PORTAGE, Wis. (August 24, 2020) – Colin Reffner will be the first to admit that it has been rough sledding thus far in his 2020 TUNDRA Super Late Model Series season.  However, this Saturday’s Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial presented by Incredible Bank and A&A Lock Service at Marshfield Motor Speedway presents a major opportunity to turn things around.

“It certainly has been a rough year so far in TUNDRA for us,” Reffner said. “If there’s any track to get headed back in the right direction at, it’s Marshfield.”

Reffer set fast time and was victorious when TUNDRA took part in the Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial in 2018.  He set fast time for last year’s event before mechanical issues put a damper on his day.  The Bev race is one that he circles on his calendar each year, knowing it’s one where he will be watched closely by his fellow competitors.  It’s also special to him because of the meaning of the event.

“Winning the Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial was pretty special,” Reffner said of the 2018 victory. “It was my first TUNDRA win and at the same time was a memorial race for someone who was such a great person that I had known since I started racing at Golden Sands Speedway when I was 12. Bev made delicious baked goods that I always looked forward to trying after the races.”

To have the event at Marshfield also acts as a boost for Reffner as he has turned plenty of laps at the half-mile.  Not one to stand on the sidelines, Reffner has already been preparing for this year’s event by attending other weekly races.

“Past experiences and successes always play a helpful role when going to a race track,” Reffner commented. “I’ve had the opportunity to race at MMS this season on the recap tires, so I hope to be able to apply some of the things we’ve learned to the upcoming race.”

The TUNDRA schedule has not been kind to Reffner with finishes of 15th at DRP, 21st at Jefferson, and a DNS at State Park. The sour luck has not shaken the focus of the team, however, as they’re prepared to return to form at Marshfield.

A rebound this weekend could spur a solid second half of the season for Reffner.  He has shown great speed in past TUNDRA races at Golden Sands and Wisconsin International Raceway, including a few top five finishes over his last seasons.

“Both Plover and WIR are tracks that I really enjoy racing at. As long as we’re putting together a fast car in the shop, we should hopefully put together a strong run for the end of the season,” he said.

But for now, the focus is on trying to having another banner day in the Bev Aschenbrenner Memorial, perhaps with a third straight fast time, and a second win. It’s the focus of Reffner’s program leading up to Saturday’s race.

“For this weekend’s race I hope to have a car that I can compete for a win with,” Reffner stated simply.  History would indicate there is a good chance that will be the case.

Reffner 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.

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

Full Results

Justin Mondeik continued to keep the world of short track racing on notice by grabbing his first TUNDRA Super Late Model Series checkered flag Saturday night in the AGRA Industries 75 as part of Round Three at State Park Speedway.

The win was Mondeik’s 12th in overall Super Late Model action thus far in 2020, and came after setting the Section 37 Axe House / Club Forest Bar “axing the competition” fast time and blazing through the field from his 11th starting spot.

Early race leader Jordan Thiel finished Second, Casey Johnson smoothly sailed to a Third Place finish, Mark Mackesy was Fourth, and EPYK Media Rookie contender Brock Heinrich rounded out the Top Five.

Mondeik used the choose cone to his advantage, choosing the outside lane during the only caution with 30 laps remaining, moving from fourth to the outside front row.  He would wrestle the lead away from race-long leader Jordan Thiel on the ensuing restart, checking out from the field for his 12^th win of 2020.

“We had a good car, we were kind of getting boxed in right away.  I felt like we would be the car to beat and it worked out great for us with the lane choice there,” Mondeik said.  “I felt like we were the better car on the top, nobody wanted to go to the outside so I went to the outside and got clear in two or three laps.  We won the Detjens Memorial with the ARCA Midwest Tour and now we’ve got our first TUNDRA win here, too.”

The win gave him number three for the weekend after sweeping twin features at Norway Speedway the night before.  Mondeik now has a winning percentage of .500 on the year, with 12 wins in 24 starts.

He hopes to keep his breakout year going as he chases titles with TUNDRA and the ARCA Midwest Tour, in addition to going after a track title at State Park.

“We got the FK Rod Ends Driver of the Month in July and we’re now off to a good start here in August.  We’ve got three feature wins already.  We’re going to keep it going here hopefully and get this TUNDRA championship wrapped up hopefully.”

