Ty Majeski finishes second at Slinger ASA STARS race after a fierce late-race battle at Slinger Super Speedway on Sunday, as Cole Butcher claimed his first win at the high-banked Wisconsin track. The showdown between these elite Super Late Model drivers unfolded in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, delivering high tension and emotion on Father’s Day weekend.
High-stakes Finish Between Majeski and Butcher
Cole Butcher, visiting Slinger Super Speedway for the first time, engaged in an intense duel with Ty Majeski during the closing laps of the El Bandido Yankee Tequila 300 presented by Appalachian Sucker Punch. Butcher and Majeski, both top competitors in the ASA STARS National Tour, swapped positions several times as the race neared its conclusion. With seven laps to go, a critical restart allowed Butcher to edge past Majeski for the win, leaving spectators at the quarter-mile Wisconsin oval riveted by the on-track drama.
Butcher was quick to express appreciation for the competitive yet clean racing that defined the final laps.
“I just can’t thank Ty [Majeski] for racing me hard but racing me clean,”
—Cole Butcher, Driver. The moment was especially significant for Butcher, who acknowledged both the turnaround from earlier struggles in the race weekend and his family back at home on Father’s Day.
“I wish my baby boy was here for my first Father’s Day, but I know he’s at home with his grandmother and my wife. I love you, Brody, and happy Father’s Day to my dad at home, too, and my father-in-law.”
—Cole Butcher, Driver
Majeski’s Strategic Gamble Adds Drama
Starting from pole after a strong qualifying run, Ty Majeski accepted a $5,000 bounty to begin at the rear of the field, adding extra suspense to the 300-lap contest. Despite the handicap, Majeski powered through the field, captured victory in the second stage, and challenged for the lead in the closing laps. However, Butcher’s performance proved insurmountable in the final moments.
Reflecting on the decisive restart, Butcher explained,
“I didn’t know which lane to take [on the restart],”
—Cole Butcher, Driver. He recognized Majeski’s determination to put on a show in front of local fans:
“I knew Ty was gonna do everything he could to beat me in front of his home crowd. We’ll look forward to Pensacola.”
—Cole Butcher, Driver
For Majeski, the second-place finish was an improvement in a season that has been challenging across both Late Model events and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The Wisconsin native has struggled to achieve his typical results so far in 2025 but saw Sunday’s race as a step in the right direction. He recounted the race dynamics,
“I just got a little bit swingy with the back,”
—Ty Majeski, Driver. Looking back on the contest, Majeski remarked,
“That was a great race, that was an instant classic. Using each other up, but within reason. That’s what short-track racing is supposed to be right there.”
—Ty Majeski, Driver
Emotional Reflections and Sportsmanship
Majeski was quick to commend his competitors and the event’s spirit.
“Congrats to the 28 guys. They had a great car tonight, they really did. Happy to be up here on the podium. It’s been a rough, rough year for me, so hopefully this is a sign to get things going on this side and, of course, on the Craftsman Truck Series side. Just one spot short of that five grand.”
—Ty Majeski, Driver
Despite the temptation of the bounty and the stakes involved, Majeski reiterated his commitment to fair competition.
“I wanted the lead, but I wasn’t gonna do it real dirty,”
—Ty Majeski, Driver. Majeski further elaborated,
“I was using him up a little bit in one and two and trying to get position on him. He was able to hold me tight and get good runs on the outside. Honestly, we just got beat tonight. Those Donnie Wison guys and that 28 group, they’re top notch.”
—Ty Majeski, Driver
Nasse Makes the Podium, Field Rounds Out
Stephen Nasse completed the top three, earning another top-five finish during the Wisconsin Father’s Day weekend doubleheader. Nasse, with five top-five finishes in the first seven events of the season, enjoyed racing in front of his Midwest supporters.
“You know, over the few years that I’ve been coming out here, I’ve been able to make really good relationships with a lot of people,”
—Stephen Nasse, Driver. He acknowledged the strong efforts of his team and extended congratulations to his fellow drivers.
“It was just really good racing. Anthony Campi brought me a good car, and I was hoping to get one for my dad for Father’s Day there. You know, congrats to Cole and Ty there on their good runs.”
—Stephen Nasse, Driver
Derek Kraus secured a fourth-place result, followed by Gavan Boschele in fifth. The remainder of the top ten included Chase Pinsonneault, Dawson Sutton, Justin Mondeik, Kasey Kleyn, and Derek Thorn. The presence of the region’s top racers heightened the excitement and competitive atmosphere throughout the evening.
Looking Ahead to Anderson Speedway
The next stop on the ASA STARS National Tour is the Redbud 400 at Anderson Speedway, scheduled for Saturday, July 26. With recent performances rekindling energy and optimism for drivers like Majeski, anticipation is building for more thrilling action as the season heads into its crucial summer stretch.
