ATTENTION SPORTS/MOTORSPORTS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OPEN WHEEL SPORTMODS TO RUN “PAVEMENT POUNDER” SPECIAL AT WIR AUG. 24
(EXHIBITION RACE TO BE RUN ON ¼ MILE DURING RICH SOMERS MEMORIAL NIGHT)
(KAUKAUNA, WI) – It’s been more than 30 years since modern-day, open-wheel modifieds competed on the pavement of Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna.
That’s about to change on Thursday, August 24. The “Pavement Pounder” special will be held on the ¼ for local sportmod racers. The unique-looking dirt cars will run one race, with the number of laps to be determined contingent upon how many cars show up to do battle.
Among some of the drivers who’ve committed to this show are Niagara’s John Ostermann, Oconto’s Russ Franks, Oshkosh’s Brian Randerson, Manitowoc’s Travis Hansen, Omro’s Brian Besaw, Kewaunee’s Brian Bruechert and Sturgeon Bay’s Kelsy-Ann Hayes. Other area drivers are expected to compete as the event draws closer.
The last time modern day modifieds raced at WIR was during the Budweiser 500 two-day Fall special in September, 1986. The cars will follow the same basic sportmod rules they have with their regular dirt sanction, including the tires which will greatly minimize expenses drivers could incur for this special event. Transponders will not be used for this special race.
For dirt trackers like Bruechert the chance to race a paved track – one that’s new to him – is intriguing. “I don’t race weekly for points anywhere so I’m not out anything by doing this,” Bruechert explained. “I love the thought of racing a car built specifically for dirt on asphalt in front of an asphalt crowd. My family is excited and they all said do it. I raced my stock car on asphalt years ago and it was fun.”
Each driver will receive $50 for this exhibition event. A trophy will be awarded to the race winner. The race lineup will be determined by a draw. Pit passes are $15 for FRRC club members and $25 for non-members. Bonus money is currently being raised to bump up the purse for this special event.
The show will be part of the McMahon/Lamers Motorsports Rich Somers Memorial 50. Somers, who passed away a few years ago, was a driver from Stevens Point. The popular racer drove a sleek, red colored Ford Mustang which will be on display on August 24. Somers was a Red, White and Blue state champion in 1974 and captured the Fox River Racing Club late model titles in 1975 and 1978. Somers will be honored with a 50 lap super late model feature in his memory.
A full six division program is on tap. Racing kicks off at 6:45 p.m. You can check frrcracing.net for more information or follow the club’s Facebook page.
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