Wisconsin International Raceway Results / 08.01.17

A-Main 01 — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. Braison Bennett, Neenah, Wis; 3. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 4.
John Baumeister, Jr., Beloit, Wis; 5. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 6. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 7. Jacob
Zellmer, Burlington, Wis; 8. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 9. Joey Pontbriand, Norway, Mich.; 10. Jacob
Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 11. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 12. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa.

Time Trial — 1. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 2. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 3. Braison Bennett, Neenah, Wis; 4.
Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 5. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 6. John Baumeister, Jr., Beloit, Wis; 7. Jacob
Zellmer, Burlington, Wis; 8. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 9. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 10. Jacob
Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 11. Joey Pontbriand, Norway, Mich.; 12. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.

TWO FOR 2; BILDERBACK NABS SECOND WIN OF 2017

Story by: Brandon Aschenbrenner
Photo by: Hotshot Photography

The Big 8 Late Models traveled back to State Park Speedway for what has become tradition on the Opening Night of the Larry Detjens Memorial Race Weekend Friday evening. And by the end of the evening, Michael Bilderback made winning a tradition as he not only set Fast Time, but won his Heat Race and the 58 lap Miller Lite Detjens Memorial Feature Race.

Brody Willett and Jeremy Lepak would start the feature event on the front row. Willett was able to grab the early lead and held Lepak behind him. An early caution three laps in saw Tyler Brown spin and collect Jeff Nowak and Jared Duda. All cars were eventually able to continue. Willett continued to lead after the restart until lap sixteen when Jake Vanoskey spun in turn four causing another caution. Willett once again would maintain the lead on the restart with the next yellow flying on lap twenty-two. This caution was caused when contact between Michael Ostdiek and Adam Pescheck caused the Ostdiek machine to spin in turn two.

Only three laps after this restart, Jeremy Miller and Derek Lemke got together in turn three and Lemke backed into the wall hard while Miller was able to continue. With thirty laps left, Bilderback, who found himself on the outside of the second row on the restart, made the pass on Willett and never looked back. Bilderback picked up his second feature of the season. Lepak was able to hang on to second, Ostdiek fought back for third. Muskego’s Jake Zellmer finished in fourth place, his best ever finish in a Big 8 Series event. Willett had a solid night, finishing fifth place int he feature while moving up to third in the Big 8 Late Model Series point standings.

This upcoming Tuesday night, the Big 8 Late Model Series returns to action at Wisconsin International Raceway with the ‘Dixieland Delight’ 38 lap feature. The race is scheduled as an undercard for the ARCA Midwest Tour Dixieland 250 featuring NASCAR champion Kyle Busch.

Big 8 Late Model Series
Miller Lite Larry Detjens Memorial
Official Race Results

1. Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
2. Jeremy Lepak Wausau, WI
3. Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
4. Jake Zellmer Muskego, WI
5. Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
6. Jeremy Miller Rockford, IL
7. Ryan Kamish Farmington, MN
8. Adam Peschek Oconomowoc, WI
9. Kyle Kirberger Ramsey, MN
10. Bryan Wrolstad Northfield, MN
11. Jake Vanoskey Hartford, WI
12. Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
13. Jerry Mueller Richfield, WI
14. Tyler Brown Carol Stream, IL
15. Jeff Nowak Weston, WI
16. Jared Duda St Michael, MN
17. Derek Lemke Shakopee, MN

Fast Time: Bilderback
Heat Race Winners: Bilderback, Lepak

Big 8 Late Model Serues
Point Standings (as of 7/29/17)

1. Michael Bilderback 484
2. Jeremy Miller 444
3. Brody Willett 361
4. Ryan Kamish 299
5. Tim Sargent 295
6. Jerry Mueller 266
7. Jake Vanoskey 248
8. Tyler Brown (R) 236
9. Jake Zellmer 231
10. Jared Duda 228

For more information: big8series.com

State Park Speedway Results form 07.28.17

A-Main 01 — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 3. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 4. Jacob Zellmer, Burlington, Wis; 5. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 6. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 7. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 8. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 9. Kyle Kirberger, Ramsey, Minn.; 10. Bryan Wrolstad, Fairbault, Minn.; 11. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 12. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 13. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 14. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 15. Jeff Nowak, Weston, Wis; 16. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 17. Derek Lemke, Shakopee, Minn..

