by Oshkosh Media PR
If you enjoy dirt track racing, Oshkosh Speedzone Raceway's "Summer of Thunder" will satisfy any race fans need for speed with a full slate of weekly racing events, spiced up with a handful of specials and full smorgasbord of different classes appearing on the 1/3 mile clay oval. You won't go hungry if thrilling racing action fills you appetite.

by Oshkosh Media PR
Oshkosh Speedzone Raceway opened it's doors in 1999 as the third-mile clay oval roared to life with a Tuesday Night racing program. During it's pivotal first few seasons, the track was sanctioned by International Motor Car Association (IMCA). One of the longest running and most effective short track sanctioning bodies in the nation IMCA sanctioned both the Modified and Stock Car divisions at the raceway through the 2000 season.

The following year the track became an independent raceway following area rules which mimicked the IMCA classes. The track has remained one of the most successful independent tracks in the state in the state of Wisconsin.

During the 2011 season, the Leon's Frozen Custard Sport Modified made it's debut at Oshkosh Speedzone Raceway. Based off the IMCA Sport Modified class the division was a welcomed addition to the raceway and the class put on highly competitive racing events. While the management was pleased with the division as 50 different drivers took to the raceway during the season, there were some concerns in the number of participants which competed on a nightly basis.

The addition of IMCA sanctioning will result in the drivers not only competing for track points, but they will also be competing for statewide, regional and national IMCA points.

It's believed with the addition of the IMCA sanction an even stronger weekly car count can be expected for the 2012 season.

Last year the season high car count occurred on May 27th when 24 participants checked into the pit area. However for the balance of the year the fields stayed in the mid to high teens, while the regular Modified division often was on the high side of 30 participants.

by Joe Verdegan
Tri County Heating in New Franken has signed on to become the primary sponsor for a 2012 Harris IMCA northern sportmod that will be given away later this year at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek.

The Oshkosh Speedzone is proud to announce that in 2012 IMCA has agreed to sanction the Sport Mods. After several years of waiting we finally are in the door of IMCA said partner Larry Stratton. Though IMCA would like to have sanctioned both Modified divisions, we thought we would run another year un-sanctioned in the “A” Mods. Jeff Lemiesz also stated that Oshkosh is kind of like a melting pot for drivers. We get drivers from the North, South, East and West just like the old track, Leo’s Speedway.

Dennis Daniel Photoby Dennis Daniel
Richie Gustin simply dominated the field of 241 IMCA Modifieds in this years Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Cenex. After scoring an opening night qualifying feature win on Wednesday, earning the pole of the 33 car, 40 lap feature, Gustin went on to lead all 40 laps in his Skyrocket chassis and earn $5,700 for his victory. “This is awesome,” Gustin said after he took the checkered flags as fans stood and cheered loudly at the packed house at Boone Speedway. “This is what it’s all about right here,” he said after his victory.

Gustin held off a charge by his brother and defending Super Nationals winner Jimmy Gustin and over several late cautions was able to hold off challenges from Mike VanGenderen and Darin Duffy to pick up the popular victory amid a standing room only crowd on Saturday night.

After taking the lead on lap one from the 3 wide start, R. Gustin set the tone early as he paced the field. Middle front row starter, J.D. Auringer, in his Karsyn’s Krusaders pink and black Rage chassis, settled into 2nd early on lap one but Eric Daily charged by him on lap 2. VanGenderen, who started outside of row 2, charged towards the lead, getting by Auringer for 3rd. Duffy, who started in the 3rd row was also surging toward the front, running just outside the top 5, also running in a Karsy’s Krusaders pink and black Rage chassis.

Up front, R. Gustin had opened a 6 car length lead over Dailey while J. Gustin was quickly charging through the field. On lap 9, he charged around the top of the track, passing VanGenderen and taking over the 3rd spot. By lap 12, the leader began to hit lapped traffic, as he was setting a blistering pace during the opening quarter of the race. J. Gustin charged by Daily, setting his sights on younger brother Richie. Just as Jimmy caught Richie and began to try to make a pass in traffic, his charge for back-to-back Super National victories ended when his engine blew up.

Withholding the charge by Jimmy, Richie contined to pace the field as the caution flew for the first time on lap 18 to remove the stalled car of Jimmy. VanGenderen had gotten by Dailey for 2nd, followed by Auringer and Duffy.

by Edward Anschutz　
As the 2011 points season draws to a close the battle for the Butchs Auto IMCA Sport Mod title heats up at Prestige Yacht Coatings Thunderhill Raceway. Three drivers are locked in a dog fight with only 3 point nights left.