Tag Archives: Buffalo Wild Wings

Kennedy Claims Sprint Car Win

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By Mike Spieker

WEST FARGO – The Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Cars made their first and only appearance of the season to Red River Valley Speedway on Sunday evening during the Red River Valley Fair. A crowd of over 5,000 race fans packed the grandstand to watch twenty-two 900+ horsepower sprint cars take on the high-banked three-eighths mile clay oval.

Thomas Kennedy raced to his first career sprint car win at Red River Valley Speedway Sunday during the Red River Valley Fair.

Thomas Kennedy of Winnipeg, Manitoba claimed his first career sprint car win at Red River Valley Speedway. Kennedy, who finished second on Saturday night at Devils Lake Speedway after leading every lap but the last one, started the night by winning his heat race in convincing fashion. Kennedy’s fastest lap during his heat was just four-one-hundredths of a second off the Red River Valley Speedway track record, which was set by World of Outlaws driver Shane Stewart last August. Kennedy’s lap time of 11.996 seconds put him at an average speed of 112mph and was just the fourth sub-12 second lap ever turned on Red River Valley Speedway’s three-eighths mile configuration.

The 25-lap sprint car feature started with Jordan Graham taking the early lead over defending race winner, Wade Nygaard. Nygaard, a nine-time NOSA champion, took the lead on lap six as Kennedy followed him into second.

The NOSA Sprints give their traditional four-wide salute to the fans before their main event at Red River Valley Speedway Sunday.

On lap nine, Kennedy made a bold move to the inside of Nygaard to take the lead out of turn four in lapped traffic. Lurking in the third spot was the all-time NOSA wins leader, Mark Dobmeier. Dobmeier went after Nygaard for second, which allowed Kennedy to pull away.

Thomas Kennedy raced to his first career sprint car win at Red River Valley Speedway Sunday during the Red River Valley Fair.

Dobmeier took the spot and began reeling in Kennedy in the closing laps. With two laps to go, Kennedy and Dobmeier found themselves in heavy lapped traffic. Dobmeier drove to the inside of turn four, where he clipped an infield tire barrier, which sent his Buffalo Wild Wings No. 13 upside down. A lapped car was also collected and got upside down with Dobmeier, but both drivers were ok.

On the ensuing restart, Kennedy got a great start and drove away from Nygaard. Kennedy drove the final laps unchallenged as he cruised to the $1,200 win.

“I was racing on seven cylinders the whole race so this win feels even better,” said an elated Kennedy in victory lane.

Michael Johnson of Moorhead, Minn. picked up his first IMCA modified win of the season. Johnson led the majority of the 25-lap feature to pick up the win over Dylan Goplen, who ran a close second. The best racing on the track was back in the pack as several drivers came from deep in the field to move into the top five. Cale Arneson rounded out the podium, while Jason Strand, who started 15th, finished fourth. Casey Arneson started 13th to finish fifth, while Dale Kraling was the hard charger of the event coming from 19th to finish sixth.

Tim Estenson came from the 15th starting position to win the INEX Legends feature. Estenson held off pole sitter, Sean Johnson, for his 16th win of the season overall.

Next week at Red River Valley Speedway, Rusty Wallace will be in attendance as the grand marshall of the event.

RESULTS
NOSA Sprint Cars:
Feature: 1. 21K-Thomas Kennedy, Winnipeg, MB; 2. 9N-Wade Nygaard, Grand Forks, N.D.; 3. 8H-Jade Hastings, Grand Forks, N.D.; 4. 2A-Austin Pierce, Grand Forks, N.D.; 5. 4J-Lee Grosz, Harwood, N.D.

IMCA Modifieds:
Feature: 1. 84-Michael Johnson, Moorhead, Minn.; 2. 6D-Dylan Goplen, Fargo, N.D.; 3. 99-Cale Arneson, Fargo, N.D.; 4. E85-Jason Strand, Portland, N.D.; 5. 2-Casey Arneson, Fargo, N.D.