Heat 01 — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 3. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 4. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 5. Jacob Zellmer, Burlington, Wis; 6. Jeff Nowak, Weston, Wis; 7. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 8. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 9. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.

Heat 02 — 1. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 2. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 3. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 4. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 5. Kyle Kirberger, Ramsey, Minn.; 6. Derek Lemke, Shakopee, Minn.; 7. Bryan Wrolstad, Fairbault, Minn.; 8. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis.

Time Trial — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. Derek Lemke, Shakopee, Minn.; 3. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 4. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 5. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 6. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 7. Jacob Zellmer, Burlington, Wis; 8. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 9. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 10. Bryan Wrolstad, Fairbault, Minn.; 11. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 12. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 13. Jeff Nowak, Weston, Wis; 14. Kyle Kirberger, Ramsey, Minn.; 15. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 16. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 17. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.

BIG 8 SERIES READY FOR TRIPS TO WAUSAU, KAUKAUNA

By: Eric Huenefeld

In the span of just four days, the Big 8 Late Model Series points race will go from early season to home stretch, thanks to a couple of big races scheduled just days apart.

This Friday July 28, ‘The Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” make their sixth stop at State Park Speedway in Wausau, Wisconsin as part of the annual Larry Detjens Memorial Race Weekend. Then, on Tuesday August 1, the Big 8’s best run in support of the ARCA Midwest Tour at Wisconsin International Raceway as part of the Dixieland 250.

Both events were candidates for “Race of the Year” in 2016, with Minnesota’s Michael Ostdiek holding off a solid field of contenders en route to his first ever Big 8 Late Model Series win at Wausau. Then just a few days later, it was Bilderback claiming his third win of the 2016 Big 8 slate at Kaukauna in front of a healthy Tuesday night crowd.

The entry list for Wausau boasts a very worthy group of contenders, including both Bilderback and Ostdiek, along with four-time Big 8 Late Model Series champion Jeremy Miller and former Rockford Speedway champion Tim Sargent. Young, talented hard-chargers Brody Willett and Derek Lemke are also entered for Friday night’s show in Wausau, along with a strong Minnesota contingent including Ostdiek and Lemke, Kyle Kirberger, Ryan Kamish, Bryan Wrolstad and Jared Duda. State Park Speedway point leader Adam Peschek looks to hold serve at his Thursday night home track, along with Loves Park Motorsports Rookie of the Year point leader Tyler Brown and Muskego Wisconsins’ Jake Zellmer, who is one week removed from his first feature win of the year at Dells Raceway Park. The Big 8 Series event at Wausau headlines the Opening Night of the two-day “Detjens Fest.”

Many of the same faces are headed to Kaukauna on Tuesday night to participate in the 38 lap ‘Dixieland Delight.’ Both Michael Bilderback and Jeremy Miller are past winners of the event at Wisconsin International Raceway and both look to nab a victory which will be key as the Big 8 Late Model Series championship chase heads into its homestretch starting in September. A typically solid local contingent will defend their home turf this Tuesday night. Other names to watch at Kaukauna include former Big 8 Series Rookie of the Year Jesse Bernhagen (second in Fox River Racing Club LLM points) and Norway Michigan’s Joey Pontbriand. The Big 8 Series race at Kaukauna Tuesday night is the undercard for the ARCA Midwest Tour Dixieland 250, which is set to include over 40 Super Late Models and NASCAR champion Kyle Busch.

For more information on the Big 8 Late Model Series, please visit big8series.com.

