Paul Clark 1982 Badger Champion dead at 58
By Bryan Gapinski, Madison, Wis., March 1---Paul Clark, the 1982 Badger Midget Series Driver Champion died Friday Feb. 18th in Madison at the age of 58-years old. Clark spent the last twenty-two years in constant care for injuries suffered in a 1988 USAC National Midget Race.
After racing go-karts and motorcycles, Clark turned his attention to midgets in 1975, finishing sixth in Badger his first full season of racing. Clark began his "march" towards the Badger title in 1979 finishing fifth in points, the next year improving to third, and in 1981 was runner-up to Dan Fredenberg.
Clark's 1982 Championship season saw the series run twenty-five events at six tracks including four pavement events. Clark driving the Pete Lahm owned Edmunds-Volkswagen No. 91, with sponsorship from Fitchburg Plumbing scored three feature victories, and a pair of runner-up finishes. Clark won at Wilmot Speedway (Aug. 13), Angell Park (Aug. 22), and Hales Corners (Aug. 27). Clark also scored seven fast times, and nine heat race victories. It was a tough season for Badger, which saw 43 flips and four drivers seriously injured during the season.
Clark ran a partial Badger schedule over the next five seasons, scoring numerous midget feature victories with WOOM, and MARA. Clark scored Badger feature victories at seven different tracks during his career.
Clark and Lahm, had a USAC Championship Dirt Car "Silver Crown" built by Edmunds Autoresearch for the 1985 season. Clark ran in fifteen USAC Silver Crown events over three-seasons, with his best finish fifth at DuQuoin in 1986.Clark's race cars always looked impressive, painted jet black with the familiar No. 91.
Clark after owning several service stations in the Madison area, Clark opened Capitol Tire & Service. At the time of his injury the facility was Madison's largest retail tire and service store, and continues to operate at the original location on Madison's West Side.
With three-laps remaining in the USAC National Midget feature at Impact Speedway (Oregon, Wis.) on April 24, 1988, Clark running fifth made contact with another car and hit a rut. Clark's car then flipped several times before hitting the Turn 4 wall, with extreme force. Clark was airlifted to University Hospital in Madison, with massive head injuries.
Clark remained in a coma for three months, before waking up. After an additional three months in the hospital he was released. Clark lived in Iowa at a care facility before moving back to Madison. There is no funeral/memorial service planned. Clark is survived by his sister Joan Master (Madison) and two nephews. A memorial fund will be announced at a later date.
Attention Drivers, Owners and Fans!
Help us kick off and celebrate 75 Years of racing.
How: Attend the 5th Annual BMARA Fan Club bowling event.
When: Sunday March 13, 2011
Where: Dream Lanes - 13 Atlas Ct - Madison
Be sure to get your forms in to Linda by March 10, 2011.
Flashback: April 30/May 1, 1983
The Badger website will feature flashbacks on significant races in the 74-year history of the organization, during the next few months leading up to the season opening event May 14 at Angell Park Speedway.
"Fox & Wilke rule Badger return to Milwaukee Mile"
By Bryan Gapinski---After a seventeen year-plus absence midget auto racing returned to the Milwaukee Mile in 1983, with the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association "front and center" in a doubleheader event with ASA Stock Car Series. The Wiseco 50 was a NAMAR National point event, co-sanctioned by Badger and the World Wide Auto Racing (WWAR) group.
The most recent midget race at the famed facility was a 100-mile Badger sanctioned event on Aug. 21, 1965, which saw Jigger Sirois driving the Frank Kater Buick No. 77, finish ahead of Tom Bigelow and Dick Jones.
Saturday morning with temperatures in the high 40's, the midgets hit the track for one hour of practice before qualifications at 9:45 a.m. Veteran driver Sam Isenhower in the Wells#4 topped qualifying as eighteen drivers broke Todd Barton's existing one-lap track record. Midgets were pitted on the access road outside the paddock area, as a field of over 50 ASA cars jammed the pit area and overflow areas.
The midget feature pushed off at 1:00 pm Sunday afternoon, a chilled crowd of 14,220 watched, as the temperature was 45 Degrees, when the green flag was displayed for the 31-mile (50 kilometer) event. Fox driving the Wilke Racers Pabst Blue Ribbon VW No. 1 got the jump on Isenhower at the start leading the opening lap before Bob Cicconi took the lead, with Fox regaining the top position one lap later.
Both Fox and Cicconi had an advantage over the field as they previously competed in SCCA Super Vee events at the track, and were very familiar with one-mile paved tracks. Fox also had a midget feature victory at the Phoenix one-mile track, while Cicconi boosted a victory in Super Vee competition at the two-mile Michigan International Speedway.
Kevin Koch, and Marty Davis were the first two retirees from the event. The caution was displayed on lap 7, when oil was reported on the track. One lap after the restart Kenyon passed Cicconi for second position and closed in on Fox.
Kenyon passed Fox for the lead on Lap12 with Greg Nelson taking over third position. The leaders began lapping slower cars, three laps later. At the 20-lap mark Fox and Nelson led Kenyon and Cicconi. One lap later exiting Turn 4 Don Tyler driving the Mike Cascio Sesco#24 suffered a major engine failure, dropping a large amount of oil down the front straightaway, causing a long track clean-up.
On the restart Kenyon passed Nelson for second, as Dan Boorse and Bruce Field both retired from the event. With five laps remaining Kenyon began to slow and retired from the race one-lap later with magneto failure.
Nelson made a few attempts at Fox, getting a "bit sideways" a few times, heating up his right rear tire, allowing Fox to pull away. Fox then stretched his lead on the final two laps finishing ahead of Nelson. Cicconi placed third followed by Pat Sholtis, and 1969 Badger Champion Jim McClean. Nineteen cars finished the event.
Due to extra laps allowing cars to build up tire and engine heat, along with two extended cautions for track cleanup the event ran for over an hour and delayed the start of the 150-mile ASA event. Dick Trickle driving the Pabst Blue Ribbon sponsored Camaro won the ASA event finishing ahead of Rusty Wallace. After the race, Fox, and Trickle, giving PBR a sweep of both events, shared victory lane.
The event was the catalyst in Nelson's Badger Championship season. The Waukesha, Wis. driver captured four of the first five events at Angell Park, finishing 225-points ahead of Larry Hillerud who finished sixth at Milwaukee. The event was also one of three paved track events for Badger during the season, which saw McClean capture both features, at Slinger (Aug. 12) and Capitol (Oct. 8).
SUMMARY
Top Twenty-five feature finishers: 1. Stan Fox, $1,760; 2. Greg Nelson, $675; 3. Bob Cicconi, $525; 4. Pat Sholtis, $290; 5. Jim McClean, $270; 6. Larry Hillerud, $200; 7. Joe Corrigan, $295; 8. Charlie Ford Jr., $275; 9. Dave Wunrow, $140; 10. Dan Fredenberg, $125; 11. Steve Spencer, $115; 12. Jim Lothe, $115; 13. Brad Weber, $115; 14. Dale Cox, $115; 15. Bill Ripp, $115; 16. Bob Gunn, $110; 17. Dean Billings, $110; 18. Bill Thelaner, $110; 19. Bill Hudson, $110; 20. Jim Wartenberg, $110; 21. Mel Kenyon, $445; 22. Dan Boorse, $100; 23. Bruce Field, $100; 24. Don Tyler, $100; 25. Dick Billings, $100.
Fast Time: Sam Isenhower, 32.546 seconds
Lap Leaders: Fox 1, Cicconi 2, Fox 3-11, Kenyon 12-14, Fox 15-31.
Photos of the Milwaukee Mile Event
Wisconsin Racing Expo
The Badger Midget Auto Racing Association will have a booth at the Wisconsin Racing Expo, trade show and swap meet on Saturday February 26 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Washington County Fair Park in West Bend, Wis. The list of exhibitors include: parts manufacturers and distributors, race track/sanctioning organizations, race teams and racing memorabilia dealers. The Washington County Fair Park is located at 3000 Hwy. PV, just off US Highway 45 in West Bend,Wis.
Dan George's 600 micro sprint, along with the Badger Midget Show car will be on display. Participants for The Fifth annual "Stars of Wisconsin Racing Past & Present", open round table discussion moderated by well-known open wheel announcer and writer Bryan Gapinski will include: Two-time Badger Midget champion Miles "The Mouse" Melius, Tony Strupp, Lee Sohns, Tom Mueller and Todd Thelen. The round table will be from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm with open questions from the attending crowd followed by an autograph session with the participates.
Various product seminars will be given by company representatives throughout the show including Port City Racing and the monthly general membership meeting for the Midwest Sprint Association (MSA). Admission is $5, with parking free.
Badger Rookie to receive $1,000 bonus
Four Corner Hoosier rule returns for 2011
By Bryan Gapinski Sun Prairie, Wis., Jan. 28---The 2011 Badger Midget Series Rookie of the Year will be awarded a $1,000 bonus at the conclusion of the 2011 racing season. The announcement was made following the Badger Board meeting earlier this week.
