11/25/2024
IRA Interstate Racing Association
2024 Season Finalized with Banquet Festivities for IRA Sprints and Wisconsin WingLESS Sprints
Photos Courtesy of: Dave Olson
A large gathering filled the Parkway Chateau for the 58th annual Interstate Racing Association Awards Banquet, this year honoring Bumper To Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series Champion Scotty Thiel, and AutoMeter Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Series powered by Gandrud Champion Zach Raidart. Twenty-eight combined teams were honored with each receiving point fund checks and contingencies, and all were present. Loren Kelly and Madeline Schultz emceed the gala with long time IRA President Steve Sinclair joining in to present numerous special awards. Much of the emphasis of this years festivities focused on IRA's strong pride of its' infrastructure and family atmosphere while recognizing the tremendous accomplishments and dedication of many.
Following dinner, per tradition, a season recap video was played, this year's video was put together by Kelly, Schultz, Hannah Weymier, and Jack Reitz. Hardware, and Photo Composites galore courtesy of Dave Olson's Studio 360 were provided to the many recipients.
Thiel won his first series Bumper To Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series championship having been runner up on four occasions, and one of those occasions was when Jake Blackhurst captured his first of two IRA titles. This year the tables were turned however as Thiel topped Blackhurst in a season long dual, and the "Big Wheel" did it in style by winning the most series events, and taking the season finale in front of his home crowd at the Plymouth Dirt Track, to put an explanation point on his well deserved championship aboard his #73.
Young Zach Raidart piloted his families #23z to his first AutoMeter Wisconsin wingLESS powered by Gandud Sprint Series championship. Another season long battle among several drivers, including veteran and past champion driver's Jimmy Sivia and Ryan Marshall, and young charger Tyler Kuxhouse kept eyes on the battle, though it was Raidart's strength and consistency down the stretch which prevailed, highlighted by a big win in front of a packed house at the first ever sprint feature ever contested at The Hill Raceway.
Tylar Rankin aboard Greg Wheeler's #16c finished 6th in IRA Outlaw Sprint points and claimed the Sage Fruit / Hepfner Race Products Big Apple Rookie of the Year Award, topping high schooler Logan Julien, 8th in points, who claimed the Sage Fruit / HRP Apple Cup rookie honors. Julien had a big night at his inaugural IRA banquet by winning a new Maxim chassis too.
Spitz Family Racing (Kris Spitz), and IRA Safety Team Member Andy Shufflebotham shared in the annual Rick Schmidt Memorial IRA Member of the Year honors, for their professionalism and dedication to the series.
Rick Lemanski who has been part of the IRA scenery for several decades as a driver, owner, and crew chief received the 1st annual IRA Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Dave Olson.
Austin Hartmann (410), and Tyler Kuxhouse, Trinity Uttech, and Austin Hansen (wingLESS) were all named Most Improved Driver.
Danny Schlafer (410), and Austin Hansen (wingLESS) respectively received Best Appearing Car Awards.
WingLESS owner/driver Ralph Johnson, and wingLESS official Tony Jenkins received Appreciation Awards.
Ozzie Wiesner of Scotty Thiel's #73 team was named "King of the Work Area" Crew Member of the Year for his willingness to help any team in their moment of need.
Sinclair, who has overseen the past 32 years of IRA's 58 year history, spoke of his pride of the IRA series, and what makes it so promoter and competitor friendly, and what sets the standard for what a true regional series should be, recognizing the entire IRA staff, from scoring, track officials, flagman, tech, safety, streaming production, announcers, push trucks, social media, souvenirs, pill draw & payout, and of course the outstanding race teams that complete the entire package.
The IRA Contingency Product Drawing included everything from chassis, wings, helmets, components, headers, pumps, drivelines, brakes, hubs, services, discounts, etc,- had every eligible team in attendance participate, all with an equal chance to take home the prize package of their choice.
The 11 410 drivers honored based on participation requirements in point order included; Scotty Thiel. Jake Blackhurst, Danny Schlafer, Scotty Neitzel. Jordan Goldesberry, Tylar Rankin, Austin Hartmann, Logan Julien, Jake Neuman, Kris Spitz, and Tyler Brabant. Nine teams had what was considered 100%.
17 wingLESS drivers made the cut, led by Zach Raidart, Jimmy Sivia, Tyler Kuxhouse, Tristan Furseth, Allen Hafford, Johnny Fahl, Bryce Andrews, Trinity Uttech, Tate Hensley, Ralph Johnson, Rusty Egan, Josh Davidson, George Gaertner III, Tom Eller, Eric Wilke, Austin Hansen, and Seth Johnson.
While the complete respective series schedules were not released, several events in both series have been, including the IRA co-sanctioning of the Jackson Nationals, expanding the 25th anniversary of the Jerry Richert Memorial at Cedar Lake to a 2-day event and including both the 410 and wingLESS divisions. Mississippi Thunder Speedway hosting its' first ever 2-day IRA event, the return of the Bill Waite Jr Memorial and the reopening of the LaSalle Speedway, and the announcement of the IRA headlined first annual Glen Hepfner Memorial at Beaver Dam Raceway which will kick off the Wisconsin sprint season have all been formally released. Over 20 410 dates have been agreed to with another 10 dates being discussed, and 15 wingLESS shows are currently penciled in with several more to come.
The 1175 Bar & Eatery IRA Lightning Sprint Banquet is scheduled for Dec 7th.
Article Credit: Steve Sinclair
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