Racing Nuggets

Levon Van Der Geest joins us on the Racing Nuggets Podcast to chat about his efforts behind the wheel of the #23 super late model race car, how his learning curve is getting better for helping to set the car up for success, and his work with the Kulwicki Driver Development Program. ALSO: You'll never guess where the #23 comes from in his family!

In this episode of the Racing Nuggets Podcast, we sit down with photographer QC Willy, aka William Prutz. He often shoots photos at State Park Speedway in Wausau, Golden Sands Speedway in Plover, and many other venues across the Midwest.

Chris Weinkauf is arguably one of the most liked drivers in Wisconsin. He's seemingly a friend to everyone and always takes the time for fans after piloting his sweet-looking #75 around various tracks across the Midwest. Lately, Weinkauf has been focusing on mentoring and being crew chief to Levon Van Der Geest, an up-and-coming driver who has started making some noise in super late model circles.

Listen in as we hear Weinkauf's racing origin story, his plans for 2024, and some of his adventures throughout his career, which started in 1990.

Racing is in Dean Strom's blood. He grew up at the short tracks in Wisconsin and went on to be actively involved in public relations/media for racing organizations and behind the mic announcing races. He even recently competed in the Boston Marathon. Getting this man, who is always on the go, was quite a feat to sit down with us and chat about his racing story.

Minnesota's Ty Fredrickson, the 15-year-old phenom, captured his first super late model win at Dells Raceway Park on April 13, 2024. We sat down with him to learn more about him and get his thoughts on the season ahead. This episode was recorded before heading to Slinger Super Speedway for the first time. That race is/was part of the ASA Midwest Tour season opener at the famous "World's Fastest 1/4-Mile."

Bubba Pollard definitely brought the fan base to his NASCAR Xfinity debut at Richmond Raceway with JR Motorsports. His blue-collar likability seemed what NASCAR needed in a series filled with pay-to-play young drivers. We chatted with Bubba about that debut, what might be next, his family, their dirt track in Georgia, and more.

Dick Johnson was quite the Renaissance man of auto racing in the Midwest through the 70s and 80s. From hand-drawing artwork for track logos and advertisements to scoring and race directing--and even using a typewriter to get the evening's race report put together while race directing the events--Dick Johnson was a valuable asset to Larry Wehrs when he ran the Dells Motor Speedway and La Crosse Speedway. Listen in for a view from behind the scenes during the heyday of Midwest auto racing.

Derek Kraus started as a go-kart racer from Stratford, WI, and has been chasing his racing dreams with his family for quite some time now. Having tasted success in the ARCA West Series, enjoyed some solid runs in the NASCAR Truck Series, had a few starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series--and now, thanks to Kaulig Racing--will be making a handful of starts in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024. We catch up with the busy racer and get some insight into his journey and how he will continue to keep a foot in short-track racing with his super late model team out of Wisconsin.

This week on the Racing Nuggets Podcast, we sit down with the 2023 ASA Midwest Tour Rookie of the Year, Bryan Seyer-Keske. Bryan is a Minnesota racer who got to test drive an ARCA car at Daytona as part of his Rookie of the Year honors. He took his dad with him for that experience, which was a trip of a lifetime for them both.

Todd Thelen, the owner and promoter of Slinger Super Speedway, has breathed new life into the Fastest 1/4-Mile in the World. He's been steering the track in the direction that reinvigorates the signature event, the Slinger Nationals, and the weekly race program. Thelen started as a racer himself. That experience and his business acumen give him solid footing to continue to steer Slinger Speedway into the future.