Vol. 5 Issue 10
OCTOBER 2014
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OWNER PRESIDENT – Scott Robinson scott@wheelsofthunder.net 612-730-3719
OFFICE STAFF AR/AP – Sara Robinson 763-421-4400 EVENT COORDINATOR – Sharon Robinson 763-421-4400 SOCIAL MEDIA SUPPORT – Vince Griffith info@wheelsofthunder.net 763-421-4400
EDITORIAL STAFF
Special Features
Frankensteiner’s Car Club .......................4
EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR editor@wheelsofthunder.net 763-421-4400
Photographers/Writers MYLIE LAVOLD TOM EDWARDS BILLY BOYLE JENNA OSTERLUND CEAJA PHILP STEVE CASPER
ADVERTISING STAFF
Enjoying a day at NHRA qualifying .......14
Bloodsucker Bash Car & Bike Show .......22
Princeton Speedway .............................26
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2014 Mystic Terracross Championship ...30
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SALES – Scott Robinson scott@wheelsofthunder.net 612-730-3719
Rally’s & Shows
Rip Roarin’ Willow Days ......................10
Route 65 Classics..................................18
SALES – Mike Peterson mike@wheelsofthunder.net 763-331-2310
2014 Hay Days ....................................40
ISOC Schedule of Events.......................46
SUBSCRIPTIONS $34.99 1 year - Printed Media $12.99 1 year - E-Subscription PHONE: 763-421-4400 www.wheelsofthunder.net All content published herein is owned exclusively by Wheels of Thunder Magazine. Reproduction or further dissemination of the content herein is strictly prohibited without the express written authorization of Wheels of Thunder Magazine.
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Next Generation - Zachary Geiger ........37
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Departments
Garage Built ..........................................8 ABATE of MN ......................................35
Game On! ...........................................44
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T
he Frankensteiners Car Club is a tight knit group that share nothing short of an absolute passion for old metal, and the belief that no matter what you drive - be it car, truck, or bike... If you build it or fund having it built, you should be proud of it.
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The Anoka MN area club was founded in 2006 with a mere three members, a few years later there are still only between 20 and 30 members and almost 60 cars. Some members come and go, I guess you can't make everyone happy all the time... but the cars and mentality is where its at for us.
work and paint on the back burner, while others like a fresh resto-mod. We do not let you click here and become a member, everyone must put in their time and become a part of the group before the club will open the parking spot up for you. Some guys get in with only a few weeks, others take a year.... and there are some who just will never make it... ever. The main thought behind the club was to show that its possible to have a cool rod for a low cost and still turn heads! There is something about taking parts that do not belong together and making them work and flow with out looking like a booger welded garage and yard clean up pile.
Member vehicle criteria are fairly loose, but also very important, 1975 or older with modifications, that being said very few cars are newer than 1964. The majority of the members have the same view as everyone else when it comes to hot rods, low, wide, loud, and fast! Some cars will put body Members range from 22-mid 60s (but they wont tell their real ages and I'm not sure they could legally have a license if they did), some of our guys hit as many as 70 car shows in a summer. Club cars have logged 10,000 miles in one season. While some have even done the Hot Rod Power Tour with out a spare tire just to prove a point. We have monthly meetings, vote on ideas and set up the two car shows we host a year, The Spring Melt Down held at the Elk River Broadway Bar, and the Frankensteiners Ball held every October at the Anoka Fair Grounds. October 2014
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1927 Ford Model T Quenching my Hot Rod thirst! Owner/Enthusiast:
Troy Swan Zimmerman, MN
Stock Original Original Stock This is is where where itit all all started! started! This
Sound Familiar? Do you have a story of your custom ride? E-mail editor@wheelsofthunder.net and you could be featured with your ride in the next issue! Page 8
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I have been in love with cars my entire life. I grew up on a farm in northern Minnesota near Thief River Falls. When young I remember saving my allowance and birthday money so I could by Hot Wheels. In school I would stare out the window at the High School kids and their Chevelle’s, Cuda's, Mustang’s and other cool cars. Finally, at age 15 I got my first car, a 1971 Buick Skylark. That's when the bug really began, I put on mag wheels, hood scoop and a paint job myself. Since then, there have been many cars and everytime I got a cool muscle car, my brother Chad would get something better! When ever we had mechanical problems our father would just say ‘fix it’. He had us wrenching on tractors, trucks and cars at a very young age. I think I was welding by 3rd grade. I now live in Zimmerman. My job
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is seasonal so I don't work winters. I recently brought my farmboy attitude to an inner city townhome garage. I bought a 1927 Ford Model T project car. I stripped it down to frame and rebuilt almost everything. (with a little help from friends Eric, Dennis, Keith and my son Korbyn) I had to find another body for parts and spent a lot of time walking through swap meets. It has a crate 350 c.i. motor with a turbo 350 trans. An eight inch ford differential. It was built to have the old school 1970's flavor but most of all I wanted it dependable. I have driven this car to 35 car shows this summer and still going. I drive it around town and use it to run errands. It gets alot of attention everywhere I go. It doesn't win too many trophy’s at shows but it gets enough attention and driving it quenches my Hotrod thirst.
