PORTAGE, Wis. (September 17, 2020) – The TUNDRA Super Late Model Series will visit Wisconsin International Raceway for the seventh time in series history this Sunday, September 20.  If history is any indication, Transport Services LLC Round Five won’t be short on intrigue.

The original question loomed large when the race was first announced before the 2014 season.  Would the TUNDRA Travelers be able to keep pace with the local favorites?  Or, would some of the top drivers from the area be able to take the trophy out of the Fox Valley?

What transpired was a perfect combination of both.  Eventual 2014 TUNDRA Champion Dalton Zehr visited Victory Lane in the series debut at the D-shaped half-mile.  However, he did so in the locally-owned Chase Motorsports ride.  Local race car, traveling driver.  Zehr went on to win multiple features and claim Rookie of the Year honors in that car at WIR in 2014, adding to a tremendous season which included his first TUNDRA title.

Claiming the win was no easy task.  Bobby Kendall – who was in his early years as a full-time racer at WIR – set fast time for the event and marched through the field.  Kendall moved to Second late in the race and challenged Zehr with seven laps remaining.  Just as he had done on two previous restarts against Tom Gee Jr., Zehr chose the outside lane and slipped away at the drop of the green.

The 2015 season brought a new challenger to the forefront – an upstart racer by the name of Ty Majeski.  Majeski, from nearby Seymour, had competed weekly at WIR a few seasons prior.  After teaming up with Toby Nuttleman, Majeski began to see more and more success.

Round One of 2015 was a who’s who at the front of the feature field.  Majeski had to battle Zehr, Casey Johnson, and Steve Apel.  Initially, Zehr and Johnson scrapped up front for the lead.  Zehr was in his familiar Coleman 119, while Johnson was now piloting the Chase Motorsports machine.  The two put on an incredible battle with Johnson charging ahead.

Just past the midway point Majeski stormed past Johnson on a restart.  Not too long afterward, Apel slid into Second and set his sights on Majeski.  The duo engaged in a 15-lap, back-and-forth battle.  Ultimately Apel was on the tail of Majeski at the checkered flag but could not make the move.  Johnson settled for the Third and another podium for the Chase Motorsports car.

The story was eerily similar in 2016, except this time it was Majeski who was the predator.  Apel led early from a front-row starting spot and paced the field until Majeski caught up.  With seven laps to go Majeski made his move to the inside of Apel to capture the lead.  Apel kept close but was unable to make the move back around Majeski.  He would settle another podium.  Behind them, a hard-charging Casey Johnson closed the gap on the leaders but ran out of time once he moved past Apel into Second, securing yet another podium for Chase Motorsports.

The 2017 season brought Kroll’s West on board as the title sponsor.  Once again, it was a memorable event and one that featured Zehr, Apel, and the Chase Motorsports entry – this time with Travis Sauter behind the wheel.

Zehr – now driving Wayne Brevik’s 711 – set the tone early in the day with a new track record.  It looked as though he would be heading to Victory Lane, as well, as he secured the lead before lap 20 by battling past Apel.  However, Apel continued to keep pace and Zehr eventually fell off when a sway bar bolt broke on his racer.  The timing was just right for Apel to track Zehr down and slip past him exiting turn four on the way to the checkered flag.

A Second Place finish for Zehr would prove to be crucial as it helped propel him to last season’s Championship.  It also marked the third time in four TUNDRA races that the fast qualifier finished Second in the feature.  And, once again, the Chase Motorsports entry finished on the podium as Sauter secured Third.

The 2018 version of Round One brought an excellent field, but a poor day for racing.  Although the hour-by-hour forecast predicted no rain early in the day, the skies darkened shortly before qualifying. Despite getting in what turned out to be a frantic last chance race, the skies opened up, and the race had to be delayed to the following day – Mother’s Day.

Once again a battle erupted late in the race.  This time it was Dennis Prunty and – to no surprise -Steve Apel.  Prunty had taken the lead from early-race leader Jordan Thiel on a lap-27 restart.  The move came with a little controversy as Prunty had slid up and ran Thiel out of room after the drop of the green.  He admitted the fault later in Victory Lane.

