Big 8 Series – Page 9

September 28, 2015

Elko Speedway Results

A-Main 01 — 1. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 2. Christopher Marek, Lakeville, Minn.; 3. Michael Beamish, Egan, Minn.;
4. Michael Ostdiek, Ames, Iowa; 5. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 6. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 7. Bobby
Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 8. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 9. Jake Ryan, Farmington, Minn.; 10. Adam Peschek,
Oconomowoc, Wis; 11. Dillon Hammond, Grand Marsh, Wis; 12. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 13. Jon
Lemke, Shakopee, Minn.; 14. Nick Beaver, Rosemount, Minn.; 15. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 16. Adam Bendzick
(r), Elko, Minn.; 17. Jerry Mueller, Richfiled, Wis; 18. Jake Sernett, Prior Lake, Minn.; 19. Eric Connell, Fort
Atkinson, Wis; 20. Lawrence Berthiaume, Albertville, Minn.; 21. Bryan Wrolstad, Fairbault, Minn.; 22. Brian
Gibson, Walford, Iowa; 23. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Rockford; 24. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis.

Time Trial — 1. Christopher Marek, Lakeville, Minn.; 2. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 3. Michael Beamish,
Egan, Minn.; 4. Jake Ryan, Farmington, Minn.; 5. Michael Ostdiek, Ames, Iowa; 6. Jon Lemke, Shakopee, Minn.;
7. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 8. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 9. Adam Bendzick (r), Elko, Minn.; 10. Wayne
Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 11. Dillon Hammond, Grand Marsh, Wis; 12. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 13. Adam
Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 14. Ryan Kamish, Farmington, Minn.; 15. Nick Beaver, Rosemount, Minn.; 16. Jerry
Mueller, Richfiled, Wis; 17. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 18. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Rockford; 19. Bryan Wrolstad,
Fairbault, Minn.; 20. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 21. Brian Gibson, Walford, Iowa; 22. Jake Sernett, Prior Lake,
Minn.; 23. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis; 24. Lawrence Berthiaume, Albertville, Minn..

September 24, 2015

BIG 8 POINT BATTLE ‘THUNDERS’ INTO MINNESOTA!

What: NAPA Auto Parts presents the 7th annual ‘Thunderstruck’

Where: Elko Speedway (26350 France Ave, Elko, MN 55020)

When: Saturday night September 26

Schedule and Information:
9 AM- Pit Gates Open
12:45-2:20 PM Rotating Practice
4 PM- Qualifying
6 PM- Racing begins

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet
PLUS: the ARCA Midwest Tour, Thunder Cars, Power Stocks, Legends & Hornets

Admission Prices:
Adult (13 and up) – $20
Ages 4-12 – $5
Ages 3 and under- FREE

Current Big 8 Late Model Series Point Standings (Top 15 thru five races)

1. #2 Michael Bilderback 515 (1)
2. #28 Bobby Wilberg 502 (1)
3. #14 Austin Nason 482 (1)
4. #X Jon Reynolds Jr 459 (1)
5. #18 Michael Ostdiek 412
6. #97 Cole Anderson ® 365
7. #95 Wayne Freimund 338
8. #5 Dave Edwards 321
9. #36 Lyle Nowak 315
10. #45 Michael Bachaus 284
11. #82 J Herbst 268
12. #17 Eric Connell 248
13. #15 Michael Clapper 247
14. #66 Adam Peschek 233
15. #29 Caleb Adrian 195 (1)

PREVIEWING THE 7TH ANNUAL ‘THUNDERSTRUCK’: Following a 51 day layoff, the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet returns to action this weekend, as the ‘Best Weekly Warriors in the Country’ head to Minnesota to begin a stretch of ‘Three Races in Three Weeks’ to determine the 2015 Big 8 Series champion. This Saturday night’s event at Elko Speedway is the fourth in Series history at the track, and features a solid list of drivers competing. The chase for the Big 8 Championship continues with no less than five drivers mathematically in the mix for the series crown. Michael Bilderback leads the charge, with a slim 13 point advantage over Bobby Wilberg. Both drivers have one Big 8 victory this season, with Bilderback’s win at Wausau in July swinging the point battle into his favor. Madison winner Austin Nason sits third, just 33 points off of the top spot and 20 points away from second, while Kaukauna winner ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr is fourth in the standings, 56 markers off of the lead. Minnesota teenager Michael Ostdiek may be a long-shot for the Big 8 champinship (103 points back in fifth), but the Elko regular may be a favorite to win Saturday night. Besides racking up top-five finishes in two of his last three Big 8 starts, Ostdiek is a multi-time winner at Elko Speedway in 2015. Other hometown favorites gunning for victory include two-time Elko Speedway Track Champion and 2013 Thunderstruck winner ‘Crusier’ Chris Marek and veteran racer Jon Lemke, both of whom have won multiple times at their home track in 2015.

