Jeff Blaser PhotoBy: Kevin Ramsell
He is following his parents footsteps, yes both of his parents who have both raced themselves in past. Now, 15-year-old Davey Pennel will be closely watched by his parents, Dean and Sonya, as he makes the move from SuperCups to a Limited Late Model stock car this season at Dells Raceway Park.

Last year, Pennel finished sixth in the adult division of the Central States Region Supercups, a car that is about half the size as what he will be competing in this season. He and his family aren’t going at it alone as they are getting help from 2006 NASCAR Elite Division Midwest Series Champion Tim Schendel, a fellow Sparta, WI resident.

Kevin Ramsell Photo“Years ago when my dad (Ron Schendel) owned La Crosse late models, Davey’s dad Dean drove for him for two years. And previous to that his brother Dennis drove for my dad as well,” Schendel recently stated. He lives in my hometown, so its been a relationship that has been around for a while.”

A few weeks ago, Pennel and Schendel visited DRP to take the car out for the first time, “Before I put any laps in the car, he took me around in his truck to show me the lines, where to get on the gas, where to get on the brakes and all that,” Pennel said. “He has been a lot of help lately with getting this car set up.”

After the drive around the 1/3-mile oval, he strapped in and made his first laps, “Its been really good and we are picking up a lot of time on the track. I was nervous at first and when I got out there it wasn’t too bad, its a lot different then what I used to drive. It has a lot of power.”
Pennel will be ready for the competition this season. Besides racing, he is a high honor student who works out every day after school and competes in football and runs in track. So he is ready for what the racing season will bring for him. “I think one of our toughest challenge will be getting prepared each weekend and bringing our ‘A’ game,” Pennel said. “I think we have one week off from here to Oktoberfest, so it will be a busy season for us.”

What does his mentor think of his progress so far? “He’s been doing a real good job. They are pretty new to the cars of now, they have to learn about different setups and such. They are also racing at more than one track now,” Schendel stated. “He has done real well, he has been focused on driving the car and keeping his composure.”

Pennel is sponsored by Dean’s Satellite, Directv, Cellular Express, and Absolutely Edible.