KAUKAUNA, WI – Travis Braden earned a dual degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University. Those with engineering degrees make great racecar drivers, two-time WIR and 1992 NASCAR Cup Champion Alan Kulwicki is all the proof Wisconsin short track fans need. Braden who called Wheeling, WV home before recently moving to Charlotte has accomplished quite a bit in his racing career thus far, perhaps no bigger accomplishment than winning the Snowball Derby at Five Flags (FL) Speedway last December. This Tuesday night, August 4, Braden looks to win the Gandrud Auto Group 250 at Wisconsin International Raceway.
With a US Legends Car Young Lions National Championship and NASCAR Weekly Ohio State Championship to his credit, Braden made the jump into Super Late Models heading into the 2013 season. He was crowned back to back champion of the ARCA CRA Super Series, the sister series to the ARCA Midwest Tour in 2013. In just three Midwest Tour starts, Braden has one podium finish, a third at Grundy (IL) County Speedway in 2017.
His debut in the ARCA Menards Series netted Braden a win at Lucas Oil Raceway (IN) in 2015. Indiana was also the sight of his Winchester 400 win in 2016 at Winchester Speedway. After two full seasons on the ARCA National circuit, Braden is once again concentrating on big late model races, such as Tuesday night’s event at WIR. Braden has raced this event before in 2017, but posted a DNF due to mechanical issues.
Advance discount tickets for the Gandrud Auto Group 250 are $20 and can be purchased online at www.midwesttour.racing through August 3. Tickets will also be available on race day at the gate for $25. Spectator gates open at 4pm, qualifying will begin at 5pm with the first race at 7pm during the Tuesday Night August 4 Special Event at Wisconsin International Raceway.
A 28 car field is scheduled to start ‘Wisconsin’s Richest One Day Race’ which pays $10,000 to the winner of the 250 lap event and $1,200 to start. Drivers from ten states and Canada are expected to attempt to make the starting grid including NASCAR Cup Champion Kyle Busch. The Midwest Truck Series will join the ARCA Midwest Tour with the trucks contesting a 35 lap feature event. (see full entry list below)
ARCA Midwest Tour Release
Photo courtesy of Daniel Shaw – Aerial Dimensions
Gandrud Auto Group 250 – Entry List
[supsystic-tables id=145]
For more information on the ARCA Midwest Tour visit midwesttour.racing