7/4/2017
IRA Interstate Racing Association
Updated - Harry Neitzel Tribute/Rick Schmidt Memorial this Friday at Dodge County Fairgrounds
The IRA sanctioned Harry Neitzel Tribute / Rick Schmidt Memorial race scheduled for this Friday night July 7th at the Dodge County Fairgrounds (just east of Beaver Dam, WI) just got even bigger. As if having the Bumper To Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series, MSA 360 Sprints, Dirt King Late Models, and Tony Stewart weren’t enough, we’ve got a few other goodies to add to the show. For fans, a good field of Vintage Modifieds will be on hand creating a festival atmosphere behind the bleacher area. Of course the IRA & Tony Stewart merchandise trailers will be on hand, as well as a special Harry Neitzel Tribute event shirt will be available. And for the racers, there are increased purses for both the IRA & MSA courtesy of Hagar Nelson’s Half Pound Cookies. Additionally the IRA main event will pay AT LEAST $3000 to win, $2000 for second, and $1500 for third. And the winner has a chance to make even more depending upon Hagar’s famous dice roll. And speaking of dice roll, a random driver will be selected at the Driver’s Meeting that will have the chance to earn up to an additional $900 on top of their winnings. And were not done, as several IRA & MSA teams will go home with some additional product contingency awards. Who doesn’t like cash and prizes!
The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series only has one event this weekend, but it's a big one! The series heads to the big half mile Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin for the Harry Neitzel Tribute/Rick Schmidt Memorial. The series will be joined by both the MSA sprint cars as well as the Dirt King Late Models. If all that wasn't enough to make this one of the biggest shows all year, a very special guest will be making his 2nd start this year with the IRA, “Smoke” Tony Stewart will be in the house.
Friday’s event is in honor of the long time supporter of Wisconsin sprint car racing and father of series regular Scotty Neitzel, Harry Neitzel. We also race in honor of the longtime IRA supporter Rick Schmidt, who was both a driver as well as car owner for his son Al.
Scotty Neitzel, a winner last year at the big half mile, will surely be tough to beat on Friday. His biggest challenge could come in the form of his former crew man and mentee, Jeremy Schultz. Schultz, who ran second to Neitzel the last time the 410s visited the Dodge County Fairgrounds, has shown this year he has the speed to win but bad luck has kept him out of victory lane.
Pits will open at 3, and spectator gates at 4:30. Warm Ups will begin at 6:00, followed by IRA Qualifying, Opening Ceremonies are scheduled for 7:15.
Ticket prices will be: Adults $25, kids 6-12 yrs $5, kids 5 & under FREE. Pit Pass $30
The IRA would like to thank our wonderful sponsors, Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts, Osborn and Son Trucking, TW Metals, Carriage Auto Body, Cummins Onan, Hopf Farms, Hagar’s Half Pound Cookies and Hoosier Tire.
Car # Name Total Points
17b Bill Balog 1763
64 Scotty Thiel 1692
2w Scotty Neitzel 1579
99 Kyle Marten 1518
5J Jeremy Schultz 1510
85m Steve Meyer 1438
79 Blake Nimee 1424
10V Matt Vandervere 1335
23 Russel Borland 1316
4K Kris Spitz 1272
Article Credit: Gared Tennyson
Submitted By: Kim Tennyson
