8/2/2016
IRA Interstate Racing Association
POINT BATTLE TIGHTENS AS CONTRASTING CONTESTS LOOM AHEAD THIS WEEKEND FOR THE BUMPER TO BUMPER IRA OUTLAW SPRINTS!
DODGE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS AND PLYMOUTH DIRT TRACK TO SEE BUMPER TO BUMPER IRA OUTLAW SPRINT SERIES ACTION!
August 1, 2016; Appleton, WI – A very busy two months lie ahead at the 2016 title chase for the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint series begins to come into focus. This weekend’s SCAG Shootout and then the 20th Annual Frank Filskov Memorial race are the next rungs on the ladder to the 2016 championship.
There is a wide variety of tracks on the remaining schedule and this weekends events at the Dodge County Fairgrounds on Friday night and the Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, will require two vastly different driving styles for the teams of the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint series.
The point battle, which began brewing 17 events ago, is gathering steam and currently a trio of title contenders has separated themselves from their rivals. This weekend will test their adaptability.
Scotty Thiel currently tops the point charts by a scant 11 markers over two-time Wilmot Raceway champ and 2013 IRA Rookie of the year Jeremy Schultz. Cagey veteran Scotty Neitzel, who already has two IRA crowns to his credit is poised for a title run down the stretch as he is only 70 points out of the top spots. Neitzel has historically been at his best as a season nears it’s conclusion.
The first stop this weekend takes place on Friday Night, August 5th will be a trip to the wide open Dodge County Fairgrounds for the SCAG Shootout. The big half-mile oval rewards a heavy right foot and nerves of steel as the 900 horsepower winged sprints surpass the 130mph mark on the long straights.
Dodge County is unique in the fact the events typically draw in outside cars, true Outlaw racers who travel to win prize money. It’s these outsiders that the IRA teams will have to beat to earn the top prize. For Thiel, Schultz and Neitzel defending the home turf might be the biggest challenge of the upcoming weekend.
The Dodge County Fairground event the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints will be joined by the MSA/PDTR 360’s and area IMCA Type Modifieds.
Pit Gates will open at 3:00 pm, spectator gates open 5:00 pm, with warm-ups at 6pm with hot laps to follow, qualifying is set for 6:45 pm with racing to follow at the completion of qualifying.
Spectator Admission is $20 for adults, with children ages 6-12 admitted for $5. Children ages 5 and younger are FREE with an adult admission.
The Dodge County Fairgrounds is located on highway 33, just 2 miles east of Beaver Dam and just west of highway 26.
For additional information please see http://www.dodgecountyfairgrounds.com
Then the teams will make a short trip over to the Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday Night, August 6th .for the running of the 20th annual Frank Filskov Memorial race.
Located at the Sheboygan County Fairpark in Plymouth, Wisconsin the track there is a sharp contrast to Dodge County. The tight third-mile bullring isn’t about raw speed, but rather nerves of steal while making daring moves to get to the front of the field and the ability of the leader to work lapped machines where racing space is a premium.
All three title contenders have had their success at the track.
Thiel and Schultz are graduates of the tough weekly 360 sprint ranks. Drivers who have graduated from weekly competition at Plymouth have brought an influx of talent to the IRA series in recent years. It would be appropriate to say Thiel and Schultz have a home field advantage. Thiel was, in fact, the winner of the last IRA contest held at the track back in June.
That doesn’t leave Neitzel out of the mix however. Neitzel’s name is officially etched into the record book having won the first sprint car race held on the track after it’s most recent revamp a couple years ago. When the track debuted it’s new shape it was Neitzel who was first to find the fast way around the track.
The MSA/PDTR 360 sprints will again joined the IRA Sprints in the action, with Micro Sprints added as a third class to give fans an all-open wheel showdown.
Pit gates will open at 2:30pm, spectator gates at 4:30pm. Driver's meeting is scheduled for 5:00pm with warm ups slated for 5:30pm, and IRA qualifying to follow.
Opening ceremonies are slated for 6:30pm. Adult tickets are just $20, children 6-12 years are $5, and kids 5 & under are FREE.
The track is located on the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds just off Fairview Drive (CTY O ) in Plymouth, Wisconsin. The track website can be found at www.plymouthdtr.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 Hoosier Tire, Osborn & Son Trucking, TW Metals, Cummins Onan, and Twin Lakes Marine.
Upcoming 2016 Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series Events:
8/5/2016 – Dodge County Fairgrounds – Beaver Dam, WI
8/6/2016 – Plymouth Dirt Track – Plymouth, WI
8/19/2016 – Wilmot Raceway – Wilmot, WI
8/20/2016 – Wilmot Raceway – Wilmot, WI
8/21/2016 – Angell Park Speedway – Sun Prairie, WI
8/27/2016 – LaSalle Speedway, LaSalle, IL
Submitted By: Jeffrey Sachse
