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Twenty-six victories propel Jenson to the WISSOTA Hornet National Championship

By Meghan Diemel, Editor

MILACA, MN — The 2025 season for Anthony Jenson will be remembered for the volume of championships he accumulated.

The WISSOTA Hornet racer from Milaca, Minnesota was crowned the Minnesota State Champion, Ogilvie Raceway track champion, Princeton Speedway track champion, the WISSOTA MPH Invitational Champion — and last but certainly not least of all, the 2025 WISSOTA Hornet National Champion.

Jenson also made his mark during invitationals season, winning both nights of the Piston Cup at Granite City Motor Park and the second night of the Madtown Showdown at Madison Speedway. Overall, he took the checkered flag 26 times this past season, with 45 appearances in the top five.

Jenson, who works as a mechanic, is husband to Mikayla, and dad to daughter Kennedy — with a set of twins on the way. He acknowledges the growing family will have their hands full, but plans to buy a WISSOTA Street Stock to get on track toward the end of the 2026 race season.

All The Dirt! Racing News: What was your favorite racing-related memory from the 2025 season?

Anthony Jenson: My favorite memory of this season is definitely getting the win at the WISSOTA MPH Invitational.

ATD: What was the low light, racing related, of the 2025 season?

Jenson: There really wasn’t a low this year. We had a great year, got a chance to gain a lot of friends, gained a lot of support in our racing program, and tried to enjoy every moment we had racing this year.

ATD: What is your background in racing, and who has helped your racing career along the way, whether family, friends, or other racing mentors?

Jenson: So I didn’t come from a racing family — I married into one. I was able to watch my father-in-law race (Dustin Nelson); it really helped point me into joining. I’ve had a lot of help to get to this point in my career/season, from my father-in-law finding me a car to try for the first time, to gaining an amazing pit guy (Riley Lambert). I’ve had a lot of help from all my fellow racers and friends. Couldn’t thank them enough.

ATD: From a wider perspective, what are a few of your favorite moments from your career to this point?

Jenson: So some of my favorite moments are: my first-ever win was a clean sweep and it was against probably one of the best to do WISSOTA Hornets, Justin Schelitzche. Winning my first-ever special at Ogilvie and now the MPH Invitational win.

ATD: Break down the reality of a racing season for you. What is your advice regarding how much time and effort goes into a successful season like you’ve had, for drivers just getting their start in dirt track racing?

Jenson: The biggest advice I have is to learn the car and take your time to figure out your racing style. I went to all the practices at the local tracks until they kicked me out. Seat time is the biggest factor into getting better.

Don’t worry about being the fastest lap. Worry about consistency, [and your] average lap time. Learning the car comes both on the track and off the track in the garage. Know what setup works for the car and maintenance is key.

ATD: What can be the hardest or most trying part of racing season for you, and why?

Jenson: The hardest part is being okay not doing good sometimes. You can’t expect to go out and win every race. Aim a little smaller like improving your lap times. Getting into fender benders happens, don’t get too discouraged.

ATD: What is your favorite event of the year and why?

Jenson: My favorite part of every season is Kids Night/Meet the Drivers night. I have always let the kids get into the car and on top to cheer. To get the spark in their hearts for racing is the best. We are here racing for the show and the kids. To see that smile on their faces as they get to get in the car or rev the car makes it all worth it.

ATD: Is there a race or race track you have you never raced in/at, and why do you want to race there?

Jenson: So for me it’s more of a race event, not a specific track. I’ve always wanted to race at the WISSOTA 100. Seeing all the cars and guys having fun together each night and cheering each other on sounds like a blast, and to be a part of that would be awesome.

ATD: What will be your favorite part of the offseason, as we head toward late 2025 and early 2026, for you?

Jenson: Honestly not having to worry about national points. I’ve lost a lot of sleep this past year calculating points. Like where do I have to finish, if I do this what will that do, where is everyone else for points and where do I have to finish with them, what do they need ... So yeah, enjoying some time not worried about points.

ATD: What are your racing plans for 2026?

Jenson: So for the 2026 season we are going to have a hiccup in our racing program. The wife and I are expecting twins in the early spring. With one already, at 3 years old, we will definitely have a handful going into the 2026 season. The plan is to buy a WISSOTA Street Stock and run some practices and maybe a few races at the end of the year.

ATD: Who are your sponsors you’d like to thank?

Jenson: Sponsors are: J&J Northwoods Construction; Nelson Sanitation and Rental; Rum River Automotive; Geez Detailing; Precision Imports; Digging Dirt Motorsports; Mark Anderson Images; Midwest Machinery in Princeton; Jellyfish Graphics; Nelson Recycling Inc.; Cool Cat Customs; DirtInfo Podcast; Bev and Don Nelson; and Mom and Dad.