REMAINING BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES EVENTS:
Sat Sept 26- 7th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’ (Elko Speedway, Elko New Market, MN)
Sat Oct 3- 50th Anniversary National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway, Loves Park, IL)
Sat Oct 10- 46th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem, WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit www.big8series.com

August 25, 2015

SIXTY-FOUR ‘WEEKLY WARRIORS’ CURRENTLY ELIGIBLE FOR ‘JMcK 63’ AT OKTOBERFEST!

WEST SALEM, WI – The popular ‘Big 8-style’ Late Models which compete at eleven different tracks throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa are once again to be featured on the final day of the 46th Oktoberfest Racing Weekend.

The top ‘weekly warriors’ in the region who have notched wins at their home tracks in 2015 will be among those who are eligible to compete for the ‘JMcK 63’, to be held Sunday October 11th at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway on the final day of the four day celebration of short track racing. The Late Model invitational event, honoring the late short track auto racing promoter John McKarns, returns to the final day of Oktoberfest for the sixth consecutive season.

Modeled after the Dick Trickle 99 race format McKarns introduced to ‘Fest in 2007, the JMcK 63 is contested in three 21 lap segments with the first segment being lined up by draw, the second by inversion and third based on the overall point total heading into the final segment. ‘JMcK’ was an abbreviated version of John McKarns’ signature over the years.

This invitational event is open to 2015 weekly late model and Big 8 Series feature winners, former Big 8 Series Oktoberfest Champions, past ARTGO Challenge Series top guns as well as the top six in Big 8 Series points.

The first installment of the JMcK back in 2010 saw local favorite Skylar Holzhausen take the win in dramatic fashion. In 2011, Kyle Shear claimed top honors as he passed an impressive 34 cars throughout the day to capture victory. In 2012, Zach Riddle capped off an unforgettable Oktoberfest Weekend, winning the JMcK one day after finishing first in the Big 8 Series’ championship race on the half-mile oval. In 2014, Minnesota’s Chris Marek nearly became the first driver to sweep all three segments of the event on his road to victory. Last season, Minnesota youngster Michael Beamish put his name in the record books as a winner of the ‘JMcK 63.’

For additional information regarding the Oktoberfest Race Weekend including camping, call 608-786-1525 or visit www.oktoberfestraceweekend.com.

JMcK 63 Big 8 Late Model Invitational
Oktoberfest Race Weekend
Sunday Afternoon October 11, 2015
La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway
(64 Eligible Drivers as of 8/25/14)

DRIVER NAME- ELIGIBILITY
Al Stippich- Slinger Speedway
Alex Papini- Rockford Speedway
Alex Prunty- Slinger Speedway
Austin Nason- Big 8 Series
Bobby Wilberg- 2012 JMcK Segment Winner
Brad Osborn- Hawkeye Downs
Brad Powell- LaCrosse Speedway
Braison Bennett- Wisconsin International
Brandon Pendleton- Jefferson Speedway
Brent Strelka- Wisconsin International
Brian Gibson- Hawkeye Downs
Bryan Monday- Wisconsin International
Caleb Adrian- Hawkeye Downs
Casey Johnson- Jefferson Speedway/Big 8 Series
Chris Marek- Elko Speedway/2013 JMcK winner
Cole Anderson- State Park Speedway
Dale Nottestad- Madison International
Daryl Gerke- Rockford Speedway
David Cabelka- State Park Speedway
Dudley Fleck- Hawkeye Downs/ARTGO Star
Dylan Schuyler- Jefferson Speedway
Eddie Muenster- Wisconsin International
Gary Krueger- ARTGO Star
Gary Natrop- Wisconsin International
Griffin McGrath- Hawkeye Downs
J Herbst- 2012 Segment Winner
Jake Gille- Rockford Speedway
Jake Ryan- Elko Speedway
Jamie Farrell- Elko Speedway
Jason Schuler- 2011 JMcK Segment Winner/ARTGO Star
Jeff Nowak- State Park Speedway
Jeremy Miller- Madison International/Past Big 8 Champion
Jesse Bernhagen- Dells Raceway
Jim Duchow- Wisconsin International
Joe Neisius- Elko Speedway
Jon Lemke- Elko Speedway/ARTGO Star
Jon Reynolds Jr- Rockford Speedway/Big 8 Series
Justin Mondiek- State Park Speedway
Kevin Nuttleman- Over 100 career La Crosse wins
Kyle Shear- 2011 JMcK Winner
Lawrence Berthiume- Elko Speedway
Michael Beamish- 2014 JMcK Winner
Michael Bilderback- Rockford Speedway/Big 8 Series
Michael Gruenberg- Jefferson Speedway
Michael Ostdiek- Elko Speedway
Mike Carlson- LaCrosse Speedway
Mike Held- Slinger Speedway
Nick Nolden- Dells Raceway
Phil Malouf- State Park Speedway
Rich Schumann Jr- Dells Raceway
Rusty Hansen- Madison International
Ryan Zielski- Slinger Speedway
Shaun Scheel- Jefferson Speedway
Skylar Holzhausen- Past Big 8 ‘Fest Winner/2010 JMcK Winner
Stephen Scheel- Jefferson Speedway
Steve Carlson- La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway/ARTGO Star
Steve Dobbratz- Dells Raceway
Steve Rubeck- Past Big 8 ‘Fest Winner
Taylor Vandermoss- Wisconsin International
Tim Plummer- Hawkeye Downs
Todd Korish- La Crosse Speedway/Past Big 8 ‘Fest Winner
Ty Majeski- LaCrosse Speedway
Wayne Freimund- Past J McK segment winner
Zach Riddle- Past Big 8 ‘Fest Winner/2012 JMcK Winner

