Released: June 9, 2009 from Badger Midgets
Fact Sheet- 2009 Badger Midget Series Wilmot Raceway
EVENT: Event#6 of 24 for the Badger Midget Series
4 th annual “Salute to Harry Turner”
DATE: Saturday Night June 13, 2009
TRACK: Wilmot Raceway (Wilmot, WI), 1/3-mile clay oval
Track phone: (262)-862-2090
STARTING TIME: Pit gates open: 3:00 pm, grandstands open: 5:00 pm,
Drivers meeting 5:00 pm, Practice: 6:00 pm, qualifying & racing to follow.
PURSE: $2,000-to win $200 to start feature, plus event contingencies.
HISTORY: Under new management the track continues its long history of presenting midget auto racing at the 1/3-mile clay oval. After a ten-year absence Badger returned to the track in 2005, and has since run five events. In addition to Badger the track has hosted midget events sanctioned by USAC, UARA, Dairyland, MARA, and POWRi.
TURNER EVENTS: The event honors Hall of Fame driver/car owner/builder Harry Turner who based his racing operation out of the Chicago & Kenosha areas for over 50-years. Previous winners of the “Salute to Harry Turner” are: Mike Hess (2005), Brad Kuhn (2006) and Chad DeSelle (2007).
FAST TIME: One-lap track record: Brad Kuhn, 15.044 seconds, 6/17/06
EVENT PREVIEW: Scott Hatton leads Brad Loyet by 55 points in Series points. Previous winners of Wilmot events excepted to compete include: Hess, DeSelle and five-time series champion Kevin Olson. Drivers from five states and Australia will be competing at the event.
OTHER DIVISIONS: Modifieds, Street Stocks, Mini Sprints, and Fearless 4’s. Several Turner built cars will be on display in the grandstand area, and will be run during the nights activites.
NEXT EVENT: June 14 Angell Park Speedway (Sun Prairie, WI)
Released: June 9, 2009
The Wilmot Raceway is proud to announce the rescheduling of the North / South Sprint Shootout to Friday Night July 10th. The originally scheduled date of June 6th was postponed by inclement weather. The addition of the Friday July 10th race to the schedule creates a big 2-day weekend at Wilmot Raceway as the Southern Wisconsin Modified Shootout is scheduled for Saturday Night July 11th. So now Wilmot Raceway will be the site of the 2-day July 10-11 Summer Shootout featuring the winged 410 sprints of the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints & O'Reilly Midwest All-Stars headlining on Friday, and the Modifieds headlining Saturday. For the Street Stocks, 1200cc Mini-Sprints, and Fearless 4's it creates a great complete 2-day show for all those classes. With a limited schedule and tremendous interest, and what appears to be growing numbers in the base Wilmot Raceway classes, it was obvious we needed to reschedule and keep the interest in Wilmot Raceway strong. The availability of IRA was limited, and all concerned wanted to stay away from the 4th of July holiday, so this was the best day available. Not to mention the track needed a marquee event in July. This creates a great mid-Summer weekend for both the fans and competitors..... and certainly for Wilmot Raceway.
Released: June 7, 2009
The highly anticipated North - South Sprint Shootout featuring the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints & O'Reilly Midwest All-Stars fell victim to Mother Nature Saturday afternoon. With the phone ringing all day from racers throughout the Midwest enroute to Wilmot questioning the weather and stating it was raining where they were, it appeared that Wilmot was the only place that had escaped the rain for much of the day. However three separate showers hit the facility just prior to the scheduled opening of the pit gate, that combined with a negative forecast and falling temps factored into the decision to postpone the event and turn the racers around, the overwhelming majority of which had not arrived yet or were held up an hour or two away waiting on a decision. We thank everyone for their interest in the event and we are attempting to reschedule.
Released: June 1, 2009
This Saturday, June 6th, history will be made at the Wilmot Raceway as for the first time ever the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints will co-sanction an event with their southern counter-parts, the O'Reilly Midwest All-Stars. Over 40 thundering 410 winged sprints are expected with pre-entries having been received from 5 states. Billy Balog edged Jim Moughan, and Mike Reinke at the Wilmot opener back on May 23rd, and much of that same intensity is expected this Saturday. Track crews have been working hard to provide a multiple lane venue.
