Take Care,

Redwood Speedway Staff

May 6th - Test N Tune (All Classes welcome)
May 13th – Rain Date – Test N Tune (All Classes Welcome)
May 20th – Redwood Valley Real Estate - All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
May 27th – Daktronics Night - All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
June 3rd – Affordable Dirt Works - All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
June 10th – S&S Rental and Schueller Sales and Service – All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
June 17th – Schwanke Engines LLC and Dick’s Sport Center – All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
June 24th – KLGR Night – All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
July 1st - Auto Value (All classes in action) – IMCA North Star Series presented by Powder Werks of Lake Crystal (See www.facebook.com/NorthStarSeries) - All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
July 8th – Howie Leibl Seeds – All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
July 15th – Pizza Ranch – All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
July 19th – Farmer’s Union Industries LLC – Jackson Speedway Touring Series and IMCA Modifieds ($1,000 to win) “Fast Shafts Qualifier.” (JSTS 360 Sprints and IMCA Modifieds). Start time to be announced at a later date. Likely 7:00..
July 22nd – HomeTown Bank – All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
July 29th – RBC (All Classes in action) – IMCA North Star Series presented by Powder Werks of Lake Crystal (See www.facebook.com/NorthStarSeries) - All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
August 5th – Jack Larson Seeds Dominick Bruns Memorial IMCA Stock Car Special – All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
August 12th – Tow Distributing and Chumley’s Burger & Brew - Jason Wyffels Memorial IMCA Modified Special – All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
August 19th – Bernick’s Pepsi – All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
August 26th – Weltsch Equipment Night – MN River Valley Riders ATV Club – Nick Warner Memorial – All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..
September 2nd – Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel Night – Season Championship Night – All classes in action including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start at 5:30..

Note* – July 1st and July 8th dates are not highlighted as of yet, still waiting for confirmation on those sponsors. We WILL be racing on those nights. Right now there is no plan to have a support class for the JSTS/IMCA Modified special. If that changes we will definitely let you know. Thanks to everyone as always!

Redwood Speedway is a moderately banked 1/2 mile oval located on the Redwood County Fairgrounds in Redwood Falls, MN. Redwood Speedway features eight weekly divisions including IMCA Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Outlaw Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts and Bombers. Races start each and every Sunday night at 5;30. For more information log onto www.redwoodspeedway.com or visit on Facebook at (search) Redwood Speedway. Thanks..

Wednesday, July 18^th – Sioux Speedway (Sioux Center, IA) :
1. $2,000
2. $1,500
3. $900
4. $800
5. $700
6. $600
7. $550
8. $500
9. $450
10. $400
11. $350
12. $300
13. $300
14. $300
15. $300
16. $300
17. $300
18. $300
19. $300
20. $300

Tow Money: $100

Thursday, July 19^th – Redwood Speedway (Redwood Falls, MN) :
1. $1,500
2. $1,000
3. $750
4. $600
5. $500
6. $350
7. $325
8. $275
9. $250
10. $215
11. $210
12. $205
13. $200
14. $200
15. $200
16. $200
17. $200
18. $200
19. $200
20. $200

Tow Money: $100

(IMCA Modifieds also in action competing for a $1,000 to win first place prize, and a berth into the All Star Race at the 2012 IMCA SuperNationals. Other support class yet to be announced)

Friday, July 20^th – Fairmont Raceway (Fairmont, MN) :
1. $1,500
2. $1,000
3. $750
4. $600
5. $500
6. $350
7. $325
8. $275
9. $250
10. $215
11. $210
12. $205
13. $200
14. $200
15. $200
16. $200
17. $200
18. $200
19. $200
20. $200

Tow Money: $100

(All regular classes will compete with the JSTS 360 Sprint Cars at Fairmont!)

Saturday, July 21^st – Jackson Speedway (Jackson, MN) :
1. $3,000 (34^th Annual Jackson Nationals presented by KEMNA-ASA Auto Plaza)
2. $1,600
3. $1,200
4. $1,000
5. $800
6. $700
7. $600
8. $550
9. $500
10. $450
11. $400
12. $350
13. $300
14. $300
15. $300
16. $300
17. $300
18. $300
19. $300
20. $300

Tow Money: $100

JSTS 4-Night Cumulative Point Fund:
1. $1,000
2. $600
3. $400
4. $300
5. $100
6. $100
7. $100
8. $100
9. $100
10. $100

Please check back to www.jacksonspeedway.com and www.redwoodspeedway.com for more details.

By Ray Beste

Redwood Falls, MN (March 2nd, 2012) – Officials from Redwood Speedway are proud to announce their part in the newly formed IMCA “North Star Series.” Track representatives from five Southern Minnesota Dirt Tracks met with IMCA officials in late January to discuss the details of the series that will launch in June of 2012. The five tracks working together for the betterment of racing in Southern Minnesota include Redwood Speedway in Redwood Falls, MN; Fairmont Raceway in Fairmont, MN; Jackson Speedway in Jackson, MN; Murray County Speedway in Slayton, MN; and Arlington Raceway in Arlington, MN. Each facility will hold two events totaling 10 in all. The series will also feature a Point Fund with the Champion in each division (if it’s offered) punching their ticket to the 2012 All Star race held at the IMCA SuperNationals at Boone Speedway (Boone, IA). The North Star Series should provide drivers and fans with a great opportunity to see some new faces in 2012.