To Enter this event or for eligibility questions please contact Gregg McKarns at 815-703-0285

August 5, 2015

‘X’CITING FINISH NETS MILESTONE WIN FOR REYNOLDS!

By: Eric Huenefeld

As he has done so many times before in his Big 8 Late Model Series career, ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr rose to the occasion in a big race. And as he has done so many times before, Reynolds stole the lead late in the going. And in winning Tuesday night’s Gandrud Chevrolet ‘Dixieland Delight’ at Wisconsin International Raceway, Reynolds also reached a milestone in his Big 8 Late Model Series career.

The Rockford Illinois native captured his eleventh career Big 8 Series victory on Tuesday evening and in the process became the all-time wins leader with the Big 8 Late Model Series, breaking a tie with four-time Big 8 Series champion Jeremy Miller.

Reynolds started the race from the fourth position, next to Michael Ostdiek and behind the front row of Bobby Wilberg and Cole Anderson. At the drop of the green flag, Wilberg pounced to the lead from his pole position, while Ostdiek followed Wilberg forward and claimed the second spot. As the rest of the field jockeyed for position, Wilberg and Ostdiek moved forward on their own, with Ostdiek challenging Wilberg for the race lead. On the ninth lap, the Minnesota youngster was able to scoot ahead of Wilberg and claim the race lead. Shortly after Ostdiek advanced to the front of the field, the first yellow flag of the race flew for outside front row starter Anderson, whose vehicle stopped at the entrance of turn three.

On the restart, Ostdiek accelerated ahead of the pack, while Wilberg faced a stiff challenge for second place in the form of Austin Nason. Nason moved into second place on the thirteenth lap, when the second caution waved for an incident between Michael Bilderback and Bryan Monday. Both cars, including the co-point leader Bilderback, were sent to the tail following the incident.

It then took just two laps for the next yellow flag to wave, when Anderson again had troubles, tangling with Eric Connell in turn one. The fracas sent Anderson sideways and Connell towards the turn one wall. Thirteen year old Grant Greisbach sailed into the incident also, sustaining the most damage of the three. Greisbach’s car was the only vehicle to be towed away.

Following the lap 16 restart, Nason made his move to the front, disposing of Ostdiek quickly. Two laps later, Reynolds made his move for second, getting past Ostdiek for the runner up slot just one lap before the final yellow flag of the race at halfway following a tangle between Adam Peschek and Mike Meyerhofer Jr.

On the final restart, Ostdiek slipped to fourth place, while Reynolds took off after race leader Nason. As the top two began to play their game of cat-and-mouse, Bilderback was blasting back through the field, making it back into the top five just thirteen laps after being at the back of the 20-car field.

Following several laps of filling Nason’s rear-view mirror, Reynolds deployed to the inside of Nason for the race lead with two laps to go. As the two drivers fought for the lead, they slid up the track in the second turn, allowing Ostdiek a chance to sneak beneath both of them for a look at the lead. The three racers went three wide, with Bilderback blasting the gas and sticking his nose into the battle as well! When the dust cleared and the white flag waved, it was Reynolds ahead of Nason. Over the course of the final lap, Reynolds kept a car-length and a half buffer between he and the three-way tango for the second. When the leaders crossed the finish line, it was Reynolds in first place, claiming his second Late Model feature win in four days. The second place race was three wide at the checkers, with Nason holding onto the spot ahead of Ostdiek and Bilderback. Fast qualifier Jesse Bernhagen rounded out the top five.

