Prauner Makes Bold Transition to Touring Series

Moving on Prauner makes NORFOLK bold transition to DAILY NEWS TThursday,hursday, AprilApril 13,13, 20172017 touring series By JAY PRAUNER [email protected] Fifteen years ago, Kyle Prauner set up a profile account on dirtdrivers.com. Yet to attain a driver’s license, Prauner was eager to follow in his father’s tire tracks at Riviera Raceway near Norfolk. Under a section labeled “career goals,” Prauner listed three: 1: Have fun; 2: Be competitive and win races; and 3: Win championships. Having won six state championships, 16 track championships and 158 features since 2003 the 30-year-old Norfolkan checked off those three goals years ago. ►Please see PRAUNER, page 6-A

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n SStuarttuart RRacewayaceway iiss mmarkingarking 6655 yyears.ears. MMeeteet HarryHarry Swanson,Swanson, whowho waswas partpart ofof thethe veryvery firstfirst racerace aatt tthehe BBoydoyd CCountyounty ttrackrack . . . seesee pagepage 7-A.7-A. 2-A NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 Race experience enhanced for fans Track improvements at Off Road Speedway include stands, sound system By JAY PRAUNER put on an awesome show,” Pospisil said. [email protected] According to Pospisil, last year’s late- After two successful seasons, Off Road season resurfacing of dumping black dirt Speedway is keeping the pedal to the metal. over clay promises to make the racing in The dirt track located southeast of Nor- 2017 as good as it’s ever been at Off Road folk is set to open for its third season Satur- Speedway. day, weather permitting. “I won’t tell you how many thousands of “We’ve grown each season, so we want dollars we spent to haul clay in only in the to keep improving the facility and make end to find out this black dirt was 15 feet it even more enjoyable for the drivers and away,” Pospisil said. “That changed the fans than it was last year,” track promoter whole track. Our last few shows last sea- Jerry Pospisil said. son, we had zero dust and no ruts. Our driv- After solving the facility’s No. 1 con- ers and fans were very happy.” cern of drifting track dust late last season, The speedway will once again feature Pospisil said owner Kevin Signor turned five classification of racing. Four of them his focused to improving the race-day ex- — SportMods, Street Stock, Hobby Stock perience. and Sport Compacts — are sanctioned by “Kevin is a music nut, so he put in a new the International Motor Car Association sound system because he wants the music (IMCA). The fifth will be Late Models. played before and after the races to sound Another aspect of Off Road Speedway as good as possible,” Pospisil said. AARON BECKMAN/DAILY NEWS that Pospisil would like to see grow is its 19- Also new for 2017 will be digital stop NEW LED CAUTION LIGHTS were added around the track at Off Road Speedway race schedule. lights. for the upcoming racing season, which, weather permitting, will be Saturday. “Right now we are restricted to racing “The old ones were old stoplights. The Saturday nights only as per the agreement new ones are much bigger and easier to Super Late Model Racing (SMLR) series have stepped up and are offering a $19,000 with the City of Norfolk,” Pospisil said. “In see,” Pospisil said. and 360 Sprint Cars. purse for our SMLR races. Of the 20 tracks July, we race only once because out of po- In anticipation of more fans, additional The first of two SMLR shows is sched- where the series races, this will be the liteness we do not run the Saturday nights seating has been added, too. uled for May 27. The other will be during highest purse of the season.” of the Madison County Fair, Big Bang “When we bring in special events, we the Bob Haase Memorial program Sept. 9. The 360 Sprints Cars will be in town Boom and the Silver Dollar Nationals, really pushed our seating capacity, so “We figured we’d end the season with June 17. which a lot of our drivers and fans like to we addressed that and put up additional a bang,” Pospisil said. “A couple of spon- “Out racing surface is 90 feet wide in the attend. When you add in rainouts, it would bleachers,” Pospisil said. sors, Malvern Bank of Malvern, Iowa, corners and 70 feet wide in the straight- be nice to run a couple of Sunday nights in Off Road Speedway will again host the and Borgmeyer Construction of Norfolk, aways, which allows the 360 Sprint Cars to those situations.” Raceway seeks stability Boone County Raceway to open April 21 By MIKE RENNING As far as the racing, keep it going here.” [email protected] Boone County has a regular Pelster’s son, Tanner, ALBION — After a few schedule of plenty of racing races at the track and his years of track management action for the cars, drivers dad likes the fact his fam- instability, Boone County and the fans. ily can watch him race in Raceway seems to be head- The slate starts with “test Albion. 3 Miles West on Hwy. 30 • Columbus, NE 68601 • www.usthirtyspeedway.com ed in the right direction by and tune up” night April “I raced myself for a committee. 14 and culminates with the time and I think it’s great Ron & Mari Melcher, Owner/Promoter The Boone County Ag- championship night Aug. to see my son on the track Track 402-563-1561 • Cell 402-270-1477 • [email protected] ricultural Society, which 25. right where I used to race,” owns the property, enlisted The final night is in Pelster said. “The family 2017 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS a committee of racing en- honor of fire departments can go right out to the fair- Our regular weekly show (RWS): IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars, thusiasts in the middle of and safety crews and will grounds and watch him and IMCA Hobby Stocks, IMCA Sport Compacts, & Bombers last season in the hopes of include a free-will offering cheer him on — that’s the keeping racing alive here. barbecue. best.” April 1...... Car Show and Practice July 20...... IMCA Modifieds “There are a lot of peo- In between, the track will The five-person commit- April 13...... IMCA Modifieds July 27...... IMCA 305 Sprint Cars ple around here who want have a veterans’ night May tee is in it for the long haul, April 20...... Limited Late Models Aug. 3...... Limited Late Models to keep racing,” said Mike 5 and fireworks June 30. if necessary. April 27...... IMCA 305 Sprint Cars Aug. 10...... IMCA Modifieds – Kids Night Trollope, one of the com- “Whatever it takes, we May 4...... Limited Late Models Aug. 17...... Limited Late Models mittee members. “All we’re DURING THE Boone will do,” Pelster said. “We May 11...... IMCA Modifieds Track Championship – Late Models trying to do is provide some County Fair, two racing will try to get younger guys stability and keep racing on nights will run on the track involved on the committee May 18...... IMCA 305 Sprint Cars Aug. 24...... IMCA Modifieds the track.” with the Good Old Time and just keep going. The May 25...... Limited Late Models Track Championship All Classes Along with Trollope, Tra- Racing Association on hand main thing is to keep the June 1...... IMCA Modifieds Aug. 31...... Rain Date If Necessary vis Kumpf, Shawn Olnes, July 11 and a “big money” sport alive here in Albion.” June 8...... Limited Late Models Sept. 15...... Limited Late Models Abe Lincoln Memorial Tyler Starman and Delmer night July 12. The group has a healthy June 15...... IMCA Modifieds Sept. 16...... IMCA Modifieds Abe Lincoln Memorial Pelster are on the commit- “Obviously, we want to outlook about doing what it June 22...... IMCA 305 Sprint Cars Sept. 17...... Rain Date If Necessary tee. keep the track running,” set out to do. June 29...... SLMR Oct. 6...... Cornhusker Vintage Nationals “Everybody on the com- Pelster said. “We (the com- “We are all volunteer- July 6...... IMCA Modifieds Oct. 7...... Cornhusker Vintage Nationals mittee is committed to keep mittee) all have been in- ing our time to keep racing July 13...... Fan Appreciation Night Oct. 8...... Cornhusker Vintage Nationals racing alive here,” Trollope volved with racing for a here,” Pelster said. “It’s all 128359 said. long time so we want to for the love of the sport.” NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 3-A