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September 19th and 20th, 2014 Vintage Snowmobile Grass Drags, Swap Meet and Show
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EVENT SALES Wheels of Thunder is currently hiring sales staff for event coverage.
For a private interview call Scott Robinson
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Written by Tom Edwards
y wife Cathy and I have enjoyed drag racing for years and have fond memories of the tracks we visit. There is something special about all of them, but when we are at Brainerd International Raceway & Resort we know we’re at the track that has had the fastest run in drag racing history. During qualifying for the 2005 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at the Minnesota race track we saw 7 time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher put 337.58 on the MPH section of the scoreboard. None of the drag racing fans fortunate enough to be there, I’m confident, considered the 4.446 second elapsed time sluggish either. Understandably, Tony’s U. S. Army Top Fuel dragster always gets our attention whether we are in the pits or watching it make a run.
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One of Tony’s teammates, 2012 Funny Car champion “Fast Jack” Beckman, has also had military related sponsorships on his fuel coupes. Jack and I have a few things in common; we’re veterans, cancer survivors and drag racing fans. He gets to enjoy the sport at more than 300 mph though so I’ll guess his view of the track is just a little different than what I see from where Cathy and I are sitting. One of the bodies Jack will have on the car for 6 races this season highlights the Infinite Hero Foundation. As noted on their website, “Infinite Hero Foundation combats the most difficult front line issues – mental and physical – facing military hero’s and their families”.
The NHRA fan base has a significant percentage of veterans that I am sure appreciate corporate sponsor Oakley teaming-up with Don Schumacher Racing to promote this effort and support those that have volunteered to be in harm’s way and returned home in need of assistance. This veteran sends a sincere Thank You to all of those involved. Seeing 16 time Funny Car champion John Force on the track is always fun. John knows what the fans have come to see and delivers. Cathy and I had a nice conversation with a John Force Racing team member in the JFR display area. He told us things about the shop in Indiana we found
interesting. Seeing John and Laurie’s daughters follow in his footsteps and achieve success early in their careers has to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of Mr. and Mrs. Force’s years in the sport. Connie Kalitta has had a race car or two or more at drag races for decades so seeing competitive dragsters and Funny Cars from the Bounty Hunter’s group is a given October 2014
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at every NHRA national event. Connie’s nephew Doug is in the hunt for the Top Fuel title behind the wheel of the Mac tools dragster. When you go to a qualifying day and see drivers young enough to be in a Jr. Dragster going down the same track Chris “The Greek” Karamesines did in his Lucas Oil dragster, that’s something you won’t see in a lot of motor sports event. The age gap there is about 70 years. The driver of the Miss Bee-haben Jr. Dragster has a lap or 2 to go before they catch up with the Greek’s track time.
Meeting Top Fuel pilot Richie Crampton and Pro Stock’s Larry Morgan at the Protect the Harvest display was nice. Charlotte and Forrest Lucas were also there and graciously autographed pit hand-out cards that feature their son Morgan, currently a part-time Top Fuel driver. When 5 time Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin was on the track, where his rig was parked in the pits made for a great break drop for a photo of the Ohio racers car. Former Minnesota residents Jason Line and Greg Anderson had
their Summit Racing Pro Stock Camaro race cars on the track for some side-by-side qualifying so for a lot of the fans with cameras, that was a “I’ve got to get this picture” moment. After a 2 race break from the tour it was nice to see Pro Stock championship
contender Erica Enders Stevens back behind the wheel of the Elite Motorsports Pro Stock car. It was fun to see 1995 Rookie of the Year and 3 time Top Fuel champ Larry Dixon driving the Total Equipment and Service Top Fuel car. It is a team car of Bob Vadergriff Racing’s C & J Energy Services dragster. While Cathy and I were walking through the Top Fuel pit area, we walked past Leah Pritchett’s transport rig and saw an interesting logo. When was the last time you saw a high heel shoe transform into a Top Fuel dragster? That’s something you don’t see ever day.
