Drivers Head South; IMCA Saturdays at NCR

Many area drivers have headed south for the winter, or for the week as they take part in the Winter Extreme Tour in Arizona. Some of the drivers taking part that you may be familiar with include Tyler Peterson, Austin Arneson, Rusty Kollman, Cody Skytland, Mike Stearns, Don Shaw, Ricky Weiss, Blake Jetvig, Ward Imrie, Donny Schatz, Ryan Cousins, Mike Balcaen, and Scott Bintz.

I would love to update you on how everyone of them is doing, however, there doesn't appear to be any results posted online. Via Facebook and Twitter I did discover some of local guys having some luck. Tyler Peterson got 2nd his first night of racing and won the feature on his second night. That's a hell of an accomplishment considering these races feature drivers from all across the country. Also Austin Arneson and Cody Skytland managed top 10s on Saturday and Austin got a top 5 on Sunday. I have a feeling Austin will manage to get a victory before he heads back north. Those Arneson boys always shine in big races.

If anybody has results I would gladly post them for everyone to see. There is some videos and content available on Dirtondirt.com, but most of it you have to be premium (paid) subscriber for.

Norman County Raceway to feature monthly IMCA Saturday race

Norman County Raceway, who announced last month that they will be adding IMCA Sport Mods to their Thursday line up on occasion, will feature a monthly Saturday IMCA program. Those dates include May 31st, June 28th,  July 26th, and August 16th. All those dates will feature the IMCA Mods, IMCA Sport Mods, and IMCA Sport Compacts (except June 28th), and NCR Pure Stocks. School bus racing will also be a part of the June 28th program.

Street Stocks will be added to a few more shows this year. 13 Shows overall, including the first 5 races of the year. Last year they were on for 11 shows at NCR.

We are currently working on our broadcast schedule for the year on 106.5 KRJB, but once again we will more than likely be broadcasting most, if not all, of the Thursday night races, and possible a few Saturday night shows too.

Here's some more schedule highlights for 2014 at Norman County Raceway:
May 1st - Season Opener
June 12 - Meet and Greet Night/Mod 4 Special
June 25th - NLRA Late Models, IMCA Mods, B-mod Blitz
June 26th - NLRA Late Models, B-mod Blitz
July 3rd - IMCA Mods, IMCA Sport Mods + more /Fireworks
July 10th - NOSA Sprint Cars + full line up
July 31st - King Pin Klash (Street Stock Special)
August 7th - School Night/Late Models, School Buses
August 14th - Sanders Modified Challenge
August 28th - Season Championship

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Austin Arneson at Tuscon International Raceway in Arizona.

NC Raceway to add IMCA Sport Mods, 2014 Schedule Highlights

 

Norman County Raceway adds IMCA Northern Sport Mod

Buffalo River Race Park announced earlier this week that they would exchange their WISSOTA B-mod and Modified classes for the IMCA counterpart: IMCA Modifieds and Northern Sport Mods. Now Norman County Raceway has announced it will keep its WISSOTA Modified and B-mod classes, however it will ADD the IMCA Northern Sport mod class. Also, they will most likely bring back the Hornets and do so as an IMCA sanction.

Basically the IMCA Northern Sport Mod is a more affordable version of the B-mod according to NCR Track Owner/Promoter Jake Bitker.

"In a Northern Sport Mod, the rear spring have to be on top of the rear end housing, they have a limited shock, 9" rear end with mini-spools, no lightened gear, and must have solid axels. They may also have a GM602 crate motor or a 9:1 compression motor."

The appearance is very similar to B-mod, although it does allow for a 6" spoiler.

For more information on the rules go to the IMCA website. (www.imca.com)

2014 Schedule

Along with a new class, Bitker looks to have his schedule set for 2014. It will posted on the website soon, but for now here's a couple of highlights that should make this another blockbuster summer at Norman County Raceway.

*A few Saturday IMCA Modified Specials (including 1 during the Norman County Fair)

*NOSA Sprint Cars return on July 10th

*Back to back Late Models on Wednesday/Thursday during the Norman County Fair

*Possible FULL IMCA show on Saturday of NC Fair......plus School Buses!

...plus much more I'm sure, but that's all I got out of Jake so far.

The full schedule should be out within the next week or two.

Racing on the Radio Christmas Lists

With the holiday season approaching, local race car drivers are writing their letters to Santa, trying to convince ol' St Nick that they've been good boys and girls and sending him a list of things they would like for Christmas. Well truth be told, there is no Santa, and I have intercepted those letters. I thought maybe I could share a few of the items on their lists.


Mike Balcaen asked for some new arteries, since his have been clogged with racer nachos and hot dogs after 30 years of racing.

Travis Sauer wants nothing more in the world then to finally find someone who can actually beat him in a B-mod.

It doesn't matter what Dustin Strand wants, he's going to get a lump of coal for yelling at the officials.

Casey Arnenson would like a fancy new safe to store all the cash he won this year.

Oddly enough Austin Arnenson wants a book called "Safe Cracking for Dummies."

