Track owner Terry Kunes and promoter Steve Einhaus released the 2005 racing schedule for Madison International Speedway today. Please understand that this schedule is tentative and subject to change.

Racing at Madison International Speedway will return to Friday nights in 2005.

Three weekly divisions are slated to compete on Wisconsin's Fastest Half-Mile. Returning in 2005 will be the ASA Late Models, super late models, and super trucks. A fourth division, the Area Sportsman, is still in the planning stages and a decision should be made in mid to late October.

The biggest changes for 2005 will come in the super truck division. "We are working very closely with the Mid-American Super Truck series to align our rules. We believe we are very close at this point and the two divisions will be able to run together in 2005," according to Steve Einhaus. The MIS trucks and Mid-Am super trucks will be able to run together at MIS weekly events as well as at series events.

The Area Sportsman may become the fourth weekly division at the track. "We have received an overwhelming number of requests from these drivers to race at MIS. We have a meeting planned for mid-October and if we can keep the costs down it is very likely this division could run in 2005," added Einhaus.

The 2005 racing season will actually get underway on Sunday, May 1. The Wisconsin Challenge Series will be making their first ever appearance, and one of two in 2005 at MIS.

Weekly Friday night racing action hits the track on May 6 with all three weekly divisions taking the green flag. Qualifying for Friday night racing will take place at 6:30 with racing at 8:00.

A "Triple Crown Series" for both Mid-American Stock Cars and Mid-American Super Trucks will also make its debut at MIS in 2005. This will be a three race series for each division. Triple Crown dates for the Mid-Am Stock Cars will be May 20, July 15, and August 5. These will be points races for the Mid-Am series as well as part of the Triple Crown points. The top five drivers in the three race series will receive a bonus. "It's kind of a points race within a points race," noted Einhaus who added that each event will be highlighted by a forty lap feature.

The Super Trucks will also be in action as part of the Triple Crown Series with forty lap feature events scheduled for May 13, July 8, and September 2. These races will count for points in both the Mid-Am Super Truck Series and MIS Super Truck division with the top five drivers in the Triple Crown series also receiving a bonus.

The MARS series for super late models will also visit MIS on Friday June 17. "Fans and drivers have asked us to bring the MARS group in and that's exactly what we're doing," added Einhaus.

The Miller Classic returns to MIS in 2005 on Monday, July 4. However, this year will feature a new twist as the Sunoco Super Series will come to the Badger State for their first ever appearance and highlighted by a 200 lap feature. "This is an outstanding series and we are extremely happy to have them come to MIS. We are anticipating a huge field of super late model cars to come out from across the midwest and the country," stated Einhaus who also hinted that several "big" names may also be in attendance. Einhaus further noted that, "We are excited that the Sunoco Super Series chose MIS as their first visit to Wisconsin."

Two major American Speed Association events will also make stops in Madison in 2005. The ASA Late Model national touring series comes to town on Saturday, May 28. "We had two races in 2004 and they were both very competitive and very exciting," said Einhaus. The ASA national touring series is tentatively scheduled to visit MIS on Saturday, June 18.

MIS will also find the return of the Mid-Season Championships on July 22. Fans will be treated to extended features and drivers will be competing for double points that night.

The Wisconsin Challenge Series returns to MIS on September 5 for a Labor Day Special.

The Season Championships will be held on September 16 will champions crowned in all weekly divisions. This will also be the second annual "Tribute to America Night." The fireworks and all of the special events will be back as we take time to recognize those who serve our country.

"All of us at MIS are very excited about this schedule for 2005," added Einhaus. "We are looking forward to next year with great anticipation."