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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEST SALEM, Wis. (July 26, 2014) – Saturday Night at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway provided a little bit of history repeating itself. One year and one week after Paige Decker became the first female and rookie to win a TUNDRA feature, the feat was restored.

Dean’s Satellite Rookie contender Reagan May captured the 6’10″ trophy from Johnny’s Hobbies on Saturday night in TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Round Five Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes and Habelman Brothers Company Cranberries.

“I’m kind of still in shock,” May said in Victory Lane.  “I’m not sure if this is a dream or if this is actually happening.”

What may have been most shocking was how the 20-year-old from West De Pere, Wis., captured the win in her first visit to the five-eighths mile.  Not only did she grab the lead at the outset from the top line, May selected the outside groove on two separate restarts, and was able to pull away.

Those familiar with LaCrosse were left with their jaws to drop as the gamble paid off.  Eight-time LaCrosse Champion Kevin Nuttleman stopped by May’s trailer after the race to compliment her on her mastery of the tricky outside line.

“Ever since I raced dirt I loved going on the outside groove.  I carried the momentum and obviously it worked tonight,” she said.  “I hadn’t raced the low line all night, so I figured I would keep taking the high line.”

Earlier in the event May captured a heat race win from the top line.  In the feature she was able to get a jump on pole-sitter Brad Keith to nose ahead to an early lead.  Keith held on to the inside line for the first two laps, but May was able to clear and begin to build her lead by lap three.

Once May took the top spot Keith was left to fight off the advances of Adam Royle and Ty Majeski.  Royle took the second spot on lap six and left the door open for Majeski to slide to third on the same circuit.  By this time May had built a lead of nearly 15 car-lengths.

May, Royle and Majeski continued to break away from the rest of the field as Keith was challenged by Bobby Kendall and, eventually, Eugene Gregorich Jr.  Kendall slipped past Keith on lap ten and Gregorich took fifth just two laps later.  Behind Gregorich, fast-qualifier Brandon Selle began marching toward the top five.  He found his way to sixth by lap 15.  Unfortunately for Gregorich and Selle, both drivers later experienced ailing machines and fell out of the top ten.

The first caution of the race fell on lap 20.  As May was approaching lapped traffic Steve Lichtfeld and Wyatt Blashe came together on the front stretch.  Blashe spun and Lichtfeld made heavy contact with the outside wall.  He was unharmed, but was unable to continue the race.

When the Barricade Flasher Service TUNDRA Barrel was placed May jumped to the outside line.  May’s decision left the inside line open for Royle to take without hesitation.  Majeski, who earlier in the night used the bottom line to win in the LaCrosse Late Models, also ducked to the bottom behind Royle.

When the green fell, Royle kept close with May through the first set of turns.  May continued to use the open space up top to slide up, grab momentum and get a strong run out of the turns.  Two laps after the restart May had put Royle in the rear view mirror.

As May started to rebuild her lead the complexion of the top ten continued to change.  Point leader Dalton Zehr started behind the 10-car invert after qualifying 14^th earlier in the night.  On lap 23 he moved past Gregorich into sixth.  Two laps later he moved past Selle into the top five.  Two laps after that, he surpassed Kendall for fourth.  Just as Zehr was preparing to challenge Majeski for third the caution fell on lap 30 for a Frank Nitzke spin in turn one.

Just as she did on the first restart, May selected the outside line, leaving the inside line for Royle.  On this restart Royle was able to hang close with May and even nosed ahead on a couple of occasions.

“[Royle] was coming on fast,” May said.  “I knew he was a good driver, a good car, so I knew it was going to be hard at the end, especially with all of those cautions.”

The action picked up with eight to go as May and Royle continued to scrap for the lead.  Behind them Zehr worked the outside line on Majeski.  The two made contact in turn four and washed up the track.  Donny Reuvers, who quietly had moved to fifth, took advantage with a three-wide pass to the bottom.  The veteran move gave Reuvers a chance to challenge the top pair.

With just four laps remaining Royle again tested the inside line.  Once more May proved too strong on the top line.  May pulled away with three laps to go, leaving Royle to try to fend off Reuvers.  Although Reuvers got to the inside on the final lap, he was unable to take the second spot from Royle.  Majeski finished fourth and Zehr rounded out the top five.

The win put May in the history books as the second female and rookie to win a TUNDRA event.  The timing was ironic enough, being exactly one year and one week later.  Some of the other similarities are eerie.  Decker had also led wire-to-wire starting from the outside pole.  Both drivers captured the win at 20 years of age.

As a bonus, May also jumped to the top of the charts in the Dean’s Satellite Rookie chase.  She now sits eighth in TUNDRA standings and has a 17-point edge on Tommy Gee, who was unable to start the feature due to mechanical failure earlier in the evening.  Mike Lichtfeld is third in the rookie battle, just 19 points behind May.

At the top of the standings another consistent run paid off for Zehr.  His fifth-place finish helped him stretch out his point lead to 27 markers.  Majeski’s fourth-place finish moved him into the runner up spot by two-points over Gregorich.

Defending TUNDRA Champion Nick Panitzke was able to salvage what could have been a disastrous blow to his title defense thanks to the help of Michael Bilderback.  Bilderback gave up his ride so Panitzke could start the feature and attempt to gain points.  Panitzke finished 19^th.  He and Kendall now sit tied for fourth 41 points behind Zehr.

TUNDRA will experience the quickest turnaround between races as the series moves to Marshfield Motor Speedway this Saturday, August 2 for Round Six Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes.  TUNDRA will be joined by the Pure Stocks, X-treme 4s and Bandits. Qualifying is scheduled for 6 p.m. with racing to begin at 7:30.

Marshfield Motor Speedway is located at 10853 Cty Road H just outside of Marshfield, Wis. For more information visit www.marshfieldspeedway.com.

