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2017 Spring Classic Results

A-Main 01 — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 3. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 4.
Alex Papini, Rockford; 5. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 6. Kyle Chwala, Johnson Creek, Wis; 7. Kyle Shear,
Roscoe; 8. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 9. Wayne Freimund, West Allis, Wis; 10. Jacob Zellmer, Burlington, Wis;
11. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 12. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 13. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 14. Cody
Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 15. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 16. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 17. Jeff
Wakeman, Streator; 18. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 19. Steve Rubeck, Rockford; 20. Dennis Smith, Jr, South Beloit; 21.
John Beinlich, Prairie View; 22. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 23. Tyler Kingery, Prior Lake, Minn.; 24. Max
Kahler, Caledonia; 25. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Loves Park; 26. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn..

Heat 01 — 1. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 2. John Beinlich, Prairie View; 3. Wayne Freimund, West Allis, Wis;
4. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 5. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 6. Jeff Wakeman, Streator.

Heat 02 — 1. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 2. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 3. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 4.
Max Kahler, Caledonia; 5. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 6. Tyler Kingery, Prior Lake, Minn..

Qualifying Dash 01 — 1. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Loves Park; 2. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 3. Tim Sargent,
South Beloit; 4. Kyle Shear, Roscoe; 5. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 6. Dennis Smith, Jr, South Beloit; 7. Jacob
Zellmer, Burlington, Wis.

Qualifying Dash 02 — 1. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 2. Kyle Chwala, Johnson Creek, Wis; 3. Alex Papini, Rockford; 4. Ryan
Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 5. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 6. Steve Rubeck, Rockford; 7. Brody Willett, Alburnett,

Time Trial — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 3. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 4.
Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 5. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 6. Alex Papini, Rockford; 7. Kyle Shear, Roscoe; 8.
Kyle Chwala, Johnson Creek, Wis; 9. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Loves Park; 10. Steve Rubeck, Rockford; 11. Jacob
Zellmer, Burlington, Wis; 12. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 13. Dennis Smith, Jr, South Beloit; 14. Ryan Kamish, Farmington,
Minn.; 15. John Beinlich, Prairie View; 16. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 17. Wayne Freimund, West Allis, Wis; 18.
Max Kahler, Caledonia; 19. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 20. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 21. Jared Duda, St
Michael, Minn.; 22. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 23. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 24. Tyler Kingery, Prior
Lake, Minn.; 25. Jeff Wakeman, Streator; 26. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.

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BILDERBACK LEAVES LITTLE DOUBT AT 40th ANNIVERSARY SPRING CLASSIC

By: Eric Huenefeld

Over the course of the last two-plus seasons, Michael Bilderback has been the ‘man to beat’ in Big 8 Late Model Series competition.

Whether racing along the Big 8 Series or at the Rockford Speedway on Saturday nights, the South Beloit native has stood in victory lane as frequently as anyone since the beginning of the 2015 racing season.

On Sunday afternoon, Bilderback collected his ninth career Big 8 Late Model Series win and seventeenth Late Model victory since the start of 2015 after being the dominant car during the running of the 40th Anniversary Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway.

Bilderback, who started from the third position, quickly moved on outside pole sitter Mike Lloyd to take first place on lap four of the 88 lap main event. But then, just two laps later, the caution flag flew for fluid on the track, which was spotted dropping from Ryan Kamish’s car. After Kamish was sent to the pits, the field bunched up for the first restart of the day, which resulted in another yellow just three laps later when both Lloyd and Casey Johnson came into contact off the fourth corner, sending Lloyd spinning. Both cars were sent to the tail after the incident. Lloyd later retired from the race on lap 53, while Johnson fought back for a top five finish.

The largest calamity of the day occurred on lap 38, when a suspension breakage sent Tyler Kingery into Dennis Smith Jr’s car as the two drivers entered turn one. Both cars contacted the wall, collecting John Beinlich and Michael Clapper along the way. After the four cars piled up, Smith’s car was engulfed in flames. Smith quickly emerged from his car as safety crews worked to extinguish the inferno. All drivers were ok. While the rest of the field was stopped on track during red flag conditions, Kyle Shear’s car also caught fire. Shear would have to be towed to the pits after the fire exploded his right front tire, but his crew was able to make repairs and return him to the race, where he would finish seventh place, one lap down.

