Featured – Page 4 – Big 8 Series

August 3, 2016

A THIRD OF BILDERBACK IN KAUKAUNA

(Ricky Bassman photo)

By: Eric Huenefeld

Being in the right spot at the right time was the right formula for Michael Bilderback.

The reigning Big 8 Late Model Series champion ran a steady race throughout the 38 lap ‘Dixieland Delight’ Tuesday night at Wisconsin International Raceway, and found himself in the lead following a tangle between the race’s top two runners with five laps to go. The tangle, between race leader Jeremy Miller and second place Jesse Bernhagen, resulted in Miller’s car being towed away and Bernhagen being sent to the back of the field. The incident also resulted in Bilderback finding his way to the front of the line.

But the job wasn’t yet complete, as Bilderback had to sustain the lead throughout three restarts within the race’s final laps. Each and every time the green flag flew, Bilderback was able to outdistance the competition. The South Beloit Illinois native beat Rich Schumann Jr to the finish line by one and a half carlengths. The runner up finish for Schumann was the high point of a “feast or famine” 2016 along the Big 8 Series trail, which has featured a third place run at Rockford in April and a breakage at Hawkeye Downs in June that sent Schumann home before Qualifying.

Lakeville Minnesota’s Michael Ostdiek continued his recent hot streak, with a third place finish in the 38 lap event. Ostdiek, who picked up his first-ever Big 8 Series win last Friday at State Park Speedway along with earning the victory at his hometrack (Elko Speedway) last Saturday, also climbed to second place in the Series standings.

Making his move on late race restarts, J Herbst pocketed another Big 8 Series top five with a fourth place finish on Tuesday night. The fourth place effort for Herbst comes on the heels of a thrilling third place finish last Friday night at State Park Speedway, where the two-time LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway champion came back to third place from from dead last after sustaining a flat tire while leading.

Central Wisconsin racing veteran Jeremy Lepak rounded out the top five at Kaukauna, with a fifth place effort. Lepak, who will return to the Big 8 tour at the season finale at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in October, also came home int he runner up position last Friday at State Park.

Big 8 Late Model Series
‘Dixieland Delight’
Race Results

1. #2 Michael Bilderback South Beloit IL
2. #54 Rich Schumann Jr Portage WI
3. #18 Michael Ostdiek Lakeville MN
4. #82 J Herbst West Salem WI
5. #40 Jeremy Lepak Ringle WI
6. #28 Jesse Bernhagen Markesan WI
7. #18 Mike Ehde Prairie du Chien WI
8. #95 Wayne Freimund Elkhorn WI
9. #7 Joey Pontbriand Norway MI
10. #03 Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanti MI
11. #3 Tyler Hromadka Brookfield WI
12. #20 Zach Less Manchester IA
13. #49 Jerry Mueller Richfield WI
14. #12 Jim Duchow Appleton WI
15. #99 Hunter Drefahl Evansville WI
16. #5 Jeremy Miller Rockford IL
17. #17 Grant Griesbach Waukesha WI
18. #01 Bryan Monday Appleton WI
19. #53 Jared Duda St Michael MN

Did Not Start- Jon Reynolds Jr, Brody Willett

Fast Time- Duchow (20.243 New Track Record)
Car Count- 21 Big 8 Late Models

August 1, 2016

TUESDAY NIGHT ‘DIXIELAND DELIGHT’ NEXT FOR BIG 8 SERIES

By: Eric Huenefeld

Coming hot off the heels of a breathtaking Larry Detjens Memorial Race at State Park Speedway on Friday night, the Big 8 Late Model Series now prepares for a “Tuesday Night Special” under the bright lights of Wisconsin International Raceway (WIR).

For a second straight year, the ‘Best Weekly Warriors in the Country’ join the ARCA Midwest Tour at WIR as part of ‘Dixieland Night’ at the legendary half-mile formerly known as ‘KK Sports Arena.’ The stars of the Big 8 Series are set to contest the ‘Dixieland Delight’ 38, serving as an under-card for the evening’s main event, the ‘Dixieland 250.’

Last year’s Big 8 stop at WIR featured a frantic finish, which included a milestone win for ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr. The Loves Park Illinois driver snatched the lead from Austin Nason with three laps remaining and held on for victory, his eleventh career Big 8 Series win, which gave him the all-time Series wins record. Reynolds is among those returning to WIR this Tuesday night, along with fourteen of the top fifteen drivers in Big 8 Late Model Series point standings.

Michael Bilderback left Wausau with the point lead Friday night, while borrowing Reynolds’ car to do so. Bilderback, a two-time Big 8 Series winner this year, experienced engine issues during practice Friday evening. The resulting issues left Bilderback searching for a car to drive in order to protect his point lead. Finding an ally in Reynolds, Bilderback qualified among the Top 14 and ran as high as second place in the 58 lap main event, settling for a fourth place final result.

Four-time Big 8 Series champion Jeremy Miller had a roller coaster night at State Park Speedway, falling as far back as tenth early on, before climbing as high as the lead by lap 25. On the final restart, Miller’s car faded and the Rockton Illinois native settled for a sixth place finish.

Settling for nothing less that first place, Lakeville Minnesota’s Michael Ostdiek was the big winner Friday night, collecting first place for the first time in his Big 8 Series career. The win kept Ostdiek on pace with the point leaders and places him just 18 points out of second place. Ostdiek also kept the ball rolling on Saturday night, winning at Elko (MN) Speedway.

Making the most spectacular charge Friday was two-time LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway champion J Herbst, who rallied after a flat tire on lap 29 to come all the way from last place to third without the assistance of a yellow flag. That unforgettable charge, doubled with Herbst breaking his own track record earlier in the evening, has the West Salem Wisconsin driver primed to finally make the leap to Big 8 Late Model Series victory lane Tuesday night at WIR..