When examining this new series, one of the most intriguing aspects is the classes involved. Unlike other specialized series, the North Star Series provides a point fund and a structure for competitors in the IMCA Modified, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Northern Sport Mod, IMCA Hobby Stock and IMCA Sport Compact divisions. Out of the 10 scheduled events, eight of them (eight best) will count toward each competitors final point tally. The reason behind the “best eight of 10 format” is to allow drivers who would like to compete for track point titles at their home tracks the opportunity to still have a chance at the Series Championship, as well. Each event will be IMCA sanctioned. IMCA teching rules apply, top four will be checked after qualifiers and top five after A-mains.

The aforementioned procedures will take place as usual while others will be adopted by the series alone. Along with a draw-redraw lineup system for the A-main events, Delaware double-file restarts will be mandatory for the first three (restarts). Each host track will decide the number of laps, length of time limits and order of events for each date on the calendar.

For each track involved, the alliance provides each facility the opportunity to attract participants that do not race at the track on a weekly basis. Because of the new competitors, it is likely to draw new fans to each speedplant, as well. The newly formed pact definitely provides a ton of upside for the tracks, drivers and fans involved.

For the drivers it offers a platform for each contender to participate in a series that doesn’t involve an extreme amount of travel. The drivers that choose to partake in the series can still compete for local track points along with the prospect of being recognized by IMCA as a series Champion. With the amount of cars that travel to Boone each and every year to take part in the IMCA SuperNationals it is definitely incentive for some to chase the Championship in an attempt to qualify for the All-Star race at the legendary Iowa 1/4 mile.

For all the tour dates on the schedule all five divisions will run their “North Star Series” event on the same evening. Regular pay for each class will be disbursed in an attempt to let the fans witness these shows without having to increase ticket prices. With five classes being involved, upping the purse in each division each night would have to result in a large hike at the back gate and at the grandstand. The North Star Series is predicated on providing a weekly racing type alliance that allows drivers and fans some of the perks special events provide for the same kind of investment (regular ticket prices for fans, point fund for drivers). It is our belief that these tracks working together will only make the region stronger on into the future.

Point Funds as follows:

IMCA Modifieds:
1. $600
2. $500
3. $400
4. $300
5. $250
6. $150
7. $100
8. $80
9. $70
10. $50

IMCA Stock Cars:
1. $500
2. $350
3. $200
4. $125
5. $100
6. $65
7. $55
8. $45
9. $35
10. $25

IMCA Northern Sport Mod:
1. $400
2. $200
3. $100
4. $75
5. $65
6. $55
7. $45
8. $35
9. $30
10. $20

IMCA Hobby Stocks:
1. $400
2. $200
3. $100
4. $75
5. $65
6. $55
7. $45
8. $35
9. $30
10. $20

IMCA Sport Compact:
1. $150
2. $75
3. $65
4. $55
5. $45
6. $30
7. $20
8. $20
9. $20
10. $20

Other Pending Incentives:
- IMCA Championship Jacket
- Hard Charger Awards
- Hard Luck Awards
- Most Wins Awards

As of right now, six tour dates have been confirmed. Those are as follows:
Friday, June 8th – Fairmont Raceway (Fairmont, MN)
Saturday, June 16th – Jackson Speedway (Jackson, MN)
Friday, Jun 29th – Murray County Speedway (Slayton, MN)
Sunday, July 1st – Redwood Speedway (Redwood Falls, MN)
Saturday, July 7th – Jackson Speedway (Jackson, MN)
Saturday, July 21st – Arlington Raceway (Arlington, MN)
Sunday, July 29th – Redwood Speedway (Redwood Falls, MN)
Friday, August 3rd – Fairmont Raceway (Fairmont, MN)
Friday, August 10th – Murray County Speedway (Slayton, MN)
Saturday, August 11th – Arlington Raceway (Arlington, MN)

As always we want to thank all our great drivers, sponsors, fans and pit crew members that make it all possible. It won’t be long now and we’ll be back at the track slingin’ dirt each and every Sunday night. For more information always check us out on facebook and here at redwoodspeedway.com.

Thanks,

Redwood Speedway Staff

The first trophy of the evening was handed to Redwood Speedway Bomber track champion, Cody Ruka. Along with track championship honors, Ruka also garnered Rookie of the year honors, as well. Brian Neal, Matt Olson and Jacob Olson all received plaques for finishing in the top five in track points while fourth place finisher Tony Frietag added the Sportsmen of the year award to his trophy case. A special thanks goes out to the Bomber drivers who always put on a great show and set the tone for the entire evening each and every Sunday night.

Although Mankato’s Nate Coopman re-wrote the history books in 2011 becoming Minnesota’s first IMCA Sport Compact National Champion it was Avoca, MN driver Aaron Betz taking home top honors at Redwood Speedway in the IMCA Sport Compact division. Coopman led the way with nine victories while Betz added six during the 15 events held at Redwood Speedway in 2011. Joining Betz and Coopman in the top five were Ben Wilhelmi (Sportsmen of the year), Jason Gruendemann and Nikkya Betz (Rookie of the Year). Although technically Nate Coopman should have received Rookie of the year honors we discussed it with Nate and he thought Nikkya was very deserving of the award. We are very excited about the future of the IMCA Sport Compact division which seems to grow more and more each year. We look forward to a new crop of drivers joining us each and every Sunday night in 2012!

