MT: Kaukauna preview

Trickle an Historic Figure at Wisconsin International Raceway

Thursday, July 26, 2007 (Daytona Beach, FL) -- When the Kwik Trip ASA Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment makes its inaugural appearance at the Wisconsin International Raceway on Tuesday August 7th for the Factory Motor Parts 150 there will be a very familiar face in the field for race fans. Wisconsin short track legend Dick Trickle is scheduled to make his second appearance of 2007 with the ASA Midwest Tour at the famed "D-shaped" half-mile oval.

Trickle recently competed in the Echo Chainsaw/Five Car Stock Car Bodies No Bull 100 presented by Briggs and Stratton and Lancaster Toyota at Madison International Speedway finishing 23rd.

Trickle is heralded as perhaps the greatest short track racer not only in Wisconsin history but throughout the United States. A simple web search will lead to web pages claiming that Trickle has won over 1,200 feature events although they can not provide verification. However, with 68 wins, Trickle has the most wins in ARTGO Challenge Series history. Many of Trickle's feature wins and ARTGO wins came at WIR. He is a four time winner of the "Dixieland Challenge," a traditionally star-studded early August ARTGO event, topping the event in 1983, '87, '90 and '91. He also won seven Red, White and Blue State Championship Series titles at WIR from '72 to '84. "It's been a good track to me and I think I still know my way around there," Trickle stated.

A return trip to WIR stirred up many memories in Trickle. "All I know that it was hard to get out of that bar on the corner. My truck used to pull right into that parking lot all the time," the Legend joked. The racing at WIR also reminded Trickle of great times. "(WIR) is a great track that puts on a great show," he said. "I didn't race on Thursday nights at WIR. I only raced the specials. It was always a hyped up race and a hyped up situation when I raced there," added Trickle.

Last October Trickle filed for Medicare and hopes to receive his first Social Security check in the next coming weeks. Trickle's age and time away from the Wisconsin late model circuit may lead many fans to wonder whether or not they will see Trickle run up front once again at WIR. Fans can be assured that Trickle will be competitive as he will pilot a Chevrolet Monte Carlo owned and prepared by Kevin Lang and Tim Rothe. "I believe I am still competitive at this point," said Trickle. "I have a good team and a good car behind me."

A "good team and a good car" may be an understatement of the entry that Trickle will pilot. Rothe is the current point leader at WIR on Thursday nights and the defending track champion. He will set aside his own race effort in order to aid Trickle on race day. "He's always fun to work with," said Rothe of Trickle. "Last time he finished fifth. I'm hoping this time we can have better results."

The Factory Motor Parts 150 will also serve as a reunion of sorts for Trickle. "My home is the Wisconsin short tracks," he said. Trickle has many reasons for which he enjoys coming back home. "The racing fraternity is a big reason. Also, I recognize so many of the fans throughout the years and their next generation."

Trickle will be joined by NASCAR Nextel Cup drivers Kyle Busch and Johnny Sauter, NASCAR Craftsman Truck drivers Ken Schrader and Ron Hornaday and another Wisconsin short track legend, Rick Bickle.

Joining the ASA Midwest Tour will be the Big 8 Series. Fans will have the opportunity to see the best Super Late Model drivers compete in a 150-lap event along with the best Limited Late Model drivers compete in a 38-lap feature event all in one night.

Advance tickets and VIP packages are on sale now through the ASA Midwest Tour's website at www.asamidwesttour.com.

Qualifying will begin at 4:30 pm. Autograph session at 5:45 p.m. and the racing action will get underway at 7:00 p.m.

Wisconsin International Raceway is located on Highway KK just east of Highway 55 in Kaukauna, WI.

-credit: asa