PORTAGE, Wis. (July 13, 2021) – Fans making the trek to Wisconsin’s Action Track this Saturday night will be in for a treat when the traveling stars of the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series meet the local heroes of Jefferson Speedway in a clash for the checkered flag.

Transport Services LLC Round Three as part of Construction Concepts night at the tricky quarter-mile is shaping up to have plenty of contenders to visit Victory Lane. Last year’s 75-lap main event saw racers slicing through the field, making daring three wide passes, and providing breathtaking moments.  This year’s event has all the makings of a repeat.

Casey Johnson is a former track Champion who made his series debut at the facility in 2013. He would go on to finish Fourth, but it would hardly be the last time TUNDRA heard from him. Johnson has scored two victories (2014 and 2016) in series action at Jefferson.  He has also captured four series Championships and is the current point leader entering the event.

Although Johnson may be a heavy favorite, a young racer with local ties is in close pursuit. Riley Stenjem is coming off his first TUNDRA win at Marshfield Motor Speedway in June. The racer from Utica began his Late Model career (and found plenty of success) at Jefferson. Last season he made his TUNDRA debut at Jefferson, finishing Third.

Another past winner TUNDRA winner at Jefferson should be in contention as well.  John Beale of Verona won the event in 2018 and has been a contender each season.  Beale is coming off a strong 2020 where he won Championships at Marshfield Motor Speedway and in the CWRA series.

One of the outsiders who could prove to be a major threat come Saturday is Justin Mondeik.  The 24 year old from Gleason has been one of the hottest drivers over the last two seasons.  After winning Championships at Golden Sands and Wausau last year, he is back on a hot streak having picked up multiple wins at both of those tracks and Norway Speedway in Upper Michigan.  Mondeik has some history at Jefferson, setting his first ever TUNDRA fast time there in 2017.

If Championships hold weight on Saturday, Jefferson fans should look no further than the two-time and reigning track titlist Shaun Scheel, who will make his series debut.  Scheel is in the early process of moving to Super Late Model racing and has been making gains early.  There is little substitution for experience, and with his track record, Scheel is certain to be a threat.

Another Champion prepared to make his series debut is Jacob Nottestad. Although the young driver from Cambridge captured two Championships at Slinger, he has a proven track record at Jefferson too.  Nottestad picked up a win in the track’s season opener.  He does have some previous Super Late Model experience, scoring a win driving for John DeAngelis last season at Slinger.

Much like Nottestad, there will be no shortage of hungry, young, up-and-coming Super Late Model stars in the field.

Grant Thompson is the leading EPYK Media Rookie contender in TUNDRA. The 15 year old from Alabama was the runner up at Wisconsin International Raceway in May. He is a former Snowball Derby Pro Truck winner and grabbed two Pro Truck titles in the South last summer. Driving for Casey Johnson, expect Thompson to get a quick grasp on the facility.

Max Kahler already has a pretty good grasp on the facility. The former Big 8 Champion and 2020 National Short Track Champion made his series debut at Jefferson last season finishing Eighth.  Now carrying the banner for the Kulwicki Driver Development Program, Kahler has a dedicated program to Super Late Model racing and expects to be in contention.

Brock Heinrich has been another driver on the verge of a major breakout.  The Brockstar set fast time for the first time in TUNDRA action at Marshfield. He has been a threat for the win each week, racing in close quarters with Mondeik at State Park.  Heinrich scored a respectable Sixth Place finish in his first visit to Jefferson last year.

EPYK Media Rookie contender Brady Bill also will be looking to make some noise. Last year’s UMA 602 Late Model Champion at Dells Raceway Park is now a full-time Super Late Model racer. Although he struggled in the opener at WIR and with his back up car at Marshfield, Bill has proven to be quick. With former TUNDRA Champion Frank Kreyer in his corner, look for Bill to contend come Saturday.

Aside from the youngsters, a few cagey veterans are ready to be in the hunt for their first TUNDRA wins at Jefferson.

Mike Lichtfeld will make his first start of the season as he teamed up with Bobby Kendall.  Lichtfeld has scored two podium finishes at Jefferson and seems poised to pick up his third career series win.  This season Lichtfeld has been focusing on weekly racing at Dells Raceway Park where he has scored three wins.

