Sean Rayhall
(Bill W) July 15, 2020, Monroe, IA – Who has run at Le Mans, Daytona, Indianapolis and Knoxville? USAC stock car fans may come up with co-racer of the 20th century, AJ Foyt. The four-time Indy 500 champion, 1972 Daytona 500 winner, and 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans winner with Dan Gurney, never tasted victory at Knoxville. To be fair, his try was limited to a 1969 USAC Stock Car event at the then “Super-Modified Capital of the World.” He did set quick time, but the feature was won by Iowa Racing Hall of Fame inductee, Don White.
Few fans know we added another name to that list on Friday night, July 3, in a weekly show at Knoxville Raceway. You see Woodstock, Georgia native, Sean Rayhall, is only 25 years old, but has a world of experience in racing behind him. If you ask him, the best times are right now in a sprint car.
He started racing at age seven, winning a Georgia State Kart championship, and added another in Florida. At 14, he won at Road Atlanta in a Reynard R/T 2000. He won six times with the SCCA Pro Formula Enterprises at 15, and won the championship! He won track championships at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Charlotte Motor Speedway in the Legends.
He moved on to stock cars for two years, and switched to road racing in 2013, winning a championship. He won in Indy Lights at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, before he won the 2017 European Le Mans Series championship.
Something else was happening to the youngster. He was being told how fast and how slow to go. He was told which appearance was important and which one was not…and at age 23, he had enough. He announced his retirement, how else? On Twitter.
Discovering dirt racing has rejuvenated his spirit, and he has found a love for sprint cars. Walking out on the sixth floor of the Bryan Clauson Suite Tower on the afternoon of July 3, goose bumps were clearly visible. “I never had this feeling anywhere else,” he said. “Did Foyt ever win here? I hope to in a couple of years.”
Sprint car racing is not easy, but Sean has based himself in Wisconsin, and is giving it his best shot. He may feel as many do, that Knoxville got the best of him that night. But he will be back. You may see him at a track near you, and if you do, make a point to say hello. You’ll never find a more genuine and humble individual. Good luck Sean!
Congratulations to Brady Bacon, who took his second straight $20,000 Corn Belt Nationals at Knoxville Raceway. The year of the Pandemic isn’t seeing many of those paychecks. Brady is a genuinely great human being, and his preparation and focus are the reason for his success.
Brady was probably the most awake individual at Knoxville, with the checkers falling after 3 a.m. A three and a half hour rain delay cost us many of the diehards, but there were plenty to celebrate the win before the sun started coming up.
Congratulations also goes out to Harli White, who became the first female winner of an ASCS National event. She pulled it off at “The Ditch” in West Memphis, Arkansas, which has humbled plenty a visitor over the years.
Kyle Larson may indeed have a future in the sport! He has really been dominating as of late, and his latest exploit was his Brad Doty Classic win last night at Attica. That follows his PA Speedweek title, and three more victories during Ohio Speedweek.
Huset’s Speedway is back! Thanks to Tod Quiring, who bought the facility and saved it from dormancy, we can see the All Stars reopen it on Sunday, August 2. The World of Outlaws will compete there September 5 and 6.
Brian Brown has taken over the point lead in the Midwest Thunder Sprints presented by www.OpenWheel101.com! Thanks go out to Gregg Anderson, who again donated to the point fund in memory of his father, Glenn. If you’d like to donate, shoot me an e-mail at sprntcar@hotmail.com. Any amount works!
Point races this week include the MOWA season opener at Lincoln (IL) Speedway Friday night, Knoxville Raceway weekly action Saturday, and the IRA visit to Wilmot Raceway on Sunday!
Join us to support our drivers!
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2020 Midwest Thunder Sprint Cars presented by www.OpenWheel101.com Associate Sponsors
Hoseheads.com
For over twenty years, Hoseheads.com has been your source for “All the News That’s Fit to Sprint.” From the latest results and photos, to some of the greatest columnists in the sport, check in every day at Hoseheads!
