New Richmond, WI (August 10, 2017): The FANSFund team wrapped up a very successful year during the 30th annual USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway. A record $28,150 was raised this year to provide financial support to drivers that were voted in. Because of the record fund, 15 spots were offered to drivers to participate in this year’s FANSFund events. With only 10 of the 15 drivers able to make the long tow to Cedar Lake Speedway to participate in this year’s events, the popular 12 lap FANSFund Dash paid a whopping $3,000 to win and $2,700 to start!
Top vote getter Brian Shirley of Chatham, IL started on the pole for the FANSFund Dash and steadily pulled away for a convincing win followed by Jason Feger of Bloomington, IL and 10th starting Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, GA working his way through the field to round out the top 3.

Finishing order for the 12 lap FANSFund Dash – Finish, (Start), Driver, City/State, Earnings:
1. (1) Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL, $3,000
2. (3) Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL, $2,950
3. (10) Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA, $2,900
4. (7) Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL, $2,850
5. (6) Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL, $2,800
6. (8) Ricky Weiss, Headingly, Manitoba, Canada , $2,750
7. (2) Michael Lake, Uniontown, PA, $2,750
8. (4) Justin Duty, Portland, OR, $2,750
9. (5) Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA, $2,700
10. (9) Kent Robinson, Bloomington, IN, $2,700

The very popular FANSFund luncheon for the fans that donated at least $30, our sponsors, and the FANSFund drivers and crews was held Saturday August 5th at Noon in the Cedar Lake Arena with approximately 225 people in attendance. It was a great event with those in attendance receiving a FANSFund t-shirt, a nice lunch provided by Cedar Lake Speedway, an autograph session with the drivers, and were eligible for numerous door prizes, including driver door panels, quarter panels, t-shirts, hats, diecasts, stickers, etc. At the luncheon the drivers were brought up one by one, paid for their finishing position in the FANSFund Dash, asked to say a few words, and draw some raffle tickets which allowed many of our fans to go home with some extra memorable door prizes. The drivers were all extremely thankful to all the fans, sponsors and the FANSFund team for all the financial support they received. Thank you to the drivers and sponsors that donated items for the raffle.

Photos from the luncheon and some of the other racing action throughout the weekend are now available on the Photos page of our website. Thank you to Vince Peterson of Track Rat Photos for being our official FANSFund Photographer! www.FANSFund.com/photos/

Thank you to the fans that donated, the FANSFund team of volunteers, and the following sponsors for your support, we couldn’t have done this without you! Badger Storage and Excavating, Johnson Motor Sales, Johnson Ford, Casey Farms, Willow River Saloon, Gillund Enterprises / Justice Brothers, GRP Motorsports, JT Auto Sales, Bernicks Pepsi, Skoglund Oil, Champs Sports Bar and Grill and FYE Motorsports. Please take the opportunity to patronize and thank these great sponsors as we couldn’t have the success we do without their support! Check out the Contributors Page at http://www.fansfund.com/contributors for more information about these great sponsors!

As we put a close to the 2017 edition of the FANSFund, the reins are being passed to Justin, Kim and Jason Richert to lead the FANSFund into 2018. I’m stepping down as the FANSFund Coordinator at the end of this year to be able to spend more time with my family and grandchildren. I’ll still be involved and support the FANSFund but in a more limited capacity. My hopes are that those of you that have supported the FANSFund in the past will continue to support the Richert crew as they strive to continue to provide financial support to drivers and help make the USA Nationals the best event it can be!

Check back throughout the winter and spring or follow us on Facebook to stay abreast with what’s in store for 2018. www.FANSFund.com

If anyone is interested in supporting the FANSFund at a sponsorship level or know of drivers interested in participating in the FANSFund for 2018, please contact us at CLSFANSFund@Yahoo.com.

The 31st running of the USA Nationals is set for August 2nd through August 4th, 2018. Make sure to get your tickets now at: www.cedarlakespeedway.com

Thank you to our sponsors, fans, and the FANSFund Team for your support once again in 2017!

Tom Emerson, FANS Fund Coordinator