Welcome  Drivers and Race fans of the Old Midwest Enduro Stock Car Series and The New Gladiator Racing Series. It’s been a long winter and Now that The Racing Season has started in the Midwest with the Kick-off of Rockford’s Spring 4 cylinder enduro, Rockford’s  Spring Classic, and the ISS enduro at Jefferson Speedway, We can officially say, The 2013 Season is Underway.

    I want to wish the Best for Everyone this year but we’ve got to remember, there is only ONE person who can stand in victory Lane at the end of the race.

  The off season has dealt a few setbacks to the Gladiator Racing Series and the schedule for the upcoming season. Proposals have gone out to many tracks and organizations with a lot of communication problems yet we have continued to look forward to have many events in 2013. Even though we have no DATES  as of today, I hope all competitors have remained focused and prepared their rides for the year. Our Current proposals include some events to be run at The Dells Raceway Park, An event at Columbus 151 Speedway , an event at Sycamore Speedway, a combined event at Grundy county speedway, and Rockford Speedway with potential for an event at Blackhawk Farms Road course in Rockton Illinois. 

 Because of the Hard economic times and the uncertain future we all face, I send this e-mail to gather insight from drivers and fans of this race series and racing in general. I urge ALL to hit reply and respond to these questions: Thanks for your time, Stay tuned for a schedule release soon.

#1. What Asphalt Track should we concentrate on getting a Race Event at?

#2 What Dirt track should we concentrate on getting a Race Event at?

#3 Who would be interested in Racing  an event at BlackHawk Farms road Course?

#4. Who would prefer racing a 200 lap V8 enduro or The Twin 125 features we  currently run?

#5 who would prefer racing a 200 lap 4cyl. enduro or the Twin 75 lap features we currently run?

2013 Gladiator Racing Series

 The Racing Season officially started last week with the running of Speed-weeks and the Daytona 500 and hopefully the snow will stop falling, temperatures will start rising and we will be able to run at our local tracks soon. The Gladiator Racing Series is still working on Our 2013 Season Schedule and because of the economy and Gasoline prices, which is effecting all of us, We have chosen to run a limited schedule this summer. A proposal has been introduced to The Dells Raceway Park to hold 3-5 events throughout the summer with an Option to add a few other events  along the way, Considerations are being made to The Columbus 151 speedway for the 2^nd annual Tom Nevoso Memorial Race. A Visit to the newly opened Veteran’s Raceway Park in Tomah WI..  A September Race at The famed Grundy County Speedway and A visit to the Milwaukee Mile for a Road Race event. Stay tuned to our website and visit us on Facebook for future information. E-mail updates will go out to all, as soon as we secure the schedule.

  On a sad note: Jim ”Plugger” Plautz Passed away this past week after battling Cancer for the past few years. He was known well, for driving he #43 Richard Petty Look-a-like car during some events with the Midwest Enduro Series. Jim is remembered by his Wife and two Children in Edgerton Wisconsin. If you would like more information. Please write to Miles at  mileshoot@yahoo.com 

The Gladiator Racing Series Crowned it's 2012 Champions

Jasper Drengler Took Top Honors in the V6 Class, Brad Nelson TookTop Honors in the 4 Cylinder Pure Stock Class, Randy Padfield Took Top Honors in the 4 Cylinder Bandit Class and Craig Phillips Took Top Honors in the V8 Pure Stock Class, Not pictured was Matt Born, Champion in the V8 Outlaw Class. Congradulations for your commitment and Hard work in Chasing that Championship Trophy.

( More information and Pictures coming at a later time) 

Banquet Update !!!  January 19th  from 12noon - 2pm

    The Gladiator Racing Series 2012 Championship Awards Banquet is scheduled for Saturday January 19th at The Classic Bowling Lanes in Menomonie Falls .       Because of a scheduling conflict, The  Banquet/Rules meeting time has changed and will now  be, 12 noon -2 pm.The Midwest Enduro Series Reunion will begin at 2pm.  

  We are in the process of calling all past drivers and competitors regarding this update .If anyone has any questions feel free to write or call Mike Hennessy at (608) 393-6705 .  Gladiator_Racer@centurytel.net

For all those who are interested in Auto Racing, Off Road or Drag Racing ,  Visit the upcoming Race and Performance Expo in St. Charles Ill. 

www.raceperformanceexpo.com

The Gladiator Racing Series wants to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas Season and the  Best for the Upcoming  2013 Stock Car Racing Year.   

Let us all Take Special time in Family, Friends, Reflection and Change, with new hopes and dreams for the New year.  We have been busy over the past few months and have finally made a date for our 2012 Race Series Championship Banquet. For all drivers who competed with the Series in 2012 and all future competitors, we have scheduled an Awards Banquet/Rules meeting in conjunction with the The Midwest Enduro Series Reunion at The Classic  Bowling Lanes in Menomonee Falls, On Saturday, January 19^th .   For all Competitors and fans who followed the Midwest Enduro Series over the past 20 years, there will be a gathering in the meeting room at Classic Lanes from 2pm-6pm with complimentary soda, beer and snacks available for a nominal charge of $6. Everyone is encouraged to bring photos, videos, stories and a willingness to have a good time.At 8:00pm The Gladiator Racing Series will begin it’s awards ceremony in the meeting room. There will be no fee, for those who want to attend and the classic bowling Lanes will have food available for purchase. We will be discussing changes with the Series and the schedule for 2013  Plus ,honoring our 2012 class Champions. Matt Born in the V8 Outlaw Stock Class, Craig Phillips in the V8 Pure Stock class, Jasper Drengler in the V6 Class, Randy Padfield in the 4 Cylinder Bandit Class and Brad Nelson in the 4 Cylinder Pure Stock Class. If anyone has any questions, feel free to write and e-mail or call Michael Hennessy at 608 393-6705.

     The Gladiator Racing Series visited The Grundy County Speedway on Sunday Sept. 23^rd  for the BEMA INC./Advanced Refractory Tech” Day at the Races”  and crowned Five New Series Champions by day’s end.  It was a beautiful day for Racing!!!

   In The V8 Classes: Aaron Wilke traveled from Bridgeton Missouri with his #8 Dodge V8 Outlaw Car and drove methodically through the traffic to take Top honors in the first 125 lap feature but unfortunately he had engine troubles in the second event , ending his day early. Edgerton’s Craig Phillips, driving the Newville Auto Salvage #12 , used patience and a Little “Bump and Run” action to Win both 125 lap features in the V8 Pure Stock Class ,propelling him to The 2012 Gladiator Race Series V8 Pure Stock Championship and in the Four cylinder Classes, Brad Nelson driving the #21 Chimney Mechanix  Acura won the first of twin 125 lap features in Warrior (stock) 4 Class, giving him the edge he needed to take Home the 2012 Gladiator Race Series  Warrior 4 Championship over The #27 Ford Probe of Kyle Padfield, who Won the Second 125 lap feature in the Warrior 4 Class . For the Bandit 4’s, The #22  Acura of Cool ,Calm, Chris Jones put a show for the fans by running neck and neck with most of the V8 Cars and winning both features  on the day but Randy Padfield  in the Padfield Racing #2 ran a  steady and conservative through the day and took home the 2012 Gladiator Race Series Bandit 4 Championship.  Also ,Jasper Drengler consistently avoided trouble in his  #01 Chimney Mechanix  V6 Mustang, going to Victory Lane in both 125 lap feature events  and on to The Gladiator race Series championship in that Class. When all was completed , the finishing order was.

1^st 125 Lap Feature: #8 Aaron Wilke,(V8 Outlaw) 1^st, #12 Craig Philips(V8 Pure stock)2^nd, #10 Phil Speciale, 3^rd, #3 Gerry Galloway 4^th, #01 jasper Drengler(V6) 5^th , #99 Louis Chatroop 6^th , #52 Tom Deyoung 7^th , #22 Julie Hayes 8^th ,#67 Ryan Nuti 9^th , #266 Ken Hocking 10^th ,#48 Gerald Hayes 11^th ,#01 Brad Jones  12^th  #84 Mike Hennessy Sr. 13^th and For the Four Cylinders  #22 Chris Jones(Bandit 4)  1^st , #21 Brad Nelson(Warrior(stock) Four 2^nd , #27 Kyle Padfield 3^rd ,  #0 Craig Frase 4^th (International) , #0 Renee Farren 5^th , #2  Randy Padfield  6^th and #82  Dan Chapman 7^th .

2^nd 125 Lap Feature: #12 Craig Phillips(V8 Pure Stock) 1^st , #10Phil Speciale 2^nd , #67Ryan Nuti 3^rd ,#01Jasper Drengler(V6) 4^th , #99Louis Chatroop 5^th , #52Tom Deyoung 6^th ,#22Julie Hayes 7^th ,#01Brad Jones 8^th #48 Gerald Hayes 9^th,#8 Aaron Wilke (V8 Outlaw)9^th , #3 Gerry Galloway 10^th , #266 Ken Hocking 11^th ,and for the Four Cylinders  #22 Chris Jones (Bandit 4)1^st,  #27 Kyle Padfield (Warrior Stock 4) 2^nd , #2 Randy Padfield 3^rd , #0 Renee Farren 4^th , #21 Brad Nelson 5^th , and #0 Craig Frase 6^th

IMPORTANT UPDATE !!!

 The Gladiator Racing Series Event  scheduled for This Saturday at the Grundy County Speedway has been changed to SUNDAY September 23. Pit gates will open at 10am, practice at 11:30 and Race action starting at 1pm. Grandstands will open at noon with full concessions. Adult admission is only $7 and FREE for all children 10 and under.

 It's going to be a Sunny and exciting day for racing. If anyone has questions or concerns Call the Grundy County Speedway at 815 942-5958 or Mike at 608 393-6705.

NEXT Event:   The Gladiator Racing Series is set to visit The Grundy County Speedway  on September 22^nd with Twin 125 Lap Features for the V8 Street Stocks /V8 Pure Stock Classes and Twin 75 Lap Features for all 4 Cylinder Bandits, Hornets and Pure Stocks. Special sponsorships for the day, from Bema Incorporated  ”With Bema, It’s in the BAG!!” and Advanced Refractory Tech with a Guaranteed Winner’s Purse of $300 for the V8 Pure Stock Class in each of the Twin 125 Lap features.  One  lucky driver could walk home with over $600  cash. The PURSE can grow dramatically in every class, depending on the total entrants for the day. Special invitations go out to all Rockford Road Runners , Grundy County Street Stocks and Illiana Turbo Stox , and any front wheel drive four cylinder, whether it’s a Pure Stock, Bandit,  or Hornet. If you want to race, we’ll fit you in.

 It’s supposed to be cool on Saturday but the Sun will be shining and the cars will be fast. Pit gates will open at 12 noon with Racing Action Scheduled to start at 3pm.  Drivers: Because the Wilmot Speedway has backed away from the Year End October Special, this might be The last race of the Season for the Gladiator Racing Series. I urge all long lost V8 enduro drivers to clean the weeds out of the car and come out and play with theV8 Pure Stock Class. Everyone could use an extra $600.  I hope to see you all, on Race Day !!

The Gladiator Racing Series visited The Dells Raceway Park on Sunday Afternoon, September 9^th, and when all 400 laps of side by side race action was completed,        Eight different winners stood in victory lane.

  In the first of Twin 75 Lap Four cylinder features, Chris Jones, driving the #22 Acura Integra from Capron IL., piloted his way to take top honors and the Win in the Bandit Class and 13 year old Bryce Biddick, driving the #33 Ford Escort from Evansville, drove to perfection and grabbed top honors in the Warrior (stock) 4 Class.