Having gone to Brainerd for years, I have found photographing cars as they make their way down the return road can proPage 16
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duce some interesting shots. When Courtney Force was rolling past our seats, I saw that as a photo op and was glad to see I got the name of the track in the photo. Spencer Massey was in the far lane from our seats, so I got a few shots when the car was stopped after the burnout. That’s so much easier than doing it when they’re going by at about 275 mph. Zero mph makes it much easier to focus. Fan favorite and 2012 Top Fuel champion Antron Brown approached qualifying with the same plan he uses on race day; go for it! As a nitro racing fan I like that approach. Two wheels or four, Ant knows how to find the winner’s circle. Tim Wilkerson on the track in his Levi, Ray & Shoup Funny Car is always a treat for drag racing fans. Tim is old school; the owner, tuner and driver. He’s easy to root for and holds his own against teams with much larger budgets. Driving a Funny Car for Don Schumacher Racing, Tommy Johnson, Jr. frequently banners the Make-AWish Foundation on his cars. That was the body that was used during Brainerd qualifying. Funding for the car does not come from the Foundation. Entering the world of Top Fuel competition, John Force Racing has Brittany Force behind the wheel of the Castrol Edge fueler. She was the 2013 NHRA Rookie of the Year; her sisters Ashley and Courtney have also earned The Road to the Future Award. JFR has Robert Hight piloting the Mike Neff tuned AAA Funny Car to world championship contention. If he gets there, it will be Robert’s second title. The 2005 Rookie of the Year was the 2009 Funny Car champion.
Cathy has a Black Belt in shopping so I’m very familiar with just about every mall from New York to California. Fortunately the world of straight line racing also has a mall; in this case, The Nitro Mall. I always manage to find an item or two or more, for Santa to leave under the tree. That trend continued in Brainerd near the nitro pit area. Drag racing and goodies added to a wardrobe and a memorabilia collection is a great day and a good time was had by all. October 2014
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2nd Annual Bloodsucker's Bash Car & Bike Show Hosted by The Hairy Mosquito Trading Company • Milaca, MN Written and Photography by Bailey Sens ow, I know what you must be thinking. "What the heck is a Hairy Mosquito, and why does it have a trading company?" Well, as the name suggests, the Hairy Mosquito is a bug. But not just any bug. It's the bug you get when you suddenly have the urge to create something. To take one thing and turn it into another. To breathe new life into something that others may have discarded, or thought to be useless. To customize it and make it your own. When that happens, you've been bitten by the Hairy Mosquito.
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But what about the trading company? It's a haven for others who have been bitten, and an outlet for the results of their creativity. It's an antique store, a craft shop, an art gallery. It's an old west trading post, it's a 1950's malt shoppe. It has Elvis, it has John Wayne. And once a year, it has a car show known as the Bloodsucker's Bash. You might think that with a name like that, the Bloodsucker's Bash would be all about rat rods. That's just not the case. The Bash is open to anyone and anything, from a '37 Chevy pickup covered from bumper to bumper (and trailer) in old knick-knacks, to a 2010 Bumblebee Edition Camaro. If it's been touched by a hand that's been bitten by the Hairy Mosquito, if it's sucked time, energy, and money out of the hand of it's owner, it's welcome at the Bloodsucker's Bash. This year's show was held on a beautifully
sunny Sunday in mid-September, with a light breeze and big fluffy clouds floating on by. Meanwhile, at the Hairy Mosquito Trading Company, a kaleidoscope of cars and people came through the gates to try taking home one of thirty handmade trophies. A total of fifty cars and motorcycles
were on display, including a 1946 school bus, a 1200 horsepower street-legal drag car, and the MosquitoMobile itself, a 1948 Pontiac Chieftain Silver Streak. Music was provided by Scott Johnson, Duelm's friendly neighborhood DJ, and grub was being served up by Smokin' J's BBQ. We had vendors on hand, displaying what the Hairy Mosquito is all about. Creative people coming together to display their talents. There were hand carved antler bottle stoppers, flintknapped knives and arrowheads, even a blacksmith with his forge set up, working away. Plenty of seating was available on our handmade barn wood benches, chairs, and tables, and the store was open for business, allowing folks to walk around and check out all the antiques and custom made goods. All told, it was a great day, with memories being made throughout. Plans are already in the works for next year, follow the Bloodsucker's Bash Car Show and The Hairy Mosquito on Facebook for updates and more information as it becomes available.
