THIEL STRIKES FIRST WITH 2025 FRRC OPENER WIN
KAUKAUNA, Wis. (May 22, 2025) – Jordan Thiel made a statement by claiming the Fox River Racing Club’s first Schmitty’s Tickets Super Late Model feature win of the season. On a night honoring Lowell Bennett’s 50th year of racing, it felt fitting to see the #2 head to Victory Lane at Wisconsin International Raceway.
Thiel grabbed the lead from Taylor Vandermoss at the drop of the green and rarely had to look back. However, there were several instances where he would be challenged throughout the feature.
After pacing the first nine laps, Thiel had to fight off the advances of Andy Monday. By the halfway point a new challenger arrived in Grant Griesbach. Griesbach’s best opportunities came around the 20 lap mark, including a chance to battle past Thiel on the restart.
Thiel used the favorable outside line to take the lead back from Griesbach, who surrendered Second briefly to Monday. Griesbach was able to get back to Second by lap 25 and brought fast qualifier Chad Butz along. The duo held close to Thiel, but could not make and substantial bids to take the win away.
Now in his third full season returning to Wisconsin International Raceway, the win cements Thiel as a true contender for the season title along with the likes of Griesbach and Butz who trailed him to the line.
BRAISON BENNETT SECURES WIN LATE IN PRO LATE MODELS
Braison Bennett scored one in honor of his father in the 20-lap Fox City’s Towing Pro Late Model feature. The former division Champion breezed through the field and made his move with three laps remaining.
After a lap one melee that claimed Justin Woller, the field trailed Matt Wittman early in the race. Shortly, Bryan Monday, Bennett, and Alex Stumpf were in the mix. It took several laps, but Bennett made his move past Monday on lap 12, and began to size up Wittman.
Bennett waited patiently until his opportunity came on lap 17. He swung to the inside and vaulted past Wittman, bringing Monday and Stumpf into the top three. Over the final laps, Bennett was able to pull away and secure the win.
SPOO AND NEERDAELS TAKE QUARTER-MILE LATE MODEL WINS
Rick Spoo and Henry Neerdaels split 15-lap feature wins in the Pete’s Auto Body WIR ¼-Mile Late Models presented by Van Handel Auto Body.
In the first feature Spoo held off a charge from Neerdaels with just four laps remaining in the battle for Second. After Neerdaels spun while racing for position, the restart allowed Spoo to steal the lead from Mike Reichenberger. He wen on to take the win as Tim Baumann made a late move to Second.
In the second feature Neerdaels tangled with early leader Don Dix. Dix fell out of contention while Neerdaels was able to maintain the lead about halfway through the race. One late charge from Ty Fietzer was turned aside by Neerdaels as he went on to take the win.
WENZEL WAGONS TO WIN
Driving his former rival and good friend Greg Hauser’s famous station wagon, Dylan Wenzel scored the first Novus Auto Glass Super Stock win of the season.
Wenzel made an early move into Second, then grabbed the lead from Dylan Steinbach on lap five. Despite a caution on lap six, Wenzel was able to distance himself from the rest of the pack while Mike Gilson held off Ed Howard and Mike King Jr. in the battle for Second.
CALMES CLAIMS SPORT TRUCK WIN
Mason Calmes continued to prove his might in the Wisconsin Sport Truck feature. A couple of early incidents marred the main, but it did not slow down Calmes.
Calmes was able to find himself in prime position by the lap-four restart. He quickly outdueled Cadyn Liedke and Owen Voight to battle Brady Vanderloop for the lead. At halfway Calmes was looking for ways to the front of the pack.
Another restart gave Calmes the final boost he needed as he rocketed around Vanderloop on lap 12. The race was ended with a caution one lap later with Calmes well in control.
DEGROOT WINS IN SIZZLIN’ 4 DEBUT
Alex Degroot made the most of his first time behind the wheel by taking the Roundabout Bar & Grill Sizzlin’ 4 feature. Although the race looked to be in the control of Kaiden Volovsek, it was Degroot who stepped in late to steal the win.
Volovsek took an early lead and held a healthy advantage over Matt DeWilde and Degroot. However, a caution at the midway point gave Degroot the chance to make his move. He secured the lead on lap 13 and did not look back on the way to the win.
MEYERHOFER BESTS FIGURE 8S
Former division Champion Mike Meyerhofer Jr led pillar to post in the 13-lap Marty Nussbaum Racing Figure 8 feature. Meyerhofer was well-challenged by Ethan Beattie, but was able to hold on for the win.
NEXT WEEK…
It’s Retro Theme night at Wisconsin International Raceway for week two of the Thursday Night Thunder program. Bergstrom Chevrolet Cadillac of Appleton presents the action. Racing begins at 6:30.