Although away from Thiel, Prunty was hardly out of the woods.  Slowly but surely, and as he had done in previous races, Apel began to creep in on Prunty.  Over the final 22 laps Apel would catch Prunty, only to be turned away.  An incredible duel between Mike Lichtfeld and Casey Johnson took place behind the leaders, with Lichtfeld holding on to fill out the podium.

For the first time, and as attempted the year before, TUNDRA was able to race under the lights at WIR in 2019.  Although the scenery changed, the end result did not, with Dennis Prunty picking up his second straight series win at the half-mile.

Prunty had to be in survival mode early in the race as he escaped a spinning Luke Fenhaus, avoiding what would have caused major damage to both machines.  After that early restart Prunty followed local standout Alex Stumpf through the Top Five.  Once the two had moved to the top two spots, Prunty made his move and secured the lead.

Once again Prunty’s lead was anything but comfortable.  Casey Johnson, who had won the 2018 track and TUNDRA Championships was hot on his heels after a furious toe-to-toe battle with Stumpf.  After Johnson shook free he was able to track down Prunty, but ran out of laps to muster a challenge.

Sunday’s visit to WIR will give plenty of time for the movers and shakers to get through the field as it will increase from 50 to 75 laps.  Now what’s left to find out is how the seventh version of the story is written.

TUNDRA Transport Services LLC Round Five will feature the Super Late Models, Midwest Dash Series, WIR ¼-Mile Late Models, and Wisconsin Sport Trucks.  Qualifying is scheduled for 12:30 and racing is to begin at 2 pm.

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

PORTAGE, Wis. (September 16, 2020) – It’s been a while since fans have been able to enjoy fall racing at Wisconsin International Raceway.  This Sunday’s TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Transport Services LLC Round Five will not disappoint with a large field of standout drivers ready to rumble the half-mile.

The power-packed field will all be chasing Dennis Prunty who has won two straight series events at WIR.  The 2012 TUNDRA Champion looks to keep making history by extending a streak by winning three straight races at a given track.

It wil be anything but easy for Prunty, however, with a field full of past TUNDRA and WIR Champions, including two reigning Champions.  Current TUNDRA point leader and three-time series Champion Casey Johnson will be looking forward to heading back to a track where he’s seen a lot of success over the past few seasons.  He won two straight Thursday night Championships in 2018 and 2019 before competing in a limited schedule this year. 

Picking up where Johnson left off, Bobby Kendall grabbed the 2020 Championship at WIR.  He enjoyed a stretch in the middle of the season where he won four of five features, including three straight.  Kendall also has two Red, White, and Blue titles, and is a former fast qualifier in TUNDRA action at WIR.

Another former Champ with strong ties to WIR is three-time series Champion Dalton Zehr.  He won the first ever TUNDRA event at the facility in 2014.  Zehr is looking to keep his and his teammate John Beale’s title hopes alive, but will still have to leap frog a pair of 44 cars.  Mike Lichtfeld sits Second in TUNDRA standings and has a past podium finish in TUNDRA action at WIR.  Justin Mondeik sits Third and showed great improvement with a strong run in the Dixieland at WIR earlier this season.

The TUNDRA Travelers will be ready to be heard from, as well.  Colin Reffner has seen his share of Top Fives in TUNDRA action at the facility.  Jordan Thiel has shown excellent speed and awaits another solid finish.  James Swan returns to WIR where he scored many Mid-American Stock Car Series and Midwest Truck wins.  Jake Zellmer rides a ton of momentum after setting fast time for the delayed Golden Sands Speedway event.

The rookie battle will also look to heat up with Brock Heinrich and Kody Hubred positioned very closely in the standings.  Both will be visiting WIR in a Super Late Model for the first time.

Other WIR past Champions include multiple-time track and Red, White and Blue titlists Lowell Bennett and Jeff Van Oudenhoven.  Both set fast times this year at WIR, but are still seeking a feature win.  Both came close on occasion, including a Second Place finish for Van Oudenhoven on the final Thursday night.

