Menasha, WI: It’s that time of year again. Everyone is scrambling to mount lights on their machines and teams in order to in preparation for the annual Heartland Challenge that takes place in Carlisle, IA this weekend. With a 4-hour UTV race and a 10-hour ATV race, the Heartland is a true test of racers and crews alike, putting all the stresses of a full season into one race. Where you can lead for nine hours, only to have your spirits crushed in the final turns, or your day could end on the first lap of thirty. Either way, you will only find the bravest teams and athletes lining the pits.
Midwest Performance of Keokuk, IA has announced a partnership with Zakowski Motorsports for the 2014 Heartland Challenge. Zakowski Motorsports, having won the Pro-4×4 class in 2010, is no stranger to the race and will be out in full force with Midwest to claim the podium with not one, but three cars in the Pro-UTV/Open ranks. Midwest Performance, one of Iowa’s premier dealerships, is a large supporter of racing and what it does for the industry, not to mention building one of the raddest modded Can-am Renegades you have ever seen.
“It just made sense! Zakowski is one of the biggest names in racing to come out of the midwest and the Heartland Challenge is THE race when it comes to cross country. With Midwest Performance sponsoring the IATVHSS at two events this season, it was an easy decision to team up with ZMS and show what a couple of “Midwest” guys can do at the premier woods race in not only the Midwest, but the country,” owner Jason Smith.
The team will be led by Pro GNCC driver Zac Zakowski in the number 990 Can-am Maverick 1000X-xc. Zac has been competing in top UTV classes across the country for years now and has collected some impressive wins and results in multiple series. IATVHSS UTV-Open racer and new face at ZMS, Eric VonSpreckon, will be lining up in the number 44 Can-am Commander 1000. Eric became part of ZMS this year, sharing seat time as the second driver in the IATVHSS championship chase with Zac and has been a consistent top runner and champion. Owner of Midwest Performance, Jason Smith, will round out the team in the number 43 Can-am Maverick. Although Jason is not new to racing and building machines, this will be his first time at the Heartland Challenge.
“We couldn’t be more excited for this year. We had bad luck the past two events but figured we might as well put three cars out there this year and try to clean sweep the race! This is huge for us to be working with Jason and I think big things are to come,” Paul Zakowski of Zakowski Motorsports.
The UTV race starts at 7:00pm CST Friday the 15th. Team Midwest Performance / Zakowski Motorsports cars will be on display in the vendor area and Pro-row throughout the weekend so make sure to stop by and check out the cars and talk with the drivers!
About Midwest Performance:
Midwest Performance has been the Midwest’s leader for power sports needs for almost 30 years. We carry Honda ATVs, Side x Sides, and Motorcycles. Yamaha ATVs, Side x Sides, and Motorcycles. Can-am ATVs, Side x Sides, Spyder Roadsters, and Sea Doo personal water-crafts. We service all makes and models. Whether you are looking for a 50cc dirt bike or a 1000+ cc custom ATV, We have what you are looking for! ZMS Sponsors: Midewest Performance, Can-am/BRP, Countryside Auto Transport Inc., Turnkey Utv, Straightline Performance, Kenda Tires, Amsoil Synthetics, STM Performance, Custom Axis Suspension, OMF Wheels, Tweeked Powderworks, Evans Coolant, Wicket Bilt, K&N, Rath Racing, Tire Blocks, All Terrain Research, Fasst Company, FrogzSkin, Spider Grips, DP Brakes, Thor MX, FrogzSkin
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