MIS January E-News
by John Wells

MIS E-News Nearing the 2000 Mark...Season Pass for #2000
Webmaster Scott Lofquist of Advantage Marketing has informed me that we are rapidly closing in on the 2000 mark of subscribers to the MIS E-News.

Keep encouraging your friends to register for the MIS E-News. The 2000th subscriber will receive a free season pass that includes all racing events at MIS with the exception of the June 27 race promoted by RK Race Promotions.

File Electronically for 2006 at MIS - Web Site
MIS goes with Electronic Filing. In an effort to eliminate paperwork and make it easier for drivers and crews to register for the 2006 season at MIS, promoter Steve Einhaus has announced a high tech alternative to the traditional method of registration.

It's tax season and electronic filing seems to be the best way to go these days, but at MIS it's just a little different. MIS has announced that all competitors, crew members, or fans, can file and purchase all 2006 point fund registrations, memberships, season pit passes, and pit stall registrations on theWebsite Store.

" I have been overwhelmed with paper work coming in for registrations," stated MIS Promoter Steve Einhaus." Einhaus had spoken with Lofquist to see if he could design a system to help alleviate the paper work.

Drivers, crews, and fans can now do all of their registration right on line in a shopping cart format. They can purchase or register everything they need from signing up for the point fund, reserving a pit stall, declaring a number, and buying season passes and memberships for the entire crew. "Scott is amazing. I have never seen a more knowledgeable person when it comes to web design and ideas to help with our business," added Einhaus.

At the beginning of the season, we will have a VIP lanyard made for each and every member that will have a barcode that will be scanned upon entry to the pits. "I guess we're a little more high tech now thanks to Advantage Marketing," noted Einhaus.

If you choose to pay by check, you can still mail in your registrations or pay on-line. The on-line registration and pay procedure is 100% secure. Those who have already registered their numbers and signed up for the point fun can still utilize the on-line system for season passes, etc.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact Einhaus.

Advantage Marketing builds websites for area tracks, series, and race teams. They can be contacted at 320-491-1196

TrailerShopper.com Signs Up as MIS E-News Sponsor - WebSite
Madison International Speedway would like to welcome Chrispin Kenney and TrailerShopper.com aboard as one of our MIS E-News sponsors. Here's what they can do for you:

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Attention Business Owners
Here's your chance to be part of the MIS E-News. Reach nearly 2000 racing fans each month during the off-season and each week during the racing season. If you would like your business to be part of the MIS E-News, contact Steve Einhaus today.

Drivers...Let us know your plans for 2006
We want to help promote your racing team for the 2006 season. We will include information about your race team in future press releases and newsletters. Let us know how we can work together to promote your team and Madison International Speedway.

Please take advantage of this service provided by your friends at MIS. For more information contact me at 608.225.1913.

Updates
The 2006 schedule is really taking shape especially with the addition of the new quarter mile. The new track will be paved in early spring and will be home to the Area Sportsman, Hobby Stocks, and Bandits. The limited late models and ASA Late Models will be racing on Wisconsin's Fastest Half-Mile.

Based on the calls and early registrations we have been receiving from race teams wanting to race at MIS in 2006, we can't help but be excited. Fans, you are really going to be in for a treat in 2006! I have included our tentative (but pretty firm) schedule for the upcoming season. This schedule truly offers something for everyone.

Banquet Review
Feedback from the banquet has been very positive. This year we moved our location from the Concourse in downtown Madison to The Heights in Verona. Chad and his staff did a great job accomodating all of our needs especially when extra tables needed to be added to seat the nearly 350 guests. From my perspective it seemed like everyone was having a great time and atmosphere was extremely positive. A big thanks to Marianne Kunes for organizing the banquet.

It was a big night for Bobby Wilberg who made history in 2005 by winning two track championships. Can he do it again in 2006? Dann Barber and Mark DePorter picked up their first track titles at Madison. It's always fun having the drivers get behind the microphone and show their appreciation for all of the help they receive from their crews, sponsors, and families.

