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04/02/2010 Eldora Speedway
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04/16/2010 Gas City I-69 Speedway
04/17/2010 Lawrenceburg Speedway

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Bret Mellenberndt is BACK! Starting with, Tucson… 03/05/2010 Everybody remembers the black number 97 out of Sioux Falls, SD who traveled back and forth from the near non-existing non-wing sprint car world of South Dakota to the heart of wingless sprints in Indiana every weekend for the better of 2008. Then throughout 2009 the pilot of the Sioux City Truck & Trailer #97, Bret Mellenberndt, didn’t travel as much, staying around home and racing with the Heartland Racing Association in Rock Rapids, IA in a wingless 360 sprint class. “We took some time off of traveling last year,” explains Bret, “We had some great help around home and it was hard finding people to go with us each and every weekend to Indiana. So we simply decided to race around home.” This year will be different for Mellenberndt Racing as Bret and the gang all ready traveled to USA Raceway in Tucson, AR for a USAC National Sprint Car show. February 19th’s Tucson opener was the first time Bret sat in the seat of a 410 non-winged sprint car for over a year, but that lack of time in the car didn’t slow him down any. Bret qualified 9th quick out of the 40 cars that entered. Starting fourth in the heat race, right after the officials just worked the race track, Mellenberndt dropped back to sixth just missing the transfer into the anticipated Main Event. Bret started inside the second row in the Semi and dropped just one spot to transfer into the Main Event that was held on the 21st. “We felt really good going into the main,” explains the Sioux Falls native, “We knew the car was close and all I needed to do was drive.” Bret started ninth in the main and was racing inside the top ten for the first nine laps of the 40 lap event. Then coming out of the fourth turn going into the 10th lap, the right front shock broke putting a dreadful end to the first night of the year. Bret stayed on the bottom of the track with his broken car and fell back to 16th by the time the checkered flag flew. “All in all I am happy with the night,” says Mellenberndt. “We had a strong qualifying run and everything was lining up to be a great weekend. But, we all have those nights when it just wasn’t meant to be. Once my shock broke, it was pretty much over. But, we’ll take the momentum we gained and force it on to the next show in Vegas!” Vegas was another story for Mellenberndt Racing. In the last set of the group qualifying that USAC displays, Bret put a 28th quick time on the board which lined him on the outside of the eight row for the heat. “The times were slowing down since the first qualifying run,” says Bret, “So I knew we weren’t going to be there. The track was very dry and we were just doing what we could.” Mellenberndt found a grove in the middle of the Vegas half-mile that worked for the Sioux City Truck & Trailer #97 and muscled from last to fourth in the heat guaranteeing a spot in the main. He started in the back of the Main and raced up to 19th on the slippery dry slick racetrack. “We tried some new things on the car since we were starting so far back,” explains Bret. “Some things worked and some didn’t. But we learned what does and doesn’t with our car on this type of track, so overall the night was a success!” Keep in tune with Bret this year through his website, www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for that latest news and schedule updates will be updated regularly. Special thanks to: Bill Mellenberndt, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.
Western World Championship and '08 Season Review 11/10/2008 USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD finishes out the season this past weekend at Manzanita Speedway with the Western World Championship. It was a two-day show for Mellenberndt at the famed Manzanita Speedway and Bret went there with great expectations as for last February he set quick time. With Sprint Car veteran Rick Ferkel and long time sprint racer Doug Martens on his side, Bret qualified in the top half of the field at 27th out of the 65 others and started the first heat race on the second row. Bret fell back at the start, but raced his way up to the number 6 spot just two spots outside the transfer position. Mellenberndt then had to run the Semi in which the sixth row was where he was to start. Passing 5 cars throughout the Semi, Bret finished 7th and unfortunately missed the transfer into the Preliminary Main Event for the two-day show at Manzanita. The Mellenberndt Team utilized the first night of the weekend as a trial to get the team set up for the final show on Saturday. Taking the points earned from Friday’s event, set Bret to start on the second row of the “C” Main. An unfortunate yellow flag was thrown with only two laps to go and Bret realized the rear tire was going down on the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis. He decided to swing into the work area and change the tire and come back out for the restart at the tail of the field. But, with only two laps to go, Bret ran out of time and did not make the transfer. “Overall the weekend went well, explains Bret, we had a new team going into Manzanita and the car was good pretty much all weekend, but just wasn’t quite good enough.” “We had a very respectful season this year, mentions Bret, we were more consistent than any other year I’ve raced and we had all the right equipment to win races, but we just weren’t consistent with the team. We struggled finding the right help and putting forth the time needed to conduct a ‘race winning’ program. I can’t wait for next year, I learned a lot this year and we just have to find the right help and stick with each other for the entire season. If we can do that, you will see the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis in victory lane!” Bret would like to thank all of the fans and supporters that stuck with him in 2008 and would also like to give a special thanks to Doug Martens, Rick Ferkel, Bill Mellenberndt, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.
