The Fight Back
The Long Way to Fifth
Nick Schneider entered the September 5 Sauter Classic fighting to close the gap in the Dells Raceway Park championship standings.
Photo: Roy Ophime Photography.
Nick Schneider’s return to Dells Raceway Park on September 5 was nothing short of remarkable, culminating in another impressive top-five finish and significantly narrowing the championship gap. Yet, the evening’s narrative extends beyond the results.
On older tires, Schneider impressively qualified second, demonstrating his skill and determination. He skillfully advanced from fifth to third in the Fast Dash, setting up a strong performance during the Sauter Classic 35. Although a minor misstep temporarily set him back to the rear of the pack while vying for second, Schneider gracefully accepted responsibility and embraced the challenge ahead.
What unfolded next epitomized the night's spirit; the "Wild Child" showed his tenacity, charging back through the field. This remarkable comeback not only highlighted Schneider’s talent but also his unwavering competitive spirit and dedication.
Speed on Older Tires
On September 5, championship frontrunner Tanner Berge claimed the fastest lap, posting an impressive 13.953 seconds. Remarkably, Schneider’s No. 26S maintained stellar speed even on older tires, clocking 14.024 seconds to secure the second-fastest spot in the field.
Racing on older tires, Schneider qualified second among 13 Lefthander Performance 602 Outlaws with a 14.024-second lap.
Photo: Roy Ophime Photography.
This performance marks Nick’s second consecutive qualifying second-place finish at Dells. After starting fifth in the six-lap Diamond Racing Wheels Fast Dash, he skillfully navigated the field to finish third, trailing only Jon Lemke and Brad Warthan.
The No. 26S proved it has genuine speed on the track; the focus now shifts to converting that pace into a memorable finish!
From the Front to the Back
Starting the 35-lap Sauter Classic from the seventh position, Schneider displayed impressive skill as he methodically worked his way through the field. He demonstrated real tenacity and racing savvy during his persistent battle with Lemke for second place.
Nick Schneider closes on Jon Lemke’s No. 71 during the Sauter Classic 35. While attempting to take second, contact between the two cars sent both spinning.
Photo: Roy Ophime Photography.
During a bold maneuver to seize second in Turn 1, Schneider miscalculated and clipped Lemke’s car, sending both vehicles into a spin. Demonstrating excellent sportsmanship, Nick immediately accepted responsibility by following the track's tap-out protocol. This choice allowed Lemke to reclaim his spot, forcing Schneider to restart his No. 26S from the tail end of the field.
Despite this hurdle, Schneider’s resilience carried him through a hard-fought recovery, ultimately crossing the line in sixth.
After accepting responsibility for the incident and restarting at the rear, Schneider battled back to cross the finish line sixth before being credited with an official fifth-place finish.
Photo: Roy Ophime Photography.
A surprising development followed the post-race technical inspection when the initial winner, Berge, was disqualified. This promoted Lemke to first, followed by Warthan, Pete Moore, and Adam Hansen, which bumped Schneider up to an impressive fifth-place finish.
This result adds an eighth Top 5 finish to Schneider’s record in only nine feature starts at Dells Raceway Park, underscoring his unwavering commitment and ability to overcome adversity.
By the Numbers
Dells Raceway Park | Sauter Classic
Date: September 5, 2026
Series: NASCAR Regional Lefthander Performance 602 Outlaw
Qualifying Position: 2nd
Best Lap Time: 14.024 seconds
Fast Dash: Started 5th | Finished 3rd
Sauter Classic (35 laps): Started 7th | Finished 6th (Officially 5th following a competitive restart)
Total Points Earned: 101
2026 Dells Raceway Park Season Summary:
Total Feature Starts: 9
Wins: 1
Top-5 Finishes: 8
Top-10 Finishes: 9
Fast Qualifying Awards: 1
The No. 26S team has demonstrated exceptional skill and persistence throughout this year’s Dells Raceway Park circuit. With a flawless streak of Top-10 finishes and only a single result outside the Top 5, their relentless drive is clearly delivering results. The road ahead looks promising!
What We Learned
In racing, how a competitor handles adversity often reveals their true character.
Nick showed incredible resolve while chasing second place, but a sudden blunder briefly stalled his progress. Rather than conceding, he courageously owned his error and fought to regain his ground, perfectly capturing the unyielding spirit of a dedicated racer.
Although the official standings show another fifth-place finish, they don't reflect the immense work Nick invested to get there. They miss the heartbreak of slipping from a strategic position after a grueling duel, the grit needed to navigate through the field, and the high-pressure moments that nearly cost him the race.
Ultimately, the No. 26S took the checkered flag in sixth, yet Dells officially credited a Top 5 finish. While it wasn't the result Nick had hoped for, his steadfast dedication to the race—even on a difficult night—stands as a compelling tribute to his drive and integrity.
Behind the No. 26S
Even after one of the season’s most frustrating races, Nick Schneider’s focus turned toward what would come next.
Photo: Roy Ophime Photography.
Thank You to Our 2026 Partners
This season’s remarkable journey would be impossible without the steadfast commitment of the incredible partners and sponsors behind Nick Schneider Racing. We offer our deepest appreciation to:
Lynde Brothers Inc. – South Beloit, IL
Darlene Wagner
In Motion Automotive – Machesney Park, IL
Dicio Transport – Beloit, WI
C&T Transport – Rockton, IL
Lefthander Performance – Roscoe, IL
Johnson Racing Shocks – Roscoe, IL
Nason's Landscaping – Roscoe, IL
Bilderback Auto Parts – Rockford, IL
Legend & Legacy – Harvard, IL
Your essential contributions have driven the No. 26S through every victory and trial, turning every lap into an exhilarating experience. Thank you for your continued belief in our mission!
Championship Update
Nick has made a remarkable jump in the Sauter Classic standings after an exceptional performance on September 5, earning a fantastic 101 points. His season total has impressively surged from 820 to 921 points!
Sauter Classic Standings – Top 3:
Tanner Berge — 934 points
Nick Schneider — 921 points | -13
Brad Warthan — 886 points | -48
This exciting development has invigorated the title race, narrowing the gap between Tanner Berge and Nick Schneider to a mere 13 points.
Nick’s unwavering consistency throughout the season positions him strongly in the competition, illustrated by:
1 well-deserved victory
8 remarkable Top-5 finishes
9 noteworthy Top-10 finishes
9 feature starts
A series of consistent Top-10 results
With two thrilling points races remaining at Dells Raceway Park, the championship is clearly within reach. The team at Nick Schneider Racing is determined and eager for the final push! Let’s continue to rally behind Nick as he strives for greatness!
Next Episode
Nick Schneider Racing is thrilled to announce their upcoming run at Jefferson Speedway for Round 2 of the Wisconsin State Championships on September 18 and 19!
This event holds special significance for Nick, who notes, "Jefferson is one of my favorite races of the year, and I’m eager for a strong comeback!"
The recent September 5 race was a true test of the No. 26S' pace and highlighted the team's unwavering resolve.
With renewed energy, Nick Schneider Racing is charging into the rest of the season, approaching every race with confidence and focus.
We are eagerly anticipating the next adventure at Jefferson!
