From IRA
Plymouth, WI – (June 26, 2012) – Though there may have been familiar faces making their way to victory lane in the past couple Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint events, the number of new drivers reaching the podium and running out front has the series primed for some new faces to reach victory lane .. and soon.
This Saturday evening, June 30th, the series makes its first trip of the 2012 season to the Sheboygan County Fairpark located in Plymouth, Wisconsin. The third-mile bullring saw different winners in each of the three IRA appearances last season with Bill Balog, Tommy Sexton and Brian Kristan taking wins.
Among the hopefuls to score their first victory of 2012 are a number of those drivers who have already made the podium this season. Scott Uttech finished solidly in second place at the most recent event at Oshkosh Speedzone where he began to reel in eventual winner Bill Balog in the closing laps of the contest. Uttech has also led a fair number of laps in IRA contests at Wilmot Raceway this season and finished third at the Memorial Weekend Wilmot Raceway event. Uttech has proven to be a master of the dry slick tracks where he has spent a fair amount of time moving forward anytime a racing surface begins to take rubber.
Bill Warren had an especially strong run this past Friday evening at Oshkosh Speedzone clocking in as the evening’s third fastest qualifier and then equaling that performance in the main event. In the last appearance for the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints at the Sheboygan County Fairpark last September Warren finished third in the contest.
Phillip Mock has finished in the top five in the past three IRA events and reached the podium at Wilmot Raceway on June 9th. In that race, Mock spent his fair share of time out front of the contest. His consistent performances this year have elevated him to fourth in the current point standings.
Bill Wirth has also proven to have the speed to chalk up a victory. Wirth turned in an amazing performance at Beaver Dam Raceway just two weeks ago leading much of the race only to fade in the closing laps and settle for fourth. Wirth’s run that evening earned him many new fans as “Wild Bill” had shown that even with a limited budget he has the ability to get the job done.
Scott Neitzel has come close to victory twice this season, posting a third place finish at Cedar Lake Speedway and finishing with runner-up honors at 141 Speedway on Memorial Day. Neitzel finished in the top six at each of the shows at Sheboygan County Fairpark in 2011.
Heading into this weeks action Balog, the defending series champion, leads up the point standings by 31 markers over Mike Reinke. Reinke, who won his first race of 2012 at Cedar Lake this year, finished runner-up to Balog in the June event at Sheboygan County Fairpark last season.
Mike Kertscher, who has won two events so far in 2012, is looking to add a third victory and should be a contender at this weeks event.
Other drivers expected to participate in the show this weekend include top rookie candidate Robbie Pribnow, Russel Borland, Kris Spitz, Dennis Spitz, Brandon Thone, Dave Uttech, Todd King and Michael Decker.
A field of nearly 30 participants is expected for the show.
One uncertainty for this week’s action is Tommy Sexton. The 2011 Wilmot Raceway champion, who had already won an IRA event this season and has previously collected a win at the Sheboygan County Fairpark, suffered a violent flip during a USAC Sprint event this past weekend. Sexton had emerged from his car unhurt but spent some time being checked over at a local hospital following the accident. His crew is already preparing a car for action and Sexton will return this year, however, it is currently unknown when that return will be.
In addition to the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints the track’s own 360 sprint cars will be on hand for a full evening of open-wheeled action.
Action gets underway this Saturday evening with qualifying at 6:15pm. Racing will follow promptly after qualifying. Pit gates will open at 3:00pm with the grandstands opening at 5:00pm. Arrive early to get the best possible seat for the show.
Adult admission is a mere $18, while kids ages 6 through 12 are admitted for just $5. Children under the age of six are admitted FREE. Additional information can be found on the track website at www.plymouthdtr.com
For more information on the IRA Outlaw Sprints check out the tour website at www.irasprints.com The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints can also be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/irasprints and the series is also on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ira_sprints
The IRA Outlaw Sprint Series is proudly supported by Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts & Service Centers, Osborn & Son Trucking, Goodyear, TW Metals, Cummins Onan, DNA Energy Drink& Snacks, MPT Industries, UltraLube, Big Game Treestands, Carriage Auto Body, Otis Gun, Mother’s Polishes and Waxes and Polaris DEFENSE. The office of the IRA Sprints can be reached at 815-759-9269 or by e-mail at steve@irasprints.com
Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints:
Current Point Standings (Top 20): 1.) Bill Balog, 1520 Points; 2.) Mike Reinke, 1489 pts; 3.) Scott Neitzel, 1352 pts; 4.) Phillip Mock, 1309; 5.) Tommy Sexton, 1191; 6.) Russel Borland, 1171; 7.) Kris Spitz, 1115; 8.) Mike Kertscher, 1098; 9.) Scott Uttech, 1090; 10.) Robbie Pribnow, 1082; 11.) Bill Wirth, 1056; 12.) Brandon Thone, 1017; 13.) Bill Warren, 933; 14.) Dennis Spitz, 922; 15.) Dave Uttech, 911; 16.) Todd King, 770; 17.) Mike Decker, 600; 18.) Darrell Dodd, 591; 19.) Scott Young, 571; 20.) Jereme Schroeder, 555