4/21/2016
IRA Interstate Racing Association
NEW WINNERS, CLOSE FINISHES HAVE HIGHLIGHTED BUMPER TO BUMPER IRA SPRINT EVENTS AT BEAVER DAM THE PAST SEVERAL SEASONS!
50TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON COMES TO WISCONSIN AS THE BUMPER TO BUMPER IRA SPRINTS ARE HEADED TO BEAVER DAM RACEWAY SATURDAY!
April 21, 2016; Appleton, WI – Beaver Dam Raceway will host the first race in Wisconsin during the 50th Anniversary season for the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints this Saturday evening April 23rd with the running of the annual Jim Wipperfurth memorial race. The wide, high banked turns of Beaver Dam Raceway are perfectly matched for the 900 horsepower machines, and the drivers have utilized the third-mile clay oval to showcase some fantastic finishes, and usher new drivers to victory lane.
Going back several years’ fans that attended events at the track have seen many story lines take place. In 2013 fans got to witness epic battles between Bill Balog, and Mike Kertscher. The pair had battles that waged until the checkered flag with Balog stealing a win at the line during the season opening event only to see Kertscher roar back, and take a victory in similar fashion a couple weeks later. Balog spent the balance of the year putting a stranglehold on the checker flag winning four out of the five contests at the facility. It was his final win of the season at Beaver Dam that had tied Balog with the legendary Joe Roe atop the win list with 61 victories.
In 2014 new winners would grace victory lane. After years of trying, Phillip Mock finally broke into the win column, scoring his first career A-main victory when he took the season opening race at Beaver Dam with a dramatic final turn maneuver past Bill Rose. Mock then backed that win up a couple weeks later with a second victory. Later in the season, Scotty Thiel then a rookie, outran the field for his maiden voyage to the winner’s circle.
Last year Ben Schmidt earned a breakthrough win in Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprint competition at the track. The early momentum of that victory nearly carried him to the season championship having led the standings for much of the 2015 season. Jordan Goldesberry also graced the winner’s circle, as did Balog in IRA appearances at the facility last year.
Fast forward to this year, the question will be what type of drama will play out this Saturday. Will a new driver join the storied list of winners in IRA competition? Will last lap drama play out in a final turn pass for the win? Will a driver reaching the finish line first use the momentum to build upon a championship-winning season?
Those answers can bet witnessed first hand this Saturday night.
Pit gates will open at 3:30pm. While the grandstands will open one hour later to allow fans time find their favorite seat prior to the action. Racing is set to get underway at 6:30pm.
Action at Beaver Dam raceway this Saturday night will also include a full show featuring Street Stocks and Legends cars.
Tickets are just $20 for adults, $10 for students age 6-11 and kids 5 and younger are free. Qualifying begins at 5 p.m., with racing to follow.
Event information can be found on the Beaver Dam Raceway website at www.wismotorsports.net or by calling the track at (920) 887-1600. Beaver Dam Raceway is located on Racetrack Road just east of the intersection of Hwy 151 and 33 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.
For more information on the IRA Outlaw Sprints check out the tour website at www.irasprints.com or by logging onto the series Facebook page at www.facebook.com/irasprints the series is also on twitter at #IRA_sprints.
The IRA Sprints are presented by its long time supporting series partners. The series support is led by title sponsor Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts & Service Centers, and associate series partners Hoosier Tire, Osborn & Son Trucking, TW Metals, Cummins Onan, and Twin Lakes Marine.
Upcoming 2016 Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series Events:
4/23/2016 - Beaver Dam Raceway - Beaver Dam, WI
5/6/2016 - Manitowoc Co. Expo Speedway - Manitowoc, WI
5/7/2016 - Wilmot Raceway - Wilmot, WI
5/14/2016 - Beaver Dam Raceway - Beaver Dam, WI
5/21/2016 - Wilmot Raceway - Wilmot, WI
5/22/2016 – Angell Park Speedway – Sun Prairie, WI
Article Credit: Jeffrey Sachse
Submitted By: Jeffrey Sachse