In 2011, Redwood Speedway added the IMCA Hobby Stock division. Although we endured some low car counts at times the drivers put on some tremendous racing from the first night until the last. When the final points were tallied it was Wes Jahnz of St. James being crowned the 2011 Champion. On the strength of seven feature wins Chris Isaacson came home a strong second with Josh Telecky, Brennen Boettger and Dale McMullen all members of the top five finishing order. Telecky was selected Sportsmen of the year for the division because of his conduct on and off the track. We are glad to welcome back the IMCA Hobby’s in 2012 and thank them for all the tremendous performances they put on for the fans during our 2011 campaign.

As always, the Outlaw Hobby Championship came down to the final night with Dan Veenstra collecting his second track championship in as many years. Veenstra’s two feature wins proved to be the difference by a mere 10 markers over second place, Randy Fischer (three heat race wins and 11 top five finishes). Comfrey’s Andy Windschitl finished in the show position ahead of fellow top five finishers Bruce Lundin and Ryan McMullen. Along with finishing second in points behind Veenstra, Fischer also garnered the Sportsmen of the year award for the Outlaw Hobby’s. We hope you all of you had as much fun racing as we did watching. A special thanks goes out to all the Outlaw Hobby competitors for racing hard and clean all season long!

Like the IMCA Hobby Stock division, the IMCA Sport Mods were added to the weekly bill at Redwood Speedway in 2011. In what was a hard decision at the conclusion of the 2010 season proved to be a great one with solid car counts and great racing all season long. Along with our regular competitors, we also drew in some of the finest talent in southern Minnesota with guys like Nick Johansen, Matt Looft and Greg Sidles all making multiple visits. In the end, however, it was Adam Ecker becoming Redwood Speedway’s first ever IMCA Sport Mod track champion. Ecker posted four feature wins at the big 1/2 mile and finished 22 points ahead of Olivie, MN veteran Larry Revier. Brent Kahout, Tim Ims and Sportsmen of the year Kyle Remus were all also honored for finishing in the top five in the final Redwood Speedway point standings. The numbers in this division steadily grew as the year went on in 2011 so I think it’s safe to say that we’ll see some great racing once again out of the Sport Mods in 2012!

As evidence by four Redwood Speedway regulars making the Saturday night A-main at the 2010 Speedway Motors IMCA SuperNationals (IMCA Stock Cars), we are truly blessed to have the competition we do night in and night out at the big 1/2 mile. It was a dog fight all season long with Ken Tietz ultimately outlasting Bob Rebstock by five points taking his second IMCA Stock Car Championship in as many years at Redwood Speedway (third overall). Behind Tietz and Rebstock was two-time feature winner Shaun Bruns who was followed by Jake Bruns, and three-time winner, Jeff McCollum. Along with two feature wins and a runner up spot in the final point standings, the former Jackson Nationals Champion, Rebstock claimed Sportsmen of the year honors for the IMCA Stock Cars. The Stock Cars, who continue to be a fan favorite, have been a staple on Sunday nights at Redwood Speedway for many years and we look for them to do the same in 2012. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the Bruns family, we hope they find you well in your time of need. You’ve been great supporters of Redwood Speedway for many years and we’d like to reciprocate our loyalty in any way possible. Godspeed..

In the IMCA Sprint Car division Glenwood, MN driver Cam Schafer burst onto the scene posting three feature wins ultimately taking home the track title in the process. “Mr. Consistency” Brandon Allen once again proved why he is one tough customer posting 11 top five feature finishes on his way to a runner up campaign. Curt Lund, Dan Menk and Bruce Allen joined Schafer and Brandon Allen in the top five with the elder Allen being voted Sportsmen of the year. The numbers were up a lot in the IMCA Sprint Car division at Redwood Speedway this past season. As we look forward to the fast approaching season ahead we hope that continues to be the trend. We witnessed some tremendous open-wheel racing in 2011 and with the cast of characters we have returning in 2012 I think it’s safe to say we’ll see it again. Congrats to Schafer on his national Rookie of the Year honors, as well.

The IMCA Modified division witnessed a first time champion, that being Sanborn, MN pilot, Josh Rogotzke. Rogotzke, who entered his second year behind the wheel of an IMCA Modified in 2011, scored victories on consecutive weekends early on in the season and parlayed that into his first Championship. IMCA Modified rookie Tyler Limoges finished in the second spot ahead of fellow rookie, Dan Menk (same point total). In the IMCA rule book it clearly states that if two drivers are tied in points it then goes to 40-point feature wins (which Tyler and Dan each had one), then to second place finishes (Tyler had three, Dan had zero). I know there was some confusion there so I figured we’d take the time to address it right now so everyone knows why the decision was made the way it was. IMCA Modified standouts Brandon Beckendorf and Curt Lund rounded out the top five finishing order for the 600-plus horse monsters, who will likely see a spike in their divisions’ numbers in 2012. Limoges was awarded rookie of the year while Dalton Magers took home the “Sportsmen of the Year” prize. We witnessed a plethora of fine feature events in 2012 with none greater than the duel Brandon Beckendorf and Tyler Limoges waged opening night. We also witnessed a talented bunch of rookies enter the fold (Limoges, Menk, Loverude, Bjorklund, Mackenthun and Dowdell) and do very well with Menk and Limoges picking up their first IMCA Modified victories at the speedway. A special congrats are in order for Speedway regular Tim Pessek who was crowned IMCA Minnesota State points champion. Here’s to a great 2012 season!

