On Saturday, December 2nd 2023, the IRA Lightning Sprints officially closed out the 2023 season at 1175 Sports Park and Eatery in Kansasville, WI. We distributed the point fund to eligible drivers and honored the top 5 in points plus the Rookie of the Year with trophies. Special award plaques were also handed out to a few individuals, and the 2nd hall of fame class was inducted.
This year we saw Mark Heinert driving for Dream Chaser Racing finally get that elusive series championship after 13 years with the series. Mark achieved 9 quick times, 7 heat wins, and 8 feature wins for the season along with 13 top 10’s. This marks the 3rd consecutive series title for Larry Neau’s Dream Chaser Racing.
Rookie of the Year was contested by 5 drivers this year, but in the end it was Brian Strane Jr. capturing the honor and becoming the youngest driver in series history to receive the award. Brian posted 4 podiums, 6 top 5’s, and 11 top 10’s in his debut season while coming on strong in his last 5 events posting finishes of 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, and 3rd. Brian was not only able to take the RoY honors but also went 6th in the series point standings all while missing an entire event earlier in the season.
Special thanks to 1175 for hosting the event for the 5th consecutive season, Brannam Motorsports for sponsoring the trophies/special awards, and the IRA for having us under their banner. Also thanks to all of the product sponsors that donated products or gift cards: CSI shocks, Vahlco Wheels, DMI, Allstar Performance, Slade Shocks, Force1 Performance, Bell Helmets, SuperShox, and HRP Wings.
2023 ILS Top 5:
Champion: Mark Heinert
2nd Place: John Kirk
3rd Place: Max Brannam
4th Place: Ron Brannam
5th Place: Tim Brannam
2023 Rookie of the Year: Brian Strane Jr.
Special Awards:
Hard Charger – Mark Heinert
Most Improved Driver – John Kirk
ILS Spirit Award – Jacob Irwin
Above and Beyond Award – Peggy Irwin
ILS Hall of Fame – Class of 2023 (more details to come in following post):
Romy Baus
Nick Sheridan
Larry Neau
Mike Neau