Jordan Thiel started on the pole after Mondeik rolled an 11 for the invert.  He led the first 40 laps while holding State Park Speedway shoe Mark Mackesy at bay during lapped traffic.  After losing the lead on the restart, he held off charges from Mackesy and two-time defending series champion Casey Johnson to score his best finish with the series since he won the TUNDRA finale at Dells Raceway Park back in 2017.

“I started on the pole, which helped out a ton.  Track position is huge.  We normally don’t do too well here, so when I got out to the lead it was great just to keep hearing that my lead was extending,” Thiel said.  “That caution was the last thing I wanted to hear but I’m just happy to get a top-three and keep the car in one piece.”

Having competed in every race the series has ran since the 2016 season, Thiel preached about the importance of performing well with the short season TUNDRA has.

“Only having six races, you’ve got to be on top of your game for all six races.  If you have one bad night it can ruin your whole points series.  You want to try to finish top-five, top-ten in everything.  You obviously want to win every night but with only six races you’ve got to be on your A-game every race.”

Johnson and Macksey followed Thiel across the line in third and fourth, while Brock Heinrich backed up his first-career Super Late Model win last Thursday with a fifth-place run.

Click here to watch a replay of Saturday night’s TUNDRA Super Late Model Series race at State Park Speedway.

Special thanks to Speed51 National Correspondent Koty Geyer for contributing this story.

PORTAGE, Wis. (August 6, 2020) – There may be no hotter driver in the state of Wisconsin right now than Justin Mondeik.  With a ton of momentum from a solid start to 2020, Mondeik will be seeking his first TUNDRA Super Late Model Series win this Saturday when he and his fellow TUNDRA Travelers visit his home track – State Park Speedway.

Thus far in 2020, Mondeik has scored wins at State Park Speedway (including the Detjens Memorial), Golden Sands Speedway, and three in consecutive visits to Norway Speedway in Upper Michigan.  His feature win total has already hit a career high, and he feels everything is on the right track for this weekend.

“Everything has been going well,” Mondeik said of 2020 thus far. “We have unloaded with great baselines, make minor adjustments, and the car usually comes right to us.”

Mondeik has shown well in the first two TUNDRA races of the season in somewhat unfamiliar territory.  He finished Seventh at Dells Raceway Park in Round One and Fourth in Round Two at Jefferson.  His early-season efforts place him Sixth in TUNDRA standings, but only 28 points out of the top spot.  With three straight TUNDRA events happening in his home territory, Mondeik feels like it’s a good time to strike.

“I honestly feel like we can win the next three TUNDRA races,” he said. “Wausau, Marshfield and Plover are probably our best three tracks. In racing the fastest car doesn’t always win, there are no guarantees, but I feel the 44 will be there at the end.”

Mondeik knows to win Saturday and begin that streak it’ll take a fast race car, but also some patience.  State Park Speedway can be tricky, and having some extra experience there could come in handy.

“It’s always a goal to protect home turf.  We have run really well everywhere this year,” he said. “I’d say conserving tires is the key at Wausau. It’s really easy to burn them off; you have to know when it’s time to ride and when to fire.”

Should Mondeik score his first TUNDRA victory it could cause a major mix up in the title chase heading into the second half of the six-race season.  Ahead of Mondeik sit defending Champion and point leader Casey Johnson, Jefferson winner Gabe Sommers, the team of Dalton Zehr and John Beale, Mike Licthfeld, and the team of Jordan Devoy and James Swan.

TUNDRA will be joined by the Wisconsin Sport Trucks, SPS Pure Stocks, and SPS Mini-Stocks.  Qualifying is scheduled for 5:45 with racing at 7.

State Park Speedway is located at 14771 North Mountain Road in Wausau, Wis. For more information visit www.stateparkspeedway.com

PORTAGE, Wis. (August 5, 2020) – The TUNDRA Super Late Model Series will have no shortage of contenders to visit Victory Lane this Saturday, August 8 at State Park Speedway for Round Three of the 2020 campaign.  Nearly 30 drivers have already pre-entered.

Among some of the notables are former TUNDRA State Park winners Mark Mackesy (2016, 2018) and Casey Johnson (2019). 

Johnson holds a one-point lead over Round Two winner Gabe Sommers and will look to increase his title chances with another strong run.  Last season Johnson all but dominated the race, cruising to the lead and never looking back.  Behind him, Mackesy made a late-race charge to Second.  Jordan Devoy rounded out the podium.

