What If I Fired Tom Berg and Ran My Own Fictional Race Track

Sorry, Tom...that was clearly click bait.

Let's back up. Tom Berg, a local race blogger, was challenged by a fellow radio host to come up with some ideas as to how he would run a race track. Tom's post did an excellent job of pinpointing some proven features of a well run speedway....prompt start times, affordable admission and concessions, and great racer payout. But sometimes you need something to set you apart.

Here's a link to Tom's article: https://www.racechaser.net/blog/if-i-ran-the-show?fbclid=IwAR2ITP8RAig_DfCeMMpp09ZZTIYPMS7KCtV2B53Zl86vExewguxenIG2-gg

Tom does great work. Please follow him.

I don't have all the answers, but I've been lucky enough to work alongside Jake and Sharnel Bitker the last few years. I've learned a lot about the ins and outs. We've tried new things. Sometimes we failed, sometimes we were successful. Aside from being an announcer, I'm a fan. I'm not afraid to admit when something didn't work or if I was blown away. So with that being said...here's a few things I would do if I ran a race track.

1. I would have to have a premiere class. Sprints or Late Models. They quite simply put fans in the seats. It also opens the speedway up for world class talent. Guys like Don Shaw, Ricky Weiss, Mark Dobmeier, TJ Kennedy, and others are house hold names across the nation. They are the best of the best and fans will pay to see them.

2. PreRace entertainment would be weekly. Give the fans a reason to come early. Perhaps games for kids or racing simulators. Maybe host IRacing races an hour before green flag drop. Live music as well. You can do these same things after the races also. Bottom line is get fans there early and you sell more beer and food. That's key in making a good profit.

3. Speaking of food. I think it would be of interest to have some sort of food to specialize in. Something the fans would HAVE to try. Could be gimmicky, but it does have to be good. Martinsville Hot Dog ring a bell? Locally I think of River Cities Speedway and their bucket of Nachos.

4. And on the beer front: Sell craft beer! It's a HUGE market and the millennial generation loves it. You don't see hipsters and millennials in general at the races. Offer them something besides Bud Light and Mikes Hard Lemonade and you might get some new fans. Especially if you collaborate with a local brewer to offer an exclusive race track brew. Hell I always thought it would smart to operate a brewery at the track. You could make money during off nights. Be the first race track/microbrewery in the nation. THAT attracts new fans.

5. Offer a unique atmosphere, a unique setting or backdrop. River Cities Speedway does a superb job of this. It feels like an arena. North Central Speedway is another with the Pine Trees. They also put the fans close to the action, BRRP and Devils Lakes Speedway offer turn 4 seating with great views.

6. My announcer would work hand and hand with the promoter. Have them involved in the all of the operations. Have them selling and getting to know the sponsors. The better relationship you can keep with the sponsors, the better the longevity of the track. I think Tom pointed that out as well, but it is seriously very important.

7. I'd put an emphasis on theme nights and giveaways. It works well at baseball and hockey games. Don't change what we know works.

8. Meet the driver nights work. We've proven that. Adding on to that I would do my best to make the drivers look like heros. And to the kids they are. Put them in front of the fans in their race suit whenever possible. The Outlaws do a great job of that. Monster Jam does as well.

So that's a few ideas. All in all you don't need mega money to run a successful race track (See Badlands Speedway). Work hard, be creative, and love racing and you'll do great running your fictional racetrack. What are your creative ideas?

RRVS News & Notes from May 2nd Test & Tune

It was a beautiful night for a test session on Wednesday, May 2nd for the 3/8 mile dirt track in West Fargo, ND. Not only was it a great opportunity for many of the drivers to test out their new cars and put some laps on before the new season starts, but I also took the opportunity to run some tests on my broadcast equipment as I prepare for another season of racing coverage. I also used the opportunity to take some observations and mingle with drivers and gather as much information as I can. Here's some notes from what I learned.

-First off, there was a TON of cars. It was a fast past paced test session with at times long lines for drivers to get on the track. Late Models, Limited Late Models, Modifieds (USMTS, IMCA, WISSOTA), Sport Mods, Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, and Legends were all represented. Might have even been a few Midwest Mods and Street Stocks too.