2020 Late Model (and now three-time) Champion Braison Bennett will join the field as well.  The youngest of the racing Bennetts has shown good speed in his two TUNDRA appearances thus far this season. 

Other WIR drivers looking to make noise include 2017 track Champion Andy Monday, 2020 Super Late Model Rookie of the Year Jeff Holmgren, Taylor Vandermoss, and Top Ten point getter Randy Schuler.

A pair from a race track to the south of WIR could be heard from as well.  RJ Braun races at Slinger Speedway regularly, but has found some serious magic at WIR.  In his two appearance Braun finished Second to Casey Johnson in the Blue race and won the following Thursday.  Brad Keith will also make his return to the series to test WIR for the first time.  Keith set multiple fast times this season on the way to a Third Place finish in the standings.

A pair of drivers from the north will invade, as well, as Norway Speedway regulars Dan Lindsley and Jason Wells are slotted to return after joining the series at Marshfield earlier in 2020.

TUNDRA will be joined on the half-mile by the Midwest Dash Series.  The WIR ¼-Mile Late Models and Wisconsin Sport Trucks will compete on the tight quarter-mile.  Qualifying is scheduled for 12:30 with racing to begin at 2 pm.

WIR is located just past the intersection of Highways 55 and KK outside Kaukauna, Wis. Rough camping is allowed on the grounds Saturday night before the event.  For more information visit http://www.wirmotorsports.com

Round Five – Wisconsin International Raceway
Sunday, September 20
Expected Entry List (35 as of 9/16/20)
00 – Darek Gress, Neillsville, Wis. [TT]
2 – Jordan Thiel, Darboy, Wis. [TT]
2 – Lowell Bennett, Neenah, Wis.
3 – Taylor Vandermoss, Darboy, Wis.
5 – Jeff Holmgren, Jr., East Troy, Wis.
9 – Braison Bennett, Neenah, Wis.
10 – Andy Monday, Appleton, Wis.
11 – Bobby Kendall, Montello, Wis.
12 – Terry Schoppenhorst, Berlin, Wis.
12 – Craig Krueger, Kaukauna, Wis.
18 – Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn. [TT]
20 – Kody Hubred, Utica, Wis. [TT][R]
25 – Wyatt Brooks, Amherst, Wis. [TT]
31 – Jason Wells, Kingsford, Mich.
32 – Steve Lichtfeld, Portage, Wis. [TT]
33 – Kevin Kneuse, Waukesha, Wis. [TT]
40 – Curt Tillman, Rockford, Ill.
42 – Dennis Prunty, Knowles, Wis.
44 – Mike Lichtfeld, Pardeeville, Wis. [TT]
44 – Justin Mondeik, Gleason, Wis. [TT]
45 – Jeff Van Oudenhoven, Kimberly, Wis.
47 – Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis. [TT]
48 – Brad Keith, West Bend, Wis.
52 – Brock Heinrich, Wausau, Wis. [TT][R]
54 – Chad Devine, Mackville, Wis. [TT]
71 – Mark Eswein, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
72 – Randy Schuler, Mequon, Wis.
77 – Riley Stenjem, Stoughton, Wis. [TT][R]
79 – Dan Lindsley, Vulcan, Mich.
87 – Colin Reffner, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. [TT]
87 – Josh Wallace, Genoa City, Wis. [TT]
97 – James Swan, Genoa City, Wis. [TT]
98 – RJ Braun, Wales, Wis.
99 – Jake Zellmer, Burlington, Wis. [TT]
119 – Dalton Zehr, Verona, Wis. [TT]

PLOVER, Wis. (September 10, 2020) – The TUNDRA Super Late Model Series and Golden Sands Speedway have made the decision to move a pair of dates in order to merge two events into a big racing weekend for race fans.

The make-up date from this past Monday’s Round Five will be moved to Friday, October 2.  The Golden Sands Harvest Race will move to Saturday, October 3. 

The Friday Super Late Model show will be sanctioned by TUNDRA as it was on September 7.  The Saturday show will be sanctioned by Golden Sands Speedway.