Jordan DeVoy is also on the verge of capturing his first TUNDRA win, and Jefferson may be the place for it to happen. The racer from Lake Geneva set the track record last year and blazed through the field to contend for the win until he made contact with Casey Johnson.  Some better luck for DeVoy this year could go a long way.

Another Jordan, Jordan Thiel, has shown excellent speed at Jefferson in the past, only to get bitten by the bad luck bug.  Thiel was a strong contender for the win in 2017, racing door to door with eventual winner Wyatt Broos before he was sidelined by electrical issues.

Other TUNDRA Travelers most certainly could find a breakout day including 27-year Jefferson Speedway veteran Luke Westenberg, Marshfield Motor Speedway point leader Darren Jackson, series iron man Corey Jankowski, Central Wisconsin standout Travis Volm, the always-fast Jake Zellmer, returning racer Wyatt Blashe, rookie Mike Olson, and veteran racers Mike Egan, Kevin Knuese, Curt Tillman and Darek Gress.

Plenty of outsiders are ready to try to shake up the dance, as well.  Former Wisconsin Challenge Series Champion Ryan Farrell has become a top name in Super Late Model racing over the past three seasons. He’ll look to spoil the party.  Others who would like to do the same include last year’s WIR Rookie of the Year Jeff Holmgren, veteran second-generation speedster Josh “JJ” Wallace, Lake Geneva racer Brandon Hill, Slinger veteran Dave McCardle, and Madison-area youngster Brent Edmunds.

The TUNDRA Super Late Model Series head to Jefferson for Transport Services LLC Round Three next Saturday, July 17.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Hobby Stocks, Bandits, and Road Warriors. Qualifying is at 5 pm with racing beginning at 7 pm.

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

Transport Services LLC Round Three
Jefferson Speedway
Saturday, July 17, 2021
Expected Entries (30) as of 7/13/21

# – Driver, Hometown
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.
8 – Josh Wallace, Genoa City, Wis.
8 – Shaun Scheel, Lake Mills, Wis.
16 – Luke Westenberg, Jefferson, Wis.
17 – Max Kahler, Caledonia, Ill.
31 – Corey Jankowsi, Tomah, Wis.
33 – Kevin Kneuse, Waukesha, Wis.
34 – Brandon Hill, Lake Geneva, Wis.
38 – Jordan DeVoy, Lake Geneva, Wis.
40 – Curt Tillman, Rockford, Ill.
44 – Justin Mondeik, Gleason, Wis.
44 – Mike Lichtfeld, Pardeeville, Wis.
52 – Brock Heinrich, Wausau, Wis.
54 – Grant Thompson, Mobile, Ala.
64 – Mike Olson, Wausau, Wis.
66 – Dave McCardle, Menominee Falls, Wis.
70 – Brady Bill, Reedsburg, Wis.
76 – Travis Volm, Mosinee, Wis.
77 – Riley Stenjem, Utica, Wis.
80 – Ryan Farrell, East Troy, Wis.
87 – Brett Edmunds, Monticello, Wis.
89 – Nick Egan, Slinger, Wis.
97 – Jacob Nottestad, Cambridge, Wis.
99 – Jake Zellmer, Muskego, Wis.
107.5 – Darek Gress, Neillsville, Wis.

Jefferson Speedway Photo

PORTAGE, Wis. (July 10, 2021) – The name Nottestad carries a lot of weight in the state of Wisconsin, especially at Jefferson Speedway.  When the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series visits the quarter mile next Saturday July 17 for Transport Services LLC Round Three, there will be a new, up-and-coming Nottestad in contention.

Jacob Nottestad has been one of the hottest Late Model racers in the Upper Midwest over the last three seasons. He won the last two Slinger Speedway track Championships and is a top contender at many facilities around the area. What may be lost in how good he has been around the area, is how tough he is at his home track.

Appearances at the track have been limited this season at Nottestad has been choosing different events and tracks in 2021.  In the season opener at Jefferson Nottestad was able to capture the checkered flag.  He always seems to be able to find the fast way around a track in a hurry – Jefferson being no exception.