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

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

NORWAY, Mich. (July 6, 2014) – Expectations aren’t always easy to live up to – just ask defending Norway Speedway Champion Dalton Zehr.

Viewed as a favorite for Saturday’s Island Resort and Casino Stateline Challenge at Norway, Zehr was able to meet and exceed those expectations by capturing his second TUNDRA Super Late Model Series feature win of the season.

In an event that has featured winners from Upper Michigan and Wisconsin, Zehr put the state of Florida on the prestigious list. Although he calls Florida home, Zehr spends the summer months in Menominee, Mich.

“I’ve been racing with these TUNDRA guys for a long time and I’ve had pretty good success here at Norway, so they all kind of expected it out of me. It was a lot of pressure,” he commented in victory lane of TUNDRA Round Four Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes.

After setting fast time earlier in the evening, Zehr charged to the front and stole the lead from Dan Lindsley with 17 laps remaining in the feature.

“It was a tough field. On the initial start we kind of moved backwards, but we had a really fast car,” Zehr said. “Nick Panitzke and Dan Lindsley were strong all night. It’s just really cool to be here in Victory Lane at Norway Speedway.”

Before getting his chance to work through the field, Zehr and his fellow fast qualifiers were forced to exercise some patience. The initial start was waved off when Jeff Weinfurter spun in the middle of the field. Travis Dassow took advantage of a clean start the next time around as he jumped away from pole-sitter Brandon Selle to pace the early circuits.

The outside line moved quickly at the start. Michael Bilderback followed Dassow into second and brought Panitzke and Lindsley to third and fourth. Before the leaders could start battling for position the yellow flew for a spin involving several cars at the tail of the field.

Again, the outside line was the stronger on the restart, but this time it was Bilderback who was able to jump away after choosing the top line when the Barricade Flasher Service TUNDRA Barrel was placed. His opportunity to get away from the pack was short-lived as another caution fell on lap five when Mike Lichtfeld and Bobby Kendall tangled.

Bilderback swung to the outside for the restart and again was able to get away from Dassow. This time, however, Panitzke followed into second. Two laps after the restart Panitzke made the move past Bilderback to the top spot. The night then came to an unfortunate end for Bilderback as water spewed out of his machine on lap 13. He dropped out, surrendering the second spot to Lindsley.

As Panitzke built up his advantage over the field the tandem of Claire Decker and Dalton Zehr began to work through the top five. By lap 16 Decker and Zehr had worked past Dassow to third and fourth. Slowly the duo began to reel in Lindsley, who, in turn, was closing the gap on the leader.

The field tightened up after a caution on lap 23 when Jordan Ives and Frank Nitzke came together. As the field rolled under the caution flag Claire Decker’s machine appeared to lose power. Decker pulled into the infield and was pushed back to the pit area, bringing an end to her bid for the win.

With weather approaching the field was set free on a single-file restart. The trio of Panitzke, Lindsley and Zehr quickly dashed away from fourth-place Eugene Greogorich Jr. Although Panitzke held the lead, he was anything but comfortable. Lindsley challenged Panitzke, while Zehr tried to swipe second. Another yellow flew on lap 28 when a physical battle between Dassow and Reagan May reached a breaking point, sending May spinning.

The top three again broke away on the restart to settle the lead amongst themselves. Panitzke showed the way until lap 32 when Lindsley moved to the inside and took the lead. Zehr was also able to move past Panitzke into second. Once clear of Panitzke, Zehr prepared to challenge Lindsley.

A few attempts to the inside came up shy for Zehr until a yellow came out with 23 laps remaining for debris falling off May’s machine. At this point a new face had moved into the top five an appeared ready to challenge for the lead – Mark Mackesy.

Lindsley led the charge back to the green flag with Zehr right on his bumper. As they prepared to battle, Mackesy started to survey lines around Panitzke, who was nursing a machine with braking problems.

With 17 laps remaining Zehr found his opening and ducked to the inside of Lindsley to grab the top spot. Lindsley was left to try to hold off Panitzke and Mackesy until another yellow fell with just ten laps remaining.

Zehr and Lindsley stepped away for the next six laps. Lindsley stayed close, but not close enough to attack. He would get one final shot on another restart with four laps to go, but again Zehr eluded Lindsley. He would cruise to the checkered flag by three car lengths over the field. Mackesy made a late pass to grab third from Panitzke and Frank Nitzke completed a strong late run to round out the top five.

A fast time and a feature win marked the second time Zehr managed to accomplish both. He set fast time and won at Dells Raceway Park on July 1, 2011. It was the second race in a row the top qualifier also grabbed the checkered. This season fast qualifiers have finished no worse than second.

By grabbing the win Zehr built up a 16 point cushion over Gregorich. The pair had shared the point lead entering the event. Panitzke’s strong run propelled him to third in the standings, Mackesy and his teammate Ty Majeski now sit fourth and Kendall rounds out the top five.

TUNDRA will take a three-week break before springing into action for two consecutive weeks. Round Five is scheduled for Saturday, July 26 at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, Wis. The following week, Saturday, August 2, TUNDRA will travel to Marshfield Motor Speedway for Round Six.

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

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

JEFFERSON, Wis. (June 21) – On a day when all teams had to weather the early rain storms, Casey Johnson had to ride out a storm of his own to claim his first TUNDRA Super Late Model Series feature win. Johnson kept poised through several botched starts and melees to set himself up for a quick run to the front in Saturday’s Round Three at Jefferson Speedway.

The two-time Jefferson Champion eventually restarted in sixth on a lap two, carefully picked his way through the top three and worked his way past early-race leader Mike Lichtfeld on lap 14.

“I’ve been coming here all my life. When the Super Lates come it’s awesome, so to win this is something special,” Johnson explained to a large and enthusiastic crowd. “We couldn’t ask for much more. All of my family and everyone I know are out here, so it’s pretty awesome.”

