2004 News and Rumors

2004 News and Rumors - January

Dirt Racing

With the season opening events just a few months away at both of their race tracks, Wisconsin Motorsports, Inc., has made strides in securing sponsorship for each class of car that will be in action during 2004 at the Raceway at Powercom Park and the Powercom Speed Zone. Leading the way at both tracks for 2004 will be the modified division. Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson/Buell of Thiensville has returned to sponsor the class at Powercom Park in Beaver Dam while Budweiser of Annheiser Busch has been signed to be the main backer of the Speed Zone in Oshkosh. Who Won (01-30-04)

There will be a Thunderhill Raceway rules meeting at The Reef Sports Bar in Sturgeon Bay on February 4 at 7:00. Pit spots for the 1st and 2nd row must be paid for that night. Any spots not paid for will go into a lottery for anyone interested. Practice for the 2004 season will be on Sunday April 25. There will be a car show from 11:00-2:00, with practice to follow at 2:00 until ??. Press Release (01-28-04)

For 2004, the MSA sprints will call Wilmot Speedway their home track as they will be the sanctioned sprint car series. Powercom Park in Beaver Dam was their past home normally. With 31 events throughout 6 months, and visiting 9 facilities, 2004 is shaping up to become one of MSA's best seasons yet. 2003 points champion Doug Schenck will be back to defend his title, as will nearly all of the top 15 in points from 2003. Wilmot will host the season opener on May 15th as well as 16 additional events for the season. Other tracks on the schedule include Shawano, Angell Park Speedway, Monster Hall Raceway, Lancaster, TNT Speedway, Manitowoc, Oshkosh, and Powercom Park. 2004 MSA schedule - www.msasprints.com (01-26-04)

There appears to be alot of reports going around that there might be some changes happening at Shawano Speedway in 2004. Early reports point to Dale Hodkiewicz being the race director. You can read up on this alot more on the Racing without Politics Forum. Again these reports are completely unconfirmed at this time. (12-19-03) UPDATE: We understand it was reported on WTCH AM 960 this morning that Leo Dillenberg is no longer involved. (01-22-04) UPDATE 2: Leo Dillenburg is out as manager of the Shawano County Fair. The Shawano County Agricultural Society's Board of Directors, voted 9 to 1 Wednesday night to terminate Dillenburg from the position he has held since January 2001. Shawano Leader (01-23-04) OFFICIAL STATEMENT: The Shawano Area Ag Society announced that they have removed Leo Dillenburg from the manager position at the Shawano County Fairgrounds. Press Release (01-26-04)

An informational meeting for driver's planning to compete at Luxemburg Speedway in 2004 will be held at Rendezvous Pleasure Palace in the town of Nueren Friday night, February 6 at 7 p.m. Teams will be able to secure their pre-paid pit stalls at this meeting. An update on the season schedule and track improvements will be given by track manager Rick Goral. Press Release (01-26-04)

More than 300 drivers, fans and race officials took part in the 2003 Luxemburg Speedway awards banquet at Rendezvous Pleasure Palace in nearby Nueren Saturday night. Seymour's Brian Mullen scored seven feature wins and five top five finishes en route to his fifth straight IMCA modified track title. In doing so Mullen ties arch rival RM Van Pay of Green Bay for winning the most track championships in that division. Press Release (01-25-04)

Wilmot Speedway has released their 2004 schedule of events, including IMCA Mods Summer Nationals on July 14th featuring Kenny Schrader. Wilmot Speedway (01-15-04)

Wisconsin Motorsports, Inc., has released an ambitious 50-event schedule between The Raceway at Powercom Park and the Powercom Speed Zone for 2004. The Raceway at Powercom Park will see the return of the O'Reilly World of Outlaws in 2004 with a pair of shows booked for the high banked 1/3-mile oval. The best sprint car drivers in the world will attack the track on Saturday night June, 12th, and then again on September 25th. Who Won (01-13-04)

Shawano Speedway has released their 2004 tentative schedule, plus have unveiled a new logo. The schedule shows that Shawano Speedway will host 3 car show in 2004, one at Bay Park Square Mall,one at Fox River Mall and one at Shawano Fairgrounds. Shawano Countyfair (01-09-04)