“Being able to roll the center of the corner off the brake is key there for speed,” Nottestad said. “If we can do that as well as the Late Model I think we’ll be competitive for sure.”

With confidence and experience, Nottestad and his team are ready to take on the challenge of facing off against the TUNDRA travelers at Wisconsin’s Action Track.  There will be some differences, but when it comes down to it

It may seem like a tall task to make the move to Super Late Model racing, but it’s not something that is unfamiliar for Nottestad.  Last season at Slinger he took the reigns of John DeAngelis’ machine and wheeled it to victory.  The biggest difference on that night was the same thing he’ll be looking forward to next week – the extra grip provided by the 10 inch tires Super Late Models utilize.

“When I was lucky enough to race DeAngelis’ Super Late, I was blown away with how much harder I could drive the car with just the tire grip alone,” Nottestad recalled.

If history is any indication, Nottestad’s extra experience at the facility should come in very handy.  Since TUNDRA first raced at Jefferson in 2013 many locals have tried and found success against the series travelers.  Casey Johnson appeared to be heading for a battle with Frank Kreyer, Nick Panitzke, and Dalton Zehr when rain shortened the race the first time the series visited Jefferson.  Last season Riley Stenjem was able to take a podium finish in his debut.

Knowing that, Nottestad believes he can repeat history.

“I believe a top 5 would be a very reasonable goal for our first Super Late race in our own car,” he said.

Beyond a solid performance, there is always something special about making noise in front of the home town crowd.

“I’m hoping to have a good fan base for the race and to run good would be awesome for them and our sponsors,” Nottestad concluded.

The TUNDRA Super Late Model Series head to Jefferson for Transport Services LLC Round Three next Saturday, July 17.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Hobby Stocks, Bandits, and Road Warriors. Qualifying is at 5 pm with racing beginning at 7 pm. Jefferson Speedway is located on US Hwy 18 between Jefferson and Cambridge, Wis. For more information visit http://www.jeffersonspeedway.com

PORTAGE, Wis. (July 12, 2021) – Since the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series began racing at Jefferson Speedway in 2013, more and more of the local track’s top competitors have been ready and waiting for the visiting Super Late Models. This year will be no different as two-time track Champion Shaun Scheel will be making his series debut at his home facility on July 17 in Transport Services LLC Round Three.

Although it is Scheel’s first time racing against the TUNDRA travelers, and Super Late Model racing is still relatively new to him, Scheel will be one to watch.  History has proven that track experience at the tricky quarter mile can be a huge advantage.  Both Casey Johnson in 2013 and Riley Stenjem last season proved so.

There is plenty of momentum for Scheel to work with heading into his TUNDRA debut. He has been the man to beat at Jefferson over the last two seasons and even claimed a win in the Wisconsin State Championships back in 2015.  He also grabbed the Late Model track title at Slinger in 2018.

Scheel, however, has noticed a bit of a learning curve making the move from his Late Model to the Super Late Model division.

“At first I kept asking myself what I was getting myself into. Getting ready for my first race in the car was a lot of work and we definitely took our time getting the car prepared,” Scheel said. “We don’t have a very big crew, typically it’s just my dad and I working in the shop on the cars, so that makes it a little more difficult.”

The liberty of using more technology was also something that Scheel noticed as a big difference. Super Late Models allow some more complexity in the suspension of their cars, bringing forth a whole new set of challenges.  Competing against some new faces has also brought challenges.

“Besides the speed, I would have the say getting the bump stops figured out. That was the majority of the adjustments we made with the car and with the Late Model we don’t have that luxury,” Scheel said. “Also with the bigger field of cars compared to a weekly show, it just made it that much harder to pass cars because the field is so tight.”

Although he’s faced some challenges Scheel is getting more comfortable, and there are few substitutions for being at a track where you know the fast way around.

“Once I finally hit the track, I felt pretty comfortable in the car,” he said. “So far we’ve raced the car twice, at Madison and Jefferson, which are two tracks that I have a lot of seat time in with the Late Model so that helped.”