Race fan Jim Harris
The Podium Awards – Newport, Pennsylvania
Visit The Podium Awards for all your promotional items and gifts, trophies, awards, plaques, medals and ribbons. They are located at 221-B Market Street, Newport, Pennsylvania. Call 717 418-4645 or visit them online at www.ThePodiumAwards.com!
The Dirt Racing Podcast
Catch the latest in Dirt Racing at “The Dirt Racing Podcast” at https://anchor.fm/marshall-haines?fbclid=IwAR3563Mgo0DQb7FcPhaXI39jbmNz3gjsQ0AvQuH5IsvA-pAJeXf_7VCX8gg
Race fan Gregg Anderson
Up Next for the Midwest Thunder Sprints…
Fri, July 17 – Lincoln Speedway (IL) (MOWA)
Sat, July 18 – Knoxville Raceway (IA)
Sun, July 19 – Wilmot Raceway (WI) (IRA)
Fri, July 24 – Jacksonville Speedway (IL) (MOWA)
Sat, July 25 – Knoxville Raceway (IA)
2020 Midwest Thunder Sprint Cars presented by www.OpenWheel101.com Point Standings (Feature Wins)
1. Brian Brown, Grain Valley, MO, 365 (3)
2. Kerry Madsen, St. Mary’s, NSW, Aust., 356
3. Parker Price-Miller, Kokomo, IN, 347 (1)
4. Ian Madsen, St. Mary’s, NSW, Aust., 267
5. Tim Kaeding, Campbell, CA, 232
6. Kasey Kahne, Enumclaw, WA, 231
7. Bill Balog, Hartland, WI, 220 (1)
8. Austin McCarl, Altoona, IA, 208
9. Matt Juhl, Tea, SD, 190
10. Justin Henderson, Tea, SD, 162 (1)
11. Shane Stewart, Bixby, OK, 154
(tie) Lynton Jeffrey, Prairie City, IA, 154
13. Davey Heskin, St. Michael, MN, 111
14. Dominic Scelzi, Fresno, CA, 110
15. Scotty Thiel, Sheboygan, WI, 104
16. Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA, 100 (2)
17. Paul Nienhiser, Chapin, IL, 96
18. Terry McCarl, Altoona, IA, 89
19. Josh Schneiderman, West Burlington, IA, 80
20. Rico Abreu, St. Helena, CA, 72
(tie) Trey Starks, Puyallup, WA, 72
22. Brent Marks, Myerstown, PA, 70
23. Jake Blackhurst, Hanna City, IL, 62
24. Tyler Courtney, Indianapolis, IN, 59
25. Sammy Swindell, Germantown, TN, 55
26. Brooke Tatnell, San Souci, NSW, Aust., 54
27. Mark Dobmeier, Grand Forks, ND, 52
28. Aaron Reutzel, Clute, TX, 50 (1)
29. Sawyer Phillips, Pleasantville, IA, 48
30. Tasker Phillips, Pleasantville, IA, 46
31. Anthony Macri, Dillsburg, PA, 44
(tie) Tim Shaffer, Aliquippa, PA, 44
(tie) Blake Nimee, Oswego, IL, 44
34. Ayrton Gennetten, Gravois Mills, MO, 41
35. Scott Neitzel, Beaver Dam, WI, 39
36. AJ Moeller, Rockwell City, IA, 37
37. Jeremy Schultz, Beaver Dam, WI, 34
38. Jordan Goldesberry, Springfield, IL, 31
39. Russel Borland, Kewaskum, WI, 30
40. James Broty, Lonsdale, MN, 26
(tie) Kyle Schuett, Philo, IL, 26
42. Dave Uttech, Kenosha, WI, 20
(tie) Matt VanderVere, Zion, IL, 20
44. Todd Daun, Pleasant Prairie, WI, 18
(tie) Kevin Ingle, Huron, SD, 18
(tie) Gio Scelzi, Fresno, CA, 18
(tie) Chris Martin, Ankeny, IA, 18
(tie) Bobby Mincer, Burlington, IA, 18
49. Shane Golobic, Fremont, CA, 16
(tie) Sean Rayhall, Woodstock, GA, 16
