10/3/2024
Austin Hartmann
Hartmann closes book on 2024 with Mississippi Thunder, Plymouth IRA twin bill
(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) October 2, 2024 – After entering 30 racing events contested on 19 tracks in six states over five months, the end of the long and winding 2024 410 Sprint Car racing road drew nigh for Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing Team with one final weekend of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series action at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, Wis. on Friday, Sept. 27 and the seventh annual Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships at The Plymouth, Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, Sept. 28.
In the IRA’s first appearance at the third-mile high-banked clay oval nestled on the shores of the Mississippi River since 2012, Hartmann opened the night by qualifying 14th overall in the 27-car field with a lap of 12.131 seconds.
The third-year 410 Sprint Car competitor then racked up a sixth-place finish after starting fifth in the second eight-lap IRA heat race.
The Plymouth, Wis. driver started the 30-lap A-main from the 17th starting position and stayed consistent throughout on the way to a 15th place showing in a race won by Australian Scott Bogucki.
One night later, Hartmann and crew hauled back home for the 2024 IRA season finale at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, Sept. 28.
The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Rookie of the Year Award winner turned in the 19th fastest qualifying lap in the 33-car field with a time of 12.150 seconds.
Hartmann then put together an inspired effort in the third eight-lap IRA heat race blasting past Will Armitage, Blake Nimee and Kelby Watt with a nifty low move in turns two and fourth of the opening lap to vault his way into second.
The fifth-year Sprint Car campaigner held on to place second in the heat race and earn the right to start 14th in the 30-lap 2024 season-ending IRA main event.
Hartmann put together a solid run in the final IRA A-main of the 2024 campaign to come home 16th in a race won by Scotty Thiel.
“Our last weekend of the 2024 season was filled with a lot of problems but this team never gave up throughout the entire season,” Hartmann said.
In 33 410 Sprint Car events during the 2024 season, Hartmann tallied one top-five, six top-10 and 12 top-15 A-main showings, while recording one dash victory in seven dash appearances and winning one B-main.
Following a 10th-place finish in 2022 and a ninth-place run in 2023, the third-year 410 Sprint Car competitor tallied a career-best seventh-place performance in the final 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series point standings.
“The 2024 season was one to remember,” Hartmann said. “We’ve built something special to me way beyond racing. From race days to teaching Ian Schultz how to golf, and then him kicking my butt on go-karts, there were a lot of good times. Also, Eric Bergschultz got to learn more in-depth about the car throughout the 2024 season.
“I truly have one amazing team,” he said. “Mom [Kristine Hartmann] and Andy [Shufflebotham] have been nothing short of amazing in seeing the vision I have for this team and where we can go and how to do it. Karlee [Hartmann] is always there to support me or give me grief when I need a reality check. They say when you're having fun, time goes by quickly. Well, the 2024 race season was the quickest season I’ve experienced. I’m super excited for what 2025 will bring.”
The sponsorship partners for the 2024 87A Hartmann Racing team include Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Feldmann Sales & Service, Holler n Hills, Quasius Construction Inc., TheD8Dispensary, AF Inc., Metalcraft, Rich’s Truck and Auto Repair, Fastenal of Plymouth, Waldo Oil, RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Maxim Chassis, Berryman Racing Shocks and My Race Pass.
The 2024 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Eric Bergschultz, Ian Schultz, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham and Kristine Hartmann.
Additional information on the 87A Hartmann Racing team can be found by visiting the team’s website www.team87a.com and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/87Ahartmannracing.
87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Rich’s Truck and Auto Repair
The Austin Hartmann-87A Hartmann Racing team is pleased to have Rich’s Truck and Auto Repair on board as a sponsorship partner for the 2024 racing season.
Located at W4544 Lakepark Drive in Fond du Lac, Wis., Rich’s Truck and Auto Repair has provided quality auto repair and service to Fond du Lac, Taycheedah, St. Peter, Malone, Lake Winnebago, North Fond du Lac and East Central Wisconsin for over 60 years with a special emphasis on diesel truck and engine repair.
The current owners have worked hard to maintain the reputation Rich worked hard to establish before his passing by servicing all vehicle makes and models, including diesel vehicles and sprinter vans.
Rich’s Truck and Auto Repair’s ASE-certified technicians are committed to the best interest of customers and will complete auto and truck repairs promptly to get vehicle owners back on the road as quickly as possible. In addition, the front-of-house team is professional, friendly and committed to making the experiences of customers pleasant and comforting.
A brand new building has helped the staff of Rich’s Truck and Auto Repair take care of customers with grace and superior service while allowing auto mechanics to do car machining when they are unable to replace a part.
Other service offerings include free bumper-to-bumper comprehensive courtesy inspection with every auto repair service, a 3-year/36,000-mile nationwide warranty through NAPA, loaner vehicles, shuttle service and financing through two trusted sources.
To contact Rich’s Truck and Auto Repair, call 920-922-7171, email richstruckandautorepair@gmail.com or visit www.richstruckandauto.com.
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Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Final Statistics
Total Events – 30
IRA Events – 27
World of Outlaws Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 9
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 16
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 21
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 7
Dash Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association Points Finish – 7th
Article Credit: Jeff Pederson-Pedal Down Promotions
Submitted By: Jeff Pederson