Larry Detjens Memorial
Expected Entries
as of 9 am Thursday

OO Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
O3 Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanit, MI
2 Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
2 Kyle Kirberger Ramsey, MN
3 Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
5 Jeremy Miller Rockford, IL
13 Bryan Wrolstad Northfield, MN
18 Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
20 Tyler Brown Carol Stream, IL
21 Mike Lloyd Davis, IL
26 Tim Sargent South Beloit, IL
40 Jeremy Lepak Wausau, WI
42 Ryan Kamish Lakeville, MN
49 Jerry Mueller Richfield, WI
53 Jared Duda St Michael, MN
66 Adam Peschek Oconomowoc, WI
71 Derek Lemke Shakopee, MN
79 Jeff Nowak Weston, WI
84 Jake Vanoskey Hartford, WI
99 Jake Zellmer Muskego, WI

**NOTE: Entries for WIR close on Friday. An Entry List for Tuesday Night’s Dixieland Delight should be available by Saturday on the Big 8 Series Facebook page.

EVENT DETAILS:

What: “Larry Detjens Memorial”
Where: State Park Speedway (located at 5711 North Mountain Road, Wausau WI 54401)
When: Friday July 28

Schedule and Information:
3 PM- Pits Open
4 PM- Practice Begins
4:30 PM- Fan Gates Open
6:10 PM- Big 8 Late Model Series Qualifying
7 PM- Racing Begins

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series (complete show highlighted by a 58 lap feature)
Mini Mods
Mini Stocks
Bandoleros

Admission Prices:
Adults (13 & up) $15
Kids (6-12) $8
5 & under are FREE

What: “Dixieland Delight”
Where: Wisconsin International Raceway (located at W1460 County Rd KK, Kaukauna, WI 54130)
When: Tuesday August 1

Schedule and Information:
10 AM- Pits Open
3:05 PM- Practice Begins
4 PM- Fan Gates Open
5 PM- Big 8 Late Model Series Qualifying
7 PM- Racing Begins

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series (38 lap feature)
ARCA Midwest Tour ‘Dixieland 250’

Admission Prices:
Adults: $20

REMAINING 2017 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE:
Fri July 28- Miller Lite Larry Detjens Memorial Race (State Park Speedway, Wausau WI)
Tues Aug 1- Dixieland Delight (Wisconsin Int’l Raceway, Kaukauna WI)
Sat Sept 23- 9th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’ (Elko Speedway, Elko New Market, MN)
Sat Sept 30- 52nd Annual National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway, Loves Park, IL)
Sat Oct 7- 48th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem, WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit big8series.com

MILLER REPEATS THE FEAT, CAPTURES SECOND STRAIGHT ‘SALUTE TO AMERICA’

Story By: John Wells
Photo By: Guy Adams

For the second straight year, Jeremy Miller picked up the checkered flag in the ‘Salute to America’ 48 lap feature for the Big 8 Late Models at Madison International Speedway. Miller started eleventh and took the lead on lap 27 on his way to the checkered flag.

Tyler Brown and Tim Sargent led the field of seventeen cars to the green flag. Sargent was able to gain the early advantage. On lap 3 Bobby Wilberg passed Brown for second. Three laps later Brody Willett moved past Ryan Kamish for fourth place.

On lap 7, Wilberg moved to the inside of Sargent coming out of turn four to take the lead. Moving quickly up through the field was Miller who was fifth on lap 9.. On lap 11 Miller moved to the inside of Willett for the third position.

Miller moved past Sargent on lap 14 to take second and started to hunt down Wilberg. On lap 18, Wilberg’s lead was down to three car lengths over Miller as the leaders worked around lapped traffic. This allowed the pair to build a sizeable lead over the third place car of Michael Bilderback.

Miller took the lead on lap 27 when he found room on the low side coming out of turn two and worked his way past Wilberg. Miller was able to increase his lead on lap 31 when Wilberg got caught behind lapped traffic. Doing his best to dial in the top two, Bilderback was closing the gap on Wilberg.

Miller was able to increase his lead over Wilberg as the rest of the field was hoping for a caution flag, but it didn’t come out. Bilderback finished in third followed by Sargent and Willett.

