PORTAGE, WI – Confidence is key in a winning race program. Heading into the second TUNDRA Super Late Model Series event of 2020 this Saturday at Jefferson Speedway, Mike Lichtfeld has plenty to spare.
Lichtfeld is coming off perhaps his most impressive TUNDRA performance to date. His fast time and Second Place finish to Dalton Zehr at Dells Raceway Park on July 4 propelled him to a one-point lead in the standings. He credits a strong program, which includes the knowledge of former TUNDRA Champion Nick Panitzke.
“I am really confident in our program this year. I think we will be bringing a car to all six TUNDRA races that can compete for a win each night out,” Lichtfeld said. “Coming out of the Dells with the point lead is cool, but it’s early in the season and we have a long ways to go to even think about points.”
Jefferson has always been a wild card for TUNDRA racers, with very few of them having significant experience at the tricky quarter-mile. That didn’t slow down Lichtfeld though. In his first three appearances at Wisconsin’s Action Track, Lichtfeld recorded finishes of Fifth, Third, and Second. They were his first Top Five and Podium finishes of his TUNDRA career.
“We have had some success at Jefferson in the past and I think that’s because the track fits my driving style,” Lichtfeld said “It’s an easy place to over drive the car and you have to be disciplined to hit your marks.”
Unfortunately, the last two stops in 2017 and 2018 were not as memorable. Lichtfeld got caught up in a melee in 2017 and suffered issues in 2018. Those two finishes don’t overshadow his success, and his eagerness to get back to Jefferson.
“Jefferson is one of my favorite tracks and I am thankful we get to have a Super Late Model race there,” Lichtfeld said “It’s a track where typically a few guys really surprise you and have very good runs at, so we will have to be on top of our game if we want to run up front.”
A couple of names Lichfeld expects to be up front with him are three-time TUNDRA Champions Dalton Zehr and Casey Johnson. Zehr captured the season opener from Lichtfeld at DRP. Johnson has won two of TUNDRA’s six races at the venue. He was also the crew chief of John Beale who won in 2018.
“Anytime Casey or Dalton are in the field, you’ll have your work cut out for you. Those are two of the best in the Midwest,” Lichfeld said. “It’ll be fun to mix it up with those guys on Saturday and put a show on for the fans. I think there will be some great racing and about a dozen guys who can win the race.”
Lichtfeld and the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series roll into Jefferson this Saturday, July 18 for what promises to be a 75-lap, gloves-off, action-packed affair. Nearly 30 entrants are expected for the event. TUNDRA will be joined by the Legends, Bandoleros, and Bandits. Qualifying is set for 5 pm with racing at 7.
Jefferson Speedway is located at W8135 US Hwy 18 just outside of Jefferson, Wisconsin. For more information visit jeffersonspeedway.com
TUNDRA Super Late Model Release and Image