Gandrud Chevrolet ‘Dixieland Delight’
Race Results
Tuesday August 4 2015
Wisconsin International Raceway

1. Jon Reynolds Jr Rockford, IL
2. Austin Nason Roscoe, IL
3. Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
4. Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
5. Jesse Bernhagen Markesan, WI
6. Bobby Wilberg Beloit, WI
7. Lyle Nowak Wausau, WI
8. Brandon Reichenberger Appleton, WI
9. Michael Clapper Dane, WI
10. Mike Meyerhofer Jr Hilbert, WI
11. Adam Peschek Oconomowoc, WI
12. Dave Edwards Salem, WI
13. Jake Vanoskey Hartford, WI
14. Eric Connell Ft Atkinson, WI
15. Tyler Hromodka Brookfield, WI
16. Bryan Monday Appleton, WI
17. Michael Bachaus Whitewater, WI
18. Cole Anderson Northfield, MN
19. Grant Greisbach Waukesha, WI
20. Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI

Lap Leaders: Wilberg (pole-8), Ostdiek (9-15), Nason (16-36), Reynolds (37-38)
Fast Qualifier: Bernhagen
Car Count: 20 Big 8 Late Models

August 5, 2015

Dixieland Delight 38 Results

A-Main 01 — 1. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Rockford; 2. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 3. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 4. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 5. Jesse Bernhagen, Markesan, Wis; 6. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 7. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 8. Brandon Reichenberger, Appleton, Wis; 9. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 10. Mike Meyerhofer, Jr, Hilbert, Wis; 11. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 12. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 13. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 14. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis; 15. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 16. Bryan Monday, Appleton, Wis; 17. Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis; 18. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 19. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 20. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis.

Time Trial — 1. Jesse Bernhagen, Markesan, Wis; 2. Mike Meyerhofer, Jr, Hilbert, Wis; 3. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 4. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Rockford; 5. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 6. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 7. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 8. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 9. Bryan Monday, Appleton, Wis; 10. Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis; 11. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 12. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis; 13. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 14.Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 15. Brandon Reichenberger, Appleton, Wis; 16. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 17. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 18. Grant Griesbach, Waukesha, Wis; 19. Jacob Vanoskey, Hartford, Wis; 20. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.

August 3, 2015

TUESDAY NIGHT ‘DELIGHT’ ON TAP FOR BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES!

What: Gandrud Chevrolet ‘Dixieland Delight’

Where: Wisconsin International Raceway (W1460 County Rd KK, Kaukauna, WI)

When: Tuesday night August 4

Schedule and Information:
10 AM- Pit Gates Open
4 PM- Fan Gates Open
3:05 & 4:15 PM- Big 8 Series Practice
5 PM- Qualifying
7 PM- Racing begins

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet
PLUS: the ARCA Midwest Tour Forest County Potawatomi Dixieland 250 presented by Calypso Lemonade

Admission Prices:
Adult (13 and up) – $15
Ages 12 and Under – FREE

Current Big 8 Late Model Series Point Standings (Top 14 thru four races)

1 #2 Michael Bilderback 417 (1)
#28 Bobby Wilberg 417 (1)
3. #14 Austin Nason 357 (1)
4. #X Jon Reynolds Jr 343
5. #97 Cole Anderson ® 307
6. #18 Michael Ostdiek 299
7. #95 Wayne Freimund 292
8. #5 Dave Edwards 257
9. #82 J Herbst 248
10. #36 Lyle Nowak 235
11. #45 Michael Bachaus 232
12. #29 Calen Adrian 195 (1)
13. #17 Eric Connell 190
14. #15 Michael Clapper 177