“When trying to determine a make-up date on the fly, as we had to on Monday, there are scenarios that may not be immediately clear.  After taking some time to discuss amongst ourselves, we felt there was a better option on the table,” said TUNDRA representative Matt Panure.  “We regret the confusion and are very thankful to have such great partners in Golden Sands. This should make for an exciting and fun weekend of racing for a group of tremendous fans.”

Thanks to Smiley’s Old Time Diner bonuses will be available for the top two TUNDRA Travelers who record the best average finish between the two races.  The overall top driver will receive an additional trophy for being the weekend’s “Combine Champion.”

The Friday October, 2 show will be the make-up date from September 7.  Rain checks from this past Monday will be honored at this event.  Fans who attended are encouraged to contact TUNDRA or Golden Sands if they have questions or concerns about their rain checks.  Admission will be available for fans who did not attend the original event.  More details will be available shortly.

“Moving this date also alleviates a lot of potential stress on our teams trying to race at two very different venues in a weekend,” Panure added. “They’ll now have the opportunity to compete in two big races at Golden Sands without having to worry about extra travel or changeover of their cars between tracks.”

TUNDRA will complete the 75-lap feature and crown its 2020 Champion as the headliner for Friday’s show.  The program will also welcome back heats and a feature for the WIR ¼-Mile Late Models as well as the Wisconsin Sport Trucks.  A fourth division is likely to be named, as well.

Pit gates will open at 3 pm with practice to begin at 3:30. Qualifying for support divisions will take place at 6:30 and racing will begin at 7:45.

The Saturday, October 3 show will feature a full program for the Golden Sands Harvest with a large payoff and lap money to be offered to the Super Late Models.  More details will be available through the Golden Sands Speedway web site. 

Next up for TUNDRA is a stop at Wisconsin International Raceway on Sunday, September 20.  TUNDRA will be joined by the WIR ¼-Mile Late Models, Midwest Dash Series, and Wisconsin Sport Trucks.  Racing begins at 2 pm.

Despite the very best efforts of Golden Sands Speedway and the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series, a continual rain has forced the postponement of Round Five. The event will continue on Friday, October 2.

Fans will be permitted to use their receipt from the track as a rain check, or are encouraged to contact either Golden Sands or TUNDRA for the rain check if they did not receive a receipt.

The starting lineup for the field is set for the 75-lap main event. TUNDRA will be rejoined by the WIR 1/4-Mile Late Models which will run heats and a feature. Other divisions are expected to be added. More details will be announced as they are available.

PORTAGE, Wis. (September 5, 2020) – When you have the longest tow to each TUNDRA Super Late Model Series race, it’s important to enjoy the ride as well as the destination, no matter the result. Michael Ostdiek say he and his team have done that… but they’re ready for a big day.  They believe Round Five at Golden Sands Speedway this Monday could be that day.

“Racing with the TUNDRA series has been a good experience thus far,” Ostdiek said. “We haven’t had the best of luck considering all the DNFs, but every interaction with the staff and other competitors has been great. Altogether it’s a very competitive series, everyone seems to be there for the same reason (for the love of the sport), and you get a great bang for your buck.”

Ostdiek made his series debut at Golden Sands Speedway four years ago to the date.  He made an instant, big impression by setting fast time in a field full of Champions and GSS veterans. What’s more, it was a maiden voyage for his program to a challenging track that can throw a curveball to any driver.

“Setting fast time in 2016 was super cool especially because that was my first ever race out of town in a Super,” Ostdiek said. “As far as the track and it suiting my driving? I don’t know about that. You definitely need to be in a good rhythm and be sensitive to your throttle input during the race. In qualifying you don’t really have to worry about that.”

Now that he enters as a full-time TUNDRA competitor, Ostdiek will have a little more of the lay of the land.  He has become knowledgeable of his fellow competitors, and has been making strides in his Super Late Model program throughout the year.  He’s shown good speed, especially at Jefferson and Marshfield, but experience bad luck.  As for expectations for Monday, Ostdiek is trying to keep them as straightforward as possible.