DARIN EPPERLY/DAILY NEWS HEATH CLAUSEN of Norfolk poses with his Super Late Model Racing (SLMR) race car. In 2016, Clausen returned from a seven-year layoff to win Rookie of the Year honors in the division. BACK ON TRACK Clausen Family Racing features three generations By RANDY POSPISHIL Then came a break from to going racing every week- SLMR series, is still all about there are the other families to-be-11-year-old daughter, [email protected] full-time racing for about end but can still race for family for the Clausens. we’re connected to through Macy, has anything to say When Heath Clausen was seven years as Health was points,” Heath said. “In May “It’s a family affair; Dad much-appreciated sponsor- about it. 14 years old in 1999, he and starting and raising a family. and June, you’re kind of busy and Mom put this together ships and years of helping “She says she wants to; his father, Junior, began rac- The Clausens sold their (racing) and then September — and we all travel together- each other.” she’s pretty nuts about it ing as a two-car team. racing equipment and “tried is pretty busy, but you kind -my sister Brooke lives in The three generations of right now,” Heath said. “I Heath’s first car was a fishing and camping,” Heath of have your summer off. We Omaha and has two boys, the Clausens’ “family affair” think I’d make her wait until hand-me-down late model said, until one particular did it last year, and it worked and they all like to go when may continue into a fourth she’s 14 when she could drive from his father that he drove night they attended a race- out pretty good.” they can,” Heath said. “Plus generation if Heath’s soon- a Hobby Stock.” at Riviera Raceway in Nor- track as spectators. “Pretty good” translates folk, continuing the Clausen “My wife and I, and Mom to the Rookie of the Year family’s connection to the and Dad, all went to the award Heath earned with former Norfolk track that races,” Heath said. “And Dad a ninth-place finish in the began in the early 1960s. was like, ‘We really need SLMR standings. That was when Junior’s fa- to get back into this.’ We all Clinching the award didn’t ther, Harold, played a role in thought he was joking, but happen until the last race of the construction of the track when we came home (the fol- the season at I-80 Speedway and drove “open-wheelers.” lowing) Monday — he wasn’t in Greenwood. Heath would get his first joking.” “It was neat; any time win, a victory in the Late A family meeting was you set goals in anything Model class at Riviera Race- held, and a game plan was and achieve them, it’s a neat way at age 17. www.bigdaddyracecars.com formed. The decision was to deal,” he said. “When you’ve By 2006, the Clausen Fam- race in the Super Late Model been out of racing for seven ily Racing Team became Racing (SLMR) series. years and jump back in with more of a one-car emphasis that class of cars, just to be and began traveling to more “We had brand new cars Specializing in stock car and hobby competitive is a great feel- and different racetracks. and good stuff when I sold ing.” “We had two cars and out,” Junior said. “But a stock chassis and racing parts couldn’t give 100 percent to friend of mine had this car So the Clausen Family either one of them; he was a (Heath’s current car) for Racing Team — with a new better driver, so we put him sale for a good deal. I had to car and updated technology in the good car, and I be- buy everything back that I — is prepping for its second came the mechanic,” Junior sold — the trailer, the truck year of SLMR competition, said of his son. — but it’s all worth it.” and Heath said the team’s The Clausens eventually The SLMR series is “more goals have been raised to the moved up to an IMCA Late rule-friendly and allows pursuit of the points champi- Model class and raced at more flexibility for drivers onship, fully aware that the tracks in other parts of Ne- that results in 30-car fields,” “competition will get stouter braska and Iowa. Rules be- Junior said. The series also and stouter.” came the determining factor features a race schedule that “Our first goal will be in which tracks were avail- fits the family’s desire to to win a race, because it’s able to Heath’s car. “race with a purpose” while tough,” he said. “You’ve “Rules were based on the not being obligated to race got 10, 11 or maybe 12 guys type of motors — aluminum- every week. you’ve got to try to beat. Any headed or steel-headed mo- “In the SLMR series, you of those guys who finish in 402-841-4119 or 402-371-1927 the top five in points are re- tors,” Junior said. “We run don’t have to race every Visit us on facebook at Big Daddy Chassis 113666 an aluminum, which is an weekend, so when you have ally fast.” 800-horse motor, whereas kids that’s kind of nice be- But the racing season, www.bigdaddyracecars.com the steel is a 400-horse.” cause you’re not committed which starts May 6 for the 128235 4-A NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 Late Model