In the coming days we’ll add some pictures from the banquet along with the 2012 schedule of events. We also ask that you continue to keep the Bruns family in your thoughts and prayers, it would be much appreciated.

As always we want to thank our drivers, pit crew members, sponsors and fans who make our show possible each and every Sunday night. If you have any questions please use the contact information on the website.

Thanks everyone!

-Redwood Speedway Staff

The 2011 race season proved to be a great one at the moderately banked ½ mile oval located on the Redwood County Fairgrounds in Redwood Falls, MN. Although racetracks all across the fruited plane have been forced to step up their game because of the struggling economic climate, we have still been treated to great racing and good car counts each and every Sunday night. During the duration of the summer, we witnessed a lot of things as fans and enthusiasts of the sport. Despite the fact that we saw a myriad of familiar faces achieve success just like in years past, we also witnessed the emergence of some young up and coming drivers, as well. As we look ahead to the 2012 season ahead of us, I think it’s safe to say we’ll see more of a changing of the guard in each of our divisions offered at Redwood Speedway.

In the IMCA Sprint Car division, the speedway faithful witnessed Redwood’s own Curt Lund tally his 100^th career IMCA Sprint Car victory joining some elite company in the process. Lund, who holds the record for division wins during the modern era (1989-present) in IMCA with 100, finally eclipsed the century mark after a spirited battle with friend and fellow competitor Leigh Thomas on Sunday, August 28^th (2011). With that triumph, Curt joined National Sprint Car Hall of Famers Jerry Richert Sr, Jimmy Wilburn, Frank Luptow, Emory Collins, Deb Snyder, Pete Folse and Bobby Grim as the only drivers to ever eclipse the century mark in the history of the longest standing sanctioning body in the United States (founded in 1915). Factor into that the success that Lund has enjoyed under the WISSOTA, ASCS and non-sanctioned banners and it’s easy to see why many drivers and fans across the country hold Lund in such high regard. I’m in the process of compiling the information necessary to write a feature story on Curt for the Sprint Car Magazine “Flat Out” which will appear some-time in early spring.

Another driver in the IMCA Sprint Car division that turned in a great season was St. Peter, MN product Brandon Allen. Allen, who raced a very limited schedule at Redwood Speedway in 2010, returned in grand fashion in 2011 tallying three heat race wins and 11 top five finishes in his 15 starts. Because of the consistency displayed by Allen, he finished second in track point standings a mere seven markers behind eventual track champion, Cam Schafer. A driver who is often overlooked in Minnesota Sprint Car racing, Allen scored his first career UMSS Sprint Car victory one year ago at Rice Lake Speedway near Eau Claire, WI. Congrats to Brandon on a very solid season at the big ½ mile!

On the strength of three feature wins and a solid season overall, Glenwood, MN driver Cam Schafer claimed the 2011 Redwood Speedway IMCA Sprint Car Track Championship. Schafer, who raced on a limited basis with the Northern Outlaw Sprint Association (NOSA) in 2010, decided that a move from a 410 to a 360 would be beneficial to his career in 2011. The results were very solid for Schafer as he totaled four feature wins overall between Redwood and Arlington on his way to IMCA National Sprint Car Rookie of the year honors. Look for Schafer to improve even more and be a threat once again during the fast approaching 2012 season.

The IMCA Modified division saw tremendous racing throughout this past season with Sanborn, MN resident Josh Rogotzke scoring his first ever Redwood Speedway Championship (second year driver). Rogotzke proved early on in the season that he’d be a driver to beat when he collected feature wins on consecutive Sundays giving him the point lead near the midway point of the season. During the remainder of the season, Rogotzke kept his nose clean, remained consistent and went on to take the title in the process. As just 20 years of age, it’s safe to say that Josh has a bright future ahead of himself in the sport.

After the passing of his mother (Linda) made it a very emotional start to the season, Tim Pessek proved why he is one the best up and coming Modified drivers in the state by taking home the Minnesota state IMCA Modified point championship. Pessek, who posted two heat race wins and five top finishes at Redwood would likely tell you his favorite memory of the 2011 season came on August 12^th, 2011 at Fairmont Raceway. It was on this night that Pessek would score his first career IMCA Modified feature win ahead of the likes of Todd Stinehart, Troy Swearingen and Josh Ruby. A big congratulation goes out to Pessek on his State Championship as well as his first IMCA Modified feature win!

Although Tyler Limoges had achieved a lot of success in the WISSOTA Midwest Modified division prior to 2011, it was hard for anyone to gauge how he’d fair behind the wheel of a full-blown IMCA Modified. Limoges, however, would prove on opening night at Redwood Speedway that he’d be a car to beat all season long. In one of the best Modified races ever witnessed at Redwood Speedway, Limoges and Brandon Beckendorf traded the lead lap after lap before Limoges was forced to settle for a second place finish behind “Beck.” Limoges would finish second during the first three weeks of action at Redwood while sprinkling in a couple victories at nearby Arlington Raceway in Arlington, MN. In all, Limoges garnered five IMCA Modified feature wins during his rookie campaign, finishing second in Minnesota IMCA State points in the process. Out of the crop of IMCA Modified rookies in the state of Minnesota, Limoges recorded the most feature wins.

