Interstate Racing Association - IRA Sprints

WHITNEY, OTHERS, HONORED AT IRA BANQUET

Watertown, WI A large gathering came out to Turner Hall on a snowy Wisconsin night to honor Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series Champion Travis Whitney and nineteen of his fellow IRA competitors. For Whitney it was his second consecutive IRA series title as he took home $10,500 of the $70,000 in cash awards presented this night. The Minnesota driver was welcomed to the stage with a standing ovation as he accepted the IRA Frank Filskov Memorial Championship Trophy, and the TW Metals Fast Timer Award. Travis's Father and Car Owner Walt Whitney was also awarded his second consecutive VMAC Mechanic of the Year Award as the Don Ott powered #9 recorded twenty-seven top ten's in thirty starts, including five feature wins highlighted by capturing both rounds of Cedar Lake's Masters in front of his home crowd.

Popular second generation driver Billy Hafemann received Rookie of the Year accolades which included an additional $1250 above his point fund earnings, plus a custom driver's suit courtesy of R&H Enterprises & Awesome Racewear, a Bell helmet, Hoosier Tire jacket, and numerous other contingency awards.

In an emotional presentation long time IRA official Dick Symoens received the prestigious Rick Schmidt Memorial IRA Member of the Year Award for his professional and dedicated service to the series.

Fifth place points finisher Donny Goeden, and his car owner Bob Walldan had a big night as Goeden picked up a pair of additional $500 checks by claiming the Weld Wheels Winningest Driver Award as the team captured a series leading six feature events, and from CJW Distributors/Miller Beer for capturing King of Wisconsin honors by accumulating the most points at the four Wilmot Speedway events which included two wins and a pair of seconds. Todd Hepfner of HRP Wings then added another $600 in cash to the team's wallet, $100 for each win using his product.

Seventh place point man Scott Biertzer too had a huge night. The second generation driver was awarded as the James Bartz Memorial IRA Most Improved Driver, and also picked up an additional $500 as the Midwest Safety Team Perseverance Award winner. Biertzer also won the R&H Enterprises Heat Race Award for capturing the most heat race wins throughout the season (14) and was presented a pair of Winters Performance front hubs. The Biertzer-Kohl team's luck continued on as they drew the number one pill later on in the evening kicking off IRA's unique and popular contingency product drawing, selecting a prize package highlighted by a set of All-Pro cylinder heads.

Brian Kristan's #5 was awarded Best Appearing Car honors.

IRA Appreciation Awards were presented to Lyle Lundy of Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts & Service Centers for their long time title support of the series, and to Bill McCroskey of McCroskey Chevrolet/Pontiac/Cadillac/Buick, Trace Roy of TW Metals, Chad Anderson of Hoosier Tire, Harry Neitzel of R&H Enterprises, and Kim Mock accepted on behalf of CJW Distributors. Behling Racing Equipment, Gleason Equipment, Osborn & Son Trucking, and Jay Parrish of Fram/Autolite were also acknowledged for their tremendous support.

IRA President Steve Sinclair proudly announced that Bar's Leaks is coming on-board in a presenting role beginning in 2008. Bar's Leaks the official stop leak, and their Rislone brand as the official additive of the IRA.

IRA Dedication Awards were presented to the Midwest Safety Team, accepted by founder Gil Radtke, to official starter Jim Barr, and to the Meyer and Tennyson families for their tireless efforts behind the scenes.

A record amount of product was handed out as all twenty teams shared in the (Car Owner's) product drawing. While all the teams went home big winners, some of the prize winners included Dave Uttech and Kim Mock who both won Maxim Chassis, Tim Vandervere a package highlighted by a set of Brodix cylinder heads, Bill Warren a Design 500 Racewear driver's suit, Bill Modjeski a KSE steering box, Mike Reinke a Fuel Safe tail tank assembly, Billy Hafemann a complete brake kit courtesy of The Brake Man, etc, etc.... Numerous other prize packages were highlighted by products coutesy of Velocity, HRP, MSD, Sander, Bell, Afco, Wilwood, Impact, MPD, Real, and FSR. Numerous other companies provided product adding tremendously to the value of the prize packages.