“It’s crazy. This car has just been fast lately,” said Miller who became the all-time winningest driver in the Big 8.

“I’ve got to thank everyone who helps me out and allows me to do this out here,” said Wilberg.

Bilderback added, “We just didn’t work our way through traffic like we needed to tonight.”

Heat race wins went to Jeremy Miller and John Baumeister Jr. Miller also set fast time with a lap of 18.463, narrowly missing the Big 8 track record at Madison of 18.441.

‘Salute to America’
Race Results

1. Jeremy Miller Rockford, IL
2. Bobby Wilberg Beloit, WI
3. Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
4. Tim Sargent South Beloit, IL
5. Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
6. John Baumeister Jr Beloit, WI
7. Matt Lundberg Rockton, IL
8. Zach Riddle Cottage Grove, WI
9. Ryan Kamish Farmington, MN
10. Mike Lloyd Davis, IL
11. Jerry Mueller Richfield, WI
12. Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanti, MI
13. Jake Vanoskey Hartford, WI
14. Jared Duda St Michael, MN
15. Steve Vaughn Maple Park, IL
16. Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
17. Tyler Brown Carol Stream, Il
DNS- Jake Zellmer Muskego, WI

BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES POINTS
(Top 10, as of 6.30.17)

1. Michael Bilderback 354
2. Jeremy Miller 343
3. Tim Sargent 295
4. Brody Willett 267
5. Ryan Kamish 205
6. Jerry Mueller 202
7. Mike Lloyd 186
8. Jake Vanoskey 180
9. Tyler Brown (R) 175
10. Jared Duda 166

Madison Int’l Speedway Results – June 30th, 2017

A-Main 01 — 1. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 2. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 3. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 4. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 5. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 6. John Baumeister, Jr., Beloit, Wis; 7. Matt Lundberg, Rockton; 8. Zack Riddle, Cottage Grove, Wis; 9. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 10. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 11. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 12. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 13. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 14. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 15. Steve Vaughn, Maple Park; 16. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 17. Tyler

Heat 01 — 1. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 2. Zack Riddle, Cottage Grove, Wis; 3. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 4. Matt Lundberg, Rockton; 5. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 6. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 7. Steve Vaughn, Maple Park; 8. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 9. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.

Heat 02 — 1. John Baumeister, Jr., Beloit, Wis; 2. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 3. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 4. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 5. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 6. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 7. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 8. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn..

Time Trial — 1. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 2. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 3. Zack Riddle, Cottage Grove, Wis; 4. John Baumeister, Jr., Beloit, Wis; 5. Matt Lundberg, Rockton; 6. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 7. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 8. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 9. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 10. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 11. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 12. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 13. Steve Vaughn, Maple Park; 14. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 15. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 16. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 17. Tyler Hromadka,

TRADITIONAL TRIP TO MADISON UP NEXT FOR BIG 8 SERIES

By: Clem Easterly

This Friday night, the Big 8 Late Model Series returns to one of it’s favorite stops through the years.

For the 17th time in Series history, the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” take to ‘Wisconsin’s Fastest Half Mile” for what has become an Independence Week tradition…the “Salute to America” at Madison International Speedway (MIS).

Friday night’s event marks the third of eight races on the 2017 Big 8 Late Model Series schedule, following April’s Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway and the “Clash at the Downs” at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids Iowa four weeks ago. Michael Bilderback won the season opener at Rockford in commanding fashion, while Minnesota’s Joe Neisius claimed his first ever Big 8 Series win at Hawkeye Downs one month ago.

Two races into the 2017 slate, Bilderback leads the standings, looking to become the first driver to win three consecutive Big 8 Late Model Series championships. Bilderback’s advantage in the standings is 27 points over 4-time Big 8 Series champion Jeremy Miller, who has been his usual consistent self to start the season. Miller has also been solid at Madison this year, leading the NASCAR Late Model points in pursuit of his sixth track championship at MIS. Miller is also the defending race winner of the “Salute to America,” winning last year’s caution-free 48 lap affair.

