"From the Flagstand to you"
"2005–A New Chapter for FRRC and WIR"
Changes are brewing in the area located just outside of Kaukauna, Wisconsin. The bleachers have a nice new coat of fresh paint and the whole lighting system is being upgraded to some top notch equipment. This might be the brightest any fan has ever witnessed WIR being lit up at night. We are talking about a globe-like lighting system that is similar to the kind the Green Bay Packers use, but in smaller form (not as many).
Also an improvement is the return of the former FRRC champion and Nextel Cup champion, Matt Kenseth for a June 21st special, in which he is bringing his teammate " the back flipper" Carl Edwards. This race is the first venture for the newly developed RK Race productions, owned by Roy Kenseth, Matt’s father. In addition to this being a show which has the potential to attract several local track favorites, it is also a WCS sanctioned event. Which, has equated to adding another 25-30 extra cars to any tracks normal competitors. This may very likely be the highest car count in Wisconsin for any single race event in the 2005 season.
An additional WCS event scheduled for May 15th also brings the WCS series in to town for their debut event at W.I.R. At the track testing session, a handful of drivers already came to get their cars tuned up for this special event. Most FRRC regulars are also planning on competing in this event. The tire rule, fair payout and the way the WCS series is run has attracted more drivers to follow this series each year. Both of these events are a great addition to the WIR schedule.
The Red, White and Blue races in 2005 will again be part of the MARS series. Although, I don’t know how many cars will be traveling to compete in the entire MARS series in 2005, I have heard many more names planning on competing in the 3 race WIR, Red, White and Blue series than the past few years. Drivers that have never competed, or haven’t for a few years are planning on returning, such as Brad Mueller, Rich Loch, and possibly Dave Feiler. This will more than likely make for an increase in the car counts for the 2005 series.
As for FRRC, several top drivers in the LLM class are moving up to compete with the SLM division in 2005. As of early May, speculation of an average car count of 25 or so cars was predicted by most. This is up from the last 2 seasons. However, I spoke to several WCS and MARS teams who have said that they will be making sporadic trips to WIR for FRRC shows to get their cars tuned up for our specials. With FRRC having a point standings within a point standings with it’s triple crown series, and then scheduling all three legs right before the Red, White and Blue series races, this gives a traveler a chance to take part in a smaller series of FRRC races without committing to every Thursday night. The first few Thursdays in June may also see higher car counts, due to drivers getting their set ups right for the big June 21st show. Because of all of these factors, I am thinking that FRRC will have a great year in 2005. FRRC also has a 2 tire rule for it’s weekly program for SLM’s, and a $200–$240 payout just for making the feature, based on fan count. This does not include any money won in qualifying or the heat rcae. Not a bad payoff if a traveler can make the A main, and the get some seat time with the FRRC regulars.
Hard to believe that it is still a fan friendly $9 for an adult and $4 for a student for the Thursday shows. As always, 10 and under are free.