Another thing to keep an eye on Tuesday night at WIR are the drivers who currently rank fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth in Big 8 Late Model Series points. Heading into the “Dixieland Delight,’ just nine points separate fifth place Wayne Freimund, sixth place Rich Schumann Jr and seventh place Grant Greisbach. The fifteen year-old Greisbach also currently leads the Loves Park Motorsports Rookie of the Year chase over 14-year old Iowan Brody Willett by a margin of just 24 points.

Big 8 Late Model Series
Dixieland Delight
Expected Entries (22 as of 7/31/16)

O3 Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanti,MI
O1 Bryan Monday Appleton, WI
OO Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
2 Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
3 Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
5 Jeremy Miller Rockton, IL
7 Joey Pontbriand Norway, MI
X Jon Reynolds Jr Loves Park, IL
12 Jim Duchow Appleton, WI
17 Grant Greisbach Waukesha, WI
18 Mike Ehde Prairie du Chien, WI
18 Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
20 Zach Less Manchester, IA
28 Jesse Bernhagen Markesan, WI
32 Lyle Nowak Wausau, WI
40 Jeremy Lepak Ringle, WI
49 Jerry Mueller Richfield, WI
53 Jared Duda St Michael, MN
54 Rich Schumann Jr Portage, WI
82 J Herbst West Salem, WI
95 Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI
99 Jake Zellmer Waterford, WI

EVENT DETAILS:

What: “Dixieland Delight”
Where: Wisconsin International Raceway (located at W1460 County Rd KK, Kaukauna, WI 54130)
When: Tuesday August 2

Schedule and Information:
10 AM- Pits Open
3:05 PM- Big 8 Series 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 and the ARCA Midwest Tour

Admission Prices:
Adults (13 & up) $15
12 & under are FREE

REMAINING 2016 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE:
Tues Aug 2- Dixieland Delight (Wisconsin Int’l Raceway, Kaukauna WI)
Sat Sept 24- 8th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’ (Elko Speedway, Elko New Market, MN)
Sat Oct 1- 51st Annual National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway, Loves Park, IL)
Sat Oct 8- 47th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem, WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit big8series.com

July 30, 2016

OSTDIEK GRABS VICTORY IN THRILLING DETJENS MEMORIAL RACE!

By: Jana Wimmer

Billed as the main event of Friday night’s Miller Lite Detjens Memorial weekend at State Park Speedway, the Big 8 Late Model Series 58 lapper lived up to its billing and then-some. With three lead changes over the final 25 laps, there’s no question this will go down as an instant classic in the Big 8 Series books.

J. Herbst set fast time earlier in the day and started the 58-lap feature from the seventh position. While Lyle Nowak grabbed the early lead, Herbst quickly worked his way towards the front. The first caution of the night flew on lap three. The leader gets his/her own lane on the restart, while drivers behind get to pick a lane. With the inside lane the preferred lane at State Park Speedway, Herbst took a gamble and jumped to the outside, restarting in the third position.

The move paid off as Herbt quickly battled side by side with Nowak for the lead. Nowak cleared Herbst, but the No. 82 car fought back, this time diving to the inside and taking the lead on lap eight.

Just a few laps later the caution flew again and this time Michael Ostdiek and Michael Bilderback took advantage of choosing the outside lane on the restart. Herbst easily grabbed the lead again and Ostdiek settled into second. Nowak battled with Bilderback for third and Jeremy Lepak rapidly closed in on them from the fifth position.

Herbst’s lead had grown to over 15 car lengths when the yellow flag flew one more time. As the cars rolled under caution and got ready to pick a lane for the restart, Herbt visibly had a tire go flat and the leader was forced to pull into the pits. That handed the reigns over to Ostdiek, who was looking for the first Big 8 Series win of his career.

Ostdiek got a good restart, but now multi-time Big 8 Series Champion Jeremy Miller wanted a taste of the lead. With Miller on the outside, the two battled door to door for nine laps, with Ostdiek reclaiming the lead with 22 laps to go.

Bilderback moved into second with Lepak in tow. Lepak then moved his No. 40 around Bilderback and began to close in on Ostdiek. Lepak jumped to the high side and pulled even with Ostdiek; the two raced side by side for the lead with ten laps to go.

Ostdiek was able to use lap traffic to his advantage, taking the lead once again with seven laps to go and holding on to take the checkered flag.
“It feels wonderful,” said Ostdiek. “Our plan was to win a big one on the road and we finally did it, so it’s just awesome, especially with the Kulwicki driver development program. I was really hoping to get that first win with them. It’s definitely huge for us and I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Meanwhile the battles weren’t over. Lepak and Bilderback duked it for second and Herbst, who had driven all the way back through the field, was up to fourth. Lepak grabbed second and on the white flag lap, Herbst got by Bilderback for third.

“I just should have cut down in front of that lap car a little sooner, I hung it out there too long and gave him a chance to get back in there, that was my fault,” said Lepak. “The guys gave me a pretty good car, it was a good long run car we just, gosh damn, it’s gonna be hard to sleep tonight. I wanted to win for these guys so bad. Chad and Dan Devine give me the cars to race in every series, whether it’s a truck or Big 8 or Super Late Model, I’ve always got a car to race if we want to go have some fun, that’s why we do it. It’s fun running with these guys.”

“We definitely had the car to beat,” said Herbst. “Set fast time and just kind of used the heat race as a hot lap. We got the lead right away and the crew just said cruise, save your tires, save your tires, so I think while we lead I never touched the brake once. Then under that yellow I felt the right front go flat and I radioed in. I went in, the guys changed the tire and sent us back out and drove back through the field and finished third. I needed about four or five more laps.”

