2/27/2014
IRA Interstate Racing Association
UNPRECIDENTED COMPETITION IN IRA ACTION THIS SEASON!
Teams lay ground work for season ahead with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprints!
February 27, 2014; Appleton, WI. – Locked dormant beneath layers of snow, Wisconsin’s wind whipped speedway’s are soon to be uncovered by the spring thaw, and with the thaw fans will begin to anticipate the forthcoming racing season.
Teams participating in the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series are already crafting their machinery and preparing for the highly competitive season ahead.
Some drivers have already jumped behind the wheel to shake off the dust and get an early start on the competition, while others are proudly displaying their 2014 season colors showcasing the rides they hope to place in victory lane.
Brandon Thone got the jump on the competition becoming the first IRA based team to log laps in the 2014 season. To do so Thone packed up and headed south to Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida where he participated in the DIRTcar Nationals turning laps with the World of Outlaws for their season opening contest, and testing the waters with the All-Stars. His #94 ride was sporting an impressive new paint scheme which will be witnessed this upcoming season when the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints roar into action.
Likewise potential IRA “Rookie of the Year” candidate Scott Thiel sought out the sunshine state, heading to Florida’s East Bay Speedway where he participated in a multi-day event for 360 sprints. Thiel runs limited events with the IRA each season driving a car typically powered by an ASCS 360 power plant. With a 410 under the hood Thiel could become a real threat to victory lane in 2014.
While some teams have already taken to the clay, others have been showing their 2014 colors in climate-controlled environments closer to home. 2013 Bumper to Bumper IRA “Rookie of the Year”, Jeremy “Sherm” Schultz displayed his ride at the 7th Annual Race and Performance Expo in St. Charles, IL this past weekend. With a bold new look, plans are to contend for the 2014 title and dethrone 6-time IRA title holder Bill Balog.
Other teams have been announcing their 2014 racing intentions and giving fans a glimpse of the season ahead by posting on various social media. Russell Borland and Blake Nimee have joined forces presenting what is essentially a two car team. Both drivers are looking to be tough competition during the entire 2014 IRA schedule, which will consist of 30 events.
Some new and returning faces will include Brian Kristan who hopes to run the entire IRA schedule for the first time in several seasons. Kristan always a threat at a podium finish has seen limited action the past couple years. He drove in a couple races in 2013 driving a car for Chris Dodd.
Steve Muth is another driver looking to participate in 2014 tossing his hat in the ring competing for “Rookie of the Year” honors after doing some vintage Modified racing. Likewise Ben Schmidt will join the IRA full-time this coming year. Schmidt will be competing with the Rhine Auto Motorsports team which has had a great deal of success claiming multiple 360 sprint championships at Plymouth and Manitowoc. The past several rookie of the year title winners including Robbie Pribnow and Jeremy Schultz have graduated to 410 sprints from area 360 competition with a great deal of success.
Pribnow led the recent 360 insurgence into the IRA which has also included past 360 champion Lance Fassbender. Fassbender had a very solid season going in his rookie campaign last year before a season ending injury. We are extremely pleased to hear the second generation racer will be back again for the 2014 season.
Other teams announcing their intentions for the upcoming season include long time IRA supporters Kris and Dennis Spitz who plan to hit the trail with the IRA tour hoping to run 100% of the shows. Jereme Schroeder looks to participate more in 2014 hoping to run at least 75% of the contests. Schroeder and his team have already completed much of the work on their 2014 ride.
Chad Tessman proved the spirit of competition is alive and well even with teams on a limited budget. After running nearly a full season last year he plans to be back, though running a bit more limited schedule in 2014.
Most of the familiar faces from last season are expected back, and with the announcements thus far the 2014 season looks like it will be an ultra competitive season for the IRA.
As snows begin to melt away more and more teams will begin to announce their plans and we hope to give you an insight of a very impressive field you will be seeing during Bumper to Bumper IRA Competition in 2014.
IRA proudly moves into 2014 backed by its' long time supporting series partners, led by title sponsor Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts & Service Centers, and associate series partners Osborn & Son Trucking, TW Metals, Hoosier Tire, Cummins Onan, and Carriage Auto Body.
The 2014 season is currently scheduled to get underway on Saturday Night, April 19th at the Oshkosh Speedzone Raceway marking the first of 30 shows to be held this season at 15 different area tracks.
For more information on the IRA Outlaw Sprints check out the tour website at www.irasprints.com or logging onto the series Facebook page at www.facebook.com/irasprints
Article Credit: Jeffrey Sachse
Submitted By: Jeffrey Sachse
