5/9/2023
Alex Pokorski
Alex Pokorski opens 2023 PDTR 360 Sprint Car campaign with top-five run
(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) May 9, 2023 – Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team set sail on their second season together in head-turning fashion by racking up a strong top-five A-main showing and scoring a heat race triumph in Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing and Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car action, during the 2023 season opener at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, May 6.
With 22 PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars checked in, Pokorski ripped off the sixth-fastest overall qualifying lap in 13.101 seconds around the third-mile clay oval.
By turning in the fourth quickest qualifying lap in his heat race group, Pokorski earned the pole position for the first 10-lap PDTR-MSA heat race. The fourth-year 360 Sprint Car racer outpowered outside front row starter Justin Erickson to grab the initial lead on the drop of the green flag.
On lap 2, the yellow flag appeared when Nick Daywalt spun in turn four. The ensuing restart saw Kevin Karnitz pull even with Pokorski along the high groove. However, Pokorski held strong along the inside lane to maintain the top spot.
The red flag was displayed on lap 4 when Tristan Koenigs, Nick Daywalt and Kevin Seidler collided in turn two, which resulted in Daywalt’s car flipping on its side.
When the race resumed, the West Bend driver pulled away from Karnitz and the rest of the field to claim his fifth career PDTR-MSA heat race victory and seventh overall PDTR-MSA race win.
Pokorski then rolled off fifth in the 25-lap PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car main event and held the fifth spot along the low groove during the first four laps of the race until Bill Taylor slipped past on lap 5.
Nine laps later, Pokorski battled back to move past Taylor and regain fifth place in the running order as the leaders worked through heavy lapped traffic on lap 14. Pokorski reeled in the fourth place car of Kevin Karnitz over the final 11 laps, but was unable to gain the position.
Pokorski went on to notch a fifth place showing, which equaled his career-best PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car A-main finish at The Plymouth Dirt Track, in a race won by Ben Schmidt.
“The new car feels great,” Pokorski said of the Triple X chassis he is utilizing this season. “The chassis transfers weight nicely and the crew had it set up well all night. I think I could've done a little better in qualifying, but I was happy to win the heat race. The 63K [Kevin Karnitz] almost got me on the first restart, so I had to change up my start for the second one. I was a little too aggressive, though. It ruffled some feathers, but it ended up okay.
“The A-main track was fun to race on,” he said. “The track crew did a nice job maintaining it throughout the night. I was happy to finish in the top 5 and compete well. I think we had the second-fastest lap time in the feature, so the speed is definitely there. Now, it is about doing that consistently. I'm happy to be out competing with the Akright Auto team again this year!”
Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team will return to PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Car action at The Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday, May 13 for a program which will also feature the Super Six Late Model Series, Grand Nationals and B Mods.
The May 13th PDTR racing program will also be You’re Our Heroes Night with all military, police fire and EMS personnel admitted free with valid identification.
Grandstand gates open at 4 p.m. with Late Model and Sprint Car qualifying at 4:30 p.m. and racing at 5 p.m.
Sponsors and supporters for Alex Pokorski and the 2023 Akright Auto Racing Team include Akright Auto, Petersen Septic Systems, Goeden Auto Body, Novak's Service Center, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, Homestead Auto, Cedar Valley Hunt Club, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.
Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Akright Auto
Located at 106 North Bluebird Lane in Sheboygan Falls, Wis. Akright Auto has served as a reliable source for auto parts since 1940.
With a highly trained staff of auto parts professionals, Akright Auto is well prepared to assist customers with vehicle repair needs with a wide assortment of affordable, high-quality auto parts available on site. If a part is not available, Akright Auto offers next-day delivery services.
In addition, Akright Auto provides full auto salvage services, along with a 90-day standard warranty on all parts purchases.
Contact Akright Auto by phone at 920-467-4201, toll free at 800-400-4201, via email at dakright12@gmail.com or visit www.akrightauto.com.
For more information on Alex Pokorski and the No. 4 Akright Auto Racing Team, check out Pokorski Motorsports on Facebook at https://facebook.com/pokorskimotorsports or visit www.pedaldownpromo.com.
Pedal Down Promotions is a full-service public relations and media services company devoted to helping its clients effectively communicate with targeted audiences through press releases, newsletters, profile and feature articles, website and social media content development, printed media, editing and layout, graphic design and book publishing services.
For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com or call 920-323-7970.
Alex Pokorski - Akright Auto Racing Team
2023 Upcoming Schedule
Saturday, May 13 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, May 20 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis.
Saturday, May 27 – Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis.
Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
2023 Season
By The Numbers
Total Events – 1
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 1
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 1
Heat Race Victories – 1
Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
2023 Season
By The Numbers
Total Events – 0
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 0
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 0
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 0
Heat Race Victories – 0
Article Credit: Jeff Pederson - Pedal Down Promotions
Submitted By: Jeff Pederson
