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MID-AM RACING SERIES

Spring Classic Recap: Sontag Jr. and Murphy Deliver a Thrilling Showdown


Mark Sontag Jr in Victory Lane

The Mid-Am Racing Series kicked off its 2025 season in dramatic fashion at Grundy County Speedway with the annual Spring Classic, and the night did not disappoint.


In a stunning debut, Mark Sontag Jr. (#3) powered to victory in his first-ever Mid-Am start. With only a handful of laps in the car before race day, Sontag Jr. drove like a seasoned pro, adapting quickly and holding off all challengers. Car owner Ron Vandermeir Jr. stated, "I’m incredibly proud of how he handled his debut. He’s a quick learner, and seeing him adapt so well with so little time in the car speaks to his drive and potential. It’s just the start, but I’m excited for what’s ahead."


Right behind him was Kevin Murphy (#427), whose second-place run was nothing short of remarkable. Just a week earlier, Murphy’s car was heavily damaged in a testing crash, but thanks to a major effort by his Oval Engineering team, the # 427 was race-ready—and fast.


Scotty Gardner (#13), the defending champion, overcame being sick all week to deliver a tough, composed run for third, showing once again why he's a title threat. Even while battling illness, Scotty not only fought through to a strong finish, but also went above and beyond to help other drivers get ready for the race. His selflessness and leadership on and off the track truly show the kind of competitor and person he is. #cheatersclub


Cameron Preisler (#5) barely made it to qualifying after battling mechanical issues all day, but once on track, he put together a strong fourth-place finish. Cameron has all the tools to make this his year. After overcoming mechanical issues leading into the race and showing such strong speed, it's clear he’s a contender to watch.


Jeremiah Senko (#42) turned in a quietly impressive drive, staying smooth and consistent all night to secure a top-five finish in a highly competitive field—an effort that didn’t go unnoticed.


🏁 Full Feature Finishing Order:

  1. 3 Mark Sontag Jr.

  2. 427 Kevin Murphy

  3. 13 Scotty Gardner

  4. 5 Cameron Preisler

  5. 42 Jeremiah Senko

  6. 23 Cody Clubb

  7. 6T Greg Thorson

  8. 4 Daniel Calhoun

  9. 3B Kyle Brick

  10. 6 Phil Speciale

  11. 22L Tadd Labuda

  12. 5PR Bill Pretzel

  13. 76 Bobby Gash

  14. 43 Connor Kosowski

  15. 56 Shane Sapp

  16. 16 John Ventrello

  17. 2 Dan Janjanin

  18. 86 James Dean

  19. 0 Josh Nelms

  20. 700 Vince Cooper

  21. 00 Marqus Hoover

  22. 14 Andrew Meyerhofer

  23. 3M Rickey Mathis Jr.

  24. 8 Mike Moore


Last Chance Results:

  1. 6 Phil Speciale (transfer in)

  2. 700 Vince Cooper (transfer in)

  3. 5P Bill Pretzel (transfer in)

  4. 76 Bobby Gash (transfer in)

  5. 2 Dan Janjanin (Fan Vote)

  6. 8G Mike Gerike

  7. 97 Sean Eurick

  8. 14M Andrew Meyerhofer (Points Provisional)

  9. 56 Shane Sapp (Promoters Choice)

  10. 16V John Ventrello (Points Provisional)

  11. Jim Thorson (DNS)

  12. Rick Redig-Tackman (DNS)


🏁 Race Format:

The Spring Classic featured a competitive format designed to showcase driver skill and adaptability:

  • 16 drivers qualified based on their fastest lap times during the qualifying session.

  • 4 additional drivers secured spots through the Last Chance race.

  • 2 provisional spots were awarded based on accumulated points from the previous season, ensuring consistency and rewarding past performance.

  • 1 fan vote allowed fans to have a say in which driver earned a spot in the feature race, adding an interactive element to the event.

  • 1 promoter's choice was granted to a driver selected by Mid-Am.

 
 
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