Longtime Sponsor of Slinger Racing/Racers
Join us for the Keith’s Marina/Chix 4 A Cause Race Against Cancer tomorrow night. Gates open at 4:30 so that fans have time to wander amongst the great raffle and silent auction items in the Pavilion area outside of turns 1 and 2. There will also be a live auction at intermission (will Bobby Gutknecht bid from inside his racecar again?!?!)
How did you get into racing?
Years ago, when I was 15 or so, I started going to the race track with my friends. We went every Sunday; those were the Alan Kulwicki days, when he was winning, but wasn’t popular yet.
Which cars are you sponsoring at Slinger in 2019?
Brad Keith (#48 Super Late Model), Jack Stern (#26 Late Model), Jake Vanoskey (#84 Late Model), Al Strobel (#14 Slinger Bee), Jared Apel (#51 Slinger Bee). [Plus this Sunday’s Race Against Cancer]
Why do you sponsor racecars?
We’re a part of it, with Brad [Tim’s son]. Through that we got to know a lot of people and teams that have helped us, so we wanted to help them. We get some business out of it too, it’s good local advertising. It fits well. Plus, I love it! I seldom miss a race.
Tell us about the Race Against Cancer.
About a year ago, we found out my sister-in-law had breast cancer. Years ago, we did some benefits for ALS; so we came up with the idea to do a cancer benefit. I hadn’t seen anything like that done at the track, but cancer affects everybody. If it hasn’t affected you, you’re pretty lucky. We threw it together in a couple of weeks last year with Chix 4 A Cause and it went very well. Now this year with my daughter, Kaela [Mutter] and Lynn [Wagner] and a lot of people from Chix, we are hoping it will be an even better event. Help comes not only from all the people who donate, but also the race teams – they’ve been very generous, there’s a long list of people to thank.
What do you like about Slinger Super Speedway?
It’s three miles from home. A lot of the drivers get along super well; they help each other. It’s a good experience. The racing too; the last 10 laps of the late model race last Sunday was awesome!
What is your real job?
I’m co-owner, with my brothers, of Keith’s Marina [Hwy 33, West Bend]. The business has been around for 52 years. We do a lot of sales in pontoons, plus fishing boats, deck boats, and a large variety of used boats.
What is your favorite racing memory at Slinger?
Definitely last year, Brad’s first Super Late Model feature win, after all the work the team put in, is the top moment! Also winning the Mid-American championship a few years ago!
If you could have dinner with any three people (alive or passed), who would they be?
Donald Trump – he’d be a hoot!
FDR – just to know the history of the Depression and hard times
Todd Thelen – He’s doing a great job at the race track! Without the Thelens…well, we need them to keep the racetrack around.
Is there anyone you want to thank?
All of Brad’s crew members from the past and now. It’s unbelievable how guys donate their time. They are great and are like family. It’s special. And guys like Mike Tiry, our engine builder, and Dave Reed, and all the help we get.
Which Slinger driver (past or present) do you respect the most?
Jerry Eckhardt – If you watch him work with the equipment he has…he goes out and tries his hardest, despite his age. You can’t do anything but admire him.