Other top Big 8 racers gunning for victory Friday night at MIS include Tim Sargent, the former Rockford Speedway champion, who’s started his season with a pair of top five finishes and currently ranks third in Big 8 Series points, eight points behind Miller for second and 35 points behind Bilderback for the points lead. Iowa’s Brody Willett has begun his Big 8 season strong as well, sitting fourth in points, just 69 points behind Bilderback. Other top Big 8 drivers attending Friday night’s ‘Salute to America’ include Wisconsin racers Jerry Mueller (6th in points) and Jake Zellmer (7th in points) along with Minnesota’s Ryan Kamish (8th in points) and Illinois’ Tyler Brown, the leading Loves Park Motorsports Rookie of the Year candidate who sits tenth in Series points.

Madison International Speedway will be well represented Friday night, with several track championships represented on the entry list. Beloit’s Bobby Wilberg is one of the titans of Madison International Speedway, with a combined 12 track championships through the years at his hometrack. Cottage Grove’s Zach Riddle not only has a distinguished family history at MIS, but is also a former track champion, taking top honors in the NASCAR Late Model division during the 2015 season. Both Wilberg and Riddle are aiming for their first Big 8 wins on their hometrack. Former ‘Salute to America’ winner and Madison ace John Baumeister Jr is also looking to pocket another Big 8 Series win Friday night at MIS.

Drivers from five states are expected for the 2017 edition of ‘Salute to America,’ and once again this season the Big 8 Late Model Series is joined by the Great Northern Sportsman Series and the Midwest Dash Series on the busy Friday night schedule. Race fans are also encouraged to hang around after the races for a HUGE Fireworks Display.

***MADISON CONSTRUCTION UPDATE***

If you’re making your first trip to Madison International Speedway this year, know that Road Construction is taking place on Interstate 90 near Stoughton. With this in mind, the following information has been passed along by the folks at Madison International Speedway…

The Highway 51 exit off I-90/39 is closed at Stoughton, fans/drivers will need to take Hwy 14 north/west out of Janesville towards Evansville (Exit 171, then turn left on 14). Fans/drivers will be able to bring 14 through Evansville and then north to Hwy 138 Oregon, take exit, at roundabout turn right (east), then approx 2 miles down road will be our sign with flags at Sunrise Road. Turn right on Sunrise and then the track will be on the left a mile down.

IMPORTANT: Your GPS will likely try to have you turn on Oak Hill off of Hwy 14 and there are green directional signs saying Madison International Speedway, the large toters and semis WILL NOT fit down Oak Hill, therefor they MUST go to Hwy 138.

Salute To America
Current Entries (as of Noon 6/29)

OO Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
O3 Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanti, MI
2 Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
3 Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
5 Jeremy Miller Rockton, IL
14 Zach Riddle Cottage Grove, WI
15 Michael Clapper Dane, WI
19 John Baumeister Jr Beloit, WI
20 Tyler Brown Carol Stream, IL
21 Mike Lloyd Davis, IL
26 Tim Sargent South Beloit, IL
28 Bobby Wilberg Beloit, WI
42 Ryan Kamish Lakeville, MN
49 Jerry Mueller Richfield, WI
53 Jared Duda St Michael, MN
58 Tyler Kingery Prior Lake, MN
78 Matt Lundberg Rockton, IL
84 Jake Vanoskey Hartford, WI
87 Brent Edmunds Monticello, WI
99 Jake Zellmer Muskego, WI

EVENT DETAILS:

What: “Salute To America”
Where: Madison International Speedway (1122 Sunrise Road, Oregon, WI 53575)
When: Friday June 30

Schedule and Information:
3:30 PM- Pits Open
5 PM- Big 8 Series Practice Begins
6:15 PM- Big 8 Series Qualifying
7:30 PM- Racing Begins

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series (complete show highlighted by a 48 lap feature)
Great Northern Sportsman Series
Midwest Dash Series
Plus a HUGE Fireworks Display