INEX Legends:
Feature: 1. 14T-Tim Estenson, Fargo, N.D.; 2. 58-Sean Johnson, Kindred, N.D.; 3. 5D8-Dylan Johnson, Durbin, N.D.; 4. 79-Scott Richardson, Pelican Rapids, Minn.; 5. 72-Tye Wilke, Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Nygaard Nets Sprint Car Win at Red River Valley Speedway

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Wade Nygaard drives in front of an estimated 6,000 people while leading the NOSA sprint car feature Sunday at RRVS. (Photo Credit: Speedway Shots)

By Mike Spieker

WEST FARGO – Wade Nygaard picked up his 261st career sprint car win Sunday evening at Red River Valley Speedway during the Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA Sprint Car special. The Grand Forks driver held off perennial frontrunners Thomas Kennedy and Austin Pierce en route to his first win on Red River Valley Speedway’s three-eighths mile configuration.

Nygaard powered by front row starters Jade Hastings and Jackson Moffett on the opening lap to secure the lead, as Pierce and Kennedy followed in his tracks.

A pair of incidents slowed the field in the first 10 laps, one of which brought out the red flag for Sam Miller, who got upside down.

On the lap eight restart, Kennedy maneuvered around Pierce to secure the runner-up spot. With Nygaard in his crosshairs, Kennedy looked to close in on the nine-time and defending Northern Outlaw Sprint Association (NOSA) champion.

Nygaard kept Kennedy at bay until the closing stages, when Kennedy placed a bid for the lead with four to go. Kennedy got a run on Nygaard down the front straightaway and tried to drive around the outside of him in turns one and two. Nygaard kept his foot pegged to the floor, however, as the two banged wheels exiting the corner.

Nygaard regained the lead down the backstretch as Kennedy regrouped for one last charge.

Nygaard was too fast for Kennedy in final laps and cruised to the win.

“That was a fun race,” said Nygaard in victory lane. “We were beating and banging on each other there a little bit. I just had to keep the car in the rubber on the track. Kennedy found the rubber first, but once I got in it I was able to hold him off.”

Dale Kraling backed up his IMCA Modified win Thursday night at Norman County Raceway in Ada, Minn as he parked in KRJB 106.5FM Victory Lane. Kraling led all 20 trips around to claim his first feature win of the season at Red River Valley Speedway and third overall. Fargo’s Austin Arneson was the hard charger of the race, advancing from 14th to second. He was followed to the checkers by his brother, Cale Arneson, as Michael Greseth and Bryce Borgen rounded out the top five.

Dale Kraling cruised to the IMCA Modified feature win Sunday at Red River Valley Speedway. (Photo Credit: Speedway Shots)

Tim Estenson drove away with his 13th win of the season in the INEX legends. The 15-year-old Fargo driver started fourth on the grid but managed to take the lead on lap three before driving away from the field.

Racing continues next Friday night at Red River Valley Speedway, featuring the King Pin Stock Car Klash. Racing begins at 7pm.

RESULTS:
NOSA Sprint Cars:
Feature – 1. Wade Nygaard; 2. Thomas Kennedy; 3. Austin Pierce; 4. Nick Omdahl; 5. Ryan Bickett

IMCA Modifieds:
Feature – 1. Dale Kraling; 2. Austin Arneson; 3. Cale Arneson; 4. Michael Greseth; 5. Bryce Borgen

INEX Legends:
Feature – 1. Tim Estenson; 2. Josh Julsrud; 3. Donavin Wiest; 4. Andrew Jochim; 5. Mariah Hendriksen

Wade Nygaard picked up the NOSA sprint car feature win Sunday at Red River Valley Speedway. (Photo Credit: Speedway Shots)

 

Wade Nygaard (9N) and Thomas Kennedy (21K) race for the lead during the NOSA sprint car feature. (Photo Credit: Speedway Shots)

Sprint Cars Highlight Fair Special at Red River Valley Speedway

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By Mike Spieker

WEST FARGO – Sunday evening the Buffalo Wild Wings NOSA sprint cars make their first and only appearance of 2017 at Red River Valley Speedway. The 410 cubic inch (c.i.) winged sprint cars always bring in the biggest names in sprint car racing in the upper Midwest, including Grand Forks’ Wade Nygaard.

Nygaard, who is the nine-time and defending NOSA sprint car champion, has countless wins at Red River Valley Speedway’s half-mile configuration but says the newer three-eighths mile layout evens up the playing field.