Originally 13th on the starting grid, Johnson became the fourth fast qualifier to win the feature in a TUNDRA event. Frank Kreyer, Dalton Zehr and Corey Jankowski all accomplished the feat in the series’ first season at Dells Raceway Park in 2011.

For the drivers who would find themselves in the front of the feature, patience was key at the start. Two incidents marred the beginning of the feature event. First Billy Mohn and Steve Rubeck made contact while going for the same plot of real estate in turn one. After another start was called off, one lap was completed before Bobby Kendall and Brent Strelka were victims of the same circumstance.

Eventually the field began to log laps when Brandon Selle and Lichtfeld led the field to green. Just behind Lichtfeld and Ryan Farrell, Johnson jumped to third on lap three. By lap five Johnson was to second and setting his sights on the early-race leader Lichtfeld.

Quick advances were also being made by TUNDRA point leader Eugene Gregorich Jr., defending Champion Nick Panitzke and Dalton Zehr. Panitzke and Zehr struggled during qualifying earlier in the day, and started in the two spots behind Johnson – 15th and 17th.

Sensing Johnson was about to break away, Gregorich weaved his way to fourth by lap seven. As he began to put pressure on Farrell for third, Johnson caught Lichtfeld and began to survey his opportunities. As he had done so many times before at Wisconsin’s Action Track Johnson waited for the right moment to claim the inside line. After two laps of dispute Johnson took the lead and started to build his advantage.

“Mike raced me awesome,” Johnson said of his battle for the lead. “Sometimes it’s tough to tell with the newcomers coming in here if they’ll know how to race you.”

Six laps after Johnson took the lead the yellow came down again for a spin by Steve Lichtfeld. Johnson had no trouble getting away from Mike Lichtfeld, leaving battles for positions in the top five in his rear view mirror. Farrell began to test Lichtfeld for second while Panitzke went to work on Gregorich for fifth behind Majeski.

On lap 22 Gregorich snapped loose heading into turn one below Panitzke. He washed up, made contact with Panitzke, who went spinning. Gregorich eventually gave the gentlemen’s agreement, giving Panitzke his position back, while the TUNDRA point leader would go to the tail for the restart.

Before the green fell again Farrell surrendered his second spot with a mechanical issue. Through all of the shake up, Majeski moved to second, and was on the inside line of Johnson when the field was set free from caution again. Just as he did with Lichtfeld, Johnson was able to turn back the challenge of Majeski.

The top two broke away from the pack over the next green flag run leaving Lichtfeld to deal with Panitzke and Dalton Zehr. That run lasted until the midway point of the feature when Corey Jankowski went spinning in turn three.

Once again Johnson proved strong on the restart. Although Majeski held even going into turns three and four, Johnson eventually got away. Panitzke took advantage of the restart to grab third from Lichtfeld and Dalton Zehr eventually grabbed fourth.

The final shred of adversity came for Johnson when he caught lapped traffic with 15 laps to go. Majeski made up some ground, but would eventually lose it once Johnson was clear. The lapped traffic helped Panitzke catch up, but he could not mount a challenge.

Just after Johnson and the top five took the white flag, the yellow came out for a spin in turn two involving Ty James, Reagan May and Kendall. The race was deemed official and Johnson finally could lay claim to a Super Late Model win at his home track.

Majeski held on for second, Nick Panitzke third, Dalton Zehr fourth and Mike Lichtfeld rounded out the top five.

The next event for the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series is Round Four Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes at Norway Speedway. It will be the first time in the series’ four-year history that it will travel across state lines.

Norway Speedway is located on the Dickinson County Fairgrounds on Highway 8 just outside of Norway, Michigan. For more information visit http://www.norwayspeedway.com

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

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

PLOVER, Wis. (May 27, 2014) – Every lap, every turn, every one-thousandth of a second. It all mattered for Michael Bilderback on Monday afternoon in TUNDRA Round Two Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes at Golden Sands Speedway.

With no room for error on the final lap, the 22 year old from South Beloit, Illinois held off fast-timer and home-track-favorite Eugene Gregorich Jr. in a photo finish that left a near-capacity crowd holding their breath, awaiting the result.

In the end Gregorich’s charge from his 14th-place starting spot came up just shy in the 60-lap main event. Testing the outside line several times over the final five laps, Gregorich got his best run on the final circuit. He was able to pull even with Bilderback exiting turn two and stayed nose-to-nose through turns three and four. Bilderback found just enough to win by the nose of his racer.

“I saw him coming and I knew we had to step it up and we did,” Bilderback said. “I had a feeling he was going to try it on the outside but we found something in the old gas tank to stay out front.”

Gregorich, who dropped out of last year’s Memorial Day TUNDRA feature at Golden Sands could only shake off coming up short. “I feel like I’m just destined to be the bridesmaid in this race,” he said in a post-race interview.

Ironically enough, it was Gregorich who may have sealed his fate earlier in the afternoon. During opening ceremonies Gregorich rolled an six, which created the 14-car invert and placed Bilderback on the pole for the feature. Bilderback wasted no time jumping away from fellow front-row starter Jordan Ives. He then built up a five-car advantage as Ives tried to fend off Bobby Kendall, who entered the event with the TUNDRA point lead.

As Kendall worked over and eventually slipped past Ives the fastest qualifiers were mired in traffic. Gregorich was forced to exercise patience as he trailed fellow fast-dash competitors Dalton Zehr and Claire Decker. Behind them Gregorich found his way to the top ten by lap 21.

As that grouping worked its way into the top ten, the driver on the move was Jeremy Lepak. Lepak patiently picked his way through the top five and up to the third spot by the halfway point. Behind him Dean’s Satellite Rookie Reagan May, Matt Pyburn and Brandon Selle were jockeying for position. Eventually Pyburn broke away from that grouping and made a pass on Lepak for third.

