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AFTER STRONG SEASON, CONFIDENCE HIGH FOR MIKE LICHTFELD AT DELLS

PORTAGE, Wis. (September 18, 2021) – Success breeds success. Although most of Mike Lichtfeld’s success at Dells Raceway Park has come in a Late Model this season, he’s ready to roll that momentum into next Sunday’s TUNDRA Super Late Model Series Round Six Dedicated to Carl Wegner.

“The success at the Dells does quite a bit in terms of confidence for my team and myself when we race there,” Lichtfeld said. “It has also helped is focus on Dells specific set ups and what both cars need, what they like and don’t like. With it being an afternoon race, some of that might be out the window, but we should be in the ballpark come Sunday.”

Lichtfeld won seven out of ten weekly Late Model features at DRP this season. His success in the Alive for Five Super Late Model races have been sporadic though. He’s been able to find speed in qualifying – including a fast time in the Badgerland 125 – but has had several issues plague him in the race events. He’s hoping those are out the window for this event.

“Point blank, I want a Super Late Model feature badly,” Lichtfeld said. “It’s been a few years since we’ve gotten one. We’ve been close a few times, had good cars but haven’t been able to seal the deal. A feature win in the Carl Wegner Memorial would be the icing on the cake to a remarkable year for us.”

TUNDRA races have seen Lichtfeld play a major factor since his rookie season in 2014. He recorded his first series podium that year. He then backed it up in 2015 with a Fourth Place finish before two seasons of leading the race, but then suffering DNFs. Lichtfeld finally broke through with a win in one of the twin 55 lap features in 2018. He has since notched finishes of Third (2019) and Second last year. Having the home-track bump has certainly helped.

“Dells is home. It’s 25-30 minutes up the road,” Lichtfeld said. “I grew up at that place watching my dad race there. It’s without a doubt my favorite track. I like that it’s a mix of handling and power. If your car is handling right, you can really get after it.”

This year’s stop will bring a new twist for TUNDRA. The race will be extended from the typical 75 laps to 105. It will also pay $2,000 to the winner, meaning that there is a lot of extra time and incentive to get to the front.

“The extra laps will be a nice addition for Sunday,” Lichtfeld said. “Usually, TUNDRA races are known as quicker paced races because the number of laps we have aren’t high. Now we can be tad more patient and make sure we are saving something because a hot afternoon there could equal a greasy track.”

Aside from the extra laps and cash, Lichtfeld is eyeing up the extra importance of this race. He and his family had a strong bond with Carl Wegner.

“This race has a lot of meaning to me, because ever since I could remember, Carl was the man when it came to race motors,” Lichtfeld said. “He’s helped us out just as he’s helped out anyone else who has run a Wegner motor over the years. But who a win would really mean a lot to is my dad. My dad would work nights at Wegner Automotive when he was starting out racing to afford his race engines. Carl was in my parents wedding. There’s a lot of history there”

With all of the extra incentive and meaning around this race, Lichtfeld knows he’s not the only driver looking to score a big win next Sunday. He’s ready to take on a tough field of Super Late Model standouts.

“In my eyes, this is a very prestigious event,” he said. “A lot of racers are going to be gunning for the win in Carl’s honor, and I think Carl would be proud of the fact so many cars are turning out for his race. I expect it to be a heck of a race and I hope I’m a part of the battle at the end.”

Round Six Dedicated to Carl Wegner takes place next Sunday, September 26 at Dells Raceway Park. Qualifying is scheduled for 12:30 with racing at 2 pm. TUNDRA will be joined by the DRP Sportsman and American Super Cup Series.

Dells Raceway Park is located at N1070 Smith Road just north of downtown Wisconsin Dells. For more information visit http://www.dellsracewaypark.com

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