Jake Roth of Miracle Video did a superb job with his seventeen minute highlight film and clips of the top three finishers. The candid shots of the drivers (which included quotes) was very popular. Just think...there were some we had to edit out!

Great to see Bob Schmelzer in the crowd. Anyone who has not sat down and talked racing with Bob is truly missing out. It's always great to hear from Bob as he's one of those in racing whom I respect very much.

Steve Einhaus announced that one of the most popular drivers to ever turn a lap at MIS, Kenny Lund, will be returning to the speedway as technical director. Kenny's wife, Debbie, will also be joining us at MIS in 2006.

Terry Kunes presented Dave Grueneberg with the "Employee of the Year" award for 2005. Dave is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen and is one of the biggest reason why MIS is headed for bigger and better things. A standing ovation for Dave and one later for Terry are true indications of how much people like where MIS is headed.

I counted at least six standing ovations during the evening but none was more touching than the one following Wayne Forsythe's positive announcement about his wife's health. She has been battling cancer and is cancer-free at this time. Wayne presented Bobby Wilberg with the Dash Trophy and Nate Haseleu with the Hard Charger Award. Wayne's diecast work is truly remarkable as indicated by the model of Nate's #1 ASALM car.

A special thanks to Steve for presenting my wife and me with the 2005 Dedication Award.

I have included the press release from the banquet in our newsletter.

Schedule for 2006 Racing Season Taking Shape at MIS
The 2006 racing schedule at Madison International Speedway will take on a very different look from previous years as many changes will be occurring at Wisconsin's Track of Champions.

Fans will be seeing double at MIS in 2006 as the legendary speedplant known throughout the midwest as "Wisconsin's Fastest Half-Mile," will now be home to two tracks. Ground was broken in the fall of 2005 to install a state of the art paved quarter mile track inside the half mile oval. With the addition of the quarter mile, the weekly divisions at MIS will take on a distinctively new look in 2006.

"The half-mile is an awesome track and will continue to feature some of the best racing in the midwest. However, the cost of racing on the big track has prevented many drivers from having the opportunity to race at MIS. The installation of the new quarter mile will allow us to add some new, affordable racing divisions in addition to our ASA Late Models and Limited Late Models," said general manager Dave Grueneberg.

As a result of the new track, five weekly divisions will be featured in the 2006 season. Headlining the weekly Friday night action will be the Madison ASA Late Models. "This division has really taken off," noted promoter Steve Einhaus. Weekly car counts topped twenty-five in 2005 and car counts over thirty are expected this year. "It's very competitive racing and the quality of drivers is as good as there is anywhere," added Einhaus.

Returning to MIS in 2006 after a two year absence will be the limited late models. "There are so many of these cars around the region that we felt it was important to bring them back. They are excited about running on the big track and we expect very solid car counts," commented Einhaus. The limited late model division has a long history at Madison going back to the early 1980's.

Three divisions will battle it out on the quarter mile in 2006. After racing on the half mile last season, the Area Sportsman division will be racing on the quarter mile this year. Grueneberg explained the move by saying, "We had a very loyal group of ten drivers who supported this division week in and week out last year. We want to see more cars in this division and are confident that the move to the new track will help us meet that goal."

Two new divisions will make their MIS debut in 2006 when the Hobby Stocks and Bandits join the weekly show. Although new to Madison, these divisions have been very popular throughout the midwest. "These divisions will be very competitive and we are expecting very good car counts. Their addition will allow many drivers who have always wanted to race at MIS along with those who want to get into the sport an opportunity to get started in racing at Madison," said Grueneberg. "Both of these divisions are affordable for most anyone as racers can get started in the four cylinder "Bandit" division for less than $1000.00.

Weekly Friday night racing action is slated to begin on May 12. Two pre-season open practice sessions are scheduled for Saturday, April 29 and Saturday, May 6.

The season opener is set for Sunday, May 7 when the Wisconsin Challenge Series super late models come to MIS for their first-ever visit. "We have three major super late model shows scheduled for 2006 including two visits from the WCS. This series gets better and better every year and we're excited to have them coming to MIS," said Grueneberg. The series will also come to the track on Friday, September 8.