Larry Detjens Memorial (58 laps)
Race Results
1. 18 Michael Ostdiek
2. 40 Jeremy Lepak
3. 82 J Herbst
4. X Michael Bilderback
5. 54 Rich Schumann Jr
6. 5 Jeremy Miller
7. 49 Jerry Mueller
8. 32 Lyle Nowak
9. 75 Dillon Hammond
10. 17 Grant Greisbach
11. 13 Bryan Wrolstad
12. 53 Jared Duda
13. 99 Hunter Drefahl
14. 03 Cody Kippenhan
15. 99 Jake Zellmer
16. 3 Tyler Hromadka
17. 95 Wayne Freimund
18. 20 Zach Less
19. 79 Jeff Nowak
20. 16 Joel Clossey
21. 00 Brody Willett
22. 49 Tory Adams
23. 9 Jerry Brickner

July 27, 2016

BIG 8 SERIES PRIMED FOR WAUSAU’S DETJENS MEMORIAL RACE

By: Eric Huenefeld

For the fifth consecutive year, the Big 8 Late Model Series returns to State Park Speedway (Wausau WI) as part of the Larry Detjens Memorial Race Weekend, this Friday night July 29. Much like the four season’s prior, the 2016 installment of ‘Late Model Showtime’ appears to be shaping up as another ‘can’t miss’ event!

This year’s Big 8 Series stop in Wausau is set to include a strong field of contenders aiming for victory. Leading the way are Big 8 Late Model Series point leaders Michael Bilderback and Jeremy Miller. Both men have tasted success at State Park Speedway before, with Bilderback winning last year’s 58 lapper as he slid sideways across the finish line, while Miller captured victory in the Series’ first ever stop at Wausau back in 2012. Both Bilderback and Miller are having stellar seasons to date, with Bilderback winning the first two Big 8 Series events of 2016 (at Rockford in April and Hawkeye Downs in June) and Miller winning the last Big 8 Series race at Madison nearly a month ago. Both drivers have been successful outside of the Big 8 Series too, with Bilderback a three-time winner and the current point leader at Rockford Speedway, while Miller picked off a win at Madison last weekend in the Super Late Model Triple Crown Series.

There are also several Big 8 Series contenders eyeing their first series win this Friday night at State Park Speedway, including J Herbst, who is third in the standings as the series marches to Wausau. Herbst, the two-time LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway champion, was within inches of capturing the win last season during the Detjens Memorial Race, trailing only Bilderback’s sliding racer at the finish line. Herbst has also finished in the top five in four of his last seven Big 8 Series starts. Minnesota’s Michael Ostdiek has also been steady force along the Big 8 Series trail as of late. Ostdiek currently sits fourth in series standings and has picked off two wins in 2016, one of which occurred at State Park Speedway back in May. Former Slinger Speedway champion ‘Insane Wayne’ Freimund is having a banner year too, sitting fifth in the point chase. Freimund is also a two-time feature winner at Rockford Speedway this season.

Rookies Grant Griesbach and Brody Willett are both ready to test State Park Speedway this Friday night for the first time. Greisbach, from Waukesha Wisconsin, sits seventh in Big 8 Series points, while also leading the Loves Park Motorsports Rookie of the Year battle. Willett, from Alburnett Iowa, comes into this weekend eighth in series points and second in the Rookie chase. Willett rides some momentum into Wausau after picking up a Late Model feature win at Hawkeye Downs two weeks ago.

Other top notch Big 8 racers making the trip to State Park Speedway this Friday night include former event winner ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr, former Big 8 Late Model Series Rookie of the Year Jesse Bernhagen, two-time Dells Raceway Park champion Rich Schumann Jr and up and coming Iowa racer Zach Less.

The ‘home turf’ of State Park Speedway will be defended by the likes of reigning State Park Speedway track champion Jeremy Lepak, central Wisconsin racing veteran Lyle Nowak, current State Park Speedway Limited Late Model point leader Jerry Brickner and 2016 State Park Speedway Limited Late Model feature winner Jeff Nowak.

Of note in 2016, six different drivers have won the six different features this season in the Limited Late Model class at State Park Speedway.

Larry Detjens Memorial
Expected Entries (22)
as of 2 pm 7/27/16

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
9- Jerry Brickner Wausau, WI
X- Jon Reynolds Jr Loves Park, IL
13- Bryan Wrolstad Northfield, MN
16- Joel Clossey Beloit, WI
17- Grant Greisbach Waukesha, WI
18- Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
20- Zach Less Manchester, IA
28- Jesse Bernhagen Markesan, WI
32- Lyle Nowak Wausau, WI
40- Jeremy Lepak Ringle, WI
53- Jared Duda St Michael, MN
54- Rich Schumann Jr Portage, WI
75- Dillon Hammond Grand Marsh, WI
79- Jeff Nowak Weston, WI
82- J Herbst West Salem, WI
95- Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI
99- Jake Zellmer Waterford, WI

EVENT DETAILS:

What: “Larry Detjens Memorial”
Where: State Park Speedway (located at 5711 North Mountain Road, Wausau WI 54401)
When: Friday July 29

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) $5
5 & under are FREE

REMAINING 2016 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE:
Fri July 29- Larry Detjens Memorial Race (State Park Speedway, Wausau WI)
Tues Aug 2- Dixieland Delight (Wisconsin Int’l Raceway, Kaukauna WI)
Sat Sept 24- 8th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’ (Elko Speedway, Elko New Market, MN)
Sat Oct 1- 51st Annual National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway, Loves Park, IL)
Sat Oct 8- 47th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem, WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit big8series.com

June 25, 2016

MILLER CLAIMS CAUTION FREE ‘SALUTE TO AMERICA’

By: John Wells

Jeremy Miller started third in the twenty-four car field, took the lead on the second lap and never looked back as he won the 48 lap feature for the Big 8 Late Models in a caution free event.