PREVIEWING THE GANDRUD CHEVROLET ‘DIXIELAND DELIGHT’: Just eleven days after Michael Bilderback executed a ‘spin and win’ at State Park Speedway and became the fourth winner in four Big 8 Series events this season, the ‘Best Weekly Warriors in the Country’ return to action at the Wisconsin International Raceway (WIR) for a Tuesday Night Special, sharing the spotlight with the ARCA Midwest Tour and the Dixieland 250. As the Big 8 Late Model Series makes it’s return to WIR for the first time since 2009, an exciting group of contenders are looking to claim victory in the 38 lap Gandrud Chevrolet ‘Dixieland Delight.’ Bilderback leads the charge to Kaukauna, with four Late Model victories this year including three at Rockford Speedway and the aforementioned triumph in Wausau eleven days ago. Coming into Kaukauna, Bilderback shares the Big 8 Series point lead with Spring Classic winner Bobby Wilberg, who fought back from a tough start at Wausau and escaped State Park Speedway with a tie atop the standings. Former Big 8 Series champion ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr finally got back on the winning track this past Saturday, claiming victory at Rockford Speedway. The last time Reynolds raced at WIR, he climbed eleven spots in 38 laps and nearly garnered a top five finish after starting deep in the field. Another winner from this past weekend who plans to challenge for the win at WIR is Jesse Bernhagen, the 2012 Big 8 Series Rookie of the Year. Bernhagen was victorious Saturday night at Dells Raceway Park, claiming his second win of the season. Madison winner Austin Nason will pull double duty Tuesday night, running both the 38 lap Big 8 Series feature and the 250 lap Dixieland event. Nason currently sits third in both the Big 8 and ARCA Midwest Tour point standings.

EXPECTED ENTRIES
(as of 8/3/15)

O1- Bryan Monday Appleton, WI
2- Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
2- Tim Sargent South Beloit, IL
3- Tyler Hromodka Brookfield, WI
5- Dave Edwards Salem, WI
X- Jon Reynolds Jr Rockford, IL
11- Brandon Reichenberger Appleton, WI
14- Austin Nason Roscoe, IL
15- Michael Clapper Dane, WI
17- Eric Connell Ft Atkinson, WI
17- Grant Greisbach Waukesha, WI
18- Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
28- Jesse Bernhagen Markesan, WI
28- Bobby Wilberg Beloit, WI
32- Mike Meyerhofer Jr Hilbert, WI
36- Lyle Nowak Wausau, WI
45- Michael Bachaus Whitewater, WI
62- Adam Peschek Oconomowoc, WI
84- Jake Vanoskey Hartford, WI
95- Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI
97- Cole Anderson Northfield, MN

REMAINING BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES EVENTS:
Tues Aug 4- Gandrud Chevrolet Dixieland Delight (Wisconsin Int’l Raceway, Kaukauna WI)
Sat Sept 26- 7th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’ (Elko Speedway, Elko New Market, MN)
Sat Oct 3- 50th Anniversary National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway, Loves Park, IL)
Sat Oct 10- 46th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem, WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit www.big8series.com

July 26, 2015

CHECKERS AND WRECKERS FOR BILDERBACK!

By: Eric Huenefeld

On Friday night at State Park Speedway, Michael Bilderback returned to Big 8 Late Model Series victory lane for the first time since 2008. And for the first time in Big 8 Late Model Series history, the winning car arrived in victory lane on a wrecker.

Bilderback slid across the line inches ahead of runner up J Herbst following a frantic 12 lap sprint, the after the checkered flag waved, Bilderback’s sideways vehicle was struck on the entrance of turn one as the thundering herd of racecars charged across the line.

The build-up to the grand finale was just as exciting on this night, as twenty-two Big 8 Late Models took to the track for the 58 lap feature. Big 8 Series Rookie of the Year point leader Cole Anderson led the field to green, with local favorite Lyle Nowak on his outside. The front two raced side-by-side for the first handful of circuits, with Anderson leading lap one and Nowak slipping ahead on the second lap. By the fifth circuit, Nowak claimed the lead for himself, yet within a the span of a lap, saw pressure for the lead in the form of two-time Big 8 Series champion Casey Johnson. Within another lap, Johnson breezed into the race lead and set sail from the rest of the field.

Behind Johnson, the action was intense as Bilderback and Herbst picked their way to the front. The road forward was much smoother and quicker for Bilderback, as the South Beloit Illinois native found himself in second place by lap 17. Herbst, who started ninth, fell to eleventh early in the race, but began his charge around lap 12. While Herbst raced forward, Bilderback assumed second place and began to chip away at the lead of Johnson. Just as Bilderback began to make gains on Johnson in lapped traffic, both drivers encountered a scare which would produce the first caution flag of the race. As Johnson and Bilderback entered the third corner on the twenty-third lap, they saw Adam Peschek and Michael Clapper enter a tight space together. The two cars touched doors and slowed up, then were contacted by a quickly closing Mondell Peters. All three cars were able to continue on, but the contact popped the hood off of Peters’ Chevrolet, sending it skyward and eventually onto the race track, bringing out the yellow flag.

