Schmidt shimmers as 2025 Midwest Sprint Car Association champ

Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, Wis. was honored as the 2025 MMW Industrial Supply Midwest Sprint Car Association champion at the annual MSA Awards Ceremony at Laack's Ballroom on Saturday, January 24. - Midwest Sprint Car Association photo

Wilke named top rookie, Larson claims most improved

(PEDAL DOWN PROMOTIONS) January 27, 2026 – The MMW Industrial Supply Sprint Car Association extended a final tip of the cap to the top performers and key contributors during the 2025 campaign as drivers, crew members, team owners, series officials, sponsors, and fans gathered at Laack’s Ballroom in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., for the annual MSA Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 24.

The spotlight shone on 2025 MSA champion Ben Schmidt of Plymouth, Wis., along with 10 additional point fund-eligible drivers, and eight special recognition award recipients, whose standout performances made the series’ 27th anniversary season memorable.

The drivers and teams honored with 100 Percent Attendance Awards included Ben Schmidt of Plymouth (champion), Kevin Karnitz of West Bend-Mayer Automotive Racing (second place), Brandon Berth of Cascade (third place), T.J. Smith of Greenville (fourth place), Chris Larson of Franksville (fifth place), Bill Taylor of Boltonville (sixth place) and Katelyn Krebsbach of Cascade (seventh place).

Also picking up point fund recognition were Joseph Hintz of Burnett (eighth), Tony Wondra of Campbellsport (ninth), Eric Wilke of Genesee (10th), and Steven Ruh of New Holstein (11th place).

The first of eight special awards went to Eric Wilke, who earned the 2025 Rookie of the Year and 18th Place awards. Wilke edged Steven Ruh by three points, finishing with one top-five and seven top-10s in 19 A-main events.

Chris Larson captured the 2025 MSA Most Improved Driver Award after advancing eight spots from 13th to fifth in the final 2025 point standings on the strength of one top-five and 11 top-10 finishes in 21 main events.

Kevin Karnitz earned the Hard Charger Award, and Brandon Berth was recognized with the Best Appearing Car/Crew Award.

The 2025 MSA Hard Luck Award went to Joseph Hintz.

Dan Mayer, owner of the 63K Mayer Automotive Racing car driven by Kevin Karnitz, secured the 2025 Harry Neitzel MSA Mechanic of the Year Award.

The 2025 MSA Person of the Year Award went to Butch Hafemann, who has served as a series official for many years.

The final award recipient to take to the podium was 2025 MSA champion Ben Schmidt, who topped Kevin Karnitz by 18 points to claim his third career MSA series title on the strength of six A-main victories, 15 top-five A-main finishes, and 17 top-10 A-main showings in 21 events for Team 35 Racing. 

“We went through a lot of bad luck at the start of the year with breaking a steering rod one night and then having two more failures,” Schmidt said. “Despite that tough start, the team never gave up. We ended up with six victories, including my 50th 360 win. We also had an average finishing position of 1.6 in August and September, which is what got us the championship.”

Schmidt, who also won MSA titles in 2024 and 2011, went on to thank his Crew Chief, Dave “Dusty” Goeden, and every crew member, supporter, and sponsor of Team 35 Racing.

“Dusty is a great teacher, leader, and communicator for our team,” Schmidt said. “He makes sure everyone on the team knows what they need to do on a nightly basis. My crew and family do so much to keep the team going strong, and our sponsors are the best.”

To open the event, MSA President Dan Mayer was direct in reflecting on the 2025 season.

“It was a great year, and I think next year will be even better,” Mayer said.

Eric Mueller, who served as the master of ceremonies for the event, recognized 2025 series sponsor MMW Industrial Supply, the 2025 MSA Board of Directors, MSA workers, and retiring MSA announcer and historian George Baumann for his dedication to the MSA 360 Sprint Car Series since its inception in 1999.  

The 2026 MSA racing season is scheduled to roll off on Saturday, April 25, at The Plymouth Dirt Track in Plymouth, Wis. In addition to 19 events at The Plymouth Dirt Track, the 25-event MSA season includes visits to Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie Wis. (Sunday, May 31 and Sunday, Aug. 2), Eagle River Speedway in Eagle River, Wis. (Saturday, July 4), Wilmot Raceway in Wilmot, Wis. (Saturday, Aug. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 12) and Dodge County Speedway in Beaver Dam, Wis. (Friday, Sept. 4).

For more information on the Midwest Sprint Car Association, visit the MSA website at www.msasprints.com or visit the MSA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/msasprints.

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