 In the second 75 Lap, Four cylinder feature, Steve Rozek driving the #29 Ford Escort from Sparta ,put on a clinic and outdrove his competition to take home the trophy in the Bandit Class and Brad Nelson, driving the #21 Acura Integra from Shawano, outdueled  his rivals and escaped with a win in the warrior (stock) 4 class.

In the First of Twin 125 lap V8 Features, Ryan Nuti, driving the #67 Chevy Impala from Edgerton, held off many challenges to take home the Gold in the V8 Pure Stock Class and Matt Born, driving the #44  Chevy Impala from Sheboygan Falls , survived some trouble  and took home top prized in the Outlaw V8 Class. Jason Parkes, Driving the #71 Ford outlasted his competition to take home the prize in the V6 Class.

In the Second 125 lap, V8 Feature, Ryan Nuti  in the #67 came to the front, was challenged and tested but withstood the challenge and took his 2^nd win on the day, in the V8 Pure Stock Class , along with a 2nd Win for the #44 of Matt Born in the V8 Outlaw Stock Class  and a 2^nd Win for The #71 V6 Ford, driven  this time, by Michael Parkes.

First 75 Lap Four Cylinder ,Finishing Order  1^st #22 Chris Jones     2^nd #11 Andy Portzen       3^rd #71 James junget       4^th #18 Jay Orr,      5^th #29 Steve Rozek       6^th #2 Randy Padfield      7^th#  #117Phil Lehl        8^th #33 Bryce Biddick      9^th #21 Brad nelson       10^th #39 Colton Morgan        11^th #43Ren Revels         12^th #12 Al Bartels       13^th #114 Mike Klein        14^th #27 Kyle Padfield        15^th Riley Zilmer      16^th Jake Balk        17^th #83 Kevin Burris

Second 75 Lap Four Cylinder, Finishing Order 1^st #29 Steve Rozek       2^nd #71 James Junget        3^rd #22 Chris Jones       4^th  #117 Phil Lehl       5^th #21 Brad Nelson         6^th #27Kyle Padfield       7^th #2 Randy Padfield          8^th #83 Kevin Burris        9^th #33 Bryce Biddick        10^th #65 Riley Zilmer       11^th #18 Jay Orr         12^th #39 Colton Morgan        13^th #11 Arch Preston         14^th #114 Mike Klein          15^th #12 Al Bartels      16^th #43 Kurt Kolden

First 125 Lap V8 Feature, Finishing Order 1^st #67 Ryan Nuti   2^nd #12 Craig Phillips   3^rd #3 Gerry Galloway 4^th #10 John Miller    5^th #17 Tom Barnharst     6^th #01 Brad Jones      7^th #372 Randy Gelden      8^th #44 Matt Born      9^th #8440 Mike Hennessy Sr.       10^th #266 Ken Hocking        11^th #101 Tracy Drengler      12^th #22 Gerald hayes      13^th #72 Mark Fogel       14^th #8 Aaron Wilke       15^th #71 Jason Parkes       16^th #10 Jasper Drengler      17^th #27 Mark Tomasi        18^th #94 Brian Blenker

Second 125 Lap V8 Feature, Finishing Order 1^st Ryan Nuti   2^nd #12 Craig Phillips   3^rd #22 Gerald Hayes       4^th #372 Dave Edwards     5^th #266 Ken Hocking     6^th #01 Brad Jones      7^th #3 Gerry Galloway    8^th #101 Tracy Drengler     9^th #44 Matt Born     10^th #8440 Mike Hennessy Sr.      11^th #71 Michael Parkes       12^th  #10 John Miller      13^th #27 Mark Tomasi        14^th #10 Jasper Drengler

 It’s RACE DAY!!  Come Visit the Wisconsin Dells Raceway Park and watch the Gladiator Racing Series.

 The weather is supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees all day , A Nice relaxing day to watch some stock car races and get  three hours of entertainment for the day. Pit gates will open at 9:30 am, Grandstands open at 12 noon and racing starts at 1pm with our first of Four BIG races planned for the day. Twin 75 Lap bandit/hornet features along with Twin 125 Lap V8 street stock races. As an added event, we will have some Old Classics on hand to offer Track rides during intermission. Come to the track and have some fun!!

NEXT Event: The Dells Raceway Park

  Sunday afternoon, Sept 9th!!!! The Gladiator Racing Series will visit the Dells Raceway Park with over 400 Laps scheduled.

  We are looking for all area divers who have full size V8's, Mid size 6 cylinders, and all 4's ,whether they are a bandit, hornet, or enduro car. We will be running five different classes with potential for ten different winners in victory lane at the end of the day.Payouts will be based on car counts in each class. If 25 cars register in any one class, we will be able to pay atleast $250 for a WIN in each Feature event with a possibility for any ONE driver to walk away with over $500 on the day.We will  also be giving Spectator and childrens rides on the racetrack during intermission.It should be an exciting day at the races!!

We are offering 2 for 1 Grandstand admission passes for all race fans and drivers who want to come and visit the Dells, Also, Those who visit participating sponsors can get FREE admission tickets. Some sponsors of this event include Andrews Insurance(Baraboo)  Blystones Towing of Portage.Leo's Upper Dells Bar in Lyndon Station. Harpers Auto Salvage in Wisconsin Dells.The Tire Shop in Portage. Gawronski Signs in Reedsburg. The JUG Tavern in Baraboo.Tri-Mark Performance in Reedsburg. Herman's Motor Clinic in Baraboo. The OLD Baraboo INN on Baraboo's South Side and The Green and Gold Experience Inflatables .

 We are taking applications from drivers who would be interested in particpating at the Oshkosh Speedzone as part of thier Fall Classic on Saturday night, Sept.8th . We would like to Run an 80 lap Feature with ALL visiting V8 steet stocks/pure stocks and Six cylinder cars OR an 80 lap feature for the Four cylinder bandit/hornet cars. If any drivers have an interest in that event, please call 608 393-6705. 

Sorry !! The Gladiator Racing Series has had to cancel it's event at The Oshkosh Speedzone because of RAIN.  

 We are  currently in the process of trying to reschedule an event with the Oshkosh speedzone for this year. If any drivers would be interested in participating at the Speedzone's Fall Classic on Sept.7-8. Please contact Mike Hennessy at 608 393-6705.

 Our Next Event already on Schedule. The Dells Raceway Park on Sept. 9th. Twin 125's for the V8 Cars and Twin 75's for the Four cylinders.

This Sunday, the Gladiator Racing Series visits the Oshkosh Speedzone after a long two month break in the schedule and we are eager to get the wheels turning and the mud –a-slinging at the 1/3 mile dirt track 

  Pit gates open at 9:30am and Grandstands open at 12 noon. Races will start at 1pm and we should be done by 4, for those who need a Sunday rest before work on Monday.

We have had many calls from local area drivers and are expecting a good field of cars at this event. I’d like  to ask all drivers and race fans to make the trip  to the Speedzone  on Sunday and be ready for a full day of racing with over 350 laps planned, even though, the weather forecasts are calling for a 50%chance of rain. Last year, the rain went around the Speedzone on race day and we had one of the best shows of the year. This time around, I predict another great show without rain and even if it rains a little, the Grandstands are covered so the spectators will always be dry.

I’ve been making rounds to all the Auto parts stores in the Oshkosh area, handing out FREE 2 for 1 grandstand admission tickets for the race event. I urge everyone to visit a local Napa, Oreilly’s or Carquest for those tickets . The general cost for adults is only $7 but there is nothing better than a full day of racing, for only $3.50 each, if you bring a friend or a date.  I hope to see you all, On Raceday!!

The Gladiator Racing Series is set to visit the Oshkosh Speedzone on Sunday August 26^th with over 400 laps of side by side action planned.

Pit gates will open at 9:30 am, with practice at 10 am.  The grandstands will open at noon with admission for adults only $7, Children get in FREE and Race action begins at 1pm.

   ON Schedule: Twin 100 lap features for the V8 classes with a mandatory refueling pit stop at Lap 50. An invitation has gone out to all surrounding area  Pure Stock (Enduro Cars), Street Stocks, IMCA street stocks,  and Hobby Stocks  to join the V8 Outlaw class events and run for a Possible $300-$500 payday. Adjustments have been made to the Outlaw class rules  to allow visiting cars to run with a Minimum weight of  3200lbs with no other requirements. Any 8” tire is allowed, whether it is Goodyear, Hoosier, McCreary , American Racer, or DOT brand.  

 Also on the schedule: Twin 75 lap features for the Four cylinders with a chance for someone to take home $200-$400 at the end of the day .  An invitation goes out to all area 4 cylinder class cars, classified as Bandits, Hornets, Dirt devil, Compacts or Sport 4’s. If any drivers are interested in getting more information about our Race organization and our visit to The Oshkosh Speedzone please call Mike Hennessy at 608 393-6705.

NEXT EVENT:  The Oshkosh Speedzone Aug . 26th    

The Gladiator Racing Series visits The Oshkosh Speedzone on Aug . 26 with twin 100 lap V8 features and twin 75 lap Four cylinder feature events.  All surrounding area Hobbystocks, street stocks, bombers. hornets, bandits and bumble bees are invited to particpate.The pit gates will open at 9:30 am. practice begins at 10 with races starting at 1pm.

Grandstands will open at 12 noon with Tickets priced at $7 for adults,Children under 10 are free.

NOTE:  Sorry,We have had to cancel the Event which was Pending for The Milwaukee Mile due to lack of sponsorship funding. If we obtain the adequate sponsorship for that event, in the near future. WE will notify all drivers and reschedule it for later this year. ALSO: We are still in the process of rescheduling the event at the Grundy County speedway. Please stay tuned for more information.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

 The Gladiator Racing Series is sorry to announce the cancelation of our race event scheduled for July 8^th at the Grundy County fairgrounds.  Due to some unforeseen issues,we are unable to hold our BEMA INC. sponsored Day at the Races but we will be working with the Grundy County Speedway, to reschedule an event in the future.

    Our sincere apologies go out to BEMA INC. ‘s owner Glen Galloway and Gerry Galloway  because we had to cancel. The Gladiator Racing Series considers all sponsors to be a vital part of our organization and we will always try to represent every person and company to the best ability through the entire year and years to come.

NEXT EVENT: The Gladiator Racing Series is headed to The Grundy County Speedway on July 8^th  for the Bema INC. Sponsored Day at the races.  With Bema, It’s in the BAG!!  Special race event funding By Bema INC. and  Gerry Galloway with Advanced Refractory have  given a guaranteed $250 towards each winner of the Feature Races in the Pure Stock V8 class.. The The standard payout based on car counts will also be given in each class and IF there are more than 25 cars in each class, It could be a VERY Big Pay day for any driver.

  All Grundy County Street stocks, Illiana Turbo Stox and Rockford Road Runners are invited to take the V8 challenge .All Rockford Area bandits, Hornets, Grundy county pure stocks and any area 4 cylinder compact- hornets  are invited to run against some of the best drivers in the Midwest, a Battle of Car, driver and equipment. DO You Have What It takes?