The lone caution of the race fell on lap 35 when Brad Keith looped his machine exiting turn two. When the Barricade Flasher Service TUNDRA Barrel was placed for lane choice, Kendall decided to stay on the bottom line in the tire tracks of Bilderback. Pyburn jumped to the top and joined the leader in the front row for the restart.

When the green was dropped Pyburn held strong on the outside. However, his challenges were turned away by Bilderback. Further back in the field Zehr and Decker made contact sending last year’s TUNDRA Champion and the rest of the field scrambling to avoid danger. Everyone was able to keep pointed in the right direction and carry forward. However, the group in front of those drivers – now including Gregorich – were able to jump away to settle the top five spots.

With time and space to operate Gregorich made his first appearance as he swung past May on lap 42. One lap later Gregorich muscled the fourth spot away from Lepak. Just two laps later Pyburn fell victim to the fast-surging Gregorich.

Once in the third spot Gregorich needed only five laps to chew up the real estate to catch Kendall. With ten laps remaining Gregorich worked past Kendall and set his sights on Bilderback.

As the laps clicked away Bilderback’s lead shrunk. With seven laps to go it dropped to three car lengths. Gregorich then caught Bilderback with five to go and took several chances on the high side before coming up just short at the line as the checkered flew.

In a sense TUNDRA Round Two looked very much like Round One. Fast qualifier Bobby Kendall charged from deep in the field to challenge pole-sitter and eventual winner Dalton Zehr. This time it was Gregorich who provided nervous moments for the driver who paced all 60 circuits. Each lap wasn’t without a challenge, however.

“I figured [Kendall] would be strong, and he was. Then Pyburn came up to the outside; I thought that was going to be a good run and it was,” Bilderback explained. “Then I had Gregorich. Yeah I started on the pole, but a ‘W’ is a ‘W.’”

The win holds extra significance for Bilderback as it was his first in TUNDRA, first podium finish in a TUNDRA race and his first appearance in a Super Late Model at Golden Sands. He had competed in a Big 8 Late Model earlier in his career at the third-mile

“We struggled a lot in practice. Every practice session we were changing the kitchen sink. We got it back by race time, and I think I like this place now.”

Following Bilderback and Gregorich to the stripe were Kendall, who enjoyed yet another strong run, Lepak, who surged early in the event and May, who found the top five in just her second TUNDRA start.

With his drive to the front Gregorich took the point lead from Kendall, due to passing points. His advantage sits at six points over the Montello driver. Zehr, Lepak and Panitzke round out the top five in early season standings. Tommy Gee continues to pace the field of rookies with a 17-point advantage over Travis Rodewald.

The next event for TUNDRA is Round Three Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes at Jefferson Speedway. Nick Panitzke was victorious in the rain-shortened event last season. The tight quarter-mile featured frantic three-wide racing and incredible battles for position. It will be the first time in 2014 TUNDRA will compete under the lights.

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

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

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

KAUKAUNA, Wis. (May 10, 2014) – The first 42 laps of Round One Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes were smooth sailing for Dalton Zehr Saturday afternoon at Wisconsin International Raceway. However, a caution with eight laps remaining brought some instability, and some hearty challenges.

Zehr was able to escape on three separate restarts and hold on for victory in the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series opener for the second season in a row. The win was Zehr’s sixth career TUNDRA victory in 16 starts.

Although the inside line is the preferred groove during green flag conditions, Zehr selected the outside line each time the Barricade Flasher Service TUNDRA barrel was placed. Zehr was able to jump away from Tommy Gee Jr. on the first two restarts with eight laps to go. The third restart brought a tough test in fast-qualifier Bobby Kendall.

“That was a lot like work right there,” Zehr commented of the restart with seven laps remaining. “He definitely gave me a hard run. I’m glad it wasn’t any longer.”

As the duo dashed into turn one on lap 43, Zehr charged the outside and washed up, hoping for a momentum run off turn two. Kendall was able to stay side-by-side with Zehr until they exited the second turn, where Zehr found his run and pulled ahead of Kendall.

“He had a really good run and I was able to get him off the corner,” Zehr said. “He was good to me. I know that.”

Kendall, who has two years of experience racing weekly at WIR, battled from the 13th-starting spot. He felt as though he gave everything he had left on the final display of the green flag.

“I thought I needed to get him on the restart,” Kendall said. “[Our car] was fast all day. We just didn’t have enough tires at the end. We had some good runs off of two, but he was strong on the outside.”

A fortunate inversion placed Zehr on the pole after a 14th-place qualifying effort. He and TUNDRA Dean’s Satellite Rookie Travis Rodewald paced the 28-car feature field to the first green of 2014. A quick move by Zehr allowed him to slip past Rodewald and grab the point position by the time the field hit the back stretch.

As Zehr paced the field through the first ten laps of the main, the top five began to see a change in complexion. Gee made a move on Rodewald and grabbed second on lap 11. Six laps later defending WIR Champion Jeff VanOudenhoven made the move past Rodewald to third.

By the halfway point of the feature a trio of hard-charging contenders worked their way into the top ten. Michael Bilderback, Kendall and Eugene Gregorich Jr. lined up behind defending TUNDRA Champ Nick Panitzke and readied themselves to run toward the top five.

With a lot of track space to make up, it was clear that the hard chargers needed some help to have the opportunity to challenge for the win. That help came on lap 42 when Morgan Rasmussen spun exiting turn four.

The field realigned with Gee and Zehr in the front row. VanOudenhoven and Ty Majeski set up in the second row. Behind them were the duos of Bilderback and Rodewald and Kendall and Gregorich.