When the remainder of the field took the green flag with 50 laps to go, the race never stopped again as Bilderback put enough cushion between himself and second place Jeremy Miller to maintain a comfy advantage until the checkered flag. When the race concluded, it was Bilderback besting Miller by 1.79 seconds on his way to victory. Tim Sargent started his season off with a sold third place finish, while former Spring Classic champion Alex Papini came home in fourth after holding off a hard charge from Casey Johnson, who settled for fifth following his climb back through the field after the lap 9 incident with Lloyd. Kyle Chwala finished as the last car on the lead lap in sixth.

40th ANNIVERSARY SPRING CLASSIC

OFFICIAL RESULTS

1 Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL (88 laps)

2 Jeremy Miller Rockford, IL (88 laps)

3 Tim Sargent South Beloit, IL (88 laps)

4 Alex Papini Machesney Park, IL (88 laps)

5 Casey Johnson Edgerton, WI (88 laps)

6 Kyle Chwala Johnson Creek, WI (88 laps)

7 Kyle Shear Roscoe, IL (87 laps)

8 Brody Willett Alburnett, IA (87 laps)

9 Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI (87 laps)

10 Jake Zellmer New Berlin, WI (87 laps)

11 Jerry Mueller Richfield, WI (87 laps)

12 Jake Vanoskey Hartford, WI (87 laps)

13 Tyler Brown Carol Stream, IL (85 laps)

14 Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanti, MI (83 laps)

15 Jared Duda St Michael, MN (83 laps)

16 Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI (82 laps)

17 Jeff Wakeman Streator, IL (80 laps)

18 Mike Lloyd Davis, IL (53 laps)

19 Steve Rubeck Rockford, IL (41 laps)

20 Dennis Smith Jr South Beloit, IL (38 laps)

21 John Beinlich Cary, IL (38 laps)

22 Michael Clapper Dane, WI (38 laps)

23 Tyler Kingery Prior Lake, MN (37 laps)

24 Max Kahler Caledonia, IL (31 laps)

25 Jon Reynolds Jr Loves Park, IL (21 laps)

26 Ryan Kamish Lakeville, MN (6 laps)

Preliminary Race Winners: Vanoskey, Clapper, Reynolds, Lloyd

Fast Time: Bilderback 13.503 (*New Big 8 Track Record)

Entries: 27 Big 8 Late Models

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CHAMPIONS, CHALLENGERS, YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE DOT SPRING CLASSIC ROSTER

By: Eric Huenefeld

The opening event of any season brings optimism, excitement and intrigue.

This Sunday’s 40th Anniversary Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway most certainly fits the above description.

Going into the first race of the 2017 Big 8 Late Model Series season, there are certainly many different directions to look when searching for story lines.

Everything starts with Michael Bilderback. The two-time Big 8 Late Model Series champion and reigning Rockford Speedway champion comes into Sunday afternoon as the favorite to begin the season in victory lane. A win Sunday would be the second straight Spring Classic triumph for Bilderback and a third overall. Only Steve Carlson (6), Joe Shear (4) and Dick Trickle (4) have won more Spring Classics all-time. Bilderback, along with Mike Beyer, are the only Big 8 Series drivers to win multiple Spring Classics (2 each).

Right next to Bilderback on the list of favorites this weekend has to be Casey Johnson. The two-time Big 8 Late Model Series champion is looking to join Bilderback and Beyer as multi-time winners of the Big 8 Spring Classic. Rockford Speedway was kind to Johnson last fall, as the Edgerton Wisconsin resident became just the second driver in history to win both the Super Late Model and Big 8/Rockford Rules features in the same weekend at National Short Track Championships, a feat only matched by the aforementioned Joe Shear in 1987. A victory this weekend would be Johnson’s fourth Big 8 Series conquest at Rockford all-time.

Four-time Big 8 Late Model Series champion Jeremy Miller has done just about everything in a Big 8 car, except win Spring Classic. Miller, who has 11 Series wins in his career (tied for most all-time) has been notably close before at Spring Classic, finishing a close second to Mike Edhe in 2007 and dominating the 2012 Spring Classic until his car broke just past halfway, handing the lead and win to Jon Reynolds Jr. Reynolds is always a contender at Rockford and specializes in the distance races, making Sunday’s 88 lapper a race that’s right in the former Big 8 and Rockford champion’s wheelhouse. Five of Reynolds’ eleven career Big 8 Series wins have come at Rockford Speedway.