-With Corey VanMil officially hanging up the helmet, both Rob and Chris VanMill have changed their number to #40. Rob will also be racing Corey's Stock Car this season.

-Speaking of Stock Cars, there was handful in attendance, including Tim Church and Brandon Schmidt's brand new rides. I didn't get to see them run too many laps. And when I did it was early and I think they were taking it pretty easy. Poor John Sandvig didn't even get a lap in before he lost his drive shaft. He did make it back out but was struggling, and I mean struggling, with a very tight race car. Rick Schulz looked mighty comfortable.

-Does Rich Pavlicek have a new number? It would appear so. Rich looks to be sporting the #174 this season. His dad's original number was #4 and Rich has been #17...add them together. #174.

-There were 3 Arnesons taking part in practice. Austin was testing out his USMTS and IMCA car, Casey had his USMTS machine, and Cale had his IMCA car, which is GREEN this year. Well, white and green. Don't anticipate seeing all three on the track at once, however. Although Austin will be racing this Friday at RRVS, him and Casey will be running the USMTS schedule as it makes its way into the upper Midwest. Also I just want to point out that I saw Austin spin out twice. I wouldn't read too much into other than we now know he is human. Mike Spieker and I believe he may have did it on purpose for a sweet action shot. It worked. Mike's got a great photo to prove it.

-Bryce Borgen returns this year with a leaf car once again. Actually he was testing out a pair of Bob Sagen engineered leaf machines. One appeared to be the same car he drove last year and I'm not sure which pasture they drug the other one out of, but it looked like it was hooking up quite well from my perspective. Those cars don't look like much, but with Bryce's confidence and Bob's engineering those are top 5 cars most nights.

-Jesse Skalicky might embarrass  a lot of good drivers this season. I think the transition from a sport mod to a modified won't be much of a transition at all. He looked fast and comfortable with the extra horsepower. He has also already shown his upside with the few races he has under his belt this season. Getting a W or two this year would not surprise me one bit for the 3s crew. That Fury digs as the cool kids would say.

-The Sailer siblings put on a ton of laps throughout the night. Reile developed a lot last year and has put some improvements underneath the car which should allow him to be more aggressive, which he appeared to be. The car was much free'er and he had good control. His time on the track was cut short, however, after a mud chunk busted up his visor. Gwen put on as many laps as she could to prepare for her rookie season in a sport mod. She got faster each his session. From what I know of Gwen she seems to be a fierce competitor, so I'm looking forward to seeing how she develops.

-Also a big shout out to Scott Sailer. Guy is just a rockstar dad. Not only does he bust his ass doing awesome things with Performance Auto, Norman County Raceway, and Red River Valley Speedway, but he now has two cars to look after. He spends a lot of late nights working on those machines in the backyard, not a fancy shop mind you, and teaching his kids how to fix/maintain their machines. He also has a task of getting of two cars to the track with a trailer that only holds one car. Plus Scott is just a stellar dude. Always positive, always willing to help. He gets my nomination for dad of the year. (Also I do want to note Tom Cummings has helped a lot in getting those two into the sport also.)

-I saw Nick Skalicky smile, but it was after he gave me the middle finger.

-Scotty Richardson would have rather been fishing. I agree Scott, but it's good to be racing again.

-Mike Greseth got really aggressive with his suspension set ups on Wednesday night. The car was rolling hard to the right. The left rear quarter panel was about two feet off the dirt. He looked pretty tight though. Whatever suspension set up his pit mate Dave Shipley was running looked to be on the mark, however. The Dakota Cat #72 looked like it was glued to the track in the first few sessions.

-Both the Veralrud brothers were in action. Ryan is back with a military theme. His number, #22 too many, and his car are geared at raising awareness for Veteran Suicide. I hope to get the opportunity to chat more about this issue with Ryan down the road on Racing on the Radio.

-Mike Johnson will be waiting a few weeks before he hits the track. His car could potentially be ready for the Norman County Raceway Season opener on May 24th.