The stoppage allowed Bilderback to restart on the bumper of Johnson, and it also allowed Herbst a chance to close in on the rest of the field. When racing resumed, Johnson and Bilderback jumped away, while Herbst went to work on the rest of the field. As the race approached halfway, Bilderback was able to make his move to the inside of Johnson and by lap 30, Bilderback assumed the lead. Just as it seemed Bilderback may disappear from the rest of the front runners, the final yellow flag of the race appeared as a breakage on Evan Call’s #43 car sent him spinning in the third corner.

On the final restart with twenty one laps to go, Herbst began his assault up front, getting past Nowak and Austin Nason for fourth and third respectively. Herbst then set his sights on Johnson for second place, finally claiming the runner up position with 12 laps to go. With a six car length deficit, it was now or never for the two-time LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway champion Herbst. In a matter of six laps, Bilderback and Herbst were bumper-to-bumper, with Herbst taking a peek to the inside of Bilderback on lap 53 for the race lead. As the West Salem Wisconsin native made his move on the bottom of turn four, Bilderback stood his ground, sending Herbst into the infield dirt. Herbst shook off the dust and made one last run at Bilderback, and this time climbed to the outside of the track to move past Bilderback as the white flag waved. When the duo exited the fourth corner and headed for the finish, Bilderback lost traction and spun sideways, but was able to slide across the finish line merely inches ahead of Herbst. As Bilderback’s car sat sideways at the end of the front stretch, the rest of the field took evasive action, with Wausau’s Todd Handrick unable to stop his car short of collecting Bilderback. Both cars received heavy damage, with Bilderback arriving in victory lane on foot as his car arrived moments later with the help of a tow truck.

The win was Bilderback’s third career Big 8 Late Model Series victory and fourth Late Model win overall in 2015. The runner up finish for J Herbst was his second straight podium finish in Big 8 competition, following his runner up finish at Hawkeye Downs back in June. Earlier in the evening, Herbst also collected his first Quartermaster Quick Time Award, setting the new Big 8 Late Model Series Track Record at State Park Speedway with a lap of 14.622. Johnson, making his first Big 8 Series start since Rockford in April, finished in third place and in the process collected his twenty-fifth career Big 8 Series top-five.

Austin Nason continued his recent trend of strong runs with the Big 8 Late Model Series, following up his Madison win with a fourth place finish at Wausau. Outside pole-sitter Lyle Nowak stayed inside the top five all night and was rewarded with a fifth place finish, which was the first ever top-five finish in Big 8 Series competition for the former Mid-American Stock Car Series champion.

Bobby Wilberg, who came into the race as the Big 8 Late Model Series point leader, made the best of a bad night. After a poor qualifying effort, Wilberg was regulated to the Qualifying Race, where the veteran took the lead early and went on to victory. The win put Wilberg in the fifteenth starting postion for the main event and despite a slow start, Wilberg eventually picked up steam and ended the race in the eighth position. Wilberg was one of three drivers, along with Bilderback and Herbst, who advanced seven positions in the 58 lapper.

Following Bilderback’s victory and Wilberg’s off night, the two drivers are now in a tie atop the Big 8 Late Model Series point standing as the ‘Best Weekly Warriors in the Country’ begin the second half of their eight-race slate Tuesday night August 4 at Wisconsin International Raceway for the running of the Gandrud Chevrolet ‘Dixieland Delight’ 38 lap feature.

BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES
RACE RESULTS
‘Larry Detjens Memorial 58’
State Park Speedway (Wausau, WI)
Friday July 24, 2015

1. Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
2. J. Herbst West Salem, WI
3. Casey Johnson Edgerton, WI
4. Austin Nason Roscoe, IL
5. Lyle Nowak Wausau, WI
6. Tim Sargent South Beloit IL
7. Brent Edmunds Monticello, WI
8. Bobby Wilberg Beloit, WI
9. Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
10. Cole Anderson (R) Northfield, MN
11. Dave Edwards Salem, WI
12. Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI
13. Justin Mondeik Gleason, WI
14. JeffNowak Weston, WI
15. Jon Reynolds Jr Rockford, IL
16. Adam Peschek Oconomowoc, WI
17. Eric Connell Fort Atkinson, WI
18. Todd Handrick Wausau, WI
19. Mondell Peters Weston, WI
20. Evan Call Weston, WI
21.Michael Bachaus Milton, WI
22. Michael Clapper Dane, WI

Preliminary Winners: Wilberg, Anderson, Nowak
Fast Qualifier: Herbst (14.622- NTR)
Entries: 22 Big 8 Series Late Models