WE ASKED . . . 1. Who or what inspired you to get into racing? 2. List up to five sponsors. 3. List up to five pit crew members. 4. Your favorite auto racing driver? 5. Your favorite racing moment of 2016?

1. Watched one week, got hooked, showed up next week with car. That was 27 years ago. No. 36 2. Frontier Insurance, MidWest Bank, Hennings Family, Stec Car Wash and HHKB Jim Motorsports. Johnson, 3. Harry Werner, Devin Johnson, Chris Johnson, Keanu Johnson and Beau Johnson. 4. Jimmie Johnson. Plainview 5. Winning three track championships and winning the Albion SMLR feature.

1. John Schalk. All of our childhood we dreamed about racing stock cars and traveling from No. 22z track to track. He started at age 15, and I followed a few years later. Zach 2. DC Seed & Chemical, Moss & Stewart Insurance, Zoucha Hay Grinding, Country Partners and Mescher Farms. Zentner, 3. Robin Roundback, Dave Primrose, Danny Beister, John Schalk and Jeff Vandewalle. 4. Tony Stewart. C. Rapids 5. My first Late Model “A” feature win at Off Road Speedway.

1. My dad, Robert. He has always been my role model since I was a little kid and my dream No. 14 was to someday be a better race car drive than he was. I’m still chasing that dream. 2. Osborne Motors, Voecks Drywall, BL Construction, Farm Bureau Financial Services — Chase Agent: Rick Kuehner. Osborne, 3. Russ White, Levi Voecks and Greg Miller. 4. Robert Osborne. Norfolk 5. Racing with the SLMR series when they came to our local tracks.

1. Going to the races as a kid. No. 3 Doug 2. Strong Trucking, BSE Racing Parts and Tomka Trucking. Tomka, 3. Steve Jensen, Mark Tomka, Tanner Tomka, Jeff Foltz and Shawnette Tomka. 4. Scott Bloomquist. Stanton 5. Winning two “A” features at Off Road Speedway..

1. I grew up watching my dad. No. 07 2. Southside Salvage, Powersportsnation, Quality SIding and Roofing, Uncle Jarrol’s Ben Pub-B-Que and Alter Metal Recycling. Sukup, 3. Bill Sukup, Dale Collins, David Board, Stephanie Sukup and Kalub Sukup. 4. Scott Bloomquist. Norfolk 5. Winning the last three regular-season shows at Off Road Speedway.

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1. Our family went to the races quite often when I was a child. Started watching Jim and Nick No. 16s Kimmel race and thought it looked like fun. Started racing the following year. Derek 2. Neligh Auto and Machine, Quality Inn and Motel, Neligh News and Leader, Kinnan Construction and The Gutter Crew. Sehi, 3. Terry Sehi, Kathy Sehi and Jamie Sehi. 4. Ken Schrader. He made it to the big time and didn’t forget where he came from. Neligh 5. Being able to finish in the top five in points at two tracks.

1. My whole family has been involved in racing long before I was even born so I never No. 04 really had the option. Definitely the best decision I never had the luxury of making. Dylan 2. Uecker Farms, Keno Casino, A&C Builders, K&M Construction and Norfolk Physical Therapy. Pospisil, 3. Adam Wortmann, Rob Uecker and Shannon Pospisil. 4. Would either be my dad, Shannon, or my older brother, Tad. Norfolk 5. Winning the feature the night U.S. 30 Speedway had their SLMR show.

1. Growing up I loved to work on cars. My dad and uncle had friends in racing. In 1987, Jimmy No. 6i Green gave me a car and said if you can fix it, you can race it. Stephen 2. Weinrich Trucking, Swanson Ag Wrap, Knigge Ranch, 6i Racing Family and friends and family. Ives, 3. Toby Ives, Lance Knigge, Clay Konopasek, Dillion Ives and anyone that wants to help. 4. Dale Earnhardt. Verdigre 5. Accomplishing my goal of finishing the season in the top 10 in points on the final night.

1. My dad loved muscle cars and I had a chance to try this ... 27 years later, here we are. No. 38 2. Norfolk Transmission and Muffler, Subway, Dietz Well and Pump, Taylor’s Bar and Grill and Jeremy Schaecher Residential Works. Gnat, 3. Jarrod Gnat, John Hames, Jonathan Jensen and family. 4. Mark Martin. B. Creek 5. A career-best third-place finish on June 25 at Off Road Speedway.

1. My entire family races, but the one that inspired me the most was my dad, Randy Haase. No. 20 2. White Trucking, D&L Towing, Saw Flooring, Norfolk Specialities and Jamie Wright. Eric 3. Preston Haase and Cory Haase. Haase, 4. Randy Haase, Ray Haase and Tony Stewart. 5. Watching my cousin, Matt Haase, win the Abe Lincoln Memorial at U.S. 30 Speedway in Norfolk Columbus in his Northern Sport Mod.

Good Luck on the t he Track! Tr ack!