“All the miles I’ve put on at Red River Valley Speedway were on the big track so it’s a bit of an adjustment now racing on the smaller track,” said Nygaard, who has over 250 wins tallied over a 27 year career. “I bet I don’t have any more laps around the three-eighths mile than anybody else.”

Back when Red River Valley Speedway hosted weekly 360c.i. sprint car racing, Nygaard competed regularly in his Auto Finance Super Center No. 9N machine and had built up a big fanbase in the process.

“It’s going to be nice to get to see some of my old friends and fans who don’t get to make it to the races much in Grand Forks,” Nygaard continued. “It would be great to cap off the night with a trip to victory lane.”

Among the strong contingent of talent is Harwood’s Lee Grosz.

Grosz travels the Midwest competing in events from Nebraska to Iowa, and all through South Dakota. Sunday will be a homecoming for Grosz, as he will also get to compete in front of family and friends.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Red River Valley Speedway,” said Grosz, who just picked up a feature win in Jackson, Minn. last Saturday. “We don’t race around the area much so to be able to race in my hometown is going to be really special. I’ve had this one circled on the calendar all year. It’s always fun to be racing in front of your family, friends, and sponsors.”

Despite running a smaller 360c.i. motor against the bigger 410c.i. powerplants of the NOSA sprints, Grosz is still a favorite each time his No. 4J enters the pit area. Grosz last topped the NOSA sprints in 2013 at Norman County Raceway in Ada, Minn. In his only appearance against the NOSA sprints in 2017, Grosz charged to a solid eighth place finish at Norman County Raceway on June 22nd.

Racing starts at 6pm Sunday at Red River Valley Speedway. The race is free to attend after purchasing a Red River Valley Fair gate admission. The IMCA Modifieds will be co-headlining the event with the NOSA Sprints.

Zomer and Strand Highlight Unforgettable Night at RRVS

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By Mike Spieker

WEST FARGO, ND (July 19th) – It was the night we have all been waiting for. It was the night we’ve had circled on our calendars since the 2016 Red River Valley Speedway (RRVS) schedule came in out February. It was the night where the upper Midwest’s two biggest touring series would come together for the first time in RRVS history.

And it was everything we’d hoped it would be; and more!

An estimated 4,500 race fans came out to RRVS Sunday evening for the NOSA Sprint Car/NLRA Late Model special, presented by Buffalo Wild Wings and the Red River Valley Fair. A RRVS record 33 NOSA Sprints and 29 NLRA Late Models packed the pit area, along with 17 IMCA Hobby Stocks/Pure Stocks. Dusty Zomer, Dustin Strand, and Kasey Ussatis all visited KRJB 106.5FM Victory Lane.

The event brought in the area’s biggest names in racing, including seven-time and defending World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car champion, Donny Schatz, who had won the $50,000 Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway less than 18 hours prior.

The field of 33 Sprint Cars was trimmed to the fastest 24 for the 25-lap A-main. Minot’s Greg Nikitenko grabbed the early lead over 20-year-old pilot Jordan Adams as Thomas Kennedy and Wade Nygaard raced for third. Three laps in, Kennedy and Nygaard made contact in turn four, which sent Nygaard spinning to a stop bringing out the yellow. Nygaard was sent to the tail of the field, but still rallied to finish in fifth.

Nikitenko led the first half of the race as Adams, Kennedy and Lee Grosz raced for second through fourth, but with 11 to go Sioux Falls, SD driver Dusty Zomer came on strong to challenge Nikitenko. Zomer drove his Buffalo Wild Wings #82 to the low side of turn one and completed a slide job on Nikitenko to take the lead.

Once out front, Zomer built up a lead he would not relinquish as he went on to claim his first-ever RRVS win and sixth career NOSA victory, putting him 15th on the all-time wins list.
Prior the 2016 season at RRVS, Dustin Strand had claimed the last checkered flag ever waved at the 3/8th mile oval when the track saw its last race to date on August 25, 2012. Since then a lot has changed at RRVS, but Strand still knows how to find victory lane.