Admission Prices:
Adults- $18
“Whelen Heroes” & Seniors- $16
Students (Ages 12-17)- $10.00
Children (Ages 6-11)- $5
Kids (Ages 5 & under)- FREE
Family Pricing (Two adults & up to four students and/or children)- $40

REMAINING 2017 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE:
Fri June 30- Salute to America (Madison International Speedway, Oregon WI)
Fri July 28- Larry Detjens Memorial Race (State Park Speedway, Wausau WI)
Tues Aug 1- Dixieland Delight (Wisconsin Int’l Raceway, Kaukauna WI)
Sat Sept 23- 9th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’ (Elko Speedway, Elko New Market, MN)
Sat Sept 30- 52nd Annual National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway)
Sat Oct 7- 48th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem, WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit www.big8series.com

WHILE RIVALS ‘CLASH,’ NEISIUS CLAIMS FIRST BIG 8 WIN AT ‘THE DOWNS’

Story By: Caleb Slouha
Photo By: Guy Adams

For the third time in series history, the Big 8 Late Model Series returned to Hawkeye Downs Friday night for “Clash at the Downs III” presented by McGrathAuto.com. And for a third straight time, fans in attendance saw a show they won’t soon forget.

Rosemount Minnesota’s Joe Neisius, along with inaugural ‘Clash at the Downs’ winner Caleb Adrian, started on the front row for the 48 lap feature. While Neisius held his ground early, Adrian was able to make the pass for the lead just three laps in.

Adrian held the lead unchallenged until last year’s event winner, Michael Bilderback, made his way forward to battle the leader. As the two battled side-by-side for multiple laps, Alburnett, Iowa’s Brody Willett stormed forward to meet them, looking for a piece of the front as well.

The laps clicked off as the three leaders jockeyed for the top positions. Bilderback eventually slipped back leaving Adrian and Willett to battle for the lead. Both Adrian and Willett have already captured weekly feature wins at Hawkeye Downs and have had their share of close calls already in the weekly series.

The battle for the lead continued to be strong, as neither driver backed out as lapped traffic occurred, going three-wide and making contact several times.

Finally, with seven laps to go, more contact was made, and for the second year in a row, Adrian found himself in the turn one wall. After the incident, Adrian drove his damaged car away, eventually pulling next to Willett and finally spun Willett on the backstretch under caution. Adrian was retired for the night, regulated to 25th place, while Willett would go to the tail end of the lead lap, finishing the race in tenth.

When the dust settled, Neisius came out above the chaos and was able to held off both Griffin McGrath and Bilderback to win the “Clash at the Downs”. Tim Sargent ended the race in fourth position, while Farmington Minnesota’s Ryan Kamish rounded out the top five.

“Clash at the Downs III” presented by McGrathAuto.com
Race Results

1. Joe Neisius Rosemount, MN
2. Griffin McGrath Cedar Rapids, IA
3. Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
4. Tim Sargent South Beloit, IL
5. Ryan Kamish Farmington, MN
6. Jeremy Miller Rockford, IL
7. Justin Neisius Eagan, MN
8. Brian Gibson Walford, IA
9. Wayne Freimund West Allis, WI
10. Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
11. Mark Lamoreaux Bloomington, MN
12. Brad Osborn Janesville, IA
13. Matt Lundberg Rockford, IL
14. Greg Borchardt Prior Lake, MN
15. Jacob Zellmer Burlington, WI
16. Jerry Mueller Richfield, WI
17. Scott Siems Cedar Rapids, IA
18. Tyler Brown Carol Stream, IL
19. Mike Lloyd Davis, IL
20. Mark Greb Coralville, IA
21. Jacob Vanoskey Hartford, WI
22. Jared Duda St Michael, MN
23. Chad Siems Shellsburg, IA
24. Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
25. Caleb Adrian Walcott, IA
26. Tyler Kingery Prior Lake, MN
27. Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanti, MI

Preliminary Winners: C Siems, Mueller, Neisius, Adrian
Fast Qualifier: McGrath
Entries: 27 Big 8 Late Models

