12/11/2024
Midwest Legends Dirt Series
Meet the Team: Lance Fassbender
The Midwest Legends Dirt Series could not operate if it wasn’t for some very dedicated people. This article series will spotlight the men and women behind the scenes who keep the wheels turning and races going.
Today, we focus on the geezer, Lance Fassbender. The Fassbender name is one that any fan will instantly recognize. Lance, a second generation Fassbender, is the vice president of the series. When he’s not brewing for his daughter Lilly, Lance can be found wandering the pits with a smile on his face, helping out whether you asked for it or not. Let’s learn a bit more about Lance!!
Position in the series: Vice President
Hometown: Rubicon, WI
How did you get into racing? My dad Fuzzy raced, then my brother Kent did, and I always wanted to since I was little. When I turned 16, I bought a 1973 race-ready Monte Carlo pure stock as my first race car for the 1993 season. I always dreamed of driving a sprint car, so after some wins and a championship in the fender car, I bought my first sprint car. I have to credit Jeff Schmidt (Wisconsin, not Illinois) for getting me going in the fender car and Rick Lemanski, Scotty Neitzel, Harry Neitzel, Tim Crimmings and Gib Wiser for getting me going in the sprint car, in which I have been blessed with and enjoyed some wins and championships along the way. As if racing myself isn't enough stress, now I gotta cart my kid around with her legend car too yet!! But seriously, racing is in our blood so here we are...and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Thoughts on the 2024 season? This all started with our very first board meeting on December 3rd of last year. There were a lot of unknowns, but two things we did know were that we had a great group of core teams and that, if we did everything mostly right, we would become a series of growth that would attract even more teams to support our vision and mission. That happened in 2024 almost immediately and the momentum continued throughout the season. As much hard work, time and dedication that President Schmuhl, the MLDS board and the team at Legends.Direct put into initializing and nurturing the series from the start, the true accolades for the enormous success go directly to the 70-ish teams that competed within the MLDS throughout season!! So, with that said, I feel that 2024 was simply outstanding!!
Favorite memory of last year: Personally, it was my daughter, Lilly, winning her first heat race and then a postseason charge of 21st to 11th in her last race in Missouri. Professionally, it was the sportsmanship of the competitors, hands down!
Favorite part of the series: The fact that it provides a financially sensible platform for individuals with varying skills and ambitions to compete with and against like-minded thrill seekers!
Side note, I would like to thank Shelly Ascherien for her role as secretary for our first season. We will miss you, and all you did for the series, as Team Green shifts gears in Brady's career!!
While Lance was a little MIA in the early part of the season after doing his best burning man impression, which wasn’t that good, he returned better than ever and ready to kick the remaining season in the butt. Lance will continue his duties as VP into the 2025 season with some big things planned!!
For more information or to learn more about the series, find the series on Facebook today!!
Article Credit: Zack Krueger
Submitted By: Zack Krueger
