7/22/2024
Badger Midget Auto Racing Association
Strong Support for a Long Distance Badger Rainout
Former Badger Midget charger Danny Stratton suggested when it came to racing and the weather forecast, “There’s always a 30% of rain.” It’s a good guideline when a team decides whether to burn a couple of hundred dollars worth of fuel to get to a race that might get rained out.
Nonetheless Seventeen Advanced Fastening Supply Badger Midget Auto Racing Association teams disregarded the prediction of a 60% chance of rain and headed to Wisconsin’s Northwoods to compete at Eagle River Speedway. Very sporadic but heavy showers plagued the area early in the afternoon. The Badger contingent was on hand along with a fun mix of vintage stock cars, B-Mods, minis and more. Fans were claiming their seats. The burgers were cooked and the beer was cold. Badger drivers liked what they saw of the high banked bullring.
The track machinery had struggled to stay on the slimy racing surface due to the earlier rain, but they managed to gain control. The last straw was a ten minute steady downpour. While track personnel thought it would take a couple of hours to roll the track back in, it looked like another line of showers was approaching. The event was called and not rescheduled this year.
Even so, there were still some stories to be had from the trip. Many teams and officials stayed the night while others soldiered home.
After officiating the MARA event the day before in Urbana, Illinois, Badger Midget Series President Quinn McCabe and Director of Competition Amy Schulz headed to Eagle River. Their journey from Urbana to Eagle River was 470 miles one way, granted they live between the two venues so they slept in their own bed Friday night. But it was a 1,000 mile weekend for the dynamic duo. With the rainout, they did enjoy the evening in Eagle River with some friends and fans, but called it an early night on Saturday as they were exhausted.
The Douglas Motorsports team was on hand and reports indicated they spent some time in the area as did the Waelti and Kluever teams. Each had a large contingent of sponsors and fans along for the ride.
It’s always a proud day when the BMARA can represent with an open trailer or two heading to a track. Danger Dave Collins Jr. made the haul with the #40 for all to see. Craig Dori did too. As soon as the race was called, the pilot of his #38, Matt Rechek was on the road to Beaver Dam Raceway. It was a three and a half hour trip and he hoped to tag on to the back of the Street Stock B-Main where a car was waiting for him. Recheck reports he was 15 minutes too late.
Aaron Muhle was on hand and his stepdad, the last midget winner at Eagle River, Brad Weber who brought the 40 year old trophy to prove it.
The two #20 cars of Derek Doerr and BMARA point leader Cody Weisensel pitted together and were ready to go. Lest there be any doubt the region knew Badger was coming, a bed sheet/banner was strung up north of Rhinelander reading, “Good Luck Cody #20.”
Parker Jones, was the other member of the 1,000 mile club. He raced at Urbana on Friday. He was a hired hand, running a car other than his #41 in Illinois. They didn’t need the semi for that race, but the Peterbilt pulled into the Eagle River pits. Despite the rain, his big rig wasn’t too much for the grounds, as they are very sandy.
For a straight Badger commute, we think Luke Wackerlin had one of the longer one-way drives at five and a half hours.
The team of Eric Blumer debated booking rooms in the days leading up to the ERS race, but decided they’d just drive up and drive back after the race. About half way home, some four hours ahead of schedule compared to if they would have raced and still driving in daylight, they vowed to book rooms next year.
Badger was proud to see the current runner up in 2024 Official AFS Badger Midget Series Fantasy Racing Contest point standings in Eagle River. Jason Dunn apparently couldn’t resist the lure of two free tickets for his recent win in the contest.
Other teams that made the trip were those of Nick Kilian, Bill Ecker (with plans for Jake Dohner to wheel the #57), Harrison Kleven, Harlan Kittleson with the Red Duce and Trey Weishoff.
Yes, there are plans for next year. Prior to leaving McCabe was in discussions with the Eagle River Speedway staff for 2025. It promises to be a great show, or if it rains again a great get together. When the schedule hits, teams and fans should get their rooms booked.
Article by Bill Blumer Jr. (Badger Media Rep.)
Photo by Kaden Kreger
Submitted By: William Blumer