-Along with a good car turnout, there was a really good fan turnout. Probably close to a 100 or so fans.

-There was a cool moment when Cody Skytland and Travis Robertson were both on the track together. Travis's Late Model was naturally a little bit faster, but Skytland didn't seem to give up the position and the two ran side by side for a few laps before the session ended. It just makes me want to see a Late Model vs Open Motor Mod Shootout in the future.

-Since I'm on the subject of Travis Robertson, I wanted to make mention of a neat offering the sophomore late model driver will have in the pits this year. He's got 1000 Thunder Road Buy 1 Get 1 Coupons that he's handing out to whoever wants them. The more that get turned in, the more he gets for sponsorship. I hereby challenge Travis to a go-kart race and a round of mini golf!

That's it for now. Chris VanMil will join me on Racing on the Radio Review this Saturday, May 5th. We'll also have live racing coverage from Red River Valley Speedway on 106.5 KRJB this Friday night with prerace show starting at 6:45pm, Green Flag at 7pm. Streaming link here: https://network1sports.com/station/krjb

NCR Hopes to Draw in Fans with Promotions for Rest of the Season

The racing has action at Norman County Raceway has not let down one bit this season, but it's no secret that the fan count has been on the low side for most of the summer. So to counteract that and to add some excitement to the 99 year old grandstand, Jake and Sharnel Bitker are working on a fun promotional schedule for the rest of the racing season season. I've been lucky enough to work with them in this process, so I thought I'd give fans a sneak peak at what's to come.

Kin Pin Klash - Thursday, July 20th - Presented by The Bowler and RDO
Although it doesn't show it on the schedule, this Thursday July 20th is in fact the annual King Pin Klash at NCR. This year, it will be for the IMCA Stock Cars since the Street Stocks are no longer on the schedule. $500 to win for the Stock Cars (Same payout as Mods).  Fans who wear either a bowling shirt or a John Deere or RDO hat or shirt will receive $2 off their admission.

Half Price Night - Thursday July 27th.
Tentatively scheduled for July 27th, all fans will get to see the regular, high flying NCR lineup for just $6! Special concession pricing may be in the works as well. UPDATE: $1 off beer ALL Night! Plus other beer specials may be in the works! Stay tuned! And there will be bike giveaways courtesy of RDO along with Grill Giveaways from McCollum Hardware in Ada! 

RACEfest - August 3rd. 
Apparently there's so big country music fest taking place on the same day, so we thought it would be fun to host our own Fest of sorts! Headlining RACEfest is the NLRA Late Models, along with Modifieds, Sport Mods, Midwest Mods, and Legends! Plus NCR is planning on giving away some VIP single day WeFest passes  and other goodies from Corey's Care Center as well.

Ladies Night! - August 10th
Attention all girls who just wanna have fun!!! What better place to have at than Norman County Raceway! All ladies get in for free as part of the Ladies night at NCR! More details to come!

Sanders Mod Tour Kickoff - August 17th
The annual Sanders Mod Tour kicks off at NCR once again! Join us after the race for the annual pork chop party in the pits! Plus Norman County Heating and Cooling will giving away a free American Flag!

Season Championship - August 24th
Last chance to see racing at NCR for the summer! Who knows what we'll have cooked up for the season finale?!?

Things may change and other plans are still being finalized, but come support your local dirt track for the rest of the season!

2017 NCR/RRVS Season Preview

As we approach the 2017 racing season, let's take a look at what's new and exciting as well as which big events are returning to Norman County Raceway and Red River Valley Speedway in 2017. As always, I'll be covering all the events either on this blog or with live #RacingontheRadio coverage, so make sure to tune in! Here's your 2017 Norman County Raceway and Red River Valley Speedway Season Preview!

Norman County Raceway

The Classes: IMCA Modifieds, Northern Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, IMCA Stock Cars, INEX Legends, Wissota Midwest Modifieds. As you may have noticed, gone this year is the WISSOTA Street Stocks. They've brought great racing action for the last several years, but low car counts meant its time for something new. The IMCA Stock Cars take their place, which have a similar appearance, but allow for more aggressive suspension sets and engine packages. The Legends and Hobby Stocks will alternate.

