Ty Fredrickson Seeking Special Win in Thunderstruck 93 at Elko

This Saturday’s Thunderstruck 93 at Elko Speedway will be a special evening for Kulwicki Driver Development Program Finalist Ty Fredrickson for several reasons.

The Thunderstruck 93 for the ASA Midwest Tour will be the first time in seven years Super Late Models have tackled the 3/8-mile in Fredrickson’s home state of Minnesota.

The race is also held in the memory of a great family friend, “Thunder” Dan Ryan, Sr. Ryan passed away in 2009 after a battle with ALS. Ryan and Ty’s father, two-time ASA Midwest Tour champion Dan Fredrickson, were close friends.

Ty Fredrickson shared the importance of the race during an appearance on Racing America’s “The Bullring” this week.

“It is the Dan Ryan, Sr. memorial race,” said Fredrickson. “He was a big mentor for my dad, and my dad crew chiefed his kid. Dan Ryan passed away shortly before I was born from ALS. His middle name is Patrick, and my dad gave me the middle name Patrick.

“He kind of lives on through my middle name. It’s a really special deal. It’s the first time in seven years the Super Late Models are back at Elko. I think it will be a good race.”

Fredrickson is also utilizing this special race as an opportunity to carry on Alan Kulwicki’s legacy as a KDDP finalist. Fredrickson is inviting three families who are affected by ALS to Saturday’s race and giving them all-star treatment at the event.

“The KDDP always encourages to help the community as much as you can,” said Fredrickson. “We’re having three families who are affected by ALS come to Elko. There are climate-controlled VIP suites at Elko, so we’re going to have one of my sponsors, Rack Shack BBQ, come cater.

“They’re going to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the pits, see what the whole thing is with racing, check out our hauler and all that stuff. They’re going to have a good night at the races.”

Ty Fredrickson is in the hunt for one of the closest Kulwicki Cup championship battles in the program’s history. With seven wins on the race track in 2024, as well as the TUNDRA Super Late Model championship, he’s in the mix in an incredibly competitive class of finalists.

“Being in the Kulwicki Program is a special deal, being able to honor Alan and continue his legacy. So far I have seven wins so far. All the Kulwicki finalists have won this year, so it’s pretty good for the KDDP.”

Fredrickson is quick to credit his father for their success this year, and he’d love nothing more than to add a Thunderstruck 93 victory this weekend for a special family moment.

“He’s the car owner, crew chief, spotter. I’d say he’s more driver coach than spotter. It’s a guess sometimes if I’m side-by-side. He’s 100 percent hands-on. He’s a big help with my racing, and I definitely don’t think I’d be where I am without him.”

Gates open at 4:30 p.m. CT for Saturday's Thunderstruck 93 at Elko Speedway, with an on-track autograph session starting at 4:45. Qualifying begins at 6 p.m. local time, with feature racing to follow. Visit elkospeedway.com or midwesttour.racing for more information.

-Photo credit: Will Bellamy, Racing America