Bob Sagen would like a Performance Bodies catalog newer then 1998.

I don't know what Donny Schatz wants for Christmas because he never wrote a letter. He was too busy winning.

Rich Pavilcek wants Tyler Peterson delivered to his doorstep wearing a giant red bow....not sure what that's all about.

Jake Bitker really would really, really like a top 5 finish at his own race track this year.

Amber Balcaen wants to know why guys are always reading her shirt.

Billy Michaelsohn would like a video copy of the one time he actually won a heat race this year.

Ken Crane will not be getting anything for Christmas because last year he "accidentally" pulled a slide job and blocked Santa from getting to Dean Lundon's house.

Scott Sailer is wishing for a big corporate sponsor to fund a new racing TV show.

And I would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Oh, and I want nachos too...just saying.

Racing on the Radio Awards

Even though the points champions are already crowned and the awards banquet is months away, I figured I’d take the time to hand out some my own awards to some of the area drivers. These awards, unfortunately, are not real, and are just for fun.

The first award I’d to like hand out is for the Top Rookie, and it goes to Luke Johnson, driver of the #8J Mod 4. It’s not his first year racing, but it’s his first year in a Mod 4, and he has been fantastic all year long. He even has a handful of wins and is near the top in points. Next is the Hard Charger, the award given to the driver who even if they start towards the back always seems to find his way to the front. That award goes to Rich Pavilcek, driver of the #17 Midwest Modified. Starting in the back is some sort of sick, twisted game for this guy. I think he actually enjoys the challenge.  Pavilcek also wins the award for best post race celebration for his up against the wall burnouts at Buffalo River Race Park.

Best Wreck of the Year is a tie between Chris Shirek’s head over heels Sprint Car flip that sent him flying a solid 10-15 feet in the air on the front stretch at Norman County Raceway during the NOSA Sprint Car Special on June 27^th, and Ron Saurer’s nasty tire clipping, barrel roll into the fence at I94 Speedway in Fergus Falls on August 9^th. The Saurer crash is on the internet. Just search “Ron Saurer” on YouTube and see for yourself.

I’ve seen a lot of fantastic battles throughout the summer, but the Best Race of the Year goes to Austin Arnenson and Cody Skytland during the Sander’s Modifed Challenge at NCR on August 15^th. For the final 20 laps, the two U-Motors teammates battled literally door to door, swapping positions back and forth for remainder of the race. Skytland would eventually cross the finish line first. I’d also like to nominate Austin Arnenon, along his little brother Casey and pit road neighbor Bryce Borgen for the Three Stooges Award. Those three amigos are seriously the biggest goofballs in the pits. Bryce will also go home with the award for the Top Moment of 2013 for ridding his curse and winning his first race at NCR earlier this summer. I could send him an actual award, but I think the standing ovation he received after the race will last longer than any trophy will.

And my final award will be for the Drivers of the Year. This award goes to the drivers who are not only wicked fast, but also show good sportsmanship and promote the sport in a positive way. It was hard to give it just one, so I’d like to give to two: Brad Seng and Tyler Peterson. Peterson is a very mature driver for his age, and has been a dominant force in his Midwest Modified. He shows a great compassion for the sport and his younger fans. Brad Seng is a class act. He’s an honest individual, a fantastic racer, and a great promoter of the sport. Not to mention he won the John Seitz Memorial race..which is kind of a big deal.

That wraps up the first ever Racing on the Radio Awards Ceremony. Feel free to comment with your own as well!

Season Championship

Ladies and Gentleman, it's the Season Finale at NCR! After about an inch of rain this morning, the track looks to be in great condition as a full fleet of cars looks to make their way around the 3/8 dirt track for the last time this season. All classes will be running tonight including WISSOTA Modifieds, Midwest Modifieds, Mod 4's, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, and Trophy cars. Most of the Championships are already locked in at this point, but yet there's still a few battles to be had.

I don't know if the Trophy cars point's matter...but #2 of Mike Roy/Stacy Pederson has it locked solid. FYI I personally think Stacy is the better driver...or at least the crazier one.

In the street stock, Ryan Pommerer has a solid 20 point lead on James Tandeski. However the 2nd the place battle should be a good one with Rick Schultz only 1 point behind Tandeski. Jim Geringer and Adam Burrows aren't factors to move up, sitting in 4th and 5th respectively.

The Pure Stock division has Paul Colvin sitting comfortably 14 points ahead of Wade Moerke. Again the battle for 2nd place is a good one with Kenny Crane just 1 measly point behind Moerke. Taylor Saari (4th) and Mike Bjorgan (5th) have nothing to gain or lose.

The Mod 4 race is by far the closest battle we have. Rob VanMil sits just 10 points ahead of Aaron Wetterlin and 13 points ahead of Luke Johnson. Key for Rob is to get into the feature in one piece and a top 10 finish should get him a championship. Bryce Bjerken is in 4th place and Cory VanMil is in 5th.