The 2011 Diamond Anniversary season will mark the 75th year of sanctioning midget auto racing, for the country's oldest midget auto racing organization. Badger began awarding the Rookie of the Year honors during the 1960 season, with Matt Tague claiming the freshman honors. Tague, Dave Ray (1973), Dan Fredenberg (1975), Ken Biertzer (1976) and Dan Boorse (1978) are the only five drivers to be Rookie of the Year and go onto win the Badger Driver's Championship.
Badger Cars will again be using Hoosier Racing Tires on all four wheels at all sanctioned events during the season. The season kicks-off on May 14-15 with a doubleheader event at Angell Park Speedway, co-sanctioned with the USAC National
Midget Series.
Past Badger Midget Rookie of the Year Winners: 1960-Matt Tague; 1961-Dale Dable; 1962-Dave Whitehorse; 1963-Dick Linder & Jim Karow; 1964-Ty Oney; 1965-Ron Pfeil; 1966-Deb Langsdorf; 1967-Bill Engelhart; 1968-Don Stokes; 1969-Joe Krautkramer; 1970-Jerry Hardy; 1971-Mike Dannfeldt; 1972-George Carey; 1973-Dave Ray; 1974-Mike Fesler; 1975-Dan Fredenberg; 1976-Ken Biertzer; 1977-Don Tyler; 1978-Dan Boorse; 1979-Larry Hillerud; 1980-Pat Sholtis; 1981-Chris Maxson; 1982-Tom Teators; 1983-John Callahan; 1984-Al Schmidt; 1985- Mike McNulty; 1986-Sue Spencer; 1987-Paul Stender; 1988-Bob Mueller Jr.; 1989-Bill Berg; 1990-Roger Miller; 1991-Dick Kaiser; 1992-Dan Gish; 1993-Roger Corrigan; 1994-Aaaron Fiscus; 1995-Mike Fell; 1996-Nick Lundgreen; 1997-John Jones; 1998-Greg Ganrath; 199-Alex Crimmings; 2000-Kevin Eggert; 2001-Johnny Komppa; 2002-Brian Claas; 2003-Jake Slotten; 2004-Alex Coonan; 2005-Brian Ramstack; 2006-Joe Wipperfurth; 2007-Robbie Ray; 2008-not awarded; 2009-Courtney Erfurth; 2010-not awarded.
600CC Micro series meeting
The Badger Midget series will hold an informational meeting regarding their new 600CC Micro series support division at Prairie Lanes in Sun Prairie on Saturday, January 22, at 3PM. Anyone with questions, regarding rules, insurance or basic interest is encouraged to attend. Quinn McCabe can be reached at 847-840-1344 as well.
Badger 2011 season highlighted by 20 races
Officials of the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association (BMARA) released a 20-race schedule for the 2011 racing season, today. The Diamond Anniversary season will mark the 75th year of sanctioning midget auto racing, for the country's oldest midget auto racing organization. The announcement was made during the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals.
Sun Prairie's Angell Park Speedway returns as the cornerstone of the series, with ten races slated at the famed 1/3-mile facility. A USAC National/Badger co-sanctioned doubleheader May 14-15 opens the facility. Other USAC National/Badger events will be the Cornfest Midget Classic on Aug. 21 and the 30th annual Firemans Nationals presented by Pepsi on Sep. 3. The 75th Anniversary Badger Midget Race Night will be on July 17, co-sanctioned by POWRi. Other Badger Angell Park events will be on May 29, June 19, June 26, July 10, and Aug. 14.
The Wilmot (Wis.) Speedway will host "The 5th annual Salute to Harry Turner" on July 17, a co-sanctioned event with POWRi and return for a second date on Aug. 13. Badger will co-sanction four events in Illnois with POWRi, June 3 at Fayette County Speedway (Brownstown, Ill.), and June 4 at Peoria (Ill.) Speedway. July 1-2 will be the two-day POWRi/Badger event at Belle Claire Speedway (Belleville, Ill.) for the second straight year.
Badger, and Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association (RMMRA) will endorse the POWRi sanctioned Speedway Motors Midget Money week presented by Rev Honey. The opening event will be July 28 at Solomon Valley Raceway (Beloit, Kan,) for the 2nd annual Chad McDaniel Memorial. The two-day July 29-30 Cornhusker Midget Nationals at Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, Neb,) will be highlighted by Saturday Night's feature paying $12,000 to win. The final event will be the next evening at US 36 Raceway (Cameron, Mo.).
Mike Hess (driver) and Jerry Hardy (car owner) will again team-up seeking their third Series Championship in four years. The schedule for the Badger 600cc Micro series will be announced within the next few weeks.
2011 Schedule
Sat. May 14 Angell Park Speedway (Sun Prairie, Wis.)
Sun. May 15 Angell Park Speedway
Sun. May 29 Angell Park Speedway
Fri. June 3 Fayette County Speedway (Brownstown, Ill.)
Sat. June 4 Peoria Speedway (Peoria, Ill.)
Sun. June 19 Angell Park Speedway
Sun. June 26 Angell Park Speedway
Fri. July 1 Bell-Claire Speedway (Belleville, Ill.)
Sat. July 2 Bell-Claire Speedway
Sun. July 10 Angell Park Speedway
Sat. July 16 Wilmot Raceway (Wilmot, Wis.)
Sun. July 17 Angell Park Speedway
Thu. July 28 Solomon Valley Speedway (Beloit, Kan.)
Fri. July 29 Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, Neb.)
Sat.. July 30 Junction Motor Speedway
Sun. July 31 US 36 Speedway (Cameron, Mo.)
Sat. Aug. 13 Wilmot Raceway (Wilmot, Wis.)
Sun. Aug. 14 Angell Park Speedway
Sun. Aug. 21 Angell Park Speedway
Sat. Sep. 3 Angell Park Speedway
Kevin Olson
Midget Hall of Famer and Badger Midget champion Kevin Olson will make his 20 something run at this years 25th annual Chili Bowl on Thursday night in the 15ko Huston car. "I know I've missed a couple Chili Bowls, but not many, and I'm just happy to be here and feel great about the equipment I'm going to race in, as there are so many good cars here with great talent. I'm hoping for some good luck and enjoy it."
Olson remembers finishing in the top 5 of a few A-mains, but says "I haven't had much luck here, and you need a lot of that to get up top", Olson continues, "A crash or two and your done, but I'm thrilled to be here and racing at my age, you’re thrilled to be trying at all."
Kevin started racing with the Badger series in 1970, competing with the club a total of 36 years in the 40 he's been piloting midgets. The closest competitors to that impressive record are Dean Erfurth with 30 years starting in 1975 followed by Dan Boorse with 28 years beginning in 1978.
Badger Drivers ready for Silver Anniversary Chili Bowl
By Bryan Gapinski Tulsa, Okla., Jan. 1--- Fourteen of the top twenty drivers in 2010 Badger Midget Series points are among the 258-enteries for the 25th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals at the QuikTrip Center's Tulsa Expo Raceway on January 11-15. Here's a quick preview of the fourteen:
---Mike Hess (2010 Badger Champion): Had a brilliant Saturday Night last year charging from the eleventh row to finish seventh in the Championship Feature. This year will drive for Jerry Hardy at Tulsa. Sprint car star Brian Brown will pilot the Hess Racing#51.
---Scott Hatton (second in points): The 1988 Chili Bowl Champion is looking for his ninth career Championship feature start. Hatton will compete in Tuesday Night's Vacuworx International Race of Champions, and then try to repeat his 2003 preliminary night feature victory on Wednesday in the Huston Solution#15.
---Travis Berryhill (third): Will be looking for his first career Saturday Night feature start, after success several runs in the preliminary night action. Berryhill will drive the Mark Bush owned Spike/Ford-Esslinger#2.
---Courtney Erfurth (fourth): Makes her Chili Bowl debut, one of five females competing in the event. Her father Dean finished fifth in the 1992 event.
---Davey Ray (sixth): Winner of the Wednesday Night feature in 2007. Ray looks for his fifth career Saturday Night start driving the potent Dr. Kenneth Love owned Spike/Mopar#71.
---Daniel Robinson (seventh): The May 29 winner at Beaver Dam, looks for his first career Saturday Night feature start driving the RAB Motorsports#57. RAB will be looking for their third Saturday Night feature start as a car owner.
---Brandon Waelti (eighth): Driving the Jones Motorsports#41, Waelti makes his tenth Chili Bowl appearance, hoping to improve upon his 2005 Saturday Night place feature finish.
---Eric Johnson (ninth): Badger's Most Improved Driver in 2010, is making his second Chili Bowl appearance driving the Chuck Johnson owned Buzzard V3/JAMAR Ford#82.
---Rich Camfield (eleventh): Looking for his third career Saturday Night start, and first since 2005. Camfield will be part of a four-car team.
---Brad Loyet (twelfth): Will defend his victory in Tuesday Night's Vacuworx International Race of Champions, and then look for his third career Saturday Night start by racing in Friday preliminaries.