The Race-day will start and pit gates will open at 9:30 am with Open practice at 10. The Grandstands will open at 12 noon ,with admission prices for adults just $7 , Kids 10 and under are free. The first of twin 75 lap four cylinder features will start at 1:00 pm and The First of twin 125 lap v8 Feature races will follow. Check us out on facebook. Our website is(www.racethegladiators.com)

 So far this season, we have seen many New faces in Victory lane and with three races completed  so far, the Points chase is a tight battle in many areas. Matt Born Leads the Outlaw Stock Class , Jasper Drengler leads the V6 Class, Gerry Galloway Leads the Pure Stock V8 Class by Just 5 points over Craig Phillips,  Jacob Balk Leads the Bandit 4 Class  by 5 points over Randy Padfield and Kyle Padfield Leads the Warrior(Stock) 4 class over Brad Nelson by just 5 points. The race at the Grundy County Speedway could be the Event that Changes History for some of these drivers.

   Stay cool this week and I Hope to see you all ,on Raceday!!

Larry Moen, Mark Fogel, Jasper Drengler,

           Kyle Padfield, Jacob Balk, Jay Orr,

    Gerry Galloway and Roger Stephenson Visit

Victory lane at The columbus 151 Speedway

 The Gladiator Racing Series visited Columbus 151 Speedway on Sunday June 24^th for The Tom Nevoso Memorial Race and eight different winners, visited victory lane.  Good, competitive racing throughout the day and new competitors visiting the Series from the local tracks , provided an excellent show for the fans that came to watch.

   Chaplain Todd Christopherson lead the pre-race activities with a special commencement reading about the late Tom Nevoso’s Life. Followed by a ceremonial three flag solute with Tom’s family on hand, during the national anthem.

  When It was time to go racing, The bandits and warrior 4’s made their way onto the track for their first of twin 84 lap Feature races. A tribute to Tom and his car #84.  When the checkered flag waived ,Last year’s Champion Kyle Padfield in the #27 ford probe claimed victory and took top honors in the Warrior 4 class. Jacob Balk  in the #13 finished 2^nd and claimed top honors in the Bandit class. Brad Nelson in the #21 finished third, Dave Lembke in the #06 finished 4^th, Al Bartels in the# 12 finished 5^th , Randy Padfield in the #2 finished #6,  and Steve Rozek in the #6 finished 7^th

 After the first  4 cylinder event. The V8 Outlaw stocks and Pure stocks along with three v6 entrants joining in, made their way to the track for their first of twin 125 lap features . At the finish ,The #10 Outlaw stock of Larry Moen  claimed victory over the field with the #44 of Matt Born finishing 2^nd . Mark Fogel finished 3^rd, driving the #72 and claimed the top spot in the Pure stock V8 class. The #67 of Ryan Nuti finished 4^th,The #4 of Darryl Traber finished 5^th , The #372 of Dave Edwards finished 6^th , The #8440 of Mike Hennessy Sr. Finished 7^th and the V6 #10 of jasper Drengler finished 8^th and took top honors in the V6 class.

 At Halftime, The Andrews Agency from Baraboo Wisconsin organized a classic car ride and parade for the fans.  Ron Mortimer driving a 1970 Dodge Charger, Ike Andrews (Owner of The Andrews Insurance Agency) driving a 1966 Ford Fairlane convertible, Ted Erhardt driving a 1967 Ford Fairlane and Mark Meadon driving a 1963 ½ Ford Galaxy  were able to display their automobiles while  also giving rides on the track. Everyone seemed to have a great time during the intermission.

 After the Break, The 4 cylinders came out for the  2^nd feature event and when the checkered flag fell. Jay Orr  had placed his 8 teen Bandit  car into victory lane with a dominant performance. The #6 of Steve Rozek finished 2^nd, Jake Balk finished 3^rd , Kyle Padfield finished 4^th and took top honors for the second time, in the warrior 4 class, Dave Lembke finied 5^th and Al Bartels finished 6^th

 For the final race of the day, The V8’s were lined up for their  second 125 lap event  and the green flag was thrown. In the end , Larry Moen was able to take his #10 Outlaw stock to the front and into victory lane for the second time of the day.  Rodger Stephenson finished 2^nd overall but placed 1^st in the V6 class with his v6 Powered Jefferson Road Runner. Matt Wachuta in the #30 finished 3^rd ,Gerry Galloway finished 4^th and claimed top honors in the Pure Stock class, The #67 of Ryan Nuti finished 5^th, The #12 of Craig Phillips finished 6^th , The #4 of Darryl Traber finished 7^th

 The Next event for The Gladiator Racing Series will be at The Grundy County Speedway in Morris IL. on July 8^th. We will be having Twin 125 lap V8 & V6 feature events, Sponsored By Bema INC and a special Guarantee of $250 to WIN the Pure stock Class in each feature. By Gerry Galloway and Advanced Refractory.

  All Rockford Roadrunners, Grundy County Street stocks and ILLIANA Turbo Stox are invited to take part in our  V8 events and all Rockford Hornet, Bandit, Grundy County 4 cylinder and Illiana  4 cylinder pure stock class drivers are invited to come join us for twin 75 lap 4 cylinder features.

NEXT EVENT:

             The Tom Nevoso Memorial                                     June 24^th at The Columbus 151 Speedway

      The Gladiator Racing Series Visits the Columbus 151 speedway on June 24 for the Tom Nevoso Memorial . An invitation goes out to all race Fans and Drivers, to help us Honor a  past competitor who died from a heart attack, while participating in a Gladiator Racing event last year. Tom  changed people’s  lives with His attitude and Team LandShark . He is well known through Southern Wisconsin from competing at Lake Geneva Speedway in His purple #84.

  Pit gates will open at 9:30 am, Drivers will be able to practice and tune their cars before our event. Grandstands open at noon, and Racing Ceremonies start at 1pm. Come one, come all, I look forward to seeing you. On race day.

Rockford Speedway, JUNE 10TH, 2012

It was a Very Warm Sunday afternoon as the Gladiator Racing Series visited Rockford Speedway on June 10th . Low driver participation and Warm temperatures forced officials to make changes in the Race format , limiting the 4 cylinder’s to Running Twin 50’s instead of Twin 75’s and also limiting the V8’s to Twin 75’s instead of Twin 125’s.

At day’s end, we had 8 new winners in victory lane. Phil Speciale, Gerry Galloway, Jason Parkes, Jacob Balk, Rick Zifco ,Matt Born , Brad nelson and Jasper Drengler.

      The race day Began with the First 50 lap Four cylinder feature Sponsored by Rick’s Towing and Recovery in Elgin IL. The #0 of Rick Zifco started up front and held off the challenges that were thrown at him during the race, leading every lap of the event and going on to His First Gladiator Racing Series Bandit Victory. A Hard charging  #21  Brad nelson finished 2^nd    and took Top honors in the Warrior 4 Class. The #7 Scott Schlafke finished 3^rd, the #13 of Jacob Balk finished 4^th ,The #2  Taylor Dawson  finished 5^th , the # 27  Kyle Padfield finished 6^th ,  the #78 Jeremia Rychecky finished 7^th , The #3 of Joie Dennis finished 8^th , the #2 Randy Padfield finished 9^th   The #33 Matt Jerry finished 10^th , the #3 Joie Dennis finished 11^th The #88  Joie Dennis Jr. finished 12^th  and The #9  Kevin Gentry finished 13^th .

   In the first 75 lap V8 Feature sponsored by Phil Speciale and MAC TOOLS. The #4 of Darryl Traber lead them to the green but gave way to the hard charging #12 of Craig Phillips . A very quick #10 being driven by Phil Speciale was making his presence felt and eventually he  got around  Traber and Phillips to set the race pace. The #3 of Gerry Galloway was patiently on the move, getting past Traber and then around Phillips in his pursuit of Speciale but the cars ran in that order for a long time and near the end of the race, Traber had some car troubles. Phil Speciale took his first victory of the season in the #10 Monte Carlo ,The #3  Bema Chevrolet of Galloway was 2^nd, the #12 of  Craig Phillips was 3^rd , the #44 of Matt Born was 4^th overall but took top honors in the Outlaw V8 class, The 8440 car of Mike Hennessy Sr. was 5^th , The #74 of Gary Paulick finished 6^th , Jasper Drengler was 7^th overall but took Top honors in the v6 class, The #266 of Ken Hocking was 8th, The #48 of Gerald Hayes was 9^th,  and The #372 of Randy Gelden was 10^th

    After the First V8  Feature was completed, the cars wer aligned for the start of the second 50 lap Four cylinder feature sponsored by Sevcik Race Engines in Des Plaines. The cars of  #33  Matt Jerry and #88 Joie Dennis Jr. lead them to green but their stay at the front was short lived. The #21 of Brad Nelson  made a power move and claimed the top spot followed by the #13 of Jacob Balk. Meanwhile, The #0 of Rick Zifco was coming through the field in search of his second win on the day and last event’s winner  ,#7 Scott Schlafke took the second spot from Balk. A few laps later, Schlafke had some mechanical problems and was forced to retire. Zifco had now raced into the 3^rd spot  and was chasing down the two at the front, when he too, had mechanical problems. Nearing the end. The #2 of Randy Padfield and the #27 of Kyle Padfield had moved into the top 4 and that’s the way they finished.  #21 Brad Nelson took  the checkered flag, and first in the Warrior 4 class, The #13 of Jacob Balk finished 2^nd overall but claimed the first place trophy in the Bandit class,  The #2 of Randy Padfield was 3^rd, The #27 of Kyle Padfield was 4^th , The # 33 of Matt Jerry was 5^th,  and The #3 of joie Dennis Sr. was 6^th.

    For the Final race of the day, The V8’s were  aligned for the start of the second 75 lap feature sponsored by Emil’s Garage in South Elgin.  The #48 Gerald Hayes lead the field to green and held the Top spot for 3 laps  until the hard charging Outlaw Stock #44 of Matt Born made the move to the front. The #3 of Gerry Galloway had come from the back of the pack to move into the 2^nd spot,  The #12 of Craig Phillips moved into 3^rd and the #4 of Darryl Traber moved into 4^th . At lap 15,   Matt Born suffered some mechanical failures, forcing him into the pits, giving the top spot to Galloway. Meanwhile, The #10 of Phil Speciale had moved into 4^th and then into 3rd around Traber but unfortunately his time was short, His transmission let go and he was forced to retire  at lap 30. This gave room to some new Names in the top 7. Ken Hocking in the #266 , Gabriel Alvarado driving in relief for Mike Hennessy Sr in the #8440 car and  Rookie Randy Gelden in the #372.  Galloway was setting a blistering pace and driving to ultimate extremes but the #4 of Traber had something left and was putting the pressure on Galloway from the second spot. In the end, Galloway was able to hold off the challenge. Taking his First Feature  WIN in the Pure stock Class, The #4 of Darryl Traber was 2^nd,  The #372 of Randy Geldon was 3rd,  The #8440 of Gabe Alvarado was 4^th. The #12 of Craig Phillips was 5^th ,The #48 of Gerald hayes was 6^th , The #71 of Jason Parkes was 7^th overall and First in the V6 Class, and The #266 of Ken Hocking was 8^th.

  Special Thanks to the Sponsors of our event at Rockford Speedway

Mac tools and  Phil Speciale

Sevcik Race Engines in Des Plaines

Emil’s garage in South Elgin IL.

Rick’s Towing and Recovery in Elgin

Our next event is Scheduled for June 24^th at the                         Columbus 151 Speedway

             The Tom Nevoso Memorial Race.

    Tom unexpectedly passed away due to  heart failure, while participating in a Gladiator Series Race event at the Columbus 151 Speedway last year. We would like to invite all race fans and anyone who knew Tom Nevoso and TEAM LANDSHARK in some way, to come and enjoy the show. We will be having a special ceremony on that day and if anyone would like to add or take part in that, I’d like to hear ideas.   