The 2007 season which for the first time had IRA running in affiliation with ASA Racing, completed thirty events at eighteen different venues within a four state region. Additionally four events at yet two more additional facilities fell victim to weather.

Justin Zoch emceed the event. A musical slide presentation by Dick Symoens and photographer Jeff Arms, and a video tribute from Dave's Racing Video's warmed up the crowd on a wintery Wisconsin night. Music by Majeeda revved up the post awards party.

IRA's Top 10 Final Point Standings

1. Travis Whitney 3974
2. Mike Reinke 3914
3. Scotty Neitzel 3840
4. Steve Meyer 3725
5. Donny Goeden 3609
6. John Haeni 3592
7. Scott Biertzer 3359
8. Scott Uttech 3160
9. Brian Kristan 3072
10. Bill Warren 2878

IRA Banquet Set For Dec 15th

The 48th annual Interstate Racing Association (O'Reilly Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints) Awards Banquet is slated for Saturday night December 15th at Turner Hall in Watertown,  Wisconsin. Travis Whitney captured his second consecutive series crown, while Billy Hafemann  earned United Trailers Rookie of the Year honors.

20 teams representing 3 states met eligibility requirements and will share in yet another record IRA point fund. IRA completed 30 race dates with 17 different drivers visiting victory lane. Of those 30 dates, 18 different venues hosted events within a 4-state region, 2 additional venues lost their events to weather. Only 5 teams recorded multiple wins led by Donny Goeden (6). Whitney captured 5, Mike Reinke (3), while Steve Meyer and Wayne Johnson each captured (2).

A record $71,967 awaits banquet night, with numerous ADDITIONAL goodies such as chassis, heads, helmets, shocks, wheels, etc all awaiting banquet distribution. It should also be noted that IRA paid eligible teams over $42,000 in appearance tow money (above and beyond purse), and rebated eligible teams $12,690 from RR tire purchases throughout the year in its' own uniquely designed program thus getting the cost of a RR tire for series supporting teams down to $153. $6,000 in fast time money was also payed out this season courtesy of Osborn & Son Trucking.

The IRA Awards Banquet is open to the public, tickets are $25 each and must be purchased in
advance, see www.irasprints.com or www.irasprints.org The strength of a series can often be found by simply looking at the point standings, IRA proudly suggests looking at the point standings of other regional 410 series, or any other series period for that matter, to demonstrate the competitive nature within the IRA. IRA proudly had 5 previous series Champions competing full time in 07, with Whitney, Scotty Neitzel, John Haeni, Donny Goeden, and Kim Mock.

The 49th edition of the IRA looks great for 2008 with the schedule being pencilled in at a rapid rate, with consolidation of travel being considered more strongly than ever. With a majority of IRA teams being based within an hour of Milwaukee, those teams will be pleased to know that over half the 08 schedule will be contested within a 90 minute or less tow, with additional premier shows like Cedar Lake's Masters, and popular combo weekends like Hancock Co. Fair / Deer Creek, Red Cedar / Rice Lake, and Northern Nationals / Richert Memorial will again appear to keep our northwest contingent pleased.

So come join us as we celebrate the conclusion of a great 07 season, and prepare for the excitement of what 08 will offer, Saturday night December 15th at Turner Hall in Watertown, WI.

Superior & Cedar Lake Next On Tap For IRA

Two traditional events are on tap for the O'Reilly Bumper to Bumper IRA 410 Outlaw Sprints this weekend, September 7th & 8th. IRA headlines the Friday portion of Superior Speedway's Northern Nationals and then makes the two hour commute south to the Cedar Lake Speedway for Saturday's annual Jerry Richert Memorial IRA/Knoxville/NOSA Challenge. Both of these dates are true events and have presented fans with some outstanding racing over the years.

Both venues have great track surfaces and are a favorite of both racer and fan. Kerry Madsen, now a World of Outlaws regular, captured the Northern Nationals crown last year. Mike Reinke captured the prestigeous Jerry Richert Memorial in his popular rim-riding style last year. Reinke who currently sits second in the IRA point standings and who is coming off a dominant victory in IRA's most recent event, Seymour Speedway on Sunday Sept. 2nd, will be on hand both nights as he tries to reel in current IRA point leader Travis Whitney.

