(Francis Creek, WI) - For the first time since 1987 IMCA sanctioning will return to 141 Speedway in Francis Creek for the 2009 season with the northern sportmod division running in a fully sanctioned program.

The northern sportmods were introduced to local dirt tracks four seasons ago, and interest from drivers has prompted track promoters to give the fenderless division a try in 2009. "There appears to be enough interest to warrant giving them a shot this year," said Race Director Mike Panure. "The cars are plentiful in northeast Wisconsin. The way the IMCA rules stack up, they are the same as on dirt. Guys won't have to buy asphalt slicks if they simply want to try the asphalt for a night. While some drivers are committed to racing here weekly we've also talked to many who'll pop in from time-to-time, which should make for a very interesting season."

Pulask's Chuck Grall is one driver who is fired up for 141 Speedway's newest division. The 62-year-old retired paper mill worker's claim to fame is having beat NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Mark Martin in an IMCA modified race at the track with an old Gremlin he dug out of the weeds back in 1986. "Yeah, I guess more people around here know me as "the guy who beat Mark Martin," Grall joked. "I think this class will take off. There are plenty of them around and I know of several guys who want to give it a try. I'll be there every week they run."

Currently, there are more than 70 IMCA licensed sportmod drivers who live within one hour of the track. "I think this is something that will most certainly spice up our weekly program," said Panure. "It's been awhile since race fans saw modifieds compete at 141." In fact, the last time was 1998, when former track promoter Matt Rowe hosted a pair of open modified specials. Two Rivers' Jerry Wenzel won one event, while Jeff Holmgren from the Slinger area won the other contest. While the class won't compete every week, the track will provide the class a minimum of 10 dates so drivers can chase not only track points, but state, regional and national titles as well. That schedule of what nights the IMCA northern sportmods will compete is expected to be released in the very near future.

The 2009 season at 141 Speedway will kick off on Saturday, May 16 with qualifying at 5:30 p.m. And racing at 7 p.m. For more information on 141 Speedway contact Panure at 920 336 9099 or Conard at 920 905 1112. The track's website is 141speedway.com. Improvements are expected to be made to the website in the very near future. 141 Speedway is located 20 miles south of Green Bay on County trunk "R" in Francis Creek