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Bruechert Looks To Shake Bridesmaid Status In Luxemburg IMCA Stock Car Wars
(Luxemburg, WI) - Kewaunee's Brian Bruechert admits he's tired of playing the
bridesmaid role in Luxemburg Speedway's rough-and-tumble IMCA stock car
division.
After finishing second in the division point standings for the third time in
his career last season, Bruechert is hoping 2007 is the year he can claim that
IMCA stock car track championship that's eluded him since he began racing at
the third-mile, clay oval in a street stock back in 1991.
"It seemed like each time I came real close to nailing down the crown
there was always a situation that occurred that was beyond my control,"
said Bruechert, who's only missed two nights of racing in the past 15 seasons.
"It's something that's gotten away from me and we're going to do our best
to get after it again this year."
While Bruechert has copped a pair of track titles on Shawano Speedway's
half-mile, Luxemburg is a totally different animal. "To make a feature
every week at Luxemburg is an incredible accomplishment in itself, much less
winning the track championship," said Bruechert, who last year finished
second to Pulaski's Jason Czarapata in the final points. "Any given week
there are between 10 to 15 drivers who can win a feature. We've got the
highest car count in the nation for that class and it's also probably the most
talented of any other track in Wisconsin, and maybe even the Midwest."
This year Bruechert will have a brand new Terminator Chassis at his disposal.
"With that new car we've got some new ideas we're kicking around,"
said Bruechert. "Even with Jason gone, there still is a long list of guys
who'll be running near the front all season. From what I'm hearing I still
think we'll have between 40 to 50 cars a night in this class at
Luxemburg."
With 27 out of the top 30 finishers in the point standings tentatively slated
to return, the list of potential champion's read's like a "who's
who" of local standouts. "I know I'm going to miss some guys but I
think Greg Gretz (Kewaunee) will be real tough this year," said Bruechert.
"He really came on strong last year and he'll be right there. Charlie
Kroll (Forestville) is always tough, too. There's too many guys to
mention."
Rumors have floated all winter long that perennial villain "Hot Rod"
Snellenberger and Larry Karcz of Pulaski are slated to return to Luxemburg
weekly. "They'll for sure be there for the first couple of weeks before
Antigo opens but Rod never does like to spill the beans," said Bruechert.
"Obviously if those two do show up each week like everybody's saying
they'll be a threat for the title, no doubt. In order to win the Luxemburg
Speedway track title you've gotta make the feature every single week. That's
what it will take."
With IMCA instituting a motor exchange rule in the division last year,
Bruechert will alter his racing plans this year. "As of right now I don't
think I'll be returning to Shawano on a weekly basis," said Bruechert.
"I'll probably go opening night to carry the flag. I lost two motors
there last year. I loved the engine claimrule as it was. I think it's driven
the price of the motors up in the stock cars. That's why I'll stick with
Luxemburg, because the chassis comes into play much more on the third-mile
than on the half-mile."
The 2007 season will kick off Friday night, April 20 at 7 p.m. IMCA modifieds,
IMCA stock cars, IMCA hobby stocks, IMCA northern sportmods and sport fours
will compete weekly through Labor day weekend. An open practice session for
cars in any and all divisions will take place Friday, April 13 from 6 to 9
p.m.
For more information call 920 863 8446. The track's website is www.luxemburgspeedway.com.
Luxemburg Speedway is located 15 minutes east of Green Bay off highway 54 at
the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds.
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