One thing that has carried over into the Super Late Model racing is the work ethic of Scheel and his team.  It’s the ethic that has led to their success in the past, and the same work ethic displayed by the TUNDRA travelers.

“It takes a lot of late nights in the shop, I’m typically in the shop every night of the week, getting ready for the weekend,” Scheel said. “I feel what really helped our program was racing at other tracks. We started racing full time at multiple tracks in 2017 and since then have claimed three track championships. Just getting more experience and learning new things can translate to more success at your home track.  Another thing that is great to have is a dependable crew, whether it’s a big or small crew, always being able to count on those people to be there every week is huge.”

Scheel hopes his preparation and a little more familiarity with his Super Late Model will lead to success come next Saturday night.  He does have one Super Late Model race at Jefferson under his belt which happened on Memorial Day Weekend.

“My goal is to be able to complete the race and at the end of the race to be in contention to win,” he said. “The last time we raced the car was at Jefferson and we had a very strong car, unfortunately we weren’t able to qualify so I had to race my way in and start pretty deep in the field, but we passed a lot of cars and showed that we had a very good car.”

If previous history is any indication, experience at Wisconsin’s Action Track coupled with some more Super Late Model experience could lead to an excellent showing for the reigning track Champion when TUNDRA comes to town.

The TUNDRA Super Late Model Series head to Jefferson for Transport Services LLC Round Three next Saturday, July 17.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Hobby Stocks, Bandits, and Road Warriors. Qualifying is at 5 pm with racing beginning at 7 pm.

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

PORTAGE, Wis. (July 10, 2021) – Even veteran racers can shake up their careers – just ask Luke Westenberg.  The Jefferson Speedway regular of 27 years recently made the jump up to the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series. After two new experiences the EPYK Media Rookie is ready to welcome the series to his home track, Jefferson Speedway, next Saturday July 17 for Transport Services LLC Round Three.

“It’s been a whole new learning experience; I definitely feel like a rookie again,” Westenberg said. “The hours dedicated to the shop have increased considerably too. I feel like we are gaining on things, but still have a way to go.”

Unfortunately, the first two rounds at unfamiliar tracks resulted in two finishes outside of the Top 20 for Westenberg.  However, he still has enjoyed the experience and looks forward to turning things around.

“I’ve really enjoyed racing with the TUNDRA series, it’s run well with good communication, and everyone has been very welcoming,” he said. “It’s been a great group of guys to race with too.”

Westenberg and his team are excited to be able to welcome the series to Jefferson.  It’s a place that is very near and dear to them having spent so many years turning laps at the tricky facility.

“Some of my best memories are seeing all the improvements the Tucker family has made to the facilities making it one of the nicest racetracks in the Midwest,” he said. “Others include spending time with all the family and friends that have been a part of helping us race at Jefferson for 27 years and winning a race or two along the way.”

In all of those years, Westenberg has a true game plan when it comes to having a successful day.  While some may want to get up on the wheel in a hurry, it’s not the way to a good day, said the veteran racer.

“You just need to attack it patiently aggressive as there are three, sometimes four groves to race on,” he said. “I’ve seen a lot of guys come into Jefferson Speedway that have had lots of success around the Midwest struggle here. It’s a tricky little quarter-mile to get around, but once you get it it’s one of the best and most fun places to race.”

With his experience, Westenberg will be one to watch come race day.  History has proven that drivers who know the fast way around Wisconsin’s Action Track can have a good day when TUNDRA comes to town.  Jefferson Speedway regulars have found their way into contention.  The most recent example of that would be Riley Stenjem’s podium finish one season ago.

Knowing that he’s most likely one of the drivers (if not the driver) with the most laps at Jefferson in the field, there is some confidence heading into Saturday’s race.

“Our expectations are high being our home track, but also knowing our Super Late program isn’t where it needs to be,” We’re hoping to put it in the show and get some more laps on this car and continue to build our notebook for the future.”

Should he get into the show and get some laps under his belt, fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Luke the Duke channel some success of his days as a Jefferson Speedway regular.

The TUNDRA Super Late Model Series head to Jefferson for Transport Services LLC Round Three next Saturday, July 17.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Hobby Stocks, Bandits, and Road Warriors. Qualifying is at 5 pm with racing beginning at 7 pm.