Other drivers to watch at Rockford include two-time Spring Classic champion Steve Rubeck, making his return to the Big 8-style cars in 2017. Rubeck is also a former Big 8 champion two-time National Short Track Champion who excels inside the tight confines of Rockford Speedway. Former Rockford Speedway champion Tim Sargent brings a new look to Spring Classic and is eyeing his first-ever Big 8 Series win, while fan-favorite Kyle Shear returns to Big 8 Series action this weekend, looking to improve upon his best Big 8 finish at Rockford, a third place run in 2012. Wayne Freimund, a two-time feature winner at Rockford last season, has gotten closer to Big 8 victory lane each year, will Sunday be the day he takes the step to the top of the podium?

A fleet of young racers will be vying for glory at this weekend’s Spring Classic, including Iowa’s Brody Willett, Wisconsin’s Braison Bennett and the Minnesota tandem of Jared Duda and Tyler Kingery. Teenager Tyler Hromadka brings a year’s worth of Rockford experience to the table this weekend, looking to break through with the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country,” while another teenager, Max Kahler, makes his Big 8 debut at a track just 6 miles from his hometown of Caledonia Illinois.

40th Anniversary Spring Classic
Expected Entries (28)
As of April 19

OO Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
1 Steve Rubeck Rockford, IL
2 Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
O3 Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanti, MI
3 Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
5 Casey Johnson Edgerton, WI
5 Todd Kamish Lakeville, MN
5 Jeremy Miller Rockford, IL
O8 Dennis Smith Jr South Beloit, IL
9 Braison Bennett Neenah, WI
X Jon Reynolds Jr Loves Park, IL
17 Max Kahler Caledonia, IL
18 Alex Papini Machesney Park, IL
20 Tyler Brown Carol Stream, IL
21 Mike Lloyd Davis, IL
22 Kyle Chwala Johnson Creek, WI
26 Tim Sargent South Beloit, IL
37 Kyle Shear Roscoe, IL
39 Matt Berger Loves Park, IL
49 Jerry Mueller Richfield, WI
53 Jared Duda St Michael, MN
58 Tyler Kingery Prior Lake, MN
74 Louie Goss Green Bay, WI
84 Jake Vanoskey Hartford, WI
91 Jeff Wakeman Streator, IL
93 John Beinlich Cary, IL
95 Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI
99 Jake Zellmer New Berlin, WI

EVENT DETAILS:

What: 40th Anniversary Spring Classic
Where: Rockford Speedway (located at 9572 Forest Hills Rd Loves Park, IL)
When: Sunday April 23
Schedule and Information:
7 AM- Pits Open, Breakfast in Pit Concession
8 AM- Chapel Service in South VIP Tower
8:45 AM- Big 8 Series Driver’s Meeting in Pit Stands
9:30 AM- Rotating Practice (until 11:25 AM)
11 AM- Front Gate Opens
11:30 AM- Qualifying (All divisions)
12:45 PM- Opening Ceremonies
1 PM- WE’RE RACING

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series (complete show highlighted by an 88 lap feature)
Quest Industrial Mid-American Stock Car Series (complete show highlighted by a 50 lap feature)
INEX Legends (complete show including a 20 lap feature)

Admission Prices:
Adults (ages 12 & up): $20
Children (ages 6-11): $6
Kids 5 & under: FREE

2017 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE:
Sun April 23- 40th Anniversary Spring Classic (Rockford Speedway, Loves Park IL)
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

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ROCKFORD’S SPRING CLASSIC: A MIDWEST RACING TRADITION 40 YEARS AND COUNTING

By: Eric Huenefeld

Through the years, “big events” have come and gone. But for 40 years, Spring Classic has stood tall.

Ever since it’s inception at the beginning of 1978, this season-opening special event has signaled a new racing season for fans and drivers alike in the upper Midwest.

And in the Spring of 1980, Spring Classic found the facility that became its home, Rockford Speedway. Ever since then the beginning of the upper Midwest racing season truly hasn’t began until the Rockford Speedway and Spring Classic said so.

One thing that both the first Spring Classic and this year’s 40th installment have in common are the lateness for which they are scheduled. Although two Spring Classics have been run later in the year (1997 in June & 2002 in October, both due to weather), the 1978 and 2017 installments are the two Spring Classics originally scheduled latest. The inaugural event was contested on April 30 at Grundy County Speedway, with Dick Trickle collecting one of his four Spring Classic wins (more on that later). This year’s Spring Classic, set for April 23, is scheduled later due to the unusually late Easter holiday in 2017.

Following the first ever Spring Classic at Grundy County in 1978, the event shifted north to Capitol Super Speedway (now Madison International Speedway) in April of 1979, with Tom Reffner topping Trickle in a 50 lap sprint. The following year, the event shifted to Rockford Speedway for good, with the late Larry Detjens capturing the 80 lap main event.

