GOODWIN, S.D. – Maria Broksieck is having another stellar year so far this auto racing season, now she would just like to get back on track at Brown County Speedway.

The Street Stock driver has racked up multiple wins at other tracks, and would like to get her first one of the campaign at the local track during the Street Stock Tour this evening.

Broksieck is part of a racing family (her brother Tony Konold also drives) and says her desire for the sport started with her dad.

“I got into it because my dad used to race,” Broksieck said. “He quit before I was born, so I never got to take on that adventure with him.”

Although her dad had finished his career, that did not stop Broksieck from beginning her own career years later.

“I started in Pure Stock over in Montevideo and Madison, Minnesota and moved up to a Street Stock,” Broksieck said. “I’ve been in a Street Stock since about 2011.”

Since beginning her career, Broksieck has enjoyed many aspects of the sport, but now enjoys the time that it gives her and her family to spend together.

“If it’s anywhere we go, my kids are involved,” Broksieck said. “It’s just great to see them and have them with us whenever we go for any of our racing adventures.”

Before she goes out on a racing adventure, Broksieck says there is preparation that must be done on the car, although her husband takes care of most of the prep work.

“I’m going to say 90 percent of the preparation comes from my husband,” Broksieck said. “I change gears and he does just the day-to-day maintenance and all the tire prep.”

When the family is not racing, Broksieck says there is plenty of work to be done in other areas of life.

“I work, and if I’m not working, I’m at home,” Broksieck said. “We farm at home, so there’s always something to do there. I’ve got two kids, so it’s just work and family life.”

Broksieck and her family live near Goodwin, a small town just east of Watertown, with a population of around 150 people. Broksieck said it is great to be able to represent the small community on the racetrack.

“We are out in the country (and) we do live right on a highway, so a lot of people look for the racing trailer and figure out where we live,” Broksieck said. “It’s just fun to be from a small town. We’re not very far from my hometown, so it’s fun to be around home and still have the support of all the communities in the area.”

Broksieck has moved up in the ranks of the sport through the years, and this season has once again been one of the top drivers in the Street Stock class. She has raced in 11 events, earning 10 top ten finishes, eight top five finishes, and five wins. Broksieck said it has been a great start to the season, although she is not sure what exactly has contributed to the success.

“Our program has not changed since last year, so if it’s just being more aggressive and taking the spots when there’s availability and it’s open,” Broksieck said. “Sometimes luck has to be on your side and it has been a few times.”

Broksieck also noted that caution flags have helped her rather than hurt her when on the racetrack this season.

“This year they’ve been on my side, so a little luck goes a long way too,” Broksieck said.

While luck has been on her side, Broksieck has not been as lucky when it comes to racing at the Brown County Speedway. This season, she has raced in Aberdeen three times, however, her best finish has been a fourth place on May 26, while also placing sixth and seventh in the other two features. Broksieck said her performances at the Brown County Speedway have been subpar.

“Normally I say that Aberdeen is my favorite track to go to,” Broksieck said. “It’s been really good in the past and I’ve gotten some track championships there, got some feature wins, but as far as this year goes, we’re definitely needing to go up.”

Broksieck said she does not know exactly why her performances have been below her standards in Aberdeen this season, but notes that qualifying has been more difficult.

“It’s been a little bit difficult to qualify from the heat races, so I’ve been starting back further than the fourth row, back behind the qualifiers,” Broksieck said. “It’s harder to move forward when you’re starting that far back.”

Broksieck is hoping to change her fortunes tonight during the Street Stock special at BCS.

“When any of those guys on the Street Stock tour come around, it’s wonderful competition,” Broksieck said. “It’s a lot of fun, but it definitely does kind of heighten the unknowns. Qualifying through the heat races is very, very important, and hopefully we have a repeat of last year and have a podium finish again.”

While Broksieck is focused on tonight’s race, she also has goals for the rest of the season.

“Continue to pick up some feature wins here and there,” Broksieck said. “Hopefully, we can come out with some track championships again. We did have two last year, and be in the top ten in the nation.”