6/19/2024
Alex Pokorski
Alex Pokorski seizes spot on PDTR 360 Sprint Car podium
(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) June 18, 2024 – After enduring a relatively low-key start to the 2024 Akright Auto Plymouth Dirt Track Racing – Midwest Sprint Car Association 360 Sprint Car campaign, Alex Pokorski had everything planted full speed ahead as a spirited charge produced a podium showing in A-main competition Saturday, June 15 at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis.
Pokorski opened the second full PDTR 360 Sprint Car program of the 2024 campaign by topping the 27-car field to earn his first fast qualifier award of the season with a tour of 12.450 seconds around the venerable third-mile clay oval.
After starting and finishing fourth in the third PDTR-MSA heat race, Pokorski began the 25-lap main event from the eighth starting spot. The fifth-year Sprint Car racer was on the move from the start as he advanced past Justin Erickson to secure fourth on lap 3.
On lap 6, eventual race winner Ben Schmidt powered past to briefly push Pokorski back to fifth. After racing in close quarters with Justin Erickson and Brandon Berth over the next 14 laps, the West Bend, Wis. driver finally nailed down fourth place by passing Erickson on lap 20.
Four laps later, Pokorski slipped past T.J. Haddy to steal the third spot on the second-to-last lap of the race. Pokorski held on to secure a podium position with a third-place showing in the caution-free race.
“In qualifying, both laps felt really fast, so I figured I had a good shot at quick time,” Pokorski said. “The feature went well, and it felt really nice to have a solid night capped with a podium finish.”
In his second start and first full program of the 2024 campaign in the seat of Spyder Akright’s 53A car, Paul Pokorski qualified 17th overall with a lap of 12.943 seconds. The 32-year racer advanced from seventh to sixth in the second PDTR-MSA heat race, but fell one spot short of transferring to the 25-lap main event.
Paul Pokorski led the first five laps of the 12-lap PDTR-MSA B main before a caution flag was displayed for a spin involving Joseph Hintz in turn four. On the restart, Kurt Davis powered past Paul and assumed the lead. Over the next few laps Kevin Karnitz and Ellie Hensley shot past. However, Paul held on to finish fourth and secure a transfer spot into the 25-lap A main.
The 2014 Midwest Sprint Car Association Masters Series champion started 19th and wound up 17th in the caution-free 25-lap PDTR-MSA A-main.
“I felt a little rusty early on in the night,” Paul said. “The car felt pretty good in the B main, but we had a minor fuel pickup issue that cost us a win there. In the feature, the car was a little too tight. We’re going to try a few different things when Spyder gets in the car next week and probably leave those changes in for me the following week if everything goes as planned. We had some fun and went home in one piece, which is sort of the goal with the 53A car. It helps keep racing fun when you don’t have to thrash all week!”
The Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team is set to compete with the Akright Auto PDTR-MSA 360 Sprint Cars at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, June 22, along with the Badger Midgets, Grand Nationals and B Mods.
Spectator gates will open at 4:30 p.m. with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.
Sponsors and supporters for the 2024 Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team include Akright Auto, Mulch Express of Wisconsin, Lynch Buick GMC West Bend, Countryside Designs, Goeden Auto Body, Petersen Septic Systems, Wisconsin Bank and Trust, Professional Plating, Ace Hardware (Kiel and Sheboygan Falls locations), Cedar Valley Hunt Club, Real Estate Property Shop-Sue Erdmann, Bonafide Security Solutions, Novak’s Service Center, RC Custom Design and Pedal Down Promotions.
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.
Alex Pokorski-Akright Auto Racing Team Sponsor Showcase – Novak’s Service Center
Alex Pokorski and the Akright Auto Racing Team would like to acknowledge the support of long-time sponsor Novak’s Service Center of Manitowoc, which is celebrating its 52nd year in business in 2024.
Novak’s Service Center is a locally owned, second-generation, family-owned, five-bay auto repair center, which has been serving customers in the Lakeshore area since 1972.
Novak’s Service Center offers comprehensive auto repair services, including 4 x 4 services, brakes, car and truck care, domestic cars and trucks, electrical services, electronic services, engine and transmission, engine maintenance, expired warranty care, general service, heating and cooling services, import cars and trucks, quick lube services, tires, towing, transmission and undercar services.
Located at 1320 Washington St. in Manitowoc, Novak’s Service Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To schedule an appointment, call 920-684-5737 or visit www.novaks1320.com.
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.
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 4
Upcoming Schedule
Saturday, June 22 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Friday, June 28 – Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, Wis. (IRA 410)
Saturday, June 29 – Plymouth Dirt Track, Plymouth, Wis. (PDTR-MSA 360)
Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
360 Sprint Car
2024 Statistics
Total Events – 5
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Events – 4
Midwest Sprint Car Association Events – 5
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 0
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 2
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 2
Heat Race Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 1
Alex Pokorski
Akright Auto Racing Team 4
410 Sprint Car
2024 Statistics
Total Events – 2
Interstate Racing Association Events – 2
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
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 1
Heat Race Victories – 0
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Dash Appearances – 0
Dash Victories – 0
Paul Pokorski
Akright Auto 53A
360 Sprint Car
2024 Statistics
Total Events – 2
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
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Article Credit: Jeff Pederson - Pedal Down Promotions
Submitted By: Jeff Pederson