Mellenberndt Heads to Phoenix! 11/03/2008 USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD is on his way to Phoenix, AZ to cap off the 2008 Season for Mellenberndt Racing. Bret will be racing this Friday and Saturday night on the Historical ½ mile of Manzanita Speedway along side the rest of the USAC National Drivers. Mellenberndt is going into the weekend feeling very confident; last February of this year Bret set quick time on the second night and finished in the top ten at eighth. Bret will also be accompanied by Rick Ferkel to help out on the team along with long time racer Doug Martens. Be sure to keep up with Bret on his website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for all the results from the Manzanita Speedway Double Header. Special Thanks to Doug Martens, Rick Ferkel, Bill Mellenberndt, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.
Mellenberndt Gets Ready for the West Coast Run 10/13/2008 USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD stayed home this past weekend to get another car ready to rock for the upcoming races in Phoenix, AZ. The racing at Manzanita Speedway begins with a USAC sanctioned two-day event on the 7th and 8th of November. The plans are uncertain in the Mellenberndt Shop on whether or not they will be racing with the ASCS Canyon Series on the 1/3 mile track the same weekend or if they will be heading out to Perris, CA for two USAC/CRA events on the 15th and 29th of November. The Mellenberndt Team would like to give a special thanks to all the fans and supporters of Mellenberndt Racing including: Sioux City Truck and Trailer, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites. Be sure to follow Bret through the team website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for all the latest news and results that will be coming up here in just a couple weeks.
Gas City & Lawrenceburg Re-cap for Mellenberndt 10/06/2008 USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD starts last weekend out in Gas City, Indiana. Mellenberndt started the heat race in the number three spot and fell back a few positions early in the race, but throughout the contest, Bret was able to muscle back up to third and makes the transfer into the Main Event. Bret started way back in the 18th position for Gas City’s 30 Lap Main Event. He raced his way through the field and into the top ten when with only two laps to go, another competitor jumped the right rear tire of the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis tipping himself over and causing Bret’s tire to go flat. Over the red the Mellenberndt Team was able to change the tire and restart at the tail end of the lineup. Bret then raced back up to the 18th spot to finish out the evening. Following Gas City, it was time for the high banks of Lawrenceburg. Bret started eighth in the Heat Race and made his way up to sixth just outside of the transfer spot for the Main Event. Mellenberndt then had to run the Semi and starting 10th, Bret raced up to sixth on the heavy, non-passing racetrack, but it was not quite enough to transfer into the Main. Bret and the gang will be heading back to Sioux Falls for the week to get everything ready to rock for the West Coast swing coming up here at the end of October. Be sure to keep a tight eye on Bret through his website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for all of his latest press releases and results. Special Thanks to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.
Mellenberndt Races Illinois Followed by Haubstadt 09/29/2008 USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD takes the team out to Jacksonville, Illinois this past Friday for a non-sanctioned event. Bret’s qualifying skills shine once again as he was able to put the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis 4th quick out of a field of 40 plus. Racing towards the front in the heat race, Bret’s left rear tire went flat and Bret was sent to the ‘B’ Main. The rules were changed throughout the evening as Bret was suppose to line up in the ‘B’ Main based of his qualifying efforts, but with the inconsistency of the officiating, Bret had to line up at the rear of the field. Unfortunately, Mellenberndt was unable to make the transfer to the Main Event. After Jacksonville, it was time to roll out to Haubstadt, Indiana for a MSCS sanctioned event. Bret started the Heat Race in the third position and raced in that final transfer spot throughout most of the race until Bret spun with just two laps to go while racing hard against another competitor. Lining back up for the restart at the tail end, Mellenberndt attempted to charge up to that precious third spot, but fell short and had to run the ‘C’ Main. Bret led the ‘C’ until his throttle stuck and even with the throttle issues, Bret still managed to finish second and transfer into the ‘B’ Main. Mellenberndt started at the tail end of the field in the ‘B’ and had to make it to the number 5 spot to guarantee him a starting position in the Main. Bret raced all the way up to the 6th position and fell just one spot short of the transfer. The Mellenberndt Team will be staying out in Indiana this week to prepare themselves for the upcoming show in Gas City this coming Friday followed by a $10,000 to win MSCS event held in Lawrenceburg, Indiana the following evening. Be sure to follow Bret through his website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for all of his latest results and press releases. Special Thanks to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.
Top Ten Finish for Mellenberndt 09/22/2008 USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD takes the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis to Gas City I-69 Speedway this past Friday and adds yet another top ten finish to the books. Bret started on the front row of the heat race to start out the evening and came out with a second which put Bret on the front row of the Main Event. Mellenberndt lead half of the race until a mishap on the speedway sent Bret off the racetrack and back to the tenth position. Bret held his own at tenth to bring home the top ten. “The Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis was perfect,” explains Bret, “but once we went off the track, we just weren’t able to advance forward in the remaining laps. It takes time with a new team, but ever since veteran car chief Mike Dutcher along with mechanic Andy Anderson came on board to the Mellenberndt Team, we have seen a lot better finishes. I can