In addition to this very special Sprint Car event, 1200 cc WMSA Mini-Sprints, and Street Stocks will be on hand with each running a 2-heat plus A-main support series role. Fearless 4's will run a A-main only. Several VINTAGE Modifieds will be on display throughout the grandstand area with several names from the past on hand to talk to and answer questions.
Pit gates open at 3, with Grandstand gates at 5. Engine warm-ups are slated for 6 with qualifying and racing to follow. |
Released: May 27, 2009
It's gonna be a Sprint Car Civil War at Wilmot Raceway Saturday Night June 6th, it's the North / South Sprint Shootout featuring the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints versus The Midwest All-Stars. Drivers from 5 states already entered. This is the biggest Wilmot race night of the year! Don't miss this one. The IRA Outlaws& All-Stars bring their 900 horsepower thunder to Wilmot for this very special first time event. Street Stocks, 1200 cc Mini-Sprints, and Fearless 4's too, plus a special display of vintage Modifieds. The place to race is the Wilmot Raceway, Saturday Night June 6th. The North / South Sprint Shootout, the biggest race night of the year! Come Feel The Thunder!!!
Released: May 20, 2009
A new era in the long history of racing in Wilmot unfolds this weekend, May 23-24. The Wilmot Raceway at the Kenosha County Fair goes green with its' first two race nights this Memorial Weekend, and they kick it off in a big way as the region's premier series, the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints bring their 850 horsepower thunder to Wilmot as they headline Saturday's show. IRA will be joined by the 1200cc Mini-Sprints in this all open-wheel event. Then Sunday it's more local flavor as a $700 To Win special is on tap for the Modifieds, with Street Stocks, Fearless 4's, and the Mini-Sprints all joining in on the fun. Wilmot Raceway will open the pit gates at 3pm, grandstands 5pm, with a driver's meeting scheduled for 5:30. Warm-ups are slated for 6, with racing at 7. Of course IRA qualifies on Saturday and the track record will certainly be in jeopardy. All the regions top stars are expected to be on hand to welcome in the new beginning at the Kenosha County Fair's Wilmot Raceway.
Released: May 14, 2009
The Saturday May 16th test/tune (practice) is definitely on. Lots has been completed the past few days and we're ready to go green! Pits open at 3, pit passes are $10, and hot lap sessions to begin at 5:30. All classes are welcome....
We have a new ticket booth, a new announcer/scoring tower on the grandstand side, a pit sign-in trailer, pit concession trailer, plus all the buildings have been painted, track walls have been painted, plus several other things are being upgraded and touched up. The recently purchased 6-wheel drive grader seems to be working well, and improvements will continue throughout the season.
Opening weekend is all set, the IRA Outlaw Sprints plus Mini-Sprints Sat May 23, with a $700 to Win Modified Show, plus Street Stocks, Mini-Sprints, and Fearless 4's go Sunday May 24th. |
Released: May 7, 2009
Info about helping out this Saturday, May 9 (be there at or after 11am) - Wear your painting clothes! We need some painting done! We also need some help fixing up some things. If you have an electric screw driver (with extra batteries charged up to go for faster fixing) that would be awesome! If you have any questions, feel free to email Mike at maz@wilmotraceway.com or Karrie at promotions@wilmotraceway.com.