Strand started outside of the front row and took off as soon as the green flag waved. Within four laps, the two-time and defending NLRA champion had amassed a full straightaway lead over current series point leader, Brad Seng. Seng closed in slightly in lapped traffic, but was never able to mount a serious threat on Strand. Strand went on to take the victory; his second in a Late Model and third overall on the RRVS 3/8th mile configuration.

The A Transmission City IMCA Hobby Stocks/Pure Stocks had a wild main event. It all started with a four car pileup on lap two, which brought the race to its first caution. The destruction continued on the restart when Dan Dowling and Billy Carou were fighting hard for the lead. Dowling’s #5X snapped around on him in turn four and he was met head on by Austin Veralrud, who then was collected by Brad Orvedal. Veralrud’s #6 burst into flames, but the West Fargo Fire Crew was quick to the scene to extinguish the flames.

Kasey Ussatis and Carou then put on a great show as the battled for the lead. Ussatis cleared the #7C of Carou with three laps to go to take the win.

Racing continues this Friday night, presented by M&J Auto Parts and All Finish Concrete. Green flag flies at 7pm!

RESULTS:
NOSA Sprint Cars:
1. Dusty Zomer
2. Greg Nikitenko
3. Lee Grosz
4. Austin Pierce
5. Wade Nygaard
6. Chris Ranten
7. Jordan Adams
8. Dave Glennon
9. Bob Martin
10. Thomas Kennedy
11. Shane Roemling
12. Jade Hastings
13. Ty Hanten
14. Trent Stengl
15. Nick Omdal
16. Jordan Graham
17. Zach Wilde
18. Jackson Moffett
19. Brenden Wilde
20. Tee Young
21. Tom Egeland
22. Casey Mack
23. Alex Larson
24. Cory Mack – DQ
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NLRA Late Models:
1. Dustin Strand
2. Brad Seng
3. Mike Balcaen
4. Cole Schill
5. Jeff Massingill
6. Donny Schatz
7. Shane Edginton
8. Cody Skytland
9. Bill Mooney
10. Steve Anderson
11. Greg Meyer
12. Shawn Meyer
13. Steffen Snare
14. Kevin Robertson
15. Jeremy Keller
16. Casey Meyer
17. Rob Odegard
18. Ryan Corbett
19. Jeff Hapala
20. Dave Zimmerman
21. Adam Fischer
22. Tom Corcoran
23. Josh Johnson
24. Tommy Thompson

IMG_9307

IMCA Hobby Stocks/Pure Stocks:
1. Kasey Ussatis
2. Billy Carou
3. Brandon Schmidt
4. Tim Shiek
5. Kodee Ussatis
6. Brennan Urbach
7. Clare Miller
8. Tim Church
9. Paul Colvin
10. Wade Moerke
11. Kristen Nelson
12. Taylor Saari
13. Dylan Heger
14. Austin Veralrud
15. Brad Orvedal
16. Dan Dowling

IMG_9266

Entrance To Sunday’s Race

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With the Red River Valley Fair going on during the races on Sunday, here’s a breakdown for the race teams on entrance into the pits. (See map for details)

  • Come in Gate 4 (Fair Entrance)
  • Everyone has to pay to get though Gate 4 (Adults $10; Kids 6-11 $5; Kids 5 & under Free)
  • Then, proceed as normal to the Pit Entrance sign-in shed.
  • At the shed you’ll pay your Pit Entrance fees and get your wristband. (Late Model Drivers $40; Sprint Car Drivers $30; Everyone else $20)
(Click on map to enlarge)

RRVS-Fair Map640

Fans: You can come through any gate. Your paid entrance to the Fair will be your entrance to the race: Adults $10; Kids 6-11 $5; Kids 5 & under Free

  • See map below for fan parking availability
(Click on map to enlarge)

2016_FairMap

More race details can be found by clicking HERE

 

RACING: Sunday, July 17

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RRVS-July17-640

The races on Sunday, July 17th are presented by: The Red River Valley Fair Association, Buffalo Wild Wings

Red River Valley Fairgrounds – West Fargo, ND

We’ll have:
– The HotSpring Spas & Pool Tables Duck Toss
– The Nugget Vending Candy Toss
– T-shirt Cannon
– Red River Valley Speedway Apparel
– Delicious Concession Food & Ice Cold Beverages from the Fair vendors and Beer Garden