Corey VanMill makes the jump to an IMCA Stock Car in 2017.

Meet and Greet: Meet and Greet night (June 8th) is starting to become a fan favorite tradition since it was introduced a handful of years ago. It's a fantastic opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with the driver and their machines, which will be parked on the front stretch during intermission. Even for myself, I don't get the opportunity to meet all the drivers prior to the races, so it's nice to put a face to the number. Drivers typically hand out driver cards, sign autographs, and even give candy out to their young fans.

Fair Week: This year's Norman County Fair (June 21-24th) will no longer feature back to back NLRA Late Models. Instead the Wednesday show will host a more affordable and less time consuming line up of INEX Legends, Lightning Sprints, and IMCA Hobby Stocks. But the Thursday night fair show will host the big boy sprints: NOSA Outlaw 410's to be exact. IMCA Modifieds and Stock Cars will support. No racing Friday as usual, but Saturday will have the usual Battle of the Buses plus go-karts, semi trucks, and all sorts of madness. This year's Fair Special lineups are intended to entertain, but also give everyone a chance to enjoy the Norman County Fair.

NLRA Late Models: Need not worry, the fan favorite NLRA Late Models will return once again. They'll be back on August 3rd with a full slate of support classes including Mods, Sports Mods, and more.

Sanders Modified Challenge Tour: Norman County Raceway, the home of the original Sanders Mod Challenge, will once again be kicking off the 2nd annual Sander Modifed Tour. Last year's tour brought in nearly 50 very talented drivers and an endless supply of the Red River Valley Sportman's Club's famous pork chops. Tour kicks off August 18th.

Red River Valley Speedway

The Classes: IMCA Modifieds, Northern Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Stock Cars, INEX Legends. RRVS did a really good job of keeping the show moving last year. However, the pressure will be on them this year with an additional class and a large turnout of Mods once again expected. The Sport Mod field could very well see a boost in numbers this season.

Dakota Cat 100: Red River Valley Speedway is introducing an exciting two night IMCA Modified special this year with Dakota Cat. The special will take place on May 25th and 26th, which is right before Memorial Day Weekend. NCR/RRVS Track owner Jake Bitker said fan counts have been historically low at NCR that Thursday, so he decided to try something new that could draw interest from both drivers and fans. Details of the special are still being tweaked, but both of the nights are expected to have a 42 lap Mod feature to show support for Mike Bruns. (8 lap heats + 42 lap feature=50x2=100...hence the Dakota Cat 100)Worth noting: There were several caution free Mod races at RRVS, even with 30+ plus cars.

World of Outlaws: Hands down the biggest addition to the 2017 schedule is the return of the World of Outlaws to Red River Valley Speedway (June 17th). Donny Shatz, Joey Saldana, Daryn Pitman, Shane Stewart...all the biggest names in the Sprint Car industry will be there! Plus the NLRA Late Model will be the support class. Tickets are on sale now and good seats are still available!

Red River Valley Fair Special: A free event (with fair gate admission) with NOSA Sprints, Modifieds, and Stock Cars is hands down the best bargain of the year. Plus enjoy some rides and fair food. What better way to spend a Sunday with the family? It proved the case last year with a jam packed grand stand. Mark your calendars for July 16th.


King Pin Klash: - (July 21st) The King Pin Klash has moved from Norman County Raceway over to the sister track at Red River Valley Speedway. Historically it's been a Street Stock Special, but it will now be a IMCA Stock Car Special. Thanks to the Bowler for continuing the tradition.

Cruise Night: Bust out the hot rod on Wednesday, August 2nd and take a cruise over to Red River Valley Speedway as the NLRA Late Models headline the first ever Cruise Night night special. I do expect long lines at the car wash the next day, however...

Sanders Mod Tour: The 2nd Night of the Sanders Mod Tour once again finds itself at RRVS on August 18th. Last year, there was around 50 Mods at this stop. Austin Arneson won the races in Ada and RRVS, while Jamie Trautner took home the upset in Jamestown and Veteran John Correll got the win at BRRP. If you like Modifieds...this is a must see event!