July 25, 2015

Big 8 Series Results from State Park Speedway

7/24/2015
Big 8 Late Model Series

A-Main 01 — 1. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 2. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 3. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 4.
Austin Nason, Roscoe; 5. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 6. Tim Sargent, South Beloit; 7. Brent Edmunds, Monticello,
Wis; 8. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 9. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 10. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.;
11. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 12. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 13. Justin Mondeik, Gleason, Wis; 14. Jeff
Nowak, Weston, Wis; 15. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Rockford; 16. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 17. Eric Connell, Fort
Atkinson, Wis; 18. Todd Handrick, Wausau, Wis; 19. Mondell Peters, Weston, Wis; 20. Evan Call, Weston, Wis; 21.
Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis; 22. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis.

Heat 01 — 1. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 2. Adam Peschek, Oconomowoc, Wis; 3. Justin Mondeik, Gleason, Wis;
4. Mondell Peters, Weston, Wis; 5. Jeff Nowak, Weston, Wis; 6. Todd Handrick, Wausau, Wis; 7. Evan Call, Weston,

Qualifying Dash 01 — 1. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 2. Casey Johnson, Edgerton, Wis; 3. Dave Edwards,
Salem, Wis; 4. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis; 5. J. Herbst, LaCrosse, Wis; 6. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 7. Brent
Edmunds, Monticello, Wis.

Qualifying Dash 02 — 1. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 2. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 3. Tim Sargent, South
Beloit; 4. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 5. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 6. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Rockford; 7.
Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis.

July 22, 2015

BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES TREKS NORTH TO WAUSAU THIS FRIDAY NIGHT!

What: ‘Larry Detjens Memorial Race’

Where: State Park Speedway (5711 North Mountain Road, Wausau, WI)

When: Friday night July 24

Schedule and Information:
3 PM- Pit Gates Open
4 PM- Practice
4:30 PM- Fan Gates Open
6 PM- Qualifying
7 PM- Racing begins

Divisions Competing:
Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet
(complete show highlighted by a 58 lap feature)
PLUS: Mini Mods, Mini Stocks and Bandoleros

Admission Prices:
Adult (13 and up) – $15
Kids (6-12) – $5
5 and Under – FREE

Current Big 8 Late Model Series Point Standings (Top 15 thru three races)

1. 28 Bobby Wilberg 338 (1 win)
2. 2 Michael Bilderback 310
3. X Jon Reynolds Jr 286
4. 14 Austin Nason 270 (1 win)
5. 97 Cole Anderson ® 234
6. 95 Wayne Freimund 228
7. 18 Michael Ostdiek 224
8. 29 Caleb Adrian 195 (1 win)
9. 5 Dave Edwards 189
10. 45 Michael Bachaus 188
11. 54 Rich Schumann Jr 171
12. 15 Michael Clapper 169
13. 82 J. Herbst 149
14. 36 Lyle Nowak 147
15. 49 Tory Adams ® 139

PREVIEWING THE ‘LARRY DETJENS MEMORIAL RACE’: It’s been almost a month since the ‘Best Weekly Warriors in the Country’ took to the track at Madison International Speedway, where Austin Nason shook off his slow start to 2015 with a commanding win in the 48 lap ‘Salute to America.’ Nason’s win not only got him back on the right foot in Big 8 Series competition, it also slipped him closer to the top of the point standings. Big 8 Late Model Series point leader Bobby Wilberg had another solid night at Madison, collecting fast time and a second place finish, while his closest competition in the points, Michael Bilderback and ‘Driver X’ Jon Reynolds Jr, both recorded top fives. Minnesota teenager Michael Ostdiek led the first portion of the Madison event and eventually tallied his first ever Big 8 Series Top Five. All five of those drivers plan to run Friday night at State Park Speedway (SPS), along with a strong field of Big 8 Series regulars and SPS hometown favorites. Two-time Big 8 Series champion Casey Johnson returns this Friday night to a track that has been very good to him through the years. Johnson has never finished worse than second in three career Big 8 starts at SPS, including a win at the tricky oval in 2013. SPS point leader Justin Mondiek will lead the weekly contingent, while local favorite Lyle Nowak plans to wheel the Shear Racing #36 for a third straight race. Nowak captured victory at SPS recently with the Mid American Stock Car Series on July 11. Last season, Reynolds topped Johnson in a hard-fought battle for victory, a win which was Reynolds’ third consecutive in Big 8 Series competition. Will a familiar face return to victory lane at SPS? Can Wilberg or Nason become the first repeat winner in the Big 8 Series this year? Or will there be a fourth different winner in four Big 8 Series events in 2015?