Brady Liddle and Wayne Freimund brought the field to the green flag with Liddle taking the early lead with Jeremy Miller and Dale Nottestad wasting no time to challenge.

Miller took the lead coming out of turn two on lap 2 with Liddle and Nottestad fighting it out for second as the three broke away from the pack. Two laps later Nottestad won his battle with Liddle for second with John Baumeister and Rich Schuman Jr. completing the top five. On lap 9 both Schuman Jr. and Michael Bilderback moved up a position when they overtook Baumeister.

Out front Miller was building up a sizeable advantage of nearly two seconds over the field. On lap 14 Bilderback worked past Schuman Jr. for third with Casey Johnson also moving into the top five. On lap 18 Bilderback took the third spot from Liddle with Johnson and Zack Riddle also powering their way past Liddle.

On lap 29 Bilderback was closing fast on Nottestad for second and took the spot away, but he still had a lot of ground to catch the leader. Two laps later, Johnson passed Nottestad for the third position.

Bilderback was doing his best to keep Miller in his sights, but with ten laps to go was nearly three seconds behind and hoping for a caution flag. Making matters worse for Bilderback was getting caught behind lapped traffic with eight laps to go allowing Miller to keep his advantage.

June 22, 2016

SALUTE TO AMERICA’ OFFERS A GATHERING OF THE VERY BEST!

By: Eric Huenefeld

This Friday night June 24 marks one of the traditional stops along the Big 8 Late Model Series schedule as the ‘Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” make the trip to Madison International Speedway (MIS) for the annual ‘Salute to America.’

The Madison show has long been one of the premier stops on the Big 8 Series schedule throughout the tour’s 12 year history. Each season, “Wisconsin’s Fastest Half Mile” becomes a gathering place for the Big 8’s best and this Friday night will be no different, with 34 combined track and series championships represented among the 32 expected entrants.

Leading the way is current Big 8 Late Model Series point leader and defending Series champion Michael Bilderback, who has been the man to beat so far in 2016. Bilderback has began his season 2-for-2, with wins at Rockford and Hawkeye Downs. Along with his Big 8 successes, Bilderback is also the current point leader at Rockford Speedway, where he has one feature win and has lowered the Rockford Speedway track record on three separate occasions. The South Beloit IL native has never won a Big 8 race at Madison, with his closest call coming in 2008 as he finished second to Ryan Carlson in a photo finish.

Former Big 8 Late Model Series champions Jeremy Miller and Casey Johnson have also thrown their hat into the ring for this Friday night’s “Salute to America.” Both Miller and Johnson are among the all-time leading winners in Big 8 Series history, with Miller also a four-time Big 8 Series titlist and Johnson a two-time winner of the Series championship. Both drivers have tasted their share of success at Madison through the years, combining for five MIS track championships.

There are other past Madison champions who will compete this Friday night at “Salute to America,” including a pair of three-time MIS Late Model champions in Dale Nottestad and Bobby Wilberg plus reigning Madison International Speedway champion Zach Riddle. All three have tasted Big 8 victory lane in their careers, with Nottestad among the leaders in all-time Big 8 wins. Wilberg’s only previous Big 8 win came at Rockford in 2015, but despite just one Big 8 victory on his ledger, Wilberg is one of the most consistent drivers in Series history. Riddle is a former Oktoberfest winner while also bagging the JMcK Invitational in the same season.

Other top tier Big 8 drivers planning on racing this Friday night at Madison include Wayne Freimund, a two-time winner this season at Rockford Speedway and a former Slinger Speedway champion, two-time LaCrosse Speedway champion J Herbst, two-time Dells Raceway champion Rich Schumann Jr, former Rockford Speedway and Big 8 Series champion ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr, reigning Rockford Speedway champion Jake Gille and former Dells Raceway champion Mike Ehde.

High-quality young talent will be on display Friday night at Madison too, with three skilled teenagers leading the charge. Minnesota’s Michael Ostdiek, a member of this season’s Kulwicki Driver Development Program, currently sits second in Big 8 points, poised for his first win, while Wisconsin youngster Grant Greisbach has impressed early this season with two top-tens to start the year at Rockford and Hawkeye Downs. Iowa’s Brody Willett has also rose to the challenge early in 2016 and comes into Madison eighth in Big 8 Late Model Series point standings.

Along with a full program highlighted by a 48 lap Big 8 Late Model Series feature race, the Great Northern Sportsman Series and Midwest Dash Series will join the card and at the end of the night, fans will be treated to the largest fireworks display at any racetrack in the Midwest!