“My expectations is that when we unload, we will focus on getting car better and better for the race,” he said. “I think that’s one thing that despite the bad luck, we have done a fairly decent job at.”

Another thing they have been decent at is adapting to a challenging race season, and circumstances in general.  Super Late Model teams from Minnesota have few options.  To add insult, Elko Speedway was closed for most of the summer due to Minnesota Covid-19 restrictions.  Only recently has Ostdiek has been able to bring his weekly Late Model out to play on Saturday nights.

“Being a Super Late driver is tough when you’re from Minnesota. There is nowhere to race weekly within a 3 hour radius which makes it tough especially with a Super,” Ostdiek said. “There’s just so much more to it than a weekly Late Model and you have to be on your A-Game if you want to see good results.

“At the beginning of the year all we had really committed to was the 6-race schedule TUNDRA has. Luckily it hasn’t been too overwhelming with a shorter window to race but definitely wish we could’ve maybe raced a couple one-off shows here and there to get more of a dialed-in baseline.”

Some better luck and results would be a good shot in the arm for Ostdiek and his team.  The way they look at it, it would be a bonus to a wild and memorable campaign.

“My goal is to have as much fun as possible. What’s the point if you’re not having fun,” Ostdiek commented. “I would say that battling for Top Fives in the next two races would be fun. Yeah you want to win every time you show up to the track, but Rome wasn’t built in a day, as the old saying goes.”

Ostdiek and his fellow TUNDRA Travelers roll into Golden Sands Speedway for Round Five on Monday, September 7.  Qualifying is scheduled for 12:30 and racing is at 2 pm.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Midwest Dash Series, Wisconsin Sport Trucks, and WIR ¼-Mile Late Models.

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

PORTAGE, Wis. (September 4, 2020) – Momentum is a huge part of success in racing, and when it comes to TUNDRA Super Late Model Series action, Jordan Thiel has a ton of it in his corner.  He’ll be looking to ride the horse that has brought him to two straight Top Fives and gallop into Victory Lane on Monday at Golden Sands Speedway.

“We’re feeling very good about our last two races; State Park and Marshfield are usually two places I struggle at,” Thiel said.  “Leading laps and moving up through the field builds the momentum we’re looking for.  Having Top Five finishes at those tracks is huge for us in the points run.”

It’s been a season of hard-charging efforts for Thiel.  Aside from State Park, he has been slicing and dicing his way through the field to secure solid finishes.  Both he and Casey Johnson split the hard-charger bonus points at Marshfield.  Thiel sees it as a mixed blessing, while he’s happy to be moving through the field, he’d like to improve his starting spot.

“I tend to struggle with qualifying, that usually hurts us for starting position,” he said.  “We generally are looking for the long run speed in our program.  I hope to still be moving forward at the end of the race.”

That long-run speed could go a long way on Monday, especially if the race can stay clean and green.  Thiel has many laps around Golden Sands, including a feature win earlier this season.  He came close to grabbing a TUNDRA win in 2017 when he was fended off by Mike Lichtfeld.

“I’m looking forward to Monday’s race, we’ve contended for the TUNDRA win here before and plan to do it again,” Thiel said.  “The competition in this series is very strong so we’ll still need to be at the top of our game.  We need a good qualifying effort and patience behind the wheel to get it done.”

Another banner day could keep Thiel in the title conversation.  He has launched himself into the Top Five over the last two races.

“Getting into the Top 5 in TUNDRA points isn’t easy.  I’m incredibly happy to be 5th, but hungry for more,” Thiel said.  “It will be tough to move up to the top of the list.  Just to maintain Fifth, we’ll need to have very solid runs in the last two races.”

Those last two races also happen to be at Thiel’s two favorite tracks.  Being able to carry a little confidence could be the boost he and his team need to keep rolling.

“I do kind of have two “home” tracks nowadays.  I’ve been watching races at WIR since I was a child, and have a lot of laps at that track over the years,” Thiel said.  “Since teaming with Wyatt [Brooks] Golden Sands has become my second home.  I really like that track; it’s all about being smooth and consistent.  I’m extremely excited the last two races are at places I love to race and have lots of history.”