One of the major highlights of the 2006 season will be the return of Matt Kenseth in an event promoted by RK Race Promotions set for Tuesday, June 27. Joining Kenseth for this Late Model event will be Tony Stewart. Also part of this exciting racing program will be the Big Eight Series for limited late models.

Following a very successful debut last year, the USAR Hooters Pro Cup will be at MIS on Saturday, August 19.

Two ASA Late Model events will be coming to Madison in 2006 with the Northern Series visiting on Friday, August 4 and the ASA Late Model Challenge Series on Saturday, May 27.

Fans of open wheel racing will enjoy the high flying Hoosier Outlaw Sprint Series when they return on Friday, June 16. Last year Illinois' Tim Cox set the all-time speed record at MIS with a lap of xxxx. Joining the sprint cars will be the first ever visit by the Ford Focus midgets.

The Mid American Stock Series will return to MIS on Friday, June 23.

Many special events are also in the works including two of the midwest's best fireworks shows scheduled for June 30 and September 8. Two "Eve of Destruction" style events are also being planned.

"It's going to be an awesome year at Madison International Speedway. We are looking forward to treating the fans to one of the finest weekly racing programs along with some tremendous special events. We are looking forward to welcoming back the drivers from 2005 as well as meeting all of the new drivers who will be racing with us. The fans are in for a real treat in 2006," added Einhaus.

Madison International Speedway will also feature a new starting time for their weekly Friday night racing events when action in 2006 is set to begin at 7:30. "Our goal is to be as fan-friendly as possible and we want to be able to provide the best entertainment for the dollar and still get people home at a reasonable time," added Grueneberg.

Fans of Madison International Speedway are encouraged to check out our website at madisoninternationalspeedway.com for more information including schedule updates and rules.

Madison International Speedway is located off Highway 138 on Sunrise Road just two miles east of Oregon.

2006 Madison International Speedway Schedule

Date Divisions Division Codes: ASALM- Late Models / LLM- Limited Late Model / SPT- SportsmanHS- Hobby Stock / BA- Bandits / WCS- Wiscsonsin Challenge Series

Saturday, April 29 All Open Practice (Noon -5:00)
Saturday, May 6 All Open Practice (Noon - 5:00)
Sunday, May 7 Season Opener Wisconsin Challenge Series 100/SPT/BA/HS
Friday, May 12 ASALM/LLM/SPT/BA/HS
Friday, May 19 ASALM/LLM/SPT/BA/HS
Friday, May 26 TBA
Saturday, May 27 ASALM 200 Televised Race/SPT Invitational on 1/2 mile
Sunday, May 28 ASALM Rain Date
Friday, June 2 ASALM/SPT/LLM/BA/HS
Wednesday, June 7 Open Practice 4:00 - 8:00
Friday, June 9 ASALM/LLM/SPT/BA
Friday, June 16 HOSS Winged Sprints/Ford Focus Midgets/SPT/BA/HS
Wednesday, June 21 Open Practice 4:00 - 8:00
Friday, June 23 ASALM/MidAm Stock Cars/SPT/BA/HS
Tuesday, June 27 Late Model Special Kenseth/Stewart (RK Race Promotions) / Big Eight Series
Wednesday, June 28 Rain Date Kenseth/Stewart
Friday, June 30 SLM Special #2/HS/BA/SPT(Fireworks)
Wednesday, July 5 Open Practice 4:00 - 8:00
Friday, July 7 ASALM/SPT/HS/BA
Friday, July 14 ASALM/LLM/SPT/BA
Wednesday, July 19 Open Practice 4:00 - 8:00
Friday, July 21 ASALM/LLM/SPT/BA/HS
Sunday, July 23 Eve of Destruction / MidwestEnduro Series / BA
Friday, July 28 ASALM/SPT/HS/BA
Friday, Aug 4 ASALM North Series/SPT/BA/HS
Saturday, Aug 5 Rain Date ASALM
Wednesday, Aug 9 Open Practice 4:00 - 8:00
Friday, Aug 11 ASALM/LLM/BA/SPT/HS
Friday, Aug 18 LLM/BA/HS/SPT/Tentative Big EightSeries
Saturday, Aug 19 Hooters Pro Cup 250
Sunday, Aug 20 Hooters Rain Date
Friday, Aug 25 ASALM/LLM/SPT/BA/HS Season Championships
Saturday, Aug 26 Rain Date for Championships
Friday, Sept 1 TBA
Friday, Sept 8 Wisconsin Challenge Series 100/BA/SPT/HS Fireworks
For more information regarding Madison International Speedway please contact the track at 608.835.9700.