While Johnson and Mackesy will be looking for another trip to State Park victory lane in TUNDRA action, a pair of drivers who have already captured victories at State Park Speedway in 2020 will be hoping to capture their first wins under the series banner.  Both Justin Mondeik and leading EPYK Media rookie Brock Heinrich have scored wins at the quarter-mile. Both have expressed confidence in Saturday’s event.

As for other names to watch, Sommers may be the hottest in TUNDRA action, having won three of the last five series events since July of last year.  He is a past Detjens Memorial winner at the facility, and another win would go a long way in the young driver’s quest for his first Super Late Model title.

Section 37 Axe House / Club Forest Bar Fast Qualifier from Dells Raceway Park, Mike Lichtfeld, is looking to keep his title hopes alive, as well.  He has had mixed success at Wausau, but has proven to be strong enough to challenge for race wins.  The same can be said for Colin Reffner, who is looking to shake off the bad luck of Dells and Jefferson to vault back up the standings. He is a past Fast Qualifier of the event.

Round Three will bring a turnabout of teammates in the TUNDRA field.  John Beale tags in for Dalton Zehr, just five points out of the point lead.  Beale has won features in CWRA action at Wausau, and has a past TUNDRA podium there too. 

James Swan will jump back into TUNDRA action for the first time since 2016 as the teammate of Jefferson Fast Qualifier Jordan Devoy.   Mackesy will tag in for Top Ten point-getter Kevin Kneuse, while Nick Egan will make his TUNDRA debut in place of his dad Mike, and former SPS track Champion Jeremy Lepak will get behind the wheel of the Mackville Motorsports machine.

The visit will also see some tough competition coming from local competitors including Travis Volm, Dillon Mackesy, Kolton Guralski, and Parker Retzlaff in the Wayne Brevik-owned 711.

TUNDRA will be joined by the Wisconsin Sport Trucks, SPS Pure Stocks, and SPS Mini-Stocks.  Qualifying is scheduled for 5:45 with racing at 7.

State Park Speedway is located at 14771 North Mountain Road in Wausau, Wis. For more information visit www.stateparkspeedway.com

Round Three – State Park Speedway
Saturday, August 8
Expected Entry List (28 as of 8/5/20)
00 – Darek Gress, Neillsville, Wis. [TT]
2 – Jordan Thiel, Darboy, Wis. [TT]
5 – Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis. [TT]
5 – John Beale, Verona, Wis. [TT]
12 – Mark Mackesy, Wausau, Wis. [TT]
13 – Nick Egan, Slinger, Wis. [TT}
15 – Gabe Sommers, Plover, 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, Minn.
31 – Jason Wells, Kingsford, Mich.
32 – Steve Lichtfeld, Portage, Wis. [TT]
44 – Mike Lichtfeld, Pardeeville, Wis. [TT]
44 – Justin Mondeik, Gleason, Wis. [TT]
51 – Dennis Schmidt, Juneau, Wis. [TT]
52 – Brock Heinrich, Wausau, Wis. [TT][R]
52 – Nick Roehl, Fond du Lac, Wis.
54 – Jeremy Lepak, Wausau, Wis. [TT]
56 – Kolton Guralski, Wausau, Wis.
76 – Travis Volm, Mosinee, Wis.
77 – Riley Stenjem, Stoughton, Wis.
87 – Colin Reffner, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. [TT]
87 – Josh Wallace, Genoa City, Wis. [TT]
93 – Dillon Mackesy, Athens, Wis.
97 – James Swan, Genoa City, Wis. [TT]
99 – Jake Zellmer, Burlington, Wis. [TT]
711- Parker Retzlaff, Rhinelander, Wis.

PORTAGE, Wis. (August 4, 2020) – There’s a reason he’s called the King of State Park Speedway.  With four Championships and 58 features wins, Mark Mackesy is sure to be one to watch when the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series visits the quarter-mile in Wausau this Saturday, August 8.

Mackesy has won two of the five events TUNDRA has held at State Park Speedway.  He reigned supreme in a spirited battle with an emerging Derek Kraus in 2016 to score his first ever series win.  Two years later he outdueled the likes of Mike Lichtfeld and Casey Johnson to defend his home turf.

