Schmidt captures MSA Sprint checkered at Eagle River Speedway

Former Midwest Sprint Car Association champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth claimed the top step on the podium in the 25-lap Akright Auto MSA 360 Sprint Car Series headliner at Eagle River Speedway Saturday, July 6, to go two-for-two in main event competition at the unique D-shaped third-mile clay oval before an overflow contingent of enthusiastic fans.

The seventh official event and fifth completed A-main of the 2024 MSA season drew a solid field of 21 Winged 360 Sprint Cars for the series’ second straight appearance at the Eagle River facility.

In addition, the second-ever full-size Winged Sprint Car event at Eagle River Speedway produced a buzz among race fans, who packed each of the track’s seating areas stretching from turn four through turn one.

After starting second in the 25-lap MSA A-main, Schmidt bolted past polesitter Chris Larson of Franksville to grab the lead in turn two of the opening lap. The 2011 MSA champion immediately stretched out a comfortable lead over Larson and the rest of the field using primarily the outside groove, which proved to be the preferred line in the early stages of the race.

On lap 7, Schmidt caught the rear of the field while holding a full straight-away cushion over Larson on the dry slick racing surface. The 25-year racing veteran skillfully sliced his way through slower traffic before the first of two caution flags was displayed on lap 14 when MSA rookie Steven Ruh of New Holstein spun along the front stretch.

Over the next six circuits, Larson made some headway on Schmidt in the middle portion of the track before the second and final caution flag flew on lap 21 when Bill Taylor of Boltonville slowed to a stop in turn four.

Following a single-file restart, Schmidt held tight to the inside lane, which had become the preferred groove in the latter stages of the race, to pull away from Larson on the way to his second MSA A-main victory of the 2024 season and his 44th career MSA triumph.

“I got a little lucky the first time we hit lapped traffic and the first couple of cars went to the bottom, while I was running the top,” Schmidt said. “Around the time of the second caution, I came down and found some rubber, which helped to get us to victory lane.

“I have to thank the crew, our sponsors, especially Sweetwater Spirits and Resort from Eagle River,” he said. “I also want to thank all the fans for packing the house tonight. That’s great to see.”

Larson recorded a career-best second-place showing, Brandon Berth of Cascade charged from the eighth starting spot to round out the podium with a third-place finish, MSA rookie Clayton Rossmann of Wadsworth, Ill. placed fourth after starting third and fourth starter T.J. Haddy of Waupun took fifth.

MSA heat race victories went to Ben Schmidt, who captured the A-main victory in the MSA’s debut appearance at Eagle River Speedway in 2023, Chris Larson and Tyler Davis of Franklin.

Brandon Berth claimed MSA fast qualifier honors with a top lap of 13.729 seconds.

Ontonagon, Michigan’s Dave Dishaw outraced fellow front row starter Jake Stai and kept the top spot all 20 laps to win the B-Mod feature.

The win was Dishaw’s second straight at the speedway. Stai hung on to claim runnerup honors, followed by Austin Zdroik, Dustin White and Owen Wilcox.

Coal Valley, Illinois ace Aiden Leingang made the long trip from the flatlands worthwhile. Leingang kept the lead on a restart with two laps to go and went on to win the 600 Micro Sprint feature. Trailing at the checkers were Noah Carpenter, Cade Jaeger, Jacob Zimmerman and Hoyt Cournoyer.

Drivers representing four states took part in the 600 Micro Sprints, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Florida.

Hometown driver Mason Meier swept action in the 300 Micro Sprints, winning both the heat race and feature. Horicon’s Lee Miller scooped up the Milwaukee Stock Car Racing Association vintage feature.