08/16/2026
MVR Race Report
Russell's M-40 Speedway — August 8, 2026
Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway & Autograph Night
It was a beautiful day for racing as the Michiana Vintage Racers returned to Russell’s M-40 Speedway for a special Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway and Autograph Night!
MVR was well represented with 11 cars taking part in the evening’s racing action:
* Jamie York — #61 Sprint Car
* Pat York — #4 Sprint Car
* Dave Wise — #2 Sprint Car
* King Kramer — #61 Roadster
* Jeremiah Swain — #96 Roadster
* Mike-Norma Stutsman — #71 Roadster
* Mike Bontreger — #00/88 Upright Supermodified
* Ross Williams — #56 Upright Supermodified
* Kevin Snyder — #34 Late Model
* Dan Wiedman — #64 Stock Car
* Tom Wiedman — #00 Modified Coupe
Welcoming a New MVR Member
MVR would like to officially welcome Ross Williams as our newest club member!
Ross brings two Upright Supermodified-style cars to the club, including the Bingo 5 and his newly restored #56, which made its M-40 debut with MVR.
Ross had a strong night going before overheating issues brought the #56 machine’s evening to an early end. After the race, Ross said he plans to be back next season and will be making some cooling and gearing adjustments to the car before its next outing.
A Tough Night for a Few Competitors
Unfortunately, not everyone was able to make the feature.
Pat York and the #4 Stapp Sprint Car did not make the start after a pre-race inspection revealed a failing component.
Kevin Snyder’s night in the Chris Snyder owned Fred Reed #34 Late Model came to an early end after he discovered that he had lost the transmission during hot laps.
Heat Race Action
The Wiedman brothers, Dan Wiedman #64 and Tom Wiedman #00, started on the front row of the heat race.
When the checkered flag flew, it was Mike Stutsman who claimed the heat race victory in the #71 Roadster.
Backpacks, Autographs & Giving Back
During intermission, MVR members stepped away from the racing action and helped make the night special for the younger fans.
The autograph session and Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway gave kids a chance to meet the drivers, get flags, books, T-shirts and other items autographed, and head into the upcoming school year a little more prepared.
For a ton of kids, it was another great night at the racetrack—and that’s what nights like this are all about!
Feature Race
The feature started with the Dave Wise #2 and Jamie York #61 on the front row.
After making some adjustments to the #61 Sprint Car following the heat race, Jamie came out for the feature with a car that was handling like it was on rails.
York quickly established himself as the leader and began pulling away from the field, creating a sizeable gap between himself and second-place Dave Wise.
But with just a few laps remaining, disaster struck for the #61.
Jamie’s engine began to fail, forcing him to try to get the car off the racing surface. The #61 would eventually come to a stop in Turn 1.
At nearly the same time, the #56 Upright Supermodified of Ross Williams began experiencing overheating issues, bringing his night to an early conclusion as well.
With the track operating under a strict time schedule because of the evening’s additional activities, the flagman displayed the checkered flag under caution.
That handed the feature victory to a hard charging Dave Wise, who brought the #2 Sprint Car home to Victory Lane! Additionally Dave has been getting more and more comfortable with his new openwheel car and you can tell!
Congratulations, Dave!
MVR would like to congratulate Dave Wise on his first MVR feature victory and his second win of the 2026 season!
It was a hard-fought night for everyone, and Dave was there to capitalize when the opportunity came his way.
Thank You to Our Racing Families
MVR would once again like to recognize and thank the amazing wives and families of our drivers who work behind the scenes and help keep these cars on the track between races.
Racing is truly a team effort, and we couldn’t do what we do without all of the people who give their time, effort and support.
Thank You, M-40!
A huge THANK YOU goes out to all of our fans for your continued support and for following MVR wherever we race.
We also want to thank the staff and management of Russell’s M-40 Speedway for welcoming MVR back to the track and allowing our club to be part of such a great evening.
And just a tip, next time you’re there, try their deep fried uncrustable!
The combination of racing, autograph sessions and the Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway made a memorable night for both our drivers and the fans.
MVR looks forward to working with Russell’s M-40 Speedway on a return date for next season!
Until then, keep supporting local racing, keep supporting our drivers, and we’ll see you at the track!
📸: Ron Verash, Krasher’s Adventures
