North Pole sprint car driver Bill Balog is the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame Alaska Athlete of the week after being crowned king of the Interstate Racing Association’s sprint car points series for a record 10th time.
Known as the ‘North Pole Nightmare’, Balog took sole possession of the Upper Midwest racing league all-time record for most series title. The Alaskan closed out this season in style by winning the 30-lap main event for winged 410s on a lightning quick half-mile dirt track in Plymouth, Wisconsin.
The North Pole High graduate also won championships in 2019, 2017 and an IRA series record seven in a row from 2008 to 2014.
Balog, 40, is believed to be the most successful sprint car driver from Alaska. He grew up racing motorcross and snowmachines before turning his attention to sprint cars in 2000.
The athlete of the week recipient is selected by a panel each Friday and announced Saturday at 11 a.m. on the Sports Guys on CBS Sports Radio 590AM and 96.7FM.
View past winners here.