5/14/2015
IRA Interstate Racing Association
ELECTIC MIX OF VETERANS AND YOUNG CHARGERS ATOP IRA STANDINGS AS BUMPER TO BUMPER IRA OUTLAW SPRINTS HEAD TO WILMOT RACEWAY!
FIRST MONTH OF 2015 SEASON FOR BUMPER TO BUMPER IRA SPRINTS CONCLUDES WITH WILMOT RACEWAY EVENT!
May 14, 2015; Wilmot, WI – Wilmot Raceway, considered the southern home track of the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints, will host the first of it’s five IRA events this season, this coming Saturday evening, May 16th. The modestly banked third-mile clay oval located at the Kenosha County Fairgrounds in Wilmot, Wisconsin is the birthplace of the IRA sprints, which hosted their first contest over 50 years ago.
So far this year an interesting mix of seasoned veterans, and hard charging young drivers are seen atop the series standings as the 2015 campaign reaches the conclusion of it’s first month of racing.
Showing the way is last year’s point runner-up Bill Rose of Plainfield, Indiana. The 2014 IRA Rookie of the Year, and former World of Outlaw competitor is showing the way atop the standings based on his consistency. Rose who turned in the fastest qualifying effort at the most recent race at Beaver Dam, is the only driver to have finished in the top five in all three IRA events held so far this year.
Chasing Rose in the current rankings is Ben Schmidt who turned in his first full season with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints last year. Hailing from Howards Grove, Wisconsin, Schmidt is a former standout in 360 sprint action with multiple titles to his name. Driving for the potent Rhine Auto Motorsports team, Schmidt recorded his first career Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint series victory this past weekend at Beaver Dam Raceway. Schmidt is just 30 markers from the point lead, as the first month of racing heads into the record books.
Representing the series veterans atop the standings, is former two-time series champion Scotty Neitzel. Known for his smooth, and consistent performances, Neitzel is off to a solid start, and will be a force to be reckoned with as the season continues.
Blake Nimee, and Phillip Mock round out the current top five point earners. Nimee’s talent as a hard charger was demonstrated this past weekend as the Illinois native recorded his first career podium finish taking third at Beaver Dam. Mock meanwhile sits fifth in the series standings, but he may be the hottest driver in sprint action in Wisconsin heading into the Wilmot show. Two weeks ago, Mock snagged the victory in Wilmot Raceway’s season opening event in 410 sprint action, and just this past week Mock finished second to Schmidt after a late race charge at Beaver Dam.
Former 360 sprint pilots hold down the next four slots in the series standings with Scotty Thiel, Jeremy Schultz, Jason Johnson, and Kyle Marten ranking fifth through ninth respectively. Thiel, Schultz and Marten have already been able to celebrate victories on the IRA tour. Marten, who is eligible for Rookie of the Year honors, is showing the way in the rookie point chase.
Seven time, and defending IRA kingpin, Bill Balog is doing some extensive travel this season, and while he is a formidable competitor on the IRA tour when he attends an event, Balog is not expected to be able to defend his title due to the number of races he will miss. He has, however, won both IRA contests he has appeared in this season taking wins at the season opener at LaSalle Speedway and following that up with a win at Beaver Dam.
A solid showing of 410 sprint teams are expected for the Wilmot Raceway event this Saturday Night, May 16th. A field of over 30 cars is anticipated.
The track’s own 305 Wingless Sprints, mini-sprints, and IMCA type modifieds are scheduled to join the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints for an amazing show.
The grandstands will open at 5:00pm, with racing scheduled for 6:45pm. Grandstand adult admission is just $20.00 for this special event while youth tickets are available for those ages 7-11 for just $5.00. Children ages 6 and under admitted free.
The Kenosha County Fairgrounds, where the track resides, is located just north of the intersection of county roads C and W in Wilmot, WI. Wilmot, Wisconsin is located just 8 miles west of I-94 taking county highway C.
For the latest information phone the trackside raceline 262-862-2090 or check the track web site www.wilmotraceway.com.
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 Osborn & Son Trucking, TW Metals, Hoosier Tire, Cedar Creek Motorsports, Cummins Onan, and Carriage Auto Body.
2015 Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints Upcoming Events:
5/16/2015 Wilmot Raceway - Wilmot, WI
5/24/2015 141 Speedway - Francis Creek, WI
5/29/2015 Oshkosh Speed Zone Raceway - Oshkosh, WI
5/30/2015 Cedar Lake Speedway - New Richmond, WI
5/31/2015 Angell Park Speedway - Sun Prairie, WI
Submitted By: Jeffrey Sachse
