Where has the summer gone? It is hard to believe, but the World of Outlaws Late Model show at Shawano Speedway is right around the corner. This show was a huge success last year, so it will be interesting to see if more drivers from around the country show up for this race.
There were 32 Late Models on hand last year, and as I wrote about it earlier this year, there is an effort to get some new drivers to the show, who otherwise might not show up. The Shawano Fans Fund has been collecting donations from fans and those fans then get to vote for drivers from a list of 11 drivers. For every $500 raised, that amount will be offered to the drivers receiving the most votes.
For example, the Shawano Fans Fund has currently collected $1,560. This means that the three drivers receiving the most votes will each be offered $500 just to come to Shawano Speedway to race in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series show. If the Fund can get up to $2,000 by Saturday, July 23, the last day for donations and votes, the driver receiving the fourth most votes will be offered $500.
Currently, Kent Robinson of Bloomington, Ind. is leading in the voting with 215 votes. Chad Simpson of Mount Vernon, Iowa is second with 180 votes, while Bob McCool of Vicksburg, Miss. is third with 168 votes. So, as I write this column, those are the three drivers currently in line for $500 apiece to come race in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series show.
With a minimum donation of only $5, with five votes for every $5, the vote total could change before July 23. Frank Heckenast Jr. of Frankfort, Ill. is lurking in fourth with 161 votes, Jason Feger from Bloomington, Ill. is in fifth with 156 votes and Jeep Van Wormer of Pinconning, Mich. is sixth with 115 votes.
If you would like to donate and vote, visit the Shawano Fans Fund page on Facebook, or send the donation via Paypal to [email protected].
Last Saturday night was Reed Luepke/Cancer Awareness night at the races.
By far the most crowd pleasing victory of the night was Nate Michonski winning the IMCA Stock Car feature. With Michonski leading, the caution flag flew with three laps remaining, setting up a shootout between Michonski and Rod Snellenberger over the final three laps. Snellenberger tried his best to get around Michonski for the lead, but could not make the pass, as Michonski won his second feature in a row at the Speedway.
To make the victory even more fitting is the fact Michonski had a special orange “Team Reed” door panel on the right side of his car. Below is a photo of Michonski in victory lane showcasing the “Team Reed” door panel. The photo is courtesy A & H Photos.
Other feature winners included: Gordie Seegert (WISSOTA Late Model), Jason Czarapata (IMCA Modified), Joel Bennett (FASTRAK Late Model) and Cody Hudson (IMCA Northern SportMod).
Nate Michonski and crew in Victory Lane with the special “Team Reed” door panel (Photo courtesy A & H photos)