(tie) Hunter Schuerenberg, Sikeston, MO, 16
(tie) Brayton Lynch, Springfield, IL, 16
53. Bryce Schmitt, Plymouth, WI, 14
54. Sam Hafertepe Jr., Sunnyvale, TX, 10
(tie) Tony Kaus, Bloomington, MN, 10
(tie) Todd King, Sheboygan Falls, WI, 10
(tie) Chris Klemko, Bristol, WI, 10
58. Roger Crockett, Broken Arrow, OK, 8
(tie) Adam Miller, Plymouth, WI, 8
60. Alan Gilbertson, Kasson, MN, 6
(tie) Wayne Modjeski, Oak Creek, WI, 6
62. John Fahl, Brown Deer, WI, 4
(tie) Ryan Giles, Grimes, IA, 4
(tie) Jac Haudenschild, Wooster, Oh, 4
(tie) Jody Rosenboom, Rock Rapids, IA, 4
(tie) Jeff Swindell, Memphis, TN, 4
(tie) Jack Routson, Waterman, IL, 4
68. Paige Polyak, Tiffin, OH, 2
(tie) Danny Schlafer, Sussex, WI, 2
(tie) Josh Walter, Plymouth, WI, 2
Platinum World of Outlaws member wins…
5, Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, CA
2, Logan Schuchart, Hanover, PA
1, David Gravel, Watertown, CT
Tentative 2020 Races that will be counted for points with the Midwest Thunder Sprint Cars presented by OpenWheel101.com
Fri, June 5 – Beaver Dam Raceway (WI) WoO (Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, CA)
Sat, June 6 – Knoxville Raceway (IA) (Brian Brown, Grain Valley, MO)
Sat, June 6 – Beaver Dam Raceway (WI) WoO (Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, CA)
Fri, June 12 – Knoxville Raceway (IA) WoO (Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA)
Sat, June 13 – Knoxville Raceway (IA) WoO (Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA)
Sat, June 20 – Knoxville Raceway (IA) (Aaron Reutzel, Clute, TX)
Thur, June 25 – Jackson Motorplex (MN) Nationals (Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, CA)
Fri, June 26 – Jackson Motorplex (MN) Nationals (Logan Schuchart, Hanover, PA)
Sat, June 27 – Jackson Motorplex (MN) Nationals (Logan Schuchart, Hanover, PA)
Fri, July 3 – Knoxville Raceway (IA) (Brian Brown, Grain Valley, MO)
Fri, July 3 – Cedar Lake Speedway (WI) (WoO) (Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, CA)
Sat, July 4 – Knoxville Raceway (IA) (Justin Henderson, Tea, SD)
Sat, July 4 – Cedar Lake Speedway (WI) (WoO) (Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, CA)
Sun, July 5 – 141 Speedway (WI) (IRA) (Bill Balog, Hartland, WI)
Fri, July 10 – 34 Raceway (IA) (WoO) (Parker Price-Miller, Kokomo, IN)
Sat, July 11 – Knoxville Raceway (IA) (Brian Brown, Grain Valley, MO)
Sat, July 11 – Wilmot Raceway (WI) (WoO) (David Gravel, Watertown, CT)
Fri, July 17 – Lincoln Speedway (IL) (MOWA)
Sat, July 18 – Knoxville Raceway (IA)
Sun, July 19 – Wilmot Raceway (WI) (IRA)
Fri, July 24 – Jacksonville Speedway (IL) (MOWA)
Sat, July 25 – Knoxville Raceway (IA)
Thurs, July 30 – Plymouth Dirt Track (WI) (All Stars/IRA)
Fri, July 31 – Langlade County Speedway (WI) (IRA)
