Dirt Racer Magazine "March - April 2016" by Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

3 ~ Gateway Dirt Nationals

www.DirtRacerMagazine.com

4 ~ Driver Profile : Tim Bader

dirtracermagazine@gmail.com

Publisher Chris Damitz

8 ~ The Candy Man - Jarett Franzen 12 ~ AIRS - American Iron Racing Series

Contributing Writers Bret Sievertsen Emily Gade Korey Peterson

16 ~ Spokes Model Spotlight - Amber 18 ~ The Olson Name Lives On - Tony Olson

Contributing Photographers Chris Damitz Bret Sievertsen Katelyn Damitz Jeff Hall Brendon Bauman

22 ~ Dirt Cars take over the 33rd Annual Rod & Custom Show

Dirt Racer Magazine is published monthly

Reproduction in whole or in part without direct permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

inset photo: IMCA Stock Cars in action at 34 Raceway in Burlinghton, IA

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

cover photos by Chris Damitz

Gateway Dirt Nationals to be Largest Indoor Stock Car Race in 34 Years The Edward Jones Dome will play host to the biggest indoor stock car event in 34 years with December’s Gateway Dirt Nationals, a megaevent for Dirt Late Models and Open-Wheel Modifieds on a temporary oval within the 67,000-seat stadium on the Mississippi River. The temporary racetrack — a fifth-mile, semi-banked oval on the floor of the massive facility that has hosted a variety of sporting and motorsports events — will host scores of dirt-track racers at the unique event scheduled for Dec. 15-17, 2016, that’s certain to spark the interest of auto racing fans throughout the Midwest and beyond. “The central location in the heart of some of the healthiest dirt racing in America makes St. Louis perfect,” said Cody Sommer, part of the Gateway Dirt Nationals promotional team. “Not to mention the dome and the America’s Center provide more than adequate space to do such an event. There really is not another place like this.” The biggest indoor stock car event since a 1982 National Dirt Racing Association race at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich., will feature the largest indoor oval track in America with 800-horsepower stock cars roaring around the temporary dirt track. The winter event will include three days of racing action at the Edward Jones

Dome, part of a 1.7 million square foot convention center and sports complex. Gateway Dirt Nationals practice and qualifying is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 15, followed by a Friday, Dec. 16, racing program made up of $5,000-to-win events for Super Late Models and OpenWheel Modifieds. The grand finale Saturday, Dec. 17, will feature a $20,000-to-win event for

March - April 2016

Super Late Models and a $10,000-to-win event for Open-Wheel Modifieds. Several announcements regarding the event are expected in the coming months at www.GatewayDirt.com. Follow details on social media via Twitter @GatewayDirt or Facebook.com/GatewayDirt. DRM FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: info@GatewayDirt.com

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

photo by Katelyn Damitz

March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

1. How did you get into racing? My cousin used to run an old Thunderbird and I followed after him. 2. What's the reason behind your car number? It was the address of my grandpa's first sponsor. 3. What's your favorite racing moment? Winning the points championship in 2012with my 5B hobby stock. 4. What's your least favorite racing moment? Racing for points 5. Do you have any superstitions on race day? No, not really. What seemed to always work best for me is just to stay relaxed.

8. What is your favorite TV show / movie? Curb Your Enthusiasm / Rock Balboa (2006) 9. What do you do when you're not racing? Building race cars, working out. 10. What's your favorite sport / team besides racing? Don't have one....I'm a racing nut. 11. If you could have dinner with anyone, it would be? Sylvester Stallone 12. What has been the best advise you've received? Drive it in the corner till you see God..... meaning, don't lift off the gas till you say "oh, God!!!" 13. Describe yourself in three words : Content, Stubborn, Reliable

6. What's your favorite track food? Steak sandwich 7. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in your CD player right now? Tesla

14. If you could change one thing about racing today, what would it be? The Internet racers bashing it....they need theirfingers broke...LOL!

photo by Chris Damitz

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

photo by Chris Damitz

Birthday: 4-21-84 Occupation: Brick and Stone Mason Class & Car # : Nostalgia #105 Chassis builder : Myself Engine builder : Brian Gade Tracks / Race series you race : Local tracks.....anything from 1/4 to 1/2 miles, I will run them all Crew : My close friend, Randy Milroy Sponsors : Bader Masonary