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2nd Annual Bloodsucker's Bash Car & Bike Show
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T
he regular race season wrapped up on Labor Day weekend at the Princeton Speedway, and unfortunately was cut short do to weather. Friday August 22 was the final night of action at the Princeton Speedway due to Mother Nature’s torrential rains. However, the action on that night was superb and a great way to end the regular season. The WISSOTA Street Stocks were first with a supply of Peterson’s in the front. Russell and Durand Peterson led the drivers to the stand. D. Peterson took the lead while Kris Peterson moved into second. Justin Pogones then drove to K. Peterson’s side and grabbed the runner up point. Pogones began to work D. Peterson for the lead as Ryan Kostreba caught them. They ran single file until Pogones made the pass and Kostreba took second. With only two laps to go, Pogones caught slower traffic and Kostreba caught Pogones. They made their way around turn four and Kostreba pulled into the lead. Kostreba led the final lap and took the win. Page 26
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Written by Tami Jo Kuehn Photography by Bailey Sens
The WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds took the clay with Jason Hall and Shane Howell in the lead. Hall shot into first as the green flew and Kevin Schmidt took second. However, after a caution, Howell grabbed second and Bud Martini took third. Martini moved into second and chased after Hall, but Hall continued to lead. After another caution, Hall felt the heat of Martini on this rear, but Martini couldn’t make the pass. Denis Czech drove to Martini’s door and kept him occupied as Hall took his first win of the season. Jerry Esler sped away as the green waved
for the WISSOTA Mod Fours. Jess Geesey and Chad Funt were in tow, but Funt took second. Keith Thell made his way through traffic and took second then chased after Esler. The yellow waved and Esler was first on the restart but felt Thell close behind. Thell kept close to Esler as Kyle Thell grabbed third. Soon both Thell brothers were on Esler’s bumper with minimal laps to go. Kyle Thell made his move just in time to take the checkers in his Wollak Construction sponsored #00. The WISSOTA Super Stocks were next with Kyle Robideau and Matthew Dibb on the front row. As the green flew and positions changed, Chris Wark charged ahead next to Robideau. After a short battle, Wark emerged as the leader. Dave Mass then passed Robideau and chased after Wark. They separated from the group and Mass kept the pressure on Wark. Mass tried to make the pass but Wark held his line and soon pulled away. Wark never looked back and took the win. This was Wark’s first win since 2010 as he proudly rolled his Larkin Auto Repair sponsored #24w into victory lane. Drew Johnson and Jake Bayerl battled door to door for the lead as the Hornet feature went green. Bayerl pulled into the lead while the #46SSG of Dannie Burkholder took second. Burkholder moved into the lead but the race lights turned red. Bayerl’s car rolled on it’s roof and started on fire. Bayerl was ok as he jumped from the car. The drivers were realigned with Burkholder in first. Johnson remained close to
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Burkholder and with the white flag raised, Johnson was at Burkholder’s side. Johnson nosed ahead and took the lead in time to take the win. The WISSOTA Modifieds closed out the night with 18 cars on the track. J.B. Stortz took the lead as the green flew with Ryan Canon and Dustin Nelson as top drivers. Stortz immediately stretched his lead out and was ready to lap slower cars as Dave Cain found his groove. Cain passed Nelson, then Canon for second and chased down Stortz. Few laps remained and Cain weaved his way around cars. Cain was tracking Stortz down, but rain short of time as the checkers were raised. J.B. Stortz crossed the line and took the win for the first time this season. After the night of racing was complete, points were calculated and some point battles were very close. Season Championship night, August 29, would have determined the winners, but since the night was cancelled due to weather all champions were based off of the completed points. The Racer’s Exchange WISSOTA Street Stocks 2014 Track Champion is the driver of the #01 AJ’s Complete Automotive Streeter Justin Pogones. Pogones won a total of six features and had ten top five finishes. Pogones finished the year with 626 points and Ryan Kostreba took second only ten points back. Kris Peterson, Amanda Milbrandt and Russell Peterson rounded out the top five drivers. Denis “The Menace” Czech won three features and finished in the top five ten times at the Princeton Speedway, he finished the
year with 661 points giving Czech the Championship title for the Minuteman Press WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds. Czech’s #2 finished 36 points ahead of Kyle Matuska who took the runner up position. Jason Hall, Shane Sabraski and Bud Martini were the top five in standings.
gaard Photo WISSOTA Mod Fours. Keith Thell finished in the top five 11 times and put his #00t into victory lane five times. Keith finished 73 points ahead of Kyle Thell and earned the championship title. Brandon Linquist, Ross Mead and Mitch Hribar rounded out the top five positions.
The Ray’s Auto Body WISSOTA Super Stocks finished closed the year with Mike Loomis on top of the podium. Loomis’s J&C Trucking didn’t visit victory lane, however Loomis finished in the top five points 7 times and was 44 points ahead of his nearest competitor. The drivers in second and third finished only one point apart with 552 and 551 points. Chris Wark took second while Rookie Matthew Dibb got third. Shane Sabraski and Dexton Koch also took top positions.
The Crystal Cabinets/USP WISSOTA Modifieds were another tight battle for second and third with just one point of separation. Dustin Nelson took second with 533 points while Larry Zeller finished with 534. Shane Sabraski and Eric Martini took the final top points, while the #26 finished on top. Shawn Fletcher’s Sun Drop sponsored Modified closed the season out with eight top five finishes and earned 546 points for the Championship title.