Fri, July 31 – 34 Raceway (IA) (All Stars)
Sat, Aug 1 – Knoxville Raceway (IA) (All Stars)
Fri, Aug 7 – I-55 Raceway (MO) (WoO)
Sat, Aug 8 – I-55 Raceway (MO) (Ironman 55)
Mon, Aug 10 – Southern Iowa Speedway (Front Row Challenge)
Thurs, Aug 13 – Knoxville Raceway (IA) (WoO)
Fri, Aug 14 – Knoxville Raceway (IA) (WoO)
Sat, Aug 15 – Knoxville Raceway (IA) (Capitani Classic)
Fri, Aug 21 – Wilmot Raceway (WI) (IRA)
Fri, Aug 21 – River Cities Speedway (ND) (WoO)
Sat, Aug 22 – Wilmot Raceway (WI) (IRA)
Sun, Aug 23 – Angell Park Speedway (WI) (IRA)
Sun, Aug 23 – Red River Valley Speedway (ND) (WoO)
Fri, Aug 28 – Knoxville Raceway (IA)
Sat, Aug 29 – Knoxville Raceway (IA)
Sun, Aug 30 – Dirt Oval Route 66 (IL) (IRA)
Sat, Sept 5 – Plymouth Dirt Track (WI) (IRA)
Sun, Sept 6 – 141 Speedway (WI) (IRA)
Fri, Sept 11 – Knoxville Raceway (IA)
Sat, Sept 12 – Cedar Lake Speedway (WI) (Jerry Richert Memorial)
Sat, Sept 19 – Beaver Dam Raceway (WI) (IRA)
Fri, Sept 25 – Knoxville Raceway (IA)
Sat, Sept 26 – Knoxville Raceway (IA)
Fri, Oct 16 – Lakeside Speedway (KS) (WoO)
Much TBD…
2019 Midwest Thunder Sprint Cars presented by www.OpenWheel101.com Final Point Standings (Feature Wins)
1. Kerry Madsen, St. Mary’s, NSW, Aust., 954 (2)
2. Bill Balog, Hartland, WI, 947 (7)
3. Brian Brown, Grain Valley, MO, 731 (5)
4. Terry McCarl, Altoona, IA, 713 (2)
5. James McFadden, Warrnambool, VIC, Aust., 592 (2)
6. Austin McCarl, Altoona, IA, 505 (1)
7. Parker Price-Miller, Kokomo, IN, 484 (1)
8. Jeremy Schultz, Beaver Dam, WI, 471 (3)
9. Paul Nienhiser, Chapin, IL, 427 (5)
10. Rico Abreu, St. Helena, CA, 400 (2)
2018 Midwest Thunder Sprint Cars presented by www.OpenWheel101.com Point Standings (Feature Wins) Top Ten
1. Kerry Madsen, St. Mary’s, NSW, Aust., 866 (7)
2. Brian Brown, Grain Valley, MO, 686 (7)
3. Austin McCarl, Altoona, IA, 602 (5)
4. Terry McCarl, Altoona, IA, 565
5. Brooke Tatnell, Sans Souci, NSW, Aust., 420 (1)
6. Scotty Thiel, Sheboygan, WI, 398 (4)
(tie) Davey Heskin, St. Michael, MN, 398
8. Bill Balog, Hartland, WI, 390 (2)
9. Cory Eliason, Selma, CA, 386 (1)
10. Matt Juhl, Tea, SD, 365 (1)
2017 Midwest Thunder Sprint Cars presented by www.OpenWheel101.com Final Point Standings (Feature Wins) Top Ten
1. Kerry Madsen, St. Mary’s, NSW, Aust., 1086 (5)
2. Ian Madsen, St. Mary’s, NSW, Aust., 1031 (7)
3. Donny Schatz, Fargo, ND, 800 (6)
4. Brian Brown, Grain Valley, MO, 760 (6)
5. Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, CA, 760 (2)
6. Brooke Tatnell, Sans Souci, NSW, Aust., 533 (1)
7. Shane Stewart, Bixby, OK, 529 (2)
8. David Gravel, Watertown, CT, 481 (3)
9. Terry McCarl, Altoona, IA, 437 (1)
10. Tim Kaeding, San Jose, CA, 425 (2)
Bill Wright
Bill W Media
sprntcar@hotmail.com
Twitter: @BillWMedia
Website: www.OpenWheel101.com