Tyler Peterson is looking to wrap up his 2nd Track Championship of the year in a Midwest Modified. A start in the feature should get him there. He has a 24 point lead on arch nemesis Rich Pavilcek. Casey Arnenson, however, is just 1 point behind Pavy. Rob VanMil has had a solid year sitting in 4th place and Tyler Hall rounds out the top 5.

In the Modifieds you can pretty much crown Cody Skytland. I don't believe he even needs to show up tonight with a 40 point gap between him and 2nd place driver Bryce Borgen. Justin Jones sits 6 points behind the #7b with Austin Arnenson and Jamie Trautner to follow.


Other things you should know about tonight's race.
-They will be selling root beer floats again tonight...and yes...they are amazing!
-Should be specials on pretzels too from what I hear.
-There will be no racing broadcast, but I will be announcing the races as Jim is busy with football coverage.

Blaine Brothers Challenge/ Family Night at NCR

Well tonight marks the final Racing on the Radio broadcast of the 2013 race season at Norman County Raceway, so why not go out in style? Tonight the WISSOTA Blaine Brothers Late Model Challenge is in town and should bring some of the top names too such as Josh Redetzke, Zach Johnson, John Kaanta, Kent Arment, Chad Becker, Pat Doar, Dustin Strand, Brad Seng, Mike Balcaen, and others to the mix. Most of those guys were at NCR a couple weeks ago for an NLRA race and put on one of the best Late Model shows of the year. Kent Arment went on to win in from the 13th starting position. Modifieds, B-mods, Mod 4's, Pure Stocks, and Trophy Cars will also share some of the hot summer action tonight.

Tonight is also "Family Night" at Norman County Raceway. There will be FREE Child Admission with a paid adult admission! Also free glow in the dark necklaces to the first 100 kids. Plus lots of other prizes, meal specials, and games will going on during intermission. Roat Beer floats made with DAD's Root Beer will be served as well. (Somebody please bring me one during intermission!). And NCR will be auctioning off a couple 2-seater rides to benefit Relay for Life.

Also during intermission, we will be announcing the winner of NASCAR trip giveaway. If the winner is present, they will also get 2 season passes to the 2014 race schedule  at NCR.

And as mentioned, this will be the final broadcast of the year. We will not have the season championship because of fall sports beginning on the same day. No worries, I'm quite positive we'll be back again next year. Racing on the Radio Review will still be airing for a couple more weeks. The last episode of that will be on September 7th.

We might get things going a little bit early tonight, probably around 6:40pm for the Hillsboro Napa Prerace Show. Green Flag drops at 7pm. Tune in to 106.5 KRJB and www.krjbradio.com to listen. You can also listen to #RacingontheRadio on the "Tune in" app for your smart phones.

See ya at the track!

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Austin Arnenson as .....The Burger King?

Dustin Strand: Effectively Wild

With a year plagued by rain outs, it’s been difficult for many drivers to get in as many shows as they’d probably like by this point in the season. For those with National Points on the mind, getting in as many shows as possible is crucial. Dustin Strand, the gun slinging Late Model driver out of Grand Forks, has been busy doing just that. Not only does Strand sit on top of the points for the NLRA Late Model series, but he also looks over an entire field of WISSOTA Late Model drivers. No easy task considering some of the drivers he’s ahead of include Curt Gelling, Kent Arment, and Zach Johnson. 

As for any form of racing, consistency and luck have been a key to success early on says Dustin, “We’ve actually had a lot of 2nd’s so we’re trying to better that by one more spot, but we’ve had really good luck so far.” Oddly enough consistency isn’t a word many people would typically associate with the 30 year old. Consistent is word more commonly used to describe fellow veteran drivers such as Brad Seng or Mike Balcaen. Other things that come to mind for Strand are “wild,” “hot shot,” and “how the heck did he just do that?”  Darren Evavold, part owner of River Cities Speedway says, “He’s a real hot shoe! Loves to drive around the top of the race track. He’s fast!”

Even though consistency doesn’t come to mind when describing Dustin Strand, if you look back on his stats there’s no doubt that he has been just that. Since he began racing 11 years ago in a Street Stock, Dustin has won National Championships in the NOPA Streets and WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds, 12 track championships spread out over 5 tracks, and over 200 feature wins. But with a driving style that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat just by watching him, I still have a hard time describing him as “consistent.” “Consistent” just seems to slow. So perhaps we’ll give Strand the old baseball description of “Effectively Wild.”

This year Strand has over 20 shows under his belt in a Late Model. So far this season he’s raced everywhere from Emo, Ontario to Alexandria, Minnesota, to Huron, South Dakota. He has been top 10, if not top 5 for almost every single one of them, which is quite extraordinary for only his 2^nd full season in a late model. Look for Stand weekly at River Cities Speedway on a weekly basis and when the NLRA Late Models come back to Norman County Raceway on August 8^th.

 

 

 

Mark Askelson hosts “Racing on the Radio” Thursday nights starting 6:45pm from Norman County Raceway as well as the “Racing on the Radio Review” Saturday mornings at 8:45am. Both can be heard on 106.5 KRJB and krjbradio.com.