By Jeff Pederson
Pedal Down Promotions
(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) April 26, 2024 – If Plymouth Dirt Track Racing fans thought last season’s schedule was packed plenty of variety, the upcoming 2024 campaign is poised to up ante with an even more heaping helping of divisions slated to take to the historic third-mile dirt oval perched within the Sheboygan Falls County Fairgrounds in the heart of the city of Plymouth.
In fact, the 20th season of Plymouth Dirt Track Racing-sanctioned competition and 65th overall season of regular weekly racing action at The Plymouth Dirt Track will showcase 12 different racing divisions during the 19-event campaign, which launches this Saturday, April 27 and runs through Saturday, Sept. 28.
For the second season in a row, the weekly Plymouth Dirt Track Racing program will include a steady rotation of guest divisions competing alongside the Akright Auto 360 Sprint Cars, Oostburg Automotive Grand Nationals and Sheboygan Flooring B Mods, which will again be the three main weekly PDTR divisions in 2024.
With 18 scheduled events, the 360 Sprint Cars will again be the most frequently featured racing division at The Plymouth Dirt Track during the 2024 campaign.
Following the departure of three-time and reigning champion Brandon McMullen of Oshkosh, who stepped away from racing at the conclusion of his title-winning 2023 season as the division’s all-time winningest driver in A-main competition, the chase for the PDTR 360 Sprint Car title will have a bit different complexion in 2024.
The absence of the popular Plymouth native has left the door ajar for other PDTR 360 Sprint Car campaigners to step through in 2024.
After earning seven A-main victories at Plymouth and 10 overall A-main triumphs in 2023, while placing second in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings in each of the past two seasons, 2011 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth returns with momentum and motivation on his side in his quest for a second track title.
“I attribute our success last year to preparation and teamwork,” Schmidt said. “My crew chief, Dusty Goeden, and I have been together for several years now, and we have a good chemistry built up. That makes it easier for our team to make changes as the night goes on.
“We had a dream season in 2023 as far as success,” he said. “Ten wins is the most I’ve ever had, and it landed us with the third-most A-main victories within the 360 Sprint Car ranks nationwide.”
Even with all of his success in 2023, Schmidt admits not attaining a season title was a bitter pill to swallow.
“Falling short of the championship was very tough on us,” Schmidt said. “When you race against a guy like Brandon McMullen, you cannot afford to make any mistakes because our point system is based on consistency, and our two DNFs [did not finish] killed our chances.
“If we are to compete for the championship this year, we need to finish every race,” he said. “I think we are the most focused we have ever been for this upcoming season. Hopefully, it pays dividends come September.”
After “retiring” from racing following the 2021 season, Kevin Karnitz of West Bend found himself back in the seat of a 360 Sprint Car and enjoying a strong third-place showing in the 2023 PDTR 360 Sprint Car point standings behind the wheel of the Dan Mayer-owned Mayer Automotive car.
“The adjustment from being half owner of my previous team to just being a driver was very seamless with Dan last year,” Karnitz said. “It has kind of been a load off my shoulders. Now I just have to focus on driving and giving the proper feedback to the team, so we can make the right adjustments.
“I think 2023 was a very successful year,” he said. “We gelled right away. After the first couple of weeks, we hit on our setup pretty quickly for a new team. The goals for 2024 are being more consistent and getting more wins.”
As one of the most loyal supporters of The Plymouth Dirt Track during his racing career, Karnitz is pleased to have an opportunity to continue to compete regularly in the PDTR 360 Sprint Car ranks.
“Plymouth has always been a home track to me,” Karnitz said. “From growing up and watching the racing in the stands, to actually competing on the track has been a dream come true for me. Plymouth Dirt Track Racing has had a great thing going for many years and, hopefully, that will continue for many years to come.”
Along with Schmidt and Karnitz, other top contenders to climb to the top of the PDTR 360 Sprint Car heap in 2024 include 2023 PDTR Most Improved driver Alex Pokorski of West Bend, 2008 PDTR 360 Sprint Car champ Lance Fassbender of Burnett, 2016 PDTR B Mod champion Brandon Berth of Cascade and T.J. Smith of Greenville, who has a total of nine series and track championships to his credit in a wide range of divisions.
In addition, two-time Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car champion Clayton Rossmann of Wadsworth, Ill. is set to headline a solid contingent of prospective PDTR 360 Sprint Car rookie competitors in 2024.
