PETERSEN MEDIA: Paul Nienhiser has been a force early in his 2026 season. Already with three wins to his credit, the Chapin, IL driver came within inches of his fourth on Saturday night, but came up just short to Scotty Neitzel in what was a thrilling finish in Wisconsin.

“It was my first time at the Plymouth Dirt Track on Saturday night, and it was a struggle early, but my guys went to work and we raced very well,” Paul Nienhiser said. “We had a car that was capable to win, but Scotty Neitzel used some magic and got us coming to the checkered.”

Timing in eighth fastest in qualifying time trials, Nienhiser lined up inside the second row of his heat race. Needing the win to guarantee himself a spot in the Dash, the Chapin, IL driver did everything he could to get into the top spot but ultimately ran second.

Having some luck on his side, Nienhiser snuck into the Dash based on results in other heats, and the four pill put the AGRI-YIELD/CAM2 Lubricants/Midland Performance backed No. 9x in the second row of the four-lap shootout.

Finishing third in Dash No. 2, Nienhiser was set for the feature event where he took the green from the outside of the third row.

When the race came to life, Nienhiser spent the early laps battling between fifth and sixth with the surface still dirty and rough in areas. As the laps clicked off, the track cleaned up and Nienhiser was able to move to the high side where he started to power his way forward.

Racing into the lead on the 22^nd lap, Nienhiser was in thick traffic. As the race neared the end, Nienhiser made contact with a slower car as his left rear climbed up over the car’s right front, and changed the handling of Nienhiser’s entry.

Moving to the bottom of the speedway, Nienhiser took the white flag as second running Scotty Neitzel was able to pull up to him. Cutting his entry too much, Nienhiser slipped up the track and it allowed Neitzel to sneak under him in turns one and two as they raced down the back stretch.

Trying to drive back by in turns three and four, Nienhiser lost the drag race to the finish by .026, and finished in second.

“It definitely stings, but Scotty Neitzel is a great guy and it was a very popular win,” Neitzel said. “I am really proud of our effort, and I am happy we are continuing to have great results.”

Nienhiser would like to thank AGRI-YIELD, CAM2 Lubricants, Midland Performance Inc., MB Heating & Cooling Inc., Buffalo Wild Wings, T&K Tree Services, Morrow Brothers Ford Inc., American Rental Center, Signature Signs, The ID | SP, Bradshaw Custom Pumping, Wessler Bros. Agency Inc., Haverfield Construction-Concrete, Steve’s Towing, Dropped Mobile, Mason Sound, AB&C Moving, Bayer Crop Science, Dekalb/Asgrow, Engler Machine and Tool, Rider Racing Engines, K1 Race Gear, and Super Shox for their support.

Nienhiser would also like to thank Heartland Trailer Manufacturing, Rockstar Wraps, Kinney Racing Engines, and Stronghurst Collision Center for their support of Scott Bonar’s No. 50 car.

BY THE NUMBERS: Races-5, Wins-3, Top 5’s-4, Top 10’s-4

ON TAP: Nienhiser has a busy week ahead of him as he will be in action on Thursday night against the World of Outlaws at Jacksonville Speedway, Friday night he heads to Lee County with the Sprint Invaders, and Saturday and Sunday he will be back in Wisconsin with the IRA.

STAY CONNECTED: Stay updated with Paul Nienhiser by following him on Twitter @Paul_Nienhiser or by clicking over to www.paulnienhiser.com. 

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