By: Kevin Ramsell
Elko, MN – Last year, Justin Mondeik left Elko Speedway with a guitar in his hand. The unique trophy that the winner of the Thunderstruck 93 ASA Midwest Tour event.
This Saturday, Mondeik is looking to repeat and turn his turbulent season around, and do what he did last year at the popular track located south of the Twin Cities.
“Last year’s win was one that came as a little surprise for our team,” Mondeik recalled. “We felt like we would run well, but there were a lot of unknowns because of not racing there in several years. It was a long day, especially with the rain delay. We made some great changes prior to qualifying and had phenomenal pace in the feature.”
Mondeik would hold off charges from Levon Van Der Geest to get the victory in the race that honors Dan Ryan, who sadly lost his battle with ALS in 2009.
The 2025 season in the ASA Midwest Tour has not been to Mondeik’s liking as he only has two top-five finishes in eight starts. But he is still mathematically in the hunt for the tour championship with two events remaining this season.
“It’s been an up-and-down year for us in the Midwest Tour. Places that we normally run well at, we have been hurt by DNFs,” Mondeik explained. “I’m really looking forward to getting back to Elko and defending our Thunderstruck 93!”
With the support of his sponsors that include: River Cities Engineering, Inc., Kimmons Roofing LLC, Wenzel’s Farm, A & A Lock Service, Van Asten Painting Inc., Schaeffer’s Oil, Nicolet Bank, Upchurch Performance, TOBY Race Products, Five Star Bodies, Lefthander Performance, FRS Shocks and Roltek Transmission, Mondeik is eager to get back to Elko Speedway on Saturday night.
Oh yes, where is his guitar trophy today?
“Trophies are always fun to collect from win to win, but anytime you get something as cool as an electric guitar, now that’s just cool,” Mondeik said. “It’s currently hanging on the wall by all of my trophies, but just a little higher!”
About Dan Ryan, Sr.: The 125-lap race will honor Elko Speedway Hall of Famer “Thunder” Dan Ryan Sr., who passed away in 2009 after a three-year battle with ALS. Dan was a former racer who became a leader amongst the competitors in the pit area and tutored many young drivers as they worked their way through the racing ranks. The name of the event is named after Ryan’s favorite song, “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. There will be a ten-minute break on lap 93 of the ASA Midwest Tour race to honor him.
Schedule of Events for Thunderstruck 93, Saturday, September 20, 2025: 12 p.m. Pit Gate Opens 2 p.m. Practice Begins 4:30 p.m. Spectator Gates Open 6 p.m. Qualifying Begins
Ticket Pricing:
Adults: $25
Senior and Military: $22
Kids ages 6-12: $5
Children ages 5 and under: Free
Advance discount tickets are available by clicking here.
Divisions: ASA Midwest Tour, Late Models, Thunder Cars, Power Stocks
Location: Elko Speedway is located at 26350 France Avenue in Elko, New Market, MN. For additional information, visit www.elkospeedway.com or call 952-461-7223.
Past Winners:
2009- Jacob Goede
2010- Dan Fredrickson
2011- Dan Fredrickson
2012- Dan Fredrickson
2013- Andrew Morrissey
2014- Dan Fredrickson
2015- Ty Majeski
2016- Dan Fredrickson
2017- Dalton Zehr
2018- Owin Giles
2019- Jacob Goede
2025- Justin Mondeik