The Thell brothers kept close all year and finished first and second in the Jacy Nor-
The Princeton Speedway Hornets put on an entertaining season, and at the close of the year, also had the closest point battle. The champion finished with 633 points, had 11 top five finishes and visited victory lane eight times. The #46ssg of Dannie Burkholder took the Track Championship just a single point ahead of Erik Gruhlke. Jasmin Matthewman, Lexy Kastner and Jake Bayerl also took top positions in the Hornet class. One final event remains for the Speedway, after that the track will be closed until next season. Thank you to everyone who has attended and supported the Princeton Speedway in 2014! We look forward to the 2015 season. Remember, for all of your up to the minute racing information, check out www.princetonspeedway.com or like us on Facebook
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2014 TERRACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP – HAYDAYS
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erracross is the ultimate in action packed UTV short course racing. Mega jumps, obstacles and demolotion derby style doorto-door racing makes Terracross the most exciting form of UTV racing today. 2 days of UTV warfare took place at the annual Haydays event in MN this Page 30
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past weekend. Take a look at all the images, results and current points standings and be ready for one insane UTVUnderground.com highlight video from Haydays sponsored by Lone Star Racing, FOX and GBC Motorsports!
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Photos By: Rusty Baptist & Ernesto Araiza UTVUnderground.com
Terracross Championship Day 1 Results 1. Dana Creech 2. BC Vaught 3. Mitch Guthrie Jr 4. Brandon Sims 5. Levi LaVallee 6. Doug Gust 7. Hans Ada 8. Jason Luburgh 9. Cole Cottew 10. Mickey Thomas 11. RJ Anderson 12. Jason Ellis 13. Chris Burandt 14. Chad Ragland 15. Kyle Hart 16. Cody Gorsegner 17. Colton Moore
Terracross Championship Day 2 Results 1. Kyle Hart 2. Jason Luburgh 3. Dana Creech 4. BC Vaught 5. RJ Anderson 6. Mickey Thomas 7. Mitch Guthrie Jr 8. Chad Ragland 9. Andrew Carlson 10. Daryl Rath 11. Travis Rasmusson 12. Colton Moore 13. Roger Kirkpatrick 14. Levi LaVallee 15. Wade Moore 16. Jeremy Behrendt Terracross Championship Current Points Standings (TOP 10) 1. BC Vaught ...........................92 2. Jason Luburgh.....................91 3. Mickey Thomas...................79 4. Mitch Guthrie Jr..................79 5. RJ Anderson ........................76 6. Dana Creech........................73 7. Doug Gust...........................65 8. Chad Ragland......................63 9. Brandon Sims ......................62 10. Hans Ada.............................57
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2014 TERRACROSS
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CHAMPIONSHIP – HAYDAYS
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BEWARE: DEER CRASHES INCREASE IN THE FALL Remember how Bambi was born in the spring, surrounded by butterflies and flowers, his mother’s loving eyes glistening as birds twittered overhead? It probably didn’t happen in Minnesota (spring snow, anyone?), but it can be assumed the reason he arrived in springtime is that his parents were on the move the previous fall, looking for each other so they could start a family. As in every state where deer live, they were so focused on their search for love that they leapt over fences, jumped ditches and bounded across roads, putting themselves and oncoming motorists in danger. It’s an annual problem that Minnesota drivers need to remember: In dating season, Bambi’s relatives are unaware of the consequences of all that leaping and bounding. It’s up to motorists to avoid deer collisions. According to the Minnesota DNR, drivers should watch carefully for deer along the roadside, slow down when they see one,
and if a deer crosses the road, watch for others behind it. They’re a bit like fire-andrescue vehicles that way, often appearing in pairs. The most active times for deer are dawn and dusk — but there are no rules. They move around all day, too. The DNR advises motorists to follow these suggestions during the fall: • See the signs: “Deer Crossing” signs are posted in high-risk areas. Pay attention. • Deer don’t roam alone: When you see one, expect others.
season in Minnesota, so our two-wheeled and four-legged friends may be on the road at the same time. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable, as illustrated by statistics from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety. Seventeen of Minnesota’s 18 deer-vehicle crash fatalities from 2011– 2013 were motorcyclists. In the 7,000+ deer-vehicle crashes reported to DPS in those three years, 68 people were seriously injured. Sixty-four of them were on motorcycles.
• Use your brights when you can. Most deer crashes happen between 5 p.m. and midnight.
Motorcyclists can follow these tips to stay safer:
• Be safe behind the wheel: In every season, vehicle safety starts with seat belts. If you should hit an animal, belts can keep you from being seriously injured.