Coming to 

          ROCKFORD SPEEDWAY

 On Sunday, June 10^th, The Gladiator Racing Series invades The Rockford Speedway with the Traveling Hobby-Stock and Bandit  Drivers.  

There has been great interest from NEW Competitors for this upcoming event and a large field of cars is expected.

  We will be running Twin 75 lap features for the 4 cylinder Bandit and Warrior Stock 4’s  with twin 125’s for the V8 Outlaw stock and Pure stock classes. Pit gates will open at 9:30 am and after a  safety inspection, cars will be allowed to Practice. Race action will begin at 1pm. A reminder to ALL, THIS IS NOT AN ENDURO. The New program is meant to  provide a Clean endurance type of race action for the competition.  Caution flags, Race restarts,  and no jam truck.

 All Rockford road runners , and Hornets are invited to join the action, along with any past drivers who might have a car resting peacefully in the garage.  Car entry for Sunday’s event is only $50 and that includes a transponder for accurate scoring. Each Person entering the Pit area will be charged $25 for a pit pass and ALL Drivers are guaranteed $35 tow Money for their effort.

  WARNING!! This form of racing is extremely demanding. Every Driver will  be challenged mentally and physically along with their equipment.. The drivers who have been competing in this series for many years have trained themselves properly and are the BEST in the Midwest. As owner/promoter of this Series, I challenge every driver in the state of Illinois and Wisconsin to come and see if you can prove yourself as one of the BEST

SIX different winners in Victory lane at

                                 the

                  Dells Raceway Park

 The Gladiator Racing Series began the 2012 Season at the Dells Raceway Park on Sunday May 20^th and even though the Local weather was calling for a 60% chance of rain. The Race events were completed and 6 different winners, went to victory Lane.

   The Raceday was scheduled for twin 75 Lap ,4 cylinder Feature events along with Twin 125 Lap ,V8 feature events but  because of a low car count in all the divisions,  Series management made the call to Run Twin 125 lap Events with ALL cars competing at the same time. The field consisted of  1-V6, 2- Bandits, 9-Warrior 4’s(Enduro stock), 2- Outlaw street stocks and 10 Pure stock V8 Cars. Even though some drivers were a little hesitant about the mixture, both races were run safely with minimum complications on track. The  events provided a good show for the race fans and most of the drivers were satisfied with the clean, side by side, action.

   In the first 125,  The #44 Outlaw V8 Impala of Matt Born and the #48 Pure stock V8 of Gerald Hayes led the field to green. Born led the first 20 circuits and then,  The #54 Outlaw V8 of Mark Pluer grabbed the top spot and showed his experience. Meanwhile, Kyle Stark driving the #192  Four cylinder Nissan Bandit, was on the prowl . He hunted Pluer down and took over the top spot on lap 28 ,never looking back.  Born was holding onto third when he began having car troubles at lap 60. The cars of Scott Schlafke in the #7 Warrior 4(Enduro) Class and Mike Hennessy SR. in  the #8440 V8 Pure stock Class moved into the top 5 with consistent laps. The #3 of Gerry Galloway,# 39 Aaron Wilke, and #10 of John Miller had also moved into the top 8, all three showed signs of being contenders for a win in the V8 Pure Stock Class.

 After the mandatory pit stop at lap 63. The field had realigned with Kyle stark out front, Mark Pluer running close behind , Mike Hennessy sr. in 3^rd,  and Scott Schlafke  in 4^th . At Lap 83  Hennessy and Pluer touched briefly as they exited turn 2 ,with Hennessy blowing a right front tire and sending him into the pits for repair. Meanwhile, Schlafke Moved into third and Gerry Galloway into 4^th. The cars of John Miller and Aaron Wilke were battling hard for the 5^th spot with Wilke Coming out ahead .

  At the end of the First 125 Feature event Kyle Stark took top honors in the 4 cylinder Bandit Class, Scott Schlafke took top honors in the Warrior 4 (Enduro Class) Mark Pluer took top honors in the V8 Outlaw Stock Class, Gerry Galloway took top honors in the V8 Pure Stock Class and Jasper Drengler won the V6 Class. Race finishing order: Kyle Stark 1^st,Mark Pluer 2^nd,Scott Schlafke 3^rd,Gerry Galloway 4^th ,Aaron Wilke Placed 5^th, John Miller 6^th, Kyle Padfield 7^th, Jay Orr in 8^th,Brad Nelson in 9^th, Gerald Hayes 10^th  Mike Hennessy Sr 11^th ,Randy Padfield 12^th , Gary Stark 13^th, Kenneth Hocking 14^th Craig Phillips 15^th ,Al Bartels 16^th Jake Balk 17^th ,Scott Blanke 18^th , Matt Born 19^th,Ryan Nuti 20^th , Al Kuphal 21^st, Brad Jones 22^nd, Matt Wiegerling 23^rd, Jasper drengler 24^th .

  The  second 125 Lap feature event went green with the previous race winners starting up front and Mark Pluer in the #54 Monte carlo jumped into the early Lead with Kyle Stark in His #192 Nissan on his tail. The #7 Nissan of Scott Schlafke was in third ,The #35 Nissan of Gary Stark had overcome his first race troubles and was running 4^th and Last Year’s Points champion Kyle Padfield in the #27 Ford probe made his way into the top 5.

The #3 of Gerry Galloway Suffered a flat tire when the His car came together with The #39 dodge of Aaron Wilke early in the event,forcing him to make a break for the pits and ending his chance for a double feature win on the day. The #44 of Matt Born and The #8440 of Mike Hennessy Sr. were in the Hunt again, both moving into the top 5 , as we circled lap 30. Gary Stark Made his presence known , as he made his way by Stark, past Pluer and Took the lead at the 30 lap marker.  Kyle Stark moved into second on lap 45 and the race was on between the two Stark names. Meanwhile, Born  had some troubles and began slowing again, Hennessy Sr. then moved up to 4^th, Schlafke remained in 5^th .

As we went to the Mandatory Pit stop at lap 63. The top 4 remained the same, BUT when the dust cleared from the pit stops, Hennessy sr. had fallen a few spots,  The #39 of Aaron Wilke ,The #12 of Craig Phillips, The #10 of john Miller and the #55 of Al Kuphal were nose to tail in a battle for the top pure stock position.

  At lap 100 and with 25 laps to go it was Gary Stark out front, followed by Kyle Stark, Mark Pluer, Scott Schlafke, John Miller ,Craig Phillips, Aaron Wilke and Al Kuphal.

  With 4 laps remaining, a caution flag was thrown for a spinning car and the field was brought together for a 5 lap dash to the end. Gary Stark was on point, he had run strong and led many laps,  but now he faced some mechanical problems and when the green flag was waived, he had to retire short of the end. In all the chaos, the field was jumbled , the pressure was on, and at the checkered it was Kyle stark taking his second win of the day in the Bandit Class, Mark Pluer with his double in the Outlaw Class, Scott Schlafke with his double in the Warrior 4(Enduro class) and John Miller taking the Championship trophy in the Pure stock Class. Jasper Drengler rounded out the race winners in his Chimney Mechanix V6 entry.

The race finish was: Kyle Stark 1^st Mark Pluer 2^nd Scott Schlafke 3^rd John Miler 4^th ,Craig Phillips 5^th , Al Kuphal 6^th, Aaron Wilke 7^th,Brad nelson 8^th Gerald hayes 9^th Randy Padfield 10^th, Gary Stark 11^th, Gerry Galloway 12^th, Mike Hennessy Sr. 13^th , Jake Balk 14^th , Ken Hocking 15^th ,Jay Orr 16^th  Matt Born 17^th , Ryan Nuti 18^th , Kyle Padfield 19^th Al Bartels 20^th,Scott Blanke 21^st,  and Jasper Drengler 22^nd.

   The next Gladiator Racing Event is Scheduled for Rockford Speedway on June 10^th. Scheduled right now, Twin 75 lap , (All 4 cylinders Challenge) and Twin 125’s for the V8 Battle Royal. Payout is based on 25 Cars $500 to WIN.

The 2012  Gladiator Racing Series Begins

                                          Today

                  LET'S GO RACING!!!!!!

 There's a chance for spotted showers this afternon, but we'll get this show moving. Radar is clear,The Wisconsin Dells is ready. We will open the pit gates at 9:30 am , the grandstands at noon and we'll  start the Racing Action at 1pm.

 We are just 1 day away from the Kickoff to our 2012 Gladiator Racing Season .The Weather has been great this week but so far,scattered thunderstorms are predicted for Sunday Afternoon.

   To ALL Drivers:    We will run our program even if we have to delay the action for a time. We want all cars/drivers and fans to get the most from our race and we will make every reasonable decision to provide the Best show for everyone..

  Saturday May 19^th will be the Start of the Season for the Dells Raceway Park and new owner Wayne Lensing. The Gladiator Racing Series wishes the Best for Wayne and the Dells Staff for this upcoming Season. We are thankful to bring our series to DRP twice this year, with dates on May 20^th and Sept. 9th. DRP will be featuring Late models, sportsman, pure stocks and bandits on the 19^th starting at 6:30 pm with a 40 lap late model feature as a headline.  There is Free camping  at the speedway, for anyone who is interested in spending the  entire weekend.

 On  Sunday May 20^th, The Gladiator Racing Series Takes to the track with over 400 laps scheduled in a Sponsor Appreciation Day at the races.  Pit gates will open at 9:00am, and racing will start at 1:00pm. Grandstands will open at noon with $7 admission price for adults & Children under 10 will get in free. Two for ONE admission passes can be obtained at any of the Sponsors affiliated with the Gladiator Racing Series(See list below).

  The Gladiator Racing Series will be introducing the NEW Traveling Bandit Series with Twin 75 lap, 4 cylinder feature events and The New look (Run what you brung) Outlaw Street Stock and Pure stock classes running twin 125 lap V8 features.   All Hobby stocks, thunder-stocks, Roadrunners ,6 cylinder race cars, 4 cylinder bandits and  4 cylinder enduro style cars are invited to compete, with trophies available  in 5 different classes. We will be giving Classic car rides for all fans before the races, for all those who want to get onto the track and take a few laps in a classic, Ford, Mopar or Chevy.  All competitors should get there early on Sunday, with pre-race tech, practice for all cars, and car rides for the fans. We have a lot to cover for the day.

 Also ,The Wisconsin Dells Custom car show ”Automotion”  is in town  on that weekend. If you are interested in The Classic  and The Muscle Cars of the olden days ,bring the family and friends for a lot of entertainment.There are alot of things to see and do , in the Dells.

  The Sponsors which help  Our race Series and are vital to Our future: Two For One Tickets available at 

Dale’s Automotive(Lyndon Station) (608)666-2222

The Old Baraboo INN(The Racer's Bar) Baraboo (608)356-2528

Tri-Mark Performance(Engine work) Reedsburg(608)768-2900

Herman’s Motor clinic(Engine rebuilding) Baraboo (608) 356-4732

Leo’s Upper Dells Bar(Lyndon Station) (608)666-2602

Blystone’s Towing and Repair(Portage) (608) 742-4228

The Tire Shop (auto Repair) Portage (608) 566-1711

Napa Parts(Baraboo &Portage) (608)356-3948

The Green and gold experience(Inflatable Rentals) 800-569-6833

Harper’s Auto Salvage(Wi. Dells) (608)254-7971

The JUG(Bar and Grill) Baraboo (608) 356-2660

Andrews Agency(Personalized health insurance)  Baraboo (608) 522-3694

Mac tools(Phil Special)(630) 508-0059

Emil’s garage(South Elgin) (847)888-0448

Rick’s Towing(Elgin IL.) (847) 697-5376

Bema INC.(It’s in the bag) (630)279-7800

Unfortunately, Due to scheduling conflicts.The Gladiator Race Series will not be able to make it to The 37th Annual Lynch GM Superstore "Let's Go Racing" Motorsports & Custom Car Show in Burlinton this coming weekend.   