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

PORTAGE, Wis. (July 8, 2021) – When Utica’s Riley Stenjem welcomes his fellow TUNDRA Super Late Model Series travelers to Jefferson Speedway next Saturday, July 17, he’ll have plenty of confidence coming from his camp.

Stenjem enters as the most recent winner with the series and will be looking to accomplish a rare feat in Transport Services LLC Round Three at Wiscsonsin’s Action Track – picking up back-to-back series wins.  The scenario could play out in his favor after grabbing his first win at a track where he struggled last year, Marshfield Motor Speedway, and heading to a track where he has a lot of experience.

After a strong debut with a podium finish at Jefferson last season, it would have been fair to predict Stenjem’s first win may have come there.  However, he and his team were able to persevere at a track where they struggled in 2020 to pick up their first checkered flag.  The win may have been surreal, but it didn’t take long for Stenjem to refocus on the year ahead.

“I’d say it has sunk in, we struggled in our local car at Jefferson the next weekend so we didn’t get to spend a whole lot of time celebrating,” Stenjem said. “But it definitely has given us a boost of confidence to go up to the other lower grip central Wisconsin tracks later on the TUNDRA Schedule with a good baseline package.”

To have another good showing at home would continue the momentum for Stenjem.  As a racer who keeps good notes, he’ll have a strong baseline from last season’s TUNDRA race at Jefferson.  He knows another strong showing could help him continue to get noticed.

“The Jefferson TUNDRA race last year was a great debut for us to be able to run with guys like Casey, and Dalton and was a great confidence booster that we were ready to jump to that level,” Stenjem said. “I don’t think it effected my career personally. I just think it got me noticed quicker than people were anticipating.

It’s no secret that having previous experience helped Stenjem know the fast way around Jefferson in his debut.  Although the Super Late Models drive much differently than the weekly Late Models, there is still plenty that can translate, including driver composure.

“It takes a car that can come off the bottom of two while maintaining roll speed down there, as well as a car that has the security for a lot of on throttle time off of turn four,” Stenjem said. “It also takes a lot of composure because with the tight racing things are going to happen, and you can’t get worked up about it.”

Ultimately that composure may be the biggest factor as Stenjem says it will take patience and skill to have a successful day.

“It’s going to take a fast car, as well as a clean car at the end of the race to win at Jefferson. If you can stay out of trouble, and have a pretty good car, you will be in the hunt at the end.”

Now sitting Second in TUNDRA standings, Stenjem is poised to hang with the top runners in the TUNDRA title hunt.  With a finish of Fifth to go with his win at Marshfield, he is well within reach of the points lead, but knows there is still room for improvement.

“Looking at the points format we are going to need to start qualifying better to catch Casey, but we are just going to take it race by race,” he said. “If we can keep finishing in the Top Five and get in the dashes, we should be in contention.”

Stenjem and the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series head to Jefferson for Transport Services LLC Round Three next Saturday, July 17.  TUNDRA will be joined by the King of the Cornfield Challenge, Bandits, and Road Warriors. Racing begins at 7 pm.

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

PORTAGE, Wis. (July 5, 2021) – The partnership between the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series and Transport Services LLC will continue in 2021 as the company has agreed to come on board for the Jefferson Speedway event scheduled for Saturday, July 17.

Transport Services LLC Round Three will feature a boosted payoff, providing an additional $1,000 to the winner of the event and other bonuses throughout the field.

“We can’t thank Jeff Holmgren and the team at Transport Services LLC enough for their support of the series,” said series representative Matt Panure. “They are an awesome group to work with and we look forward to partnering with them for what will be an action-packed event.”

Transport Services LLC offers LTL flatbed services customized to fit any customer’s needs needs. They offer competitive rates and transit times for LTL shipping to ensure comprehensive service on regional or coast-to-coast offerings. Their specialized equipment includes flatbed, step deck, double drops, extendable, removable goosenecks, multi-axles, with our ability to coordinate these for different LTL load combinations.

For more information visit http://www.transport-servicesllc.com

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

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