From IRA President Steve Sinclair, "Hope you all had a joyous Christmas and holiday week. The new year should be an especially bright one for the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series. We're in the final stages of the schedule process, and while it is solid enough where it could be released, I would like to take another few days to try and fine tune it and make it the best it can be. A couple of tracks were currently talking with would impact a few multi-race weekends, so we're pushing them for an answer. I will be working down in Tulsa at The Shootout & The Chili Bowl from Jan. 1 - 10, and I'm sure a few more requests will come in down there, and ya just never know, something may be worthwhile. The schedule is a tough deal and getting tougher each year. It wasn't long ago where announcing it in the large Daytona issues in the racing publications late Feb.was standard, now it seems there truly is no offseason anymore....The WI Motorsports Show is moving back to the Midwest Express Center this year, it will be the first weekend in Feb. with move in slated for Friday night." January Newsletter - IRAsprints.com (01-08-04)

The O’Reilly World of Outlaws Series will run 71 sprint car racing events over 99 dates at 49 tracks in 28 American states and one foreign country in 2004, series President Ted Johnson announced Monday. The Series will make stops in Wisconsin at theRaceway at Powercom Park on June 12th, Cedar Lake Speedway July 12th, Sheboygan County Fair Park July 31st, and again at the Raceway at Powercom Park on September 25th. World of Outlaws Racing (01-06-04)

Asphalt Racing

Wisconsin Sport Truck Meeting Minutes: If we don't receive the check from Dells Motor Speedway 45 days prior to our first race there, the dells will be dropped from the away schedule. Review all the away dates, Dan Vixmer will contact several of the away tracks for dates and report at the Feb. 18th meeting. A 13 to 1 vote to keep the 3 people on an inside tech committee was voted on. Jerry Quella was voted in to be the head of a committee to persue a year book for the sport trucks in the 2004 season. Wisconsin Sport Trucks (01-30-04)

Our thoughts and prayers with the Brinkman family as Late Model racer Ben Brinkman lost his father after a long battle with cancer. Visitation will be held Friday at Lewin Funeral Home, Fremont, from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Obituary (01-29-04)

We just returned from the Fox River Racing Club's monthly meeting. Many things were discussed this evening from a wide variety of things, it appears these new officers are really working well together. The officers have held about 5 meetings since the last member meeting and all notes were read aloud. A new flagman will be in place for the 2004 season as Dennis Piepkorn will take over, Clint Smith will remain as the backup flagman. There was a meeting that took place for the Limited Late Model teams to discuss the crate engine, since this was a LLM team only meeting we didn't stick around. We will have details of this and much more in the next day. (01-26-04) UPDATE: The 2004 schedule was released at the meeting last night, there are 17 dates for 2004. It was also mentioned that any driver who will be racing on the 1/2 Mile will be required to wear a head and neck restraint. (01-27-04)

Talk about an angry man. Ted Musgrave is mad as hell, and he's not going to take it any more. Musgrave showed yesterday that he didn't mellow over the winter. Musgrave makes no bones about his feelings - anger at NASCAR officials which he said has been growing over the past year. "What are they going to do - take away my birthday?" Musgrave said yesterday during NASCAR's pre-season Truck tour. Winston-Salem Journal (01-25-04)

A special welcome to everyone who learned about us at the Norway Speedway Meeting on Monday evening. Special thanks go out to John Ostermann for bringing our website to everyone's attention during the meeting! (01-21-04)

Brad Mueller announced on the Todd and Eddie show that he will be back at Slinger Super Speedway in 2004 to defend his 2003 Late Model Championship. (01-19-04)

We see that Mike King has his Late Model/Limited Late Model for sale on ebay. 2000 Randercar Chassis Recently updated with brand new Carrera coil over shocks, new Afcoil springs, Appleton rack, Brand new 99 Monte Carlo body with lightweight hood and roof etc. Car comes complete, race ready with out engine and transmission. Lots of spare parts (too many to list). (01-14-04) UPDATE: Final day to bid on this car. We understand that Mike King Sr. has hung the helmet as his back can't take it anymore. Sources tell us that Mike King Jr. has purchased the street stock that took 3rd place at Sturgeon Bay last year and will race it at Sturgeon Bay and Chilton in 04. (01-19-04)

Sources tell us that Frank Kreyer will still race at WIR weekly even though he is racing the Sunoco Super Series. He may miss a Thursday or Sunoco Super Series race here or there, but he will still run both WIR and Sunoco Super Series. (01-16-04)