keep my head on the driving and the driving alone.” Bret and the gang then traveled to the historic Eldora Speedway the following night to compete in the Four-Crown Nationals. With engine troubles all night, Bret had to run the non-qualifiers race for the attempt of making the heat race, but after running fourth in the transfer spot for over half of the contest, a yellow flag was thrown and Bret’s engine began to worsen. With the engine not running the way it should, Bret decided to pull it in which in turn put an early end to the evening for the Mellenberndt Team. The Mellenberndt Team will be staying out in Indiana this week to attack the engine issues and will be ready to rock for the upcoming event in Jacksonville, Illinois followed by an MSCS show in Haubstadt, Indiana. Be sure to follow Bret through his website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for all of his latest results and press releases. Special Thanks to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.
Rained out in Bloomington 09/15/2008 Sioux Falls, South Dakota native Bret Mellenberndt takes the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis out to Indiana again this past weekend for the attempt of a two day race weekend. The rain fell down Friday in Bloomington cancelling the event so the Mellenberndt Team had to pack up the rig and head to Putnamville, Indiana for the Saturday night show. The Mellenberndt Team has not raced at Lincoln Park Speedway since last May, but with last times’ showing, Bret had an impressive run winning the Semi and coming from the back of the field in the Main and finishing in the 6th position. This past Saturday, Bret and the gang were able to finish in the top 5 of the Heat Race and with only the top 4 transferring into the Main, the Semi was next up for Mellenberndt and the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis. Starting in the third row, Bret raced to fifth on the rough surface which was unfortunately just outside of the transfer position of 4th and putting an early end to the evening. The Team’s plans for this week are to stay out in Indiana this week and they will be racing Gas City this coming Friday followed by the much anticipated Four-Crown Nationals at the historic Eldora Speedway. Be sure to swing by www.bretmellenberndtracing.com to keep up with all of Bret’s latest news and result updates and a very Special Thanks goes out to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.
Shortened Weekend for Mellenberndt 09/08/2008 USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD, went to Gas City last Friday for a local non-winged sprint car show. It was a short night for the Mellenberndt Team, starting last in the Heat Race, Bret passed two cars in the first lap, but got tipped over and junked the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis to end the night early. The Mellenberndt Team worked throughout the night getting the new car ready to race for the next show in Lawrenceburg. Running second in the Heat Race, Bret had to pull in because of engine troubles. The team worked hard to find the problem and found that a plugged fuel filter was the cause of the engine mishaps. Bret then had to start towards the rear of the Semi and was able to race his way up to the third position guaranteeing a starting spot for the Main Event. Bret started the Main Event on the inside of the tenth row and powered through the field and brought home a top ten finish for the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis. The scorers for the evening scored Bret in the twelfth spot, but later the corrections were made to put the Mellenberndt Team at 10th. Bret came back to South Dakota at the end of the night to get the damaged frame repaired and will be heading back out to Indiana for the next event coming up in Bloomington. Keep in tune with Mellenberndt Racing through the team website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for as latest results and press releases will be updated weekly. Special Thanks to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.
Impressive Weekend for Mellenberndt 09/02/2008 Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, takes the team out East to Indiana again this past weekend. To start out the three day series, Bret and the gang traveled to Gas City I-69 Speedway. Bret started in the rear of the Heat Race and drove forward through the field just outside the transfer spot to the 6th position. Mellenberndt then had to run the Semi for one last attempt to make it into the Main Event. Starting 8th, Bret raced forward until a mishap on the racetrack caused him to restart the event in the tail of the field. Mellenberndt put the hammer down to attempt to make the top four transfer, but was only able to pass 10 cars and finish eighth. “Not a bad run,” explains Mellenberndt, “but having to restart the ‘B’ at the tail of the field didn’t help much.” Next up was Lawrenceburg Speedway. Bret started sixth in the heat and moved up one spot just outside of the transfer position. Dominating the Semi, Bret was able to put the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis into that precious Main Event. Starting 18th, Mellenberndt set the car above the cushion and drove around 11 cars to finish in the 7th spot and add another top ten to the record books. For the third night of the series, Bret and the gang traveled to Haubstadt, Indiana for an MSCS show. An impressive 41 cars showed up for the MSCS show at Tri-State Speedway. Bret started 7th in the second of four heat races and raced his way up to the number 2 spot to guarantee him a starting position in the Main Event. Having a nasty start in the Main, set Bret back to the 12th position. Mellenberndt put the elbows up and raced back up to 7th, but then late in the race, Bret jumped the cushion stalling the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis. Restarting the race in the back of the pack, Bret raced up to 14th to finish out the evening. Watch for Mellenberndt at Bloomington Speedway next Friday followed by Lawrenceburg and the Season Championship in Kokomo. Keep up with all of Bret’s latest results through his website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com and be sure to swing by the guestbook to let Bret know you stopped by. Special Thanks to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.