Whitney has been victorious at both these venues and considers them his home track's. Donny Goeden captured IRA's May Superior appearance, while Whitney swept both ends of Cedar Lake's Masters weekend back in June.

This weekend has become an IRA trademark while also playing a major role in determining the season champion. IRA still has seven dates left in its' point season.

The IRA has been headlining the Friday night activities of the multi-day Northern Nationals since 1999. The Richert Memorial event has fast become the jewel on the IRA schedule. The combination makes for an outstanding sprint car weekend.

WHITNEY CEDAR LAKE IRA MASTER

6/15-16 New Richmond, WI Travis Whitney had the biggest night in his racing career Saturday night at what he considers his home track, by capturing both ASA O'Reilly Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint main events during The Masters at Cedar Lake Speedway. With the original event schedule slated to have complete shows on each night of the two-day contest, rain which hit the speedway just following prelim action on Friday forced both A-main events to be run on Saturday night. Whitney who came into the event as the defending event winner, series champion, and current series point leader. At the events' completion he left $5,500 richer and enhanced his point lead in the process by capturing both ends of what has become IRA's signature event. Whitney piloted his father Walt's Premier Transmissions Don Ott powered entry to convincing wins in both feature events.

Saturday night began with the running of what was supposed to be Friday night's feature. IRA veteran Kim Mock to the initial lead and looked very strong opening a commanding lead early in the 25 lapper while Whitney, Scott Winters, Scotty Neitzel, and Billy Balog gave chase. At the hlf-way point Winters would take second from Whitney as leader Mock entered lapped traffic with a ten car length margin when disaster struck. Mock jumped the third turn cushion making contact with the outside wall, actually riding on top of the wall fighting to keep control. Simultaneously Winters ran over Dave Uttech and flipped just as Mock came off the wall with front-end damage, eliminating both the first and second place machines and Uttech as well.

Whitney would take over as the race leader, and despite numerous efforts by Neitzel, and Balog to close the gap following two more restarts, would hang on for the win. For Whitney this would be his second IRA win of the year having just won a week earlier in Oshkosh WI. Neitzel came home a strong second in this first main of the night with Balog, Donny Goeden, and Mike Reinke completing a very fast top five. John Haeni, Joe Symoens, Steve Meyer, Todd King, and Matt Wasmund would round out the top ten.

Before the rains came Friday, Neitzel ser fast time over the thirty-nine car field, while heat wins went to Goeden, Dusty Ballenger, Scott Biertzer, and Balog. Reinke and King each took one of the twin B-mains.

IRA First A-MAIN Finish; 1. Travis Whitney, Scotty Neitzel, Billy Balog, Donny Goeden, Mike Reinke, John Haeni, Joe Symoens, Steve Meyer, Todd King, Matt Wasmund, Brian Kristan,. Dusty Ballenger, Mike Sitzmann Jr, Bill Warren, John Sernett, Scott Biertzer, Scott MacDonald, Kim Mock, Scott Winters, Dave Uttech, Jerry Richert Jr, Scott Uttech

MASTERS FINALE

Travis Whitney completed the biggest night of his career by capturing the ASA O'Reilly Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints Masters Finale at Cedar Lake Saturday night. For Whitney this was his second consecutive overall Masters Championship, and his third IRA win in the past four races.

Scott Biertzer jumped out to a strong early lead though front-row mate Billy Balog would bring out an early caution with driveline woes. Biertzer would continue in command with John Haeni, Whitney, Scotty Neitzel, and Mike Reinke in tow. Whitney made a huge move by driving in very deep and sliding up in front of both Biertzer and Haeni to take the lead. A fierce battle waged behind Whitney for runnerup honors as Biertzer, Haeni, Neitzel, and a charging Reinke went at had it hard for several laps. A Kim Mock yellow followed by contact between Ty Bartz and Jason Johnson would close the gap on lap fourteen of the scheduled thirty lap affair. Biertzer would suffer a flat tire after a brush with the wall and restart at the tail.