March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

WRITTEN BY BRET SIEVERTSEN 8

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

photo by Chris Damitz

March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

photo by Chris Damitz

Christmas morning 2004, as most kids are opening up presents, 17 year old Jarett Franzen received a gift from his mom and dad that would change his life, his first race car, A “B” Modified that would be painted yellow and red and the familiar number 33 would be on the side. Jarett, like so many other drivers these days, grew up with racing, following in the footsteps of his father, Randy Franzen, who raced various types of cars, including Late Models, and Modifieds, a various tracks around Eastern Iowa, as well as his grandfather, the late Dale Peters. Peters known as the “Flying Farmer: was best known for racing a bright yellow pickup truck with the number 33 on the side. Over the years Jarett has competed in the B Mod, Street Stock, and IMCA Sport Mod classes at numerous tracks including the West Liberty (his favorite), Davenport, Maquoketa, Quad City, and his least favorite Farley Speedway. During his 11 year career his Jarett has approximately 70 feature wins, countless heat race wins, 4 track championships, and 1 State Championship. Of the 70 feature wins 3 of them stand out over the rest. Winning the street stock 10

Dirt Racer Magazine

feature the night his Grandfather Dale Peters was inducted into the Cedar County Speedway Hall of Fame 2014, the 2014 “Scotty Dierks Memorial” Street Stock Special at the Cedar County Raceway, and the championship night at Quad City Speedway in 2015 where he lead flag to flag to win the race and the championship by 2 points, all in the Street Stock. The last 3 years of racing for Jarett have been pretty successful. 2013 Jackson County Speedway Street Stock track champion, 2014 Cedar County Raceway Street Stock champion, which he won almost ever feature at CCR in 2014. Despite starting the season upside down with a concussion, 2015 was a banner year for the Franzen race team. With 4 feature wins in the sport mod, 3 in the street stock, Jarett was able to be consistent through the year to win both the IMCA Sport Mod and Street Stock Track Championship at the Quad City Speedway, which I’m told has never been donebefore this year. Jarett was also crowned the 2015 IMCA Sport Mod Illinois State Champion, which prompted the team to make the trip to the 2015 IMCA Super Nationals at the Boone Speedway

March - April 2016

for the first time, “We went to Boone hoping to have fun and a good week, the fact that we made the Big Dance our first year was unreal.” Jarett’s plans for 2016 are to concentrate more on the IMCA Sport Mod, “I want to make another run at that Sport Mod Championship, maybe bring the Street Stock out for specials.” Said Franzen, The list of people that help Jarett achieve his dream is long but Randy & Jill Franzen are on the top of that list, “I can’t thank my mom and dad enough for all they do and the support during the year” says Jarett. “Dad is my engine builder, and mom makes sure the trailer and shop is clean and organized every week.” Jarett would also like to thank his main sponsors Dee Britt and Terry Smith, as well as Reimans Harley Davidson (Kewanee), Franzen Family Tractors, C&R Tire, T&W Insulation (Wilton), and Franzen Race Engines, “Without their help and support none of this would be possible. “I would also like to say to all the young racers out there looking to get in to the sport, there are a lot of great people in racing, get as much seat time as possible, earn your respect on the track and don’t try to win the race on the first lap, be patient.” I would like to thank Jarett, Jill and Randy Franzen, for taking the time to do this article, I would also like to wish the Franzen Race team good luck for the 2016 season. Keep your eyes open for that Yellow and Red M&Ms #33, I am sure his story is far from over. DRM

Jarett in his Street Stock at Quad City Speedway ~ photo by Chris Damitz

photo by Chris Damitz Jarett on the gas down the backstretch at QCS in his IMCA Sport Mod. photo by Chris Damitz

Jarett being interviewed by friend Keith Blum

March - April 2016

after a feture win at QCS.