Bret Mellenberndt is BACK! Starting with, Tucson…

03/05/2010

Everybody remembers the black number 97 out of Sioux Falls, SD who traveled back and forth from the near non-existing non-wing sprint car world of South Dakota to the heart of wingless sprints in Indiana every weekend for the better of 2008. Then throughout 2009 the pilot of the Sioux City Truck & Trailer #97, Bret Mellenberndt, didn’t travel as much, staying around home and racing with the Heartland Racing Association in Rock Rapids, IA in a wingless 360 sprint class.

“We took some time off of traveling last year,” explains Bret, “We had some great help around home and it was hard finding people to go with us each and every weekend to Indiana. So we simply decided to race around home.”

This year will be different for Mellenberndt Racing as Bret and the gang all ready traveled to USA Raceway in Tucson, AR for a USAC National Sprint Car show. February 19th’s Tucson opener was the first time Bret sat in the seat of a 410 non-winged sprint car for over a year, but that lack of time in the car didn’t slow him down any. Bret qualified 9th quick out of the 40 cars that entered. Starting fourth in the heat race, right after the officials just worked the race track, Mellenberndt dropped back to sixth just missing the transfer into the anticipated Main Event.

Bret started inside the second row in the Semi and dropped just one spot to transfer into the Main Event that was held on the 21st.

“We felt really good going into the main,” explains the Sioux Falls native, “We knew the car was close and all I needed to do was drive.” Bret started ninth in the main and was racing inside the top ten for the first nine laps of the 40 lap event. Then coming out of the fourth turn going into the 10th lap, the right front shock broke putting a dreadful end to the first night of the year. Bret stayed on the bottom of the track with his broken car and fell back to 16th by the time the checkered flag flew.

“All in all I am happy with the night,” says Mellenberndt. “We had a strong qualifying run and everything was lining up to be a great weekend. But, we all have those nights when it just wasn’t meant to be. Once my shock broke, it was pretty much over. But, we’ll take the momentum we gained and force it on to the next show in Vegas!”

Vegas was another story for Mellenberndt Racing. In the last set of the group qualifying that USAC displays, Bret put a 28th quick time on the board which lined him on the outside of the eight row for the heat. “The times were slowing down since the first qualifying run,” says Bret, “So I knew we weren’t going to be there. The track was very dry and we were just doing what we could.”