11X 11X -- NelsonNelson VollbrechtVollbrecht 12X 12X -- ParkerParker VollbrechtVollbrecht • Windshield & Auto Glass Repair • Residential Glass • Screen Repair • Mirrors, Windows, Tabletop Glass & Much More! 128505 501 E. Norfolk Ave. 402-371-4424 www.krygerglass.com 12 8 0 5 6 6-A NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 Prauner Continued from Page 1— crew and see how we stack up to some of the best in the business.” But there was a fourth career Fortunately, he’s done it before. goal he listed in paragraph form back in 2003: “My ultimate rac- “Last season we showed up in ing goal/dream would be to race Oskaloosa, Iowa, and had never for a living. To maybe travel with seen the place before. We made the World of Outlaw Late Models, some adjustments throughout the Lucas Oil Late Model Series, the night and won the feature,” or even the USMTS. Any of that Prauner said. “We don’t mind fly- would be a dream come true!” ing by the seat of our pants. It USMTS stands for United States makes you feel good when you can Modified Touring Series, and, as pull off something like that.” of April 20, Prauner will officially Prauner has seen only two of the check off another item on his list of tracks on his chosen schedule: I-80 goals. in Greenwood, Neb., (July 21-22) “We started talking about this and Park Jefferson Speedway in toward the end of last year and North Sioux City, S.D. (Aug. 26). A few of Prauner’s other top things just kind of fell into place,” PHOTOS BY DARIN EPPERLY/DAILY NEWS Prauner said. “We’ve run well sponsors are Canham Maytag, enough to attract good sponsors KYLE PRAUNER of Norfolk, here leaning against his 2016 Razor Modified, is jumping from the Big Daddy Racecars, InsureMy- and get good help from people who SportMod division of the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) to the United State Modi- Forage.com-Kevin Gubbles, all believe we can compete at this fied Touring Series (USMTS). of Norfolk, and Nebraska Powder level.” Coating of Battle Creek. (Outback Motorsports), bought 20; Lakeside Speedway in Kansas Prauner said drivers making a After winning 21 of 30 “A” fea- out all of our SportMod stuff. That City, Kan., on April 21, and I-35 tures the past two seasons in the USMTS feature get $300 if they saved us a bunch of time selling Speedway in Winston, Mo., on take the green flag. IMCA (International Motor Con- things off piece by piece and gave April 22. test Association) SportMod divi- “At Off Road Speedway, we had us a good chunk of cash to keep “That first swing is going to be to win just to get $250,” Prauner sion at Off Road Speedway near the ball rolling.” Norfolk, Prauner was looking for a tough because I recently lost my said. “But if we don’t make shows new challenge. A fair amount of horse-trading uncle, Joel, to a heart attack at the … it will be a short adventure.” “With the success we’ve had later, Prauner began to assemble age of 53 in December. Joel loved But as American author H. Jack- the last five years, we were able his 2016 Razor Chassis by Roth traveling. He loved going to see son Brown, Jr. once said. “Never to squirrel some money away for a Racing that is worth somewhere new tracks,” Prauner said. “He let the odds keep you from doing rainy day,” Prauner said. “Toward north of $30,000. Its engine has A DECAL of Joel Prauner, Kyle’s would have helped tow the car. He what you know in your heart you the end of last year, dad (Jerry) about 200 more horsepower than uncle who died on December didn’t sleep much and always had were meant to do.” turned to me and said ‘It looks like what he raced last season. 22, is displayed on the car’s stories to tell to help pass the time. “With a young marriage that it’s getting cloudy.’ ” “Horsepower is the game,” said right windsail panel. He was always the last one to go includes a 21-month-old child, the to sleep and the first one up. We’ll Meaning ... it was time to move Prauner with a big grin. “As race- timing of this couldn’t have been miss him.” on. car drivers, we just want to go I have a new goal.” worse,” Prauner said. “But if we fast.” In leaving IMCA for USMTS, A decal of Joel is displayed on hadn’t done this, five years down “I FELT WE KIND of ac- And he’ll need to. Prauner will be leaving the state car’s right rear windsail panel, the road I would have been kicking complished everything we could According to its website, the for all but one of his scheduled 30- right next to decals of where he myself.” accomplish at the local level,” USMTS is the fastest growing and some races. worked — Waste Connections of Meaning it was definitely time Prauner said. “I feel like I’m in my most popular open-wheel dirt mod- “Truth be told, I’m not big on Norfolk — and where he spent a to move on. prime, both in my ability and my ified touring series in the world. A traveling, but I’m hoping the ex- fair amount of time: Fight’n River “The bottom line is win, lose or financial situation.” Modified is, by far, the most popu- citement of the new challenge and Saloon of Battle Creek. draw we’re going to learn some At first, other than his father, lar and most widely-used type race getting to see new tracks will tide stuff. Information travels down- those closest to Prauner — his car circling America’s dirt tracks me over for a year,” Prauner said. UNLIKE THE PAST five sea- hill. The guys at the top of this class mother, Jan; wife Nikki and sister today. Embarking on its 19th sea- “We’ve kind of planned out our sons, Prauner has no expectations will have the new technology first Brandy — each looked at him a son in 2017, the USMTS schedule season hoping to hit two or three for 2017. and I’ll get to see it second-hand,” little funnier than usual. boasts more than 80 events at 38 races in a given week.” “We’re getting away from ex- Prauner said. “If this doesn’t work “They all wanted me to keep venues in 14 states. For example, to open the sea- pectations. The last few years, out, financially, or talent-wise, I doing what I was doing, but once “Some of these guys — not all of son, Prauner Racing will travel we were kind of the guy to beat,” will have gained some knowledge I started looking into it seriously, them — but some of them do this more than 700 miles to compete in Prauner said. “In this class, no- and hopefully will bring it back things began to happen,” Prauner for a living or are paid to drive by events at Atchison County Race- body knows who we are or where home and use it for whatever hap- said. “A friend of ours, Jeff Haase car owners,” Prauner said. “I guess way in Atchison, Kan., on April we’re from. We’ll take our car and pens down the road.” 8492 12

1806 W. Omaha Ave., Next to Big Country Auto across from the Sunset Plaza • 402-371-0900 • Hours: Mon. & Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. ~ Tues., Wed. & Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., ~ Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. ~ Sun., Noon-5 p.m. NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 7-A Stuart Raceway marks 65 years Participant in track’s first-ever race has a colorful history By MIKE RENNING [email protected] STUART — The Stuart Raceway has plenty of big nights planned in celebration of its 65th year of racing at the oval on the north end of town. The season will begin with a bang with the Good Ol’ Time Rac- ing Association on hand for a race April 30. The day will begin with a car show and culminate with a vintage stock car race in the after- noon. The 1950s will be the theme of the day, including the admission prices at the track. One of the people participating in that first race 65 years ago was Harry Swanson from Bassett. He’s been identified by track officials as the winner of the first race at the track, but Swanson says that’s not true. “I didn’t win the first race,” Swanson said. “I got second, but I won the second race.” Swanson had a successful racing career not only in Stuart, but also in a large portion of North Central and Northeast Nebraska. “We raced at Valentine, Ains- worth, Clearwater, Sargent, Nor- folk — it didn’t matter,” he said. “As long as the car would run, we would run it.” MIKE RENNING/DAILY NEWS Swanson would race for the next quarter-of-a-century except for A PAIR OF TROPHIES Harry Swanson won during his first year of racing at Stuart Raceway are displayed along with a photo — of some time off in the military and him, his wife, Karen, who died in 1966, and his race car — and his original racing helmet. not racing for four years after his wife, Karen died from leukemia in 2017 Stuart Raceway Schedule 1966. Race sponsors in bold Wally Woodhead, who is a long- April 30: Vintage Stock Car show/race — Super B Automotive, Super B Storage time friend — and sometimes rac- May 7: Stock Car show (2-5 p.m.) — Test, Tech and Tune night (6-8 p.m.) ing rival — of Swanson’s, helped May 21: Opening night — Schaaf Insurance Agency, The Central Bar build Swanson’s first car and was May 28: Krotters Home & Auto Centers a member of the pit crew for the Regular show (Summer Storm Dirt Series) — first couple of years before taking June 4: Regular show (SSDS rain date) — Bushel Basket, Olberding Trucking the driver’s seat himself. June 11: Regular show (Mechanics Race) — Shamrock Diesel Repair “Wally and I are great friends June 18: Regular show (Nebraska Modified Lites) — Southside Mini Mart and always have been,” Swanson June 25: Regular show (Powder Puff Race) — Stuart Locker & Livestock, The Pit Stop said. “We built that first car togeth- July 2: Regular show (Fireworks) — Tri-County Bank, Community Wealth Specialists, LLC July 9: Regular show (SSDS) — Cast Iron Bar & Grill er and then we went to a lot of the MIKE RENNING/DAILY NEWS tracks together.” July 16: Regular show (SSDS rain date) — Stracke Realty, Krieger Farms In those days, drivers towed WALLY WOODHEAD (left) and Harry Swan- July 23: Regular show (Tribute Race) — Malone’s Auto Body, Someplace Else Bar their cars behind a pickup instead son built a race car in 1952 for the first July 30: Regular show — Dairy Queen of putting them on trailers, as is season at Stuart Raceway. Aug. 6: Championship Night — Stuart Fertilizer, Stuart Concrete customary today. “We would just throw them in happy about that at all.” Tracks at that time also gave out sponsible for a lot of tracks getting multaneously. neutral and take off,” Swanson “He lost the speedometer off of “rollover” money where a driver rid of the “rollover” money. Stuart Raceway will begin its said. “Once in a while we’d actually it,” Swanson added. would receive $10 if his car rolled Both drivers agreed today’s rac- 2017 regular racing show May 21; drive the car to tracks — mostly Another time the two didn’t get over during the race as compensa- ers have much better cars. The have a powder puff race June 25; a taking country roads.” along was on the track. “It would tion for the crash. cars are wider and have a much fireworks show July 2; and a Trib- Although the two were great always make me mad when he beat “I had that figured out when better suspension system than the ute Race on July 23. friends, they had moments where me,” Swanson said. I drove,” Woodhead said with a cars either of them raced. The 65th season will end with they didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye. But not every racer believed the smile. “I could roll my car over “We did a lot of bouncing around championship night on Aug. 6. “I remember when I was a soph- two were competing. and end up on four wheels and in those old cars,” Swanson said. “We look forward to a great and omore in high school,” Woodhead “I got accused of running inter- keep right on going. Ten bucks is “But we sure had a lot of fun.” fun season,” said Keith Larabee, said. “It was time to bring the car ference for him,” Woodhead said. 10 bucks.” Another fact the duo always President of the Stuart Stock Car back to town to get it ready for rac- “If that’s the way it worked out Woodhead, who drove car num- agreed with each other was the car Association, Inc. “We have a lot of ing. I had a blowout and put the during the race, so be it. But I was ber 66 for most of his racing days, company they used for their cars. special things planned and we feel car in Twin Lakes. Harry wasn’t trying to win.” may have been single-handedly re- “Always a Ford,” they said si- we have something for everyone.” 8-A NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 Norfolk MXers looking to build up membership By JAY PRAUNER (DWMS), which recently replaced “We wanted to make it more place was packed. With it being said. “I started about the same age [email protected] the Nebraska Motocross Series. challenging. I can ride this track Easter and all, I’m not quite sure my son is now, and grew up riding Eddie Myrick and his family The DWMS includes tracks in with my eyes closed because I’ve what to expect this weekend.” on privately-owned tracks until we enjoy the sport of motocross. Yankton and Homer. The Off Road done so many laps around here,” Last season, attendance at Off built this course.” So much so that they, along with Ranch course will host the series said Eddie’s 30-year-old son, John. Road Ranch ranged from 60 to 160. The cost for safety equipment friends, recently formed a compa- this weekend, weather permitting. “The new layout will give us some- “What I enjoy about the sport is and a top-of-the-line motocross mo- ny under the name Norfolk MXers. “The original owner of this thing different, hopefully, attract that it is family oriented,” Eddie torcycle can run in the neighbor- Motocross is a form of off-road property liked to race off-road more people to come and check out Myrick said. “I do it, my son does hood of $10,000. motorcycle racing held on enclosed pickups, but that never took off,” something they are not use to.” it, his son (Martin, a third-grader The elder Myrick was born in off-road circuits. said Myrick, who is 53. “A few To help entice fans, the MXers at Washington Elementary) does Oklahoma and raised in California The Norfolk MXers practice and years back, a bunch of us got to- will charge $5 for a weekend pass it, and someday my great grandson but has called Nebraska home the race at Off Road Ranch, located gether and made it into a moto- (Saturday practice, Sunday races), will do it.” past 22 years. southeast of Norfolk. cross track.” which is half the normal charge. Divisions ranges from ages 4 “Growing up my dad took me to “The big problem is a lot of peo- For the past several weeks, “Easter weekend is typically and up and from beginner to mas- the desert to ride. Back then, it was ple don’t even know this place is members of the organization and when the motocross season kicks ters. hard to find other kids who liked to here,” Myrick said. volunteers have been transforming off,” Myrick said. “A few weeks “We’re the only three-genera- ride dirt bikes,” Eddie Myrick said. The Norfolk MXers are part of the original 1.7-mile layout into a ago, we raced in Homer and there tion family actually riding in the “One thing about motocross, if you the Dirt Warrior Motocross Series new 1.3-mile configuration. had to be close to 200 racers — the state of Nebraska,” John Myrick like it, you can be around it all day.”