Current Big 8 Late Model Series Points
(Top 10)

1. Michael Bilderback 240
2. Jeremy Miller 213
3. Tim Sargent 205
4. Brody Willett 171
5. Wayne Freimund 149
6. Jerry Mueller 133
7. Jacob Zellmer 130
8. Ryan Kamish 128
9. Griffin McGrath 120
(TIE) Tyler Brown 120

6/2/2017 – Big 8 Series Hawkeye Downs Results

Big 8 Late Model Series
A-Main 01 — 1. Joe Neisius, Rosemount, Minn.; 2. Griffin McGrath, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 3. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 4. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 5. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 6. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 7. Justin Neisius, Eagan, Minn.; 8. Brian Gibson, Walford, Iowa; 9. Wayne Freimund, West Allis, Wis; 10. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 11. Mark Lamoreaux, Bloomington, Minn.; 12. Brad Osborn, Janesville, Iowa; 13. Matt Lundberg, Rockford; 14. Greg Borchardt, Prior Lake, Minn.; 15. Jacob Zellmer, Burlington, Wis; 16. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 17. Scott Siems, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 18. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 19. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 20. Siems, Shellsburg, Iowa; 24. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 25. Caleb Adrian, Walcott, Iowa; 26. Tyler Kingery,
Prior Lake, Minn.; 27. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich..

Heat 01 — 1. Chad Siems, Shellsburg, Iowa; 2. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 3. Scott Siems, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 4. Jacob Zellmer, Burlington, Wis; 5. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 6. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 7. Tyler Kingery,

Heat 02 — 1. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 2. Matt Lundberg, Rockford; 3. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 4. Mark Greb, Coralville, Iowa; 5. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 6. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich..

Qualifying Dash 01 — 1. Joe Neisius, Rosemount, Minn.; 2. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 3. Brian Gibson, Walford, Iowa; 4. Griffin McGrath, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 5. Justin Neisius, Eagan, Minn.; 6. Jeremy Miller, Rockford;

Qualifying Dash 02 — 1. Caleb Adrian, Walcott, Iowa; 2. Brad Osborn, Janesville, Iowa; 3. Greg Borchardt, Prior Lake, Minn.; 4. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 5. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 6. Wayne Freimund, West Allis, Wis; 7. Mark Lamoreaux, Bloomington, Minn..

Time Trial — 1. Griffin McGrath, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 2. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 3. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 4. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 5. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 6. Brad Osborn, Janesville, Iowa; 7. Justin Neisius, Eagan, Minn.; 8. Caleb Adrian, Walcott, Iowa; 9. Brian Gibson, Walford, Iowa; 10. Mark
Lamoreaux, Bloomington, Minn.; 11. Joe Neisius, Rosemount, Minn.; 12. Greg Borchardt, Prior Lake, Minn.; 13. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 14. Wayne Freimund, West Allis, Wis; 15. Jacob Zellmer, Burlington, Wis; 16. Matt Lundberg, Rockford; 17. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 18. Mark Greb, Coralville, Iowa; 19. Chad Siems, Shellsburg, Iowa; 20. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 21. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 22. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 23. Scott Siems, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 24. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 25. Tyler Kingery, Prior Lake, Minn.; 26.

BIG 8’S BEST READY TO ‘CLASH’ IN CEDAR RAPIDS

By: Kip Ripley

For the third time in history, the Big 8 Late Model Series is set to trek to eastern Iowa.

‘The Best Weekly Warriors in the Country’ return to Hawkeye Downs this Friday night June 2 for the ‘Clash at the Downs III’ presented by McGrathAuto.com. The event is the first for the Big 8 Late Model Series since its season opening ‘Spring Classic’ at Rockford Speedway back on April 23. On that day, two-time and defending Big 8 Late Model Series Champion Michael Bilderback was triumphant, leading most of the 88 lap feature en route his second straight win in the season-opening event.