Mellenberndt found a grove in the middle of the Vegas half-mile that worked for the Sioux City Truck & Trailer #97 and muscled from last to fourth in the heat guaranteeing a spot in the main. He started in the back of the Main and raced up to 19th on the slippery dry slick racetrack.

“We tried some new things on the car since we were starting so far back,” explains Bret. “Some things worked and some didn’t. But we learned what does and doesn’t with our car on this type of track, so overall the night was a success!”

Keep in tune with Bret this year through his website, www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for that latest news and schedule updates will be updated regularly.

Special thanks to: Bill Mellenberndt, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.

Western World Championship and '08 Season Review

11/10/2008

USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD finishes out the season this past weekend at Manzanita Speedway with the Western World Championship. It was a two-day show for Mellenberndt at the famed Manzanita Speedway and Bret went there with great expectations as for last February he set quick time. With Sprint Car veteran Rick Ferkel and long time sprint racer Doug Martens on his side, Bret qualified in the top half of the field at 27th out of the 65 others and started the first heat race on the second row. Bret fell back at the start, but raced his way up to the number 6 spot just two spots outside the transfer position. Mellenberndt then had to run the Semi in which the sixth row was where he was to start. Passing 5 cars throughout the Semi, Bret finished 7th and unfortunately missed the transfer into the Preliminary Main Event for the two-day show at Manzanita. The Mellenberndt Team utilized the first night of the weekend as a trial to get the team set up for the final show on Saturday. Taking the points earned from Friday’s event, set Bret to start on the second row of the “C” Main. An unfortunate yellow flag was thrown with only two laps to go and Bret realized the rear tire was going down on the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis. He decided to swing into the work area and change the tire and come back out for the restart at the tail of the field. But, with only two laps to go, Bret ran out of time and did not make the transfer. “Overall the weekend went well, explains Bret, we had a new team going into Manzanita and the car was good pretty much all weekend, but just wasn’t quite good enough.”
“We had a very respectful season this year, mentions Bret, we were more consistent than any other year I’ve raced and we had all the right equipment to win races, but we just weren’t consistent with the team. We struggled finding the right help and putting forth the time needed to conduct a ‘race winning’ program. I can’t wait for next year, I learned a lot this year and we just have to find the right help and stick with each other for the entire season. If we can do that, you will see the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis in victory lane!”
Bret would like to thank all of the fans and supporters that stuck with him in 2008 and would also like to give a special thanks to Doug Martens, Rick Ferkel, Bill Mellenberndt, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.

Mellenberndt Heads to Phoenix!

11/03/2008

USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD is on his way to Phoenix, AZ to cap off the 2008 Season for Mellenberndt Racing. Bret will be racing this Friday and Saturday night on the Historical ½ mile of Manzanita Speedway along side the rest of the USAC National Drivers. Mellenberndt is going into the weekend feeling very confident; last February of this year Bret set quick time on the second night and finished in the top ten at eighth. Bret will also be accompanied by Rick Ferkel to help out on the team along with long time racer Doug Martens. Be sure to keep up with Bret on his website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for all the results from the Manzanita Speedway Double Header. Special Thanks to Doug Martens, Rick Ferkel, Bill Mellenberndt, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.

Mellenberndt Gets Ready for the West Coast Run

10/13/2008

USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD stayed home this past weekend to get another car ready to rock for the upcoming races in Phoenix, AZ. The racing at Manzanita Speedway begins with a USAC sanctioned two-day event on the 7th and 8th of November. The plans are uncertain in the Mellenberndt Shop on whether or not they will be racing with the ASCS Canyon Series on the 1/3 mile track the same weekend or if they will be heading out to Perris, CA for two USAC/CRA events on the 15th and 29th of November. The Mellenberndt Team would like to give a special thanks to all the fans and supporters of Mellenberndt Racing including: Sioux City Truck and Trailer, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites. Be sure to follow Bret through the team website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for all the latest news and results that will be coming up here in just a couple weeks.