 The "Let's go Racing" show  is scheduled 10 am- 2pm This Saturday. It is FREE and is Open to All Types of motorsports and custom vehicles.If Anyone is interested in  getting more information or Bringing their race car or hot rod to this event, contact  Mike Babicz      847-838 1535            michaelbabicz@aol.com 

The Gladiator Racing Series will start it's 2012 Season on May 20th

                                          The Dells Raceway Park.

 The New Race Format will feature the Traveling 4 cylinder Bandit Series and twin 75 Lap features for a total of 150 laps. Also, The "Run What you Brung" Outlaw Class, Pure stocks, and 6 cylinders will combine together and compete in twin 125 lap races for a total of 250 laps. 
This is No longer an Enduro Series, We have transformed into a traveling race series and will provide the best opportunity for all competitors and race fans to enjoy the sport at a reasonable cost. If anyone is interested in gaining more information about The Gladiator Racing Series or becoming a marketing partner, Feel free to drop a note.

 ASKING: All Potential Competitors with the Gladiator Racing Series in 2012 !!! Please send updated Team Profile's, Pictures and Sponsor information to Gladiator_Racer@centurytel.net so we can help Promote Your Team on our website.Thank you.
Upcoming Events:

 May 20th The Dells Raceway Park

June 10th Rockford Speedway

June 24th Columbus 151 peedway 

July 8th The Grundy County Speedway

July 21st (Pending) The Milwaukee Mile

August 26th  The Oshkosh Speedzone

September 9th The Dells Raceway Park

Oct 6th (Pending) The Wilmot Raceway

      Come visit The Gladiator Racing Series booth, at the Circle Track Expo.                                                    http://circletrackexpo.com

  Champions Banquet photos. 

2011 Series Award Presentation 

Battle Royale - V8 Pure Stock/Front row, Champion. Ryan Nuti :Back row, left to right  6th place, Gerald Hayes. 7th Place, Brad Jones .8th Place, Gerry Galloway 9th Place John Miller. 4th Place Jay LeBrun. 3rd place, Erik Nevoso and 2nd Place, Mark Fogel.

Warrior 4's - 4 Cylinder / front row,Champion, Kyle Padfield  . Back row, left to right, 2nd Place Jasper Drengler, 4th Place, Randy Padfield. 6th Place, Matt Skarzynski. 7th Place, Leo Bujak. 10th Place, Jay Orr and 5th Place, Al Bartels

 Mad Max 6's Champion Brad Nelson

  Outlaw Stock Class/ 2nd Place Champion. Jake Sproehlich

Banquet and Drivers meeting , January 28th

   The Gladiator Racing Series will be holding its’ Awards banquet on January 28^th at the Machine Shed Restaurant in Waukesha WI.  on Tower Plaza road, just off  the interstate 94 and hwy 164 intersection. The banquet will begin at 7pm with dinner and drinks .Champions in each class will be asked to give a little speech and  video clips from the In-car racing footage during the year, will be shown.  The Banquet should be done around 11pm, for all those who must travel a distance home, otherwise, there are many hotels in the area.

  All drivers and crew members are invited . Trophies and plaques will be given to the top 10 in the Pure stock and 4 cylinder classes, with the top 3 getting awards for the Outlaw and 6 Cylinder classes. There will be a $15-$20 Cover charge for all those coming to the banquet.  

   Before the banquet, from 4-6 pm. A drivers meeting will be held to discuss the upcoming seasons rules changes to the Outlaw Class,  introduction of the New Traveling, 4 cylinder Bandit Class and the potential schedule. There will be much to discuss and much to look towards, this upcoming season.   

 Anyone can attend the Banquet and the drivers meeting but I want to request a confirmation from all those who plan to attend the banquet, so the proper amounts of food and refreshments can be catered. I look forward to hearing from those who are coming so please call or write an e-mail.  Michael Hennessy

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Gladiator Racing Series. 

   With the challenging times in the economy and many people debating whether they have the resources, to go racing next summer: Let us all reflect in this season, on family, on friendships and the real meaning of Christmas.  Some people make more of an effort to give during the Christmas season because of the pressure, to give. Some people  are consumed with life throughout the entire year and need this time to slow down, reflect and give to those who are important to them , However; This should be a time for ALL, to reflect and think upon a man named Jesus,  who was born in a manger, came to this world as GOD in the Flesh and gave himself with a sacrificial Love, to show us what Life and Love is really about.

May the season and New Year bring good things to everyone .  Good Health, Good financial situations and the mental strength when the going gets tough. With only two, sure things in this  life, death and taxes: We also know,there are only 4 months till the start of a new racing season.  If anyone has any questions or comments, please feel free to call or write.

   I  urge everyone to check our Classified section for updates on the cars/ parts for sale. There are many good, fast , dependable cars available.  Also,  A reminder about  the upcoming “Racer’s Auction and Trade Show” at the Alliance Energy Center in Madison on January 6^th&7^th  and The Lakeshore Motorsports show and sale at the Manitowoc County Expo Center on January 21^st.

  For Those who are diehard Drivers. The Chump Car World Series is holding a 14 hour Endurance Race at the Nola Motorsports Park,on January 21^st ..  Good Luck to Jasper Drengler and” The Chimney Mechanix Team” from Shawano , who are planning on entering that event. If you have any questions, you can try and contact Him on facebook.

  A Championship Banquet and Rules Meeting is in the planning for January 28th . We will be honoring the top 10 in points in the 4 cylinder and the Pure Stock Classes. We will also be honoring the top 3 in the V6 and the Outlaw Classes. A Rules meeting will be a couple of hours before the Banquet.This will be a Casual affair. Anyone can attend. Stay tuned for further information.

Seasons Greetings !!!

The Gladiator Racing Series wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and Peaceful Holiday season , along with, A Special Thank You, for all who showed support to our Organization through Competition or Grandstand attendance this year.  Plans are currently being made for a Championship Banquet/2012 Rules meeting  sometime in January. Future e-mail and letters will be sent out to all , within the next few weeks. Congratulations going out to Our 4 Class Champions.

 V8 Pure Stock-  Ryan Nuti

V8 Outlaw Stock- Matt Born

4 Cylinder- Kyle Padfield

6 Cylinder- Brad Nelson

Some thoughts : Changes for the Gladiator Racing Series n 2012

1- Longer 4 & 6 cylinder endurance races?

2-Going back to The Milwaukee Mile?

3- Having more Entertainment available at each event,( Backup races, Spin to win races, Bus races,& Other race organizational support)

4-Opening up the Outlaw class(Run what you brung)

5-Eliminating the 4 cylinder enduro class, (Forming a traveling Bandit/Hornet/international Class 200 lap race) 

If anyone has any other thoughts or opinions about The Gladiator racing Series. I would welcome your responses or phone calls.

The Gladiator Season Finale

   We live in a  Great Nation, which has been blessed by God with strong families and a strong people. Many men and woman have lived and died for our freedom and this  gives each of us the ability to work hard , play hard ,and do what we want, each and every day. This leads us to dream and keep moving forward, even when struggles enter in. None of us know how long we will live for, the struggles that lie ahead or the blessings that may come, but all in all, family and friendships help us along this road of life.

This past weekend, this world lost a good man. He died with his boots on, living his dream and driving hard for a win. The Information has been all over the news and airwaves throughout Wisconsin and was released by the USA today.

    On Saturday Night, Oct 29, During a 125 lap endurance race at Columbus 151 speedway. Tom Nevoso, At the young age of 52,passed away from what is being reported as natural causes. By the Medical examiners information, Tom’s Death was not related to anything having to do with driving a race car or the accident that followed. This should be taken to each and everyone’s heart  since most of us  often neglect our own health. We never know when something serious could be lurking in the shadows, whether it's high blood pressure, a potential heart attack,  high cholesterol or a stroke.  We all need to be responsible and take care of ourselves. Tom Leaves behind a Wife(Heidi), 3 children named,Erick, Angela and Chris with a Grandson named Chase - the entire family and all of his friends have lost a great man and in the future the families address will be released so that people can send their best wishes .   

  On Saturday Oct 29^th. The North(ISS) vs South(Gladiator Racing Series) held an event at the Columbus 151 Speedway with a 300 lap 4 cylinder race and a scheduled 125 Lap large car race. Eddie Muenster took home top honors in the 4cylinder 300 lap endurance race With Jasper Drengler representing the Gladiator Series,  finishing 11^th, out of 80 cars that started the race. Alan Bartels finished15th, Kyle Padfield finished 28^th , Randy Padfield finished 60^th, Brad Nelson 63^rd and Pat Babino 77^th , Unfortunately, Tony Prietzel was not able to take the green.

  The 125 lap large car race had a mixture of cars, new names and lots of action until the race was cancelled at lap 81 due the accident which involved Tom Nevoso.  In a test session for next year, Mark Johler driving his 4 cylinder Acura , Michael Parkes  driving a 6 cylinder and Tracy Drengler also driving a 6 cylinder, competed with the Pure stock and Outlaw stock class during the race. Even though there was a big difference in speeds and the level of competition, Mark Johler set the fastest speed of the race, and took the lead of that race on the 73rd lap, proving that a stock 4 cylinder can compete the v8 class. Unofficially, Mark Johler was the winner of the race but officially, Ryan Nuti was 1^st , in the v8  pure stock class, Mark Fogel 2^nd, Tom Barnharst 3^rd, Matt Born finished 4^th  overall but was 1^st  in the Outlaw class, 4^th ,Kevin Eddy 5^th, , Dave Edwards finished 6^thoverall, but 2^nd in the Outlaw class, Tony Chase finished 7^th overall but 3^rd in the outlaw class, Brian Blenker 8th , Louis Chatroop  finished 9^th  overall but 4^th in the outlaw class ,Mark Tomasi 10^th,Tom Ruh 11^th,Jay Lebrun 12^th,  Miichael Born 13^th Miles Bradley 14th, Dave Domingues 15^th, Brad Jones 16^th, Tom Nevoso 17^th, Don Wilson 18^th, Jasper Drengler, 19^th Michael Parkes finished 20^thoverall but placed 1^st in the 6 cylinder cars. Matt Arvia 21^st, Gerald Hayes 22^nd, Tracy Drengler finished 23^rd overall but 2^nd in the 6 cylinder cars, Julie Hayes 24^th Gerry Galloway 25^th and Jake Sproehlich 26^th

  The Gladiator Endurance Auto Racing Series Ended the 1^st season with a heavy heart. Champions were crowned in 4 divisions but these were overshadowed by the Death of Tom Nevoso. A Championship Banquet/rules meeting and future discussion will be in our future but I want to thank everyone who has been patient with our Growth in the 1^st year and supported our series within competition. Ryan Nuti Captured the V8 Pure stock Championship, Matt Born Captured the Outlaw class Championship, Kyle Padfield Was our 4 cylinder Champion and Brad Nelson took  Championship honors in the 6 cylinder class. Thank you to all who followed us with a look forward to the future and a special thanks go to all the race tracks that allowed us to hold events, The Dells Raceway Park, The Grundy County Speedway, Columbus 151 Speedway, Rockford Speedway and The Oshkosh Speedzone

Sept 17th , 2011.  Dells Raceway Park. Ryan Nuti and Mark Johler Rise to victory Lane, after a long day of Battle.

