by John Wells

 

 

MIS Banquet Honors 2004 Racing Season

 

Nearly three hundred people attended the MIS Championship banquet held on February 5 at the Concourse Hotel in downtown Madison. Track champions recognized included Ron Breese Jr. in the Weaver Auto Parts ASA Late Models, Dale Nottestad in the Car Quest Super Late Models, and Scott Bleecker in the Rockweiler Insulation Midwest Truck Series. The top three drivers in each division received beautiful cup-like trophies in addition to their points fund checks. Also honored were Garrett Goth as Rookie of the Year in the Midwest Trucks, Bobby Weiss for Best Appearing Car, and Favorite Driver Awards to Breese Jr., Bobby Wilberg, and Charlie Cottam. Special awards went to Wilberg for Driver of the Year, Jim Steinke for Fan of the Year, Bob Schmelzer as Employee of the Year, and Gary Rockweiler and John Matthews for Sponsor / Supporter of the Year. Wayne Forsyth of Wayne's Custom DIECAST presented Breese Jr. with a beautiful diecast replica of his car in recognition of winning the "Hard Charger Award" for the ASA Late Models. Special thanks to Jake Roth of Stoughton who compiled a season highlights video as well as video segments on each of the three champions. For information regarding videos from the 2004 season or the banquet contact Jake at MiracleVideo@msn.com. For information on photos from the 2004 season contact Doug Hornickel at doogie2@charter.net.

 

Pit Stalls for 2005

 

If you are interested in reserving a particular pit stall for the 2005 please contact us at mismedia2@yahoo.com. We will forward this information on to Dave Grueneberg. We are getting many requests and want to be able to accomodate all of your requests.

 

 

Let us know your plans for 2005...we want to work with you to promote your race team by helping you out at special appearances, parades, etc. If you are planning to race at MIS in 2005 just let us know and we will work with you to help set up some promotional opportunities.  We are especially looking for drivers who may be looking at doing a car show in early to mid- April.

 

Registration for 2005 Racing Season

 

All forms are available at our website (gotomis.com) for driver registration, pit passes, memberships, etc. Take some time to fill those out now and get them sent in to avoid having to complete all of the forms on opening day.

 

Season Passes for 2005

 

MIS is pleased to announce that season passes for grandstand admission are available for $223.00. We also have five and ten race punch cards available. They make great gifts and is not only convenient but you can save some money as well.

 

Season Opener Coming Soon

 

The racing season is just around the corner as preparations continue for our season opening weekend April 30 and May 1. Our season opener will feature the first ever visit from the Wisconsin Challenge Series and the Big Eight Limited Late Model Series on Sunday, May 1. An open practice day will take place on Saturday, April 30 for drivers in all divisions. "We are very excited about the season opener. The WCS is a very competitive series for super late models and a very solid car count is expected. We expect to see many familiar faces and a few new ones when the WCS comes to MIS, " said Steve Einhaus. The Big Eight Limited Late Model Series will appear at MIS twice in 2005. "The limited late model drivers are a great group. They have been looking for an opportunity to come back to MIS. This series looks very solid and we're happy to have them coming to MIS," added Einhaus. The Big Eight Series will return on June 28 as part of the Miller Classic.

 

On The Road Again: MIS Promotions During the Off-Season

 

There really is no off-season in the racing business. Schedule preparations, rules meetings, lining up sponsors, hiring employees, and getting the word out about MIS are just some of the work that takes place during the winter months. MIS has been represented at both trade and car shows in Rockford, Madison, and two times in Milwaukee over the past two months. "This is a great opportunity to get the word out about MIS. Not only do we meet a lot of the fans and drivers at these shows, but we make contacts with literally hundreds of people who were unfamiliar with our racing facility," said Einhaus. Einhaus has literally logged thousands of miles during the off-season not only attending trade shows but visiting a number of drivers at their own shops. "This is fun. It has been a great experience for me to visit the drivers at their shops and listen to their concerns and suggestions. Our goal at MIS is to become the best racing facility we can possibly become. Listening to the drivers, crews, and car owners is essential," said Einhaus. "The entire management team at MIS has worked very hard to put a solid race program together for 2005. It's a total team effort...not only from the employees at MIS but from the teams who want to be part of the excitement in 2005," he added.  MIS is also happy to be taking an active role in the Oregon Chamber of Commerce, Stoughton Chamber of Commerce, and Greater Madison Convention Bureau.  According to MIS Administrative Assistant Diane Wells, "We have made some great contacts working with these organizations and the related businesses.  We are reaching out to the local business community looking at ways we can support each other."

 

ASA Late Model Series...Bigger and Better

 

Look for tremendous growth in the ASALM series not only at MIS but nationally for 2005. Ron Varney of ASALM has done a tremendous job in a very short period of time. We are looking at a very competitive and large weekly field at MIS with some very popular racing names returning to race with us weekly. The national series for the ASALM will visit MIS on Friday, May 27.  Check out their website at www.asalatemodels.com 

 

ASL Coming To MIS

 

A new series, the American Stock Car League, was recently formed and met on February 5 in Janesville. Featuring many former teams from the ASA, this series will primarily be racing in the midwest and will be making a stop at MIS. The ASL will visit MIS on Saturday, June 18 with a rain date of June 19. "That's going to be one big weekend of racing at MIS with the Mars Series here on the 17th and the ASL in action on the 18th," added Einhaus. Keep up to date with this series at www.asl-midamracing.com.