Slinger Super Speedway celebrated it’s 56th year of racing during the 2003 Championship Awards Banquet, Saturday night, January 10th at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Track owner and promoter, Wayne Erickson, joined more than 600 members of the racing community to honor the drivers and crews who contributed to the success of the 2003 race season. Who Won (01-15-04)

Tom Gee Jr. tells us he will be back at WIR in the Limited Late Model division in 2004. He will continue to race weekly along with racing the specials. Tom tells us that he is currently seeking a primary sponsor for the 2004 season. (01-13-04)

There has been alot of "talk" about Andy Monday and Mike Butz Racing teaming up for 2004. Check out our message board for comments from Patty Butz. (12-06-03) UPDATE: Seems to be more and more truth coming to this, will the announcement come tomorrow? (12-07-03) UPDATE 2: Sources tell us that this deal will depend on the amount of sponsorship that Andy can bring with him. (12-8-03) ANNOUNCED: Andy Monday & The Monday Motorsports crew will be teaming up with Mike Butz Racing to run the Late Model Division at WIR in 2004. This will be a second car, Jeff Van Oudenhoven will still be in the #8. Monday Motorsports (12-8-03) UPDATE 3: Andy has announced on our message board that he will carry the #01 for the 2004 season, plus he will keep his Limited Late Model to run area specials (01-04-03) UPDATE 4: Andy tells us that he will most likely be racing the MARS series also in 2004. Also been told that Mike Butz Racing will run B & B Racing Engines in both cars in 2004. (01-11-04)

Now that the teams will be allowed to vote on if they want the crate engine or not, we have setup a poll to see how you will vote. (01-09-04)

We have added a bunch of information to our 2004 Fox River Racing Club Drivers plans page. Sources tell us they have talked with both Keith Romenesko and Bob Danes and they plan to be back at WIR in 04. Pretty safe to say Robb Vanderloop will be back weekly in 2004. Sources tell us that Jamie Birling was talking with a late model team that raced at WIR last year, but we haven't heard anymore on that. (01-10-04)

Doug Carpenter and team are working on putting togethor their car for the 2004 season. As we reported months ago the team has purchased a car from Lamers Motor Racing who Jim Duchow drives for. You can view pictures of their car being put togethor on their website. Carpenter Racing (01-09-04)

Saw this and it might be a change of plans for Lowell Bennett. Outstanding deal on a 2000 Country Coach Affinity RV for sale! New purchase price was $512,000 with $18,000 in additional custom improvements. Selling for only $325,000. Only 47K, two slide outs, perfectly maintained. For more info and pictures, contact Sue at Bennett Motorsports at (920) 858-6518 or (920) 836-9549. BGN Racing (01-08-04)

John Meidam tells us that the teams plans for the 2004 season are to race Thursday Nights at Wisconsin International Raceway plus the Red, White and Bluer Series. The #3 Meidam Motorsports car will once again carry the Budweiser sponsorship for the 2004 season. The whole Meidam Motorsports team is looking forward to the 2004 season. (01-07-04)

Team sources tell us that Buco Racing and Terry Baldry will team up again and run all events at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2004. Schnieder National will continue to be the teams primary sponsor for the 2004 season. (01-07-04)

Seems like the Fox River Racing Club will be allowing the crate engine to be run in the Limited Late Model division in 2004. (01-05-03) CORRECTION: The Fox River Racing CLub officers have agreed to let the Limited Late Model drivers VOTE on the crate engine at the January meeting. Final announcement will be made after voting has taken place. (01-06-04)

According to a post on our message board by Fox River Racing Club President Brandon Blashe, Bob Abitz will make a return to the tech inspection team. (01-05-04)

We understand that Ryan Manthei has purchased Rick Spoo's Late Model car. No word on the teams plans for 2004 yet. (01-04-03)

Brewecrew Motorsports and driver Rod Brewe are looking at many options for the 2004 season. The team is exploring the ASA Late Model Series along with a couple local series. The team is searching for a primary sponsor, we are unsure what happened to Peko Tile who has been their sponsor for the last couple of seasons. Brewecrew Motorsports (11-29-03) UPDATE: The team tells us as of today they have resigned Peko Tile as a primary sponsor. They are looking for additional sponsorship to run the touring series. (12-5-03) UPDATE 2: We are proud to announce the return of Peko Tile and Off Broadway as sponsors for the coming season. We will continue to work with our budget and talk with additional sponsors before making announcements for our 2004 schedule. Brewecrew Motorsports (01-05-04)