Zehr broke away from Gee at the drop of the green, but the restart was short-lived. Majeski and Bilderback came together, sending Majeski into a spin. The field was able to avoid Majeski as only he and Bilderback were deemed involved. Unfortunately for Bilderback, some damage was sustained to the rack and he was unable to continue.

The ensuing restart saw the same front row, but aligned VanOudenhoven with Kendall in the second row. As Zehr jumped away again, Kendall followed in his tire tracks and stole second from Gee. An axle on the race track brought out the final caution which set up the Zehr versus Kendall restart.

Driving for WIR-based Chase Motorsports, a win for Zehr was doubly sweet to start the season. It set the tone not only for another run at a TUNDRA title, but potentially for a weekly title at the facility, as well.

“It was a team effort. We put in a lot of effort here and it paid off,” he said. “[Winning both titles] can be done, but that’s a tall order. We started off on the right foot here and for [the TUNDRA] season.”

Chase Motorsports also utilize power plants from B&B Race Engines. Sadly, B&B owner Bruce Mueller passed away Saturday morning. The win was a fitting tribute to a local racing icon.

Another B&B powered machine, that of Tom Gee, completed the podium. It was a strong showing for the WIR local who will be chasing the Rookie of the Year title.

“We’ll go home with a third place and a clean car. That’s what it’s all about,” Gee said. “Overall the car was great.”

The best showing by a WIR local who will not be chasing the TUNDRA title this season was Kyle Calmes, who made a late charge to finish fourth. Travis Dassow rounded out the top five.

Austin Nason outlasted Dan Lindsley in a dazzling side-by-side display to claim the 25-lap Country Plumber Shootout.

Due to passing points, and bonus points from qualifying, Kendall secured the TUNDRA point lead after Round One. His 125 point output is the largest by a TUNDRA driver under the current point format. Calmes’ passing points propelled him into second in standings, and a charge from Joey Garjoni from 22nd to 10th placed him tied for third in standings with Gregorich, who finished seventh after starting 18th. Zehr is fifth in standings.

The next event for the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series is Round Two Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes at Golden Sands Speedway on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. Zehr is the defending winner of that event. Paige Decker picked up a win in the last TUNDRA appearance at GSS last July.

Golden Sands Speedway is located on Highway 54 just outside of Plover, Wis. For more information visit http://www.gssraces.com

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

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

SLINGER, Wis. (September 12, 2013) – Plenty of buzz surrounded the Slinger regulars prior to TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Round Six last Sunday, and for good reason. Drivers with Slinger ties swept the top six spots in the 75-lap feature.

However, the next six spots were taken by TUNDRA Travelers. Among those next six were TUNDRA Champion Nick Panitkze, a hard-charging Dalton Zehr and Eugene Gregorich Jr.

“We needed a little bit more to be competitive, especially at the beginning,” said Panitzke, who sealed the title by starting the main. “The car came around for the end; we just didn’t have enough laps. We had a couple circumstances that kept us out of the front pack, but we’re happy with it. It gave us something to work with if we come here next year.”

Panitzke started in the sixth spot and fell out of the top ten early in the race. After about the midway point the Lakeville, Minn., driver found his way back into the top ten. He continued to challenge the likes of Mike Egan, Frank Kreyer and Travis Dassow in the second half of the race, but could not catch the front six.

Having the title sealed gave Panitzke an opportunity to feel comfortable becoming reacquainted with Slinger. His strong runs in Rounds Two through Five, coupled with Cardell Potter’s podium finish at Golden Sands were enough to give him that breathing room.

“Obviously we got a great start with what Cardell did at Golden Sands,” Panitzke said. “We started off winning at Jefferson, and that was a great start for us. We had everything go right for us right from the get-go. We couldn’t have asked for a better year and we look forward to next year.”

If not for a few bad luck runs by Zehr in the middle rounds of the season, Panitzke may have been sweating a little more behind the wheel of his machine Sunday.

After failing to time in, and missing the cut in the Gong Show by one spot, Zehr was a man on a mission from the drop of the green in the 15-lap Bonafide “Locked In” Last Chance Race. Zehr easily captured the win and began the feature in 23rd.

Zehr’s machine remained on point through the 75-lap feature. By the midway point he had moved from the final row up into a top ten spot. On the final restart Zehr chose the outside at the TUNDRA Barrel and restarted sixth. Unfortunately for Zehr the extra laps and hard charging resulted in weary tires. He recorded a seventh-place finish.

Of the top three in TUNDRA standings coming in, Zehr and Panitzke had tested Slinger Speedway in the past. Eugene Gregorich Jr. had not. Coming off a feature win and a title at Marshfield on Saturday, Gregorich qualified 22nd. He received a provisional into the feature. Gregorich hung in and spent most of the race contesting seven-time Slinger Champion Lowell Bennett. He finished 12th, but dipped to third in standings because of Zehr’s strong run.

Paige Decker – 2013 Dean’s Satellite TUNDRA Rookie of the Year (Dave Olson speedgraphicscompany.com photo)

Several other TUNDRA spots in the top ten swapped hands at Slinger. The most significant swap was the difference in the Dean’s Satellite Rookie of the Year battle between Paige Decker and Matt Pyburn. Pyburn had a four-point lead over Decker heading into Sunday. Both drivers qualified for the main, but Pyburn was left with an uphill climb.

Decker qualified in the 12th spot which granted her a third-place start in the feature. Pyburn, although admittedly thrilled to make the show on time, needed to climb from 16th to content. However, Pyburn would have the opportunity to accumulate passing points while Decker needed to hold at the front of the field.

As some of the Slinger regulars ascended through the field Decker patiently held in the top ten. With Decker continuing to ride, Pyburn was in need of a charge through the field. Unfortunately for Pyburn, it was a charge that did not come. Just past the midway point Pyburn spun in turns one and two and made contact with the outside retaining wall. Pyburn retired, finishing 23rd while Decker carried on to finish 16th. She grabbed the Rookie of the Year title by just three points over Pyburn.

