It has been an amazing season for the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series. So far 17 different drivers have captured A-main wins in the 24 events held this season. Five drivers are in contention for the championship with three events to go. The series has averaged over 30 cars per event.
Open wheel star Rico Abreu made a late race pass in IRA standout Mike Reinke for the victory in the last appearance for the series.
All remarkable statistics on their own.
The numbers themselves however are not a full indication of the amazing season it has been. From dramatic late race finishes, to new drivers getting their first taste of victory the 2015 season for the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints series will go into the record books as one of the most action packed in it’s 50 plus year history.
The best part? It’s not over yet.
Three races remain, and a pair of those will be contested at two very different race tracks this coming weekend. Luxemburg Speedway, and the Dodge County Fairgrounds will host the events.
Heading into the Luxemburg event Friday night, Ben Schmidt sits precariously atop the standings. The multi-time 360 sprint champion has overcome some major setbacks fighting his way to the top in spite of adversity. He holds a scant 8 point advantage on two-time series champion Scotty Neitzel.
Neitzel has been methodical in his performances and is the only driver this season to have started every single A-main event. Flawless best describes the season for Neitzel who has already scored a win and is seeking another.
Third in points is veteran racer Bill Rose. Rose spent the majority of the season trading the point lead back and forth with Schmidt. A bit of bad luck has hindered Rose of late and he has fallen 31 markers back from the top of the point heap. Rose, who is still seeking his first Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint victory could use that first win to shoot back to the top of the standings.
Jeremy Schultz had earned a pair of wins during the 2015 campaign and has moved within 53 markers of the top of the point list a podium finish in the most recent event has given the 2013 Rookie of the Year momentum coming into Friday nights show.
Blake Nimee is the final driver with a shot at the 2015 title. He’s currently 88 points back. He’s having the best season of his young career having captured a pair of wins but it will likely take another trip to victory lane to help him close the gap and strengthen his title hopes.
After Friday evening’s show the drama will continue to unfold at the Dodge County Fairgrounds with the running of the Checkered Classic on Saturday night, September 26th.
Known as the “Horsepower Half-mile”, the intensity will ramp up as the 900 horsepower winged sprints will be approaching 130 mph on the long straights. Located just east of Beaver Dam, WI the track has a throw back feel to the glory days of short track racing.
Open wheel star Rico Abreu made a late race pass in IRA standout Mike Reinke for the victory in the last appearance for the series. Reinke, who was leading the race this past weekend at Beaver Dam Raceway when mechanical issues dropped him from the contest. Reinke is no doubt hoping to have things back together in time to participate in this weekends Dodge County event.
All totaled over two-dozen drivers are expected to accept the challenge at Dodge County on Saturday night.
The Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series will be joined by the Midwest Sprint Car Association MSA 360 Sprints. Plus the Mid-Am Stock Car Series and Vintage cars will also take on the big half mile clay oval!
Pit Gates open at 2:00pm, Spectator Gates open at 4:00pm. Warm ups are schedule for 5:00pm pm with hot laps to follow. Opening ceremonies will take place at 6:15 pm.
Spectator admission is $20 for adults. Students ages 6 through 12 are admitted for $5. Children ages 5 years and younger are admitted FREE. For more info on the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprints check out the tour website at www.irasprints.com or by logging onto the series Facebook page at www.facebook.com/irasprints the series is also on twitter @IRA_sprints
The IRA Sprints are presented by its long time supporting series partners. The series support is led by title sponsor Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts & Service Centers, and associate series partners Osborn & Son Trucking, TW Metals, Hoosier Tire, Cedar Creek Motorsports, Cummins Onan, and Carriage Auto Body.
Photos by Leader Photography
Video by Grandstand Video
Story by Jeff Sachse
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