MANITOWOC EXPO HONORS '02 TRACK CHAMPS! By Bill Schlei

February 18, 2003; Manitowoc, WI - A capacity crowd filled the banquet hall at Koepell's LaFiesta Supper Club in Two Rivers, WI to honor the 2002 track champions from the Manitowoc County Expo Speedway.

Photo Highlights

Manitowoc Co. Expo Speedway held their first racing banquet Feb.1 2003, at Koeppel's La Fiesta Supper Club outside of Mishicot WI. Champions in all divisions were crowned. They are from left to right; IMCA Modified Champ, Jared Siefert. IMCA Stock Car Champ, Jeremy Christians. Street Stock Champ, Paul Kuehn. Hobby Stock Champ, Eric Wetenkamp, Eric was also the rookie in this division. The 2002 Rookies in each division receieved their hardware.  They included (L to R); IMCA Modifieds, David Andrews. IMCA Stock Car, Brett Piontek. Hobby Stock, Eric Wetenkamp. Street Stock, Jo Mueller.

The IMCA Modified division crown went to Jared Siefert of Green Bay who will be back with a brand new ride in 03 to defend his title. Second went to Dean Mauer of Kewaunee with Beaver Dam's Jay Schraufnagel in third.

Rookie of the Year David Andrews of Manitowoc was on hand to accept his award. Andrews also stated that he would return next season.

IMCA Stock Car champ Jeremy Christians was the runaway winner in that division to go along with his Wisconsin state title. Second and third place winners "Hot Rod" Snellenberger and Larry Karcz, Jr. were unable to attend because they were racing in North Carolina.

The top stock car rookie was Green Bay's Brent Piontek who used the occasion to announce his move to asphalt and the Mid-American Stock car series. Piontek will also compete Saturday evening's at 141 Speedway in their weekly Mid-Am program.

Numbers one and two in the Street stock division were separated by just a few points. Paul "PK" Kuene of Mishicot top the top honors with Two Rivers Tom Leonard having to settle for second. Both will be back this season.

Rookie honors in Street went to Jolene Mueller of Mishicot who ran both asphalt and dirt in 2002 and will continue to do the same this coming season.

Track Promoter Dave Gauger spoke briefly noting that the Manitowoc Expo board had given the "go-ahead to pursue sponsorships.

Gauger went on to say that they needed to raise $35,000 to operate for a full season and that the Expo is currently exploring the sale of naming rights for the track from some area corporations.

"Of course we would welcome any sponsorships from organizations of any size. However, racing is big business everywhere and a number of big companies have expressed interest in teaming with us." Gauger said.

For 2003 Manitowoc plans to run the IMCA Mods and Stocks, Street and Hobby Stocks and they also plan to have a compact four cylinder class.

"The four cylinders really came on strong near the end of last season and there is a large group of these cars already established in our area so it seems like a good match."

For information regarding schedules, sponsorships or any other information about the Expo you can call 920-683-4378 or go to or website at racingonline.com.