Dodge County Fairgrounds - Action Packed 2004 Line-up!

Beaver Dam, WI:  As local fans eagerly anticipate the beginning of the 2004 racing season, the Dodge County Fairgrounds plan to treat those patient fans with some of the hottest racing action in years.  April 17th marks the first race of the Beaver Dam Ford "Bad To The Bone" series at the historic Beaver Dam ½ mile as the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series bring their high powered outlaw brand of excitement to the home of speed in Central Wisconsin.  Reaching speeds in excess of 120 mph down the stretch, the facility has always provided the fans and competitors with some of the best racing all season long.  "We love coming to the Fairgrounds and legging out these engines," IRA Media Representative Paul Pittman stated.  "Sprinters were built for speed and tracks like this showcase what Outlaw Sprint Car racing is all about!  We love coming to Beaver Dam!  The fans there are top rate and never fail to show their undying support.  They remind me of the fans back home in Pennsylvania.  Their loyalty and dedication are second to none."

April 17th is also billed as the 4th Annual Rick Schmidt Memorial.  In 2003, Rick's son Al returned to the track and is expected to be on hand as well as his family joins the racing family in honor of one of the greatest innovators in sprint car racing in the region.  The Dodge County Fairgrounds has been proud to host the annual event since it's inception and it's strong support will ensure it continues a Dodge County tradition.  Among the stars expected from the IRA include 9-time and defending series champion Joe Roe, 2 time champion Kim Mock and hometown hero Scott Neitzel as near 30 cars could be expected to show up.  Neitzel, who has finished in the top five in the series point standings every year since 1996, has been improving his race program yearly and in 2003 was counting on a good finish at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in the September event to help vault him to the top spot, only to loose it to rain.

May 1st will mark Round #2 of the "Bad to The Bone" series as the Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprinters return for an encore appearance and begin preparations before heading to the Knoxville Raceway.  The ½ mile at the fairgrounds provides an excellent tuning opportunity for teams to get their cars prepared for the task at hand and you can bet that many teams will make the most of every chance they can.    Round #3 will see action on June 26th and the 4th and final round is slated for September 18th.

Joining the IRA in Round #1 of the "Bad To The Bone" Series will be the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars and IMCA Hobby Stocks.   General Admission seating will open at approximately 4:30 pm with the pit gates opening at 3pm.  General Admission tickets are $17 for adults while kids between 7-12 years old are $8.00.  Children under 6 are free.  Pit Pass: $25.  Time trials for the Sprint Cars are scheduled to begin at approximately 6:15 with racing action to follow immediately.  In addition, the Dodge County Fairgrounds will be holding an open practice session and inspection for all divisions on April 14th from 4pm until approximately 8pm.  We encourage all planning on attending to call the track office for updated weather conditions prior to traveling.  The Dodge County Fairgrounds and Speedway are located just 3-miles East of Beaver Dam on highway 33.  All entrances to the fairgrounds are from Fabisch Roads and are well posted.  Please follow the signs.  You can contact the track at 920-885-3586 or visit their website at www.dodgecountyfairgrounds.com for current point standings and information on upcoming special events.