Madison International Speedway Banquet Honors 2005 Accomplishments
Madison International Speedway held its annual racing banquet on Saturday, January 21 at The Heights Convention Center in Verona.. One of the largest banquet crowds in recent MIS history witnessed a full evening of awards, food, fun, and music as the racing accomplishments of the 2005 season were recognized.

Headlining the program were Bobby Wilberg, Dann Barber, and Mark DePorter who were honored as track champions. Wilberg accomplished something no other driver in MIS history had ever done before when he captured two track championships in one season by winning the Bryden Motors Super Late Model and Weaver Auto Parts ASA Late Model titles. Dann Barber and Mark DePorter won their first ever titles at MIS in the Rockweiler Insulation Midwest Truck Series and Bryden Motors Area Sportsman respectively. All drivers finishing in the top three in their respective divisions received trophies while fourth and fifth place finishers were presented with plaques.

Bobby Wilberg won his second super late model track championship but first outright since sharing the title in 2002 with Dave Feiler. The Orfordville driver’s run to the championship was nothing short of impressive as he outdistanced runner up Steve Rubeck by over two hundred points. Enroute to his title Wilberg garnered three features wins giving him a total of twelve wins in the division in his career. Also adding to Wilberg’s title was the fact that he finished in the top five on seven occasions. However, it was Wilberg’s dominance in qualifying that was most impressive. Wilberg owned qualifying as he sat fast time at all eleven events.

Steve Rubeck of Cherry Valley, Illinois, finished in the second position behind Wilberg with 683 points highlighted by a division high eight top five finishes. Third place honors went to Waterford’s Jeff Storm who finished with 651 points and one feature win. Andrew Morrissey of DeForestand Jeremy Miller of Rockton, Illlinois, finished fourth and fifth respectively. Miller also picked up Rookie of the Year honors with Wilberg selected as Favorite Driver as voted on by the fans. Rounding out the top ten in points were Brian Johnson Jr. of South Beloit, Illinois, Jacob Humphrey of Lake Geneva, Kyle Kinder of McFarland, Indianford’s Kevin Tunks, and Tod Kropf of Watertown. Fifty-one drivers earned points in 2005.

Performing double duty every was no simple task, but Wilberg proved to be equally impressive on his way to the Weaver Auto Parts ASA Late Model title. His championship run in the division basically went down to the final two weeks of the season as Wilberg finished with a fifty-one point advantage over Nathan Haseleu. Along the way Wilberg notched three feature wins, was fast qualifier seven times, and finished in the top five eight times.

Runner up honors went to Haseleu of Pardeeville, Wisconsin, who finished with 846 points which included a division high five feature wins and eight top five finishes. Beloit’s Ryan Hanson earned 741 points for the season which was good for third place. Fourth place recognition went to Troy Hintzsche of Malta, Illinois, with Janesville’s Jesse Saunders finishing in fifth. The remainder of the top ten included Dan Lensing of Rockford, Illinois, Dave Gentile Jr. of Elwood, Illinois, Travis Sauter of Necedah, John Wood of Madison, and Chad Stevens of Orfordville. Gentile Jr. was honored as Rookie of the Year with Hanson selected as the Favorite Driver. Nick Hammer of Sun Prairie was recognized for having the Best Appearing Car as voted on by the fans. A total of fifty-one drivers earned points during the 2005 season.