Gas City & Lawrenceburg Re-cap for Mellenberndt

10/06/2008

USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD starts last weekend out in Gas City, Indiana. Mellenberndt started the heat race in the number three spot and fell back a few positions early in the race, but throughout the contest, Bret was able to muscle back up to third and makes the transfer into the Main Event. Bret started way back in the 18th position for Gas City’s 30 Lap Main Event. He raced his way through the field and into the top ten when with only two laps to go, another competitor jumped the right rear tire of the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis tipping himself over and causing Bret’s tire to go flat. Over the red the Mellenberndt Team was able to change the tire and restart at the tail end of the lineup. Bret then raced back up to the 18th spot to finish out the evening.
Following Gas City, it was time for the high banks of Lawrenceburg. Bret started eighth in the Heat Race and made his way up to sixth just outside of the transfer spot for the Main Event. Mellenberndt then had to run the Semi and starting 10th, Bret raced up to sixth on the heavy, non-passing racetrack, but it was not quite enough to transfer into the Main. Bret and the gang will be heading back to Sioux Falls for the week to get everything ready to rock for the West Coast swing coming up here at the end of October. Be sure to keep a tight eye on Bret through his website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for all of his latest press releases and results. Special Thanks to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.

Mellenberndt Races Illinois Followed by Haubstadt

09/29/2008

USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD takes the team out to Jacksonville, Illinois this past Friday for a non-sanctioned event. Bret’s qualifying skills shine once again as he was able to put the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis 4th quick out of a field of 40 plus. Racing towards the front in the heat race, Bret’s left rear tire went flat and Bret was sent to the ‘B’ Main. The rules were changed throughout the evening as Bret was suppose to line up in the ‘B’ Main based of his qualifying efforts, but with the inconsistency of the officiating, Bret had to line up at the rear of the field. Unfortunately, Mellenberndt was unable to make the transfer to the Main Event. After Jacksonville, it was time to roll out to Haubstadt, Indiana for a MSCS sanctioned event. Bret started the Heat Race in the third position and raced in that final transfer spot throughout most of the race until Bret spun with just two laps to go while racing hard against another competitor. Lining back up for the restart at the tail end, Mellenberndt attempted to charge up to that precious third spot, but fell short and had to run the ‘C’ Main. Bret led the ‘C’ until his throttle stuck and even with the throttle issues, Bret still managed to finish second and transfer into the ‘B’ Main. Mellenberndt started at the tail end of the field in the ‘B’ and had to make it to the number 5 spot to guarantee him a starting position in the Main. Bret raced all the way up to the 6th position and fell just one spot short of the transfer.
The Mellenberndt Team will be staying out in Indiana this week to prepare themselves for the upcoming show in Gas City this coming Friday followed by a $10,000 to win MSCS event held in Lawrenceburg, Indiana the following evening. Be sure to follow Bret through his website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for all of his latest results and press releases. Special Thanks to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.

Top Ten Finish for Mellenberndt

09/22/2008

USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD takes the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis to Gas City I-69 Speedway this past Friday and adds yet another top ten finish to the books. Bret started on the front row of the heat race to start out the evening and came out with a second which put Bret on the front row of the Main Event. Mellenberndt lead half of the race until a mishap on the speedway sent Bret off the racetrack and back to the tenth position. Bret held his own at tenth to bring home the top ten. “The Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis was perfect,” explains Bret, “but once we went off the track, we just weren’t able to advance forward in the remaining laps. It takes time with a new team, but ever since veteran car chief Mike Dutcher along with mechanic Andy Anderson came on board to the Mellenberndt Team, we have seen a lot better finishes. I can keep my head on the driving and the driving alone.”
Bret and the gang then traveled to the historic Eldora Speedway the following night to compete in the Four-Crown Nationals. With engine troubles all night, Bret had to run the non-qualifiers race for the attempt of making the heat race, but after running fourth in the transfer spot for over half of the contest, a yellow flag was thrown and Bret’s engine began to worsen. With the engine not running the way it should, Bret decided to pull it in which in turn put an early end to the evening for the Mellenberndt Team.
The Mellenberndt Team will be staying out in Indiana this week to attack the engine issues and will be ready to rock for the upcoming event in Jacksonville, Illinois followed by an MSCS show in Haubstadt, Indiana. Be sure to follow Bret through his website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for all of his latest results and press releases. Special Thanks to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.

