Nathan Raasakka of Grand Forks set a goal for this racing season — to get that first career win.
That goal has been accomplished for the sixth-year Wissota Midwest Modified driver.
On July 30, he broke through for career win #1 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks. Raasakka, 32, started third in the feature and got the front and topped Preston Carr for the feature win.
Prior to the win, his best career finish was second on July 24, 2021.
“I have had a few heat wins each year in the MB Customs and we definitely felt we have had the car this year to run in the top five weekly so to get the first career feature win at my home track at River Cities Speedway is awesome,” Raasakka said. “They always say the first win is the hardest to get so now that that’s out of the way hopefully we can put it in victory lane more often.”
Raasakka, like many current drivers, got his start in go-karts, racing them until 2007.
“My dad ended up buying a go-kart when I was pretty young,” he said.
He moved into the Wissota Midwest Modified class in 2016 for a few races before hopping into the class on a regular basis in 2017. The competition at River Cities is tough with veterans like Reise Stenberg, Lance Schill, Matt Schow, Jamie Dietzler and Jory Berg being strong foes. Plus, there was a learning curve.
“There’s a lot of heavy hitters out there,” Raasakka said. “The first through third year we definitely struggled. But the fourth year to now has been on the up.”
Each year, he’s steadily improved. In 2020, he was third in the points at River Cities, which was his best points finish.
“Seat time, and you have to learn patience,” Raasakka said of his improvement. “You’ve got to learn every part on your own car.”
He’s fourth in the points this season at River Cities. He has one win and four top fives at the 3/10-mile oval this season.
“It’s been going decent. We’re still trying to figure the new car out,” Raasakka said. “We’re getting closer every week it seems like.”
He credits his Steve, for helping with the car, which was formerly owned by fellow driver Lance Schill. Schill and AJ Diemel have also provided tips on car setup.
He enjoys racing, and that no doubt has been boosted by the July 30 feature win.
“To be honest, it’s kinda like a drug — just the adrenaline. It’s hard to get out of it,” Raasakka said. “All the people, the fans, it’s nice to have nice crowds. It’s kinda like a family down here.”
Driver Profile
Nathan Raasakka
Wissota Midwest Modified #57
Residence: Grand Forks, N.D.
Age: 32
Sponsors: Shawn Horn, Deek’s Pizza, Miller Motivations, Abbco Tools, Chiro Rx, Achieve Therapy, Auto Massage Detailing, Red Wing Shoes, S&S Transport, Davis Seasonings, The Head Shot Guys, MB Customs, CMD Shocks ,Outlaw Graphix
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