Bruechert Looks to Shake Bridesmade Status  in Luxemburg IMCA Stock Car Wars! By Joe Verdegan

March 19, 2007; Luxemburg, WI. - Kewaunee's Brian Bruechert admits he's tired of playing the bridesmaid role in Luxemburg Speedway's rough-and-tumble IMCA stock car division.

After finishing second in the division point standings for the third time in his career last season, Bruechert is hoping 2007 is the year he can claim that IMCA stock car track championship that's eluded him since he began racing at the third-mile, clay oval in a street stock back in 1991.

"It seemed like each time I came real close to nailing down the crown there was always a situation that occurred that was beyond my control," said Bruechert, who's only missed two nights of racing in the past 15 seasons. "It's something that's gotten away from me and we're going to do our best to get after it again this year."

While Bruechert has copped a pair of track titles on Shawano Speedway's half-mile, Luxemburg is a totally different animal. "To make a feature every week at Luxemburg is an incredible accomplishment in itself, much less winning the track championship," said Bruechert, who last year finished second to Pulaski's Jason Czarapata in the final points. "Any given week there are between 10 to 15 drivers who can win a feature. We've got the highest car count in the nation for that class and it's also probably the most talented of any other track in Wisconsin, and maybe even the Midwest."

This year Bruechert will have a brand new Terminator Chassis at his disposal. "With that new car we've got some new ideas we're kicking around," said Bruechert. "Even with Jason gone, there still is a long list of guys who'll be running near the front all season. From what I'm hearing I still think we'll have between 40 to 50 cars a night in this class at Luxemburg."

With 27 out of the top 30 finishers in the point standings tentatively slated to return, the list of potential champion's read's like a "who's who" of local standouts. "I know I'm going to miss some guys but I think Greg Gretz (Kewaunee) will be real tough this year," said Bruechert. "He really came on strong last year and he'll be right there. Charlie Kroll (Forestville) is always tough, too. There's too many guys to mention."

Rumors have floated all winter long that perennial villain "Hot Rod" Snellenberger and Larry Karcz of Pulaski are slated to return to Luxemburg weekly. "They'll for sure be there for the first couple of weeks before Antigo opens but Rod never does like to spill the beans," said Bruechert. "Obviously if those two do show up each week like everybody's saying they'll be a threat for the title, no doubt. In order to win the Luxemburg Speedway track title you've gotta make the feature every single week. That's what it will take."


With IMCA instituting a motor exchange rule in the division last year, Bruechert will alter his racing plans this year. "As of right now I don't think I'll be returning to Shawano on a weekly basis," said Bruechert. "I'll probably go opening night to carry the flag. I lost two motors there last year. I loved the engine claim rule as it was. I think it's driven the price of the motors up in the stock cars. That's why I'll stick with  Luxemburg, because the chassis comes into play much more on the third-mile than on the half-mile."

The 2007 season will kick off Friday night, April 20 at 7 p.m. IMCA modifieds, IMCA stock cars, IMCA hobby stocks, IMCA northern sportmods and sport fours will compete weekly through Labor day weekend. An open practice session for cars in any and all divisions will take place Friday, April 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information call 920 863 8446. The track's website is luxemburgspeedway.com. Luxemburg Speedway is located 15 minutes east of Green Bay off highway 54 at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds.