6/5/2019
ABC Raceway Working to Draw Big Names for July 9 WoO LM Special
Ashland, WI, – One of the most highly-anticipated stock car racing programs in the Upper Midwest is only a few weeks away, and the ABC Raceway is going above and beyond the call to keep the excitement at a fever pitch.
The award-winning three-eighths-mile red-clay oval located just south of Ashland will host the Morton Buildings World of Outlaws Late Model Series for the first time in the track’s 55-year history on Tuesday, July 9. The “Red’s Auto Badgerland 50” will headline that night’s racing action, with the winner of the WoOLMS 50-lap feature taking home a track-record $10,000 first-place check.
Red’s Auto of Ironwood, MI, is the presenting sponsor of that evening’s action, with dealership owner and former WISSOTA Super Stock driver Bob D’Antonio generously stepping in to help the ABC Raceway create an exciting and attractive program for the national touring stars.
In addition to the Late Models, WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds and Super Stocks will join the docket, with the Mid-Mods being treated to an enhanced purse compliments of Outlaw Wraps & Apparel of Ashland. Large fields in each of these divisions are anticipated, which should help make for a memorable night of stock car racing.
Over the course of the past few weeks, several other businesses have contributed to the overall program, helping the ABC Raceway create a purse and contingency list that are sure to attract some the very best dirt Late Model racers from throughout the country as well as many well-known drivers from the region.
The most recent of those associate sponsors to be added is Arnie Ranta Motorsports of St Paul, MN. With the impressive support of Ranta, a long-time race fan, sponsor and supporter, the Raceway can guarantee a minimum of $1,000 to start the spotlight event.
“We would like to thank Arnie Ranta for coming on board and guaranteeing the $1,000-to-start,” ABC Raceway Board president Eric Erickson stated earlier this week. “Arnie has been a friend of racing for a long time, and we are sure that his contribution will entice a few surprise drivers to compete at the ‘Badgerland 50’.”
Troy Powers & Associates Optometrists of Duluth, MN, has contributed prize monies to be paid to the top-three-finishing WISSOTA Late Model drivers in the 50-lap feature, $300-$200-$100, in addition to their earnings from the feature payout.
“Everyone involved in racing in the Northland knows of Troy Powers,” said Erickson, “and we are happy he is willing to help us attract the best WISSOTA drivers to take on the World of Outlaws regulars at this show.”
Other points that should attract WISSOTA regulars to the “Badgerland 50” are that WISSOTA-licensed drivers will not have to purchase the DirtCar licenses and insurance programs that are generally required in order to compete with the WoOLMS, and they will not have to follow the seat and fire suppression system rules for this event.
Mars Race Cars of Menomonie has announced that it will cover the entry fees for four Late Model drivers at the event. Six-time Red Clay Classic winner Jimmy Mars and his brother Chris are renown throughout the national racing community as builders of championship-winning race equipment.
River Rock Inn & Bait Shop of Ashland, along with Superior Floral of Ashland, will offer a guided Chequamegon Bay fishing trip and Apostle Islands sight-seeing tour for a group of the touring drivers on the Monday prior to the race program.
The Bad River Lodge, Casino & Convention Center of Odanah has donated a limited number of rooms for touring drivers and race teams that need a place to stay. These are on a first-call, first-served basis, so contact Erickson at (715) 209-2102 to reserve a room.
The ABC Raceway staff is still working to attract sponsors for additional contingencies, such as purse enhancements for top finishers from the Dirt King Tour, as well as other activities for the traveling Late Model stars to participate in during their time in the Chequamegon Bay area, such as a golf outing, and hope to have announcements regarding these soon.
“With the Gopher 50 on Saturday (July 6) at Deer Creek Speedway (in Spring Valley, MN) and the Shop Towel Dirt King Tour at Eagle Valley Speedway (in Jim Falls) on Sunday (July 7), we think we have the opportunity to bring big-name drivers from many sanctions to our facility,” said Erickson. “This will be a huge event for the ABC Raceway, and we are extremely excited about it.”
Times for gate openings, preliminary action, and qualifying heat races will be announced soon. Adult grandstand admission has been set at just $30 per person; other ticket prices will be announced soon. Advance tickets are on sale via the Raceway’s website, www.abcraceway.com. “Race Night” will provide up-to-date track news and weather updates every 15-20 minutes from 4:30-6 pm, rain or shine, on WBSZ, 93.3 FM, and will also stream on www.wbszfm.com and on the free Heartland Communications Group radio app.
The ABC Raceway is located 3-1/2 miles south of Ashland on State Highway 13 and one mile west on Butterworth Road. For raceday information call (715) 682-4990, or log on to the track’s website, www.abcraceway.com.
Article Credit: Nick Gima