A win Saturday would put Mackesy in the TUNDRA history books alongside Dalton Zehr as the only driver to win more than two races at a single venue.  He and Zehr are also the only two drivers to win consecutive TUNDRA events.  Mackesy did so by backing up his 2016 State Park win with a win at Golden Sands.

If he is to keep his streak of winning every other TUNDRA Wausau visit alive, Mackesy can look back to a strong Second Place finish last season.  Much like his two wins, Mackesy surged through the field late, but was unable to challenge eventual race winner Casey Johnson.

Much like last season, Mackesy can expect some tough company up front, including drivers who have picked up feature wins and had excellent runs at Wausau this season.  “The King” will be sure to hear from some of the usual State Park Speedway suspects Justin Mondeik, Brock Heinrich, Travis Volm, and Dillon Mackesy.  What’s more, he’ll have a pack of hungry TUNDRA Travelers looking to dethrone him.

TUNDRA will be joined by the Wisconsin Sport Trucks, SPS Pure Stocks, and SPS Mini-Stocks.  Qualifying is scheduled for 5:45 with racing at 7.

State Park Speedway is located at 14771 North Mountain Road in Wausau, Wis. For more information visit www.stateparkspeedway.com

PORTAGE, Wis. (August 3, 2020) – It’s been a charmed start to the 2020 season for Brock Heinrich. The leading TUNDRA Super Late Model Series EPYK Media Rookie of the Year contender has been turning heads early this season, and hopes to keep doing so when the series heads to his home track – State Park Speedway – this Saturday, August 8.

“I’m really enjoying running with the TUNDRA series so far,” Heinrich said. “It’s been a big learning experience for me, and every time we hit new pavement I learn something about the car and how to drive it. I truly believe that we are picking up more and more momentum as we go. We have some tracks coming up that I feel really good about already so I’m pretty happy about the way things are going.”

Heinrich has done well in TUNDRA’s first two races at somewhat unfamiliar tracks for him.  He finished 10^th in the season opener at Dells Raceway Park on July 4 and recorded a solid Sixth Place finish in the series’ latest stop at Jefferson Speedway.  The efforts have him sitting Seventh in the series standings, 48 points out of the top spot.

Being in good standing, Heinrich is excited for how the TUNDRA schedule unfolds over the next few races with three stops in Central Wisconsin.

“With some of our better tracks coming up on the schedule, we definitely have some confidence going forward,” Heinrich said. “Our Main focus is to chase the Top Fives and W’s, and just see where we end up. I’d like to be fast everywhere every time, and with the way things are going against some really good cars at all these new tracks, I’d say we’re doing pretty well as a rookie team.”

Heinrich said he is most excited to welcome the TUNDRA drivers to his home turf this weekend.  His resume at State Park Speedway is solid. He won two Limited Late Model Championships at the venue, was last year’s Super Late Model Rookie of the Year, finished Third in the 2020 Detjens Memorial, and scored his first win at the track last Thursday night.

“I just keep checking off goals that I’ve set for myself when I was younger. It’s just too cool to be racing with people I’ve watched my whole life,” Heinrich said. “And now being right in the mix or winning against them. It’s badass! We worked our butts off the last two years to get where we are now. Going forward it’s major a major confidence booster.”

He knows the competition will be tough with nearly 30 Super Late Models expected for the event, but he’s ready to show the travelers what he’s learned at State Park over the past few seasons.

“The main benefit in having State Park as a home track is the fact that it’s so finicky and dynamic and it’s the only track we’ve run for so long. You have to run it just right to be fast, and that’s something that takes time to learn.”

Bringing that knowledge Saturday could mean he’ll be heading back to Victory Lane again, turning the heads of the TUNDRA contingent and vaulting himself into the title conversation.

“The big W is always the goal and it would really be huge to pull it off against a stout field like we will have Saturday,” Heinrich said. “A lot of friends, family, and sponsors will be there, so it’s a really big deal to make sure we perform. I know we have a solid chance at a good finish, and if the stars align we can put another win in our pocket.”

Heinrich joins his fellow TUNDRA Travelers and several SPS regulars to State Park Speedway this Saturday, August 8.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Wisconsin Sport Trucks, SPS Pure Stocks, and SPS Mini-Stocks.  Qualifying is scheduled for 5:45 with racing at 7.