The TUNDRA Travelers, most making their first trip to Slinger, fared much better against the Slinger regulars than anticipated. The feature was evenly split with 12 TUNDRA drivers (including Mike Egan and Travis Dassow) and 12 Slinger Standouts. Both last chance races were won by TUNDRA drivers who had to wrestle spots away from Slinger regulars.

Perhaps Round Six winner Brad Mueller put the best wrap on the TUNDRA Travelers’ day at Slinger. “For the most part, the people that had never seen the track before that were all pretty green, they did a really, really good job. They have a lot to be proud of because this isn’t the easiest place in the world to race at.”

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

For more information on TUNDRA including news, results and the final 2013 standings, archived results and standings, and more visit http://www.tundrasuperlates.com. Also, interact with us on Facebook (facebook.com/TundraSuperLateModels) or Twitter (@TUNDRAslms).

By Dan Margetta
Slinger, Wis., Sept. 8—Brad Mueller charged to the lead following a lap 51 restart and held off a closing Dennis Prunty to win the Tundra Super Late Model Series 75-lap season finale Sunday afternoon at the Slinger Super Speedway.

“This car was awesome today, “Mueller said from victory lane, “I have to thank my crew as they worked really hard this week.”

“This has been a dream come true, “Mueller continued, “I won my dirt race last night (at Plymouth) and then to win to win at Slinger Speedway on Sunday, it doesn’t get any better than this.”

Billy Mohn and Dale Prunty brought the field to the green flag and the two swapped paint and the lead as they battled through the opening laps before Prunty was able to edge ahead from the outside. Behind the lead duo, James Swan, Travis Dassow, Paige Decker, and Jeff Holtz raced hard for position. The inside lane was the place to be early and Mohn and Decker found that out as they began to fade from the outside as Swan, Dassow, and Holtz all raced by. Brad Mueller, Dennis Prunty, Steve Apel, and Austin Luedtke also used the inside to advance forward as Dale Prunty continued to lead over Swan. Swan caught up to Prunty’s rear bumper and began to pressure him for the lead, peeking to the inside off the corners on numerous occasions. Eventually Swan was able to duck to the inside of Prunty off turn four to draw even with him as they raced through turns one and two and then use lapped traffic as a pick entering turn three to take the command of the race. While the leaders battled, Holtz, Mueller, Apel, and Dennis Prunty all were able to close the gap and lined up directly behind the top two. The first caution flag waved on lap 45 when Frank Kreyer spun in turn three while racing with Travis Dassow. Swan maintained the lead on the restart while Holtz used the lane cone to line up alongside as the field completed two laps before the yellow flag appeared again when Matt Pyburn spun into the turn one wall. This time the outside lane wasn’t as kind to Holtz and when racing resumed, Mueller, Apel, and Dennis Prunty all charged by in the lower groove as Swan continued to lead. Holtz continued to fall back in the upper groove as Austin Luedtke and Conrad Morgan went by and when Dale Prunty attempted to find a way around, both he and Holtz spun against the turn three wall, drawing the third caution flag on lap 51. Mueller also chose the outside lane for the restart and he used a strong run off turn four to challenge Swan for the lead, pulling even as they entered turn one. Mueller maintained the momentum through the turn and upon exiting turn two, was able to edge ahead and drop down in front of Swan before they entered turn three to take the lead. Dennis Prunty followed Mueller in the outside lane and as he battled Swan for second, Mueller began to gradually ease away out front. Prunty and Swan raced side by side for several laps with Apel racing directly behind them as Mueller continued to pull away. Prunty was able to finally wrestle second away from Swan and began to close slightly on Mueller for the lead as the laps wound down. However, Mueller’s lead was too much to overcome and he drove under the checkered flag for the victory ahead of Prunty who finished a strong second. Swan crossed the finish line in third while Apel and Luedtke rounded out the top five in fourth and fifth respectively.

Braison Bennett won the super late model Waterfurnace non-qualifiers race over Steve Lichtfeld and Claire Decker while super late model qualifying race wins were recorded by Dalton Zehr and Davey Pennel. Randy Schuler won the super late model Gong Show race over Curt Tillman as they transferred to the main event while Brad Mueller was the winner of the fast dash. Steve Apel was the fastest qualifier with a lap of 11.479 seconds.

MARSHFIELD, Wis. (August 10, 2013) – Throughout the TUNDRA Super Late Model season Eugene Gregorich Jr. had been foreshadowing a good chance of success in Round Five at Marshfield Motor Speedway.  On Saturday night, even though he didn’t sleep much the night before, the two-time Marshfield Champ turned that dream into a reality.

“I knew this was going to be our time to show the [other TUNRDA Travelers] that we’ve got something for them and things worked out,” Gregorich, of Amherst, Wis., said.  “Right from the drop of the green I knew that it was going to be a good car all night.”

VIDEO: Post-race interview with Winner Eugene Gregorich Jr.

VIDEO: Interview with second-place Mark Eswein

VIDEO: Interview with third-place Nick Panitzke

Full Results from TUNDRA Round Five at Marshfield Motor Speedway

Updated TUNDRA Points after Round Five

Gregorich and several team members pulled a near all-nighter to prepare his machine for the 50-lap main event.  After sustaining damage in a race at Golden Sands two weeks ago Gregorich finally found some good luck on the track where he claims he has turned the most laps.  Several early cautions allowed Gregorich to move to the front, take the lead on lap eight and turn aside several challenges on restarts.

“Everything kind of opened up for us,” he said.  “We had a fairly clear shot.  It was one of those deals where we were at the right place at the right time.”