The Slinger Super Speedway Team Cruiser division has been eliminated. Slinger Super Speedway 2003 Championship Awards Banquet Saturday, January 10, 2004 Washington County Fair Park - 3000 Hwy PV, West Bend, WI. Slinger Super Speedway (01-02-04)

Only two candidates for the 28th Auto Racing Promoter of the Year (ARPY) Award, chosen by promoters in balloting held by Racing Promotion Monthly, have been previously nominated. The slate also includes six first-time nominees. Among the nominees is Wisconsin's Bassuener family, Golden Sands (WI) Speedway. Who Won (01-02-04)

Now that it appears that Wisconsin racing is on the hot track for the crate engine. We have setup a "Racing Poll" asking your opinion of how the crate engine should be involved with the Fox River Racing Club. (12-19-03) UPDATE: Appears that the poll company is having a problem. It did appear that the results showed teams want the crate engine to either be an option or the only option. (12-29-03) UPDATE 2: Results at this point with 48 votes is 43.8% of you want the Crate engine to be the only engine option for the Limited Late Models, 41.7% of you want it to be a engine option for the limiteds, and 14.6% want it to be tested during the 2004 season like the club officers have mentioned. (01-01-07)

The 2004 Schedule for Wisconsin International Raceway has been posted on the tracks new website. Dates are tentatively set, but no sponsor are listed at this time. WIR Racing (01-01-04) UPDATE: The Budweiser Triple Crown dates will be Round 1: June 10th, Round 2: July 8th, Round 3: August 19th. (01-01-04)

Touring Racing

The list of drivers entered for the ASA Late Model series continues to grow. There are quite a few drivers from Wisconsin that are signed up, alot of teams from the Madison/Slinger areas. ASA Racing (01-30-04)

Catchfence.com has been informed that Michael Lewis, Jr, the USAC standout and a NASCAR Busch Series driver for Richard Childress Racing last season will head to the American Speed Association in 2004. Lewis, will join WalTom Racing as a second team entry, while having ASA sensation Robbie Pyle as a teammate. Howie Lettow will serve as crew-chief. Catchfence via BGNRacing (01-28-04)

SS Racing Owner and President Ken Smith announced today that he plans to field two ASA Late Model Series teams in 2004. The drivers will be three-time ASA National Tour Champion Butch Miller and 2003 event winner Davin Scites. ASA Racing (01-30-04)

Tim Schwanke announced today that his company, Schwanke Engines, is building 12 more Sealed Engine packages prompted by eleven more calls from Sunoco Super Series teams. One of the nation’s top short track drivers is also planning to run the Schwanke Sealed Engine in a few appearances with the Sunoco Super Series in 2004, according to the Minnesota engine builder. Defending ASA National Tour champion Kevin Cywinski will look to run his first races with the Series during off weekends, while in pursuit of his second straight title with ASA. Who Won (01-27-04)

Hearing that Tim Sauter has hooked up with Fanetti Motorsports who will supply cars and equipment, but Tim will run the operation. Lester Buildings of Lester Praire, Minnesota will be the primary sponsor of the #9 ASA car for 2004. (01-03-04) UPDATE: Appears that Tim Sauter will also run between 15-20 Busch Series races in 2004 with a team that ran very well in 2004. (01-05-04) UPDATE 2: The 1999 ASA National Champion will return to ASA full-time in 2004. Sauter has secured a full-time sponsor that he will announce in the coming weeks. He will be teaming with an established team for his run at the 2004 ASA championship which will also be announced at that time. Speed 51 (01-21-04) CONFIRMED: One of the prodigal sons is returning home where he belongs. Tim Sauter, the 1999 American Speed Association National Champion, will return to the series full-time in 2004, teaming with sponsor Lester Buildings, in search for the 2004 ASA National Championship. Sauter will utilize Don Fanetti-owned Fords. 51 Speed (01-27-04)