---David Budres (thirteenth): A strong heat race win and ninth place feature finish last month at DuQuoin, have Budres ready for his fourth Chili Bowl appearance.
---David Gough (fourteenth): Coming off a strong performance at Ft. Wayne recently, Gough looks for his second career Saturday Night start, as part of a two-car effort for A & G Motorsports.
---Zach Daum (sixteenth): Won last year's Tuesday night feature with a brilliant last-lap pass. Early retirement in Saturday's feature placed him 21st in the final finish.
---Austin Brown (seventeenth): Looking for first career Saturday Night start in his fifth Chili Bowl appearance. Part of a four-car team for Kenny Brown Racing.
Nineteen other drivers competing in the Chili Bowl who have won Badger sanctioned events during there career including: Jerry Coons Jr. (24-wins), two-time Badger Champion Brad Kuhn (19), Danny Stratton (8), Michael Pickens (6), Tracy Hines (6), Jay Drake (3), two each: Tony Elliott, Jason Leffler, Dave Darland, Brad Sweet, and Levi Jones. Drivers with one feature win include: A.J. Fike, Matt Westfall, Corey Kruseman, Dustin Morgan, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Cole Whitt, Brady Bacon, Bryan Clauson and Josh Wise.
Badger Micro Division taking shape for 2011 season
Sun Prairie, Wis., Dec. 9---The Badger Midget Auto Racing Association (BMARA), midget racing's oldest active sanctioning organization, is extremely excited to introduce their new series during the historic 75th anniversary season.
The BMARA 600cc Micro Series will compete at many of the Badger Midget Series events, along with stand-alone events during the upcoming season. This affordable class is extremely popular in other regions of the country and will allow drivers to begin their open wheel racing career at the age of twelve.
The complete rule book for the division is now available HERE. Several car owners have already requested a car number for next year, and response to the series has exceeded expectations. An informational meeting for competitors is being planned for mid-January after the Chili Bowl.
The 2011 season schedule for both divisions will be released soon, highlighted by the return of Badger sanctioned racing at Angell Park Speedway.
Badger approves new engine rules package for 2011 season
By Bryan Gapinski- Sun Prairie, Wis., Nov. 28---In efforts to increase car count and decrease engine costs, the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association (BMARA) have implemented several cost-savings rules for the 2011 season and beyond. These rules were approved by Badger Car Owners who participated in over fifty percent of the previous race season events at the November general meeting.
These rules are aimed at helping reduce the cost of engines and increasing time between maintenance cycles. The following RPM limitations are in effect for the 2011 season: 8500 RPM for Push Rod Engines, 9500 PRM for Single Overhead Cam, 7800 RPM for Fontana Rino, and 9400 RPM for Esslinger EST Engine. Additionally, the Esslinger EST has been approved as a sealed engine platform eligible for competition, at 9400 RPM. Badger will monitor and evaluate RPM limits throughout the season, they may adjusted by the technical director to insure fairness to all competitors.
The use of Traction Control (TC) and/or on the Fly Variable Timing Control (OTF-VTC) is strictly prohibited. In the case of MSD and EFI type engines, the timing curve must be set before the event. Secondary timing curves must be disabled before the start of any event. Any devise that can automatically change an ignition timing curve or cause an intentional miss-fire in the engine while the engine is running is strictly prohibited.
Badger reserves the right to impound or confiscate any ignition system that is suspect of containing any type of prohibited function previously mentioned. The ignition in question will be returned to the original manufacturer for testing. If found legal it will be returned to the car owner. If found illegal, the illegal components will be destroyed, along with the car owner forfeiting all points awarded for the season, and prize money earned during the race in which the illegal parts were confiscated.The car owner will also receive a one-year suspension from Badger from the date of the event and must pay a $1,000 fine before competing in future Badger sanctioned events. Failure to turn-over an ignition system for inspection will deem the car owner guilty and be subject to the posted fines.
The 2011 season schedule will be released in late-December/early-January, highlighted by the return of Badger sanctioned racing at Angell Park Speedway.
Hess & Hardy headline Badger Midget banquet
Wisconsin Dells, Wis., Nov. 20 - Driver champion Mike Hess and car owner Jerry Hardy headlined the list of honorees at the annual Badger Midget Auto Racing Association awards banquet Saturday Night at the Kalahari Convention Center & Water Park. The event brought the curtain down on the 74th anniversary season for the series.
It marked the second Badger Championship for Hess and Hardy in the last three years. Hess finished off the final eight feature events of the season with eight top-three finishes. Ten drivers scored feature victories in the 14-event season, led by Hess' three victories. Hess and Hardy also took home the lion share of the point fund and contingency awards.
Other award winners included: Eric Johnson (Most Improved Driver), John Callahan (Mechanic of the Year), Scott Hatton (Hoosier Hard Charger), Daniel Robinson (Terry Vaughn Award), Jim Watson (Pat Stender Award), Jones Motorsports (Kevin Doty Award), Roger Corrigan (Media Award), Mid-State Equipment and Beaver Dam Raceway (Appreciation Awards), Jerry Hardy (Best Appearing Car), and Imhoff-Davis Racing (Best Dressed Crew).
Spike (chassis), and Hawk-Chevrolet (engine) won the Badger Midget Manufacturers Championship awards. The 2011 season schedule will be released in late-December/early-January.
Badger Announces New Racing Class
Sept 21, 2010... A 600cc Micro Sprint Class will be introduced in 2011 by the Badger Midget Auto Racing Association. This popular yet affordable class will expand the appeal of open wheel racing by opening the door for a younger generation starting as early as age twelve. BMARA will run the 600cc Micros in conjunction with the midget shows as well as some stand alone shows. More information will be coming soon. Please check back as we will release more details as they become available.
A rule book is being developed and should be completed in October. If you have any questions or comments please contact Quinn McCabe 847-840-1344 or John Callahan 262-857-9477.
Hatton closes out season with second straight win
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., Sep. 4--- Scott Hatton captured the season finale Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series 20-lap feature Saturday Night at Beaver Dam Raceway. The victory was the second straight for Hatton in series competition.
Hatton took the lead from the front row at the start, while 2010 Series Champion Mike Hess passed three cars on the opening lap moving to fourth place before the caution was displayed on Lap 2 for a stalled car. On the restart Hatton pulled away, increasing his lead each lap. Hess moved into third on Lap 8, and one lap later into second place. Hatton's advantage was erased when Travis Berryhill spun, with seven laps remaining. The restart set up a battle between the two drivers who have combined to win the Badger Championship in five of the past seven years.
Hatton driving the Huston Solution owned Stealth/Fontana No. 15 finished two-car lengths ahead of Hess for victory. Daniel Robinson, Bubba Altig, and Brandon Waelti completed the top five. Hess who finished in the top three in the final eight feature events of the season finished 245 points ahead of Hatton to win his second career Badger Midget Champion. More...
Hatton scores Number One at Beaver Dam
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., Aug. 28--- Scott Hatton captured the Mid-State Equipment
Badger Midget Racing Series 20-lap feature Saturday Night at Beaver Dam Raceway.
The victory was the first of the season for the four-time Badger Champion.
Hatton suffered engine problems leading his heat race in his primary car. Hatton
used his back-up car and started in the last position (15th) in the feature.
Travis Berryhill jumped into the lead at the start. Hatton moved into the top
five on Lap 6. Two laps later Hatton improved to fourth place.
Mike Hess passed Courtney Erfurth for second place on Lap 9. One lap later at
the midway point Berryhill held a half straightaway lead over Hess. With five
laps remaining Berryhill's lead grew to nearly six seconds, when the caution
appeared for a spun car. On the restart Hess stayed on Berryhill's rear bumper.
Hess took the lead crossing the start/finish line to complete Lap 17. Entering
Turn 1 the pair made slight contact, causing both to slow momentarily.Hatton
running a higher groove passed both to take the lead exiting Turn 2.
Another caution with two laps remaining bunched up the field. Berryhill drew
event with Hatton, when the white flag was displayed. But his last lap effort
fell two-car lengths short at the finish. Hatton driving the Huston Solution
owned Stealth/Mopar No. 15 finished ahead of Berryhill, Hess, Erfurth and Rich
Camfield. The Badger season concludes next Saturday Sep. 4 at Beaver Dam Raceway. More...
Hess locks up Badger title with BDM win
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., Aug. 21--- Mike Hess captured his second straight victory,
Saturday Night winning the Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series
20-lap feature at Beaver Dam Raceway. The victory clinched the second career
Badger Driver's Championship for the Riverton, Ill. native. Hess' car owner
Jerry Hardy also locked up his second Car Owner Championship with the two
races remaining.
David Budres paced the initial lap around the 1/3-mile clay oval, before Hess
took the lead. A caution for debris on Lap 5 bunched up the field. On the restart
Budres flipped several times entering Turn 3, escaping injury. On the second
restart Hess pulled away from the field while an intense battle waged for second
place between four cars.
Scott Hatton moved into second place three laps later. Hess continued to hold
his advantage when the caution appeared for a stalled car, with six laps remaining.
