Hartmann posts career-best IRA showing at Wilmot Raceway
(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) August 21, 2024 – As one of the most frequented tracks on the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series circuit, negotiating the nuances of Wilmot Raceway has been an ongoing work in progress for Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team during the past three seasons of IRA competition at the tricky three-eighths-mile semi-banked clay oval nestled in the tiny community of Wilmot, Wis.
Hartmann, who posted a strong fifth place A-main finish in an unsanctioned 410 Sprint Car race at Wilmot on May 6, 2023, scored his first top 10 main event showing in IRA competition at the venerable speed plant by placing ninth in the annual Kenosha County Fair Night racing program on Saturday, Aug. 17.
The evening started well for the third-year IRA 410 Sprint Car Series driver as he ripped off the sixth fastest qualifying time in the 27-car field with a lap of 13.241 seconds on the three-eighths-mile semi-banked clay oval.
Hartmann then turned in a fifth place showing after starting third in the third eight-lap IRA Sprint Car Series heat race to earn his fifth IRA dash appearance of the 2024 campaign.
After starting third and placing fourth in the second four-lap IRA dash, the 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association – Plymouth Dirt Track Racing 360 Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Award winner launched from eighth in the 30-lap IRA main event.
Hartmann hovered around the eighth, ninth and 10thpositions throughout the event before turning in a ninth-place A-main showing in a race won by Greg Wilson.
It was Hartmann’s sixth top-10 A-main finish of the team’s 2024 campaign.
One night later, Hartmann and the team traveled to Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. for the annual Corn Fest event with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprint Car Series on Sunday, Aug. 18.
Hartmann opened the night by qualifying 18th in the 27-car field with a lap of 13.762 seconds. From there, the fifth-year Winged Sprint Car competitor started and finished sixth in the third eight-lap IRA heat race to advance to the A-main.
After starting 16th in the 30-lap main event, Hartmann survived four race stoppages, including one red flag featuring an open red session, and drove a clean, consistent race to improve two positions on the way to a 14th place finish behind the winning car of Joe B. Miller.
“We had a good night at Wilmot,” Hartmann said. “We definitely didn’t need the caution in the feature. It broke our momentum. We didn’t have a great night at Angell Park. The car came to life finally with about 10 laps to go and I managed to get by a couple more cars before the checkered. We are looking forward to the IRA doubleheader at Plymouth and Sturgeon Bay over the Labor Day weekend.”
Following an off weekend, the 87A Hartmann Racing team will embark on a doubleheader Labor Day holiday weekend with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Sprint Car Series starting Saturday, Aug. 31during a Sheboygan County Fair at The Plymouth Dirt Track.
The Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Cars are also on the card with on-track action slated to begin at 5 p.m.
On Sunday, Sept. 1, the team will venture north to The Hill Raceway in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. for the first-ever IRA Sprint Car Series event to be held at the slightly banked third-mile clay oval, along with the Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series and Stock Cars.
Spectator gates open at 3 p.m. with racing scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.
All Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events can be viewed via live streaming at Floracing.com.
The sponsorship partners for the 2024 87A Hartmann Racing team include Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Feldmann Sales & Service, Holler n Hills, Quasius Construction Inc., TheD8Dispensary, AF Inc., Metalcraft, Rich’s Truck and Auto Repair, Fastenal of Plymouth, Waldo Oil, RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Maxim Chassis, Berryman Racing Shocks and My Race Pass.
The 2024 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Eric Bergschultz, Ian Schultz, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham and Kristine Hartmann.
Additional information on the 87A Hartmann Racing team can be found by visiting the team’s website www.team87a.com and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/87Ahartmannracing.
87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Shufflebotham Tree Service
Located in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, Shufflebotham Tree Service specializes in tree trimming, tree removal, brush chipping, lot clearing, stump grinding and snow removal with fully insured service and free estimates.
Contact Andrew Shufflebotham and his highly skilled team, which has accumulated over 20 years of experience in the field, for your next tree trimming, removal or clean-up project by calling 920-627-3849 or checking out the Shufflebotham Tree Service Facebook page.
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Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Upcoming Schedule
Saturday, August 31 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, Sept. 1 – The Hill Raceway, Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (IRA)
Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Statistics
Total Events – 23
IRA Events – 20
World of Outlaws Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 6
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 11
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 14
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 5
Dash Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
