By: Kevin Ramsell
Elko, MN – 2025 has been a special year for Tristan Swanson on and off the track. This Saturday night, he is looking at keeping this year special by winning the ASA Midwest Tour’s Thunderstruck 93 at Elko Speedway in Elko, MN.
The New Market, MN driver started off 2025 by proposing to his longtime girlfriend, Lauren Fredrickson, in front of the castle at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.
He followed that up with a second-place finish in the Icebreaker 100 at Dells Raceway Park in April.
Lately, he has been tearing up Elko Speedway in his Legend car, where he has six feature wins so far this year.
But this Saturday night, he is bringing his Super Late Model to Elko for the Thunderstruck 93 ASA Midwest Tour event.
“Really excited to be back with the Midwest Tour for this event. This race means a lot to so many around this area,” Swanson exclaimed. “I remember growing up watching this race, and to be a part of it is really special. We had a tough start to the year on the super late side, but we are ready more than ever to be back in full swing.”
Not only is he eager to take his Super Late Model around the 1/3-mile oval, but he is excited to be competing in the Thunderstruck 93 and take home the victory.
“It would mean everything,” Swanson said. “I didn’t know Dan Ryan personally, but he meant the world to so many family and friends around me. This race was always circled on my calendar, even when I was a spectator, so to pull a win off at a track in my backyard where I grew up would be truly special to me and everyone around me.”
While Swanson will be focused on getting the checkered flag, he also has to make sure that he competes close and clean with his future brother-in-law, Ty Fredrickson.
But would he take out his fiancé’s brother on the last lap for the win?
“I always jokingly tell him that I’ll do anything for a win, haha,” Swanson said with a big smile. “Ty and his family do a lot for myself and my family, so if it came down to it, I’ll always race him clean. Especially this race, this one means a lot to their family, so it’ll be really special to see them in victory lane as well!”
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
