Posts

Posted on

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.

Posted on

CAN BILDERBACK BE BEATEN IN BIG 8 ‘108’?

By: Eric Huenefeld

No one has been hotter than Michael Bilderback over the last two years in a Big 8-type Late Model.

The South Beloit resident has picked up 16 wins over the last two seasons and this summer became one of the youngest Track Champions in the history of Rockford Speedway. In the matter of a couple weeks, the 25 year-old could also become a two-time champion of the Big 8 Late Model Series.

To add to all those accolades, Bilderback was dominant in last year’s 108 lap Big 8 Late Model Series race during the 50th Anniversary National Short Track Championships (NSTC) at Rockford Speedway, outrunning Casey Johnson and Alex Papini for the win. Can Bilderback go back-to-back this year at NSTC? If he can…he’ll certainly help his chances for a second straight Big 8 Series title.

But there are several contenders standing in his way, including the aforementioned Casey Johnson, a former winner of the 108 lap race at NSTC and a driver who has racked up wins in both Big 8 and Super Late Model competition in 2016. Multi-time Jefferson Speedway champion Dale Nottestad returns to Big 8 Series action this weekend at Rockford and will be joined by four-time Big 8 Series champion Jeremy Miller, who is always in the conversation at Rockford, while seven-time track champion and 2016 Madison International Speedway champion Bobby Wilberg is also gunning for his chance to take top honors on Saturday night.

A trio of former Rockford Speedway track champions are ready for the challenge this weekend at NSTC. Three-time track champion Jerry Gille returns this weekend, looking to get back to NSTC Victory Lane while his nephew Jake Gille will also be among the drivers to watch. Jake, the 2015 Rockford Speedway champion, won the ‘Weekly Warrior’ Late Model race at NSTC in 2014. Former Rockford Speedway champion and Big 8 Series champion ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr is a master of the 108 lap race and is looking for an unmatched fifth victory in the event this weekend.

The rest of the “Big 8’s best” will be on hand as well, including current Series runner up Michael Ostdiek, who followed Bilderback across the line at Elko last Saturday night following a thrilling finish, two-time LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway champion J Herbst, two-time Rockford feature winner and former Slinger Speedway champion ‘Insane Wayne’ Freimund.

Wisconsin teenager Grant Greisbach leads the Loves Park Motorsports Rookie of the Year chase and will be at Rockford this Saturday night along with fellow Rookie contenders and Iowa natives Brody Willett and Zach Less.

EVENT DETAILS:

What: 51st Annual National Short Track Championships
Where: Rockford Speedway (9572 Forest Hills Road Loves Park, IL)
When: Saturday October 1

Schedule and Information:
8:30 AM- Pits Open
10:30 AM- Big 8 Series Practice Begins
2 PM- Fan Gates Open
2:15 PM- Qualifying
5 PM- Racing begins

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series along with Super Late Models, Illini Midgets and Vintage Racers of Illinois
(Ten total divisions take to the track Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

Admission Prices:
RESERVED SEATING (Sections D, E & F) Adults $20, Children $10
GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING: Adults (13 & up) $18, Ages 12-17: $9, Ages 6-11: $5

REMAINING 2016 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE:
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

Posted on

Elko Speedway Results

Big 8 Late Model Series
A-Main 01 — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 3. Joe Neisius,
Rosemount, Minn.; 4. Dillon Hammond, Grand Marsh, Wis; 5. Michael Beamish, Eagan, Minn.; 6. Ryan Kamish,
Farmington, Minn.; 7. Lawrence Berthiaume, Albertville, Minn.; 8. Jon Lemke, Shakopee, Minn.; 9. Jeremy Miller,
Rockford; 10. Bryan Wrolstad, Fairbault, Minn.; 11. Todd Kamish, Lakeville, Minn.; 12. Shane Morrissey, Cuba
City, Wis; 13. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 14. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 15. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis;
16. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 17. Adam Bendzick, Elko, Minn.; 18. Tyler Kingery, Prior Lake, Minn.; 19.
Todd Oliver, Bangor, Wis; 20. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 21. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 22. Kyle Kirberger,
Ramsey, Minn.; 23. Owin Giles, New Market, Minn.; 24. Justin Neisius, Eagan, Minn..

Last Chance “A” 01 — 1. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 2. Shane Morrissey, Cuba City, Wis; 3. Kyle Kirberger, Ramsey,
Minn.; 4. Adam Bendzick, Elko, Minn.; 5. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 6. Owin Giles, New Market, Minn.; 7.
Bryan Wrolstad, Fairbault, Minn.; 8. Todd Oliver, Bangor, Wis; 9. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 10. Zach Less,
Manchester, Iowa; 11. Tyler Kingery, Prior Lake, Minn.; 12. Michael Gilomen, Northfield, Minn.; 13. Nick Roehl,
Fond Du Lac, Wis; 14. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 15. Jake Sernett, Prior Lake, Minn.; 16. Devin Schmidt,
Belle Plaine, Minn.; 17. Anthony Brewer, Shakopee, Minn.; 18. Paul Neisius, Hastings, Minn..