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

photo by Chris Damitz

WRITTEN BY EMILY GADE

March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

photo by Katelyn Damitz

There is a new group that is set to hit the track this year in the eastern Iowa/western Illinois regions. The American Iron Racing Series (AIRS) is a class that was designed to bring back memories from “the good old days” and do it affordably, persuade some drivers that you haven’t heard from in a while to come out of retirement, find a use for all the old cars and modifieds sitting in the weeds all over the state, have the fans in the stands be able to recognize each and every car out on the track, and lastly their golden rule—to HAVE FUN! All of their rules were written with the intention of keeping the cars safe, affordable, simple to work on/fix and easy to recognize. They will be operating under the close watch of three directors (Tim Bader, Brian Ashmore and Brian Gade) who will be doing everything in their power to keep things fair and enjoyable for everyone involved.

AIRS cars are allowed any body from 19501979 and can either be mounted on a modified chassis with leaf springs or the original frame and use the suspension that came on the car. Engines must be American V8’s with cast iron heads and blocks and also a flat tappet camshaft. The cars will be required to use a 500 Holley 2 barrel carburetor only and it is preferred to have a paint scheme that brings back memories from the past whether it’s a replica of a well-known driver or you come up with a vintage design of your own. AIRS is enforcing a non-rebuildable steel body shock rule, no custom valved shocks will be allowed. The cars are also required to weigh at least 3,000 pounds and use OEM transmissions to ensure everyone is on an equal playing field. A full version of the rules can be found on Facebook (A.I.R.S-

photo by Chris Damitz

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

photo by Chris Damitz

American Iron Racing Series). There is also an AIRS Buy/Sell/Trade page if you’re wondering where and how to get parts or even a whole car to be part of the series. The people at AIRS understand that owning a racecar takes up a lot of time. Many people get burnt out especially with a full-time job, kids, grandkids and other hobbies. They are currently putting a schedule together that makes sense for a “part-time” racer who still wants to have fun without getting overwhelmed. Exact dates are still being worked out for some events but tracks that AIRS is working with include Davenport Speedway, Quad City Speedway, Cedar County Raceway, Jones County Fair, Maquoketa Speedway and even an asphalt date at Hawkeye Downs. The goal is to have just enough dates to be competitive and fun all sum-

mer but not over-do it to the point where the fun goes away. AIRS will strive to create a familyoriented, low stress and positive track experience for all the drivers and crews along with their friends, fans and families. No negativity will be tolerated at the track or online. If you are interested in seeing good old “American iron” back on the dirt tracks of the Midwest, consider going to watch the AIRS cars in action this summer. There will be a variety of cars fielded that will be sure to bring back memories of racing from your childhood and the days before modified aluminum bodied cars. Be sure to check out the group page on Facebook in order to get the latest details and pictures to stay in the loop. A full schedule will be coming out very soon so fans can start putting AIRS dates on their calendars. DRM

photo by Chris Damitz

March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

Name : Amber Nigh 16

Birthday: November 1, 1994

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

Occupation: Horse Trainer photo by Chris Damitz

1. How did you get into racing? My dad, Doug Nigh, has been involved in racing my whole life. My mom always took my older sister and I to the track to watch him at local tracks and specials. 2. What's your favorite racing moment? When my dad won the Peoria Track Championship, Illinois Championship and finished 10th in the Central Region for the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series. 3. Do you have any superstitions on race day? You cannot wear green on race day! If there is a full moon you are in for some crazy racing. 4. What's your favorite track food? SPI’s pork tenderloins are hands down the best. 5. What’s in your CD player right now? George StraitBlue Clear Sky. It was released in 1996, I was two. 6. What is your favorite TV show / movie? My favorite movie would have to be Tombstone. My family quotes it all the time. My favorite TV show would have to be Wildfire. It was a drama that involved horse racing. 7. What do you do when you're not at the races? I am at a horse barn everyday, whether it’s my own or where I work. I start colts and “tune up” horses. I am always with my family; camping, working on the farm, playing with my niece Kayleigh. I try to see my friends from college as much as I can because we live such busy lives with crazy schedules. If I can, I take my Mini Australian Shepherd Khloe with me wherever I go. 8. What's your favorite sport / team besides racing? Pittsburgh Steelers! 9. If you could have dinner with anyone, it would be? My future self, because she would hopefully have things more figured out than I do right now and would be able to give me a piece of mind. 10. What has been the best advice you've received? Don’t try to fit in when you were born to stand out. 11. Describe yourself in three words: Enthusiastic, Hilarious, Caring photo by Chris Damitz

