Schumacher sails to big payday in Eagle River Speedway finale

Sibling rivalry was hot and heavy at Eagle River Speedway Saturday night as Nick Schumacher of Eagle fought off his brother Dan Schumacher to capture the caution-free, grand national feature win at Eagle River Speedway Saturday.

The victory netted Schumacher $2,309 for his efforts. It was his first ever visit to Eagle River Speedway.

Polesitter Tyler Kulow paced the opening five circuits until Schumacher slipped underneath Kulow to grab the lead on lap six. Close to the midpoint of the event Nick’s brother Dan sliced through the field and began chasing his brother down. Although Dan Schumacher closed to within a car length of his brother, he was forced to settle for second in the caution free event.

“This place does remind me a little bit of 141 Speedway with its layout,” Nick Schumacher admitted. “I actually learned a thing or two from Dan in the heat race. This is a fun place and we’ll be back for sure next year.”

Dan Schumacher settled for second place money at the pay window. Sheboygan’s Ryan Minster, who started 10th on the grid, charged through the field to take third place. Kulow and Omro’s Brian Schrauth took fourth and fifth place.

Former track champion Jesse Aho of Twin Lakes, Mich. fended off fierce challenges from Jason and Geoff Zdroik in the closing laps to pick up the B-Modified feature win. Geoff Zdroik passed Jason Zdroik on the final circuit to take the runner-up spot. Jason Zdroik settled for third, while Wausau’s Scott Swanson and Eagle River’s Dustin White took fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Jason Zdroik, the 2023 Late Model champion, scored the caution-free feature win in that class. Zdroik led every lap en route to victory.

Sugar Camp’s Jason Eisel won the caution-filled Street Stock feature. The 2023 division track champion kept the lead through no less than nine cautions, including one as the checkers flew. Only 10 of the original 18 cars that started the contest were still running at the end. Greenville’s Jared Spaulding, Merrill’s Ethan Hommerding, Quentin “Iceman” Morrison and Hope Eisel placed second through fifth, respectively.

Track champion David Blackberg of Eagle River won the stock car feature.

Aidan Leingang of Coal Valley, Ill. made the long haul north pay off. The non-local fought off hometown racer Ty Springer in the closing laps to capture the 600 Micro Sprint feature.

Hometown driver Mason Meier scored the 300 Micro Sprint feature win while Braxton Lundquist of Bark River, Mich. led wire-to-wire to win the caution free 500 Micro Sprint feature.

A total of 140 drivers from three states took part in the two-day special race.

The management of Eagle River Speedway would like to thank the fans, drivers, sponsors and car owners for their support during the 2023 season. For further information including 2024 plans and pending banquet information fans are advised to check the track’s Facebook page.