State Park Speedway is located at 14771 North Mountain Road in Wausau, Wis. For more information visit http://www.stateparkspeedway.com

JEFFERSON, Wis. (July 18, 2020) – It’s never easy to be victorious when you’re playing in someone else’s sandbox, but that’s precisely what Gabe Sommers did on Saturday night in TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Round Two at Jefferson Speedway.

Sommers wrestled the lead away from fellow front-row starter and hometown racer Riley Stenjem then held off former Jefferson Speedway and defending TUNDRA Champion Casey Johnson to score the win.  It was Sommers’ third TUNDRA win in the last five series events.

Although he led from the drop of the green, the 75 lapper didn’t come without its challenges – and not just from other racers.

“It was really good there at the beginning.  That first caution kind of threw me for a loop, the car changed a lot.  The car came around there depending on which caution it was, I don’t know if the tires were shrinking a little bit or what,” Sommers said.  “That last caution, the car was pretty good and it got better and better on the long runs, so that’s all what mattered.”

At the outset Sommers battled with Stenjem for the top spot.  Stenjem was able to get to the inside and maintain position on Sommers, but each time the duo crossed the line, Sommers was able to edge ahead.  Eventually he left Stenjem behind to deal with Mike Lichtfeld for the runner-up spot.

As Lichtfeld and Stenjem locked into a duel for Second, Casey Johnson and Section 37 Axe House / Club Forest Bar ‘Axing the Competition’ Fast Qualifier Jordan Devoy were moving through the field.  Just as the race was to hit the 25-lap mark, Johnson and Devoy caught Justin Mondeik who was running Fifth.  As they exited turn two, Johnson swung to the inside of Mondeik as Devoy went high.  The trio went three-wide into turns three and four. 

Through the daring display, Devoy and Johnson moved past Mondeik and remained side-by-side for Fifth.  Devoy surged ahead of Johnson and grabbed the spot, then set his sights on Dale Nottestad in Fourth.  Two laps later the duo would sweep past Nottestad.

The first caution of the race fell on lap 30 when Colin Reffner’s left rear went flat.  The restart set Sommers on the outside of the front row with Stenjem on the inside.  Both Devoy and Johnson elected to take the outside line behind the leader.

Sommers again dashed away on the restart, this time bringing Devoy and Johnson along.  Devoy swung to the inside to challenge for the lead, making contact with Sommers in turns three and four on lap 32.  After making the save, Devoy lost position to Johnson.  The duo went side-by-side for the next lap until Devoy slid into turn one, making contact and sending Johnson for a spin.  Devoy invoked the gentlemen’s agreement before heading to the pits to ensure nothing was wrong with his car.  Johnson would be sent back to Second.

On the restart Sommers again elected to take the outside and held off Johnson for several laps until the caution again fell for a Mike Lichtfeld spin.  With a quick caution, the lead pair had the chance to settle the dispute again.  Once more Sommers was too strong.  A pair of laps later an incident between Jake Zellmer and Michael Ostdiek which also collected Dennis Schmidt brought out another yellow.  All subsequent restarts were single file, allowing Sommers to keep Johnson at bay.

Although Johnson got to Sommers’ bumper to challenge after a lap-60 restart, he was did not have enough steam to charge past him.  Eventually Sommers surged away to the checkered flag.

“It means a lot to be at his home track to come out on top,” Sommers said.  “This place is really tough and it shows a lot about our group and our car to come and race against the locals here and go home with a win.”

Johnson settled for second, and believed that the earlier incident caused enough damage to sour his chances at a third TUNDRA win at his home track.

“I think it knocked a little toe out or something, it got a little tight and we were just hanging on after that,” Johnson said.

In his series and Super Late Model debut, Stenjem rounded out the podium. He also secured an extra $100 from EPYK Media for being the rookie of the race.   Behind the top three, Mondeik held off a hearty challenge from Dalton Zehr to finish Fourth.

Despite finishing Second, Johnson enjoyed a solid points day and grabbed the lead in the standings by a single point over Sommers.  The team of Dalton Zehr and John Beale sits just five points out of the top spot.

Earlier in the evening Jordan Devoy captured the Section 37 Axe House / Club Forest Bar ‘Axing the Competition’ Fast Qualifier Award with a time of 13.324 seconds. It was a new TUNDRA series and overall Super Late Model track record.  He went on to recover for a Seventh Place finish in the feature.

The next event for the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series takes place on Saturday, August 8 at State Park Speedway in Wausau.  More information on this event will be available soon.