Winter Heat for the Autozone Southwest Touring Series has their season opener at Phoneix International Raceway this weekend. A few Autozone Midwest Series teams are at this event, starting position next to each driver: Tim Schendel - 4th, Eddie Hoffman - 9th, Steve Carlson - 14th, Joey Miller 18th, and Russell Blakely - 36th. Erik Darnell had to run the last chance race and didn't transfer to the feature event. Racing West (01-24-04) UPDATE: Eddy McKean, the 2002 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series champion dominated the 100 lap Winter Heat "100" at Phoenix Int'l Raceway to score his fourth career victory and second in a row on the desert mile. Midwest Series drivers results: Tim Schendel 2nd, Eddie Hoffman 10th, Russ Blakeley 28th, Steve Carlson 36th, and Joey Miller 37th Racing West (01-25-04)

NASCAR Autozone Elite Series driver Greg Fowler and Fowler Motorsports have announced that Navajo Express, Inc. will play a major role in the 2004 racing season. Fowler Motorsports plans to run a limited schedule in the Autozone Southwest Series this year, moving over to the Midwest Series full-time. Northwest Racing via Smokersracin (01-24-04)

One of the biggest late model stock car races of the year at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids, IA will now by part of the Yellow Book USA Midwest AllStar Racing Series (MARS). The Miller 100, a community benefit race promoted by Fleck Sales, is planned Saturday night, July 31 at the half-mile paved oval. Press Release (01-23-04)

Today, officials from The Milwaukee Mile announced Black Cat(r) Fireworks, producers of quality fireworks for over 50 years in the United States, as the title sponsor of the speedway's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event, to now be known as the "Black Cat(r) Fireworks 200." Truckseries.com (01-22-04)

ASA Late Model Tidbits: Travis Kvapil is looking for a ride for the season opener at Madison International Raceway. Johnny Benson was planning to race in the season opener before he signed with James Finch's Busch team. David Stremme is looking to start a team for his brother Bobby. Speed 51 (01-22-04)

J. Blythe Deckman, considered one of America's top young female auto racers, will make her debut in the Yellow Book USA Mid-Am Super Truck series Friday night, May 7 at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids, IA. Deckman, of Kansas City, MO, won the 2003 NASCAR Super Truck title her rookie season in the division at the I-70 Speedway in Odessa, MO. Press Release (01-22-04)

The highlight of the schedule for 2004 for the Midwest Stock Car Classics League will be Saturday afternoon, August 28 when the restored racers have an opportunity to compete on the historical Milwaukee Mile. The cars racing in the league are restored NASCAR, ARCA or USAC cars or short track racers from the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. The cars can be either the original vehicle or replicas. Press Release (01-22-04)

A 15-race schedule of paved track events has been announced for 2004 for the touring Yellow Book USA Super Truck Series. The super trucks open the season Friday night, May 7 at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids, IA and finish up the slate Saturday night, Oct. 9 at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, WI. Press Release (01-21-04)

The 33rd annual Red, White and Blue State Championship for stock cars will be held at the Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna on Saturday nights, June 12, July 10 and August 21. Racing for each of the events will begin at 7 p.m. on the half-mile paved, D-shaped track. The late model division will again by sanctioned by the Yellow Book USA Midwest All-Star Series with drivers from thoughout the Midwest expected to compete in the twin 50-lap features. Press Release (01-21-04)

Speed 51 reports that Mike Garvey will run a handful of Busch Series races in 2004. (01-21-04) UPDATE: Competitive Edge Motorsports BGN#32 is currently looking for full or associate sponsorships for the 2004 season. ASA standout and former NASCAR ALL Pro Champion Mike Garvey will be behind the wheel in the Joe Auer-owned Chevrolet. BGN Racing (01-21-04)

Hearing that Reed Sorenson will continue to race in the American Speed Association (ASA) Series in 2004, but he will be driving for Chip Ganassi with Target being the sponsor. (12-22-03) UPDATE: Reed Sorenson will run a Dodge in 2004 with support from sponsor Target. Speed 51 (01-21-04)

Trevor Stewart, who served as crew chief of the No. 91 Grandstay Residential Suites Chevrolet in 2003, has been promoted by car owner Rod Lindquist to compete for the $50,000 Rookie of the Year award in the ASA National Tour. ASA Racing (01-21-04)

Sources from New Smyrna Speedway in Florida tell us that Kevin Cywinski has registered to drive in the Super Late Model division for Speedweeks. Joey Miller is registered to drive a Super Late Model and a Late Model (Limited Late Model). As more teams register we will keep you up to date. (01-15-04) UPDATE: Sources tell us that Eddie Hoffman will also make the trip this year. (01-16-04) UPDATE 2: Ryan Mathews has been added to the list as well as a bunch of teams from other states. Complete entry list - Chasin Racin (01-20-04)