Salute to America
Expected Entries (32)

OO- Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
O3- Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanti, MI
2- Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
3- Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
5- Casey Johnson Edgerton, WI
5- Jeremy Miller Rockton, IL
X- Jon Reynolds Jr Rockford, IL
11- Brady Liddle Oregon, WI
14- Zach Riddle Cottage Grove, WI
15- Todd Oliver Bangor, WI
17- Grant Greisbach Waukesha, WI
18- Mike Ehde Prairie du Chien, WI
19- John Baumeister Jr Beloit, WI
18- Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
20- Zach Less Manchester, IA
21- Shane Morrissey Cuba City, WI
21- Ty Reedy Holmen, WI
28- Bobby Wilberg Beloit, WI
36- Kyle Shear Roscoe, IL
40- Michael Beamish Eagan, MN
40- Tom Gille Winnebago, IL
49- Tory Adams Madison, WI
50- Jake Gille Winnebago, IL
51- Dale Nottestad Cambridge, WI
53- Jared Duda St Michael, MN
54- Rich Schumann Jr Portage, WI
66- Adam Pesheck Oconomowoc, WI
78- Matt Lundberg Rockton, IL
82- J Herbst West Salem, WI
87- Brent Edmunds Monticello, WI
95- Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI
99- Jake Zellmer New Berlin, WI

EVENT DETAILS:

What: “Salute To America”
Where: Madison International Speedway (located at 1122 Sunrise Road, Oregon, WI 53575)
When: Friday June 24

Schedule and Information:
3:30 PM- Pits Open
5 PM- Practice Begins
6:15 PM- Big 8 Late Model 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 (18-61) $18
Whelen Hero** (w/I.D.) $16
Senior (62+) $16
Student (12-17) $10
Children (6-11) $5
Children 5 & under are FREE.
Family* (2 Adults & 4 Students/Children) $40

*Family Price is for two adults and up to 4 students and/or kids
**Whelen Hero includes Military, Fire, Police, EMT

REMAINING 2016 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE:
Fri June 24- Salute to America (Madison International Speedway, Oregon WI)
Fri July 29- Larry Detjens Memorial Race (State Park Speedway, Wausau WI)
Tues Aug 2- Dixieland Delight (Wisconsin Int’l Raceway, Kaukauna WI)
Sat Sept 24- 8th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’ (Elko Speedway, Elko New Market, MN)
Sat Oct 1- 51st Annual National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway, Loves Park, IL)
Sat Oct 8- 47th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem, WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit big8series.com

June 1, 2016

“CLASH AT THE DOWNS” BECKONS BIG 8’S BEST!

By: Eric Huenefeld

For the second straight year, the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” are set to descend upon Eastern Iowa.

This Friday night June 3, the Big 8 Late Model Series returns to Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids for the running of the McGrathAuto.com “Clash at the Downs II.” Nearly 30 of the most competitive weekly Late Model racers in America are set to test their luck on the 91 year old half-mile, with a strong mix of Big 8 travelers and Hawkeye Downs regulars geared up to battle for a chance to win the 48 lap main event.

Leading the way is reigning Big 8 Late Model Series champion Michael Bilderback, winner of the first Big 8 event of 2016 back in April. On that sunny Sunday at Rockford Speedway, Bilderback was the man to beat, lowering the Rockford track record in qualifying and later dominating the 88 lap “Spring Classic.” Last June, Bilderback was one of the contenders for victory at Hawkeye Downs, before settling for third following a frantic battle for second place with eventual runner-up J Herbst. So far in 2016, Bilderback has lowered the Rockford Speedway track record three more times and has pocketed one feature win and two runner ups at his hometrack, where he leads the point standings.

Last year’s “Clash at the Downs” winner Caleb Adrian and runner up J Herbst have also filed their entries for Friday night’s event. Adrian, who was a multi-time winner at Hawkeye Downs in weekly competition in 2015, makes his first Late Model start of 2016 this Friday night but is considered one of the favorites to win. Herbst is primed for his first-ever Big 8 Series triumph following a strong 2015, which saw him on the podium multiple times with the Big 8 Late Model Series campaign despite running just a limited schedule.

Four-time Big 8 Late Model Series champion Jeremy Miller has thrown his hat in the ring for Friday’s “Clash at the Downs” as well. Miller, a former winner with the now defunct ASA Late Model Series at Hawkeye Downs, is geared up not only to return to victory lane in Eastern Iowa, but to also shake off his tough start to the season in Rockford, which saw him fall out of the 88 lap Spring Classic during the race’s first 20 laps. Cedar Rapids native Griffin McGrath has his sights set on victory in front of the hometown faithful Friday night. McGrath, who set fast time in last years event, looks to improve on last years result at “Clash at the Downs,” which saw him destroy his race car during an incident midway through the 48 lap affair. Always a contender, watch for McGrath to be among the top runners this Friday night.

Other top notch entrants for Friday night’s McGrathAuto.com “Clash at the Downs II” include former Big 8 Series and Rockford Speedway champion “Driver X” Jon Reynolds Jr, reigning Hawkeye Downs champion Brian Gibson, former Dells Raceway Park champions Rich Schumann Jr and Mike Ehde, former Slinger Speedway track champion ‘Insane Wayne’ Freimund, central Wisconsin racing veteran Lyle Nowak and former Hawkeye Downs champion Brad Osborn.

The field at Hawkeye Downs will be filled with great young talent too, including; Minnesota racers Michael Ostdiek, Michael Beamish and Jared Duda, Iowans Brody Willett and Zach Less, former Big 8 Late Model Series Rookie of the Year Jesse Bernhagen, former Rockford Speedway Rookie of the Year Mitch Garfield, 16 year-old Wisconsinite Tyler Hromadka and Oconomowoc Wisconsin’s Adam Peschek, who also campaigns an IMCA SportMod on the dirt along with his Big 8 Late Model Series schedule.