State Park Speedway is located at 5711 North Mountain Rd in Wausau, Wis. For more information visit http://www.stateparkspeedway.com

Full Results from Round Two

PORTAGE, Wis. (July 15, 2020) – Dalton Zehr and Casey Johnson have made massive marks in the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series record books.  In season ten they may end up putting a few marks on each other as they battle for a fourth series Championship.

The next step on that journey to title number four comes this Saturday at Wisconsin’s Action Track Jefferson Speedway.  Although it is Johnson’s home track, that doesn’t mean Zehr will be at any kind of disadvantage.

“I really like racing at Jefferson,” said Zehr, who won the TUNDRA opener at Dells Raceway Park on July 4.  “From the first time I raced there we’ve run strong. I believe the first time was a rained-shortened race, but we were racing Casey through the field.”

The first time TUNDRA visited the quarter-mile was 2013.  It was Zehr’s first time at Jefferson and Johnson’s series debut.  Shortened and called complete at lap 37 because of the rain, Zehr finished Third with Johnson right behind in Fourth.

Since that time Johnson has grabbed two wins (2014 and 2016) and Zehr visited Victory Lane in 2015 at the venue.  Both know they may encounter each other again if they’re going to be victorious this season.

“I always make sure to keep an eye on what kind of speed the 119 has, but our main focus is to make sure we’ve covered everything on our program to give us the best shot to beat those guys,” Johnson said.

For Johnson, the TUNDRA race at Jefferson is always circled in red on his calendar.  It’s a chance to go back home and show his home fan base just how far he’s come.  Many see Johnson, much like Zehr, as a top racer in the Midwest – and perhaps in the country. 

But, more so than anything, it’s a chance for Johnson to turn laps at his favorite track.

“I love the amount of grip and the different grooves you can run there.  It makes it different than any other track in the area,” Johnson commented.  “I’ve got a lot of laps around that place, so I think that still helps a lot, but I think a lot of guys are starting to feel pretty comfortable there as well.”

Zehr has seemed to find his groove at the tricky track, although it doesn’t take him long to figure out new venues (as shown by his early success back in 2013).  But Zehr also knows that it’s likely he’ll see Johnson if he is to find his way to the front, or if Johnson is to find him there.

“We will have a stopwatch on Casey just to see what we need to run for speed,” Zehr said. “That being said we will focus on making our car work the best we can whatever that is we will live with.”

A strong run at Jefferson could go a long way for both drivers.  After Round One at Dells Raceway Park, both sit toward the top of the point standings.  Both drivers know, however, that it won’t just be a two-car showdown.

“The competition is always top notch in these TUNDRA races, so you always just have to focus on winning the race and let the points play themselves out,” Johnson said.

Saturday’s running at Jefferson will be have an interesting underlying story line the typical fan may not know.  Zehr will be running his Gildan Racing entry out of the John Beale camp.  Johnson was Crew Chief for Beale in 2018 when he took the checkered flag during TUNDRA’s visit to Jefferson.  Johnson will be piloting Dennis Chase’s 47 car.  Zehr picked up a win in the Chase car at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2014. 

In the short track racing world of twists and turns, both drivers seem very happy with where their paths have taken them now.

“It has been a lot of fun crew chief-ing for John these past two years,” Zehr said. “John as a car owner has been awesome as well. I am really looking forward to the future success we will have working together.”

“Dennis and I have had some extremely strong cars at Jefferson and we’ve gone through all our past notes to come up with what we think will produce a pretty strong car,” Johnson said.

Johnson, Zehr and the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series roll into Jefferson this Saturday, July 18 for what promises to be a 75-lap, gloves-off, action-packed affair.  Nearly 30 entrants are expected for the event.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Legends, Bandoleros, and Bandits.  Qualifying is set for 5 pm with racing at 7.

Jefferson Speedway is located at W8135 US Hwy 18 just outside of Jefferson, Wis.  For more information visit http://www.jeffersonspeedway.com

PORTAGE, Wis. (July 14, 2020) – Every racer loves a good challenge. That’s why, when the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series heads to Jefferson Speedway each season, drivers seem to come out of the woodwork ready to rise to the occasion.

This year’s event – taking place this Saturday – promises to be no different.  Entries for Round Two at Wiscsonsin’s Action Track include Champions, challengers and some very intriguing competitors who could play the dark horse.  In all, it’s the perfect mix for a wildly entertaining 75-lap affair.