In only his second season racing at MIS, Dann Barber of Oregon came out on top of the Rockweiler Insulation Midwest Truck Series. Barber finished with 760 points which included two feature wins and a division high nine top five finishes. Barber finished with a fifty- three point advantage over runner-up Charlie Cottam.

Despite missing several races, Cottam of Janesville was still able to finish in the second position thanks to his division high three feature victories and 707 points. With his three wins, Cottam now has 35 career wins in the Midwest Truck Series at MIS. Long-time truck series driver Gary Cerny of Janesville finished third with 643 points followed in the top five by Garrett Goth of Cottage Grove and Vincent Wilkinson of Sandwich, Illinois. Rounding out the top ten were Bryon Pautsch of Sun Prairie, Fred Oswald of Lake Mills, Verona’s Todd Schmitz, Milton’s Christopher Stocks, and Scott Bleecker of Madison. Once again Cottam was honored as Favorite Driver and Pautsch collected Rookie of the Year accolades. Nineteen drivers earned points in the Midwest Truck Series in 2005.

The Bryden Motors Area Sportsman division made its debut at MIS in 2005 and saw Fort Atkinson’s Mark DePorter win the championship in the closest point race of the four divisions. The Area Sportsman title went down to the final night of racing as DePorter claimed a ten point win over runner-up Scott Lawver of Roscoe, Illinois. DePorter captured two feature wins in 2005 and proved that consistency was the key as he finished in the top five on nine occasions.

Lawver finished in the runner-up position thanks to a division high ten top five finishes. Third place recognition went to Edgerton’s Casey Burns while Carey Hensel of Stoughton finished fourth and Luke Padfield of Jefferson in fifth place. The remainder of the top ten included Ryan Goldade of Stoughton, Mark English of Janesville, Jay Kalbus of Oconomowoc, Clifford Rucks of Cottage Grove, and Jim Burns of Janesville. Kalbus paced the division with four feature wins despite not running a full season. Jim Burns was also honored as the Rookie of the Year with Goldade selected as Favorite Driver. A total of eighteen drivers earned points in the division in 2005.

Wayne Forsythe, owner of Wayne's Custom DIECAST, presented a trophy to Wilberg for winning the Dash Series and a diecast car and plaque to Haseleu for winning the Hard Charger Award. Both awards were for drivers in the ASA Late Model division. Forsythe indicated that he will once again be sponsoring the series in 2006 but for the limited late model division.

Track owner Terry Kunes presented the 2005 Employee of the Year Award to general manager Dave Grueneberg. Kunes cited Grueneberg’s tireless efforts in promoting racing and his “jack of all trades” role at the speedway. Roger Bryden of Bryden Motors of Beloit received the 2005 Sponsor of the Year award. Bryden sponsored both the Super Late Models and Area Sportsman.

The 2006 racing season will begin on Sunday, May 7 when the Wisconsin Challenge Series makes their debut at MIS. Open practice dates are set for Saturday, April 29 and Saturday, May 6. Weekly Friday night racing is set to begin on May 12. Weekly divisions in 2006 will include the ASA Late Models, Limited Late Models, Area Sportsman, Hobby Stocks, and Bandits. The 2006 season will also mark the opening of the new quarter mile track which was installed last fall.

For more information on Madison International Speedway please contact the track at 608.835.9700 or check out the website at madisoninternationalspeedway.com.

Wayne's Custom DIECAST To Sponsor LLM Dash / Hard Charger in 2006
Wayne Forsythe of Wayne's Custom DIECAST will be sponsoring a four race dash series for the limited late models in 2006 along with a Hard Charger program. We would like to encourage all of our limited late model drivers to register with Wayne. You can reach him by emailing him at dalejr-8@sbcglobal.net.

On behalf of all of us at Madison International Speedway we would like to thank Wayne for all he does for racing. If you are looking for a diecast replica of your car, please contact Wayne. He is truly an artist when it comes to diecast cars.

That's all for this month...remember to encourage all of your friends to sign up for the MIS E-News.