Thiel and his fellow TUNDRA Travelers roll into Golden Sands Speedway for Round Five on Monday, September 7.  Qualifying is scheduled for 12:30 and racing is at 2 pm.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Midwest Dash Series, Wisconsin Sport Trucks, and WIR ¼-Mile Late Models.

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

PORTAGE, Wis. (September 3, 2020) – Despite a quick turnaround from the last event, the always-contentious contingent of TUNDRA Super Late Model Series racers are ready to roll on Labor Day for Round Five at Golden Sands Speedway.

Casey Johnson padded his point lead with a Second Place finish in the Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial and will be looking for another strong run at the third-mile.  He’ll be hoping to keep the likes of Mike Lichtfeld, Justin Mondeik, John Beale, Jordan Thiel, and Jordan Devoy at bay.

Plenty of TUNDRA Travelers will be looking to make some moves in the point standings outside the Top Five including Round Four Fast Qualifier Colin Reffner, former TUNDRA Golden Sands Fast Qualifier Michael Ostdeik, 2019 GSS Track Champion Wyatt Brooks, and Kevin Kneuse, who makes his return after teaming with Mark Mackesy.

Also inside the Top Ten, the EPYK Media Rookie of the Year battle is heating up.  Brock Heinrich sits Seventh in the stands, just 20 points ahead of fellow rookie Kody Hubred in Eighth.  Both drivers have been solid Top Ten competitors at each race this season, and will hope to find a leg up on Monday.

Several outsiders will look to make the afternoon interesting, including Iowa’s Sammy Smith.  Smith has been competing around the country for Kyle Busch Motorsports. On Monday he’s slated to jump behind the wheel of the Brad and Nancy Mannstedt owned #91.  Slinger Standout Brad Keith and multiple-time GSS Champion Mark Eswein are also among potential spoilers.

Several drivers have expressed interest in joining the field Monday provided other races on the weekend go well for them.

Qualifying is scheduled for 12:30 and racing is at 2 pm for TUNDRA Round Five on Monday at Golden Sands.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Midwest Dash Series, Wisconsin Sport Trucks, and WIR ¼-Mile Late Models.

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

Round Five – Golden Sands Speedway
Monday, September 7
Expected Entry List (29 as of 9/3/20)
00 – Darek Gress, Neillsville, Wis. [TT]
2 – Jordan Thiel, Darboy, Wis. [TT]
2 – Lowell Bennett, Neenah, Wis.
5 – Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis. [TT]
5 – John Beale, Verona, Wis. [TT]
9 – Braison Bennett, Neenah, Wis.
13 – Nick Egan, Slinger, Wis. [TT]
18 – Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn. [TT]
20 – Kody Hubred, Utica, Wis. [TT][R]
25 – Wyatt Brooks, Amherst, Wis. [TT]
25 – Adam Oxborough, Downtown Minneapolis, MN
28 – Darren Jackson, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
31 – Corey Jankowski, Tomah, Wis.
32 – Steve Lichtfeld, Portage, Wis. [TT]
33 – Kevin Kneuse, Waukesha, Wis. [TT]
38 – Jordan Devoy, Lake Geneva, Wis. [TT]
44 – Mike Lichtfeld, Pardeeville, Wis. [TT]
44 – Justin Mondeik, Gleason, Wis. [TT]
48 – Brad Keith, West Bend, Wis.
52 – Brock Heinrich, Wausau, Wis. [TT][R]
54 – Jeremy Lepak, Wausau, Wis. [TT]
71 – Mark Eswein, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
76 – Travis Volm, Mosinee, Wis.
77 – Riley Stenjem, Stoughton, Wis. [TT][R]
87 – Colin Reffner, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. [TT]
87 – Josh Wallace, Genoa City, Wis. [TT]
91 – Sammy Smith, Johnston, IA
99 – Jake Zellmer, Burlington, Wis. [TT]
711 – Kyle Gennet, Rangeline, Wis.