McGrathAuto.com “Clash at the Downs II”
Expected Entries (29)

O3- Cody Kippenhan Ypslanti, MI
OO- Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
2- Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
3- Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
3- Dave McCalla Cedar Rapids, IA
5- Jeremy Miller Rockton, IL
X- Jon Reynolds Jr Loves Park, IL
15- Michael Clapper Dane, WI
15- Todd Oliver Bangor, WI
17- Brian Gibson Walford, IA
17- Grant Greisbach Waukesha, WI
18- Mike Ehde Prairie du Chien, WI
18- Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
20- Zach Less Manchester, IA
28- Jesse Bernhagen Markesan, WI
29- Caleb Adrian Walcott, IA
32- Lyle Nowak Wausau, WI
40- Michael Beamish Eagan, MN
43- Scott Siems Cedar Rapids, IA
44- Mitch Garfield Pingree Grove, IL
53- Jared Duda St Michael, MN
54- Rich Schumann Jr Portage, WI
64- Griffin McGrath Cedar Rapids, IA
66- Adam Peschek Oconomowoc, WI
72- Brad Osborn Janesville, IA
76- Chad Siems Shellsburg, IA
82- J Herbst West Salem, WI
88- Ken Jacoby Columbus, WI
95- Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI

EVENT DETAILS:

What: McGrathAuto.com “Clash at the Downs II”
Where: Hawkeye Downs (located at 4400 6th St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404)
When: Friday June 3

Schedule and Information:
3 PM- Big 8 Late Model Series Pits Open
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM- Two (2) 20 minute Big 8 Late Model Series Practice Sessions
5:50 PM- Ticket Windows Open
6 PM- Big 8 Late Model Series Qualifying
6:45 PM- Big 8 Late Model Series Autograph Session until 7:15 PM (under the Grandstands)
7:30 PM- Racing Begins

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

Admission Prices:
Adults (ages 18 +) & Seniors (ages 62 +): $12
Students (ages 11-17) & Seniors: $7
Kids 10 & under: FREE

REMAINING 2016 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE:
Fri June 3- McGrathAuto.com ‘Clash at the Downs II” (Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids, IA)
Fri June 24- Salute to America (Madison International Speedway, Oregon WI)
Fri July 29- Larry Detjens Memorial Race (State Park Speedway, Wausau WI)
Tues Aug 2- Dixieland Delight (Wisconsin Int’l Raceway, Kaukauna WI)
Sat Sept 24- 8th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’ (Elko Speedway, Elko New Market, MN)
Sat Oct 1- 51st Annual National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway)
Sat Oct 8- 47th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem, WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit www.big8series.com

April 18, 2016

BILDERBACK SHINES AT SPRING CLASSIC!

Stan Kalwasinski photo

By: Eric Huenefeld

Reigning Big 8 Late Model Series champion Michael Bilderback began his title defense in commanding fashion on Sunday afternoon at Rockford Speedway.

The 24 year old from South Beloit began the day by setting the new Big 8 Series Track Record in Qualifying and ended the day in victory lane as the winner of the 39th Annual Spring Classic, becoming just the seventh man to win the event multiple times.

Bilderback’s road to the front began from fifth position while former Spring Classic winner Dale Nottestad and former Rockford Speedway Rookie of the Year Mitch Garfield led the field of 24 Big 8 Late Models to green for the 88 lap showdown. As the race took flight, it was Garfield who held the early advantage over Nottestad by a matter of a few feet, but on the fourth lap, Nottestad was able to slip ahead of Garfield for the lead. Soon after, Nottestad assumed the lead for himself, with two-time Big 8 Series champion Casey Johnson hot on his trail.

Nottestad and Johnson then raced away from the field, while Bilderback forged ahead to third. As the race wore on, Bilderback began to work over Johnson for the runner up spot. However, the battle never really materialized as Johnson’s car suddenly slowed, bringing out a caution flag and ending his day. With Johnson’s exit at lap 30, it set up a race at the front between Nottestad and Bilderback. Over the course of the next 23 laps, the two racers bobbed and weaved through lap traffic, with Bilderback able to get beside Nottestad at lap 50. After three laps of close-quarters racing, Bilderback steamed ahead of Nottestad for good on the 54th lap.

Bilderback was never seriously challenged again, although three yellow flags in the race’s final 18 laps made things interesting and shook up the rest of the running order. Many top contenders, including Garfield, reigning Rockford Speedway champion Jake Gille and Kyle Shear, fell out of the event over the final 25 laps with varying mechanical woes. When the checkered flag flew, it was Bilderback winning his fourth career Big 8 Series main event, with Nottestad finishing in a distant second. Rich Schumann Jr made big moves over the race’s final 25 laps, advancing from seventh to third in that time frame. Schumann’s podium finish was his best ever showing at Rockford.

Wayne Freimund collected his third career Big 8 Series top five, running as high as third before coming home with a fourth place effort. Jon Reynolds Jr, who started the race in 15th position, was awarded fifth place. Wonder Lake Illinois driver Denny Norton Jr collected the $100 Powersource ‘Power Mover of the Race’ by virtue of advancing from his 23rd starting spot to an 8th place finish.

In other action Sunday, Hampshire’s Jeremy Bloomberg held off the red-hot advances of Bill Prietzel to collect the victory in the 50 lap Mid-American Stock Car Series event. Bloomberg started on the front row and survived a wild race that saw numerous leaders fall out of contention with mechanical woes.

Chester Ace of Oregon Wisconsin was the overall winner of the American Ethanol Super Truck Series Twin 20 lap features, winning one feature and finishing second in the other. Johnsburg’s Ken Calhoun, who also finished third in the Mid-American race, won his first ever feature race in the opening 20 lap Super Truck race.

April 13, 2016

A HISTORICAL AND NUMERICAL LOOK AT ROCKFORD’S SPRING CLASSIC

Stan Kalwasinski photo

By: Eric Huenefeld

This weekend marks the 39th running of the Spring Classic and the 37th consecutive year it has been hosted at Rockford Speedway. For the 12th consecutive year, the Big 8 Late Model Series opens its season at Rockford’s high-banked quarter mile. With the “Midwest’s Traditional First Big Race” on the horizon, let’s look at some of the unique facts and figures that relate to this weekend’s race and the event’s glorious history.