Hatton then drew even with Hess for the lead at the start/finish line on Lap
16. Two laps later Hatton took the lead but before the lap could be completed
Hess regained the top position exiting Turn 4 to take the white flag. Hess finished
two car lengths ahead of Hatton, followed by Daniel Robinson, Rich Camfield and
Eric Johnson.
Hess also set a 8-lap track record winning his heat race, breaking Hatton's mark
set earlier this year. The next Series event will be Aug. 28 event at Beaver
Dam Raceway. More...
Hess scores Win Number Two at Beaver Dam
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., July 31--- Current Series points leader Mike Hess won Saturday
Night's Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series 20-lap feature at
Beaver Dam Raceway. The victory was his second series feature victory of
the season.
Hess moved into the lead on the second lap, passing Brandon Waelti for the
top position. Hess, Matt Smith, Waelti and Bob Schreffler pulled away from
the field, when the race was slowed by a caution on Lap 8 for a spun car.
Hess and Smith again increased their advantage over the field, and Hess held
a half-straightaway lead with five laps remaining, when the events second
caution appeared for a stalled car. More...
Smith First Repeat Winner in Badger
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., July 17--- Australian Matt Smith became the first repeat
winner of the season capturing The Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing
Series 20-lap feature Saturday Night at Beaver Dam Raceway. Smith's victory
also ended a record streak of thirteen consecutive different feature winners
in the last thirteen races dating back to August 2009.
Smith took the lead on the opening lap, from the outside front row starting position.
On the second lap second and third place running Mike Hess and Daniel Robison
made contact causing an accident which involved the next three position cars,
with Davey Ray flipping, escaping injury. More...
Hess increases point lead with Beaver Dam win
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., July 3--- Series points leader Mike Hess won The Mid-State
Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series 30-lap feature Saturday Night at
Beaver Dam Raceway. Hess is the ninth different driver to win a feature
event this season in nine races.
Travis Berryhill paced the intinal two laps, before Hess took the lead. Once
in the lead Hess began increasing his lead each lap .Matt Smith moved into second
place on Lap 10, and trailed Hess by a straightaway at the midway point. Three
laps later Berryhill running in fourth position hit the Turn 2 wall and flipped
three times, escaping injury. More...
Aussie Matt Smith tops Badger Dodge County
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., July 2---Matt Smith captured the 9th annual Mid State Equipment Sue Thiel Memorial Friday Night at Dodge County Fairgrounds. Smith becomes only the third Australian driver to win a Badger Midget Auto Racing Association sanctioned feature in the organizations 74-year history.
Smith made a daring three-wide high side pass for the lead entering Turn 3 on the opening lap. Once in front Smith continued the running the cushion while Series points leader Mike Hess ran the bottom of the track. The pair pulled away from the field, with Smith holding his advantage. Hess moved to cushion, with five laps remaining, and closed to Smith's rear bumper. One lap later Hess took the lead only to surrender the top position back to Smith on the next lap.
Smith driving the Steve Smith owned Triple X/Hawk Chevrolet No. 1 finished two car lengths ahead of Hess, followed by Davey Ray, Scott Hatton and fast qualifier Travis Berryhill. Brandon Waelti who entered the event second in Series points escaped injury in a spectacular flip, during the second heat race. Waelti's car nearly cleared the Turn 3 catch fence. Berryhill was involved in a separate flip in the same race. More...
Hagen Rebounds to Win Night Two at Belle Clair
By Bryan Gapinski
Belleville,Ill., June 26---California's Darren Hagen won the 75-lap POWRi
Speedway Motors/Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series co-sanctioned
feature, Saturday Night at Belle-Clair Raceway. The event capped off the
two-night Budweiser FanFest celebrating the 75th anniversary of midget auto
racing in the greater St. Louis area.
Hagen took the lead at the start from the pole position followed by Brad Loyet.
A multi-car accident on the opening lap, slowed action. On the restart Loyet's
engine began misfiring, with Hagen leading the event. With Hagen running the
cushion and Loyet using the lower groove the pair were the class of the field
closely followed by Mike Hess. More...
Loyet scores night one at Little Belleville
By
Bryan Gapinski
Belleville,Ill., June 25---Brad Loyet won the 30-lap POWRi Speedway Motors/Mid-State
Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series co-sanctioned feature, Friday Night
at Belle-Clair Raceway. The event was the first of the two-night Budweiser
FanFest celebrating the 75th anniversary of midget auto racing in the greater
St. Louis area.
Polesitter Austin Brown jumped into the lead at the start, and quickly paced
the first seven circuits around the fast 1/4-mile dirt oval. Brown surrendered
to lead to Loyet on lap 8, and eventually faded to a ninth place finish suffering
from brake problems.More...
Hatton scores Number One at Beaver Dam
Beaver Dam, Wis., Aug. 28--- Scott Hatton captured the Mid-State Equipment
Badger Midget Racing Series 20-lap feature Saturday Night at Beaver Dam
Raceway. The victory was the first of the season for the four-time Badger
Champion.
Hatton suffered engine problems leading his heat race in his primary car.
Hatton used his back-up car and started in the last position (15th) in
the feature. Travis Berryhill jumped into the lead at the start. Hatton
moved into the top five on Lap 6. Two laps later Hatton improved to fourth
place.
Mike Hess passed Courtney Erfurth for second place on Lap 9. One lap later
at the midway point Berryhill held a half straightaway lead over Hess.
With five laps remaining Berryhill's lead grew to nearly six seconds, when
the caution appeared for a spun car. On the restart Hess stayed on Berryhill's
rear bumper. Hess took the lead crossing the start/finish line to complete
Lap 17. Entering Turn 1 the pair made slight contact, causing both to slow
momentarily.Hatton running a higher groove passed both to take the lead
exiting Turn 2.
Another caution with two laps remaining bunched up the field. Berryhill
drew event with Hatton, when the white flag was displayed. But his last
lap effort fell two-car lengths short at the finish. Hatton driving the
Huston Solution owned Stealth/Mopar No. 15 finished ahead of Berryhill,
Hess, Erfurth and Rich Camfield. The Badger season concludes next Saturday
Sep. 4 at Beaver Dam Raceway.
Hess locks up Badger title with BDM win
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., Aug. 21--- Mike Hess captured his second straight victory,
Saturday Night winning the Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series
20-lap feature at Beaver Dam Raceway. The victory clinched the second
career Badger Driver's Championship for the Riverton, Ill. native. Hess'
car owner Jerry Hardy also locked up his second Car Owner Championship
with the two races remaining.
David Budres paced the initial lap around the 1/3-mile clay oval, before
Hess took the lead. A caution for debris on Lap 5 bunched up the field.
On the restart Budres flipped several times entering Turn 3, escaping injury.
On the second restart Hess pulled away from the field while an intense
battle waged for second place between four cars.
Scott Hatton moved into second place three laps later. Hess continued to
hold his advantage when the caution appeared for a stalled car, with six
laps remaining. Hatton then drew even with Hess for the lead at the start/finish
line on Lap 16. Two laps later Hatton took the lead but before the lap
could be completed Hess regained the top position exiting Turn 4 to take
the white flag. Hess finished two car lengths ahead of Hatton, followed
by Daniel Robinson, Rich Camfield and Eric Johnson.
Hess also set a 8-lap track record winning his heat race, breaking Hatton's
mark set earlier this year. The next Series event will be Aug. 28 event
at Beaver Dam Raceway.
Hess scores Win Number Two at Beaver Dam
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., July 31--- Current Series points leader Mike Hess won
Saturday Night's Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series 20-lap
feature at Beaver Dam Raceway. The victory was his second series feature
victory of the season.
Hess moved into the lead on the second lap, passing Brandon Waelti for
the top position. Hess, Matt Smith, Waelti and Bob Schreffler pulled away
from the field, when the race was slowed by a caution on Lap 8 for a spun
car. Hess and Smith again increased their advantage over the field, and
Hess held a half-straightaway lead with five laps remaining, when the events
second caution appeared for a stalled car.
Hess easily pulled away from Smith on the restart, while close position
racing occurred behind the leaders. Hess driving the Jerry Hardy owned
Buzzard/Hawk-Chevrolet No. 4 finished 1.14 seconds ahead of Smith,
Schreffler, Travis Berryhill and B.G. Woods who scored a career series
best feature finish.
Hess now holds a 228-point lead over Berryhill heading into the Aug. 21 event
at Beaver Dam Raceway. The Badger portion of the scheduled Aug. 14 racing events
at Wilmot (Wis.) Speedway has been the cancelled.
SUMMARY
20-lap Feature: 1. Mike Hess; 2. Matt Smith; 3. Bob Schreffler; 4. Travis Berryhill;
5. B.G. Woods; 6. Courtney Erfurth; 7. Daniel Robinson; 8.Aaron Fiscus; 9. Brandon
Waelti; 10. Brian Terry; 11. Eric Johnson; 12. Cody Wisensel.
8-lap Heat Race Winners: Smith, Erfurth..