Speed 51 is reporting that sources tell them that a top ASA racer has been in contact with a couple top Pro Cup teams about a possible switch to that series. (01-19-04) Rumors and reports have the driver being Gary St. Amant. (01-19-04) UPDATE 1: I’ve had plenty of offers; everything from rides in the Nextel Cup Series to Busch to ASA to Pro Cup. But there hasn’t been anything that panned out as of yet; either that or the deals just fell apart.” St. Amant thought he had a pretty big deal in the works which would have actually seen him start his own ASA team with a young, hotshot rookie driver. But unfortunately, the deal fell apart this past week and left St. Amant looking once again. Speed 51 (01-19-04)

The first racing event of 2004 is the 27th Annual Spring Classic Friday-Sunday, April 2, 3, 4. The NASCAR Auto Zone Midwest Series will headline the weekend that also will mark the beginning of the 2004 season for the Bud Light Grand Nationals and the FOX 39 NASCAR Late Models. Chasin Racin (01-19-04)

It was mention yesterday during the Todd and Eddie show that Jason Schuler is liquidating alot of his Busch Series stuff. We had heard he might be driving for someone else in 04. (01-19-04)

Drivers are registering for the American Speed Association Series National Tour. #12 Ryan Mathews, #24 Rich Loch, #88 Mike Eddy, #99 Dick Trickle. 2004 Registered Drivers - ASA Racing (01-18-04)

In the recently released I-94 Raceway 2004 schedule, several special events dot the racing calendar. The biggest will be on July 4th, when the NASCAR AutoZone Midwest Series returns for a second straight year. The July Spectacular 150 will pit several of the Midwest’s best Late Model drivers against one another on the tough 3/8th’s mile central Minnesota track. Who Won (01-17-04)

When the green flag drops for the start of the 2004 racing season at Colorado National Speedway; it will be under the new ownership of Renegade Promotions, LLC of Loveland Colorado. Doug Greer, president of Renegade Promotions, LLC, is excited about his new role with this NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series track, one of the finest in the nation. The Speedway’s future plans include the return of the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series, the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Midwest Series, and the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series. Colorado National Speedway (01-16-04)

Wisconsin drivers registered to race in the Sunoco Super Series in 2004 are Brian Hoppe and Frank Kreyer. Sunoco Super Series (01-12-04) ADD Eddie Hoffman to the list. (01-16-04)

Steve Carlson's off-season has been anything but quiet. He had to wait until after the Holiday break, but Carlson will be back at racing, January 24-25 as he returns to Phoenix International Raceway for the 2004 NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Southwest Series lid-lifter. Chasin Racin (01-15-04)

Wisconsin stock car racer Travis Sauter has announced his intentions to compete in the ASA Late Model Series during the 2004 season. Sauter, the son of 1999 ASA National Tour Champion Tim, will race in a minimum of eight to 10 events depending on sponsorship packages secured for the year. ASA Racing (01-14-04)

Illinois 20-year-old racer Dan Lensing, son of Lefthander Chassis founder Wayne Lensing, has announced his plans to race the full 2004 ASA Late Model Series. Lensing will attempt to make his debut at Madison International Speedway on Saturday, May 8. "I’m really looking forward to my first race at Madison with it being my home track,” said Lensing. “I’m excited about competing on a weekly basis with a touring series and gaining a lot of exposure in 2004.” ASA Racing (01-12-04)

The Midwest Allstar Series (MARS) will be testing a crate engine for the 2004 season from Schwanke Racing Engines. The cost of the engine will be under $13,000 dollars or the team has the option of leasing the engine for under $8,000 dollars. The engine will be tested by the 2003 American Speed Association (ASA) champion Kevin Cywinski, Brad Mueller is also very interested in testing this engine out. Press Release (01-12-04) A couple notes: We are told this engine will NOT be replacing the ACE Motor, plus we are told this is the same engine that the Sunoco Super Series runs (01-12-04)

