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.
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| 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