Bilderback comes into Friday night’s ‘Clash at the Downs’ as a favorite once again, looking to get back to victory lane for a second straight year at Hawkeye Downs. Last June, it was Bilderback getting the best of Inaugural ‘Clash at the Downs’ winner Caleb Adrian in a wild last-lap exchange, which saw Adrian end his evening against the turn one wall. Still stinging from that loss one year later, Adrian is locked and loaded to get back in the winners circle Friday night and has already tasted victory twice at Hawkeye Downs in 2017.

Another driver who has found success early in 2017 is Brody Willett. The teenager from Alburnett Iowa has pocketed a Friday night feature win at Hawkeye Downs already this season and was also a Top 10 finisher at Rockford Speedway during Spring Classic. Willett comes into ‘Clash at the Downs’ with momentum and is primed to pick up his first career Big 8 Series win, will that landmark win come at his hometrack?

A talented group of local favorites await the Big 8’s best this weekend in Iowa, including Former Hawkeye Downs track champions Brian Gibson and Brad Osborn, as well as Cedar Rapids native and Late Model ace Griffin McGrath. Ready to challenge the home team are the likes of four-time Big 8 Late Model Series champion Jeremy Miller, former Rockford Speedway track champion Tim Sargent and former Slinger Speedway champion Wayne Freimund. They’ll be joined by names like 2016 Madison International Speedway Rookie of the Year Matt Lundberg, Wisconsin’s Jake Vanoskey, veteran Illinois racer Mike Lloyd and Michigan resident Cody Kippenhan plus young up-and-comers like Jake Zellmer, Tyler Hromadka, Tyler Kingery, Jared Duda and Tyler Brown.

‘Clash at the Downs III’ presented by McGrathAuto.com
Expected Entries (24)
As of May 31

OO Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
O3 Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanti, MI
2 Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
3 Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
5 Jeremy Miller Rockford, IL
15 Michael Clapper Dane, WI
17 Brian Gibson Walford, IA
20 Tyler Brown Carol Stream, IL
21 Mike Lloyd Davis, IL
26 Tim Sargent South Beloit, IL
29 Caleb Adrian Walcott, IA
43 Scott Siems Cedar Rapids, IA
49 Jerry Mueller Richfield, WI
53 Jared Duda St Michael, MN
58 Tyler Kingery Prior Lake, MN
64 Griffin McGrath Cedar Rapids, IA
71 Mark Greb Coralville, IA
72 Brad Osborn Janesville, IA
75 Joe Neisius Rosemount, MN
76 Chad Siems Shellsburg, IA
78 Matt Lundberg Rockton, IL
84 Jake Vanoskey Hartford, WI
95 Wayne Freimund West Allis, WI
99 Jake Zellmer New Berlin, WI

EVENT DETAILS:

What: “Clash at the Downs III” presented by McGrathAuto.com
Where: Hawkeye Downs (4400 6th St SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404)
When: Friday June 2
Schedule and Information:
3 PM- Pits Open
4:30 PM- Big 8 Series Practice Begins
5:30 PM- Grandstands Open
6 PM- Big 8 Series Qualifying
7:30 PM- Racing Begins

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series (complete show highlighted by a 48 lap feature)
Mountain Dew Sportsman
Dublin City Pub Legends
Anderson Automotive Hobby Stocks
Miller Time Hornets

Admission Prices:
Adults (18+) and Seniors (62 +) $12
Students (ages 9-17): $7
Kids 8 & under FREE

REMAINING 2017 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE:
Fri June 2- ‘Clash at the Downs III” presented by McGrathAuto.com (Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids, IA)
Fri June 30- Salute to America (Madison International Speedway, Oregon WI)
Fri July 28- Larry Detjens Memorial Race (State Park Speedway, Wausau WI)
Tues Aug 1- Dixieland Delight (Wisconsin Int’l Raceway, Kaukauna WI)
Sat Sept 23- 9th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’ (Elko Speedway, Elko New Market, MN)
Sat Sept 30- 52nd Annual National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway)
Sat Oct 7- 48th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem, WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit www.big8series.com