INEX Legend Dirt Nationals: The Red River Valley Speedway will host the best INEX Legend drivers in the Nation Septembr 29th and 30th. The Fargo Force Super Stocks, along with a full line up of support classes with accompany the Legends on Friday. Saturday will see a normal line up. Hope for warm weather and bring a sweatshirt!

Tentative KRJB "Racing on the Radio" Broadcast Schedule

May 4th - NCR ( Replaced withTest & Tune)

May 5th - RRVS

May 11th - NCR

May 12th - RRVS

May 18th - NCR

May 19th - RRVS

May 25th - RRVS (Dakota Cat 100)

May 26th - RRVS (Dakota Cat 100)

June 1st- NCR

June 2nd - RRVS

June 8th - NCR

June 9th - RRVS

June 15th - NCR

June 17th - RRVS (World of Outlaws)

June 22nd - NCR (NOSA Sprint Fair Special)

June 29th - NCR

July 20th - NCR

July 21st - RRVS

July 27th - NCR

July 28th - RRVS

August 2nd - RRVS (NLRA Late Model Cruise Night)

August 3rd - NCR (NLRA Late Models)

August 10th - NCR

August 17th - NCR (Sanders Mod Tour)

August 18th - RRVS (Sanders Mod Tour)

August 24th - NCR (Season Championship)

August 25th - RRVS (Season Championship)

Racing typically begins at 7pm with PreRace Show beginning at 6:45pm. Listen to the races on 106.5 KRJB and online at www.rjbroadcasting.com or  https://network1sports.com/station/krjb.

Your Racing on the Radio Hosts:

Mark Askelson (@MCAskelson): Mark is the News Director for R & J Broadcasting Inc., and has carried on the Racing on the Radio tradition on KRJB for the past 6 years. Mark grew up at the watching his parents mud run and later his brothers race Super Stocks and Street Stocks for several years. He is also the voice of Norman County Raceway.

Corey Litton (@chexnrex): This is Corey's 3rd of year of hosting Racing on the Radio. Corey, who has a wealthy knowledge of racing stories from the past, also provides racing coverage with IMCA.TV and is the voice of Red River Valley Speedway, Jamestown Speedway, and the Red River Kart Club.

Mike Spieker (@speedwayshots): Mike Spieker has provided expert color commentary and racing analysis on Racing on the Radio for past handful of years. Mike's main gig is doing photography, reporting, and promotion for numerous race tracks, drivers, and racing sanctions.

News & Notes - September 7th Edition

Things are beginning to wrap for most of the race tracks in Northwest Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota, unless you're Devils Lake Speedway who goes for another month yet. With that being said, many track championships have already been decided and plans are starting to be made for the 2017 season. Here's a quick look back and look ahead at a few of the tracks I have followed or try to follow on a regular basis.

Norman County Raceway Recap
Champions:
IMCA Modifieds - Michael Johnson (did so without a win at NCR)
IMCA Sport Mods - Jesse Skalicky
Wissota Midwest Modifieds - Aaron Blacklance
Wissota Street Stock - Ryan Satter (back to back NCR Champion)
Pure Stock - Kenny Crane (1st Championship in 11 years of racing, and it was his last season)
INEX Legends - Josh Julsrud (his dad, Dean, finished 2nd)

Worth Noting: Only 2 rain outs the entire season despite a fairly wet summer.

Look Ahead: Expect fairly similar things next year. Potential for only one NLRA Late Model show during the fair. Would expect same line of classes next year also.

Red River Valley Speedway Recap
Champions
IMCA Modifieds - Rob VanMil (1st Track Championship in a Mod)
IMCA Sport Mod - Jesse Skalicky (last won a championship at RRVS in 2012 in a pure stock)
INEX Legends - Josh Julsrud
Pure Stock - Billy Caruo (he won it by using P A T I E N C E)

Worth Noting: After a 4 year hiatus, RRVS returned with slightly lower than expected fan counts. However they averaged 33 Mods a night and about 16 cars a night in the other three, which is phenomenal. Track operated very smoothly under owners and management.