Over the course of the summer we witnessed a lot of drivers improve week in and week out. The two drivers that stick out in my mind, however, are the duo of Todd Brockman and Trent Loverude. Brockman, who has had some success at Redwood Speedway in the past, stepped up his game during his 2011 campaign tallying one feature win, one heat race win and four top five finishes. Despite the fact that we’ve seen spurts of greatness from Brockman in the past, this past year proved to be Todd’s most consistent behind the wheel of his #95T machine.

For Loverude, one of four IMCA Modified rookies that competed weekly at Redwood Speedway, the hard work really paid off. Although Trent endured some ups and downs during his first term behind the wheel of an IMCA Modified, he really showed signs of improvement. Because of his improvement and consistency toward the ladder stages of the season Loverude finished seventh in the final Redwood Speedway Point Standings on the strength of two top five and eight top 10’s. Loverude has made some improvements to his program during the offseason that he believes we will help him become even more consistent during the 2012 season.

Another IMCA Modified rookie that made a big splash in 2011 was Franklin, MN’s own, Dan Menk. Menk, who like Limoges, had been one of the strongest WISSOTA Midwest Modified talents in the area prior to 2011, made a smooth transition into the four-barreled division scoring his first win midway through his rookie campaign. Along with racing Redwood weekly, Menk also traveled to Arlington Raceway in Arlington, MN; Fairmont Raceway in Fairmont, MN; Jackson Speedway in Jackson, MN and Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, SD. Because of his consistency, Menk finished in a second place tie in Redwood Speedway track points with Limoges. With more seat time it’s pretty safe to say we’ll see more good things from Menk in 2012.

Just like they always do, the IMCA Stock Cars provided some of the best racing week in and week out at Redwood Speedway. Each year it seems the competition level grows bigger and this past season was no different. For the second straight year it was Belle Plaine’s Ken Tietz taking home top honors in one of the most tightly contested battles we’ve witnessed at Redwood Speedway in some time. Tietz and Bob Rebstock battled back and forth all season long with Tietz eventually taking the title on the final night of the season. Ken has proven in the past that he can get it done at a variety of venues and the 2011 season was no different. Along with visiting victory lane at Redwood, Tietz also garnered victories at Chateau Raceway in Lansing, MN; Arlington Raceway in Arlington, MN; Steele County Speedway in Owatonna, MN; and Murray County Speedway in Slayton, MN. Tietz’s ability to adapt to any kind of track conditions has made him one of the best Stock Car players in all of the game.

One of the most consistent drivers we saw on a weekly basis in 2011 was Hamburg, MN driver Dan Mackenthun. Mackenthun, who we also witnessed compete some in an IMCA Modified, tallied nine feature wins overall on his way to the Minnesota state IMCA Stock Car Championship. Mackenthun visited victory lane three times at Chateau Raceway in Lansing, MN, five times at Arlington Raceway in Arlington, MN and once at Redwood Speedway. Preliminary reports tell us that we’ll see more of Mackenthun in a B&B Chassis Modified in 2012 along with the familiar #92 Stock Car we’ve grown accustomed to seeing at Southern Minnesota racetracks for many years. Congrats to Dan on a great season!

The 2011 season also marked the return of Olivia, MN driver Shane Bruns. Shane, who stepped away from the sport for a couple years, returned toward the ladder stages of the season and looked very strong behind the wheel of his #22 machine. With the amount of talented Stock Car drivers that compete at Redwood on a weekly basis it was very impressive to see Shane pick up a feature win in just a limited amount of starts. With his car all assembled and ready to go it will be interesting to see how well Shane does in 2012. One thing is for sure, it was definitely great to have Shane back in the mix this past season. Maybe sometime we can have an “All Bruns” heat race.. J

We also witnessed a bit of history in 2011 when the IMCA Sport Mods joined the program at Redwood Speedway. In the past, the speedway sanctioned their “Limited Modified” class with WISSOTA until the 2010 off-season. The class, which was one of the biggest question marks heading into the season, proved to be great and showcased some of the best racing seen in any division all year long. Former Hobby Stock track Champion Adam Ecker, who picked up four victories (at Redwood) in 2011 made history becoming the Speedway’s first ever Sport Mod track champion. Ecker also claimed the IMCA Sport Mod title at Murray County Speedway in Slayton, MN. I look for car count to remain steady during the fast approaching 2012 season.

During IMCA’s “phase in” period they allowed WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds to race with the IMCA Sport Mods at Redwood if they used the exact combination that they utilized the season prior. One driver who took advantage of the phase in period was Granite Falls, MN hotshoe Tim Ims. Ims, who endured a slow start to the season, caught fire near the midway point and posted four wins himself tying Ecker for the division lead. I haven’t gotten the opportunity to talk with Tim during the off-season but I hope we’ll see him in either the IMCA Sport Mod or IMCA Modified divisions in 2012.

Perhaps the most overlooked driver this past season in the IMCA Sport Mod division was long time veteran Larry Revier. Larry, who has been a steady competitor in the WISSOTA Midwest Modified and IMCA Modified divisions for many years, joined the IMCA Sport Mod class, as well in 2011. When the final points were tallied it was Revier finishing second in Redwood Speedway track point standings garnering five heat race wins and 11 top five finishes in just 16 starts. Revier, who made history in 2010 becoming the final Arlington Raceway WISSOTA Midwest Modified Champion, will be one of the odds on favorites to hoist the title at the big ½ mile in 2012!