March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

photo by Chris Damitz

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

WRITTEN BY BRET SIEVERTSEN March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

photo by Alan Goacher

The Name Olson has been associated with stock car racing in the Midwest for more years than I can remember. For Cedar Rapids Iowa’s Tony Olson, that was family. “I Grew up watching my Uncle Russ Olson race, I always knew it was something I was going to do” says Tony. In 2001, 14 year old Tony Olson started racing Thunder Mods at the Benton County Speedway in Vinton, Iowa. Over his 15 year career Tony has raced in the Thunder Mods, “B” Mods, IMCA Sport Mod, and IMCA Modifieds, with most of his success coming in the IMCA Northern Sport Modified Class. “Sometime around 2006 we start racing Sport Mods, after a few years we decided to move up to full IMCA Modifieds” said Tony. “We lost 8 motors in like 9 races in the Modified division, we decided after that. Modifieds were not as much fun. A few years ago we switched back to Sport Mod and started having fun again.” “With the addition of the Crate engine, we may look at Modifieds again someday but for now we are happy in the class we are in. I love Sport Mod Racing, we race against the best drivers around, and there are plenty of good cars and competition out there.” 20

Dirt Racer Magazine

Says Tony. Tony Olson can be found piloting the T23 Larry Shaw Sport Mod at the Davenport Speedway, Independence Speedway, and Benton County Speedway in Vinton every weekend. Tony likes racing those tracks because they are far enough apart you are racing in front of a different crowd and fans every night. Over the years Tony has racked up 87 feature wins, 6 track championships, and a state championship as well. “IMCA Super Nationals at the Boone Speedway is one that I would like to win someday,” said Tony. “I would also like to take a stab at the Duel in the Dessert someday as well.” 2015 was a story book year for Team Olson, collecting 27 feature wins, He was the IMCA Sport Mod Track Champion at the Davenport Speedway, Independence Speedway and Vinton, was the 2015 Iowa State Champion and finished 2nd in the IMCA National Championship Points Race. “We didn’t even realize that we were in the running for a national championship until about midseason, we always just go to the races to have fun and win, we never really paid attention to it,” said Tony. “We had no idea that 2015 would be

March - April 2016

photo by Chris Damitz

as good as it was, but I have an amazing crew, that worked day and night to give me the best car possible.” As for 2016 Team Olson plans to run a similar schedule as 2015 the three tracks and some specials throughout the year. As for the National Championship, if it’s a possibility they might just take another stab at it. Tony would like to thank his family, especially mom and dad, Cindy and Randy Olson, “Those two are beyond amazing! Without them I wouldn’t be who I am.” He would also like to thank his crew Randy Olson, Randy Behrends, and Dave Olson. His girlfriend Bryanna, who never misses a race. A huge thanks to sponsors, Wehrs Machinery, Precision Performance Shocks, Behr Racing, Cassill Motors, Mattress Firm, FYP Rentals, Texas Roadhouse, Local Vision, and Team Olson. There has been a lot of good things over the years for Team Olson whether it was Tony’s first win or the night the three cousins finished 1 2 3, Rob, Kyle and Tony Olson. But the biggest thrill for Tony is seeing his crew running to victory lane at the track. They did it a lot in 2015 and I’m sure they will again in 2016. DRM March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

Jason Pershy’s GRT IMCA Modified pictured with DRM/CDP’s spokes model Lexie Hallowell ~ photo by Chris Damitz

March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

photos by Chris Damitz Doug Crawford’s restored 80’s Gary Webb Late Model (top) , Gary Webb’s 2016 IMCA Late Model (bottom).

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016

photos by Chris Damitz Nathan Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IMCA Modified to be driven by Ray Guss Jr (top) , Phil Andersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IMCA Sport Mod (bottom).

March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

Mark Claeys 57 Chevy for the AIRS Series pictured with Lexie Hallowell

Bill

DRM/CDP’s

newest

spokes

model,

Dirt Racer Magazine

Morrow’s

Lexie

beautiful

Hallowell

(left)

Mod-Lite

Brandon

March - April 2016

driven

Cody

Brown.

Setser’s

Stock

(right)

March - April 2016

Dirt Racer Magazine

March - April 2016