Look Ahead: Big things ahead by the sounds of it. I hear rumors of much bigger shows in 2017. Perhaps Donny Schatz returns, but this time in a winged car?

Red River Valley Speedway Modified Track Champion Rob VanMil

River Cities Speedway Recap
Champions
410 Sprint Cars - Casey Mack
NLRA Late Models - Dustin Strand (has 19 wins on the year!!)
Wissota Midwest Mods - Austin Hunter (picked up his 1st career MWM win too)
Wissota Street Stock - Travis Robertson (2nd in a row at RCS)

Worth Noting: Mark Dobmeier broke the track record with 8 straight win and the record for fastest completed 25 lap feature race. Donny Schatz won both Outlaw shows. Bucket of Nachos is still the best concession item in the region. Car counts were superior in all classes.

Look Ahead: John Seitz Memorial race is this weekend. More on that later. I'm sure the same show next year with potentially more lightning sprint shows again.

Dustin Strand was dominant all season long his #71 NLRA Late Model at RCS

Buffalo River Race Park Recap
Champions:
IMCA Modifieds - Michael Johnson (2nd of the year, almost won 3)
IMCA Sport Mods - Jesse Skalicky (3rd of the year)
INEX Legends - Josh Julsrud (3rd of the year)
Mod 4s - Francis Hauber
Sport Compacts - Katie Ahrndt
Pure Stocks - Dylan Heger

Worth Noting: Average car counts, average fans, average season to be honest. Weather was kind to BRRP. Half price beer before the race is the greatest idea ever. New owners this year also, but same management.

Look Ahead: Corn Cob Nationals remain, which if you ask Darrell Waltrip, is kind of a big deal. Who doesn't love free corn? New "party deck" was recently completed overlooking turn 4 should be worth checking out.

The #3s crew celebrates their 3rd track championship of the year.

I-94 Speedway
Here's your recap from reporter Jacob Pommerer: http://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/2016/09/johnson-takes-final-checkers/


Boone Bound
The IMCA Supernationals are currently taking place at Boone Speedway in Iowa. I believe there were somewhere around 1000 cars registered to compete in various classes. Some locals taking part include Tim Church, Jesse Skalicky, Josh Beaulieu, Rob VanMil, Michael Griffin, and Rob Plath, Good luck to those and others I may have missed.

John Seitz Preview
This week marks the 10th Anniversary of the John Seitz Memorial Race at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks. It will take place Thursday, September 8th through the 10th. Thursday is the "Prelude to the Johnny," Friday will include the heats and dash for cash for the late models, and Friday will have b-mains, LCQ, and main event for Late Models. All 3 nights will have a full show of support classes. Sprints will run Thursday and Friday, Midwest Mods will run all 3 nights, Street Stocks will run Thursday and Saturday, and Modifieds will run Friday and Saturday. There will be increased pay for pretty much everyone, but the big payout is for the Late Models, who will battle for $9,200 to win and will run 92 laps.

Previous winners: Chad Mahder (2015), AJ Diemel (2014),  Brad Seng (2013, 2011),  Brady Smith (2012), Cody Skytland (2010), Pat Doar (2009). Justin Fegers (2008), Mitch Johnson (2007).

Favorites to win: Dustin Strand really stands out this year as a tough candidate. He's become the toughest driver in the region, posting nearly 20 twins throughout 2016, which is no easy task. He had a strong finish last year and could again this year if his aggressiveness doesn't get the best of him. Don Shaw was John Seitz's brother in law, and this is a race he has badly wanted to win, but has seen it slip past him the last few years. He's been very consistent this season and recently picked up a few wins in Alexandria, so he's hot at the moment. Brad Seng has won it twice and AJ Diemel is capable of winning at any level.

Can't Make it to the Race? Watch it live on Speedshift TV.

News & Notes: August 10th Edition

Here's your latest story lines, racing tidbits, and fun information from this last weekend of racing at Norman County Raceway, Red River Valley Speedway, River Cities Speedway, Buffalo River Race Park, and beyond. It's the August 10th Edition of Racing on the Radio: News and Notes.

