Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association To Make Debut At Oshkosh May 18th
May 5, 2004
 
OSHKOSH, WI – History will be made on Tuesday night, May 18th when the Wisconsin Dirt Late Model Association hits the Powercom Speed Zone as the Town and Country Construction 80 will mark the first ever show for the fledgling sanctioning body.

Headed up by Brian Konopka and Bill Behling, both of whom have strong ties to the Milwaukee area and the now defunct Hales Corners Speedway, the WDLMA will bring a mix of current WISSOTA drivers along with those that were once regular United Midwestern Promoters’ drivers at the Franklin oval.  Because of the Speed Zone’s location a good mix of drivers can be expected.

“Late model racing seems to bring out more fans than anything else at Oshkosh,” said Wisconsin Motorsports General Manager Rex Melius.  “Last season our biggest attended events at the Speed Zone were with the late model division.  There is such a strong base of fans in Northeastern Wisconsin that follow late model racing that this type of show is a natural.

“I like the fact that all of the different types of cars will be able to compete and be competitive.  With the old Hales cars running more wide open than a WISSOTA car the WDLMA has come out with a rules package that is great for everyone.  They are even trying to develop a happy medium between the two sets of rules for guys that have other forms of equipment and want to race.”

To date there has been strong interest in the WDLMA.  Meetings have been held during the winter and spring with as many as 40 different drivers letting their feelings be known that they have intentions to run in at least one of the shows.  The WDLMA will also compete in 2004 at The Raceway at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam, Luxemburg Speedway, Manitowoc Expo Speedway, and the Wilmot Speedway.

“Brian and Bill approached us about running this type of show and we decided it was best for all involved to try and pull cars not only from the north but from Milwaukee as well,” said Melius.  “From what I’m hearing right now that will be accomplished.”

Among the Milwaukee-area contingent expected for the program are multi-time Hales Corners Speedway champions Russ Scheffler, Bret Sievert, and Frank Smith along with feature winners Chris Carlson, George and Rick Scheffler, Jacob Dolhun, and Scott Specht.

From the WISSOTA side of things interest has been warm with Gordie Seegert, Jr., Greg Dhein, Ron Berna, Lonnie Hoeft, and Tim Lemirande looking to make an appearance.  

Also on the card for the May 18th program at the Speed Zone will be the Budweiser Modifieds, American Auto Sales Street Stocks, and Corporate Impressions Dirt Devils.  Hot laps for the late model division will take place at 6:30 pm with the first race set to hit the track at 7:00 pm.  A full night of racing is planned including 80 laps of feature racing action.

The Powercom Speed Zone is located south of Highway 41 on Highway 76 in Oshkosh.  For more information contact the track office at (920) 887-1600 or www.wismotorsports.com.