• If you encounter a deer, use both brakes and keep your head and eyes up for control.
Unfortunately, deer-movement season coincides with the latter part of motorcycle
• Avoid night and low-light riding periods.
• If there is space to move around the deer without leaving the roadway, use maximum braking and just before impact, swerve in the opposite direction the deer is traveling. • Wear a DOT-approved helmet and full protective gear to prevent injury or death in a crash. If you should hit a deer despite your best efforts, report the crash by calling 9-1-1. The operator will ask for your location so you can be connected to the proper law enforcement jurisdiction. Chances are, someone will be dispatched to make sure you’re all right and the deer is not a danger to the public. But here’s hoping you don’t need to do that. Just watch for those shining eyes and be ready for anything.
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Written by Mylie LaVold
ine year old Zachary Geiger is extremely passionate about racing. He says that’s how God made him. Even when he is not racing his Quarter Midget at the track and he’s playing racing at home. “He drags out his race cars or just runs around the house pretending he’s a race car,” says his mom, Julie. “Everything he does revolves around racing.”
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“It’s always been racing…racing, racing, racing,” agrees Zach’s Aunt, Becky Kaus. Page 36
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Zachary Geiger “It’s all about the racing!”
Julie says she tried getting Zach interested in other sports but nothing clicked. “I always wanted him in an extra-curricular activity so we tried t-ball, soccer, football, swimming, karate, and he did not like any of them,” she explains. “He was VERY adamant that all he wanted to do was be a
race car driver.” Having tried everything else, Julie decided to look into Quarter Midget racing. Quarter Midgets are small race cars that are scaled down to one-fourth the size of full size midget race cars and are driven on a 1/20 of a mile oval track. The average speed for a six second lap is about 30 mph. This seemed like a good starting place, so three years ago, she took Zach to the Elko Speedway for the MQMRA (Minnesota Quarter Midget Racing Association) “Try it, You’ll Like It!” night, an event that gives kids ages 5-16 years old an opportunity to drive a real race car. After completing a short training program and paying a $15 fee, kids are allowed to race 10 laps on the “Little” Elko Race Track. The joy Zach never found in other sports was found that day in Elko. In fact, Julie bought a race car that very day. It was no small purchase for this single mom. “Most decent used Quarter Midget race cars sell around $2,000 to $2,500. Some older cars can get as low as $1,000 during the off-season. A new complete car can cost $5,500 or more depending on features and equip-
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been the bond between “Papa” (Ed) and Zach. “My dad has worked really hard at racing. He has been there for Zach week in and week out.” Ed gets emotional when he talks about the special bond with his grandson. “He’s like one of my kids.” Zach officially started racing last year and has been stepping up to the challenges and learning at a fast pace. “From the minute he got on the track, it was clear he was going to be good at it,” says Becky. “And we knew he would move up quickly.”
ment,” states the MQMRA website. And the expenses didn’t end there. With the car purchased, racing gear was next on the list. MQMRA estimates an entry level set of gear will run you about $500 and requires that racing gear include a helmet, neck collar, racing jacket/suit, racing gloves rated 5 or better and arm restraints. Long pants or racing pants must be worn while racing. Other MQMRA requirements state that “seat belts must be less than 2 years old according to date stamping. Yellow Raceceivers are required for all drivers for communication with the race director ($100). Yellow MyLaps tranponders are required for all points classes ($300).” They also advise to “make sure the SFI rating is current when purchasing equipment or you will not be allowed to race.”