 

Hooters Pro Cup Comes to MIS

 

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 9 when the Hooter's Pro Cup Series makes its first ever appearance at MIS. "This is going to be a huge show and a real treat for the fans. The Pro Cup drivers are really looking forward to coming to MIS and fans will recognize some very familiar names in the lineup, " said Einhaus.

 

Miller Classic Will Be a Classic

 

A major super late model event is planned for the 2005 edition of our very own Miller Classic. The race is scheduled for Tuesday night June 28 with many of the top drivers in the Midwest coming to MIS looking to capture the coveted Miller Classic title. Also in action will be the Big Eight Series for limited late models and the Mid Am / Midwest Truck Series. "The Classic will have a slightly different look in 2005. It will be a super late model event and we are anticipating the best in the midwest to come to MIS that night. With the limited late models and trucks also on the program we think the fans will be in for a real treat," promised Einhaus. "You never know who might show up to challenge the best in the midwest," hinted Einhaus.

 

Triple Crown Events at MIS in 2005

 

A three race "Triple Crown" event will occur at MIS in 2005 in both the Midwest Sportsman and Mid Am / Midwest Truck Series. The Midwest Sportsman will race at MIS on May 20, July 15, and August 5. The Mid Am Super Trucks will be at MIS on May 13, July 8, and September 2. "It's kind of a series within a series," noted Einhaus. The "Triple Crown" events will be run all as part of the weekly Friday night racing program with other divisions in action on those nights as well.

 

Two MARS Sightings in 2005

 

The MARS Series for super late models will make two appearances at Wisconsin's Fastest Half-Mile in 2005. The series will come to MIS on Friday, June 17, and Friday, September 2. Look for big car counts and side by side racing action when the cars from MARS come to MIS.

 

Winged Sprints Back in 2005

 

When Ohio's Joe Rebman set the new track record with a lap of over 119 mph many wondered if we would ever see speeds like that at MIS again. Not only will we see them again in 2005, but the Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series (HOSS) is looking to break the record and is shooting for a lap speed of 120 mph. These 410 winged sprint cars return to Madison on Friday, July 29 and will be joined on the program by the Sportsman, Trucks, and ASA Late Models. Check out the sprint car site at www.hossracing.com.

 

Midwest Enduro Series Returns to MIS

 

Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 14 when the Midwest Enduro Series returns to Madison International Speedway. The last time the series came to MIS over 60 cars took the green flag. This is the biggest track the series will race on in 2005 and excitement is at an all-time high for their return to MIS.

 

Welcome Area Sportsman Drivers and Teams

 

A fourth weekly division, the Area Sportsman, return to MIS in 2005. "This is a great group of guys and we are going to do everything we can to make everything work for them at MIS," said Einhaus. The division will be folowing the Jefferson rules where the Sportsman have become one of the most competitive racing divisions in Wisconsin. A Sportsman Invitational Show is scheduled for Friday, September 9 which will be open to Sportsman / Super Stocks from throughout the area.

 

Racing Shows on the Air In Madison Area

 

Be sure to tune in to ESPN Radio 1070 on your AM dial every Saturday morning from 9-10 for "Charter Guys Talking Racing" hosted by Dennis Krause and Tim Scott. The show will have an emphasis on local racing and we are looking forward to having the opportunity to talk about MIS on the air in the very near future.

 

Long-time favorites Todd and Eddie have joined the Madison market with their LTN Radio Network and can found at 10:00 AM on Sunday mornings at 100.5 on your radio dial. The show will have a more local flavor in 2005 with the addition of both the Madison and Rockford markets.

 

MIS Mascot To Debut in 2005

 

Plans are in the works for the additon of a new member to the MIS racing family. We are hoping to have our very own mascot greeting fans of all ages when the 2005 season opens.

 

Get on Track at Wisconsin's Fastest Half-Mile in 2005

 

To see the high speed action from the stands is awesome...to experience it for yourself is incredible. We now have a pair of two seat race cars ready to take fans around the speedway. This is a great opportunity to feel what it's like to race in a super late model car at MIS. More information will be coming out on this opportunity once we get closer to the start of the season. These cars will see a lot of action in 2005!

 

 

How about bringing your organization or business to MIS for a night of racing?  We can arrange gatherings of any size that include tickets, food and beverage, and a whole lot more.  Special rates for the VIP suites are also available that include tickets, food and drink, and a nice, air conditioned place to watch the races.  Contact Diane at mismedia2@yahoo.com for more information.

 

 

     The MIS Kids Club will be back in 2005 bigger and better than ever.  We are very excited about the many events we have planned for the kids this coming season.  As always, your ideas are welcome.

 

 

     Frequently we will post updates not only on our website but on three racing forums:  racingonline.com, shorttracknews.com, and autoracingtracks.com.  The purpose of our postings on these forums is to provide timely and accurate information regarding the racing program at Madison International Speedway.

 

Suggestions... If you have any suggestions for the 2005 season please let us know. We value your feedback and take it very seriously. You can email me directly at mcfjdw@yahoo.com with your thoughts. We are always looking for ideas to help us attract new fans to MIS.  We are also looking for anyone who may want to contribute an article for our 2005 MIS Yearbook.

 

Just a couple of months to go before the green flag flies...We are looking forward to meeting all of you. 

 

John Wells

Madison International Speedway