Cars Present: 12 Feature Lap Leaders: Waelti 1, Hess 2-20.
Current Badger Midget Series Point Standings: 1.Mike Hess 905; 2. Travis Berryhill
677; 3.Scott Hatton 663; 4. Davey Ray 590; 5.Brandon Waelti 571; 6. Bob Schreffler
561; 7. Courtney Erfurth 550; 8. Eric Johnson 402; 9. Daniel Robinson 381 10.
Brad Loyet 338.
Smith First Repeat Winner in Badger
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., July 17--- Australian Matt Smith became the first repeat
winner of the season capturing The Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget
Racing Series 20-lap feature Saturday Night at Beaver Dam Raceway. Smith's
victory also ended a record streak of thirteen consecutive different
feature winners in the last thirteen races dating back to August 2009.
Smith took the lead on the opening lap, from the outside front row starting
position. On the second lap second and third place running Mike Hess and
Daniel Robison made contact causing an accident which involved the next
three position cars, with Davey Ray flipping, escaping injury.
On the restart Smith quickly opened up an advantage over the field. Hess
who restarted in ninth position quickly moved through the field and into
second place on lap 6. With both drivers running the cushion Hess began
cutting into Smith's straightaway advantage. Hess closed to within two
car lengths with five laps remaining. One lap later Smith became trapped
behind several lapped cars, allowing Hess to challenge for the lead.
Hess took advantage of lapped cars to lead exiting Turn 4 on Lap 17.
Less than one lap later Smith regained the lead. Smith, driving the Steve
Smith owned Triple XXX/Hawk-Chevrolet No.1, held off Hess on the final
lap to score a one-car length victory. Brandon Waelti, Daniel Robinson
and David Budres completed the top five. Hess now holds a 143-point lead
over Scott Hatton heading into the July 31 event at Beaver Dam Raceway.
The Badger portion of the scheduled Sept. 3 Stan Fox Memorial at Dodge County
Fairgrounds has been the cancelled. The event will be run with the IRA Sprint
Car Series and Mid American Stock Car Series competing.
SUMMARY
30-lap Feature: 1.Matt Smith; 2. Mike Hess; 3. Brandon Waelti; 4. Daniel Robinson;
5. David Budres; 6. Eric Johnson; 7. B.G. Woods; 8. Travis Berryhill; 9. Brian
Terry; 10. Jason Therkelsen; 11. Courtney Erfurth; 12. Scott Hatton; 13. Davey
Ray; 14. David Gough; 15.Cody Wisensel.
8-lap Heat Race Winners: Ray, Hess.
Cars Present: 15 Feature Lap Leaders: Smith 1-17, Hess 18, Smith 19-20.
*Ray flipped on Lap 1 of feature, uninjured.
Current Badger Midget Series Point Standings: 1.Mike Hess 806; 2.Scott Hatton
663; 3. Travis Berryhill 605; 4. Davey Ray 590; 5.Brandon Waelti 571; 6. Courtney
Erfurth 488; 7. Bob Schreffler 477; 8. Eric Johnson 359; 9. Brad Loyet 338; 10.Daniel
Robinson 323.
Hess increases point lead with Beaver Dam win
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., July 3--- Series points leader Mike Hess won The Mid-State
Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series 30-lap feature Saturday Night at
Beaver Dam Raceway. Hess is the ninth different driver to win a feature
event this season in nine races.
Travis Berryhill paced the intinal two laps, before Hess took the lead.
Once in the lead Hess began increasing his lead each lap .Matt Smith moved
into second place on Lap 10, and trailed Hess by a straightaway at the
midway point. Three laps later Berryhill running in fourth position hit
the Turn 2 wall and flipped three times, escaping injury.
On the restart Smith stayed with Hess for a few laps, before Hess pulled
away to a comfortable margain. Hess driving the Jerry Hardy owned Buzzard/Hawk
Chevrolet No. 4 finished 2.7 seconds ahead of Smith, Scott Hatton,Courtney
Erfurth and Bob Shreffler. Hess now holds a 90-point lead over Hatton heading
ino the July 17 event at Beaver Dam Raceway.
SUMMARY
30-lap Feature: 1. Mike Hess; 2. Matt Smith; 3. Scott Hatton; 4. Courney
Erfurth; 5. Bob Shreffler; 6. Eric Johnson; 7. Tim Noble; 8.Brian Terry;
9. Travis Berryhill.
10-lap Qualifying Race Winner: Erfurth.
Fast Time: Hatton, 14.966 seconds.
Feature Lap Leaders: Berryhill 1-2, Hess 3-30.
*Berryhill flipped on Lap 18 of feature, uninjuried.
Current Badger Midget Series Point Standings: 1.Mike Hess 708; 2.Scott
Hatton 618; 3. Travis Berryhill 552; 4. Davey Ray 542; 5.Brandon Waelti
489; 6. Bob Schreffler 477; 7. Courtney Erfurth 450; 8. Brad Loyet 338;
9. Eric Johnson 306; 10.Daniel Robinson 246.
Aussie Matt Smith tops Badger Dodge County
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., July 2---Matt Smith captured the 9th annual Mid State Equipment Sue Thiel Memorial Friday Night at Dodge County Fairgrounds. Smith becomes only the third Australian driver to win a Badger Midget Auto Racing Association sanctioned feature in the organizations 74-year history.
Smith made a daring three-wide high side pass for the lead entering Turn 3 on the opening lap. Once in front Smith continued the running the cushion while Series points leader Mike Hess ran the bottom of the track. The pair pulled away from the field, with Smith holding his advantage. Hess moved to cushion, with five laps remaining, and closed to Smith's rear bumper. One lap later Hess took the lead only to surrender the top position back to Smith on the next lap.
Smith driving the Steve Smith owned Triple X/Hawk Chevrolet No. 1 finished two car lengths ahead of Hess, followed by Davey Ray, Scott Hatton and fast qualifier Travis Berryhill. Brandon Waelti who entered the event second in Series points escaped injury in a spectacular flip, during the second heat race. Waelti's car nearly cleared the Turn 3 catch fence. Berryhill was involved in a separate flip in the same race.
SUMMARY
15-lap Feature: 1. Matt Smith; 2. Mike Hess; 3. Davey Ray; 4. Scott Hatton; 5. Travis Berryhill; 6. Bob Schreffler; 7. Courtney Erfurth.
6-lap Heat Race Winners: Smith, Ray.
Fast Time: Berryhill, 21.244 seconds.
Cars Present: 11 Feature Lap Leaders: Smith 1-11, Hess 12, Smith 13-15.
* Berryhill and Waelti flipped in separate accident in heat race two.
Current Badger Midget Series Points: 1.Mike Hess 603; 2. Davey Ray 542; 3. Scott Hatton 524; 4. Travis Berryhill 490; 5.Brandon Waelti 489; 6. Bob Schreffler 417; 7. Courtney Erfurth 367; 8. Brad Loyet 338; 9. Eric Johnson 255; 10.Daniel Robinson 246.
Hagen Rebounds to Win Night Two at Belle Clair
By Bryan Gapinski
Belleville,Ill., June 26---California's Darren Hagen won the 75-lap POWRi
Speedway Motors/Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series co-sanctioned
feature, Saturday Night at Belle-Clair Raceway. The event capped off
the two-night Budweiser FanFest celebrating the 75th anniversary of midget
auto racing in the greater St.Louis area.
Hagen took the lead at the start from the pole position followed by Brad
Loyet. A multi-car accident on the opening lap, slowed action. On the restart
Loyet's engine began misfiring, with Hagen leading the event. With Hagen
running the cushion and Loyet using the lower groove the pair were the
class of the field closely followed by Mike Hess.
Hagen who finished 19th in Friday's feature was passed by Loyet on Lap
66, but regained the lead with four laps remaining. Hagen driving the RFMS
Racing owned Spike/Ford-Esslinger No. 3 finished one-car length ahead of
Loyet at the finish, followed by Hess, Steve Knepper, and Andrew Felker.
The victory was worth $4,000 for Hagen.
Loyet increased his POWRi point lead, while Hess has taken over the Badger point
lead and currently holds a 28-point advantage over Brandon Waelti. Badger's next
event will be July 2 at Dodge County Fairgrounds (Beaver Dam,Wis.), while POWRi
resumes racing on July 5 at Macon (Ill.) Speedway.
SUMMARY
75-lap feature: 1. Darren Hagen; 2. Brad Loyet; 3. Mike Hess; 4. Steve Knepper;
5. Andrew Felker; 6. Shane Cockrum; 7. Brandon Waelti; 8. Dereck King; 9. Nick
Knepper; 10. Daniel Adler; 11. Courtney Erfurth; 12. Derek Kingston; 13. Scott
Hatton; 14. Travis Berryhill; 15. Tyler Robbins; 16. Derek Rossio; 17. Daniel
Robinson; 18. Shane Cottle; 19. Derrick Myers; 20. Johnny Murdock; 21. Austin
Brown; 22.Tim Siner.