Starting ninth in the 26-car main event, Gregorich caught a break right at the start of the feature.  Outside pole-sitter Davey Pennel sagged back and the inside line made a quick jump through the first two circuits.  By the time lap three clicked off Gregorich was up to third behind pole-sitter Cardell Potter and Billy Mohn.

The first caution of the race came on lap six when Jeremy Lepak spun in turn one. With the TUNDRA Barrel placed, Potter and Mohn squared off in the front row. Gregorich selected the inside of the second row and was flanked to the high side by Mark Eswein.

A jousting match ensued after the green flag between Mohn and Potter.  Mohn initially got the jump, but Potter dashed back to the lead on the inside line of turn three.  Unable to tuck back in line, Mohn was forced to watch Gregorich slide to the runner up spot and begin challenging for the lead.  Gregorich surveyed quickly and stole the lead from Potter exiting turn four on lap eight.

Before Gregorich had the chance to build on his advantage, a second caution flag flew when Frank Nitzke’s machine went up in smoke at the pit entrance.  By this point on lap ten fast qualifier Brandon Selle and dash winner Dalton Zehr were on the heels of Colin Reffner for the final spot in the top five.  After the caution those three continued their battle with unfortunate circumstances.

Two laps after the restart Selle and Reffner were racing in close quarters.  Selle was sent spinning off the backstretch, and with nowhere to go Dalton Zehr went off track as well.  Selle’s car was too badly damaged to continue.  Zehr, who entered just 11 points behind Nick Panitzke in the TUNDRA title chase also saw his day come to an end as he spun and nearly launched off the berm.

With two top contenders out of the event, Gregorich continued to capitalize on his chance to dominate in front of his family, friends and sponsors.  The strongest challenges came from Billy Mohn on several restarts, but Gregorich was able to keep him at bay.

“With that many restarts he starts learning what you’re doing so it’s easier for him to get a jump,” Gregorich said.  “You try to mix it up and maybe he catches you once, but the next time hopefully you get him.”

Mohn’s final restart chance came on lap 22 as a result of a skirmish between the top two Dean’s Satellite Rookie of the Year contenders.  Just outside the top ten Matt Pyburn and Paige Decker were racing for the same plot of real estate entering turn three.  The end result was Pyburn’s machine jumping on the hood of Decker’s as the two slid off the track and came to a rest just before riding the berm.  Both drivers were ok.

After a red flag for the cleanup, Gregorich and Mohn once again stared each other down to the green flag.  The end result was the same as Gregorich pulled away and went uncontested over the final 18 circuits.

Behind Gregorich, Mohn, Potter, Eswein and Panitzke scrambled for spots in the top five.  Potter returned to the runner up spot on lap 25, only to be overtaken by Eswein five laps later.  Potter later relinquished a spot to Mohn and eventually to his TUNDRA co-point leader Nick Panitzke.  With just four laps to go Panitzke took the opportunity to steal one more spot from Mohn and round out the podium.

“That’s all we were hoping for.  We figured this was our last shot,” Gregorich said of sealing the win at Marshfield.  “Slinger is one of those tracks where not a lot of [TUNDRA Travelers] race.  It’s going to open it up to whoever stays clean and brings the best car.  I feel we have a really good car for every track.”

A late run through the field, coupled with Zehr’s DNF allowed Panitzke to stretch his point lead to 39 markers and put a virtual stranglehold on the TUNDRA title heading to Slinger’s Round Six in September.

“It’s in the back of our minds really.  We really want to go to Slinger and do well more than focus on points,” Panitzke said.  “It’s really not playing too big of a role.  That’s why we’re doing things the way we are.  We’re still racing hard.”

The late run was all a part of the plan after coming to compete at the facility a week before, Panizke said.

“If we learned one thing from last week when we came here and tested it’s just conserve,” Panitzke said. “I guess I should have picked a little earlier time to get going.  I don’t know if I would have had anything for the two locals that are obviously pretty quick here.”

Eswein’s second-place finish met his goals.  Although he didn’t get his chance to contend with Gregorich, he was content with a car that was far better on the short runs that it was during the early cautions.

“I knew I could probably at least get to second seeing the tendencies of the cars ahead of me were and how good this one was getting on the long run,” Eswein said.

To contend among the 37 entries and come out with a podium at one of his home tracks left the long-time Central Wisconsin ace with a good impression.  “It’s a fairly inexpensive way to travel and it was nice for me to come here because it’s close to home.  We’ll see what kind of mood we’re in by the time TUNDRA goes to Slinger.”

When TUNDRA does head to Slinger for the sixth and final round it will be Gregorich in the runner up spot.  To gain 39 points would require fast time and a max invert of 14 for Gregorich to make up 39 points in the feature on Panitzke.  If Panitzke makes the dash, the invert is less than 14 or someone else sets fast time, he will seal the title.

Behind Panitzke, however, plenty of battles will be left to decide.  The separation from Gregorich to Pyburn in seventh is a mere 20 points.  Pyburn and Decker will also have a Rookie of the Year battle to settle as he leads her by four points.  Should they falter again, Claire Decker sits just 19 points back.

More details of TUNDRA Round Six at Slinger Speedway on Sunday afternoon, September 8 will be available as the event nears.  All weekly Slinger divisions except the Super Late Models will crown Champions on that afternoon.

Most weekly Slinger Super Late Models have expressed interest in joining what could be TUNDRA’s strongest car count in the three-year history of the series.

Slinger Speedway is located off of Hwy 41 and Highway 144 at 280 Cedar Creek Road, Slinger Wisconsin 53086.  For more information visitwww.slingersuperspeedway.com

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

For more information on TUNDRA including news, results and standings, archived results and standings, the 2013 schedule and more visit www.tundrasuperlates.com. Also, interact with us on Facebook (facebook.com/TundraSuperLateModels) or Twitter (@TUNDRAslms).

