Cedar Lake Speedway is proud to welcome the Richert family and sprint car fans to the 8th Annual Jerry Richert Memorial 410 Sprint Car Challenge Saturday September 6th highlighting local, regional and national sprint car drivers at the high banks of Cedar Lake. This event has grown to be the marquis stop on the Interstate Racing Association’s (IRA) sprint car schedule. With over 35 cars expected to compete Saturday fans can expect one of the most talented field of sprint drivers in the nation. The IRA & Richert family also welcomes the weekly hot shoes from the famed Knoxville Speedway again to this event. The IRA’s top 3 point contenders Billy Balog, Scotty Neitzel & Mike Rienke along with regional favorites like Jerry Richert Jr, Travis Whitney & John Sernett will compete Saturday. In addition Brooke Tatnell, Davey Heskin, Caley Gharst, Matt Wasmund, Dusty Zomer, Kaylene Verville, Gary Dewall, Scott Winters, Mark Dobmeier, Ricky Logan, Wayne Johnson and many more plan to attend this year’s event.
Jerry Richert Sr was one of the most prolific sprint car drivers to ever man-handle the open cockpit cars. Jerry began racing in 1953 at tracks surrounding the Twin Cities. He posted his first ever IMCA Sprint car victory in 1958 in Hutchinson, Minnesota and became their champion in 1964. He defended his championship in 1965 and 1966 and once more in 1968. Jerry was Cedar Lake Speedway’s Super Modified champion in 1971. Jerry continued to dominate throughout the seventies and into the early eighties and eventually retired after a bad tumble in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1985. Jerry passed away in November of 1998 leaving a legacy of over 100 feature wins, memories shared at the track and a family rich with pride. Jerry Richert Jr and his family invite you to the 8th Annual Jerry Richert Memorial this Saturday. The Richert family also invites all fans and drivers to their trailer after the races for a free BBQ along with storytelling and reminiscence.
Accompanying this great Sprint car card is the Northern Vintage Stockcar Racers (NVSR). This group of over 70 members was established in 1999 and features vintage rides preserving the nostalgia of years past. These cars are the perfect fit for this event as we celebrate the life of the senior Richert. For more info on the NVSR visit www.northernvintageracers.com
Come early and meet many of the drivers as they will be signing autographs from 4:30-5:30 Saturday afternoon. The Richert family will have many vintage photos, cars & memorabilia on display. Gates open at 4:30. Tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for students 6-16. 5 and under are Free.
For a complete list of victories and chronicle of Jerry Richert Sr’s life visit Stan Meissner’s site at www.gotomn.com and click on the history page. Special thanks to Greg Parent for the article.