7/31/2024
Austin Hartmann
Hartmann conquers adversity to salvage solid IRA showings
(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) July 31, 2024 – A doubleheader weekend of Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series action at Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. on Friday, July 26 and The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. on Saturday, July 27 presented Austin Hartmann and the 87A Hartmann Racing team crew with a steady procession of mechanical maladies to untangle.
However, undaunted, the young team showed its resiliency in putting a car on the track capable of maneuvering up through the field and Hartmann delivered the precision moves on the track to match.
The weekend opened at the sprawling Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway commonly dubbed “the horsepower half-mile” for the seventh annual Harry Neitzel Tribute on Friday, July 26. However, motor issues kept Hartmann from registering a qualifying lap or producing a heat race result.
After the crew worked feverishly to figure out the issue, Hartmann fired off the 20-lap Harry Neitzel Tribute A-main from the 16th starting spot in the 19-car field. The third-year IRA 410 Sprint Car Series full-time competitor drove a solid race to improve three positions and come home with a 13th-place showing in a race won by Scotty Thiel.
One night later, the 87A Hartmann Racing team returned to its home track – The Plymouth Dirt Track – for the IRA’s second appearance of the 2024 campaign at the venerable third-mile clay oval.
The 2020 Midwest Sprint Car Association and Plymouth Dirt Track Racing Rookie of the Year Award winner turned in the 21st fastest qualifying lap in the 28-car field with a lap of 13.002 seconds.
After starting seventh and finishing sixth in the third IRA eight-lap heat race, the Plymouth, Wis. driver started 17th in the 30-lap main event. In a race that produced four stoppages on two red flags and two caution flags, Hartmann picked his way through the field to register a plus-five 12th place showing in a race won by Joel Myers Jr.
Overall, the weekend concluded with Hartmann advancing a total of eight positions in A-main competition and recording the team’s ninth top-15 A-main showing of the 2024 campaign.
“Fuel issues were the problem with the motor on Friday at Dodge County,” Hartmann said. “It was a whirlwind of a weekend. The hood was off the car a total of seven times on Friday and Saturday. Despite that, I’m glad we were able to move forward in both features. We’re fully focused on coming back stronger after the Knoxville Nationals break.”
After taking the next two weekends off with a break in the 2024 Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series schedule, the 87A Hartmann Racing Team is slated to return to action with the IRA 410 Sprint Car Series for a fair-filled doubleheader weekend kicking off with the annual Kenosha County Fair event at Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. on Saturday, Aug. 17.
The all-open-wheel event will also feature the Wisconsin wingLESS Sprint Car Series and the IRA Lightning Sprints.
Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 5:45 p.m. and racing scheduled to start at 6:45 p.m.
The IRA 2024 doubleheader weekend wraps up with the annual Corn Fest event at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wis. on Sunday, Aug. 18 with the Badger Midgets filling out the card.
Grandstand gates open at 4 p.m. with engine heat at 5 p.m. and opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.
All Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Sprint Car Series events can be viewed via live streaming at Floracing.com.
The sponsorship partners for the 2024 87A Hartmann Racing team include Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty, Shufflebotham Tree Service, Feldmann Sales & Service, Holler n Hills, Quasius Construction Inc., TheD8Dispensary, AF Inc., Metalcraft, Rich’s Truck and Auto Repair, Fastenal of Plymouth, Waldo Oil, RC Custom Design, Hepfner Racing Products, Maxim Chassis, Berryman Racing Shocks and My Race Pass.
The 2024 87A Hartmann Racing team consists of Eric Bergschultz, Ian Schultz, Karlee Hartmann, Andrew Shufflebotham and Kristine Hartmann.
Additional information on the 87A Hartmann Racing team can be found by visiting the team’s website www.team87a.com and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/87Ahartmannracing.
87A Hartmann Racing Sponsor Showcase – Kristine Hartmann of Pleasant View Realty
KRISTINE HARTMANN, REALTOR OF Pleasant View Realty, better known as “Every Race Fans Realtor,” has 25-plus years of experience selling real estate throughout Wisconsin.
Kristine’s passion for the sport of racing connects with her competitive drive and ambition as a Realtor in the community.
Contact Kristine Hartmann with all your real estate needs and ask her for the special Racing Rates!
You can find her on Facebook @ KRISTINE HARTMANN, REALTOR. Also, she can be found at the 87A trailer at any IRA race and would be happy to chat about racing and real estate!
For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/PVRKRISTINE, call/text 920-980-5542 or email kristine@pleasantviewrealty.com.
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For more information on Pedal Down Promotions, email pedaldownpromotions@gmail.com, visit www.pedaldownpromo.com or call 920-323-7970.
Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Upcoming Schedule
Saturday, August 17 - Wilmot Raceway, Wilmot, Wis. (IRA)
Sunday, August 18 - Angell Park Speedway, Sun Prairie, Wis. (IRA)
Austin Hartmann 87A Hartmann Racing
2024 Statistics
Total Events – 21
IRA Events – 18
World of Outlaws Events – 2
A Main Victories – 0
B Main Victories – 1
Top Five A Main Finishes – 1
Top 10 A Main Finishes – 5
Top 15 A Main Finishes – 9
Top 20 A Main Finishes – 12
Heat Race Victories – 0
Dash Appearances – 4
Dash Victories – 1
Fast Qualifier Awards – 0
Submitted By: Jeff Pederson