To start the season we saw a lot of familiar faces in the IMCA Sport Mod Class with a few exceptions here and there (Danny Myravold, Nick Johansen, and Justin Schuder to name a few). Toward the end of the season, however, we were fortunate enough to have two of Iowa’s finest Sport Mod drivers compete with us on a pretty regular basis. Minnesota IMCA Sport Mod state point Champion Matt Looft (three time Redwood winner) and Emmetsburg, IA product Greg Sidles (picked up a feature win in two visits) each visited victory lane during the second half of the season at the Redhouse. One thing that should make us all optimistic is goings on such as this. If we can attract drivers from Fairmont, Jackson and Slayton along with our regulars who compete with us each and every night, we’ll have some great racing to look forward to heading in to next spring.

Despite the fact we witnessed great seasons from Rod Manthey, Ryan McMullen and Jesse Timm (all three time winners), Dan Veenstra once again put together a solid enough season to pick up his second Outlaw Hobby Stock track championship in as many years. Consistency proved to be the name of the game for Veenstra who posted two feature wins, a heat race win and 12 top five finishes in his 15 Redwood Speedway starts. With the amount of talent in the Outlaw division, it will be interesting to see in Veenstra can three-peat in 2012.

Like the IMCA Sport Mods, the IMCA Hobby Stocks joined the lineup this past season with car counts being a bit on the low side. One thing we have to keep in mind, however, is that you will undoubtedly go through some adversity with a new class when you add one. Over time, however, the class will continue to prosper and grow into a productive one just like the rest of the classes that they share track time with each and every week. Congrats to Wes Jahnz (track champion) and Josh Telecky (IMCA State point Champion) on their respective championships.

The IMCA Sport Compact was division was dominated by Nate Coopman and Aaron Betz. During the course of the season, however, many other drivers stepped up their level of toughness making the second half of the season much more intriguing as a fan. Between Coopman (nine feature wins at RW) and Betz (6 feature wins at RW), they collected all 15 feature wins at the Speedway. Because of the six feature wins and string of top three finishes, Betz held off Coopman by seven points to become the Redwood Speedway Track Champion. Coopman would go on to big things himself being crowned the 2011 IMCA Sport Compact National Champion! A special congrats goes out to Nate, a National Championship in any IMCA sanctioned division is a very large accomplishment!

Look ahead to 2012

As we look ahead to the up-coming season, many things have already taken place. Recently Murray County Speedway in Slayton, MN announced that they will invite the IMCA Modifieds in for eight races during 2012 as a trial period. If it works out for both the drivers and track, we could very likely see more dates added for 2013. Special thanks goes out to the crew at Murray County for giving the area IMCA Modified drivers the opportunity to race a little closer to home on Friday nights.

With Fairmont Raceway under new management and Hancock County Speedway in Britt, IA moving to Friday nights, it will be interesting to see how that affects the racing scene in the southernmost part of the state. Fairmont and Britt have traditionally shared a lot of the same cars so the first few months of the season will definitely tell us how things are going to shake out down in that area. Hopefully each track can have success, the last thing we want to see are tracks closing up.

Just like Slayton made the switch to IMCA a year ago, Nobles County Speedway in Worthington has the made the switch for 2012 (Modifieds). Worthington will look to capitalize on some of the cars that race in Fairmont while hoping that the Modifieds that have frequented their speedway in the past switch their cars from USRA to IMCA. If that happens, Slayton, Fairmont and Worthington all stand to gain a lot from the change in sanctions.

One driver the Redwood Speedway faithful got acquainted with in 2011 was Danube, MN product Justin Bjorklund. Bjorklund, the 2009 WISSOTA Mod Four National Champion, made the jump to the IMCA Modified division this past season. Bjorklund will once again team up with Bryan and Brandon Beckendorf for his 2012 campaign, this time driving a BMS by Mars racecar. Bjorklund enjoyed three third place finishes in limited action at Redwood and will definitely turn some heads this season with more seat time and an upgrade in equipment.

Heading into his second season, Dan Menk also decided it was time to upgrade his equipment. Menk ordered a new J-Car Chassis from Specialty Fabricating in Fargo, ND. Like all new cars I’m sure it will take Dan a few weeks to shake his new machine down but in the long run it will give him the opportunity to be a bit more successful. I think it’s safe to say we’ll see steady improvement from Menk in 2012.

The aforementioned Trent Loverude is very excited for the up-coming season and with good reason. Trent purchased a former Clint Hatlestad owned Harris Chassis that he will pilot next season. There will definitely be a learning curve for Trent in a new car but in the long run it should definitely help his program. With all the young talent, along with the proven veterans, we will undoubtedly see greater racing at the high speed ½ mile in 2012.

Former WISSOTA Mod Four standout Tom Silver will also enter the fold at Redwood in 2012. Silver, which has raced four-cylinder Modifieds for the past three seasons, will make the jump to the IMCA Modified division this spring. The Glenwood, MN native will sit behind the wheel of a Mopar powered J-Car by Wolverine. Silver is very excited about the up-coming season and will definitely add to the already stout IMCA Modified roster at Redwood.

On behalf of everyone here at Redwood Speedway we’d like to thank you for all the support you provided in 2011, we look forward to seeing you all back here at the big ½ mile in 2012. With the New Year just around the corner, be safe, and if you’re going to drink on New Year’s Eve please make sure you have a ride if you’re traveling. We’d like to see nothing more than everyone back at the speedway to do it all over again next year!