1 – Only one driver has won multiple Big 8 Spring Classic races and that driver is Mike Beyer, who won the first two back in 2005 and 2006. Beyer also holds the distinction of winning the first ever Big 8 Late Model Series points race at the 2005 Spring Classic.

3- The number of tracks which have hosted Spring Classic through the years. The tradition began on April 30 1978 at Grundy County Speedway (Morris, IL) with Dick Trickle capturing the 100 lap feature event, besting Indiana racer Dennis Nyari. Then, on April 8 1979, it was Tom Reffner outlasting Trickle for the win at Madison International Speedway (Oregon, WI). The race at Madison was 50 laps in distance. Spring Classic moved to Rockford Speedway for good in April of 1980.

4- The number of former Big 8 Late Model Series champions entered for this weekend’s Spring Classic. Leading the list is Jeremy Miller, a four-time Series champion, who is looking to win his first Spring Classic Sunday. Casey Johnson, a two-time Big 8 Series champion, reigning Series champion Michael Bilderback and 2005 Big 8 Series champion Jon Reynolds Jr are also entered for the 39th edition of Spring Classic.

5- The number of former Spring Classic champions in this year’s field. Reynolds is the most recent event winner entered Sunday, having won in 2012. Cambridge Wisconsin’s Dale Nottestad returns to Rockford and looks to repeat his 2011 Spring Classic victory. Casey Johnson won his only Spring Classic back in 2010, while Michael Bilderback became the youngest Spring Classic winner ever in 2008 at the age of 16. Western Wisconsin racer Mike Ehde captured his only Big 8 Series win at Spring Classic in 2007.

6- The number of Spring Classics won by Steve Carlson, the most of any driver. Not only is Carlson considered ‘King of the Short Tracks,’ but for a while it seemed he was at least a partial owner of Rockford Speedway! Carlson won his six Spring Classic’s over a span of seven years (1998-2004) and is also an 8-time winner of the National Short Track Championship at Rockford Speedway.

8- The number of drivers who have won Spring Classic multiple times. As mentioned above, Steve Carlson has won more Spring Classics than anyone else. And, as is usually the case, any list with Steve Carlson also tends to involve Joe Shear and Dick Trickle. Both Trickle and Shear won four Spring Classics. In fact, from 1981-1989, Trickle and Shear won seven of nine Spring Classics (Al Schill won the other two Spring Classics in that time frame; 1982 & 1985). Scott Hansen, Kevin Cywinski, Steve Rubeck and Mike Beyer have all won two Spring Classics.

40- The number of Big 8 Series wins represented in this year’s Spring Classic field, an all-time series high for any single event. To put it in a different perspective, the Series has run 90 races since September of 2004. This means that the drivers entered in Sunday’s Spring Classic have won 44% of all Big 8 Series events. Four of the five winningest Big 8 Series drivers will be at Spring Classic: Jon Reynolds Jr (11 wins, all-time Series leader), Jeremy Miller (10 wins), Casey Johnson (8 wins) and Dale Nottestad (6 wins). Reigning Series champion Michael Bilderback is a four-time Series winner while Mike Ehde won his only Big 8 Series race by holding off Jeremy Miller at the 2007 Spring Classic.

45- The number of Track and Series championships represented in this year’s Spring Classic field. The following drivers have won Season Championships at either their home track or with a Series (or in some cases, they’ve won both): Michael Bilderback, Casey Johnson, Jeremy Miller, Jon Reynolds Jr, Mike Ehde, Lyle Nowak, Jake Gille, Dale Nottestad, Rich Schumann Jr, J Herbst and Wayne Freimund.

88- Number of laps which will be run in Sunday’s main event for the Big 8 Late Model Series. Sunday marks the third time a Spring Classic feature will go 88 laps. From 1980-1990, Spring Classic feature distances matched the number of the year they were contested, meaning the 1980 race was 80 laps, 1981 was 81 laps and so on.

150- In thirty-six previous seasons, the event has run at a distance of 150 laps eleven times. A 150-lap Spring Classic was contested from 1991-1998 and from 2005-2007. The race has also run at distances of 250 laps (2001-2004), 200 laps (1999-2000), 108 laps (2008, 2010-2013), 88 laps (1988, 2015, 2016) 58 laps (2005-2007) and 80-89 laps in the years of 1980 through 1989.

1980- The first year Spring Classic was held at Rockford Speedway, on Sunday afternoon April 13. The late, great Wisconsin racer Larry Detjens captured that 80 lapper, topping Joe Shear and Dick Trickle for the honors. 33 men attempted to qualify for the 20-car feature that day, including Mark Martin, Bill Venturini, Bobby Dotter, Dave Weltmeyer and Tom Reffner.

The 39th Annual Spring Classic is set for this Sunday afternoon April 17 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 American Ethanol Super Trucks. Adult admission is $20, Students (with a valid Student ID) are $10, while Children ages 6-11 are $5 and Kids 5 & under are FREE!

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

April 13, 2016

LARGE LIST OF CHAMPIONS AND CHALLENGERS EXPECTED FOR SPRING CLASSIC!

By: Eric Huenefeld

There’s plenty of excitement surrounding the 2016 Big 8 Late Model Series season and its traditional opening race at Rockford Speedway. The 39th edition of ‘Spring Classic’ features a loaded field of former event winners, former series champions and area track champions, along with a slew of young up and coming talent!