12-lap Semi Feature Winner: Cockrum, Myers.
10-lap Heat Race Winners: Hess, Waelti, Hagen, Loyet, Siner.
Cars Present: 37 Feature Lap Leaders: Hagen 1-66, Loyet 67-70, Hagen 71-75.
Loyet scores night one at Little Belleville
By
Bryan Gapinski
Belleville,Ill.,
June 25---Brad Loyet won the 30-lap POWRi Speedway Motors/Mid-State Equipment
Badger Midget Racing Series co-sanctioned feature, Friday Night at Belle-Clair
Raceway. The event was the first of the two-night Budweiser FanFest celebrating
the 75th anniversary of midget auto racing in the greater St.Louis area.
Polesitter Austin Brown jumped into the lead at the start, and quickly
paced the first seven circuits around the fast 1/4-mile dirt oval. Brown
surrendered to lead to Loyet on lap 8, and eventually faded to a ninth
place finish suffering from brake problems.
Loyet continued to set the pace on the cushion, with most of the field running
the lower groove. Brandon Waelti ran in second position until four laps remaining
when veteran Steve Knepper passed Waelti. Loyet driving the Loyet Motorsports
owned Spike/Ford-Esslinger No. 05 finished ahead of Knepper, Daniel Adler, Waelti
and Andrew Felker who earlier in the evening claimed victory in the accompanying
POWRi Micro Sprint feature.
With his second series feature victory of the season Loyet increased his POWRi
Series points lead over Brown. Davey Ray currently holds a 14-point lead over
Waelti heading into Saturday Night's events which will be highlighted by a 75-lap
feature.
SUMMARY
30-lap feature: 1. Brad Loyet; 2. Steve Knepper; 3. Daniel Adler; 4. Brandon
Waelti; 5. Andrew Felker; 6. Zach Daum; 7. Nick Knepper; 8. Mike Hess; 9. Austin
Brown; 10. Dereck King; 11. Derrick Myers; 12. Dave Camfield Jr.; 13. Derek Kingston;
14. Matt Fox; 15. Derek Rossio; 16. Davey Ray; 17. Tim Siner; 18.Shane Cockrum19.
Darren Hagen; 20. Scott Hatton; 21. Galvin Galbraith; 22. Travis Berryhill.
12-lap Semi feature Winner: Adler.
10-lap Heat Race Winners: Brown, Hagen, Waelti, Myers.
Cars Present: 34 Feature Lap Leaders: Brown 1-7, Loyet 8-30.
Current Badger Midget Series Points: 1. Davey Ray 429; 2. Brandon Waelti 415;
3. Mike Hess 414; 4. Scott Hatton 401; 5. Travis Berryhill 375; 6. Bob Schreffler
330; 7.Courtney Erfurth 267; 8. Brad Loyet 244; 9. Eric Johnson 241; 10. David
Gough 231.
Point leader Ray tops Badger Beaver Dam Field
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., June 12--- Davey Ray increased his series points lead by winning The Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series 20-lap feature Saturday Night at Beaver Dam Raceway. The event was the 50th sanctioned midget race at the facility for Badger.
Ray who started from the pole position jumped into the lead at the start, closely followed by Scott Hatton and fast qualifier Travis Berryhill. Two caution flags during the first nine laps, kept the field bunched up. Hatton ran the exact line as Ray and stayed on Ray's bumper as the pair pulled away from the field. The leaders entered lapped traffic, with five laps remaining. Fourth place running David Gough coasted to a stop, one lap later bringing out the caution.
Ray was again perfect on the restart and held a car length advantage over Hatton as the pair took the white flag. Ray entered Turn 2, when the caution was displayed for Jason Dull's spun car. Track rules state that after the leader begins the final lap, and a caution appears the race is ruled complete.
Ray driving the Jim Fiscus owned Spike/Ford-Esslinger No. 6 finished ahead of Hatton, Mike Hess, Berryhill and Brandon Waelti. Earlier in the evening Hatton broke Brad Kuhn's four-year old eight-lap track record winning his heat race. Ray currently holds a 22-point lead over Hatton heading into the next series event June 25-26 at Belle Claire Raceway (Belleville,Ill.).
SUMMARY
20-lap Feature: 1. Davey Ray; 2. Scott Hatton; 3. Mike Hess; 4. Travis Berryhill; 5. Brandon Waelti; 6. Brian Terry; 7. Eric Johnson; 8.Courtney Erfurth; 9. David Budres; 10. Bob Schreffler; 11.Jason Dull; 12. David Gough; 13. Jason Therkelson.
8-lap Heat Race Winners: Hatton, Ray.
Fast Time: Berryhill, 14.583 seconds.
Cars Present: 14 Feature Lap Leaders: Ray 1-20.
Current Badger Midget Series Point Standings: 1. Davey Ray 392; 2. Scott Hatton 370; 3. Mike Hess 361; 4. Travis Berryhill 346; 5. Brandon Waelti 336; 6.Bob Schreffler 317; 7.Courtney Erfurth 249; 8. David Gough 231; 9. Eric Johnson 221; 10. David Budres 206.
APS, BMARA Look Ahead to the Future
Angell Park Speedway, BMARA release joint statement
To all Midget racers and Fans of Angell Park Speedway (APS) and Badger Midget Auto Racing Association (BMARA).
The Sun Prairie Volunteer Fire Department
(SPVFD) and BMARA recently agreed to meet to reopen the lines of communication.
The SPVFD and BMARA met on Wednesday, June 2nd to discuss their differences
regarding midget racing as a whole. The outcome of this meeting determined
that both organizations have schedules that are set for the 2010 season but
agreed to put aside differences for the betterment of midget racing in Wisconsin.
The lines of communication have been reopened and all hopes are that midget
racing will grow again in Wisconsin and the fans will continue to support
this great sport. We ask the racers and fans to continue to support both
series and their favorite drivers.
Sincerely,
SPVFD and BMARA
Robinson Tough on Badger Field at Beaver Dam
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., May 29--- Daniel Robinson surprised the field, winning The Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series 20-lap feature Saturday Night at Beaver Dam Raceway.
Bob Shreffler took the lead at the start of the event, while Mike Hess passed five cars in the first two laps moving into second place. One lap later Scott Hatton moved into third place, after starting in 14th position. Shreffler continnued to increase his lead each lap. At the midway point Shreffler held a straightaway lead over Hess and Hatton.
Cautions appeared for stalled cars the next two laps. On the restart Hess passed Shreffler for the lead, leading one circuit, before Shreffler regained the lead. Robinson running an extremely high line around the track, with most of the field using the lower groove continued his charge through the field. Robinson and Hatton made slight contact, with Robinson moving into third place, with five laps remaining. One lap later Robinson slid into the path of second place running Hess, as they entered Turn 2, causing Hess to flip. Hess was uninjured.
On the restart Shreffler, running the lower groove, led Robinson who continued running against the wall. Robinson drew even with Shreffler on lap 17, and took the lead. At the white flag Robinson held a car length advantage and increased his lead the final lap. Robinson driving the RAB Racing owned Stealth/Mopar No. 57 finished 0.68 seconds ahead of Shreffler, Dave Ray, Hatton and Brandon Waelti. Ray currently holds an eleven point lead over Waelti heading into the next series event June 12 at the track.
SUMMARY
20-lap Feature: 1. Daniel Robinson; 2. Bob Shreffler; 3. Davey Ray; 4.Scott Hatton; 5. Brandon Waelti; 6. Courtney Erfurth; 7. David Gough; 8. David Budres; 9. Rich Camfield; 10. Joe Probst; 11. Brian Terry, 12. Eric Johnson; 13. Jason Therkelson; 14. Mike Hess; 15. Travis Berryhill.
8-lap Heat Race Winners: Gough, Berryhill.
Fast Time: Camfield, 16.210 seconds.
Cars Present: 15 Feature Lap Leaders: Shreffler 1-11, Hess 12, Shreffler 13-17 Robinson 18-20.
*Hess flipped Lap 16 of feature, uninjured.
Current Badger Midget Series Point Standings: 1. Davey Ray 281; 2. Brandon Waelti 270; 3. Bob Shreffler 269; 4. Scott Hatton 268; 5. Mike Hess 264; 6. Travis Berryhill 262; 7. Daniel Robinson 191; 8.Courtney Erfurth 191; 9. David Gough 181; 10.Rich Camfield 169.
Tripleheader for Thiel Memorial
IRA Sprints, Badger Midgets & Mid America Stock Cars highlight July 2 event
Beaver Dam, Wis., May 19---Wisconsin's three major touring divisions, will headline the "Ninth annual Sue Thiel Memorial". The event is scheduled for Friday Night July 2 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds. The IRA Bumper to Bumper Outlaw Sprint Car Series and the Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series, will be joined The Mid America Stock Car Series. For Mid-America it will mark the their first ever dirt-track event in the organizations 17-year history!