Until next time…

IMCA Modifieds:
Feature- Curt Lund, Jeff Maasch, Josh Rogotzke, Dan Menk, Todd Brockman, Tyler Limoges, Jim Horejsi, Justin Bjorklund, Ben Panitzke, Justin Anderson, Trent Loverude, Dalton Magers, Brandon Beckendorf
Heat 1- Panitzke, Lund, Limoges, Rogotzke, Bjorklund, Magers, Anderson
Heat 2- Beckendorf, Menk, Horejsi, Maasch, Brockman, Loverude

IMCA Stock Cars:
Feature- Shaun Bruns, Ken Tietz, Jake Bruns, Jim Richert, Bob Rebstock, Nate Darnell, Shane Bruns, Kevin Bruns, Charles Clobes, Gary Mattison, Jeff McCollum, Michael Bruns
Heat 1- Richert, Rebstock, McCollum, Mattison, Kevin Bruns, Michael Bruns
Heat 2- Shaun Bruns, Tietz, Darnell, Shane Bruns, Clobes, Jake Bruns

IMCA Sport Mods:
Feature- Matt Looft, Nick James, John Rice, Tim Ims, Larry Revier, Kyle Remus, Scott Clobes, Adam Ecker, Jordan Meine, John Gladitsch, Brent Kahout, Brett Trebesch, Paul Konakowitz
Heat 1- Looft, Clobes, Meine, Trebesch, Rice, Konakowitz, Ims
Heat 2- James, Ecker, Revier, Kahout, Remus, Gladitsch

IMCA Hobby Stocks:
Feature- Dale McMullen, Brad Snyder, Adam Snyder, Wes Jahnz, Malik Sampson, Josh Telecky, Chris Isaacson, Dan Eckblad, Brennen Boettger, Tory Harazin
Heat 1- McMullen, Boettger, Jahnz, A. Snyder, B. Snyder
Heat 2- Harazin, Sampson, Isaacson, Telecky, Eckblad

Outlaw Hobby Stocks:
Feature- Jesse Timm, Andy Windschitl, Dan Veenstra, Randy Fischer, Bruce Lundin, Brandon Fry, David Jaeger, Jayson Firle, Rod Manthey, Ryan McMullen
Heat 1- Firle, McMullen, Veenstra, Manthey, Jaeger
Heat 2- Lundin, Fischer, Timm, Windschitl, Fry

IMCA Mach 1 Sport Compacts:
Feature- Nate Coopman, Aaron Betz, Nikkya Betz, Jason Baune, Jamie Mead, Jameson Sietsema, Tim Huseby, Stephanie Forsberg, Ben Wilhelmi, Dan Eckblad, Jason Gruendemann, Blaney Markman, Michael Barnes
Heat 1- A. Betz, Coopman, Huseby, N. Betz, Eckblad, Gruendemann, Markman
Heat 2- Baune, Wilhelmi, Forsberg, Sietsema, Mead, Barnes

Bombers:
Feature- Monte Heiderscheidt, Brian Neal, Matt Olson, Nathan Gegner, Frank Billmeier, Cody Ruka, Josh Wentzel, Tony Frietag, Jeremy Menz, David Klabunde, Jacob Olson, Jason Pettis, Jake Frietag
Heat 1- Heiderscheidt, M. Olson, Klabunde, Frietag, Menz, Pettis, Wentzel
Heat 2- Frietag, J. Olson, Neal, Ruka, Billmeier, Gegner

2011 Track Champions:
IMCA Sprint Cars – Cam Schafer #54
IMCA Modifieds – Josh Rogotzke #X
IMCA Stock Cars – Ken Tietz #110
IMCA Sport Mods – Adam Ecker #8
IMCA Hobby Stocks – Wes Jahnz #32
Outlaw Hobby Stocks – Dan Veenstra #9
IMCA Mach 1 Sport Compacts – Aaron Betz #11
Bombers – Cody Ruka #185

IMCA Sprint Cars:
Feature- Curt Lund, Leigh Thomas, Cam Schafer, Brandon Allen, Bruce Allen, Mike Stien, Brad Lund, Gary Kasten, Dan Menk, Richard Smith, Jesse Smith
Heat 1- Thomas, C. Lund, Schafer, Menk, Stien, J. Smith
Heat 2- Brandon Allen, Bruce Allen, B. Lund, Kasten, R. Smith

IMCA Modifieds:
Feature- Brandon Beckendorf, Curt Lund, Dan Menk, Jim Horejsi, Tyler Limoges, Josh Rogotzke, Jeff Maasch, Tim Pessek, Dalton Magers, Todd Brockman, Trent Loverude, Justin Bjorklund, Ben Panitzke, Andrew Dowdell
Heat 1- Panitzke, Horejsi, Maasch, Brockman, Menk, Beckendorf, Magers
Heat 2- Pessek, Lund, Rogotzke, Bjorklund, Limoges, Loverude, Dowdell

IMCA Stock Cars:
Feature- Shane Bruns, Jeff McCollum, Shaun Bruns, Ken Tietz, Bob Rebstock, Michael Bruns, Nate Darnell, Matt Speckman, Dan Mackenthun, Ben Enter, Gary Mattison, Brent Reierson, Jake Bruns, Kevin Bruns
Heat 1- Shane Bruns, Michael Bruns, Speckman, Mattison, Enter, Reierson, Tietz
Heat 2- McCollum, Shaun Bruns, Jake Bruns, Mackenthun, Rebstock, Darnell, Kevin Bruns

