Vintage Mod Tops Show! By Mike Babicz

June 17, 2006;  Lake Geneva, WI. - Bob Surges of Sullivan, Wis. has waited a long time, but his hard work and patience on his vintage restored 1963 Modified Stock Car paid off with the Best Appearing Overall Championship Award for the 29th Let’s Go Racing/13th Lynch GM Superstore Motorsports Show Saturday, June 17.

The Lynch GM Superstore of Burlington, Wis. combined efforts with Babicz Auto Racing Services of Antioch, Ill. to bring together two longstanding motorsports traditions resulting in 31 entries filling the dealership lot at 2300 S. Brown’s Lake Drive (Hwys. 36 & W).

“I’m speechless,” said an emotional B. Surges when receiving the traditional clock award from John Fischer, Lynch sales manager, and Mike Babicz, show promoter, under the awning of the Chevrolet Road Tour display. “There have been a lot of hours that have gone into putting this car together. This is really a surprise and an honor.”

Surges’ white modified is no longer raced competitively, but does occasionally make appearances at various tracks and shows. Surges plans to have it at Lake Geneva Raceway’s Legends Night Homecoming Celebration on Saturday, Sept. 9, along with several other restored race cars from the Vintage Stock Car Drivers Association.

Top 10 award recipients included Surges’ brother, John, of Milwaukee for his vintage modified.

The United States Snowmobile Assn. (USSA) racing sleds of 7-year-old Joey Schwartz, his sister Stacey Schwartz, grandfather Doug Schwartz, all of Waterford, who compete at Eagle River, Wis. in the world championships among other events in the Midwest; earned top 10 honors.

Dan Kopske of Muskego’s vintage modified; John Janssen of Burlington’s 1964 Vintage Dale Earnhardt replica Chevelle; M.J. Both of Racine’s 1933 Ford Body/1934 Chassis vintage modified; received awards.

Glenn Tomasino of Burlington’s 1987 Pontiac Grand Prix he competes with on the Midwest Enduro Stock Car Series and Lake Geneva Raceway’s weapons division; Mike Meyerhofer of Burlington’s 2006 Monte Carlo super late model; Erik Pierce of Lake-In-The-Hills, Ill.’s Mid-American stock car, both of which compete regularly at Lake Geneva Raceway; and Jeff Storm of Waterford’s ASA Late Model that competes regularly at Madison International Speedway and occasionally at Lake Geneva, all received top 10 honors.

Lake Geneva Raceway regulars Bill Gundlach of McHenry, Ill.’s Rascal Outlaw Sprint Car; Mark Tomasi of Windlake’s weapons/enduro stock car; Carrie Dygon of Racine’s limited late model; Michael Shorten of Mundelein, Ill.’s weapons/enduro stock car; John Fischer of Burlington’s Mid-American sportsman stock car; Jack Rubach of Burlington’s super stock car; Mid-America Sportsman point leader George Schultz of Bristol’s Mid-American stock car; were on hand.
Joseph Schwartz of Waterford’s USSA racing sled was part of the family’s display. Ed Ludwig of Burlington’s 1969 Camaro ZZ4 street stock that competes at Great Lakes Dragaway in Union Grove, along with Wilmot Speedway dirt track drivers Joel Crawbridge of Burlington’s modern-style modified and Bobby “The Colonel” Parker of South Milwaukee’s sportsman stock car were on display.

Headlining the show was the national traveling 2006 Chevy Race Tour display. Display elements carried in two transporters include the Nextel Cup Monte Carlo #29 driven by Kevin Harvick, a ALMS (American LeMans Series) Corvette C6R, a Cobalt modified drag car, NASCAR Craftsman Series race truck, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette; race engine display, XM radio display and driver simulator race games.

The Twin Rivers Band treated fans attending the free show to live music. Refreshment sales by the Burlington High School Demons soccer team helped raise funds for an upcoming European trip.

Kevin Dawson, promoter of Lake Geneva Raceway, along with Erin Aune, promoter of Nielsen Enterprises Suzuki Lake Geneva Raceway Stadium Motocross facility, visited with fans as did retired Lake Geneva Raceway and Wilmot Speedway promoters Ray and Joan Toft.

Lynch has hosted a summertime motorsports show for the past 13 years. Babicz promoted the traditional springtime Let's Go Racing Motorsports Show for 27 years. The two came together to present the 29th Annual Lynch GM Superstore Let’s Go Racing Motorsports Show held under warm, but pleasant, sunny skies.

“We wish to thank all of the drivers and pit crew members, the traveling Chevy show crew, the Lynch staff, and especially, the fans who came out to get a close up look at a wide variety of motorsports,” jointly stated Babicz and Fisher. “We appreciate all of the fine coverage the media gave us. We are already looking to next year and hope to make it even bigger and better.”

Later on the evening of June 17 at Lake Geneva Raceway, Fisher and Lynch Chevrolet received the Henry A. Babicz Humanitarian Award for their efforts over the year to promote sportsmanship, patriotism and the sport of auto racing. Mike Babicz and Kevin Dawson of Lake Geneva Raceway made the presentation of the award honoring Babicz’ late father.
The Chevy Racing Road Tour transporter made a surprise stop at Lake Geneva Raceway as well.

Participating show sponsors include Lynch GM Superstore, Lake Geneva Raceway, NAPA Auto Parts of Zion, Midwest Enduro Stock Car and Small Car Series, Road America, Lake Geneva Raceway Motocross, Racing Roundup Radio Show, Jerry’s Garage Talk WKRS 1220 AM Radio Show, WLKG Radio of Lake Geneva, 96.1 The Lake Radio, Franklin Racing Productions Video Taping, Mark Melchiori Photography, Brogan's Awards of Gurnee and Art Newvo Graphics of Lake Villa.