Jim Geringer Celebrates 25th Year in Racing in 2015

Jim Geringer tries for 3 track championships, including River Cities Speedway, during his silver anniversary of racing.

Jim Geringer rides the high-banks of River Cities Speedway on opening night. Photo by Mike Spieker. 

By Mike Spieker

GRAND FORKS, ND (June 2) - Fan favorite Street Stock driver, Jim Geringer of Harwood, ND, is celebrating his 25th anniversary in racing in 2015. 

"I grew up around my dad, who raced around Jamestown in the early 70's," said Geringer as he recalled how he got his start in racing. "And I started in 1990 in the Outlaw Street class at Red River Valley Speedway. I ran a Modified for a couple of years and didn't like it so I went back to the Street Stocks and have been running around with them guys ever since."

Geringer says it's the friendships he's made over the years that kept in him the Street Stock division.

"There is so much camaraderie. We all get along pretty well and we're basically just one big happy family at the racetrack. We grill out, hang out, and talk all day long. It's just like having a second family."

Geringer has accrued many wins and championships over the years, but one stands out a little more than the others.

"My first championship back in 1999 in the Outlaw Streets at Red River Valley Speedway in Fargo was the 20 year anniversary of my dad's first championship. That was probably the biggest one I've had and we've gotten seven more since and have had a lot of fun along the way. I'm going to miss it when I decide to quit."

When asked how many years Geringer thought he had left in him, he replied jokingly, "Well I just bought a new fire suit this year so I've got to wear that thing out first."

Most drivers tend to ease their racing schedule as they get older, but Geringer is doing the exact opposite. Geringer is running full-time at Norman County Raceway, River Cities Speedway, and Devils Lake Speedway in hopes of claiming all three track championships. 

Geringer most recently claimed the River Cities Speedway track championship in 2012, and is looking strong so far this year as he sits atop the Wells Concrete Street Stock points standing by four markers over Dan Aberle. Geringer also leads the way in the Devils Lake Speedway points standing. 

Geringer, who is the second-most winningest Street Stock driver in RCS history will take to the Bullring this Friday night (June 5) in search of his 21st career win at the 3/10th mile track.

It is also Awards Night at River Cities Speedway this Friday. Last year's track champions will be recognized on the stage in front of the grandstands during intermission. Hot laps begin at 6:30 and racing, presented by Hugo's and Northland Tech College, starts at 7:00.

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Photos of Geringer's Street Stocks from the early to mid-90s courtesy of Checkers & Wreckers with Corey Litton.

Geringer's familiar blue Streeter parked at the pits at Cedar Lake Speedway in 2007. Photo by James Jones.

Geringer sliding around the turns at River Cities Speedway in 2010. Photo by Chad Spieker.