5/17/2022
Eric Blumer
Two Nights Two Podiums For EBR
On the weekend he graduated from UW-Platteville, Eric chose to skip the ceremonies so he could race. The net result was two podium finishes. He opened with a five division night at Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday. Here, the pilot of the 6E started 5th and managed a 3rd place run in the A-Main. He won his heat.
Then it was up early on Sunday, to get ready for the opener at our hometown track, Angell Park Speedway. Justin and Eric cleaned Daisy off, made a few adjustments and we were in the pit gate line right at 1:30. There we were greeted by "Pit Shack Dave," as per usual. It was also great to see longtime Angell Park fans, Don Benisch and Lyle Fox, prior to the races.
There were 18 Legends signed in for this Wisconsin Legends Racing Dirt Series points race. His heat race was pretty nondescript, where Eric started and finished 3rd.
The track had a lot of moisture. Or, as both Ryan Mech and Brandon Wealti put it, "It had a lot of character." Eric started 5th in the main event. At the drop of the green he charged toward the front. In short order it became a three way battle between Eric, Ryan Sullivan and Parker Jones. Without the value of video replay, it's a fair guess that the lead change between the trio at least seven times during the 20 lap event.
Eric had the point twice. The last time, with about seven laps left was negated by a caution, as he had not completed a lap after taking the lead, prior to the yellow coming out.
On the restart they batted high and low. At one point it appeared Parker ran Eric up the track, irking some of his fans. Eric noted after the race that that incident did not bother him much at the time and Parker made a point of apologizing later. During the run, the trio, were often two and sometimes three wide. It was a tribute to their skills, respect for each other and the track preparation.
On the white flag lap, Sullivan looked to have the win, when he suddenly went up the track in turn-two and slowed. Parker had a couple of lengths on Eric as the pair went by, with #41 crossing the line first followed by Eric.
After tech, Eric changed out of his driver's suit and he headed to "The Blumer Suite," with Justin and Eric's girlfriend, Faith. Here we were happy to cheer on longtime supporter, Brandon Waelti who waxed the field in the Midget feature.
On the way to the stands and while going back to the pits, Faith was amazed at how many people stopped Eric to congratulate him on a good run. In particular and at the risk of missing someone, we were pleased to have the Benisch family, and Stan Otis, two of our sponsors, plus many folks from Stan's Club LaMark take the time to congratulate Eric on an entertaining race.
Thanks to everyone who came down to the pits to have a cold one and get a new Dog Guard Out of Sight Fencing koozie, including the Sainsbury's who were instrumental in Eric's dirt karting success.
Lastly, thanks to Bob and Bill Kastorff (two longtime fans), and Bill's son-in-law Michael; Ross Stevens (Stephanie's future father-in-law); Joey from the Waelti crew; and Griffin McGrath, all for buying 6E hats. Your support means a lot!
THREE RACES IN THREE NIGHTS ON DECK
If all goes right, the 6E will make its debut on pavement at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids, IA on Friday. Then we'll head to Beaver Dam Raceway on Saturday and back to the black dirt of Benton County Speedway in Vinton, IA on Sunday.
These are the businesses and folks who are helping to keep Eric on the track through their generous support! BRS Radiator, Machine & Fabrication; Northern Air Systems, Inc.; Dog Guard of Wisconsin; North Central Utility of Wisconsin LLC; East Central Coin Inc.; Club LaMark; Ground Up Lifts; Owen Leatherberry; Sieg Law Office; OWL Graphics and Lettering; Grandpa Blumer, Legends.Direct, Mary Lybeck in memory of Denny.
Here are the people who go hands on the 6E to get it in top shape every week: Justin Hoium, Greg Leatherbeary, Big Dumb Guy, Joe Wipperfurth, Brian Benisch, Faith Piepenburg, Logan Stevens and Stephanie Blumer.
We salute Owen Leatherberry (U.S. Navy) and Andrew Upperman (U.S. Marine Corps.)!
Thank you all for your part in Eric Blumer Racing!
Photo credit: Mech Photography
Submitted By: William Blumer