 Ryan Nuti Captured his 4^th victory of the Season in the Gladiator Endurance Racing Series V8 class and Mark Johler captured his 3^rd win of the season, in the small car endurance race at the Dells Raceway Park on Saturday.

  It was a beautiful day at the races. The Gladiator Racing Series along with the Small Car Nationals invaded the Dells Raceway Park for a full day of  racing action, including thirteen American Supercup cars and eight Wisconsin Sport Trucks on hand. The Supercup cars and the Trucks provided  great side by side action for the fans , with Jake Boldig taking Top honors in the Wisconsin Sport Trucks and Mick Ellis taking Top honors in the American Supercup Series.

   The Gladiator Series/Sponsor Appreciation 125  Small car enduro rolled onto the track with 16 cars taking the green and the cars of Andy Portzen and Charlie Frisch on the front row.  Portzen shot out to an early lead as Frisch fell in Line and was quickly overtaken by the hard charging Leo Bujak, moving him back to 3^rd .  The Red Flag was displayed for a Loose tire off the car of Brad Nelson just 5 laps into the race and that shuffled the field drastically ,when only a few cars noticed the Red. When the race resumed, Mark Johler made his presence felt, as he moved into 3^rd  with Bujak pressuring Portzen for the lead.  Everyone knew it was going to  be a day of Endurance.

 It was a 3 car battle now, Johler moved around Bujak for 2^nd , with Kyle Padfield(the Series Point leader), and Robert Johler moving into the top five. On Lap 50, something seemed to be amiss, on the  Bujak car, as he was off the pace and looking for the pits. Meanwhile, Johler and Portzen were battling hard  for the lead  as they came to the Mandatory Pit stop/refueling Break on lap 62.  

When the race resumed,   Mark Johler and Portzen  started on point and  both had a quick start, pulling  away from the field. Robert Johler moved into 3^rd putting Padfield back to 4^th, Frisch was running 5^th and Randy Padfield was in 6^th. Twelve year old Riley Zillmer,  in his first endurance race, moved patiently into the top 8.  Mark Johler took the lead and never looked back after that, leading the remaining laps and taking the win.   Mark Johler Wins, the Gladiator racing /Sponsor Appreciation 125 .The finishing order was Mark Johler 1^st, Andy Portzen 2^nd Robert Johler 3^rd Kyle Padfield 4^th Charles Frisch 5^th Randy Padfield 6^th  Riley Zillmer 7^th Burt Young 8^th Dave Lembke 9^th Allen Bartels 10^th Jasper Drengler 11^th Jason Barron 12^th Matt Skarzynski 13^th Leo Bujak 14^th Nathan Preston 15^th  and Brad Nelson 16^th overall but the only car and winner of the 6 Cyl. Division.

The Gladiator Series /Sponsor Appreciation 250 rolled onto the track with 17 cars in the lineup . Darryl Traber started on the front row and took the early lead,  with many cars shuffling, trying to avoid the car of Tom Nevoso after his car stalled on the front straight.  As The field started to close in on Nevoso , he was able to start his car and get moving before he went a lap down. Meanwhile, The car of Jay Lebrun started to challenge Traber for the lead with Kevin Eddy 3^rd and Matt Born 4^th .

With ten laps in the book. Jay Lebrun took the lead and was setting a very fast pace, Traber was close, John Miller  moved his car around Eddy and Born to take over the 3^rd spot but Born was on a Mission. Born moved into 3^rd a few laps later and then took over the 2^nd spot from Traber on lap 30. At Lap 35, Born was bumper to bumper with Lebrun as Miller moved into 3^rd and Mark Fogel moving into the top 5.

With just a few laps before the first Pit stop and break. Born moved into the top spot sending LeBrun to 2^nd  When the field came to the break it was Born 1^st, Lebrun 2^nd Miller 3^rd Traber 4^th and Fogel 5^th.

  When the cars emerged from the pits to start the second round, it was Born 1^st  Ryan Nuti  came to the front row with another quick stop  by his crew in 2^nd, Lebrun 3^rd  , (Big Al) Kuphal was in 4^th  , Fogel 5^th  Miller 6^th and Nevoso, who almost lost a Lap early, now in the 8^th spot.

 The green flag waved once again and the Born machine was  setting a very fast pace now, He was the car to beat early. The car of Fogel seemed to be on a mission as he moved into 4^th on lap 85 and quickly closed in on the 3^rd spot . Nevoso was also on the move, capturing 7^th . on lap 88.

    At lap 114 and with 10 laps remaining until the second Pit stop and break ,there was a  blown radiator and fluids down on the track, shuffling a mixture of drivers.   The field started to slow with many close calls and  the potential for some bad accidents but the they stayed under green and Fogel  moved into 2^nd ,Big Al moved into 3^rd and Nevoso moved into 4^th. A few laps Later, everyone was back up to full speed and that took us to the 2^nd  pit stop and break at lap with Born leading the field into the pits.

The race resumed at lap 125 and again, Ryan Nuti had come to the front row with an excellent job by his pit crew, Fogel was now 2^nd with Nevoso in 3^rd , Big Al in 4^th Born 5^th and Miller in 6^th . Fogel put pressure on Nuti as soon as the green flag was dropped and then took the top spot  at lap 135.  Nuti chased him, Born moved from 5^th all the way to 3^rd  and it looked like a 3 car battle was brewing between Fogel, Nuti and Born. The top 3 looked to be the class of the field ,with Nevoso, holding his own in 4^th.  The field was strung out with many little battles everywhere.

 At Lap 145, Fogel’s  car  blew an engine and erupted in a cloud of smoke as he was heading down the backstretch. Handing the lead  back to Nuti.  Born then seemed to have some troubles dropping to 3^rd and giving 2^nd to Nevoso . Meanwhile, David Dominguez looped his car on the front straight sending all the others scrambling to avoid him. The Jam truck was called and safely pushed him backwards and off the track during the racing action ,but back on the track, the action was  fierce between many competitors, as Gerry Galloway and Jay Lebrun traded some paint battling for the 7^th position.

 A new name entered the top 5 , when Tom Barharst  made his presence felt and captured 5^th spot, then he moved into 4^th a few laps later. Nevoso took advantage of the issues on the track, and chased Nuti down, passing him for the lead on lap 64,  and as they went into the final Pit stop and break, it was Nevoso, Nuti, Barnharst , Born and Eddy your top 5.

  Nevoso emerged from the break with an outstanding pit stop by His crew, Nuti was at his side, Miller had come to 3^rd, and Barnharst was 4^th . When the cars went to  Green, they had 62 laps remaining  and this would be all or nothing, to the end. Nuti outdueled Nevoso for the point on lap 60,  and started to pull away, Barnharst,  started to close in on Nevoso for 2^nd.  and Eddy and Born were in a tough battle for 4^th.

 With 50 laps to go , Miller moved back into the top 5, and Nevoso had gotten his groove back , as he started to chase Nuti back down for the top spot. With 40 to go, Nevoso was on Nuti’s bumper and some lapped traffic allowed him to get by and take the lead. The top 5 cars were all on the lead lap and this was going to be a close finish.

Nuti was desperate for the win and as the lead cars approached some slower traffic with 30 laps to go, Nuti hit and bounced off the backstretch wall , giving an edge to Nevoso for a few more laps. Yet, Nuti was determined, chasing down Nevoso with his fastest speeds of the race, and with 20 to go, He regained the lead and pulled out to a 3 car advantage. With Just ten laps to go, it was Nuti, Nevoso, Barnharst, Miller and Born and that was the way they Finished. Ryan Nuti Picked up The Big Check and The Big Trophy for winning the Gladiator Racing/Sponsor Appreciation 250 at the Dells Raceway Park

   Final Positions, Ryan Nuti 1^st, Tom Nevoso 2^nd, Tom Barnharst 3^rd  John  Miller 4^th , Matt Born 5^th (1^st Place Outlaw stock) Kevin Eddy 6^th Jay LeBrun 7^th Miles Bradley 8^th Darryl Traber 9^th Jake Sproelich 10^th(2^nd Place, Outlaw stock) David Dominguez 11^th Brad Jones 12^th Gerald hayes 13^th (Big Al) Kuphal 14^th  Gerry Galloway 15^th  Mark Fogel 16^th  Rob Christen 17^th

Aug 13^th.   Fogel and Orr Win at the Oshkosh Speed Zone.

   The Gladiator Endurance Auto Racing Series invaded The Oshkosh Speed Zone on Aug 13^th   and with Rain looming and doubts stirring, the races were completed without any problems.  At the end of the day, Mark Fogel and Jay Orr took the top honors in tight fought battles through each of their race events. Fogel Captured the Chimney Mechanix 150 V8 Series enduro race and Orr Captured the One-6 Motorsports   100 lap Small Car enduro event.

  To start the day, sixteen 4 cylinders and One 6 cylinder took to the track for The One-6 Motorsports 100 lap Enduro race. The sun had just peaked out from behind the clouds and the track was Looking good.  Problems arose Immediately for the pole sitter Matt Skarzynski, forcing him off the track and  ending his day with electrical issues. When the race eventually started, Jasper drengler made a charge to the front, with the cars of Jay Orr and Kyle Padfield in tow. Many cars Jockeyed for position, and race day rookies Brad Bahr and Justin Vannieuhoven were in the mix at the front of the field. By Lap 20, the trio of Drengler, Padfield and Orr were three wide for the lead, going down the back stretch. Orr made the entry into turn three with the lead and started to set the pace but just a few laps later, the RED Flag was waved for two bouncing loose wheels, bringing everyone to a stop. After the track was cleared, the race resumed  and Drengler taking over the top spot with Orr in hot pursuit.

  At Lap 50, all cars were required to make a mandatory Pit stop. This would help crews inspect their cars and perform preventive maintenance if needed. A few cars did not stop in their pit stalls and chose to pass through the pits on a drive through, so they could be out front when the race resumed. As the field realigned coming out of the pit stop, it was Drengler, Padfield, Orr, Bahr and Vannieuhoven. The top five.

  The rolling restart at lap 51 jumbled the field again as the cars of Padfield and Orr shot past Drengler.  This put Padfield at the point and Orr second, but just a lap later, Orr took the lead away from Padfield and started pulling away. Drengler then battled with Padfield to take the second spot, moving Padfield to third, Vannieuhoven was 4^th, Bahr was 5^th and  and another race day rookie, Josh Roehl  moved into 6^th.

    As the Laps counted down, Roehl was the on the move. He took over the 5^th spot with 20 to go, and with 15 to go, He  then moved into 4^th .  Out front, Orr continued to pull away from Drengler and as they came to the checkered. It was Orr 1^st, Drengler 2^nd, Padfield 3^rd, Roehl 4^th and Vannieuhoven 5^th  the rest of the field were Jacob Balk 6^th Scott Schlafke 7^th,Allen Bartels 8^th  Pat Babanow 9^th Jeremy Walvoored 10^th Derrick Bernard 11^th Rachel Czarapata 12^th Brad Nelson Finished 13^th overall and 1^st place in the 6 cyl. class, Chad Riehl 14^th , Chris Roehl 15^th, Matt Wiegerling 16^th  and  Matt Skarzynski 17^th  

 Fourteen V8’s entered the track for The Chimney Mechanix 150 Lap Enduro Race.  The drivers would need to be ready for the challenge of the changing track conditions and the glare of a setting sun.