2407 S. 13th Norfolk, NE 68701

AARON BECKMAN/DAILY NEWS MEMBERS OF NORFOLK MXER’S stand in front of the new starting gate sponsor ATV s • Motorcycles • Jet Skis • Snowmobiles wall Wednesday evening out at the Offroad Ranch. Norfolk MXER’s first season race will be April 16th out at the Offroad Ranch. Club members in the pictures JEFF KRACL Bus: (402) 371-9151

128487 are front row (from left) Aria Myrick, Eddie Myrick and Martin Myrick. from left to Cell: (402) 750-2338 Fax: 402) 371-2428 right; back row (from left) Scott Nathan, Seth Eggerling, Jon Myrick, Ryan Hart, [email protected] Toll Free: 888-872-9151 Sam Ronk, Allen Walker, Nick Wachter. SAPP BROS. PETROLEUM INC. Propane - Gasoline - Diesel - VP Racing Fuel - Rockett Brand Racing Fuel - DEF - Farm - Commercial - Residential - EXXON MOBIL LUBRICANTS • www.sappbrospetro.com

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1216 W Monroe Ave. • Norfolk, NE 68701 128375 Hobby Stock NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 9-A

1. My dad (Brian) raced when I was a kid, and I have always loved the sport. No. 96 2. Cable One, Northern Plains Supply (Bassett), K. Porter Construction, UHOP and Graham Gage Tire. Koch, 3. Brian Koch, Irv Langemeier, Jeff Porter, Randi Hale and Jerry Koch. 4. Johnny “The Jet” Saathoff. Norfolk 5. Winning my second career IMCA Hobby Stock feature.

1. I grew up going to the track every week, so I just thought to give it a try once and it stuck. No. 28 Tracy 2. Cubby’s, Zippy Lube, Burger King, Tropical Waters and Lichtenberg Tire Pros. Buck, 3. Terry Buck, Nate Buck, Eldon Buck, Kenzi Tschirren and April Buck. 4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Neligh 5. After a drought for a few years, getting a feature win.

1. My grandpa, dad and uncles all raced. As a kid it was cool watching how the cars’ No. 31K suspension worked in the corners, seeing where people were getting runs on other drivers. Nate 2. DeSive Repair, CarQuest, Xyience, Aunt Marlene and Venum. 3. Fast Fred DeSive, Madi Voborny, Jacob Dickau, Brandi Mikkelsen and Levi Stueve. DeSive, 4. Kyle Larson. 5. Winning the championship at Stuart Raceway and winning at Off Road Speedway is Verdigre always a good time.

1. My high school math teacher, Shannon Pospisil. No. 15m 2. GCX LLC, Burger King, Norfolk GM Auto Center, Columbus Motor Company, Max Volkman Plumbing and Heating and D&D Motorsports. Anderson, 3. Morgan Reinke, Jordan Uehling, Jason Uehling, Doug Ohlrich and Dustin Jackson. 4. Mike Nichols, a stock car driver from Harlan, Iowa. Norfolk 5. All the people you meet and friends you make along the way makes racing fun.

1. My brother, Cody, bought a Hornet for Riviera Raceway. It looked like a blast so the next No. 50 winter we built another one. Jared 2. Relitz Repair, Craig’s Body and Glass, Lamp Auto Parts, Gralheer Insurance LLC, Janke Auto Company. Relitz, 3. Craig Relitz, Randy Bargholz, Deb Relitz and Jayme Bargholz. 4. Mark Martin. Emerson 5. Won two heat races and had a few top-five finishes.