Thunder Bay Enterprises and Mid-State Equipment have renewed their event sponsorship for a fifth straight year. The midget event will again be sanctioned by Badger, with a variation in normal series rules allowing cars to run Hoosier SP Series tires based on their engine displacement or an American Racer SD Series Tires will on the right rear wheel. For futher information contact event organizer Dan Thiel at: (920) 319-0177.
The "Fourth annual Stan Fox Memorial" on Friday Night September 3 will also feature a Badger midget/IRA doubleheader with a possible third division to be announced at a later date. Scott Hatton (midget) and Terry McCarl (sprint car) captured the 2009 Thiel events run before a near-capacity crowd. Hatton made it two straight on the lightning fast half-mile capturing the Fox Memorial Midget Race, with Mike Reinke topping the IRA Sprint Car feature.
Camfield covers Badger Beaver Dam field
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., May 22---Veteran driver Rich Camfield scored a surprise victory, winning Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series 20-lap feature Saturday Night at Beaver Dam Raceway.
Action was halted on the second lap when Johnny Murdock flipped, escaping injury. On the restart Brandon Waelti passed Bob Schreffler for the lead, pacing the field for three circuits around the 1/3-mile clay oval. Davey Ray then assumed the lead, while Camfield moved around two cars in the next lap to replace Ray as the races fourth different leader on Lap 6. Camfield quickly increased his lead to over two seconds at the midway point. Camfield's advantage was erased while working through lapped traffic during the next few laps.
Waelti pulled to within two-car lengths with five laps remaining. Camfield during the final five laps again increased his advantage. Camfield driving the Rich King owned Stealth/Carey-Chevrolet No. 5 finished 1.56 seconds ahead of Waelti, followed by Austin Brown, fast qualifier Davey Ray and Mike Hess. "It's great to finally get a feature win in Badger, I got the call to drive this car on Thursday" commented the 2001 MARA Midget Series Champion. Hess leads Travis Berryhill by one point heading into the May 29 event at Beaver Dam Raceway.
SUMMARY
20-lap Feature: 1. Rich Camfield; 2. Brandon Waelti; 3. Austin Brown; 4. Davey Ray; 5. Mike Hess; 6. Travis Berryhill; 7. Bob Schreffler; 8. Nick Knepper; 9. Courtney Erfurth; 10. Scott Hatton; 11. Robbie Ray; 12. Kenny Brown; 13. Eric Johnson; 14. Jason Dull; 15. Jason Therkelsen; 16. Johnny Murdock.
8-lap Heat Race Winners: Waelti, D. Ray.
Fast Time: D. Ray, 15.822 seconds.
Cars Present: 16, Feature Lap Leaders: Scheffler 1, Waelti 2-4, Ray 5, Camfield 6-20.
*Murdock flipped lap 1 of feature, uninjured.
Houston Car Visits Vehicle Day At Elementary School
Dwight Huston's #15 car, raced by 2009 Badger Midget champ Scott Hatton at the 8th bi-annual Vehicle Day at Arboretum Elementary School in Waunakee, WI on May 20th. Vic Morrow hosted the Huston car as one of 17 different types of vehicles for the 544 students. Photo
Welcome To The New Look At BMARA.com
We've got a new look at BMARA.com! The Badger Midget Racing Association has been working hard to make many changes and the website has been one of them. We are transitioning to a new format and throughout the season we will be making numerous changes. We hope the new website can better showcase new technologies to keep our fans and sponsors updated. Thanks for your support!
Coons dominates Wilmot Badger Midget Race
By Bryan Gapinski
Wilmot, Wis., May 15---Jerry Coons Jr. scored a wire-to-wire victory capturing the 30-lap Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series feature Saturday Night at Wilmot Speedway. It marked the first time competing at the track for the Arizona driver, who also set fast time during qualifying.
Coons jumped into the lead from the pole followed by Brad Loyet. Third place running Robbie Ray came to a stop in Turn 2 on lap 6, and collected the next three cars in the running order: Zach Daum, Scott Hatton, and Brandon Waelti. All four cars were sidelined for the remainder of the event.
On the restart Coons increased his lead each lap, and held a five second-plus lead, when the caution appeared for a stalled car on lap 16. Loyet briefly challenged Coons for the lead on the restart. The events final caution appeared on lap 19 for another stopped car. Coons driving the Wilke-PAK owned Spike/Toyota#11 went unchallenged the final eleven laps finishing a straightaway ahead of Loyet, Mike Hess, Travis Berryhill and David Gough. Davey Ray set a new 8-lap track record winning the second heat race of the evening.
Berryhill currently holds a seven point lead over Loyet heading into the next series event at Beaver Dam (Wis.) Raceway on May 22. Badger returns to Wilmot on Aug. 14 for the "Fifth Annual Salute to Harry Turner".
SUMMARY
30-lap Feature:1. Jerry Coons Jr.; 2. Brad Loyet; 3. Mike Hess; 4. Travis Berryhill; 5. David Gough; 6. Bob Schreffler; 7. Daniel Robinson; 8. B.G. Wood; 9. Eric Johnson; 10.Courtney Erfurth; 11. Eric Nitz; 12. David Budres; 13. Robbie Ray; 14. Zach Daum; 15. Scott Hatton; 16.Brandon Waelti; 17. Davey Ray; 18. Levi Roberts.
8-lap Heat Race Winners: Gough, Ray, Daum.
Fast Time:Coons, 15.028 seconds.
Cars Present: 19 Feature Lap Leaders: Coons 1-30.
Current Badger Midget Series points: 1. Travis Berryhill 159;2. Brad Loyet 152; 3. Zach Daum 147; 4. Scott Hatton 146; 5. Mike Hess 145; 6. Jerry Coons Jr. 114; 7. David Gough 114; 8. Bob Schreffler 113; 9. Brad Kuhn 112; 10. Davey Ray 103.
Bob Olson
Good friend and long time Badger Midget fan, Bob Olson
passed away on May 11th at 80 years old. Bob served as President of the
Badger Midget Racing Association during the 1968 season. The Funeral Service
will be at 11 AM on Friday May 14 at the Cress Funeral Home at 3345 E.
Washington Ave (Madison, Wis.) with visitation from 10 AM until the time
of the service. Burial will be at the Roselawn Memorial Park on East Broadway
in Madison.
excitement returns to Wilmot Speedway on Saturday
By Bryan Gapinski Wilmot, Wis., May 10---The Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing Series continues on Saturday Night May 15 at Wilmot Raceway, site of one of the series most competitive feature races of the 2009 season!
Badger's last appearance at the 1/3-mile clay oval was on June 13, 2009, when five feature lead changes occurred and a finish that saw the top three separated by less than twocar lengths at- the finish. Brad Loyet won the exciting race followed by 2009 Series Champion Scott Hatton and Mike Hess.
Hess, the 2008 Series Champion has established himself as the "event
favorite", the Sherman, Ill. driver has feature finishes of 1-4-4-3-3
in the last five Wilmot events he's competed. Hatton currently trails Brad
Kuhn by eleven points in the series points heading into the event, and
has been fast qualifier twice at Wilmot. Drivers will be aiming at Loyet's
one-lap track record in qualifying of 14.755 seconds set last year.
Pits will open at 2:00 p.m. with grandstands opening at 4:00 p.m., practice will begin one hour later, with racing starting at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Joining Badger on the slate will be the track's sprint car and mini-sprint divisions.
Kuhn nails Badger Midget opener
By Bryan Gapinski, Beaver Dam, Wis., May 1---Two-time Series Champion Brad Kuhn captured the season opening Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Racing series 30-lap feature Saturday Night at Beaver Dam Raceway. The event kicked off the 74th year of sanctioning midget auto racing for the organization, oldest in the country.
Brandon Waelti paced the opening lap while Scott Hatton passed four cars
in the first two laps to take the lead on the second lap closely followed
by Kuhn. Kuhn then took over the lead two laps passing Hatton. The pair
pulled away from the field and had a sizeable advantage, when the events
only caution appeared on Lap 10 for a stalled car.
Kuhn then pulled away from Hatton on the restart increasing his advantage slightly every lap around the 1/3-mile oval. Kuhn spent the final eight laps in lapped traffic. Kuhn driving the RWB Motorsports owned Beast/Fontana#17 finished 3.23 seconds ahead of Hatton, fast qualifier Zach Daum, Travis Berryhill and Davey Ray who started in last position. The victory was the fourth career feature win at the track for the Avon, Ind. driver. Series action continues on May 15 at Wilmot (Wis.) Speedway.
Part One: Beaver Dam Raceway The reopening, forty-six races of memories begins
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam,Wis., April 12---The Badger Midget Auto Racing Association (BMARA)
opens their 74th year of sanctioning midget auto racing, the country's
oldest midget auto racing organization on Saturday Night May 1 at Beaver
Dam Raceway.
Beaver Dam Raceway will serve as the cornerstone of the series, with ten
Saturday Night races. The season will conclude at the 1/3-mile high banked
clay oval on Sept. 4. (This is the first of a three-part series recapping
Badger their race events at track.The remaining two parts will appear exclusively
on the Badger website on Monday April 19 and 26).
