Memorable Battles Highlight the History of the ARCA Midwest Tour at Elko Speedway
by Kari Shear-Carlson
Sept 19, 2014 – In 2012, Dan Fredrickson and Jacob Goede put on a show that is still being talked about two years later. When the ARCA Midwest Tour presented by Scag Power Equipment returns to Elko Speedway this Saturday for the Thunderstruck 93 presented by NAPA Auto Parts 125 lap event, there is no doubt that fans will reflect back to that race.
It was a last lap battle keeping the fans off their seats as the checkered flag flew. Fredrickson set up a late race charge and the two made contact in turn four allowing Fredrickson to slip by for his third, out of then, four events that had taken place at the 3/8’s mile oval. Goede, at the time, was the only other winner of the event.
One reason the local drivers drive exceptionally hard is not just for the win but because the race carries a special meaning to them. The event is a tribute to Dan Ryan, whose life was taken by ALS. He was a great racer, but more importantly a friend to many. This is the driving force behind those who push everything to the limit, in hopes to be the one in victory lane to honor the late Dan Ryan.
In 2013, Andrew Morrissey was the first non-local driver to break the cycle. Morrissey was able to hold off the hard chargers and claim victory. Morrissey started in the sixth spot and had to settle a few battles throughout the night, but everything seemed to fall into place for the Wisconsin driver.
Morrissey will be returning this Saturday in hopes of backing up that victory. While he hasn’t had the season that he’s wanted so far this year, he has high hopes that Elko Speedway will help the team end the season on a high note.
The final event of the ARCA Midwest Tour season will be October 4th and 5th at La Crosse Speedway for the 45th Annual Oktoberfest.
Be sure to follow the ARCA Midwest Tour on Facebook (midwesttour) and Twitter (@midwesttour).
For complete event details log on to arcamidwesttour.com.
Upcoming Event Information
What: 6th Annual Thunderstruck 93 presented by NAPA Auto Parts
Where: Elko Speedway, Elko, MN
When: Saturday, Sept 20, 2014
Times: 12:00PM ARCAMT Practice Begins, 4:00PM ARCAMT Qualifying, 5:30PM Heat Races, 7:00PM Opening Ceremonies, Racing Begins
Divisions: ARCA Midwest Tour, Mini Stocks, Legends, Mid-Am Stock Cars, Big 8 Series, 11th Annual Thunder Car Nationals
To learn more about the Automobile Racing Club of America Midwest Tour, log on to arcamidwesttour.com. For questions, call Tim Olson at (612) 327-5831 or e-mail tim@arcamidwesttour.com
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, the ARCA Truck Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.
