By: Eric Huenefeld
This Sunday evening July 13 marks the much anticipated return of the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet to Slinger Super Speedway, as the ‘Best Weekly Warriors in the Country’ take to the ‘World’s Fastest Quarter Mile’ for the third time in Series history.
The ‘King of the High Banks’ 68 lap feature race will highlight Sunday night’s “Prelude to the Nationals,” which also includes the Mid-American Stock Car Series, Area Sportsman, Slinger Bees and Figure 8 racing. The ‘Prelude to the Nationals’ takes place just two night’s prior to the Speedway’s biggest event of the year, the ‘Slinger Nationals’ 199 lap Super Late Model race. The early entry list for this Sunday’s Big 8 Series tilt at Slinger is filled with several racers capable of capturing the trophy, including one of the hottest Late Model racers in the region right now, ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr.
In the matter of just two weeks, Reynolds has pocketed multiple wins and big cash. On June 27, Reynolds led flag-to-flag at Madison International Speedway en route to his first Big 8 Series win of 2014. One night later, at Rockford Speedway, Reynolds stopped Alex Papini’s six-race win streak while coming from 20th starting spot to first in capturing the ‘Star Spangled 76,’ which added nearly $2100 to Reynolds’ bank account. Then, last Friday night at Dells Raceway Park, Reynolds made a bold last-lap move to snare his second straight Big 8 Series win, squeaking past Nick Nolden at the checkers.
Reynolds has seen much success at Slinger during his career, winning the track championship two times, while also claiming the inaugural Big 8 Series race at Slinger four years ago. But, before you install ‘Driver X’ as an early favorite, give an eye to other Slinger ‘hot shoes’ like current track point leader Danny Church, a three-time feature winner in 2014 at the legendary Wisconsin bull ring. Other Slinger veterans who look to be contenders Sunday night include former track champions Alex Prunty and ‘Insane’ Wayne Freimund, both of whom have found victory lane at this season. Big 8 regular Gregg Pawelski considers Slinger Super Speedway his ‘home track,’ and has came close to victory on the ‘high banks’ in 2014, while 12 year old Grant Greisbach will look to become the youngest driver ever to start a Big 8 Late Model Series race. John DeAngelis Jr is another driver hungry for his first Big 8 Series win. The 20 year old former ‘Slinger Nationals’ Late Model victor has been close to pocketing his first Big 8 win multiple times in the last 10 months and looks to be a favorite Sunday night the track where he began his career.
The Big 8 Series championship battle will be in focus Sunday night at Slinger, as current point leader Dale Nottestad looks to extend his slim advantage over teenager Austin Nason. Defending Big 8 Series champion Casey Johnson is looking to bounce back after a tenth place run last weekend in the Dells, which dropped him from first to fourth in the Series standings. Johnson has smelled success at Slinger before, finishing in the top three in last year’s Slinger Nationals Super Late Model race. Last week’s Fast Qualifier Tim Sargent and ‘Rocketman’ Dan Lensing also are gunning Slinger glory, along with veteran racers Steve Dobbratz and Mike Ehde. Two-time LaCrosse Fairground Speedway champion J Herbst, 2012 Big 8 Series Rookie of the Year Jesse Bernhagen and 2013 Series Rookie of the Year Casey Strese also have thrown their hats into the ring for this Sunday’s big event.
Pit Gates open Sunday afternoon at 2:30 PM, with Practice set to begin at 3:45 PM. Quartermaster Time Trials get underway at 5 PM, with racing slated to start at 6:30 PM. Spectator gates open at 4:30 PM, with Adult admission is $12, students (ages 12-17) and Seniors (ages 62 & up) are $8, Children (ages 6-11) are $2, while Kids 5 and under are admitted free!
For more information on Slinger Super Speedway and the ‘Prelude to the Nationals,’ please visit www.slingersuperspeedway.com or call 262-644-5921.
For more information on the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet, please visit www.big8series.com.
Big 8 Late Model Series
Entry List (as of 7/11/14)
‘King of the High Banks 68’
Slinger Super Speedway
Sunday July 13 2014
2- Tim Sargent
5- Casey Johnson
5- Dave Edwards
7- John DeAngelis Jr
9- Danny Church
X- Jon Reynolds Jr
11- Alex Prunty
14- Austin Nason
15- Michael Clapper
17- Gregg Pawelski
17- Grant Greisbach
18- Mike Ehde
19- Dan Lensing
23- Casey Strese
27- Collin Olson
28- Jesse Bernhagen
33- Kevin Knuese
37- Mike Meyerhofer
38- Jeff Holtz
46- Tom Jasinski
49- Andy Evraets
50- Jake Gille
51- Dale Nottestad
52- Steve Dobbratz
55- Craig Phillips
57- Mark English
82- J Herbst
95.3- Wayne Freimund