IMCA Sports Mods:
Feature- Adam Ecker, Tim Ims, Jordan Meine, Brett Trebesch, Brent Kahout, Kyle Remus, Shawn Fernkes, Justin Remus, John Rice, John Gladitsch, Paul Konakowitz, Nick James, Larry Revier, Scott Clobes
Heat 1- James, Ims, Ecker, K. Remus, Konakowitz, Rice, Trebesch
Heat 2- Revier, Fernkes, Clobes, Meine, Kahout, Gladitsch, Justin Remus

IMCA Hobby Stocks:
Feature- Tory Harazin, Brennen Boettger, Wes Jahnz, Josh Telecky, Dale McMullen, Chris Isaacson
Heat- McMullen, Jahnz, Isaacson, Telecky, Harazin, Boettger

Outlaw Hobby Stocks:
Feature- Rod Manthey, Jayson Firle, Randy Fischer, Dan Veenstra, Andy Windschitl, Jesse Timm, David Jaeger, Ryan McMullen, Bruce Lundin, Nathan Gegner
Heat 1- Timm, Lundin, McMullen, Veenstra, Jaeger
Heat 2- Manthey, Firle, Fischer, Windschitl, Gegner

IMCA Sport Compacts:
Feature- Nate Coopman, Aaron Betz, Nikkya Betz, Tim Huseby, Jason Baune, Ben Wilhelmi, Jason Gruendemann
Heat- A. Betz, N. Betz, Baune, Coopman, Huseby, Gruendemann, Wilhelmi

Bombers:
Feature- Nathan Gegner, Jacob Olson, Jason Pettis, Matt Olson, Tony Frietag, Cody Ruka, Josh Wentzel, Brian Neal, Frank Billmeier, Jake Frietag, Monte Heiderscheidt, Rollin Timm
Heat 1- J. Frietag, Ruka, Olson, Neal, Pettis, Wentzel
Heat 2- Heiderscheidt, T. Frietag, Gegner, Billmeier, M. Olson, Timm

Hope to see you all again Sunday night!

-Redwood Speedway Staff-

IMCA Sprint Cars:
Feature – Leigh Thomas, Curt Lund, Cam Schafer, Brandon Allen, Bruce Allen, Terry Anderson, Danny Lee, Dan Menk, Dan Grams
Heat- Thomas, Grams, Anderson, Brandon Allen, Schafer, Menk, Bruce Allen, Lee, Lund

IMCA Modifieds:
Feature- Curt Lund, Brandon Beckendorf, Dan Menk, Josh Rogotzke, Jeff Maasch, Justin Bjorklund, Ben Panitzke, Trent Loverude, Dalton Magers, Tim Pessek, Tyler Limoges, James Slawson
Heat 1- Panitzke, Pessek, Rogotzke, Maasch, Magers, Slawson
Heat 2- Lund, Beckendorf, Bjorklund, Limoges, Menk, Loverude

IMCA Stock Cars:
Feature- Ken Tietz, Bob Rebstock, Dan Mackenthun, Shaun Bruns, Jake Bruns, James Richert, Mark Clobes, Gary Mattison, Shane Bruns, Matt Allen, Charles Clobes, Jeff McCollum
Heat1- Shane Bruns, Tietz, Jake Bruns, Mattison, Mark Clobes, Richert
Heat 2- Shaun Bruns, McCollum, Mackenthun, Rebstock, Charles Clobes, Allen

IMCA Sport Mods:
Feature- Tim Ims, Scott Clobes, Adam Ecker, Justin Remus, Larry Revier, Brett Trebesch, Danny Myrvold, Kyle Remus, Matt Looft, Jordan Meine, John Gladitsch, Brent Kahout, Paul Konakowitz, John Rice, Nick James, Tom Brown
Heat 1- Justin Remus, Meine, Clobes, Ims, Revier, James, Rice, Brown
Heat 2- Ecker, Looft, Trebesch, Kahout, Kyle Remus, Gladitsch, Konakowitz, Myrvold

IMCA Hobby Stocks:
Feature- Dale McMullen, Trevor Holm, Chris Isaacson, Josh Telecky, Wes Jahnz, Brennen Boettger
Heat- Boettger, Holm, Isaacson, Telecky, Jahnz, Boettger

Outlaw Hobby Stocks:
Feature- Ryan McMullen, Dan Veenstra, Randy Fischer, Bruce Lundin, Rod Manthey, Jesse Timm, Andy Windschitl, David Jaeger
Heat- McMullen, Lundin, Manthey, Fischer, Timm, Veenstra, Windschitl, Jaeger

IMCA Mach 1 Sport Compacts:
Feature- Nate Coopman, Aaron Betz, Nikkya Betz, Tim Huseby, Ben Wilhelmi, Jason Gruendemann
Heat- Huseby, Betz, N. Betz, Coopman, Wilhelmi, Gruendemann

Bombers:
Feature- Frank Billmeier, Matt Olson, Tyler Boyda, Tony Frietag, Cody Ruka, Nic Heiderscheidt, Jason Pettis, Nathan Gegner, Brian Neal, Jake Groff, Jacob Olson, Jake Frietag, Jeremy Menz
Heat 1- Billmeier, M. Olson, J. Olson, Ruka, Heiderscheidt, Gegner, Menz
Heat 2- Frietag, Pettis, Boyda, Groff, Neal, Frietag