead grew by one point heading into the eighth and final round in two weeks.

The biggest shake up in the standings came in the Dean’s Satellite Rookie of the Year chase. Lichtfeld’s strong run allowed him to shave 19 points off his deficit. He now trails Reagan May by just four markers.

Earlier in the evening Jeff Weinfurter bested the 25-lap Country Plumber Shootout. Kelsey Bauer was second and Steve Lichtfeld was third.

The Championship Round Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes for the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series is scheduled for Sunday afternoon September 7 at Slinger Speedway. TUNDRA will be joined by the weekly Slinger divisions who will crown champions, as well. More information on that event will be available soon.

Slinger Speedway is located off of Hwy 41 and Highway 144 at 280 Cedar Creek Road, Slinger Wisconsin 53086. For more information visit www.slingersuperspeedway.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 2014 standings, archived results and standings, and more visit www.tundrasuperlates.com. Also, interact with us on Facebook (facebook.com/TundraSuperLateModels) or Twitter (@TUNDRAslms).

MARSHFIELD, Wis. (August 2, 2014) – As it has many times in the past, patience and persistence paid off for Dalton Zehr on Saturday at Marshfield Motor Speedway. Zehr waited through several cautions and restarts to strike at the perfect time in TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Round Six Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes.

Zehr overtook Round Five winner Reagan May on a restart with 21 laps remaining and defended a late charge from Nick Panitzke to hold on for his eighth career TUNDRA win. The win helped Zehr stretch his point lead to 35 markers with just two races remaining.

It was at this point last season that Zehr lost ground in the Championship battle to eventual titlist Nick Panitzke and Eugene Gregorich Jr.  This year, it was a relief for Zehr to be able to exit Marshfield with his head held high.

“It’s not like we built a huge gap here today, but we came in with a pretty comfortable gap,” he said.  “We can’t have any wrecks or slip up and we should have a shot at the Championship.  We’ve come so close so many times.”

Calm, cool and collected, it was the type of feature that Zehr had seen before.  The race saw several cautions, a lengthy clean up and plenty of chances for Zehr to pick his way through the field. Marshfield Motor Speedway looked eerily similar to past TUNDRA races at Dells Raceway Park where Zehr took four wins between 2011 and 2012.

The event began just as it did one season ago, with Cardell Potter pacing the initial circuits.  Just as he was about to be challenged by Frank Nitzke, the caution fell for a spin by Zach Preiss.  Nitzke declined the outside line on the lap-four restart, leaving the high side for May.

May was more than happy to remind the rest of the field of her success in the high line at LaCrosse when the green fell.  She rocketed away from Potter to the lead, and left the outside open for Gregorich to challenge Nitzke for second.

Gregorich’s charge on the outside line began to fade, leaving room for Brent Strelka to challenge Potter for the runner up spot.  As Strelka sized up Potter, Zehr had crept into a top-five spot from his ninth-place starting position.  Strelka stole second from Potter on lap 11, and Zehr moved to third one lap later.

Before Strelka and Zehr were able to attempt to reel in May a caution fell on lap 17 when Majeski and Jim Sauter Jr. tangled.  Zehr had moved past Strelka by this time and took the inside line on to following restart with May again electing to stay up high.

Once again May proved to be too strong on the outside.  Nitzke immediately challenged Zehr for second, but was unable to move past him.  Not too far behind that battle Panitzke, who had set fast time earlier in the evening, had moved to fifth at the halfway point of the feature.  He grabbed two more spots in the next four laps.

Lap 29 proved to be adventurous and lengthy.  The initial caution fell when Adam Royle spun in turn two.  The following restart was waived when Zehr jumped in front of May.  A third attempt proved no better and bred a red flag  when Gregorich was clipped in the left rear, sent spinning and made hard contact with the outside wall in turn two.  The caution was then extended when a shock mount broke on Strelka’s machine when the field re-fired, costing him a chance for a top five.

When the field was stopped on the front stretch for a lengthy clean up the top three were interviewed.  Nick Panitzke’s comment seemed the boldest when he said, “I don’t think the racing has even begun yet.”

The words of last year’s Champion proved to be prophetic.  After the restart Zehr was able to grab the lead from May.  Panitzke had to work to fight off Nitzke, but eventually was able to set his sights on May for second.  She said she knew she was in for a battle when she saw the scoreboard during the red flag.

“I could see the 119 and the 22 were behind us.  I knew they were great cars and it was going to be hard to beat those two.  We just used our stuff up a little too early.”

As the top three broke away, some furious racing took place just outside the top five.  Jeff Weinfurter, Billy Mohn and Majeski frantically tried to grab fifth.  Eventually Majeski slipped through.

Another caution fell with 13 to go when J. Herbst spun on the front stretch.  TUNDRA officials warned spotters that this would bring the final double-file restart of the race.  May again took the outside in hopes to challenge Zehr again.  However, Zehr got away, and May eventually lost second to Panitzke.

Panitzke had one final chance when Kelsey Bauer spun with seven laps remaining.  Zehr knew the restart would be key, even though it was to be single file.

“We were really trying to take care of our tires.  This place eats them up,” he said.  “I knew Nick was fast and I don’t know how many laps we could have maintained that kind of speed.  But, it was enough.  I fired plenty early on that [restart].  I knew I had to because Nick was going to be breathing down my neck.”

The restart played out just as Zehr had hoped, and he was able to run away from Panitzke.

“It would have been fun to get up next to him and do battle, but he got a real good restart on the last one,” Panitzke said.  “I tried to stay with him but the car started getting a little free.  I was able to maintain distance, but I just couldn’t gather him back up.”

May and Majeski went unchallenged to hold third and fourth, but behind them the mayhem continued.  Nitzke’s machine was overcome by overheating in the final two laps and he dropped to the infield. Corey Jankowski made a bold move on the final circuit and swung to fifth.  He had started 28th.

With just two races remaining in the 2014 season, Zehr’s lead sits at 35 over the team of Majeski and Mark Mackesy and remained 41 over Panitzke, who moved to third.  Bobby Kendall moved to fourth, but fell to 64 points out of the lead.  Gregorich’s accident dropped him to fifth, 67 points out of the lead.

TUNDRA will take three weeks off and spring back into action on Saturday, August 23.  The series returns to its birth place Dells Raceway Park for Round Seven Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes.

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 www.tundrasuperlates.com. Also, interact with us on Facebook (facebook.com/TundraSuperLateModels) or Twitter (@TUNDRAslms).