PLOVER, Wis. (July 19, 2013) – By the time the final chapter is written for the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series 2013 season Paige Decker’s name will be all over the history books.

On Friday night in Round Four at Golden Sands Speedway Decker recorded two feats which will never be washed from history becoming the first female and first rookie to win a TUNDRA event.

“I knew I was the first female, but then when they said I was the first rookie, that just topped it off. It feels awesome. I’m speechless,” the 20 year old from Eagle River said.

The elder Decker sister was the first female to record a top ten finish (Round One), the highest qualified female (second in Round One) and the best finishing female (seventh in Round Three at LaCrosse) prior to besting a field of 30 Friday night.

Decker said the win may have looked dominating in nature, but there were still nervous moments, even after seizing the lead from outside-pole-sitter Amanda Ferguson at the drop of the green.

“I was really nervous the whole time. I was nervous even with two to go,” she said. “Toby [Nuttleman, Paige’s crew chief] was really just trying to calm me down. I knew the car was good, and it wasn’t falling off at all.”

The feature event got off to an unfortunate start for Decker Racing as a team, however. After setting the second fastest time of the evening, Claire Decker made it no further than the start/finish line at the outset of the 60-lap feature. With cars checking up and scurrying to avoid one another, Claire’s machine darted off the track into the outside retaining wall and protective barrels. Jeff Weinfurter was also collected and sustained heavy damage to his machine. Both drivers were unharmed.

After red flag conditions and a cleanup on the front straight, the field was shown the green flag without incident. Paige Decker pushed ahead on the inside line of Ferguson on the first lap. Ferguson was left to deal with Tim Hintz, Matt Pyburn and Eugene Gregorich Jr. in the top five.

As Ferguson and Hintz scrapped for second, Decker began to stretch out her lead. Ferguson fought off the advances of Hintz by lap five and slipped away from the third-place battle. Hintz slowly regressed after the battle with Ferguson and watched Pyburn, Frank Nitzke, Mike Egan and Brandon Selle move past by lap 10.

Behind those battles TUNDRA point leaders Dalton Zehr and Nick Panitzke moved toward the top five. By lap 20 Zehr had begun to slide back and fell into a battle with Tom Lindquist for tenth. Panitzke, who earlier in the evening set fast time, quickly closed the gap on Selle. Before he had the chance to challenge the caution fell as fluid was spewing from Jordan Ives’ machine.

The TUNDRA barrel was placed and Ferguson decided to rejoin Decker in the front row for the restart. Once again Decker held the advantage through turns one and two over Ferguson. This time Decker’s rookie counterpart Matt Pyburn kept pace and stole second from Ferguson.

While Decker and Pyburn separated themselves from the rest of the pack, Ferguson fell back on the high line. In the five laps following the restart Egan, Selle and Panitzke all took advantage of the inside line to swoop past Ferguson and round out the top five.

Just past the halfway point Decker continued to grow her lead over Pyburn. By lap 37 Pyburn had company in the runner up spot. Egan surveyed his options for several laps before sliding to the outside of Pyburn and taking the second spot on lap 40. Just two laps later Selle made the same move and grabbed third.

Egan seemed to have a machine that could contend with Decker, but it became clear he would need the help of a caution to make up the track position Decker had gained while Egan was scrapping for second with Pyburn.

“If we would have got a caution I would have taken the high side and we would have had a gloves-off competition,” Egan said. “It would have been a lot of fun.”

However, the opportunity never came for Egan, Selle and Panitzke to battle Decker and she cruised to a win that sent a charge through the crowd. When she emerged from her machine in victory lane a large cheer roared through the grandstands.

“This feels good because it’s a TUNDRA race, bigger than a local show, and it was a good feeling when I heard the crowd going wild. All smiles the rest of the night,” Decker said.

The win erased Decker’s one-point deficit to Pyburn in the Dean’s Satellite Rookie of the Year battle. She now has a three-point advantage over Pyburn and sits in a tie with Gregroich for sixth in TUNDRA standings.

When asked how much more history she expects to make this season Decker commented, “We need to win one more. That’s what we need to do.”

For Egan, one of only two drivers to compete in every TUNDRA event, the second place finish was a best for him in TUNDRA action.

“I was ecstatic. We qualified third. I’m not the world’s greatest qualifier so that’s a big feat in itself,” said the veteran from Slinger, Wis. “To run second to Decker, it was awesome. She had a good car.”

Egan’s strong effort pushed him into a tie for third with the team of Frank Kreyer and Ferguson. They sit 30 back of Panitzke in TUNDRA standings.

After sour luck in TUNDRA Rounds Two and Three, Selle was happy to get the chance to come home and secure a podium finish.

“It was really good to actually finish a race,” Selle said. “We always come here to win, but the way our year has been going, just to finish is pretty good.”

Behind Selle, Panitzke cruised to a fourth-place finish in his first ever trip to Golden Sands. His main opponent in the TUNDRA points battle, Dalton Zehr, struggled with a tight race car. Zehr pitted under caution on lap 25 to make some adjustments. He came back from 17th to recover for a seventh place finish. The advantage was enough for Panitzke to turn a one-point deficit to Zehr into an 11-point lead.

Pyburn was able to hold off Eugene Gregorich Jr. to round out the top five after a dazzling side-by-side display between the de facto teammates over the final five laps.

After three races in less than a month TUNDRA teams will have three weeks to prepare for TUNDRA Round Five at Marshfield Motor Speedway. Nearly another month will pass after Round Five before the Championship Round at Slinger Speedway on Sunday, September 8.

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

For more information on TUNDRA including news, results and standings, archived results and standings, the 2013 schedule and more visit http://www.tundrasuperlates.com. Also, interact with us on Facebook (facebook.com/TundraSuperLateModels) or Twitter (@TUNDRAslms).