After making a well-received debut in 2023, the Seubert Calf Ranches Super Six Late Model Series is set to return to The Plymouth Dirt Track for seven events during the 2024 campaign. All Super Six Late Model series events will pay $1,500 to win with races scheduled on May 4, May 11, June 1, June 29, July 13, July 20 and Aug. 10.
Brad Mueller of Random Lake, who earned his fifth PDTR Late Model track championship in 2023, is expected to return to defend his title.
In addition, the Dirt Kings Late Model Tour is slated to make a pair of stops at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 21 for the annual Wildman Watson Classic.
The list of guest divisions scheduled to compete during the 2024 PDTR season includes Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars (April 27, May 18, Sept. 21, Sept. 28), Lightning Sprints (June 15, Aug. 3, Sept. 28), High School Racing Association (July 20, Aug. 3), Street Stocks (Aug. 17, Sept. 21), Badger Midgets (June 22), INEX Legends (Aug. 17) and A Modifieds (Sept. 21).
“The response to bringing in the various different divisions last year was great,” PDTR Director of Marking Bill Weinaug said. “It attracted a bunch of new fans to the track, which exposed our facility to a wider region of race fans, drivers, teams and series.”
The Street Stock division will be featured at Plymouth facility on a pair of nights, while the High School Racing Association is in line to make its PDTR debut in 2024.
“We had talks with Jonathan Eckelberg from the High School Racing Association last season, but it was too late to make it work for 2023,” Weinaug said. “We kept in contact and we look forward to having them race with us twice in 2024.
“The Street Stock division had contacted us for a few years looking to race at Plymouth,” he said. “It worked out late last season and they put on a good show. We’ll have them at the track for two nights this season and possibly look at expanding it going forward.”
The Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars will again be a key fixture at the track in 2024 with a total of five appearances slated in 2024 – May 18, June 8, July 27, Aug. 31 and Sept. 28.
The fourth annual Road America Challenge featuring the IRA 410 Sprint Car Series and PDTR 360 Sprint Cars returns as a marquee event on the 2024 PDTR schedule on Saturday, June 8.
The 2024 version of the Road America Challenge will run in conjunction with the NTT IndyCar Series weekend at the nearby world-renowned, four-mile Road America road course in Elkhart Lake, which is set to take place on Sunday, June 9.
“We’ll have the IRA 410 Sprint Cars back for five nights this season, including the Road America Challenge on June 8th during the IndyCar race weekend,” Weinaug said. “It has been a popular night for us as we’ve worked closely with Road America over the past three years to make it a successful event.”
No racing will take place at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Memorial Day weekend (Saturday, May 25), Fourth of July weekend (Saturday, July 6) and on Saturday, Aug. 24 leading into the Sheboygan County Fair.
Another shining highlight of the 2024 PDTR campaign is the third annual Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Induction Night program on Saturday, July 13 with Vintage Modifieds also joining the racing program.
The Plymouth Wall of Fame Class of 2024 includes many of the most popular and successful drivers in track history, including the late Fuzzy Fassbender, Donny Goeden, Dave Haag, Steve Hoffmann, Randy Markwardt, Pete Ostrowski, the late Steve Schad and K.J. Skelton.
The McMullen Racing Family, which features former racers Brandon, Tim and Jerry McMullen, will also be inducted in the racing families category.
Former flagman Bill Krueger along with track workers Lee Glomski and John Laack will also be inducted in the Dedicated to Racing category.
Fans will have a chance to interact with their past racing heroes as part of a Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame inductee meet-and-greet autograph session.
“The Wall of Fame Night paired with the Vintage Modifieds will also be a great race down memory lane with many past drivers, owners, sponsors and fans in attendance,” Weinaug said.
The Plymouth Dirt Track will again host the annual Dairyland Classic motorcycle race on Friday, May 31.
Several special promotions and kids’ events will serve as a focal point of the 2024 campaign.
Free admission for all police, fire, EMS and military members will be in place as part of “You’re Our Heroes Night” on Saturday, May 11.
The PDTR racing program on Saturday, June 15 will include a checkered flag giveaway courtesy of Hopf Farms.
The June 29th program will include an American flag giveaway sponsored by Kindred Heart Families.
The annual candy and coin drop presented by Van Der Vart Concrete will take place on Saturday, Aug. 3.
