It was a busy week for Gabe Sommers, who competed Tuesday in the Dixieland250 at Wisconsin International Raceway (WIR) and then the third Wisconsin Challenge Series race of the year at Golden Sands Speedway on Friday.

Things started off well for Sommers at WIR. The No. 15 Kwik Trip, Dekalb, Wysocki Family of Companies, Allied Cooperative machine was quick in practice and went on to set fast time amongst stiff competition.

“Quick time felt great as there was so much competition,” said Sommers.  “It really shows how fast we are.”

With the invert, Sommers rolled off from the ninth position, but by lap 50 worked his way into the top-five.  Early contact with another car sent the No. 15 around and to the rear of the field, but he continued to work his way back to the front and closed in on the top-10.

With just under 10 laps to go, Sommers had contact again with another car. This time was sent hard into the wall coming out of turn four, ending his night early.

“I feel we would have had a top-three car at the end of the race if we wouldn’t have had to go to the back early in the race,” said Sommers.  “I felt track position was huge and if we would have stayed up there, I feel we would have stayed out of trouble and finished the race.”

After the 16th place finish on Tuesday, Sommers then rebounded with a podium finish Friday at Plover.  The 16-year-old driver once again set fast time. After starting deep in the field, Sommers worked his way to the front for a third-place finish.

“It felt great to get fast time again and at the home track means a lot to me and the fans,” said Sommers.  “I think we burned our stuff up there at the end, but I would have loved to see a caution with eight to go.  It was a lot of fun being able to race in front.  I did a lot of passing on the outside, so that shows how good the car was.”

Next up for Sommers is a trip to Madison International Speedway with the ARCA Midwest Tour this Friday night.  Sommers currently sits fifth in Midwest Tour points and is trailing Carson Kvapil by just three points in the Rookie of the Year battle.

Qualifying for the Howie Lettow Classic 100 will be at 5:30pm with racing at 7:00pm.  Fans who cannot be there can watch live on Speed51.com.