Reinke would power by his challengers for second and despite one last restart Whitney would hold off a determined Reinke for the win. Haeni would come home a very strong third over a charging Scott Uttech. Donny Goeden completed the top five with Neitzel splipping to sixth after a brush with the third turn concrete. Brian Kristan, Steve Meyer, Mike Stitzman Jr, and John Sernett rounded out the top ten.

Passing points determined the line-ups for Saturday's events with thirty-nine cars signed in. Heats wins went to Neitzel, Reinke, Stitzman Jr, and Biertzer while rookie Rusel Borland picked up his first career checkerd in the first B-main, while Kim Mock took a very entertaining win in the second B.

Whitney leads the IRA point chase with a third of the season complete, over Reinke, Meyer, Neitzel, and Haeni.

IRA MASTERS FINALE A-Main Finish: 1. Travis Whitney, Mike Reinke, John Haeni, Scott Uttech, Donny Goeden, Scotty Neitzel, Brian Kristan, Steve Meyer, Mike Stitzmann Jr, John Sernett, Bill Warren, Dusty Ballenger, Tim Vandevere, Brett Geldner, Jerry Richert Jr, Rusel Borland, Scott Biertzer, Kim Mock, David O'Neal, Ty Bartz, Jason Johnson, Billy Balog

RED HOT GOEDEN REOPENS CHARTER WIITH IRA WIN

Beaver Dam, WI 6/2 Charter Raceway Park opened its' doors for the first time since a fire raged through the facility just thirteen days prior for the first round of The Duel At The Dam. The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints feature was a wild contest, however when the checkered flag waved a red hot Donny Goeden sat in victory lane, his third win in the past four IRA events. Goeden steered the Bob Walldan 50th Year In Motorsports Anniversary Special to victory in the thirty lapper on a tacky fast surface as overnight rain and a morning shower had the banked third-moile lightning quick.

The race was only a lap old when front-row mates John Haeni and Kim Mock got together as Haeni got loose resulting in an early exit for the pair of former IRA Champion's. Another past champion took over the lead on the restart as Scotty Neitzel would take command for the next several circuits. Ironically two more past IRA titlists would follow as Goeden and Travis Whitney ran second and third through the events initial laps.

Neitzel appeared to be fighting a too tight car on the heavy surface and began to slip as Goeden drove by, with Whitney and seventh starting Mike Reinke getting past moments later. A great battle just behind the leaders was taking place as Tommy Sexton, Scott Biertzer, and Scott Young went at it hard for fifth until Sexton slipped up into Biertzer resulting in a two-car red on lap thiteen, ending the night for both.

The remainder of the race would stay green as Goeden appeared to be in control for most of it. Whitney and Reinke would close the gap in the final laps as the three car freight train worked lapped traffic to perfection. Reinke would take Whitney on the inside for second and made a last lap charge at Goeden's no.11 Maxim, however Goeden, the 1999 IRA Champion held on by a car length for the win. Reinke would come home an impressive second, with Whitney claiming his third consecutive "show" finish in a row. Scott Young had a solid run to claim fourth, with twenty-second starting Jason Johnson putting in a tremendous drive charging to fifth at the finish. Neitzel held on for sixth, followed by current IRA Rookie of the Year leader Billy Haffeman, Steve Meyer, Brian Kristan, and rookie David O'Neal. Kristan too put in a solid drive coming from the rear after a lap one work area visit.

A wild first heat went to Whitney, though it featured a horrendous third turn double flip by Patrick Haynes and Andy Hunt. Hunt would return for the B-main, however the Haynes machine was totally destroyed. Thankfully neither was injured. Other heat wins went to Kristan, and Goeden. Biertzer captured the B, while Whitney topped the field in qualifying.

The Charter Raceway Park staff should be commended for the effort put forth to have the facility open and ready for business just days following their unfortunate fire.

IRA has a Wisconsin doubleheader next weekend, with a Friday June 8th visit to the Oshkosh SpeedZone Raceway, followed by a Saturday June 9th return visit to the Wilmot Speedway.