PORTAGE, Wis. (September 2, 2020) – Each year when race schedules are released, Wyatt Brooks looks at his calendar, finds the date of the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series race at Golden Sands Speedway and circles it with a bold red marker.  That date is steadily approaching as the series readies to visit the third-mile next Monday, September 7.

The 2019 Golden Sands Champion is excited to get back to business at his home track.

“I’ve been working out of town all summer so being able to race there full time this year wasn’t an option,” Brooks said. “Having said that, I’m even more excited to get back in front of the hometown crowd where I know we run strong.”

Brooks grew up at Golden Sands. He watched many of his family members turn wrenches and laps that facility.  It’s where he began his career, and where he’s enjoyed some of his biggest breakthroughs.

“Golden Sands has the nostalgia for me. I grew up going to the race track watching my dad, uncles, and cousins race,” he said. “From a drivers stand point I like the track because it’s a track you have to get the hang of. Not too many drivers can show up once a year and be fast for a whole race so my seat time at sands really comes into play.”

A solid run at his home track would wipe clean the recent memories of a tough TUNDRA season.  Brooks has been showing gains, however.  He recorded a season-best Tenth Place finish in the series’ last stop at Marshfield Motor Speedway.

“We have shown great speed at times this year. We just need to button up the loose ends that have been haunting us,” Brooks commented. “If the car can hold up and I can go mistake free I’m confident we have a pretty good shot at being up front.”

It wouldn’t be out-of-the-ordinary to see Brooks up front on Monday.  He’s been a threat to win at Golden Sands the past three seasons.  He’s also grabbed big wins in non-TUNDRA action at the facility.  He knows it will take some strategy to find himself in the right place at the right time.

“It’s going to come down to getting good track position early on and taking advantage of restarts to avoid being boxed in by the tight side-by-side racing in the middle of the pack,” he said.

If he is to break through for his second career TUNDRA win, it’s sure to be followed by a big sigh of relief and a major celebration.

“I’ve been oh so close to getting the win the last few years so I’d really like to put it all together for my team,” Brooks said. “They bust their butts and would be very deserving of a big TUNDRA win at our home track.”

Brooks and his fellow TUNDRA Travelers roll into Golden Sands Speedway for Round Five on Monday, September 7.  Qualifying is scheduled for 12:30 and racing is at 2 pm.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Midwest Dash Series, Wisconsin Sport Trucks, and WIR ¼-Mile Late Models.

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

MARSHFIELD, Wis. (August 30, 2020) – Just when it looked like Dalton Zehr had a leg up, Casey Johnson battled back. When it looked like Johnson was poised to break away, Zehr evened the score. Saturday’s Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial Prestented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service at Marshfield Motor Speedway was a true tussle between the three-time Champions.

Ultimately, it was Zehr who came out on top for his second win of the 2020 season and 12th of his TUNDRA career.

Zehr and Johnson battled through a series of restarts that saw the past three-time Champions swapping lanes in hopes for the best path to victory.  Johnson selected the outside line for the final restart with oil having been laid down on the bottom of the track during the previous caution. After a side-by-side battle for a couple of circuits, Zehr was able to pull ahead using the inside.

“It was impossible to figure out which line was better for the restart,” Zehr said of the duels with Johnson. “I’d get away on the high line one time, he’d get away on the low line the next, then on the final restart I got away on the inside line.”

At the drop of the green flag Zehr jumped away from fellow front-row starter Jeff Holmgren Jr.  In short order he was joined in the top Five by the likes of Brock Heinrich, Holmgren, Justin Mondeik, and Johnson.  The first caution of the race fell when Michael Ostdeik lost power on lap 14, which caused some major plot twists in the event.

Both Zehr and Heinrich selected the inside line for the restart, allowing Mondeik to join Zehr in the front row.  Just as the field came back to the one to green, Mondeik lost power.  A fuel pump issue dashed his chances for a second straight TUNDRA win.

Mondeik’s misfortune brought Johnson to the outside of Zehr.  He would capitalize and secure the lead off the restart.  It would be short-lived, however, as Corey Jankowski lost power, bringing out another caution just two laps later.  The caution came just as Zehr was posing a challenge to Johnson for the lead.