The ASA Late Model series has updated their list of pre registered drivers for the 2004 season, there are 38 drivers registered. Drivers from Wisconsin that are pre registered are: #03 Michael Gruenberg, #05 second car owned by John Gruenberg, #08 Cory Podolski, #11 Jeff Waters, #86 Pete Moore, #87 Jesse Saunders, #98 Doug Mahlik, #161 Gerald Freeman and #172 owned by Charles Schuler. Understand there are a bunch who have registered, but haven't paid the registration fee yet. ASA Racing (01-06-04) Add Chad Wood's name to Wisconsin drivers who have registered for the series. ASA Racing (01-09-04) Add Wisconsin drivers #09 Travis Sauter, #45 David Lawrence and #78 Michael Ehde. ASA Racing (01-12-04)

The Midwest Allstar Series (MARS) has released their 2004 tentative schedule. There are a few races to be announced yet. (01-12-04)

Speed 51 is reporting that the Autozone Midwest Series will make a stop at the Brainerd International Raceway on August 22nd. (01-07-04) UPDATE: The race will be a stop for the NASCAR Elite Division's Midwest Series. BIR's race is scheduled Aug. 20-22 and will feature a $100,000 purse plus series points.The Midwest Series 2004 schedule will include 12-15 races but only the BIR race will be on a road course, a track that has left- and right-hand turns. BIR's road course features seven right-hand and three left-hand turns. Brainerd Dispatch (01-12-04)

Andy Monday tells us that he is still looking for sponsorship to drive the #45 EDS Motorsports car in the Autozone Midwest Series in 2004, but at this time it appears that he may only drive the car at the two WIR events. Appears the car will be available to be rented out for $3,000 per race. (01-11-04)

Wisconsin Late Model veteran Doug Mahlik has announced his plans to compete in the 2004 ASA Late Model Series. Mahlik will drive the No. 98 Chevrolet utilizing a RanderCar Chassis. “We are aiming for the championship. Preparation is going to be key with the events being 100 laps. ASA Racing (01-10-04)

Speed 51 is reporting that Wimmer Racing has their entire ASA team up for sale. Plus they mention that sources tell them that Chris might have a limited Craftsman Truck Series ride for 2004. On the Wimmer Racing website they have 3 ASA cars for sale and a link to the Craftsman Truck Series team MB Motorsports. (01-08-04) OFFICIAL: Chris Wimmer, a veteran ASA driver from Wausau, Wis., has signed to drive for MB Motorsports in 2004. Chris will assist the team at Daytona and Atlanta as he patiently waits for his NASCAR debut at Martinsville, Virginia on April 17th. Jayski (01-09-04)

Joey Clanton of Tyrone, a Busch Series rookie last year who split with his team in midseason, said he's "pretty close" to announcing a deal to drive a Chevrolet in NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series.The Atlanta Journal-Constitution via BGN Racing (01-09-04)

After reviewing dozens of resumes, the American Speed Association looked inside their offices and appointed Don Holobeny as ASA Late Model Series Technical Director. Holobeny worked on a part-time basis with the ASA National Tour in 2001 as a technical official and served as Fleet / Facilities Manager since 2002. ASA Racing (01-08-04)

The American Speed Association announced today that the same SPEED Channel broadcast team used last year will return to the air in 2004. The four-man team consists of Greg Creamer and Jim Tretow in the booth while Rob Albright and Ken Stout cover the action on pit road. ASA Racing (01-08-04)

The American Speed Association and BFGoodrich® Tires have announced the ASA Late Model Series will utilize the successful BFGoodrich Traction T/A Tires in 2004. This marks the first season a Late Model series mandates the use of radial tires. In 2004, ASA Late Model Series competitors can change only two BFGoodrich Tires per event. For example, after purchasing four tires at a first event, in succeeding events, only two tires can be purchased. The ASA Late Model Series will use the 10-inch BFGoodrich Traction T/A Tires, one-inch narrower than the tires used in the ASA National Tour. ASA Racing (01-07-04)

Alex Yontz, of Walnut Cove, NC, will join the American Speed Association (ASA) Series tour in 2004. The Yontz Racing entry will carry the colors of Certainteed Building Materials and Yontz Home Improvements. Karnac via Smokersracin (01-05-04)

In 2004 Lorz Motorsports will again compete in selected events in the (ASA) American Speed Association stock car series. The team has selected Jack Kalwasinski to drive the Lorz No. 54 entry in three to seven racing events. Lorz Motorsports via Short Track News (01-05-04)