By: Series PR
6/6 Beaver Dam, WI Billy Balog has made his decision to compete for the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series championship payoff thus far, as the former series Rookie of the Year captured his first A-main win of the season and regained the early point lead by capturing the 25 lap headliner at the Dodge County Fairgrounds Speedway. Balog had his Maxim chassis performing perfectly on the big half-mile scoring a well earned victory after starting 12th in the 24 car A-main field. Balog, known as the Alaskan Cheesehead, proved his strength by holding off former 2-time IRA Champion and local Beaver Dam favorite Scotty Neitzel on two consecutive green white checkered restarts to put a big exclamation point on his win. Balog didn't only defeat his rivals on this night, but Mother Nature too as tornado's
and heavy storms ravaged nearby areas just to the southeast.

Steve Meyer looked to be the man to beat as he jumped out to a comfotable initial lead. Meyer who has been consistantly fast all season didn't have lady luck on his side however as the machine of Rusty Egan suffered a mechanical issue and slowed suddenly directly infront of the leader causing Meyer to spin wildly into the infield bringing out a yellow. Balog had moved into second already by this point and led Scott Uttech, Jerry Richert Jr, Mike Reinke, and Neitzel when action resumed.

Attrition seemed high as contenders Donny Goeden and Mike Kertscher both experienced front-end woes eliminating strong runs towards the front.

While Balog continued his lead, Neitzel had roared back towards the front following an early race scare which cost him several positions. Neitzel was able to get by Reinke, then Uttech, and Richert Jr before setting his sights on the leader. Meanwhile Kurt Davis was putting on an eye-opening drive from his 21st starting position as he challanged Brian Kristan, Bill Warren, and Todd King for sixth.

With just two laps remaing Meyer would have luck go bad again as he suffered a suspension issue causing a yellow and setting up a two car dash to the flag.

Balog would get a great restart while Neitzel pulled a wheelie, with Balog appeared headed to victory. However as the field received the white, fifth running Reinke who had been struggling with an ill-handling mount made a daring outside move hoping to pick up a few positions, however the bold move resulted in a slow rollover for the traditional Dodge County standout bringing out the red with Balog just fifty yards from victory. This set up yet another two-lap dash to the end, however this try was far less eventful and Balog would again hold off any Neitzel challange and would go on to score his second career IRA feature win. Richert Jr put in a very solid effort coming home third over a determind S. Uttech, while Kristan edged Davis for fifth. King, Warren, Billy Hafemann, and John Haeni would complete the top ten.

Kertscher set fast time over the twenty-six car field while heat wins went to Kertscher, Neitzel, and Meyer. Balog captured the B-Main.

IRA is an ASA affiliated series. IRA associate sponsors include United Trailers, Bar's Leaks, Rislone, Osborn & Son Trucking, Arctic Cat, Mechanix Wear, Flitz Polishing Products, TW Metals, Onan Cummins, and Hoosier Tire.

A-Main Finish; 1. Billy Balog, Scotty Neitzel, Jerry Richert Jr, Scott Uttech, Brian Kristan, Kurt Davis, Todd King, Bill Warren, Billy Hafemann, John Haeni, Tim Vandervere, Scott Biertzer, Joe Symoens, Andy Hunt, Mike Reinke, Steve Meyer, Dave Uttech, Kik Mock, Mike Kertscher, Rusty Egan, Donny Goeden, Rusel Borland, Ryan Irwin.