Driver introductions are set on June 1 (360 Sprint Cars), June 15 (Grand Nationals), June 22 (B Mods) and June 29 (Late Models).
“We’re having more kids’ events this year, including giveaways of American and checkered flags, driver introductions, as well as the always-popular candy and
coin drop,” Weinaug said. “We also have the pits open every night after the races for fans and kids to get up close to the cars and drivers.
Start times for the first four racing programs nights of the season will move up one hour with pit gates opening at 2 p.m., grandstand gates opening at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 4:30 p.m. and racing to begin at 5 p.m.
On normal race nights beginning on June 1, pit gates will open at 3 p.m., grandstand gates will open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. and racing to follow at 6 p.m.
Ticket prices will remain unchanged from the 2023 season at $15 for adult general admission tickets, $7 for kids between the ages of 12 and 15 and kids 11 and under without a parent with kids 11 and under admitted free with a parent.
“Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including signage, event, night sponsorship, table-display setups and if you’d like to donate money to the purse for a certain division, that’s an option too,” Weinaug said. “We can also host group, company, club outings, which can include driver meet and greets and ticket discounts for groups of 20 or more.”
For more information about Plymouth Dirt Track Racing or to inquire about 2024 sponsorship opportunities at the track, call Bill Weinaug at 627-1217, send an email to bweinaug@shebcofair.com or visit www.plymouthdtr.com.
2024 PDTR SCHEDULE
Saturday, April 27 – Opening Night Weekly Program featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars, 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 4 – Weekly Program featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, Late Models, 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 11 – Weekly Program featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, Late Models, 5 p.m. (You’re Our Heroes Night – free admission for police, fire, EMS, military members)
Saturday, May 18 – Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Cars on-track 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 25 – No Racing.
Friday, May 31 – Dairyland Classic Motorcycle Race
Saturday, June 1 – Weekly Program PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, Late Models, 6 p.m. (360 Sprint Car driver introductions).
Saturday, June 8 – Road America Challenge Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, on track 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 15 –Weekly Program featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, Lightning Sprints, 6 p.m. (Grand National driver introductions, free checkered flags donated by Hopf Farms).
Saturday, June 22 – Weekly Program featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, Badger Midgets, 6 p.m. (B Mod driver introductions).
Saturday, June 29 – Weekly Program featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, Late Models, 6 p.m. (Late Model driver introductions, free American flags sponsored by Kindred Heart Families).
Saturday, July 6 – No Racing.
Saturday, July 13 – Plymouth Racing Wall of Fame Night, Weekly Program featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, Late Models with Vintage Modifieds, 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 20 – Weekly Program featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, Late Models, High School Racing Association, 6 p.m.
Friday, July 27 – Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, PDTR 360 Sprint Cars B Mods, on-track 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 3 – Weekly Program featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, Lightning Sprints, High School Racing Association, 6 p.m. (Candy and Coin Drop presented by Ver Der Vart Concrete).
Saturday, Aug. 10 – Weekly Program featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, Late Models, (championship night for Late Models), 6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 17 – Weekly Program featuring 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, INEX Legends, Street Stocks, 6 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23 – Dirt Kings Late Model Series with 360 Sprint Cars, Grand Nationals, B Mods, (championship night for Grand Nationals and B Mods), 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31– Sheboygan County Fair Race featuring Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars and PDTR 360 Sprint Cars, on-track 5 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21 – Wildman Watson Classic Dirt Kings Late Model Tour with A Modifieds, Wisconsin WingLESS Sprint Cars and Street Stocks.
Saturday, Sept. 28 – Wisconsin Sprint Car Championships Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Cars, 360 Sprint Cars, Wisconsin Wingless Sprint Cars, Lightning Sprints championship night, on-track 5 p.m.
The Plymouth Dirt Track at the Sheboygan County Fairgrounds is located at 229 Fairview Drive in Plymouth, Wis. For more information, visit www.plymouthdtr.com or check out Plymouth Dirt Track Racing on Facebook.
Pedal Down Promotions is a full-service public relations and media services company devoted to helping clients effectively communicate with targeted audiences through a diverse array of promotional strategies and methods, including press releases, newsletters, profile and feature articles, website and social media content development, printed media, editing and layout, graphic design and book publishing services.
For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com or call 920-323-7970.
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