Scott Owen, Leader Columnist
Well, last week brought the dreaded rainout. Obviously, Mother Nature did not want us to race. So this week, I want to take some time to focus on two big events set to take place at Shawano toward the end of June.
Coming up on June 18, the IMCA Stock Car division will take center stage. The class that is too tough to tame will race for $1,000, a pretty substantial top prize in the world of IMCA Stock Cars. The race is once again sponsored by Hammond Farm and Greenhouse of Shawano.
Mike and Nancy Hammond are both big-time supporters of local racing. I can recall seeing Mike at the races each week as far back as I can remember. This race is certain to bring in some additional talent to the already impressive talent on display weekly.
This year, Travis Van Straten has once again been the man to beat. Van Straten is the defending national champion, as well as the two-time defending track champion. Among track regulars look for the likes of Dan Michonski, Mike Schmidt and Rod Snellenberger with favorable odds to win this race.
Another former track champion, Nate Michonski, may be back on the track soon also.
As far as what other racers might attempt to take the money, it’s anyone’s guess.
The following Saturday night, it will be the IMCA Modifieds division racing for big money. The Shawano Speedway will host the third leg of the Cheesehead Triple Crown. The 141 Speedway will host the first leg, with a two-night $10,000 show on Wednesday and Thursday. The next night, the traveling circus will move to the Oshkosh Speedzone and will pay the winner of the race $5,000. The show at Shawano will also pay the winner of the IMCA Modifieds feature $5,000.
The race, sponsored by Lusier Well Drilling, will feature many of the top modifieds drivers in the nation. Northeast Wisconsin has been a hotbed of modifieds standouts for many years.
The likes of Benji LaCrosse, Brian Mullen, Mike Mashl, Mike Mullen, Julie McDermid, Marcus Yarie, Jeremy Christians and Jerry Wilinski, among others, have shown throughout the years that they could compete with anyone. In years past, Wisconsinites had to travel out of state to run in the big shows. The Cheesehead Triple Crown will bring the best to our turf.
Arkansas racer Jeff Taylor, Iowa’s Darrin Duffy and Minnesota’s Dale Mathison will be among the national talent planning to run the series. Look for more drivers to make announcements in the coming weeks. Both of these events are not to be missed.
Make your plans now. See you at the speedway.