Charter Raceway Park 30 Lap IRA Outlaw Sprints A-main Finish; 1. Donny Goeden, Mike Reinke, Travis Whitney, Scott Young, Jason Johnson, Scotty Neitzel, Billy Haffeman, Steve Meyer, Brian Kristan, David O'Neal, Ty Bartz, Joe Symoens, Bill Wirth, Wayne Modjeski, Bill Warren, Scott Uttech, Tommy Sexton, Scott Biertzer, Rusel Borland, Kurt Davis, John Haeni, Kim Mock

IRA to Help RE-Open Charter Raceway!

Beaver Dam, WI (June1, 2007): Charter Raceway Park reopens on Saturday June 2nd, with a major event, as "The Duel At The Dam" goes track side featuring twin headliners with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw 410 Sprints & The Badger Midgets. All the cars and stars of both organizations will be on hand for this true open wheel spectacular.

The staff at Charter Raceway Park has done an unbelievable job making the facility ready to host such an event less than two weeks after a fire ripped through the facility destroying the main building (the track's trademark) and some support vehicles.

IRA salutes the efforts of the Charter staff and looks forward to competing in this big event at what is still one of the finest short track venues in the country.

Adult tickets for The Duel At The Dam are only $20. So come on out and see the best in regional open wheel racing, The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints and The Badger Midget Auto Racing Association together at Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, it's The Duel At The Dam.
 

DERTERMINED KERTSCHER SCORES IRA DODGE CO

4/28 Beaver Dam, WI - A very determined Mike Kertscher powered his way to victory in the 25 lap Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints FRAM DUEL at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway half-mile. After having lost what appeared to be a sure win the week prior as he ran out of fuel just fifty yards shy from victory, Ketrtscher left no doubt that he was the man this week, thundering to the win from his 11th starting position aboard Chris Hartnell & Eldon Dorn's
courgeous Captain Jim's #80k entry.

Dave Uttech grabbed the initial lead, with Donny Goeden taking the point a few laps later. Goeden would continue to lead following restarts for a Uttech spin, and seperate reds for John Haeni, and later Bill Wirth as he contacted a spinning Mike Reinke. Both Haeni and Reinke were top ten cars on the move at the time their race ended.

Goeden looked strong, though Kertscher was the man on the move eventually running Goeden down and taking the lead just past the event's half-way mark. Kertscher set a torrid pace lapping up to the ninth at the end.

Goeden aboard Bob Walldan's 50th Year in Motorsports Theme Car came home a strong second despite losing power steering towards the end, with Scott Young coming home third in an impressive ride after starting fourteenth. Scott Biertzer and defending IRA Champion Travis Whitney would round out th top five. A charging Steve Meyer came home sixth over Scotty Neitzel, Brian Kristan, John Sernett, with Joe Symoens completing the top ten.For the second week in a row Tommy Sexton would register a DNF after a strong top three run through most of the race.

Whitney captured the Osborn & Son Trucking Fast Time Award pacing the 32 car field in time trials. Heat Wins went to D. Uttech, Jason Johnson, Biertzer, and Kristan. Kertscher took the B-main.

IRA competes in Iowa the next two weeks with shows at 34 Raceway on Sunday May 6th, and Knoxville Raceway on Saturday May 12th.

A-MAIN FINISH; 1. Mike Kertscher 2. Donny Goeden 3. Scott Young 4. Scott Biertzer 5. Travis Whitney 6. Steve Meyer 7. Scotty Neitzel 8. Brian Kristan 9. John Sernett 10. Joe Symoens 11. Bill Warren 12. Tim Sernett 13. Dave Uttech 14. Troy Wondra 15. Billy Hafemann 16. Andy Hunt 17. Jason Johnson 18. Todd King 19. Tommy Sexton 20. Mike Reinke 21. Bill Wirth 22. Scott Uttech 23. John Haeni 24. David O'Neal

The Interstate Racing Association Outlaw Sprint Series

MEYER WINS THRILLER TO OPEN IRA SEASON

Beaver Dam, WI The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints opened their 2007 campaign with the annual Rick Schmidt Memorial at the half-mile Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedeway and a show that'll have people talking for quite a while, as race leader Mike Kertscher ran out of fuel
just a 50 yards from victory, with 13th starting Steve Meyer roaring by for the win. Four others would squeeze by the coasting Kertscher as he coasted to a 6th place finish. Ironically the Kertscher machine was the only car to run out of fuel.