Released: May 7, 2009
The Kenosha County Fair Association in cooperation with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series has announced the Grand Re-Opening event initially scheduled for May 16th is being moved back 1 week til May 23rd. The 850 horsepower thunder of the IRA will invade Wilmot on Saturday May 23rd with the Mini-Sprints too. Then on Sunday May 24th Wilmot Raceway will complete their big Grand Re-Opening Memorial weekend Doubleheader with a show featuring a $700 to win Modified Special, plus Street Stocks, Fearless 4's, and the Mini-Sprints. Despite the fact that carpenters, electricians, painters,and many others have begun projects at the facility, officials agree the extra week would be worth the wait. A new ticket booth has been constructed, a pit concession trailer is in place, the new safety lights are up, CJW Distributors has donated a trailer for use as a pit shack, and new scoring tower is being constructed, a 6-wheel drive grader has been purchased, new concession equipment, etc, etc..... Officials also announced that a test/tune (and pre-tech inspection) will be held for participants on May 16th in preparation for opening weekend the following week. Pit passes for the test/tune are $10 while grandstand admission is FREE. "It will be a good dry run for us too," stated KCF President Randall Rossi. "When racers and fans show up for the first actual race, we want them to see a difference." Officials also announced that the Raceway will offer half price tickets to all ID carrying Military personnel throughout the season. KCF officials also want to thank all the volunteers who came out and helped last Sunday, and who have offered future help.
Released: May 1, 2009
Plans are still a go for May 16th season opener. Many things have been put in place and with Mother Nature's cooperation, all the work that needs to be done will be accomplished.
Carpenters, electricians, etc... are in place and work ready to begin. Some of the work is beginning, some of it can't until things dry some. Every effort will be made with hopes of getting the 16th in, if it can be done right. We were able to secure a raindate with IRA on the 23rd need be. We'd like to have a open practice, though it is doubtful prior to the 16th, we should certainly be able to have one before the 23rd. We'll update announcements and progress as it gets made. Several people and groups have stepped up and offered their services in regards to helping with clean up, painting, etc and yes we'll take what help we can get, and we'll let it be known what days we'll get together out there. Yes there is alot to do and we're well aware of it. While it may not be obvious yet, many things are in place in regards to replacing things such as the ticket booth, pit building, safety lights, etc... and those will not be an issue for the 16th. Track prep will begin as soon as things dry a little more. Rumors seem to be running wild and we will use this site to keep you up to date with actual facts.
Anyone interested in helping clean up the facility, walk & pick the track, etc.... we are going to be out there on this Sunday (May 3rd) 11am on.... and again the following Saturday.
We have lots to do to be ready to go by the 16th, we believe we can pull it off as several projects are slated to begin next week. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
WILMOT RACEWAY GETS A FRESH START AS AN ASA MEMBER TRACK
By: Kevin Ramsell
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Friday, May 1, 2009) - Wilmot Raceway, a 1/3-mile dirt track located between Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL, will start its 2009 season under new management along with joining the ASA Member Track program. Two things that long time fans of the famous speedway will be excited to know as it prepares to open its season on Saturday, May 16th.
The first thing the fans will notice is that the track will be under the new name of Wilmot Raceway and it will be managed by the Kenosha County Fair Association. The KCFA will run 13-15 race dates including five sprint specials featuring the Bumper-To-Bumper IRA/ASA Sprint Series.
"The sprints are strong here, especially IRA, which is sanctioned by ASA, as we draw close to 40 cars every time they're here. Other dates feature Modifieds, Street Stocks, Mini-Sprints, and Fearless 4's," Randall Rossi, Kenosha County Fair President stated. "Of course a Demo Derby and Tractor Pull appear on the schedule in addition to the regular race nights. A Late Model event is hoped to be added yet for 09, and an October special(s) featuring numerous area divisions were just announced."
Along with deciding their 2009 schedule the KCF also thought it was best to join the ASA Member Track program, "We think it's good to put ourselves with an established sanctioning group like ASA," Rossi explained. "Some other nearby tracks like Madison, The Dells, and Illiana plus the area's most popular touring series like the ASA Midwest Tour and of course the IRA Outlaw Sprints, which are just huge around here, have gone with ASA. We believe that by putting ourselves with a proven sanction will show our fans and racers that we are serious about stepping up our program."
Not only do they see the benefit of being with the American Speed Association, they also see a positive for their competitors as well, "Well being involved with a highly recognized sanction should be an automatic positive. The insurance program of course made us feel good about making the move. Having something in common with other successful area tracks has to be good," Rossi stated. "We want this new endeavor of running our own facility to be successful and believe this move will expedite that process. We want our racers to feel good about our program, and our fans to know that we intend to treat our racers well. We have already brought our purses up for 09 to put them equal to other area venues running similar classes, and we're tweaking the rulebook to be a little more universal too."