• TOTAL SEAL RINGS • J&E PISTONS • CROWER • FEDERAL-MOGAL 2,000 HP Super Flow 901 Dyno • CRANE CAMS • LUNATI CAMS Get Your Racing Fuel Complete Engine Rebuilding-Automotive Machine Shop Servic e We specialize in alumin um cylinder head repair • Engine rebuilding and repair • Valve Jobs • Reboring • Honing at Cubby’s... VP Racing Fuel • Rod Resizing • Hot Tank Magnafluxing • Crankshaft Grinding www.cubbys.com • Transflo Express • Gas/Diesel • High Performance Machine Work • Gas & Propane Irrigation • Convenience Store • Kitchen New Hines Micro-Com puter Engine Balancer • Trucking/Automotive Supplies Celebrating CHICKEN • FedEx Box • Nebraska Lottery 29 Years! • Beer/I ce • Chester’s Chicken • Propane • Milkshakes • Smoothies • Frozen Coffee 402-371-6032 BREAKFAST DAILY KITCHEN SERVED ALL DAY 128469 413 Northwestern Ave. • Norfolk New Gas & Diesel Pumps SPECIALS 12 8 3 1 5 • CROWER FEDERAL-MOGAL South Hwy. 81 (across from Ta-Ha-Zouka Park) MOROSOS • J&E PISTONS • SRP-PISTONS • ARP • COMP CAMS• 402-371-5337 10-A NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 Stock Car

1. No. 1 Dad (Dale) and Ron (Pettitt) and the local Riviera Raceway competitors that I remember from the 1990s. Shawn 2. Pettitt Plumbing and Heating, Primrose Car Trailer Rentals, Dean’s Market of Elgin, S&W Underground and Herbert Feed & Grain of Verdigre. Primrose, 3. Brant Wolff, Dale Primrose Jr., Jay Wolff and Marcus Sehi. 4. I enjoy watching NASCAR but am impartial. I haven’t chosen a favorite. Norfolk 5. June 4 feature win at Off Road Speedway.

1. No. 59x Jim Scheffler from Creston, Iowa, in the early 1980s. 2. Only Pro Decaling, RJ Machine, Kramer’s Towing, Groteluschen Construction and Hans Nacora LTD. Houfeck, 3. Kenny Bruggeman Jr., McKale Houfeck, Hadley Houfek and Haydn Houfek. 4. Dale Earnhardt Sr. Emerson 5. Winning an “A” feature at Off Road Speedway.

1. No. 12T My dad, Ron. It’s always what we’ve done as a family. 2. Outback Motorsports, Pettitt Plumbing and Heating, Pettitt Behavioral Health, Tanner Primrose Car Trailer Rentals and Fast Mart. 3. Ron Pettitt, Dale Primrose, Marcus Sehi, Tyler Pettitt and Shawn Primrose. Pettitt, 4. Zach Zentner and Brian Koch. 5. Getting to race at the Boone Super Nationals against some of the best stock car Norfolk drivers in the country.

1. No. 31K Watching my dad race. 2. Ranchland Auto Supply (Carquest), Aunt Marlene, Reiman Hay & Grain, Fred South Fork Seed and A&J Tire. 3. Nate DeSive, Deven Fritz, Jacob Dickau, Madi Voborny and Brandy Mikkelsen. DeSive, 4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. 5. Getting third in an ‘A’ feature at Off Road Speedway and winning the ‘A’ feature at O’Neill Stuart Raceway.

1. No. 95 My dad, Dale. I loved going to the races and watching him race. When he won the trophy dash, I would take it up to the grandstands with a smile from ear to ear. Tiffany 2. Renner Auto Body/Renner Wraps, Perkins Restaurant, Island Supply, Hometown Auto and Liberty Aviation. Bittner, 3. Dale Bittner, Jeremy Hoskinson, Greg Berry and Kyle Prauner. 4. Dale Bittner. Norfolk 5. Racing door-to-door with my friend Jeremy Hoskinson, and 10 A-feature wins.

108 S. Main, Hoskins (402) 565-4283 HOME COOKED DAILY NOON SPECIALS Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri.,11 a.m. - 1 a.m. • Wed., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. MONDAY TUESDAY 1/2 Price Hamburgers & Cheeseburgers Tacos THURSDAY FRIDAY

50¢ Wings $2.00 Beer Bottles or Cans $1.00 Beers 7-9 p.m. $2.50 Quart Jars $5.00 Pitchers Friday Night Stop in for all your alignment needs: Bud Light or Busch Light Bud Light or Busch Light Specials

Trailers, Cars, Pickups, Campers & Big Trucks 8488 Happy Hour: 5 to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday 12 Closed Sundays 128556 1306 West Ta-Ha-Zouka Dr. • Norfolk, NE 68701

128415 (402) 371-6606 • Toll Free (800) 378-6606 NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017 11-A Sport Compact

1. When I was little, I spent weekends watching Damian and Dylan Smith race. In high school I No. 2B met Jeff Ware. He made my dream come true helping me purchase my first race car. Brook 2. My parents, Jeff Ware, Barber and Sons Trucking, DSR and Oborny’s Husker Bar. Fluckinger, 3. Jeff Ware. 4. I don’t have a favorite auto racing driver. Columbus 5. Getting my first feature win at Off Road Speedway.

1. My father, Ray Haase. No. 2K Kandie 2. Southside Salvage, Renner Auto Body, Advanced Auto Parts and The Link. Smidt, 3. Rocky Smidt, Bobby Ellis and Dave Parrin. 4. Ray Haase. Norfolk 5. The Robert Haase Memorial program to end the season.