Times:
Pit Gates Open: 2:30pm
Grandstands Open: 4:00pm
Draw Cutoff: 4:30pm
Racing Starts: 5:00pm

Grandstand Admission:
Races are FREE with paid admission to the Fair
Adults: $10
Kids 6-11: $5
Kids Under 5: Free
Pit and Fan entrance details can be found HERE

Racing Divisions This Week:
NOSA Sprint Cars
NLRA Late Models
IMCA Hobby Stocks/Pure Stocks

Social Media:
Website – redrivervalleyspeedway.com
Facebook – facebook.com/redrivervalleyspeedway
Twitter – twitter.com/rrvspeedway
Instagram – instagram.com/redrivervalleyspeedway
Snapchat – rrvspeedway

#TurnItUp

Red River Valley Fair Race – Sunday, July 17

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Racing is back at the Red River Valley Fair! Come out to the Fair with your friends and family to enjoy a night of racing. NLRA Late Models will be joining the NOSA Sprint Cars for this race event along with the IMCA Hobby Stocks/Pure Stocks.

Grandstand gates open at 4 pm and racing will begin at 5.

Cost: Gate admission to the Red River Valley Fair
Adults: $10
Kids 6-11: $5
Kids Under 5: Free

Presented by:
Red River Valley Fair Association
Buffalo Wild Wings

#TurnItUp

RRVS-FairRace

NLRA Coming To RRVS

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Northern Late Model Racing Association Coming To Red River Valley Speedway Twice In 2016

WEST FARGO, ND – (January 31, 2016) The schedule for Red River Valley Speedway in 2016 will now include 2 nights of the Northern Late Model Racing Association (NLRA) Late Models. The first race date will be on Friday, June 24th. The second race date will be Sunday, July 17th alongside the Northern Outlaw Sprint Association (NOSA) Sprint Cars during the Red River Valley Fair presented by the Red River Valley Fair Association and Buffalo Wild Wings.

RRVS-01312016

Special News Release:

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Red River Valley Speedway Set To Reopen In 2016

WEST FARGO, ND – (December 21, 2015) Friday night racing is back at the Red River Valley Speedway. JS Bitker LLC reached a 3-year agreement with the Red River Valley Fair Association to hold a full schedule of races starting in 2016. JS Bitker LLC will be operating the track with the first race slated for Friday, May 6, 2016 with a start time of 7:00pm. 13 race dates are scheduled for the 2016 season with the following tentative classes: IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks/Pure Stocks and INEX Legend cars. One of the season’s highlights will be a special race during the Red River Valley Fair on July 17th featuring the NOSA (Northern Outlaw Sprint Association) Sprint Cars presented by the Red River Valley Fair Association and Buffalo Wild Wings. Nick Skalicky has been named the Chief Operations Officer and Competition Director of the Speedway.

“The future of racing starts with go-karting and we want to provide the next step in racing for those kids just starting out in the sport,” says Jake Bitker co-owner of JS Bitker LLC. “The Red River Kart Club is where they learn the fundamentals of racing and the Red River Valley Speedway will be the perfect place for them to grow further into the sport in their own backyard.”

“We’re looking forward to working with Bryan Schulz and the Red River Valley Fair Association on this project,” says Nick Skalicky. “We’ve had a great working relationship over the past 6 years with the Red River Kart Club.”

The Red River Kart Club is a non-profit go-kart racing group formed in the spring of 2010 by Nick Skalicky. It’s a 1/10 mile asphalt race track located on the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo, ND. Skalicky has 2 daughters, Kaitlyn and Emily and co-owns a plumbing and heating business with his brother.

JS Bitker LLC is owned and operated by Jake Bitker and his wife, Sharnel. The Bitkers have 4 daughters, Lillian, Elzetta, Sharlet and Adeliza and farm near Halstad, MN. They also operate the Norman County Raceway in Ada, MN and own Performance Auto located in Fargo, ND.

Red River Valley Speedway opened in 1972 as a 1/2 mile dirt track on the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in West Fargo, ND. In 2010, it was reconfigured to the current 3/8 mile track. The last race held at the track was on August 25th, 2012.

 

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