Rossi feels they have put together an exciting 2009 schedule that will be perfect for their fans to visit Wilmot Raceway as it is the only track literally between Milwaukee and Chicago. "Our Fair week is certainly motorsports based, we've got the 2-day IRA show of course, but we have 2 support classes each night including the Vintage Mods which was the norm here 30-50 years ago. We have a few specials planned for the Modifieds and Street Stocks too. We need to grow all our classes. This was a sprint track for a long time too; we hope the specials will keep the interest while we grow our other divisions, as we need those divisions to be strong before we can run sprints again weekly. Our overall car count needs to increase and we believe this is the way to do it initially. We have big plans for a couple October specials too which should draw cars that haven't raced here much over the past few years; hopefully they'll enjoy themselves and look at racing with us more in the future."
Rossi and his fellow KCF members realize they are in for a learning experience but have a great group of people to give their support and advice, "I admit we in the Fair Board are in the midst of a big education curve, however we have people like Steve Sinclair from the IRA, and local racing legend Joe Roe helping us as well as many others. We have raced on these grounds for over 50 years; there is a lot of tradition here that unfortunately began slipping away. We won't let that happen. We want this to be a successful deal for everyone and definitely believe the ASA relationship will show everyone we're serious, not to mention the knowledge and advice Dennis Huth can share with us. Wilmot Raceway is the ONLY remaining track between Chicago & Milwaukee. The potential here is huge and we saw the track's popularity starting to fade the past few years, particularly on the weekly shows as the specials still remained strong, but we need to get the weekly show built up again, by going ASA and treating the racers and fans with respect, and providing some shows which highlight each of the classes, we believe we can make Wilmot the well respected venue it was for so many years. We have a very passionate fan base in this area, we will do everything we can to make everyone's experience to Wilmot Raceway an enjoyable one."
"We are excited to welcome Wilmot Raceway to the ASA Member Track program," Dennis Huth, American Speed Association President stated. "If you are a dirt track fan or just a race fan period, you owe yourself a visit to one of the more historical racing facilities in the United States. We are proud they are carrying the ASA banner this season. We are a national organization that is here to help in any way we can, whether it's a long established track or one that is making major changes like Wilmot."
Released: April 11, 2009
Competitors at the Wilmot Raceway will be pleased to note that they will be receiving a purse increase to put them on a level field with other area tracks, specifically to our near north. The Modifieds and Street Stocks will both see substantial increases and pay-out will be based exactly on what the closest WI tracks to our north are paying. The Mods will race for $500 to win on regular shows while the Street Stocks will aim at a $200 first place prize. Additionally specials are planned for both divisions which will have even higher purses! The Mod purse rose nearly 33% while the total Street Stock purse more than doubled! Mini-Sprints received nearly a 40% increase. The Fearless 4's are next to be addressed..... Additionally it should be known that a pit pass will not exceed $25.
Of course in the sprint division, while at this point there may be less dates than in the past, racers will have the opportunity to run for MORE THAN double the total purse when they compete with IRA. In many cases certain positions will pay more than 3 times what the regular sprint purse was the past few years. While the schedule continues to get fine tuned, we hope to find a few dates where the local sprinters can be added for nights of their own.
Additionally we hope to lock in a Late Model show too and it is very likely an Eve of Destruction will be added as well. We are receiving great feedback regarding out October Special and that may grow into a 2nd October weekend!!!
Wilmot Raceway has become an ASA Member Track (American Speed Association) and racers will certainly benefit from that. ASA provides an outstanding medical insurance program and will be a tremendous marketing partner.
From a spectator standpoint, ticket prices will be DECREASING as compared to pricing for similar events in recent years.
We have a lot of work yet to do to prepare for the upcoming season and do appreciate the positive feedback we've received thus far from both racers and fans. In regards to the schedule, there will be definitely be racing over Memorial Weekend which should include all or most of the regular Wilmot classes. Not sure at this point if it will be Sat or Sun, or possibly even both! We're hoping 2009 will be great first step to bigger and better years at Wilmot Raceway in the future.