  Ken Childre and Tom Barnharst led the field to the green flag to start the race and with dirt flying and almost zero visability because of the sunlight on the back stretch, Childre was able to lead the first lap. Barnharst followed, Larry Born was 3^rd Jessie jollie was 4^th and Mark Tomasi was 5^th.  Also,Charging through the field were the cars of Mark Fogel and race favorite Darryl Traber.

   Fogel was not wasting anytime as he took over the second spot on lap 6 and moved into the lead at lap 9. Traber wasn’t loosing ground either, as he took his car into the 2nd spot , moving  Barnharst back to 3^rd and Childre to 4^th . On Lap 14 Matt Born hit a tractor tire which rolled onto the track and brought out a temporary Red Flag to stop the the action, but fortunately, the tire rolled right back off  the track and once again, the green flag waved. The race order was, Fogel, Traber, Childre, Mike Watson, and Ryan Nuti as the cars went back to speed.

  On lap 32, the car Driven by Ron Mortimer had a right front tire go flat and he exited the track for service as the battle for the lead started between Darryl Traber and Mark Fogel. Traber would eventually take over the lead on lap 40. He would then lead for the next ten laps and right into the mandatory fuel stop at lap 50.

  With the cars lined up after their refueling stop, Nuti had come to the point with Mark Tomasi 2^nd, Fogel 3^rd and the lapped car of Ron Mortimer up front.  With the rolling re-start to begin lap 51, Fogel wasted little time and went to the front with Childre 2^nd and Traber following in 3^rd .^. Nuti was shuffled back to 4^th and Watson was 5^th. The cars ran that way for ten laps and then Traber made the move on Childre  to take over second and at the same time, Watson Got around Nuti for fourth.

  On lap 62 ,  Traber started challenging Fogel for the lead, But Watson was on the move . Watson’s car seemed to be the best on the track at that time and he calmly made the move into 3^rd past Childre and then took over 2^nd from Traber just a lap later. Eager to challenge Fogel for the lead, Watson pushed  Fogel into a neck and neck battle over the next 10 laps, with each trading the top spot a few times.  Fogel, Watson and Traber were the  fastest cars on the track. Each car had a great chance at the win if in the end, their cars would last.

   While the leaders battled , Race day rookie Ron Mortimer would end his day with axle problems as the track was developing some nasty ruts, wreaking havoc on all the cars. Fogel had assumed the lead during the battle with Watson and now had a two car advantage coming up to the second Mandatory Pit stop at lap 100. As the caution flew, Fogel 1^st Watson 2^nd Traber 3^rd Nuti 4^th Childre 5^th and Tomasi 6^th

   The stage was set for the final 50 laps of the race but race favorite Traber was held up in the pits with brake troubles. As the cars re-aligned for the rolling re-start it looked like it was going to be just a 2 way battle between Fogel and Watson, with Nuti running 3^rd 1 lap off the pace and Childre running 4^th, 2 laps down.

 The cars took the green with Just 48 laps remaining and immediately Watson was pressuring Fogel for the race lead. Traber had returned but was now 1 lap down in 4th. Back in the pack Tomasi was running his patient race in 6th and Jessie Jollie was waiting in 7^th ,Larry Born was 8^th and 77 year old Gerald Hayes was running 9^th. .

 With 25 laps remaining, Watson’s  day ended, as his car erupted in a Plume of smoke . The track had claimed another victim and the race wasn’t over yet.  One lap later, the cars of both Traber and Brad Jones slowed but both continued, being so close to the end.  The rest of the field was standing and holding with Fogel 1^st Nuti 2^nd ,Childre 3^rd, Tomasi 4^th ,Jesse Jollie 5^th  and Gerald Hayed 6^th .

   This was Fogels’ day at the races.  He had been 2^nd in the past three endurance races and now he was headed to victory Lane. With little pressure from the remaining drivers and the track in such rough condition, Fogel took his time, counted down the laps and when that checkered flag was thrown ,Mark Fogel was named King of The Chimney Mechanix 150 .  The Final standings. Mark Fogel 1^st, Ryan Nuti 2^nd, Ken Childre 3^rd Mark Tomasi 4^th , Jesse Jollie 5^th , Gerald Hayes 6^th Larry Born 7^th  Darryl traber 8^th Matt Born 9^th over all, 1^st place Outlaw Class. Mike Watson 10^th, Brad Jones 11^th, Tom Barnharst 12^th , Ron Mortimer 13^th  and Emil loose 14^th  

 Ryan Nuti , Mark johler and Tiffany Clower stand in Victory Lane, during the Gladiator’s  Visit to Grundy County Speedway.

    July 9^th  2011  : The Gladiator Endurance Auto Racing Series returned to the Historic Grundy County Speedway on the eve of July 9^th  with three events taking place and one new winner in Victory Lane.

  Ryan Nuti claimed his 3^rd win of the year holding off a hard charging Mark Fogel in a very heated battle at the end, during The Olson’s Auto/scrap Metal Recycling 250.

   Mark Johler dominated the small cars with an easy victory in The Olson’s Auto/Scrap metal recycling 125  and Tiffany Blower held of a determined Heidi Nevoso to score a win in the 15 lap Powder Puff Race.

 To kickoff the night,  Three woman took to the track in the powder puff race with local favorite Tiffany Clower racing her four cylinder against two v8’s,  one driven by Erika DeYoung and one driven by Heidi Nevoso. With the countdown to green , Nevoso jumped out to the early lead as DeYoung and Clower challenged eachother for the second spot. Nevoso opened up her lead while the two were battling behind and eventually Clower took over second when DeYoung seemed to have some troubles and brushed the turn four wall.  On the 3^rd lap Clower put some pressure on Nevoso and took over the top spot pulling to a slight 3 car length advantage. Nevoso eagerly pursued the leader but was not able to make a serious challenge until the 10^th lap when they both caught the car of Erika DeYoung to place her a lap down. The field bunched together for a short time but Clower was able to make the pass leaving Nevoso with the challenge to follow.  Eventually, she also made the pass and started closing in on Clower but time was running out. Going into the final turn as she was closing the gap, Nevoso Spun her car and that gave the Win to Tiffany Clower.   Heidi Nevoso finished second and Erika Deyoung was third.

Mark Johler Wins the Olson’s Auto/Scrap Metal Recycling 125

Jasper Drengler quickly jumped into the lead to the start The Olson’s Auto/Scrap Metal Recycling 125 and  assumed a 3 car advantage over 2^ndplace. The cars of Matt Skarzynski, Randy Padfield, Mark Johler , Brad Nelson( driving the only v6 entry) and Evan Townsend followed.  Just 12 laps into the race, Nelson had a flat tire sending him into the pits . Drengler stretched his lead up to 15 car lengths over the field but Mark Johler  was moving with ease , taking over second on lap 13.  Townsend was also in hot pursuit of the leaders, moving into 3^rd at lap 20 .   Last events’ winner Leo Bujak seemed to be taking his time as he moved into 5^th on lap 21. 

   On lap 22, Drengler’s lead started to disappear as Mark Johler and Townsend closed rapidly and just two laps later, it was a three car battle for the top spot.  With a quick move to the low side, Townsend took the point and  Mark Johler followed ,moving Drengler back to third. The rest of the field had been spread out by this time and the leaders were encountering lapped traffic.

As we hit the 40 lap marker, Townsend was still leading, Mark Johler was second and Drengler was third.  The 6^th place car of Matt Skarzynski blew a tire  on lap 41  and bounced hard off the wall, forcing him into the pits  and now, Mark Johler started putting pressure on Townsend for the race lead.  At Lap 60,  Mark Johler finally  took over the top spot as Townsend’s clutch started to fail and Mark’s brother Robert Johler, moved into the top five.  The running order was Mark Johler, Jasper Drengler, Kyle Padfield and Leo Bujak  and Robert Johler.

  With 50 to go, Robert Johler took away the 4^th spot, moving Bujak back to 5^th. Townsend’s clutch failed and he headed for the pits with 47 to go but the track seemed to be taking it’s toll on all of the competition.  One car, another car, blown tires, overheating, there was only six cars left, in the race with 40 laps to go.. With 30 laps remaining, Padfield moved into second and Robert Johler moved into third just three laps later.  The field remained spread out and without too much action but just as the drivers got  the ten lap to go signal ,Leo Bujak blew a tire sending him to the pits ,short of the end. As they crossed the finish line it was Mark Johler, Kyle Padfield and Robert Johler the top three.

1^st Mark Johler 2^nd Kyle Padfield,3^rd Robert Johler 4^th Jasper Drengler 5^th Steve Spung 6^th Randy Padfield 7^th Leo Bujak 8^th Evan Townsend 9^th Allan Bartels 10^th Matt Skarzynski 11^th Brad Nelson

Ryan Nuti Wins The Olson’s Auto /Scrap Metal Recycling 250

    Jesse Jollie and Mike Watson started the Olson’s Auto/Scrap Metal Recycling 250 from the front row as seventeen cars took to the track. When the green flag was dropped, Watson, jumped to a quick lead but by the end of the first lap there was a three car battle for the top spot between Mike Watson. Jay Lebrun, and Gerry Galloway . Lebrun raced into the lead as the field  settled in, Galloway took the second spot, Irich Iverson moved into third and Mark Fogel made his presence felt, moving into fifth.

  The track was rumored to be hard on tires and race equipment and it proved to be right. The car of Ken Hocking started smoking heavily just 3 laps in and John Miller had car troubles forcing both to exit for repairs before lap 20 .  The battle for the race lead tightened as Fogel moved into second sending Watson back to third and Ryan Nuti, last events winner, was cautiously moving through the field into the top eight

Again, the track claimed two more drivers , as the car of Ken Childre retired with overheating troubles and Julie Hayes Broke an axle sending her hard into the turn 2 wall, bringing out the full course red flag on lap 41.

  When the green flag waved again, Lebrun was 1^st, Fogel 2^nd   Nuti 3^rd  and Galloway 4^th . Immediately, Fogel challenged Lebrun for the lead but Lebrun was not going to give it away easily. Back in the field, Tom Nevoso moved into 4^th and Darryl traber moved into 5^th . On lap 60, Fogel was finally able to make the pass and lead the field to the Mandatory Refueling stop on lap 63.

When the field of cars  lined up for the rolling green restart, on lap 64, John miller had come to the point with Lebrun 2^nd Nuti 3^rd Fogel 4^th and Nevoso 5^th. Lebrun seemed to have some car troubles when the flag was dropped and didn’t get up to speed, allowing the car of Nuti and then Fogel to race to the front and challenge Miller for the lead.  Nuti didn’t waste too much time, as he made the pass heading into corner three, and that also, opened the door for Fogel to slip by, but Fogel wasn’t done yet, as he took the lead from Nuti on the next lap.  Fogel  went to work, extending his lead as Matt Schlick moved into the top 5 and Nevoso captured the 3^rd spot from Miller on lap 90.   After that, Miller seemed to have car troubles, falling off the pace just as Lebrun had tire troubles sending both of them, in for repairs.   The cars were spread out over the entire length of the track and this gave way to some wide open racing for the next 10  circuits but as we approached  110 laps completed , the leaders were coming into heavy traffic and it was bunching the top 4 .  Patiently Fogel worked the traffic, and brought them to the red flag/fuel stop with 125 laps remaining in the event. Fogel 1^st Nuti 2^nd Nevoso 3^rd Traber 4^th Schlick 5^th.