Time Trial — 1. Justin Neisius, Eagan, Minn.; 2. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 3. Lawrence Berthiaume,
Albertville, Minn.; 4. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 5. Michael Beamish, Eagan, Minn.; 6. J. Herbst, LaCrosse,
Wis; 7. Joe Neisius, Rosemount, Minn.; 8. Jon Lemke, Shakopee, Minn.; 9. Dillon Hammond, Grand Marsh, Wis;
10. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 11. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 12. Todd Kamish, Lakeville, Minn.; 13.
Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 14. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 15. Shane Morrissey, Cuba City, Wis; 16.
Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 17. Owin Giles, New Market, Minn.; 18. Adam Bendzick, Elko, Minn.; 19. Jake Sernett,
Prior Lake, Minn.; 20. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 21. Nick Roehl, Fond Du Lac, Wis; 22. Zach Less,
Manchester, Iowa; 23. Michael Gilomen, Northfield, Minn.; 24. Kyle Kirberger, Ramsey, Minn.; 25. Bryan
Wrolstad, Fairbault, Minn.; 26. Devin Schmidt, Belle Plaine, Minn.; 27. Anthony Brewer, Shakopee, Minn.; 28.
Paul Neisius, Hastings, Minn.; 29. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 30. Todd Oliver, Bangor, Wis; 31. Tyler

Posted on

‘THREE RACES IN THREE WEEKS’ FOR BIG 8 SERIES BEGINS SATURDAY AT ELKO!

By: Eric Huenefeld

The stretch run to the Big 8 Series Championship begins this Saturday night September 24 in the state of Minnesota.

The 58 lap “Thunderstruck” at Elko Speedway marks the first of ‘Three Races in Three Weeks” to end the 2016 slate for the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country,” and with a grueling stretch such as that, no point lead is safe.

With that being said, defending Big 8 Late Model Series Champion Michael Bilderback holds a comfortable lead on his foes as the three-week march begins. Coming into Elko, Bilderback holds a 116-point advantage over Michael Ostdiek, the current Big 8 points runner up.

Both Michaels have had outstanding years in their Big 8 Late Models, with Bilderback claiming his first ever Track Championship at Rockford Speedway, along with a track-leading four Late Model feature wins. To go with an impressive record at his home track, Bilderback has also claimed victory in three of the five Big 8 Series events in 2016.

Ostdiek has claimed six wins of this own in 2016, including his first ever Big 8 Series win at State Park Speedway back in July. The Lakeville Minnesota native also collected four feature wins at Elko Speedway this year and finished third in track points and was among the top drivers in the country in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series Division II point standings.

Four-time Big 8 Series champion Jeremy Miller is still mathematically in the hunt for an unprecedented fifth Series championship and adding to his 2016 win total would help that cause. Miller was the top dog at Madison International Speedway back in June as part of the ‘Salute to America’ 48 lap event.

Other top-notch Big 8 racers expected to join the crowd at Elko Speedway this weekend include two-time Dells Raceway champion Rich Schumann Jr, former Slinger Speedway champion ‘Insane Wayne’ Freimund and former Big 8 and Rockford Speedway champion ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr.

The Loves Park Motorsports Rookie of the Year battle also takes center stage at Elko, with Grant Greisbach holding a 50 point advantage over Zach Less and a 64 point advantage on Brody Willett.

The very best from Elko Speedway are looking to show some hometrack muscle this weekend, including Dylan Moore and John Lemke, who tied atop the points at the end of the regular season, with Moore claiming the tie-breaker and track championship. All told, seven of the top ten drivers in 2016 Elko Speedway points have declared their intention of running this Saturday night, making this one of the toughest groups of local racers to challenge the Big 8’s best all season long!

Big 8 Late Model Series
Thunderstruck
Expected Entries (29 as of 9/20/16)

OO- Brody Willett Alburnett, IA
O3- Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanti, MI
2- Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
2- Kyle Kirberger Ramsey, MN
3- Tyler Hromadka Brookfield, WI
5- Todd Kamish Farmington, MN
5- Jeremy Miller Rockton, IL
5s- Jake Sernett Prior Lake, MN
7- Anthony Brewer Shakopee, MN
X- Jon Reynolds Jr Loves Park, IL
13- Bryan Wrolstad Northfield, MN
15- Todd Oliver La Crosse, WI
17- Grant Greisbach Waukesha, WI
17- Jon Lemke Shakopee, MN
18- Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
20- Zach Less Manchester, IA
20- Devin Schmidt Belle Plaine, MN
21- Adam Bendzick Elko, MN
40- Michael Beamish Eagan, MN
42- Ryan Kamish Farmington, MN
49- Jerry Mueller Richfield, WI
51- Justin Neisius Eagan, MN
53- Jared Duda St Michael, MN
54- Dylan Moore Northfield, MN
54- Rich Schumann Jr Portage, WI
58- Tyler Kingery Prior Lake, MN
75- Dillon Hammond Grand Marsh, WI
95- Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI
99- Lawrence Berthuime Rogers, MN