were amazing. They helped us so much. On our end, we did a lot of reading and studying about mechanics, performance … everything.” And the learning never ends for any of them. “There are some amazing complexities to racing,” says Ed. “Every year I learn more and more. I get involved with the Dad’s and ask lots of questions.” And the car is only part of it. “The car is about thirty percent of racing,” says Ed. “The rest is the driver. Zach is still learning. As many complexities there are about setting the car up there’s also that many in driving.” Becky says the dedication her sister and dad have to helping Zach realize his dream of racing has been amazing, adding that one of the best things to come out of it has
Even with all the expenses, Julie was, and is, determined to help her son live out his passion and chase his dreams. “I just figure that’s what’s in his heart. It’s what he really wants to do. We had tried everything else and racing is the only thing he is passionate about.” Finances are not the only challenges faced by this determined family. “For me it’s been difficult because I didn’t know anything about racing,” says Julie. “All I knew is what I had seen being around my brotherin-law. So it has been a huge learning process.” Learning right along with Julie and Zach is Julie’s dad, Ed Geiger. “He doesn’t really know anything about racing either. He and I came into this completely blind!” exclaims Julie. “But the people at the track Page 38
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And move up quickly he did. This year, after only half a season in the Junior Honda class, he moved up to Senior Honda where he raced kids with quite a bit more experience. It was quite a challenge for the less experienced racer but he was up for it. “My first time racing in the new class I was racing kids that had been doing it for 3 or 4 years,” says Zach. “And I was right behind them.” He agrees that it was “sort of” tough but feels good about holding his own. It was a challenge for Ed as well. Being in charge of the mechanical and maintenance of Zach’s Nervo Coggin 1900 is a big responsibility. He is constantly working to make the car perform at its peak. “It’s an older model car, built in 1999, but is has been very well maintained,” says Ed. “It has a standard 120cc engine. You can’t really change anything on the engine itself. So that’s standard for everyone. What I’m learning is ways to make the car faster by changing the suspension and making minute adjustments to things like gear ratio to create the RPM’s you need.” Although challenging, it has been a fun season too. Zach says his favorite races were on Friday nights. “We get to race in the dark, which we usually don’t do. It’s more fun because you have all the lights on.” “He has grown as a racer by leaps and bounds this year,” says Julie. “Because he was racing older, more experienced kids, he was forced beyond the basics of racing and had to start putting all the pieces together; passing, driving your line, all those things. There were also more cars on the track. He went from racing with 5-6 cars to 8-10 cars. And they went a lot faster.” There have been some milestone moments October 2014
that both Julie and Zach are proud of, including when Zach won his first race and got to drive around the track with the checkered flag waving out his window. The other memory Julie shared was Zach coming in fourth in his Junior Honda class last year which earned him a trophy as tall as he is. “It was amazing to see the look on his face!” says Julie. “He asked me, ‘Do I really get that trophy?’ He had won trophies before, but nothing like that.” As cool as those moments were, both Zach and Julie agree that it isn’t about winning but about having fun. “I have always said to him that yes, you want to win and you want to be the best race car driver you can be, but if you aren’t having fun out there, what’s the point of racing?” Zach takes that message to heart and sums it up in his own words. “The most important thing about racing is having fun. It’s not about winning or losing.” Zach has his own words of wisdom which he gives as advice to other kids and follows himself. First, he says “Practice, practice,
practice.” And second, “Don’t be afraid, just do it.” Zach says the second bit of wisdom comes from the first time trying to pass someone. “I was afraid he was going to crash me but then I just did. You don’t have to be afraid. You have safety gear so you just do it. So I did it.” Julie says it has been a positive experience all around, especially how everyone works together even though it is a competition. “That’s what I find most interesting. As soon as the kids get onto the track, it’s a competition, but they are safe about it. And then as soon as they are off the track they are all playing together and the competition is forgotten.” She also notes how different this is from most sports. “It’s like they are all one team even though they are competing against each other.” Becky and Ed agree. “Racing has been a real blessing for Zach,” says Becky. “It has given him something to focus on and something to be passionate about.” “Zach has really come into his own and come out of his shell doing this,” says Ed.
“Racing has made a huge difference for him.” The season has wrapped up at Elko but there is still racing ahead, which Zach is pretty darn excited about. “We will be racing on the dirt this fall at Cedar Lake!” (The Cedar Lake Arena is an indoor facility located in New Richmond, WI.) “There’s a whole new learning curve going there,” says Ed. “There’s slipping and sliding on dirt that you don’t have on concrete. It’s a whole different animal. Plus the car has a totally different set up with suspension, gearing, tires…you have to change the whole car over.” What’s next for this race-crazed kid? Next season Ed says they plan to race in two classes. They will continue in Senior Honda with the Nervo and are looking at either a 160cc Honda class or an Animal class for the second. “They go a little faster. Instead of going 28 mph around the track, they’ll go about 30-32 mph.” That may not seem like a big difference, but Ed assures that it is. “It may only make tenths of a second difference in time but when you are doing a 1/20 mile in 6.3 seconds it’s faster than you imagine.” Long range, Julie says they will probably move to the “big track” and transition to Bandoleros or Legends when Zach is 14. Ed says Zach is really fired up about racing on dirt. Whatever the decision, you can bet it won’t end there. Zach is determined to race Sprint cars and Late Models. I’m not a betting person, but I would lay my money on Zach taking it all the way!