Leading the list of entries are a couple of multi-time Big 8 Series champions, Jeremy Miller and Casey Johnson. Miller, a four-time Series champion, returns to Big 8 Series competition this season, gunning for an unprecedented fifth Big 8 Series title. Despite his long list of Late Model accomplishments, one win that has eluded Miller is Rockford’s Spring Classic. Back in 2007, Miller worked tirelessly to move past Mike Ehde, ultimately settling for a runner up finish. A more heartbreaking scenario developed in 2012, when Miller led the field by half a lap, until is car lost power just past the halfway point, opening the door for Jon Reynolds Jr to collect his first Spring Classic win.

Johnson has established himself as one of the top Big 8 Late Model racers over the last several years, winning two Big 8 Series championships while climbing to third on the all-time Series Wins List. A Spring Classic champion back in 2010, Johnson has turned in some thrilling runs at Rockford through the years, both in Big 8 and Super Late Model competition. Johnson could become just the second Big 8 driver to ever win multiple Spring Classic’s this Sunday, joining Mike Beyer, who won the first two in 2005 and 2006.

But there are more than just two drivers to watch this Sunday: Former Spring Classic winners Dale Nottestad (2011), Michael Bilderback (2008) and Jon Reynolds Jr (2012) are in the field. Nottestad, a multiple-time champion at both Madison International and Jefferson Speedways, is always a factor at Rockford while Bilderback is the defending Big 8 Series champion and won more than any other Big 8 Late Model driver last year, collecting 8 total Late Model victories in 2015. Reynolds won last year’s ‘Dixieland Delight’ at Wisconsin International Raceway and with the win became the all-time Big 9 late Model Series wins leader.

Reigning Rockford Speedway champion Jake Gille is gunning for his biggest victory ever Sunday at Spring Classic. Gille became one of the youngest Rockford Speedway champions ever last season, while turning in a season for the ages which saw him finish no worse than fourth in any Rockford feature race. Two-time LaCrosse Speedway Champion J Herbst had an impressive 2015 while running part-time, including three top five finishes. One of Herbst’s top five runs came at Rockford in September in the 108 lap National Short Track Championship. Two-time and reigning Dells Raceway champion Rich Schumann Jr will also run Rockford, looking to shake his past bad luck at the high banked quarter mile while former Slinger Speedway champion Wayne Freimund and 2012 Big 8 Series Rookie of the Year Jesse Bernhagen are also set to contend for Spring Classic gold.

There will be plenty of new and young faces at this weekend’s Spring Classic, with no fewer than five drivers running for Loves Park Motorsports Rookie of the Year. Along with those rookies, watch for Minnesota teenager Michael Ostdiek and Wisconsin veteran Lyle Nowak. Ostdiek, a fourth place finisher in last year’s Big 8 Series point standings, finished 2015 as strong as anyone and is primed for a solid 2016. Ostdiek is also a member of the 2016 Kulwicki Driver Development Program. Nowak, the Wausau Wisconsin native who has nearly 40 years of stock car racing experience, will campaign full-time with the Big 8 Series this season. With 16 track championships to his credit and a Mid-American Stock Car Series title on his resume as well, Nowak will no doubt be one to watch all year long!

Spring Classic Expected Entries (36)
As of April 12

OO7– Jim Olson Harvard, IL
O3- Cody Kippenhan Ypslanti, MI
O1– Ryan Gutkneckt Oak Creek, WI
OO- Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
2- Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
3- Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
5- Casey Johnson Edgerton, WI
5- Jeremy Miller Rockton, IL
X– Jon Reynolds Jr Loves Park, IL
15- Michael Clapper Dane, WI
17- Grant Greisbach Waukesha, WI
18- Mike Ehde Prairie du Chien, WI
18- Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
21- Mike Lloyd Davis, IL
21– Ty Reedy Holmen, WI
22- Kyle Chwala Johnson Creek, WI
28- Jesse Bernhagen Markesan, WI
32- Lyle Nowak Wausau, WI
33- Dana Czach West Chicago, IL
36- Kyle Shear Roscoe, IL
40- Michael Beamish Eagan, MN
44- Mitch Garfield Pingree Grove, IL
49– Tory Adams Madison, WI
49- Jerry Mueller Richfield, WI
50- Jake Gille Winnebago, IL
51- Dale Nottestad Cambridge, WI
53- Jared Duda St Michael, MN
54- Rich Schumann Jr Portage, WI
58- Tyler Kingery Elko New Market, MN
66- Adam Peschek Oconomowoc, WI
71– Mark Greb Coralville, IA
82- J Herbst West Salem, WI
88– Ken Jacoby Marshall, WI
95- Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI
96- Denny Norton Jr Wonder Lake, IL
99- Jake Zellmer Waterford, WI

EVENT DETAILS:

What: 39th Annual Spring Classic
Where: Rockford Speedway (located at 9572 Forest Hills Rd Loves Park, IL)
When: Sunday April 17
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-2 laps)
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)
American Ethanol Super Truck Series (Twin 25 lap features)

Admission Prices:
Adults: $20
Students (ages 12-17) & Seniors: $10
Children (ages 6-11): $5
Kids 5 & under: FREE

2016 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE:
Sun April 17- 39th Annual Spring Classic (Rockford Speedway, Loves Park IL)
Fri June 3- ‘Clash at the Downs II” (Hawkeye Downs, Cedar Rapids, IA)
Fri June 24- Salute to America (Madison International Speedway, Oregon WI)
Fri July 29- Larry Detjens Memorial Race (State Park Speedway, Wausau WI)
Tues Aug 2- Dixieland Delight (Wisconsin Int’l Raceway, Kaukauna WI)
Sat Sept 24- 8th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’ (Elko Speedway, Elko New Market, MN)
Sat Oct 1- 51st Annual National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway)
Sat Oct 8- 47th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem, WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit www.big8series.com