From 1980 to 1990, Spring Classic’s were contested in distances equal to the year in which they were ran, meaning the the 1981 race was 81 laps, 1982’s race was 82 laps and so on. Another theme of the 80’s was dominance by three particular drivers; Joe Shear, Al Schill and Dick Trickle. From 1981 to 1989, Shear, Schill and Trickle were the only three men to pocket wins in the season opening affair. Shear garnered his Spring Classic wins in 1981, 86, 88 & 89, while Trickle was top dog in 1983, 84 & 87. Schill won his two Spring Classics in 1982 and 1985.

Speaking of multi-time winners, nine drivers have won two-or-more Spring Classics in their racing careers. Steve Carlson leads the all-time list with six Spring Classic wins (bagging six of seven Spring Classics from 1998-2004), Trickle & Shear have won four each, while Schill, Scott Hansen, Kevin Cywinski, Steve Rubeck, Mike Beyer and Michael Bilderback have won two Spring Classics each. Bilderback can join rarefied air with Carlson, Shear and Trickle this weekend if he can win his third Spring Classic, making him just one of four men to win the event three or more times. With a win, Bilderback would also become the all-time leading Big 8 Spring Classic winner, as both he and Beyer are the only two drivers to win multiple Big 8 Spring Classic races.

The Big 8 Late Model Series’ inclusion at Spring Classic began in the year 2005 as an under-card to the final NASCAR Midwest Series race held at Rockford Speedway. Beyer won that 58 lap event, then came back one year later and won the Big 8 portion of Spring Classic in 2006. In 2008, the Big 8 Late Model Series became the featured attraction of Spring Classic, with Michael Bilderback winning his first Big 8 Series race and in the process becoming the youngest Spring Classic winner of all time. Also in 2008, the Big 8 Spring Classic was extended from 58 laps to 108 laps. In 2015, the race was shorted to 88 laps, a call back to the event’s heyday back in the 80’s.

What history will be made this Sunday? Can Bilderback continue his recent Big 8 and Spring Classic dominance? Can someone like Casey Johnson or Jon Reynolds Jr become just the tenth driver to win multiple Spring Classics? Or will a new name be etched into history as a winner of Rockford Speedway’s Spring Classic? You better “BE THERE” this Sunday afternoon to find out!

The 40th Anniversary Spring Classic is set for this Sunday afternoon April 23 at Rockford Speedway (9572 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park IL). Spectator Gates open at 11 AM, with Qualifications set to begin at 11:30 and the first green flag at 1 PM. The afternoon racing card includes the Big 8 Late Model Series, the Quest Industrial Mid American Stock Car Series and the INEX Legends. Adult admission is $20, while Children ages 6-11 are $6 and Kids 5 & under are FREE!

For more information, please visit rockfordspeedway.com, big8series.com or call 815-633-1500.

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40th ANNIVERSARY SPRING CLASSIC ENTRY FORM NOW ONLINE!

40th Spring Classic Schedule | Entry Form

By: Eric Huenefeld

With a long off-season in the rear view, it’s time to “Think Spring!”

The 40th Anniversary Spring Classic is five and a half weeks away, with this year’s installment scheduled for Sunday afternoon April 23 at Rockford Speedway. The Entry Form and Schedule of events are now available for viewing at big8series.com and rockfordspeedway.com.

For the tenth consecutive season, the Big 8 Late Model Series headlines Spring Classic. The “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” run a full show Sunday April 23, complete with Time Trials, Preliminary Events and the 88 lap feature race. Also scheduled to appear on the Spring Classic card is the Mid-American Stock Car Series and the INEX Legends. The Mid-American Series is slated to run a 50 lap main event, while the Legends square off in a 20 lap affair.

Gates open on Sunday April 23 at 11 AM, with Qualifying for all three divisions beginning at 11:30 AM. The first green flag flies at 1 PM.

There are multiple chances for teams to get “on track” at Rockford Speedway for Practice in advance of Spring Classic. Saturday April 15 features an Open Practice session from 11 AM until 2:30 PM, while Spring Classic participants (Big 8 LM, Mid-Am & Legends) also have a chance to practice Saturday April 22 from Noon to 4 PM.

For additional information regarding the 40th Anniversary Spring Classic and Rockford Speedway, please visit www.rockfordspeedway.com or call 815-633-1500.

