7/31/2021
IRA Interstate Racing Association
Big Wheel Scores Big in Antigo
In 2020, Scotty Thiel first strapped into the Oz Motorsports 73 car at the Langlade County Speedway in Antigo, Wisconsin. Thiel and the team were strong that night, leading nearly the whole feature before a parts failure would end their campaign just 3 laps short of victory. As the Bumper to Bumper Outlaw Sprint Series returned to the Langlade County Fair in Antigo, Wisconsin in 2021, Thiel and the Oz Motorsports team were looking for redemption from last year.
Qualifying saw Sussex, Wisconsin’s Danny Schlafer set Osborn and Son Trucking fast time. Schlafer has been building momentum the past few weeks, leading much of the feature at the Outagamie Speedway, and is knocking on the door of an IRA feature win. Behind Schlafer, the Rockstar Energy Drink 65 of Jordan Goldesberry and Scotty Thiel timed 2nd and 3rd.
Heat race action saw former series champion Jeremy Schultz win heat 1 while leading Rookie of the year contender Kyle Schuett picked up heat 2 and Josh Walters claimed the 3rd and final heat race victory.
In the dashes Jake Blackhurst won dash 1 to claim the pole starting position for his Rhine Auto Team while dash 2 was won by 4th starting Scotty Thiel.
In the A main, much like 1 year ago, Thiel took the early lead. The Professional Plating 73 car stormed around the huge half mile oval maintaining a lead over former championship rival Jake Blackhurst now driving for the team that won the year prior. As the laps winded down, one couldn’t help but wonder, would Thiel hang on, or would history repeat itself. Blackhurst trailed Thiel and it appeared only a mistake or equipment failure could stop Thiel. When the checkered flag wove, Thiel had his redemption. Rebounding from what can only be referred to as a season of bad luck, and a back injury, Scotty Thiel for the first time in 2021 stood victorious in IRA competition. Behind Thiel was Jake Blackhurst and Danny Schlafer, who will carry momentum into what is essentially a home race as the series returns to the Plymouth Dirt Track less than 24 hours later.
The Bumper to Bumper IRA outlaw Sprints are back in action tonight, Saturday July 31st at the Plymouth Dirt Track. If you can’t be there in person be sure to tune in live on Flo Racing!
Article Credit: Gared Tennyson
Submitted By: Kim Tennyson