Rained out in Bloomington

09/15/2008

Sioux Falls, South Dakota native Bret Mellenberndt takes the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis out to Indiana again this past weekend for the attempt of a two day race weekend. The rain fell down Friday in Bloomington cancelling the event so the Mellenberndt Team had to pack up the rig and head to Putnamville, Indiana for the Saturday night show. The Mellenberndt Team has not raced at Lincoln Park Speedway since last May, but with last times’ showing, Bret had an impressive run winning the Semi and coming from the back of the field in the Main and finishing in the 6th position. This past Saturday, Bret and the gang were able to finish in the top 5 of the Heat Race and with only the top 4 transferring into the Main, the Semi was next up for Mellenberndt and the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis. Starting in the third row, Bret raced to fifth on the rough surface which was unfortunately just outside of the transfer position of 4th and putting an early end to the evening. The Team’s plans for this week are to stay out in Indiana this week and they will be racing Gas City this coming Friday followed by the much anticipated Four-Crown Nationals at the historic Eldora Speedway. Be sure to swing by www.bretmellenberndtracing.com to keep up with all of Bret’s latest news and result updates and a very Special Thanks goes out to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.

Shortened Weekend for Mellenberndt

09/08/2008

USAC Sprint Car driver Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, SD, went to Gas City last Friday for a local non-winged sprint car show. It was a short night for the Mellenberndt Team, starting last in the Heat Race, Bret passed two cars in the first lap, but got tipped over and junked the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis to end the night early. The Mellenberndt Team worked throughout the night getting the new car ready to race for the next show in Lawrenceburg. Running second in the Heat Race, Bret had to pull in because of engine troubles. The team worked hard to find the problem and found that a plugged fuel filter was the cause of the engine mishaps. Bret then had to start towards the rear of the Semi and was able to race his way up to the third position guaranteeing a starting spot for the Main Event. Bret started the Main Event on the inside of the tenth row and powered through the field and brought home a top ten finish for the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis. The scorers for the evening scored Bret in the twelfth spot, but later the corrections were made to put the Mellenberndt Team at 10th. Bret came back to South Dakota at the end of the night to get the damaged frame repaired and will be heading back out to Indiana for the next event coming up in Bloomington. Keep in tune with Mellenberndt Racing through the team website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com for as latest results and press releases will be updated weekly. Special Thanks to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.

Impressive Weekend for Mellenberndt

09/02/2008

Bret Mellenberndt out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, takes the team out East to Indiana again this past weekend. To start out the three day series, Bret and the gang traveled to Gas City I-69 Speedway. Bret started in the rear of the Heat Race and drove forward through the field just outside the transfer spot to the 6th position. Mellenberndt then had to run the Semi for one last attempt to make it into the Main Event. Starting 8th, Bret raced forward until a mishap on the racetrack caused him to restart the event in the tail of the field. Mellenberndt put the hammer down to attempt to make the top four transfer, but was only able to pass 10 cars and finish eighth. “Not a bad run,” explains Mellenberndt, “but having to restart the ‘B’ at the tail of the field didn’t help much.”
Next up was Lawrenceburg Speedway. Bret started sixth in the heat and moved up one spot just outside of the transfer position. Dominating the Semi, Bret was able to put the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis into that precious Main Event. Starting 18th, Mellenberndt set the car above the cushion and drove around 11 cars to finish in the 7th spot and add another top ten to the record books.
For the third night of the series, Bret and the gang traveled to Haubstadt, Indiana for an MSCS show. An impressive 41 cars showed up for the MSCS show at Tri-State Speedway. Bret started 7th in the second of four heat races and raced his way up to the number 2 spot to guarantee him a starting position in the Main Event. Having a nasty start in the Main, set Bret back to the 12th position. Mellenberndt put the elbows up and raced back up to 7th, but then late in the race, Bret jumped the cushion stalling the Sioux City Truck & Trailer WolfWeld Chassis. Restarting the race in the back of the pack, Bret raced up to 14th to finish out the evening. Watch for Mellenberndt at Bloomington Speedway next Friday followed by Lawrenceburg and the Season Championship in Kokomo. Keep up with all of Bret’s latest results through his website www.bretmellenberndtracing.com and be sure to swing by the guestbook to let Bret know you stopped by. Special Thanks to Mike Dutcher, Andy Anderson, Petersen Motors, Hoosier Racing Tire, Keizer Wheels, Bell Racing, Sioux City Truck and Trailer, DMI, ATL Fuel Cells, Ultra-Shield, WolfWeld Chassis, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Howe Racing and Driver Websites.

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