Perhaps the most eyes will be on a pair of three-time TUNDRA Champions, Casey Johnson and Dalton Zehr.  Johnson is a product of Jefferson Speedway and is always sure to be heard from when TUNDRA rolls into town. He made his TUNDRA debut at Jefferson in 2013 and has since won two of the next five events.  Zehr is fresh off a win in the series’ season opener at Dells Raceway Park on July 4.  He capped off his second TUNDRA Championship with a win at Jefferson in 2015.  His teammate John Beale was the most recent winner at Jefferson in 2018.

While those two may have a dispute between themselves to settle, there are plenty of other hungry competitors from the ranks of TUNDRA.  Mike Lichtfeld enters with a slim one-point lead over Zehr courtesy of his fast time and Second Place run at DRP.  He has found success at Jefferson in the past with three Top Five finishes in his first three appearances at the quarter-mile.

In hot pursuit of Lichtfeld will be two of Wisconsin’s up-and-coming stars in Gabe Sommers and Justin Mondeik.  Sommers comes off a Third Place finish at DRP, and recorded a solid Top Five in his first ever TUNDRA race at Jefferson two seasons ago.  Mondeik enters as one of the hottest drivers in the Midwest.  He’s already recorded wins at Golden Sands Speedway, State Park Speedway (Flip Merwin Memorial), and Norway Speedway’s Stateline Challenge.

Plenty of other TUNDRA regulars could be in the mix to shake things up, as well. Wyatt Brooks recorded his first TUNDRA win at Jefferson in 2017.  For much of that race he battled his teammate Jordan Thiel, who retired with mechanical issues.  Darek Gress and Jordan Devoy have also enjoyed strong runs at Jefferson, including leading late in races only to have bad luck creep up on them.

Although plenty of TUNDRA Travelers will be in the mix, there will be some heavy hitters with local ties to keep an eye on.  Five-time track Champion Dale Nottestad was poised to join this event last season before a rainout spoiled the fun.  This year he is prepared to make his TUNDRA debut, hoping to join an elite group of racers to win in their debut.

Along with Nottestad, former Jefferson Late Model racer turned TUNDRA EPYK Media Rookie contender Kody Hubred could be ready to park in Victory Lane again.  Hubred scored four wins at Jefferson last season, and expects a large turnout of his family and friends to root him on.  Riley Stenjem will be in a similar position, although Stenjem has grabbed a checkered in Late Model action more recently.  Stenjem won the season opener at Jefferson and held the point lead for the first few weeks of action.  He hopes his Super Late Model debut will be a memorable one.

As for other Late Model turned Super Late Model competitors, two could pose very interesting threats.  Max Kahler will make his first TUNDRA start after scoring a win and a Fourth Place finish in the first two Big 8 Late Model Series races this season, giving him an early point lead.  Braison Bennett is a former TUNDRA Rookie of the Year who has been running up front each week at Wisconsin International Raceway hoping to defend his Late Model Championship from a season ago.  With a Super Late Model to run from time to time, he wants to take another crack at the Action Track.

Plenty more storylines are sure to develop throughout the afternoon.  Brock Heinrich will look to claim another $100 for being the EPYK Media Top Rookie of the Race.  Chad Butz makes his return to TUNDRA action after a much improved 2019 season.  Dennis Schmidt and Jake Zellmer continue to show good pace, as well.  Colin Reffner and Minnesota’s Michael Ostdiek hope to bounce back after a hard-luck day in the Dells.

All of this and more will play out right in front of a fun and hearty fan base at Jefferson this Saturday.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Bandits, Bandoleros, Legends, and the Sportsman-Hobby Stock Shootout.  Qualifying is scheduled for 5 pm with racing at 7 pm.