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

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BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES UNVEILS 2017 SCHEDULE

By: Eric Huenefeld

Big 8 Late Model Series officials have released their 2017 Schedule of Events, which includes eight individual racing events at seven facilities in four different states.

Again this season, the Big 8 Late Model Series takes part in some of the most well-known racing events held annually at some of the most storied short tracks in America.

The Big 8 Late Model Series begins its thirteenth season Sunday afternoon April 23 at Rockford (IL) Speedway as part of the 40th Anniversary Spring Classic. The day will be highlighted by an 88 lap feature race for the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country,” with the Mid American Stock Car Series and Legends joining the Spring Classic card.

Following Spring Classic, the Big 8 Series returns to Iowa, for “Clash at the Downs III’ at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids on Friday June 2. Four weeks later (Friday June 30), the Series makes its traditional summertime stop at Madison (WI) International Speedway for the “Salute to America,” which includes a full racing program and a fabulous Fireworks display!

One month after the Madison event, the Big 8 Late Model Series contests two races in five days while taking part in two major mid-summer events. Friday July 28, the Series makes its return to State Park Speedway in Wausau WI, headlining the first night of the Larry Detjens Memorial Weekend. Then, Tuesday night August 1, the Big 8 Late Model Series shares the spotlight with the ARCA Midwest Tour as part of the “Dixieland 250,” with a 38 lap “Dixieland Delight” scheduled for the Big 8 Late Models.

The 2017 Big 8 Series champion once again will be determined by “three races in three weeks,” starting Saturday September 23 at Elko (MN) Speedway as part of the 9th Annual “Thunderstruck.” Then, Saturday night September 30, it’s the most grueling race of the season, the 108 lap National Short Track Championship as part of the 52nd National Short Track Championships at Rockford Speedway. Finally, on Saturday October 7, the season comes to a close at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem WI as part of the 48th Oktoberfest Race Weekend.

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

For up-to-the-minute updates, please “Like” Big 8 Series on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter @big8series.

2017 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES EVENT SCHEDULE

Sunday April 23 – “40th Anniversary Spring Classic” 88 Laps
Rockford Speedway (Loves Park, IL)

Friday June 2 – ”Clash at the Downs III” 48 Laps
Hawkeye Downs (Cedar Rapids, IA)

Friday June 30 – “Salute to America” 48 Laps
Madison Int’l Speedway (Oregon, WI)

Friday July 28 – “Larry Detjens Memorial” 58 Laps
State Park Speedway (Wausau, WI)

Tuesday August 1 – “Dixieland Delight” 38 Laps
Wisconsin Int’l Raceway (Kaukauna, WI)

Saturday September 23 – “Thunderstruck” 58 Laps
Elko Speedway (Elko New Market, MN)

Saturday September 30 – “52nd Nat’l Short Track Championships” 108 Laps
Rockford Speedway (Loves Park, IL)

Saturday October 7 – “Oktoberfest Race Weekend” 68 Laps
La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway (West Salem, WI)

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2016 IN REVIEW: BILDERBACK JOINS ELITE COMPANY

By: Eric Huenefeld

As the twelfth season of Big 8 Late Model Series racing came to an end Saturday night at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway, Michael Bilderback once again etched his name in history as a Big 8 Series champion.

Bilderback’s 2016 was one of the more dominant championship seasons in the history of the Big 8 Series, as the 25 year old outdistanced his nearest competitor in the points by 167 markers while winning four of the eight races on the schedule.

Bilderback finished no worse than sixth in any Big 8 race, with an average finish of 2.375. Bilderback’s four wins on the tour tied him for fourth on the All-Time Big 8 Series wins list with Ross Kenseth (7), trailing only Jon Reynolds Jr (11), Jeremy Miller (11) and Casey Johnson (10).

This year’s Big 8 Late Model Series championship was second consecutive for the South Beloit Illinois resident, making him just the third driver in the history of the Series to win multiple championships, joining Jeremy Miller (2007, 08, 10 & 12) and Casey Johnson (2013 & 14). To go along with his success along the Big 8 tour in this year, Bilderback also earned his first Rockford Speedway Track Championship, winning four feature races at the high-banked quarter mile.

Lakeville Minnesota’s Michael Ostdiek had a stellar season on the Big 8 tour too, posting a second place finish in the final series standings. The 19 year old college sophomore racked up five Top Five finishes and his first ever Big 8 Late Model Series win in July at State Park Speedway in Wausau Wisconsin. Ostdiek’s steady efforts were just enough to hold off J Herbst for runner-up honors in the points chase. Herbst, the West Salem Wisconsin native, finished just one point behind Ostdiek in third. Herbst has a memorable season with Big 8 Late Model Series, earning two runner-up finishes and six Top Tens while also setting new Track Records at Hawkeye Downs in June and at State Park Speedway in July.