EVENT DETAILS:

What: 8th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’
Where: Elko Speedway (26350 France Ave, Elko, MN 55020)
When: Saturday September 24

Schedule and Information:
9 AM- Pits Open
12:45 PM- Big 8 Series Practice Begins
3 PM- Fan Gates Open
3:10 PM- On Track Autograph Session
4 PM- Qualifying followed by Racing

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series along with the ARCA Midwest Tour, Thunder Cars, Legends, Power Stocks and Hornets

Admission Prices:
Adults (13 & up) $20
Children (ages 4-12) $5
Kids 3 and under FREE

REMAINING 2016 BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES SCHEDULE:
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

Posted on

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

Posted on

Dixieland Delight 38 Results

A-Main 01 — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 3. Michael Ostdiek,
Lakeville, Minn.; 4. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 5. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 6. Jesse Bernhagen, Markesan, Wis; 7.
Mike Ehde, Prairie du Chien, Wis; 8. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 9. Joey Pontbriand, Norway, Mich.; 10. Cody
Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 11. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 12. Zach Less, Manchester, Iowa; 13. Jerry
Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 14. Jim Duchow, Appleton, Wis; 15. Hunter Drefahl, Evansville, Wis; 16. Jeremy Miller,
Rockford; 17. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 18. Bryan Monday, Appleton, Wis; 19. Jared Duda, St Michael,

Time Trial — 1. Jim Duchow, Appleton, Wis; 2. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 3. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 4.
Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 5. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 6. Zach Less, Manchester, Iowa; 7. Jeremy
Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 8. Jesse Bernhagen, Markesan, Wis; 9. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Loves Park; 10. J. Herbst, LaCrosse,
Wis; 11. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 12. Bryan Monday, Appleton, Wis; 13. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 14.
Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 15. Mike Ehde, Prairie du Chien, Wis; 16. Joey Pontbriand, Norway, Mich.; 17.
Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 18. Hunter Drefahl, Evansville, Wis; 19. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 20.
Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 21. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich..

Posted on

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

Posted on

State Park Speedway Results

Big 8 Late Model Series
A-Main 01 — 1. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 2. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 3. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 4.
Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 5. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 6. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 7. Jerry
Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 8. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 9. Dillon Hammond, Grand Marsh, Wis; 10. Grant Griesbach,
Waukesha, Wis; 11. Bryan Wrolstad, Fairbault, Minn.; 12. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 13. Hunter Drefahl,
Evansville, Wis; 14. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 15. Jacob Zellmer, New Berlin, Wis; 16. Tyler Hromadka,
Brookfield, Wis; 17. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 18. Zach Less, Manchester, Iowa; 19. Jeff Nowak, Weston, Wis;
20. Joel Clossey, Beloit, Wis; 21. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 22. Tory Adams, Madison, Wis; 23. Jerry Brickner,

Heat 01 — 1. Tory Adams, Madison, Wis; 2. Jerry Brickner, Wausau, Wis; 3. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 4. Joel
Clossey, Beloit, Wis; 5. Jared Duda, St Michael, Minn.; 6. Hunter Drefahl, Evansville, Wis; 7. Cody Kippenhan,
Ypsilanti, Mich.; 8. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.

Qualifying Dash 01 — 1. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 2. Jacob Zellmer, New Berlin, Wis; 3. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle,
Wis; 4. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 5. Jeff Nowak, Weston, Wis; 6. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 7. Dillon
Hammond, Grand Marsh, Wis.
Qualifying Dash 02 — 1. Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 2. Zach Less, Manchester, Iowa; 3. Michael Bilderback,
South Beloit; 4. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 5. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 6. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis;
7. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn..

Time Trial — 1. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 2. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 3. Dillon Hammond, Grand Marsh,
Wis; 4. Jeremy Miller, Rockford; 5. Jeremy Lepak, Ringle, Wis; 6. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 7. Jeff Nowak,
Weston, Wis; 8. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 9. Jacob Zellmer, New Berlin, Wis; 10. Michael Bilderback, South
Beloit; 11. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 12. Zach Less, Manchester, Iowa; 13. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 14.
Jerry Mueller, Richfield, Wis; 15. Jerry Brickner, Wausau, Wis; 16. Joel Clossey, Beloit, Wis; 17. Bryan Wrolstad,
Fairbault, Minn.; 18. Tory Adams, Madison, Wis; 19. Brody Willett, Alburnett, Iowa; 20. Jared Duda, St Michael,
Minn.; 21. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 22. Hunter Drefahl, Evansville, Wis; 23. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield,

Posted on

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

Posted on

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

Proudly powered by WordPress