Joe Roe has been working on the Street Stock division while Steve Sinclair met with the Mini-Sprints. The Mods and Fearless 4's will be tackled next. Both Joe & Steve have reported nothing but positives in regards to their conversations with these two groups.
2009 Mod Purse is as follows:
1 - 12.... 500, 300, 200, 175, 150, 125, 120, 115, 110, 105, 105, 105
13 - 20.. will be $100 per position.
2009 Street Stock Purse is as follows:
1 - 14.... 200, 175, 150, 125, 115, 105, 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 70, 60, 55
15 - 20... will be $50 per position
All non A-main competitors in these classes will receive $40 each....
Released: April 2, 2009
The doors will open for the Grand Re-Opening of the Wilmot Raceway on Saturday night May 16th headlined by the rolling thunder of the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series. As in tradtion over the long history of Wilmot and IRA, a large field is expected.
Other IRA headlined events are scheduled for June 6th, August 1st, and a 2-day Kenosha County Fair special on Aug. 21-22. The June 6th date will be the biggest single date of the year as the O'Reilly Midwest All-Stars will join the IRA in a North/South 410 showdown loyal Wilmot sprint car fans are sure to enjoy.
The Badger Midgets come back to Wilmot for the first time in a few years on June 13th. The Midwest Enduro Series takes to the semi-banked third-mile July 18th. Of course the Modified, Street Stock, Mini-Sprint, and Fearless 4 divisions will play a major role in Wilmot's 09 plans. In addition to the Modifieds playing a support role on several occasions, they will headline a special $700 to Win Thursday Night Thunder event on June 27th and host the Southern Wisconsin Modified Challange on Saturday night July 11th. A Labor Day Weekend Mod special is also set for Monday September 7th. The Street Stocks will have a their moment of glory too with a $500 win show on August 15th. The Fall Festival of Speed featuring all classes including Sprints is scheduled for October 3rd.
13 race nights, plus other specials will be featured at Wilmot Raceway for 2009. Additionally the extremely popular Kenosha County Fair Tractor Pull & Combine Demolition Derby will go trackside both Wednesday & Thursday Aug. 19-20, with the KCF Demo Derby performing both an afternoon & evening performance to close the 09 Fair on Sunday Aug. 23rd. It should be noted that additional dates are still being considered.
Fans can look forward to lower ticket prices as compared to recent years, with competitors being awarded with a more competitive purse structure and decreased pit pass cost. While the raceway will not present weekly events this season, the Kenosha County Fair Assoc hopes to present a quality program featuring several special events including 5 regional touring Sprint specials including the first 2-day Sprint show in many years. Sprints also appear Oct 3rd with other dates still being looked at. Anchor divisions such as the Modifieds, Street Stocks, and Mini Sprints will each compete atleast 10 times in 09, with the long term goal to resume to weekly racing in the near future. Fearless 4's have numerous visits scheduled too. wilmotraceway.com will be up and running soon with more details forthcoming.
Released: March 17, 2009
The Kenosha County Fair Association has taken over the promotion of the Wilmot Raceway, formerly known as Wilmot Speedway, for the 2009 racing season. The exciting schedule, which will be finalized soon, is currently highlighted by several special events.
The Upper-Midwest's premier dirt track series, the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series will headline multiple appearances giving the Wilmot sprint car fans plenty of thrills. A two-day IRA headlined event during the Kenosha County Fair Aug. 21-22 highlights the schedule, bringing in the region's best to take on Wilmot locals. Other specials will be headlined by the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association and the Midwest Enduro Series. Traditional Wilmot classes like the Modifieds, Mini-Sprints, Street Stocks, and Fearless Fours will play a major role in 2009 with multiple appearances planned for each. Modified specials will also be a big part of the Fair Association's plans for 2009. The 09 schedule is in the final planning stages and will be released soon, with a big Grand Re-opening Night planned for mid-May.
Fans and racers will be pleased to know that Wilmot Raceway will be lowering ticket and pit pass prices for 2009.
More details will be announced soon as exact event dates are formalized. A new website, www.wilmotraceway.com will be launched soon.
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