Four time Big 8 Late Model Series champion Jeremy Miller finished fourth in the 2016 points, with one win on the tour at Madison International Speedway in June. Elkhorn Wisconsin’s Wayne Freimund rounded out the top five in points, ninety points behind Miller. Freimund completed his most solid Big 8 season to date with a top five in points, highlighted by a fourth place finish at Rockford Speedway’s Spring Classic in April.

Fourteen year old Grant Griesbach not only finished the season sixth place in points, but also was the winner of the Loves Park Motorsports ‘Rookie of the Year’ Award. Griesbach, who ended the season just four points behind Freimund for fifth in points, collected three Top Ten finishes in 2016, with a seventh place at Spring Classic his best showing. Alburnett Iowa’s Brody Willett finished second in the Rookie chase, ninety-five points behind Griesbach.

2016 Big 8 Late Model Series “By The Numbers”…

-FIVE different drivers won Big 8 Series features in 2016 (Bilderback, Miller, Ostdiek, Johnson & Ty Majeski)
-FIVE states were represented among the Top Ten in final Big 8 Series points (Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan)
-SIX drivers officially competed at every Series event in 2016 (Bilderback, Ostdiek, Herbst, Griesbach, Willett & Tyler Hromadka)
-SEVEN track records fell in qualifying this year, meaning each track on the series saw their all-time record lowered
-ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN drivers entered a Big 8 Late Model Series race in 2016

Big 8 Late Model Series
2016 Top Ten in Points

1. 2 Michael Bilderback 891
2. 18 Michael Ostdiek 724
3. 82 J Herbst 723
4. 5 Jeremy Miller 585
5. 95 Wayne Freimund 495
6. 17 Grant Griesbach 491
7. 54 Rich Schumann, Jr. 448
8. 3 Tyler Hromadka 399
9. 00 Brody Willett 396
10. 03 Cody Kippenhan 320

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2016 Oktoberfest Results

A-Main 01 — 1. Ty Majeski, Seymour, Wis; 2. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 3. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 4.
Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 5. Joe Neisius, Rosemount, Minn.; 6. Justin Neisius, Eagan, Minn.; 7. Dillon
Hammond, Grand Marsh, Wis; 8. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 9. Shayne Poehnelt, Spring Green, Wis; 10. Jesse
Bernhagen, Markesan, Wis; 11. Kelsey Schultz, Tomah, Wis; 12. Ty Reedy, Holmen, Wis; 13. Tim Springstroh,
Kaukauna, Wis; 14. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 15. Griffin McGrath, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; 16. Shane
Morrissey, Cuba City, Wis; 17. Lawrence Berthiaume, Albertville, Minn.; 18. Bryan Wrolstad, Fairbault, Minn.; 19.
Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 20. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Loves Park; 21. Brian Gibson, Walford, Iowa; 22. Tim
Sargent, South Beloit; 23. Justin Mullikin, Holmen, Wis; 24. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 25. Mike Ehde, Prairie du

Last Chance “A” 01 — 1. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 2. Shayne Poehnelt, Spring Green, Wis; 3. Tim
Springstroh, Kaukauna, Wis; 4. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 5. Craig Phillips, Edgerton, Wis; 6. Todd Oliver,
Bangor, Wis; 7. Gary Krueger, Edgerton, Wis; 8. Louie Goss, Green Bay, Wis; 9. Justin Mullikin, Holmen, Wis; 10.
Larry DeVito, Camp Douglas, Wis; 11. Brad Muller, Hillsboro, Wis; 12. Zach Braun, Slinger, Wis.
Last Chance “A” 02 — 1. Jesse Bernhagen, Markesan, Wis; 2. Brian Gibson, Walford, Iowa; 3. Lawrence
Berthiaume, Albertville, Minn.; 4. Harley Jankowski, Sparta, Wis; 5. Joey Pontbriand, Norway, Mich.; 6. Brett
Wenzel, Manitowoc, Wis; 7. Steve Rubeck, Rockford; 8. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 9. Andy Niles, Holmen,
Wis; 10. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 11. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 12. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.;
13. Nick Nolden, Sun Prairie, Wis.