The field took the green flag on Lap 124 with Fogel still at point Chased by Nuti and Nevoso. Schlick went to work on Traber for the 4^th position and with 100 laps to go, Traber blew a tire and was forced to pit, giving the position to Schlick.  The car of Gerald Hayes also had to exit to the pits for help. The Grundy Track was almost, too tough to tame.

  We were approaching 80 laps to go and the battle up front was heated but the car of Fogel was able to hold off many challenge by Nuti.  The top two were the only cars on the lead lap at that time and it seemed Nevoso might be having troubles too, as his car was slowing and Schlick was about to overtake him for the 3^rd spot. Meanwhile, the car of Jesse Jollie had to exit with problems, short of the mandatory Fuel stop. At the final Break with just 63 laps remaining, Fogel carried the field into the pits as the race leader, Nuti 2^nd Nevoso 3^rd Schlick 4^th  and Watson 5^th .  

 When the field emerged from re-fueling.  Nuti was on the point. The car of Gerald Hayes was beside him and Fogel was right behind. They took the green flag at lap 62 and Nuti jumped out to a commanding lead. Schlick took the 3^rd spot from Nevoso and the rest of the field shuffled. A determined Fogel pursued Nuti and was closing the gap as Gerald hayes had some problems and was forced to the pits. With just 35 laps to go, Fogel was bumper to bumper with Nuti but couldn’t make the pass.  Both drivers were giving it their all and Fogel brushed the wall a few times with a heated effort to make the pass. With 28 to go, Schlick had some car troubles,  forcing him into the pits and giving the third spot back to Nevoso, Watson was 4^th and Galloway was 5^th . As they came to the 10 laps to go, the lapped traffic was playing a part in the story. Both, Nuti and Fogel were dodging in and out of cars but keeping pace with one another. With just 7 laps to go, Fogel went strong into turn 3 and got a fender under Nuti  for the race lead but Nuti didn’t give him much room and their cars touched, sending both spinning towards the infield. Each driver was able to keep his car under control and race back onto the track, just ahead of oncoming traffic.  With 6 laps remaining, Nuti was able to pull out to a 2 car length lead  over Fogel who was not able to  make another run for the win. As they crossed the finish line. It was, Ryan Nuti 1^st, Mark Fogel 2^nd, Tom Nevoso 3^rd Mike Watson 4^th Gerry Galloway 5^th Jay Lebrun 6^th Darryl Traber 7^th Matt Schlick 8^th Erich Iverson 9^thBrad Jones 10^th Gerald hayes 11^th Jesse Jollie 12^th Louis Chatroop 13^th John Miller 14^th Julie hayes 15^th Ken Childre 16^th  and Ken Hocking 17^th

Ryan Nuti and Matt Born win the action packed Mac Tools /Sevcik Motorsports 250, Gladiator Endurance Auto Racing Event at the Rockford Speedway.

   June 12^th Rockford Speedway.  21 cars started the Main event with former champion, Darryl Traber taking the early lead followed by David Domingues and Mike Watson.  On Lap 13, as the entire field jockeyed for positions, the car of Leonard Grolaue had a steering box failure, sending him hard into the turn 1 wall .  His car, bounced off the wall and back across the traffic coming out of turn 2 where he collected Mike Watson. Both cars crashed together, scattering debris everywhere. The race was Red Flagged so that the racing surface could be cleaned and both cars could be removed from the track .

 On the restart, Traber was 1^st , Matt Schlick  2^nd, Jay Lebrun  3^rd and Steve Nicklaus  4^th.   As the leaders worked through slower traffic, Mark Fogel moved into 4^th , as he  was one of the favorites of the race.   Ryan Nuti, who was also, a favorite, cautiously worked  through traffic from his last place starting position.

On Lap 35 Nicklaus broke a front brake rotor but managed to drive his car into the pits as his teammate, Ken Childre ,also had troubles, blowing a head gasket on lap 40 and forcing him to quit for the day.

 Meanwhile Traber was moving through the field quickly and had caught the car of Nuti on lap 45 , to place him a lap down, However; Traber couldn’t make the pass.

 On Lap 50 Gerry Galloway moved into 4^th  sending Jay Lebrun back a spot, Fogel  remained running 3^rd.  with Schlick  still running 2^nd.  All the leaders were moving through lapped traffic quickly but they were only 15 laps shy of the first fuel stop.

Louis Chatroop had become one of the faster cars in the race at that point, moving into 4^th on lap 70 sending Galloway back to 5^th. At the Same time, we had a battle for the lead between Traber and Schlick .

On lap 83 , the Caution flag was displayed for the mandatory Fuel stop and as they entered the pits it was #1 traber, 2 Schlick, 3 Fogel, 4 Chatroop, and 5 Nuti.

   On the restart, Schlick lead the field to the green with Fogel running 2^nd, Traber in 3^rd  and Louis Chatroop in 4^th  . At lap 90, Fogel took the lead and Schlick stayed right on his bumper. Chatroop took over 3^rd and the Fight for 4^th heated up on lap 95 , as Nuti battled Traber for the spot.   Lap 100-150 seen many problems start to occur with cars in the field, Blown engines, and flat tires caused  several drivers to exit for repairs and this opened the door for many drivers to finish well, John Miller and Tom Nevoso moved into the top 8.

 On lap 143 David Domingues and John Miller spun  and then a few Laps Later, Gerry Galloway and (Big Al) Kuphal crashed hard into the outside turn 3 wall .Gerry Galloway was able to continue BUT the red Flag was displayed so that Big Al’s car could be removed from the track.

As the race resumed, it was Fogel, Schlick, Chatroop and Nuti top four and it stayed that way heading into the final fuel stop with 83 laps to go.

  When the field came to take the green for the final segment, Ryan Nuti had come to the front row because of a great stop and service from his Pit crew. Matt Schlick was beside him on the front row, Chatroop and Fogel in the second row, Traber and Nevoso in the third row. As the cars started down the back stretch to take the green, Matt Schlick’s car seemed to be down on power, jumbling up the restart and giving a5 car advantage to Nuti. Fogel quickly moved into second  with Chatroop close behind. A short time later, Schlick exited the race because of engine troubles.

  With 40 laps to go, Nuti was entering heavy lapped traffic and Fogel was closing the gap. Each time Fogel would get close to strike, Nuti would find an escape through some lapped traffic. With 10 laps to go, Nuti had a 4 car advantage on Fogel but Fogel had his worries being pressured by Chatroop  for the 2^nd spot . Those two were bumper to bumper the remainder of the race. When the checkered flag was raised, Ryan Nuti was Victorious. Mark Fogel was 2^nd. Louis Chatroop 3^rd, Darryl traber 4^th and Tom Nevoso 5th .   Additional: Matt Born  was 17^th overall, but claimed 1^st place in the Outlaw stock Class

Finishing order

1 Ryan Nuti,2 Mark Fogel,3 Louis Chatroop,4 Darryl Traber,5 Tom Nevoso,6 John  Miller7 Jay Lebrun,8 Jesse Jollie,9 Miles Bradley,10 Gerald Hayes,11 David Domingues ,12 Gerry Galloway ,13 Matt Schlick, 14 Brad Jones, 15 (Big Al) Kuphal ,16Mark Tomasi ,17 Matt Schlick 18.Ken Childre ,19 Steve Nicklaus , 20 Mike Watson, 21Leonard Grolaue

Leo Bujak and Brad Nelson claim first wins in the Emil’s Garage/Rick’s Towing 125, Gladiator Endurance Auto Racing Small Car Event at Rockford Speedway

Sunday June 12, 2011, Rockford Speedway.

The Gladiator Endurance Racing Series made its one and only visit to the famed Rockford Speedway. The too tough to tame, high banked quarter mile short track, provided a no holds barred atmosphere, for the action packed 125 lap small car endurance race.

Jasper Drengler lead the mixed batch of Warrior 4’s and Mad Max 6’s to the green flag and immediately a tight battle developed for second with Evan Townsend taking the spot from Kyle Padfield.  Townsend took over the lead on lap 27 with, Drengler remaining in second and Kyle Padfield third. Starting two laps down, because of a rules infraction, Dells winner and race favorite, Mark Johler pushed through the field and passed Townsend to get one of his laps back. Meanwhile, Leo Bujak was calmly making his way to the front battling Matt Skarzynski for the fourth spot on lap 60 and moving into third on lap 70 when he overtook Kyle Padfield. Townsend continued to lead at lap 85 as Bujak grabbed second from Drengler pushing Padfield back to the fourth spot in a tight battle with Skarzynski. Continuing to make up ground, Johler was passing Randy Padfield to take over the sixth spot. Skarzynski grabbed fourth from Kyle Padfield on Lap 88 and Johler was poised to take both of those spots a few laps later. Johler made the pass on Skarzinski  to take over third on lap 90.

With 30 laps to go, Evan Townsend  was leading, with Leo Bujak in second and Mark Johler now in third. With 22 laps to go, Townsend had mechanical problems and was forced to exit the race, leaving Bujak in the lead and Johler about one-half lap behind.  With 15 laps to go, Bujak encountered heavy lapped traffic, allowing Johler  to gain ground fast and with three laps to go, Johler was within striking distance . The lapped traffic was set to play an evident role in the outcome of the race.

As the white flag dropped the duo of Johler and Bujak entered turn one side by side  and  shot down the back stretch, quickly approaching  KylePadfield’s car, which was one lap down to the leaders. Bujak and Johler split Padfield entering turn three, with Bujak high, Johler low,  and Padfield in the middle. All three  cars came racing out of turn four making contact, as Bujak bounced off the outside retaining wall  then striking Padfield. In an accordion effect Padfield bounces off Bujak, Johler bounced off Padfield and then Padfields car slingshot and crashed into the wall just short of the finish line.  After the dust cleared, Leo Bujak  claimed the checkered flag just ahead of Johler for the win. Overall sixth place finisher Brad Nelson would be credited with winning the Mad Max 6 division.

Finishing order: 1. Leo Bujak, 2. Mark Johler, 3.Jasper Drengler, 4.Kyle Padfield, 5.Randy Padfield, 6.Brad Nelson, 7 James Gagliani, 8.Matt Skarzynski, 9.Evan Townsend, 10.Allan Bartels, 11.Tyler Andrus, 12.Tommy Goedert, 13. Devon Dixon.

The Gladiator Endurance Auto Racing Series(Formerly known as The Midwest Enduro Series)

Welcome Auto Racing Enthusiasts. This auto racing series is here to provide and to promote grass roots style stock car racing. We want to discover and develop new drivers and fans, which will translate into better and more exciting racing events. We will also focus on keeping costs down for the race competitors and giving more entertainment value for everyone.

The Gladiator Endurance Auto Racing Series, formerly known as The Midwest Enduro Stock Car Series has had many drivers and crews go on to great success in other venues of auto racing. We believe all former competitors will credit this type of racing with providing the most experience any driver or crew can obtain within the sport. This Series wants this concept to remain a significant part of stock car racing into the future.

Our objectives are simple: To create a way for the average man/woman who has limited finances, to participate in and have an equal chance of winning each race event. We will work with each race team by providing tech support for the drivers and crew in the form of advice, counsel, set up tips and tricks and we will provide a full auto racing experience for the race fan with ride along programs, rent-a-rides and in car video. We want to encourage each and every race competitor and fan to come and experience the new... Gladiator Endurance Auto Racing Series.