Sprint Car Tragedy
This weekend at the Belleville Midget Nationals, one of the most accomplished sprint car drivers in the history of the sport, Bryan Clauson was severely injured in a racing incident. He passed away about a day later from those injuries. At the young age of just 27, Clauson already had over 100 wins to his name, including several USAC championships and a Chili Bowl title in 2014. It's sad to see such a young and talented driver leave the industry in the peak of his career.

Money Month
It's a big month for sprint car drivers in the upper midwest and across the country. It was all kicked off with the 360 Nationals and Capitani Classic events this weekend at Knoxville Raceway in Iowa. That sets things up for the biggest Sprint Car race of the year this week: the Knoxville Nationals! Donny Schatz is of course the favorite having won the event nine times over his career. In fact, those 9 wins come over the course of the last 10 years. The only driver to have beat Schatz at the Nationals over that span was Tim Shaffer in 2010. I believe only Steve Kinser has more Knoxville National wins than Schatz.

Following the Knoxville Nationals will be the Rock N' Roll Gold Cup race at Badlands Motor Speedway on August 19th and 20th. $250,000 worth of gold is up for grabs overall. $50,000 goes to the winner of the winged and non winged main events. Many drivers will be crossing over to do both, including some names who typically do not. An extra $25,000 will go to the driver if they can successfully do both. Also it was just announced the World of Outlaws will not be sanctioning the event. The WoO sanction is very picky about how their shows are ran and apparently they didn't see eye to eye with BMS. Not sure if this will effect the entry list, however.

Then the World of Outlaws head back to River Cities Speedway for the 2nd time this year on August 26th. No surprise that Donny Schatz won the first stop, and is of course a favorite to win again. Oddly enough, Mark Dobmeier has never won an Outlaw show at his home track in Grand Forks. Dobmeier, who just had his record setting streak of 8 consecutive wins in row at RCS snapped this past weekend, said he wants this win more than the Knoxville Nationals or Gold Cup.

First Timers
This week was a good one for some drivers who picked up their first ever wins in their respective classes. I figured I'd take the time to recognize a few of them.

Tailin Tommerdahl; Also known as T-storm, IMCA Modified rookie Tailin Tommerdahl picked win #1 at Buffalo River Race Park on Sunday. She started on the pole, but impressively managed to hold off last year's IMCA National Modified Rookie of the Year Rob VanMil for about 15 laps. She hit her marks every lap, which is something her team emphasized at a test and tune last week at NCR. It was apparent on Thursday night also when drove her way up into the Top 10 on Thursday night from the last row and again on Sunday with the win.

Tailin Tommerdahl celebrates with family and friends (Stevenator Photo)

Tyler Peterson: Also known as TPO, Tyler Peterson picked up his first win in the Modified ranks on Thursday night at Norman County Raceway. Tyler is in his 3rd season in a Modified. This was only his 2nd race at NCR this year in a Mod, as he typically has run strictly WISSOTA for most of the past two seasons.

Cody Fuller: Also known as Cody Fuller. In just his 2nd season in a IMCA Sport Mod, Cody Fuller picked up his first career win on Thursday night at NCR. The former Pure Stock driver had never won in any division, but had been having a strong season. He had led numerous laps this season at BRRP and NCR, so the win just seemed like it was coming. Congrats to Cody and all the other first timers!

School Night
No Modifieds this Thursday night at Norman County Raceway, but it is school night, which means School Buses!!!! Typically representatives from area school districts would be the drivers, but I don't believe that is the case this year. But I'm sure there will be plenty of surprises as always!