Heat 01 — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. Shayne Poehnelt, Spring Green, Wis; 3. Tim Springstroh,
Kaukauna, Wis; 4. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 5. Todd Oliver, Bangor, Wis; 6. Justin Mullikin, Holmen, Wis; 7.
Brad Muller, Hillsboro, Wis; 8. Matthew Henderson, LaCrosse, Wis.

Heat 02 — 1. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Loves Park; 2. Jesse Bernhagen, Markesan, Wis; 3. Ryan Kamish, Farmington,
Minn.; 4. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 5. Andy Niles, Holmen, Wis; 6. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 7.
Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 8. Steve Rubeck, Rockford.

Heat 03 — 1. Bryan Wrolstad, Fairbault, Minn.; 2. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 3. Brent Edmunds,
Monticello, Wis; 4. Louie Goss, Green Bay, Wis; 5. Craig Phillips, Edgerton, Wis; 6. Gary Krueger, Edgerton, Wis;
7. Zach Braun, Slinger, Wis.

Heat 04 — 1. Kelsey Schultz, Tomah, Wis; 2. Brett Wenzel, Manitowoc, Wis; 3. Brian Gibson, Walford, Iowa; 4.
Harley Jankowski, Sparta, Wis; 5. Lawrence Berthiaume, Albertville, Minn.; 6. Joey Pontbriand, Norway, Mich.; 7.
Nick Nolden, Sun Prairie, Wis; 8. Larry DeVito, Camp Douglas, Wis.

Qualifying Dash 01 — 1. Shane Morrissey, Cuba City, Wis; 2. Ty Majeski, Seymour, Wis; 3. Ty Reedy, Holmen,
Wis; 4. Michael Beamish, Eagan, Minn.; 5. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 6. Griffin McGrath, Cedar Rapids,
Iowa; 7. Dillon Hammond, Grand Marsh, Wis.
Qualifying Dash 02 — 1. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 2. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 3. Justin Neisius, Eagan, Minn.; 4.
Joe Neisius, Rosemount, Minn.; 5. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 6. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 7. Mike Ehde,
Prairie du Chien, Wis.

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BILDERBACK RACES TOWARDS REPEAT AT OKTOBERFEST

By: Eric Huenefeld

Despite losing power to his car and losing the lead late in last Saturday night’s Big 8 Late Model Series marathon at Rockford Speedway, Michael Bilderback still had the kind of night he needed to make his trip to LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway as much of a coronation as a competition.

Bilderback’s sixth place finish and second quickest qualifying time at Rockford was enough to give him a 164 point lead at the end of the night and helped the South Beloit Illinois racer clinch his second straight Big 8 Late Model Series championship.

Through seven races, the 25 year old has turned in one of the most consistent seasons in Big 8 history, winning four races and finishing no worse than sixth place in any Big 8 Late Model Series race. The Big 8 Series championship is Bilderback’s second straight, making him just the third man to win multiple Big 8 championships, joining Jeremy Miller (2007, 08, 10, 12) and Casey Johnson (2013 & 14).

But the action is far from over heading to La Crosse, as Bilderback looks to capture his first ever win at Oktoberfest. And along with Bilderback’s quest for a fifth win of 2016, there are several battles to be decided within the Top 10 in Big 8 Series points.

The battle for second in points is far from over heading to ‘Fest,’ with Minnesota’s Michael Ostdiek holding a 25 point advantage over J Herbst and a 43 point advantage over Jeremy Miller. Ostdiek is looking to end his season in style with a second Big 8 Series win and a seventh win overall in 2016, while Herbst is looking for his breakthrough Big 8 win on his hometrack. Miller, the fast qualifier last week at Rockford, looks to become just the second driver to win multiple features on the Big 8 Series in 2016 while also pursuing his first ever win at Oktoberfest.

The Loves Park Motorsports Rookie of the Year battle is set to be determined at Oktoberfest also, with a pair of 14 year old drivers vying for the honor. Waukesha Wisconsin’s Grant Griesbach leads Alburnett Iowa’s Brody Willett by just 57 points as the two youngsters speed towards this weekend’s finale.

Each and every year, the Big 8 Late Model Series race at Oktoberfest boasts one of the most diverse lineups of “weekly warriors” from across the Midwest and this year promises more of the same. With nearly 50 drivers trying for 24 spots into the 68 lap Championship Feature, sparks are sure to fly this Saturday night.

BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES POINT STANDINGS (Top 10)

1. #2 Michael Bilderback 792
2. #18 Michael Ostdiek 628
3. #82 J. Herbst 603
4. #5 Jeremy Miller 585
5. #95 Wayne Freimund 495
6. #17 Grant Griesbach 428
7. #54 Rich Schumann, Jr. 393
8. #3 Tyler Hromadka 372
9. #00 Brody Willett 371
10. #03 Cody Kippenhan 320

EVENT DETAILS:

What: 47th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend
Where: La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway (N4985 County Road M, West Salem, WI 54669)
When: Saturday October 8

Schedule and Information:
8 AM- Pits Open
9:25 AM- Practice Begins
2:05 PM- Qualifying
5 PM- Racing begins

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series along with ARCA Midwest Tour, Mid American Stock Car Series and Midwest Dash Series

Admission Prices:
Adults (18 +) $25, Students (ages 12-17) $12, Children (ages 6-11) $6, Kids ages 5 and under FREE

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit big8series.com

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National Short Track Championship Results

A-Main 01 — 1. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 2. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 3. Dale Nottestad, Cambridge, Wis; 4. Matt Berger, Loves Park; 5. Matthew Clossey, Beloit, Wis; 6. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 7. Jacob Gille, Winnebago; 8. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 9. Jerry Gille, Roscoe; 10. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 11. Jordan DeVoy, Lake Geneva, Wis; 12. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 13. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 14. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 15. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 16. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 17. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 18. Tom Gille, Winnebago; 19. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 20. Matt Lundberg, Rockford; 21. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 22. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 23. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 24. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Loves Park;

Last Chance “A” 01 — 1. Tom Gille, Winnebago; 2. Matt Lundberg, Rockford; 3. Tyler Kingery, Prior Lake, Minn.; 4. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 5. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 6. Jim Olson, Harvard; 7. Jacob Zellmer, New Berlin, Wis; 8. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 9. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 10. Jeff Wakeman (r),

Last Chance “A” 02 — 1. Matt Berger, Loves Park; 2. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 3. Dennis Smith, Jr, South Beloit; 4. Tory Adams, Madison, Wis; 5. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 6. Hunter Drefahl, Evansville, Wis; 7. Patrick Featherston II, Byron; 8. Russell Grossen, Brooklyn, Wis; 9. William Olson, Wonder Lake.

Heat 01 — 1. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 2. Matthew Clossey, Beloit, Wis; 3. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 4. Tory Adams, Madison, Wis; 5. Tyler Kingery, Prior Lake, Minn.; 6. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 7. Jeff Wakeman (r), Streator; 8. Russell Grossen, Brooklyn, Wis; 9. Jacob Zellmer, New Berlin, Wis; 10. Patrick Featherston II, Byron; 11. Matt Lundberg, Rockford; 12. Zach Less, Manchester, Iowa.

Heat 02 — 1. Dale Nottestad, Cambridge, Wis; 2. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 3. Matt Berger, Loves Park; 4. Tom Gille, Winnebago; 5. Dennis Smith, Jr, South Beloit; 6. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 7. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 8. Jim Olson, Harvard; 9. Hunter Drefahl, Evansville, Wis; 10. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 11. William Olson, Wonder Lake; 12. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.

Qualifying Dash 01 — 1. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 2. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 3. Jordan DeVoy, Lake Geneva, Wis; 4. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 5. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Loves Park; 6. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 7. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis.

Qualifying Dash 02 — 1. Jacob Gille, Winnebago; 2. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 3. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 4. Jerry Gille, Roscoe; 5. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 6. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 7. Brody Willett,

Time Trial — 1. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 2. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 3. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 4. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 5. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 6. Jerry Gille, Roscoe; 7. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 8. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 9. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Loves Park; 10. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 11. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 12. Jacob Gille, Winnebago; 13. Jordan DeVoy, Lake Geneva, Wis; 14. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 15. Zach Less, Manchester, Iowa; 16. Dale Nottestad, Cambridge, Wis; 17. Matt Lundberg, Rockford; 18. Matt Berger, Loves Park; 19. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 20. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 21. Jacob Zellmer, New Berlin, Wis; 22. Tom Gille, Winnebago; 23. Matthew Clossey, Beloit, Wis; 24. Dennis Smith, Jr, South Beloit; 25. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 26. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 27. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 28. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 29. Tory Adams, Madison, Wis; 30. William Olson, Wonder Lake; 31. Tyler Kingery, Prior Lake, Minn.; 32. Hunter Drefahl, Evansville, Wis; 33. Patrick Featherston II, Byron; 34. Tyler Brown, Carol Stream; 35. Russell Grossen, Brooklyn, Wis; 36. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 37. Jeff Wakeman (r), Streator.

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