EXPECTED ENTRIES
(as of 7/22/15)

03- Cody Kippenhan Ypsilanti, MI
2- Michael Bilderback South Beloit, IL
5- Dave Edwards Salem, WI
5- Casey Johnson Stoughton, WI
X- Jon Reynolds Jr Rockford, IL
14- Austin Nason Roscoe, IL
15- Michael Clapper Dane, WI
17- Eric Connell Ft Atkinson, WI
18- Michael Ostdiek Lakeville, MN
28- Bobby Wilberg Beloit, WI
36- Lyle Nowak Wausau, WI
39- Todd Handrick Wausau, WI
44- Justin Mondiek Gleason, WI
45- Michael Bachaus Whitewater, WI
49- Tory Adams Madison, WI
54- Rich Schumann Jr Portage, WI
66- Adam Peschek Oconomowoc, WI
79- Jeff Nowak Weston, WI
82- J Herbst West Salem, WI
87- Brent Edmunds Monticello, WI
90- Mondell Peters Mosinee, WI
95- Wayne Freimund Elkhorn, WI
97- Cole Anderson Northfield, MN

REMAINING BIG 8 LATE MODEL SERIES EVENTS:
Fri July 24- Larry Detjens Memorial Race (State Park Speedway, Wausau WI)
Tues Aug 4- Gandrud Chevrolet Dixieland Delight (Wisconsin Int’l Raceway, Kaukauna WI)
Sat Sept 26- 7th Annual ‘Thunderstruck 93’ (Elko Speedway, Elko New Market, MN)
Sat Oct 3- 50th Anniversary National Short Track Championships (Rockford Speedway, Loves Park, IL)
Sat Oct 10- 46th Oktoberfest Race Weekend (La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, West Salem, WI)

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please visit www.big8series.com

June 28, 2015

Madison Int’l Speedway Results / 06.26.15

A-Main 01 — 1. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 2. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 3. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 4. Jon Reynolds, Jr., Rockford; 5. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 6. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 7. Brent Edmunds, Monticello, Wis; 8. Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis; 9. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 10. John Beale, Verona, Wis; 11. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 12. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 13. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 14. Caleb Adrian, Walcott, Iowa; 15. Shawn Gonsolus, Stoughton, Wis; 16. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis; 17. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 18. Mike Lloyd, Davis; 19. Tory Adams (r), Madison, Wis; 20. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 21. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis; 22. Mike Taylor, Stoughton, Wis; 23. Hunter Drefahl, Evansville, Wis.

Heat 01 — 1. Hunter Drefahl, Evansville, Wis; 2. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 3. Tory Adams (r), Madison, Wis; 4. Shawn
Gonsolus, Stoughton, Wis; 5. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.

Heat 02 — 1. Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 2. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis; 3. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 4. Mike Taylor, Stoughton, Wis.

Qualifying Dash 01 — 1. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 2. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 3. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield,
Minn.; 4. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 5. Caleb Adrian, Walcott, Iowa; 6. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 7. Jon Reynolds, Jr.,
Rockford.

Qualifying Dash 02 — 1. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville, Minn.; 2. John Beale, Verona, Wis; 3. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 4. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 5. Brent Edmunds, Monticello, Wis; 6. Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis; 7. Mike Lloyd, Davis.

Time Trial — 1. Bobby Wilberg, Beloit, Wis; 2. Michael Bilderback, South Beloit; 3. Austin Nason, Roscoe; 4. Brent
Edmunds, Monticello, Wis; 5. Caleb Adrian, Walcott, Iowa; 6. Michael Bachaus, Milton, Wis; 7. Jon Reynolds, Jr.,
Rockford; 8. Rich Schumann, Jr., Portage, Wis; 9. Cole Anderson (r), Northfield, Minn.; 10. Michael Ostdiek, Lakeville,
Minn.; 11. Wayne Freimund, Elkhorn, Wis; 12. John Beale, Verona, Wis; 13. Lyle Nowak, Wausau, Wis; 14. Mike Lloyd,
Davis; 15. Dave Edwards, Salem, Wis; 16. Eric Connell, Fort Atkinson, Wis; 17. Hunter Drefahl, Evansville, Wis; 18.
Michael Clapper, Dane, Wis; 19. Shawn Gonsolus, Stoughton, Wis; 20. Cody Kippenhan, Ypsilanti, Mich.; 21. Tory Adams (r), Madison, Wis; 22. Mike Taylor, Stoughton, Wis; 23. Tyler Hromadka, Brookfield, Wis.