Fergus Report
Here's the latest report from I-94 Speedway courtesy of Jacob Pommer:
Click here to read

Broadcast Schedule
Thursday, August 11th @ Norman County Raceway - School Night Presented by Dr. Joys Dental Clinic. School Buses, IMCA Sport Mods, Wissota Midwest Mods, Wissota Street Stocks, Trophy Cars. Green Flag Drops at 7pm, PreRace at 6:45 on 106.5 KRJB. Click here to listen to the Stream

Friday, August 12th @ Red River Valley Speedway - Presented by Steffes Auctioneers & North Dakota Corn Growers Association. IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby/Pure Stocks, INEX Legends. Green Flag Drops at 7pm. PreRace at 6:45 on 106.5 KRJB. Click here to listen to the stream

News & Notes: July 26th Edition

Here's your latest story lines, racing tidbits, and fun information from this last weekend of racing at Norman County Raceway, Red River Valley Speedway, River Cities Speedway, Buffalo River Race Park, and beyond. It's the July 26th Edition of Racing on the Radio: News and Notes.

Bonus Night
As an unintentional ode to the last regime of Red River Valley Speedway, there will be make up night this Wednesday at the West Fargo track. There isn't a specific night they are making up, but since the first month saw only a few races and that there is already a limited schedule the operations group felt it would be ideal to add a night of racing to RRVS. So why Wednesday and not Friday? There's a big auction at the Fairgrounds this weekend and set up begins on Thursday, which is why this Friday was not on the schedule in the first place. Same classes this week. Same start time, but on a Wednesday. Take note.

KingPin Klash take 2
Norman County Raceway will be making up their King Pin Klash Wissota Street Stock Special that was originally scheduled for July 14th. This is the 4th or 5th year of that special. Shawn Tuenis was last year's winner. The Bowler of Fargo proudly sponsors that event.

The Ultimate Street Stock Special
Speaking of Street Stock specials, the annual Street Stock Little Dream is just about a week away. This is probably one of the coolest specials in all of dirt track racing, in my opinion anyways, The event takes place on Tuesday, July 2nd at Rice Lake Speedway in Wisconsin. What makes it neat is that the fans are some of the biggest contributors to the purse. And they start throwing out money like crazy. Last year's winner (Jim Randall) took home more than $14,000! Plus money gets thrown around in all sorts of places too. For more information on the event, click here.

The Numbers Are In....
The fans showed up big this year for racing at the Red River Valley Fair. Roughly 4,800 fans hit the grandstands for a Sunday Night Special that featured NOSA Sprints, NLRA Late Models, and Pure Stocks. For comparison sake, Chris Janson and Tigerlily pulled only 1,800, Hairball brought in 3,000, and Scotty McCreery and Blind Joe had about 5,000.  3 Days Grace saw about 8,000 and Big N Rich packed in 12,000. Weather definitely was to blame for some of the poor numbers, but it was good to see racing had a big draw, especially on a Sunday night.

The NOSA Sprints race in front of a packed grand stand at Red River Valley Speedway on July 17th

Sprints Show Speed
Last Thursday night at Norman County Raceway, the NOSA 410 Sprints got to flex their muscles and show what they're capable of on a very fast and tacky race track. Average lap times were over 100mph, so it would be fair to say they were probably reach speeds of about 120 on the straights. Austin Pierce picked up his first win at NCR, but the real hero was Corey Mack with his outrageous slide job attempts he pulled in both his heat and feature race.


Johnson Wins (X 6)
(UPDATED: I made some corrections. Previous post had a number of errors. Sorry for the confusion)
According to fellow reporter Jacob Pommerer, Tim Johnson pulled a clean sweep in all three classes last Friday night at I-94 Speedway in Fergus Falls, with heat and feature wins in a Street Stock, Superstock, and Modified. From what I understand, he has at least 3 Trifecta's (winning in all three features in one night) this year at I94 and another at KRA in Wilmar.

Tim Johnson, #1jr, wins a lot. 

Coming Up:

Wednesday, July 27th @ Red River Valley Speedway. Regular Weekly Series presented by Corwin, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and Charleys Philly Steaks. IMCA Mods, Sport Mods, INEX Legends, and Pure/Hobby Stocks. Racing begins at 7pm. Click here to listen to live racing coverage from RRVS.

Thursday, July 28th @ Norman County Raceway. King Pin Klash Street Stock Special. Racing presented by the Bowler and Titan Machinery. IMCA Mods, Sport Mods, Wissota Midwest Mods, Street Stock, and Trophy Cars. Racing begins at 7pm. Click here to listen to live racing coverage from NCR.