Meyer piloted his Meyer Electric / KW Electric / Competion Specialists J&J to the win, with defending IRA Champion Travis Whitney coming home second, over an impressive run by third place finishing Mike Reinke who roared back through the field after being involved in an early yellow. Brian Kristan, and fast qualifier John Haeni completed the top five.

Several mishaps eliminated many front runners including the race starting front row of Scott Biertzer and Tim Sernett. Tommy Sexton and Scotty Neitzel were also eliminated in seperate crashes, though each ran as high as second place.

Kertscher seemed to have the race in control as despite several restarts he would work his way to a comfortable margin. Kertscher led the entire race, except the final 50 yards.

Haeni topped the 32 car field in qualifying, with heat wins going to Biertzer, Kurt Davis (subbing for Wayne Modjeski), and Donny Goeden. Whitney captured the B.

IRA returns to Dodge Co. for their next week April 28th.

A-MAIN FINISH with car number & Starting position

1. 85m Steve Meyer (13)
2. 9 Travis Whitney (12)
3. 02 Mike Reinke (6)
4. 5 Brian Kristan (4)
5. 21j John Haeni (8)
6. 80k Mike Kertscher (3)
7. 95 Bill Warren (20)
8. 97 Todd King (23)
9. 1M Kim Mock (15)
10. 91 John Sernett (18)
11. 77 Kurt Davis (10)
12. 1H Billy Balog (12)
13. 21G Howie Gleason (21)
14. 44 Jason Johnson (22)
15. 68 Dave Uttech (15)
16. 11 Donny Goeden (9)
17. 9a Andy Hunt (24) DNF
18. 2w Scotty Neitzel (5) DNF
19. 96 Joe Symoens (19) DNF
20. 83d Tommy Sexton (7) DNF
21. 3 Scott Young (14) DNF
22. 75 Ty Bartz (16) DNF
23. 91t Tim Sernett (2) DNF
24. 4b Scott Biertzer (1) DNF

The Interstate Racing Association Outlaw Sprint Series
 

IRA SEASON OPENER SET FOR THIS SATURDAY

Beaver Dam, WI The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints head trackside to open their 2007 campaign this Saturday with the Rick Schmidt Memorial on the Dodge Coounty Fairgrounds Speedway half-mile in Beaver Dam, WI. The 23 lap affair in honor of Schmidt's long time number has been the traditional IRA opener since Schmidt passed. Rick Schmidt was a very well liked and  respected long time driver, owner, and IRA Board of Director who was extremely influential in  helping IRA grow to its' current status as one of top regional series in the country.

IRA's 410's are scheduled for Dodge County both this Saturday April 21st, and again next  Saturday April 28th, before the series heads to Iowa's 34 Raceway for a Sunday May 6th visit.  All 3 shows have early start times, with hot laps beginning at 4pm for Dodge Co.

Five IRA Champions representing seven titles will be competing full time with the series  this season. Defending Champion Travis Whitney, two-time kings Scotty Neitzel & Kim Mock, plus  John Haeni, and Donny Goeden all have serious assaults planned for the 2007 season. An IRA  trademark of strong member supported car counts will be no different in 07, as solid fields are expected all season long.

Joining the IRA at Dodge for both visits will be the debut of the Short Track Action Racing  Series Modifieds, competing in $1000 to win, $100 to start A-mains.

IRA and STARS are proud to announce the participation of FRAM / AUTOLITE to their series in  07, supplying both product and financial rewards to each series.

The Dodge Co. IRA event will mark the first for IRA under its' new affiliation with Daytona  Beach based ASA Racing.
 

The Interstate Racing Association Outlaw Sprint Series

Back