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2014 Haydays September 7-8th, 2014 demonstrations trucks.
with
off-road
Thirsty or hungry? Need a break from the excitement? No problem. We offered several beer gardens and dozens of food options located on the grounds. Foods from burgers and brats to egg rolls and ribs, you'll find it here. Fresh squeezed lemonade? Yep that's here too. You'll be sure to find something that satisfies your taste buds and wets your whistle! If you're new to HayDays, you're in for a real treat! Originally started as strictly a snowmobile grass drags event, it has grown into a magnificent extravaganza. Hundreds of racers from across the country, Canada and even Europe, travel to HayDays for the grand daddy of snowmobile grass drag racing. Besides world record setting grass drag races, HayDays provided a full weekend of entertainment and enjoyment for all ages. Admission was FREE for kids 12 and under with Adult pricing at $20 Saturday, $10 Sunday or a 2-day pass for $25. If you bring the youngsters, the MnUsa booth offered kids to register to win a new snowmobile or atv. Entry was free and adults could register to join MnUSA, they are our sport's legislative voice.
were hundreds of dealers specializing in all things motorsports; from performance clutch setups to new snowmobiles to trailers to mountain extreme riding videos, it is all here…and everything in-between! An event of this magnitude wouldn’t be complete without the four major manufacturers: Polaris, Yamaha, Arctic Cat, and Ski Doo. The motorsports freestyle Expo-1 was an attraction not to be missed. You seen freestyle riders on snowmobiles, dirt bikes and ATVs. Riders typically include X Games winners as well as other top riders from around the world. 2011 spectators were wowed by the Moore brothers’ tandem snowmobileback flip. In addition to the aerial stunts, members of the Minnesota 4-Wheel Drive Association performed
Swap is no longer just about snowmobiles and their respective parts. You can find just about any power motorsport item for sale, including ATV's, dirtbikes, go-karts and even riding lawnmowers! One could spend an entire day shopping the swap area and still not see it all. For those who enjoy vintage snowmobiles and the humble start to our sport, we offered the Memory Lane Exhibit located in the swap grounds.
Other enjoyable events that are available include remote controlled car racing and a test track for trying out brand new ATVs or UTVs at the Expo-2grounds. Near the Baron Parkland Rest area is a sandbox and play area where tots can run off some energy while adults rest and relax. At the admission gates, be sure to pick up a complimentary edition of the HayDays annual collectors program. Inside you will find a wealth of information; including exhibitor guides, maps, racing schedules and other important club info. Over 100 acres of parking at reasonable cost. Handicap parking as well as motorcycle parking is available free of charge. Plan early and set this event on your calendar for 2015!
In addition to the huge swap, there
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H
ello Wheels of Thunder Fans! We hope your fall is off and running hard! Good news on the GameON! front as we were honored with an Emmy award for programming excellence @ GameON! TV Now that summer is in the rear view mirror we are doing outdoor sports with a touch of winter white! GameON! hopes you are ready for a fantastic fall season. This issue of Wheels of Thunder is once again great, and as always, featuring unique stories, pictures and sponsor information that underscores the excitement around motorsports! Just like Wheels of Thunder, GameON! TV continues to grow & reach so many of you with our sports programming. We broadcast in the Twin Cities on FOX's MY29 and in the Dakota’s and western Minnesota via MidCo Sports Network. GameON! loves sports, from the variety of professional, college & high school sports to all the outdoor events that dot our regional landscape. GameON’s partnership with Wheels of Thunder is strong and just like you, we also enjoy the most comprehensive race magazine and website to be found! Wheels of Thunder magazine gets it and gets you the latest information, amazing pictures and all those terrific stories to the most passionate motorsports fans in the country!
GameON! does what no other TV sports & entertainment show does. We offer the region a diverse and entertaining half hour of TV as we bring you the most visible and popular Minnesota sports figures. From the NFL Vikings, to the MLB Twins, the NBA Timberwolves to the NHL Wild, we also visit with the Lacrosse Swarm and Soccer United FC. There’s NASCAR and we’re on top of your favorite drivers too. Each and every week GameON! comes to you in crystal clear full High Definition and our first APP (it’s free to for Apple & Android phones) is available for your use! GameON! TV is now offering a weekly PODCAST available @ our show website www.GameOnTvMN.com. It’s full of bits and pieces of sports from the region and what’s ahead on our weekly TV show.
This show is interactive so we’d love to hear from you! Please visit our Facebook site (friend us @ GameON on facebook), our website @ www.gameontvmn.com and 24/7on twitter #gameontvmn. Furthermore, GameON! Host Rod Simons has baseball on his work schedule as each and every Sunday he’s joined by 4-time World Series & Twins pitching great Jack Morris for This Is Twins Territory @ 10AM on the radio home for your Minnesota Twins @ KTWIN 96.3. So, please join us for all that sports offers us here in our great neck of the woods, via Wheels of Thunder, GameON! and KTWIN radio! And get your Vikings fix with our partner in one of the largest Vikings fan websites in the world, www.PurplePride.org. Hey Wheelies, it’s time to get off the couch and get your GameON! Be a part of the exciting effort we're putting on! Here’s to the summer that’s here! Keep your GameON!
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