It was a day of upsets on the frozen waters of Lake Alexander for the Merrill Ice Draggers. New blood was pumping through the veins of the Merrill Ice Drags, as newcomers made their ruts in the ice. Drivers from all over Wisconsin made the journey to the fastest 1/8 mile on ice this year in record setting numbers.
Each week there has been new cars on the ice and this week was no exception, as the drivers faced off for the Memorial Races. The Memorial Races began many years ago to celebrate the life of Kevin “Harv” Wenslick, an avid racer and club member. Over the years it has grown to include all racers, families and their crew who have been involved in one way or another.
It was slow going for the rubber tire classes, but Dom Teske held on to his lead to lock up the points championship in the 4×4 class. A new record was set in the Ultimate street class by Austin Willis, reaching a speed of 112.42 mph. The previous record was set by Cody Herning who reached 109.05 mph in 2019. The closest race of the day and possibly ever in Merrill Ice Drag history was between Jacob Bloechl and Scott Szarowicz in the 8.5 second class. The men were separated by just six hundredths of a second, with Bloechl (8.528) getting the best of Szarowicz (8.585).
Full results from week three include:
2 Wheel Drive Class
1st- James Roberts; 2nd Jay Dietzler
4X4 Class
1st- Dom Teske; 2nd- Craig Sippl
11.0 Second Class
1st- Travis Arndt; 2nd- Erin Dombeck
10.0 Second Class
1st- Chris Huitfeldt; 2nd- Joe Cresci
9.0 Second Class
1st- Travis Arndt; 2nd- Pat Weix
8.5 Second Class
1st- Jacob Bloechl; 2nd- Zach Degner
Easy II Class
1st- Duston Koening; 2nd- Eugene Finck
8.0 Second Class
1st- Zach Degner; 2nd- Jacob Bloechl
Ultimate Street Class
1st- Austin Willis- New Record 112.42 mph; 2nd- Todd Weisenfeld
7.0 Second Class
1st- Theresa Blake; 2nd- Wayne Woller
Modified Class
1st- Jimmy Bartelt; 2nd- Ryan Podeweltz
Altered Class
1st- Troy Walker; 2nd- Ruth Redeker
Open Door Slammer
1st- Ryan Blake; 2nd- Perry Redeker