Jefferson Speedway is located at W8135 US Hwy 18 just outside of Jefferson, Wis.  For more information visit jeffersonspeedway.com

Round Two – Jefferson Speedway
Saturday, July 18
Expected Entry List (28 as of 7/14/20)
00 – Darek Gress, Neillsville, Wis. [TT]
2 – Jordan Thiel, Darboy, Wis. [TT]
2 – Dale Nottestad, Cambridge, Wis.
5 – Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis. [TT]
8 – Chad Butz, Green Bay, Wis. [TT]
9 – Braison Bennett, Neenah, Wis.
13 – Andrew Brocker, Jefferson, Wis.
15 – Gabe Sommers, Plover, Wis. [TT]
17 – Max Kahler, Caledonia, Ill.
18 – Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn. [TT]
20 – Kody Hubred, Utica, Wis. [TT][R]
25 – Wyatt Brooks, Amherst, Wis. [TT]
32 – Steve Lichtfeld, Portage, Wis. [TT]
33 – Kevin Knuese, Waukesha, Wis. [TT]
34 – Brandon Hill, Lake Geneva, Wis.
38 – Jordan DeVoy, Lake Geneva, Wis. [TT]
44 – Mike Lichtfeld, Pardeeville, Wis. [TT]
44 – Justin Mondeik, Gleason, Wis. [TT]
51 – Dennis Schmidt, Juneau, Wis. [TT]
52 – Brock Heinrich, Wausau, Wis. [TT][R]
54 – Chad Devine, Mackville, Wis. [TT]
77 – Riley Stenjem, Stoughton, Wis.
79 – Craig Phillips, Verona, Wis.
87 – Colin Reffner, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. [TT]
87 – Josh Wallace, Genoa City, Wis. [TT]
89 – Mike Egan, Slinger, Wis. [TT]
99 – Jake Zellmer, Burlington, Wis. [TT]
119 – Dalton Zehr, Verona, Wis. [TT]

PORTAGE, Wis. (July 14, 2020) – Whenever a new driver joins the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series, there always seems to be one track that they’re most excited to visit. For EPYK Media Rookie Kody Hubred, that track is Jefferson Speedway.

Hubred welcomes his fellow TUNDRA Travelers and several outsiders to Wisconsin’s Action Track this Saturday. His anticipation of the event is running high, knowing that a home-track advantage is a distinct possibility.

“You can’t help but feel like you have that ‘home-track advantage,’” Hubred said.  “Jefferson is a tricky place to get around and hard for people to show up and be fast out of the box.  We’ve been working hard to make sure we have a solid piece for this race.”

He said he can’t wait to get back in front of his home crowd and hopes to dazzle them with a strong performance.

“Everyone knows when TUNDRA comes to Jefferson that it’s going to be a good show, they want to see the guys defend their turf,” Hubred said.  “I’ll have lots of family and friends there as it’s the closest race to home.”

Prior to his time in TUNDRA, Hubred was racing weekly Late Models, cutting his teeth at the quarter-mile.  In just a few short seasons he gained experience in leaps and bounds, and soon found himself as one of the racers to beat each Saturday night.  

“It’s a special place to me. I have a lot of favorite memories there,” Hubred said.  “In 2019 we had a really good car there and picked up four wins, so that’s definitely got to be my highlight there besides being Late Model Rookie of the Year in 2016.”

The 2020 season is off to a decent start for Hubred.  He finished 11^th in his TUNDRA debut, one spot behind fellow rookie Brock Heinrich.  The two are sure to duel for the extra $100 EPYK Media top rookie bonus at each race this season.  Although he just missed out on the prize, Hubred enjoyed his first series appearance.

“The first TUNDRA race was fun,” Hubred said.  “It’s a great group of racers, tough competition everywhere you go, and super affordable to run.”

Hubred knows that there are still strides to be made, but he has a pretty strong supporter in his corner in three-time TUNDRA Champion and fellow competitor Casey Johnson.  

“It’s been a bigger learning curve than what I expected in all honesty, but I have the best in the biz helping get me prepared and bring a solid car to each race,” Hubred said. “And without Casey, this is all just a pipe dream.  He makes sure I have whatever I need for whatever race.”

Perhaps those strides will be made this weekend and Hubred will have a chance to run up front with his mentor.

“It would mean a ton for me to have a solid run there Saturday, not only for my team but all of my sponsors and everyone who has helped me get here to be able to run a Super Late Model,” Hubred said.  “It would be a good momentum swing heading into the next few races as well.”

Hubred and the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series roll into Jefferson this Saturday, July 18 for what promises to be a 75-lap, gloves-off, action-packed affair.  Nearly 30 entrants are expected for the event.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Legends, Bandoleros, and Bandits.  Qualifying is set for 5 pm with racing at 7.

Jefferson Speedway is located at W8135 US Hwy 18 just outside of Jefferson, Wis.  For more information visit http://www.jeffersonspeedway.com