When Dan Fredenberg took the checkered flag winning the 25-lap Badger
Midget feature at Beaver Dam Raceway on July 3, 1982, few realized it would
be another decade before Badger would return to that parcel of land.
Former Wisconsin resident Gary Schlafer turned Sprint Car driver and car
dealer from Anderson, Indiana, acquired the property and began designing
a new track to replace the existing 1/4-mile dirt oval. After two years
of hardwork Schlafer re-opened the facility for the 1993 racing season.
1993: Saturday Night May 29 marks the re-opening of the track for Badger. After heavy rains the preceding days, Marty Davis tops Greg Lueckert and Dan Boorse to win the opening event which featured little passing. One of the tracks most dramatic features is run on July 31. Dean Billings driving the Gapinski/Lothe#96 starts last in the sixteen-car B Main and scores the victory. Billings then starts in 20th position (last) and works his way through the feature field. On the final lap Billings passes Mike Hansel for second place on the backstretch. Leader Scott Hatton loses his wheel entering Turn 4 and slows giving Billings the victory. Tony Stewart driving the Kunz#1k tops the 50-lap on Sept.4 over Billings and Randy Koch. Hatton also scores two feature wins during the season.
1994: Kevin Doty claimed four of the seven features at the track on his way to winning the 1994 Badger title. Doty's most interesting night at the track failed to produce a winning effort. On Saturday afternoon August 20 Doty made his USAC Silver Crown debut competing at the Illinois State Fairgrounds (Springfield,Ill.). Doty finished 21st completing 34 laps before a broken oil line ended his day. Doty then flew to Beaver Dam, with Kurt Mayhew practicing and qualifying the Bud Doty#50. Doty transferred his car from the B-Main to the feature before retiring midway in the feature. Dan Boorse, Dean Erfurth and Kevin Olson won the other three features.
1995: A record ten nights of Badger racing took place at the track. Randy Koch driving the Kittleson#2 won four features and placed second three times. Second-year driver Aaron Fiscus scored his first career midget feature victory on June 24 finishing ahead of Koch, and Steve Knepper. Other feature winners during the season included: Kevin Olson, Kevin Doty and Scott Hatton.
1996: Badger's only appearance of the season saw Randy Koch continue his hot streak winning his third Badger feature in seven days at three different tracks on Aug.3 finishing ahead of Scott Hatton and Dean Billings.
1997: Badger's season opener on May 17 saw a classic duel between fast qualifier Dan Boorse and Arizona's Jeremy Sherman.Sherman took the lead at the start in the Wilke-PAK#11 while Boorse passed eight cars in the first two laps to close in on Sherman. The pair waged a classic wheel to wheel battle until Lap 20 when Boorse took the top position on a restart. Sherman hit the wall on the final lap running second and flipped. Kevin Doty won the remaining two events.
1998: For the first time-ever Badger and the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars run on the same event. Badger and the track's 360 sprint cars run their preliminary races on Tuesday Night, and then return to run their features during the regular WoO event on Wednesday June . Ted Johnson, founder of WoO grew up in Madison and watched midget racing in the area as a youth. Johnson is in the tower during the midget feature and remembers his youthful experiences with race officials. Randy Koch scores his sixth career midget feature win besting Quinn McCabe and Boyd Calvert.
Part Two: Beaver Dam Raceway, New Decade, New Ownership
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., April 19---This is the second of a three-part series
recapping the Badger Midget Series and their race events at Beaver Dam
Raceway. The remaining story will appear exclusively on the Badger website
on Monday April 26.
1999: After the 1998 season, owner Gary Schlafer suspends all racing at the track, and places the facility on the market for sale. In October 1999 a deal is completed for the purchase by Lee Merkel and Glenn Hepfner the group known as Wisconsin Motorsports & Entertainment LLC announce plans for the 2000 season. Merkel and Hepfner expand the group three years later with Bill Muche and Scott Boyd joining as partners.
2000: The track is renamed The Raceway at PowerCom Park reflecting the track's new sponsorship with the telecommunications company before the season begins. Three of the four Badger events are rained out. The only event run at the track is a non-point event on September 9. Kevin Doty driving the WIlke-PAK#11 scores a clean sweep and sets three tracks records during the evening. Lee Merkel is presented an umbrella at the annual Badger banquet autographed by several drivers for the track's efforts during the first season.
2001: Rain again plays havoc at the track forcing the cancellation of two events. Scott Hatton tops Davey Ray and Rick Mueller to win on July 7. One month later Brandon Waelti takes advantage of a late race caution scoring an exciting victory over Kevin Olson and Nick Lundgreen.
2002: Both events at the track are won by eventual Series Championship Team, Wisco Racing (Greg & Les Nelson and Tim Sullivan owned#95), with different drivers. Aaron Fike tops the May 5 event. Fike leads the series points heading into the Aug. 10 at the track, but skips the race to compete in the IRL Indy Pro Series event at Kentucky Speedway. Aussie Adam Clarke is picked as Fike's replacement for the event. Clarke becomes the first foreign driver to win a Badger event in twenty-nine years, leading the entire race.
2003: Davey Ray scores his fifth series victory of the season picking up the Aug. 23 event easily topping Don Droud Jr. and Brian Gerster. Ray clinches his first badger Championship the next day.
2004: The scheduled Badger event on Aug. 28 is rained out.
2005: Michael Pickens driving the Steve Smith#1 scores an exciting victory during the only Badger appearance at the track. The event saw four lead changes in the final seven laps. Pickens finishes ahead of Danny Stratton,Chad DeSelle, Scott Hatton and Steve Buckwalter.
2006: Brad Kuhn scores two victories at the track on his way to claiming the Badger championship. The most exciting event of the season is on June 3 when Aaron Fiscus scores a late race victory. Danny Stratton tops the Sep. 9 event and finishes 23 points ahead of Scott Hatton, with Fiscus placing third in the four-race mini series. PowerCom is purchased by telecommunications Giant Charter Communications during the off-season, with the track being renamed Charter Raceway Park for the 2007 season.
2007: Qualifications for the June 2 event are fabulous as ten drivers break the track record, Jerry Coons Jr.driving the Wilke-PAK#11 becomes the first driver to turn a sub 14-second qualifying lap at the track with a13.984 second lap. Brad Kuhn holds off Coons and Darren Hagen for the victory. The July 14 event is a thriller as Mike Hess makes a charge on Scott Hatton going down the backstretch on the 28th lap and made the pass to take the lead at the start/finish line as the pair received the white flag. Hatton then tried to drive under Hess exiting turn four but fell a half-car length short of victory.
2008: Mike Hess, Scott Hatton, and Brandon Waelti score the three feature victories at the track during the season.
2009: Mike Hess opens defense of his Badger title with a victory on May
2 over Brad Kuhn. The September 20 Billy Wood Championship Race sees heavy
rain showers begin on lap three of the 40-lap feature, forcing cancellation
of the event.
Earlier in the night three existing track records were broken. Brad Loyet
lowered the 6-lap and 10-lap standards. Loyet captured the seventh annual
Dave Schulenberg Memorial Dash, collecting $800 out of a $3,400 payoff
for the six-lap event. Loyet then broke the 10-lap track record, winning
the third heat race. Scott Hatton, set a new track record winning the 4-lap
qualifying dash.
Part Three: By the Numbers Badger at Beaver Dam Raceway
By Bryan Gapinski
Beaver Dam, Wis., April 26---The third of a three part series recapping
the Mid-State Equipment Badger Midget Series at Beaver Dam Raceway
BADGER MIDGET SERIES AT BEAVER DAM RACEWAY 1993-
---46 events
---44 features run
Feature Winning Drivers: Kevin Doty (8); Randy Koch (6); Scott Hatton (5); Kevin Olson, Brad Kuhn, and Mike Hess (3 each); Marty Davis, Dan Boorse, Aaron Fiscus, and Brandon Waelti (2 each); one each: Dean Billings, Tony Stewart, Dean Erfurth, Aaron Fike, Adam Clarke, Davey Ray, Michael Pickens, and Danny Stratton.
Feature Wining Car Owners: Harlan Kittleson (6); Bud Doty (5); Rhonda Hatton, Wilke--PAK, and Jerry Hardy (3 each); Tina Davis, Keith & Rusty Kunz, Denny Lamers, Don Boorse, Wisco Racing, Kuhn Motorsports, and Huston Solution (2 each); one each: Gapinski/Lothe, Dean Erfurth, Butch Dalhke, LeRoy Waelti, RAJO-Wilke-PAK, Steve Smith, Jim Fiscus, Hans Lein, Michael Quin, and Waelti/Schulenberg.
Top Five Feature Finishes: Scott Hatton (18); Dan Boorse, Randy Koch (15 each ).
Fast Times: Dan Boorse 5.
Most Events in one season: Ten in 1995.
Track Records: 1-lap Jerry Coons Jr.; 4-laps Scott Hatton; 6-laps Brad Loyet; 8-laps Danny Stratton; 10-laps Brad Loyet; 15-laps Chad DeSelle.