Johnson took the inside line for the subsequent restart with Zehr flanking him to the outside.  This time Zehr got the jump on Johnson and began to cruise away.  As the top two settled in, Heinrich slid to Third, Mike Lichtfeld grabbed Fourth and the likes of Section 37 Throwing Co. / Club Forest Bar Fast Qualifier Colin Reffner and Jordan Thiel were battling for Fifth.

Another caution fell on lap 37 when Darren Jackson suffered a broken ball joint coming off of turn two.  Once again Johnson and Zehr found themselves together in the front row.  Again the fortunes would swing as Johnson wrestled the lead away from Zehr, only to see the yellow fall again with a melee that collected Brock Heinrich, James Swan, Mark Mackesy, and Kyle Gennet in turn one.

A lengthy clean up left Johnson and Zehr in one final showdown. With a cleanup being needed on the inside line, Johnson chose to restart on the outside.  Zehr joined him, and was able to slip away using the inside line after the drop of the green.

Johnson stretched out his point lead by securing a Second Place finish. He now has posted two Seconds, a Third, and a Fourth Place finish in 2020.

Mike Lichtfeld cruised to Third after winning the dash, Jordan Thiel ran to a Fourth Place finish and Section 37 Throwing Co. / Club Forest Bar Fast Qualifier Colin Reffner rounded out the Top Five.

Full Results

PORTAGE, Wis. (August 26, 2020) – For the fans who show up to TUNDRA Super Late Model Series events early enough to witness time trials, one driver has consistently been turning heads – Jake Zellmer. 

Zellmer is the only driver to make all three Fast Five dashes thus far in 2020, and is looking to do that again – and more – this Saturday in the Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial Presented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service at Marshfield Motor Speedway.  He’ll have plenty to fall back on after being among the quickest five in qualifying at the half-mile last season.

“It’s a hammer-down type race track in my eyes,” Zellmer said of Marshfield. “It’s so sweeping you can just ship the car in the corner let it roll and pick the throttle back up.”

The track seems to suit Zellmer’s driving style, he claims.  But there hasn’t seemed to be a track in qualifying that hasn’t fit his style.  He qualified Fifth at Dells Raceway Park and Second at both Jefferson and State Park Speedway.  Getting closer to fast time has pushed momentum into his race program, and has him hungry to rise all the way to the top.

“I’m very motivated to get that axe,” Zellmer said of the Section 37 Throwing Co. / Club Forest Bar ‘Axing the Competition’ Fast Qualifier Award. “It keeps us hungry at every TUNDRA race.”

The speed shown by Zellmer should come as no surprise as his efforts began to pick up last year.  He scored his first ever series fast time in last year’s TUNDRA visit to the Dells.  That motivated him and his team to push event harder.

“We’ve spent many hours in the shop over the winter and each week preparing the car to make it better,” he said. “We’ve been good so far, but for as hard as we are working, we know it could get a lot better in hurry.”

Zellmer and his team now hope the solid qualifying efforts will turn into strong race efforts.  He recorded a solid Sixth Place in the season opener before suffering a DNF after running strongly at Jefferson.  He notched a Ninth Place finish at Jefferson.

With just three easy steps, Zellmer thinks he might not only get that axe he’s seeking, he could be the next to record his first TUNDRA win.

“Consistency, patience, and a little luck,” Zellmer said of his game plan for the Bev race.  Only Saturday will tell if those factor into a successful visit to Marshfield.

Zellmer and his fellow TUNDRA Travelers roll into Marshfield Motor Speedway this Saturday for Round Four of Six in the 2020 season.  Casey Johnson holds a 12-point lead over Justin Mondeik in the series standings.  The team of Jordan Devoy and James Swan sits Third.  Zellmer sits Ninth, 71 points out of the top spot.

TUNDRA will be joined by the Midwest Dash Series and Upper Midwest Vintage Racing Series.  Qualifying is scheduled for 5:45 pm with racing on the slate for 7 pm.

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