1. My dad, Ken Reed. No. 42 2. Northeast Nebraska Energy Systems and Raise2Level. Kyle 3. Kyle Dover and Calin Jonson. Reed, 4. Scott Bloomquist. Hoskins 5. Being able to hang out and get cars fixed with my friends and being able to race all year.

1. I was inspired by a neighbor growing up who used to let me come and work on his car. No. 4D 2. Davidson Guns and Tackle, Jackson Custom Detail, Cody Beckner and Adam Layman. Devon 3. Jackson Latzel, Dustin Jackson, Stephany Jackson, Ashlyn Schmidt and Adam Layman. Davidson, 4. Kevin Harvick. 5. Racing at the Spring Nationals for the first time. After winning my heat, I got turned into the O’Neill back stretch wall later that night in the feature and rolled.

1. My uncle, Todd Vollbrecht, and my cousin, Nelson Vollbrecht. No. 12X 2. Outback Motorsports, Kryger Glass, BRK Construction, MAC tools and Bloomfield Tire and Parker Auto. Vollbrecht, 3. Nelson Vollbrecht, Todd Vollbrecht, Tony Vollbrecht, Ramsey Meyer and Tom Meyer. 4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Stanton 5. Every time my cousin, Nelson, did well. Tom’s Service Hometown Service Since 1977 Stock Cars • Hot Rods • Drag Racing 24 Hour Pump ATV ’s • Motocross • Tractor Pullers • Gas • Diesel • E85 AUTHORIZED DEALER COMPLETE CAR CARE 8484

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4 Tom & Karen Meyer - 332 East Main, Pierce, NE 68767 Bottling Company 8 6 12-A NORFOLK DAILY NEWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2017

www.offroadspeedway.com Email- [email protected] • Admission- Ages 16 & Up- $12 • Ages 7-15- $6 • Ages 6 & Under- Free **Pit passes $25 **Pit passes on special purse nights will be $30 for all classes • Pit Gate Opens At 4:30 • Hot Laps Start At 6:30 • Racing Starts At 7:00

20 1 7 S C HE DUL E APRIL JULY

15 - Regular Race Night 1 - CLOSED

22 - Regular Race Night 8 - Regular Race Night (Armed Forced Night.

29 - Regular Race Night Free admission to all branches with ID)

15 - CLOSED (Madison County Fair)

MAY 22 - CLOSED (Silver Dollar Nationals)

6 - Regular Race Night (NECC Night, students in free with student ID) 29 - Regular Race Night (SUMMER STORM SERIES)

13 - Regular Race Night plus GOTRA AUGUST

20 - Regular Race Night plus MOD LITES 5 - Regular Race Night (kids get free rides in a race car)

27 - Regular Classes + MALVERN BANK SLMR 12 - Regular Race Night

(NO GRAND NATIONAL LATE MODELS) 19 - Regular Race Night plus Midwest Classic Stock Cars

26 - Regular Race Night JUNE

3 - Regular Race Night (Law Enforcement/Fire Fighter Night. SEPTEMBER

Free admission with ID) 2 - Championship Night (Regular classes)

10 - Regular Race Night plus MIDWEST STOCK CARS 9 - BOB HAASE MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP, (SUMMER STORM DIRT SERIES) MALVERN BANK SLMR plus GOTRA

17 - Regular Race + 360 Sprint Cars sponsored by Big Daddy Race Cars & (NO GRAND NATIONAL LATE MODELS) Renner Wraps plus MOD LITES (NO LATE MODELS OR HOBBY STOCKS)

24 - Regular Race Night (FREE Bikes and giveaways) **Regular Race Night consists of Late Models,

(OTHER CLASSES TO BE ADDED) ($1000 to win, $200 to start A feature for Memorial Race) IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars, (more details to come) IMCA Hobby Stock and IMCA Sport Compacts A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR TRACK SPONSORS 106 Kix/Lite 97.50 D & L Towing Jon Langenberg Farms Norfolk Truck Center Sunny Meadow Ag & Industrial Engine Machines Dietz Well Karpet Shop Northeast Community College Teri Medelman American Family Insurance Eisenmann Supplies Inc. Kryger Glass O’Reilly Auto Parts Todd Borgmeyer - Jason Busch Elkhorn Valley Bank Matteo Sand & Gravel Osborne Motors Tom’s Service ASPM Farm Bureau - Brad Bosch McDonalds Outback Motorsports TWD Locksmith Bauer Built Farm Bureau - Scott Race Meisinger Oil Pepsi Co. US 92/94 Rock Bauer Underground Farmers Pride Mel’s Drive-In Perkins Restaurant Volkman Plumbing & Heating Big Country Ford GCX Midwest Music Pettitt Plumbing & Heating Weidner Big Boy Toys Big Daddy Racing Gregg’s ATV Miller Machine Pinnacle Bank West Hodson BRK Construction Heartland Beverage Morton Buildings Pizza Hut Window World BSE Racing Parts Heritage Financial NAPA Precision Components Windshield Doctors Burger King Island Supply Nebraska Harvestore Reigle Farms Wetzel & Truex Jewelry Canham Maytag Jaeger Seeds Norfolk Daily News Renner Wraps Wolf’s Den Cookie’s Food Jake’s Bar Norfolk Diesel Repair Sapp Bros. Petroleum Cornhusker Auto Jensen Construction Norfolk GM Scott’s Smoke Shack Cornhusker International Jerry’s Standard Norfolk Implement Signor Trucking Inc.

Culligan Water Johnson Repair Norfolk Transmission Speedway Auto 12 8 3 6 3