MIS E-News
Week of January 26, 2009
By John Wells
Here is the latest from Madison International Speedway, an ASA Member Track.
It was great to get to see everyone at our banquet on the 17th in Verona. The official press release follows, but I thought I would share some of my observations before you read it.
I seemed like everyone had a great time. The food was great and we worked hard to keep the program moving at a good pace despite some microphone issues. It was fun getting to talk to everyone and hear about their plans for the upcoming season that I must say is shaping up to be a good one. We'd like to thank everyone for being patient so that we could pictures taken right away as opposed to waiting until the end of the night.
It's always great to see the drivers take time to thank everyone who made it possible for them to do what they do. You guys are truly a class act.
A special thank you to Donna Forsythe who was on hand to present the Wayne's Custom DIECAST Dash Series and Hard Charger awards for 2008. Donna and Wayne's efforts were greeted with a standing ovation and I know it was a difficult time for Donna.
I had an opportunity to interview several drivers for an upcoming article on high school racers in Wisconsin. MIS is going to be featured in a magazine generally dedicated to stick and ball type sports. Jason Hicks of the Late Model division was recently featured in the Late Model issue of Hawkeye Racing News. We just have to keep getting the word out about racing at MIS.
Terry and Dave mentioned some incentives for drivers to bring out new fans in 2009. The track will also be offering some incentives for drivers to get new sponsors on board. We will be sharing more of this with you very shortly. It's very important that teams monitor the website and make sure that I have your current email address.
It was great to see the reaction on Gary Schmelzer's face when he received his "MIS Track Historian" plaque. I always try to mention Gary's name during the banquet but just couldn't come up with anything this year. I think Gary was relieved to hear that but little did he know! In addition to his plaque Gary received a supply of ten notebooks to use to add to his collection of thirty-five that he has filled out since 1973. He is truly a walking encyclopedia of local racing. I'm honored to be able to call Gary and his parents my friends.
Sad News from Madison
The announcer and promoter of the Monster Nationals George Eisenhart Jr. of Chardon, Ohio was killed on Saturday night in an accident at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. The Monster Nationals were at MIS back in July of 2004. Our sympathies go out to the Eisenhart family.
Attention Race Teams
Rules and payouts are posted on the download section of our website for all five weekly divisions. The Legends will follow the national series rules.
Driver info and payout forms are also available on our website. Have these ready when you come to the track in April and save yourself some time.
Late Model drivers will be eligible for the ASA Member Track National Points Championship in 2009. With a full field of cars and eighteen races in the point season one of our drivers could take home the national championship.
Drivers: Email me with your plans for 2009 and make sure we have a current email address for you. Send emails to mismedia2@yahoo.com.
The ASA Educational Series is back again in 2009. If you are a high school student and are interested please let me know. If you know of someone interested or would like a student member on your team please notify Dave at misdaveg@yahoo.com. Last year we had over $400,000 worth of scholarships to Ohio Technical College to award to participating members. This is a great program so please get involved.
Attention Race Teams: Treat your sponsors to a first class night at the races by signing up for one of our VIP suites. Featuring a great view of the track, air conditioning, and much more. Pick out the night you want now by calling Holly Coley at 608.332.9445.
Madison International Speedway
2009 Racing Schedule
Subject to Change
Friday Night Racing: Hot Laps 4:45; Qualifying 6:30; Racing at 7:30
SLM = Super Late Models, LM = Late Models, AS = Area Sportsman,
HS = Hobby Stocks, USST = Super Trucks, AST = Short Trackers,
INT = Internationals, B = Bandits, L = Legends
Saturday April 25th Open Practice Noon - 5:00 PM
Saturday May 2nd Open Practice Noon - 5:00 PM
Sunday May 3rd ASA Midwest Tour / Big Eight Series
Friday May 8th LM / AS / HS / B / L
Friday May 15th LM / AS / HS / B / L
Friday May 22nd LM / AS / HS / B / L / USST
Friday May 29th LM / AS / HS / B / L
Friday June 5th LM / AS / HS / B / L
Friday June 12th LM / AS / HS / B / L
Friday June 19th LM / AS / HS / B / L
Friday June 26th LM / AS / HS / B / L
Monday June 29th Practice for All Star Challenge
Tuesday June 30th All Star Challenge (SLM / LM) 7:00 PM
Wednesday July 1st All Star Challenge Raindate
Friday July 3rd LM Twin 40s / AS 25 / HS 25 / INT 25 / AST 25 Fireworks
Friday July 10th LM / AS / HS / B / L / USST
Friday July 17th LM / AS / HS / B / L
Friday July 24th ASA North / USST
Sunday July 26th ASA North Raindate
Friday July 31st LM / AS / HS / B / L
Friday Aug 7th LM Twin 50s / AS / HS / B
Friday Aug 14th SLM / LM / AS / HS / B / L
Friday Aug 21st LM / AS / HS / B / L
Friday Aug 28th Season Championships
LM Twin 40s / AS Twin 25s / HS Twin 25s / B / L / USST
Friday Sep 4th Season Championships Raindate
Friday TBA MIS Fall Classic
Saturday TBA MIS Fall Classic
Sunday TBA MIS Fall Classic plus JDRF Walk
Ticket and VIP Order Forms for the All Star Challenge are available at our website. The dates for the MIS Fall Classic are pending approval from the town board.
Late Models will have three "twin" nights in 2009! Sportsman and Hobby Stocks will have a "twin" night on August 28th.
We're still finalizing the schedule so stay tuned.
MIS Banquet Brings Out the Best of 2008
Over three hundred drivers, teams, sponsors, and friends gathered at The Heights in Verona, Wisconsin, for the annual Madison International Speedway banquet recognizing the accomplishments of the 2008 racing season. Five track champions and competitors from all five weekly divisions were honored along with many other special awards and door prizes.
Nathan Haseleu of Pardeeville, Wisconsin, won his first-ever championship at MIS in the Weaver Auto Parts Super Late Models. Haseleu led the division with four feature wins, set fast time on six nights and finished in the top five eleven times.
"I'd like to thank MIS for having the Super Late Models race. The competition level and racing was great every week. I am honored to be track champion in the Super Late Models with guys like Dick Trickle and Joe Shear. When I started racing it was guys like Ron Breese, Dave Feiler, Scott Ollerman, and Bob Wilberg and we've raced hard over the years so I'm really honored to be on a list with them. I would like to thank all of my crew guys... and all of my sponsors," said Haseleu.
"I've got to thank Joe Hunter. There's a song that says you find out who your friends are. He helped us out a lot this summer and whenever I hear the song it reminds me of our friendship."
Steve Rubeck of Monroe Center, Illinois, was runner-up in the division thanks to four feature wins and ten top fives. DeForest, Wisconsin, driver Andrew Morrissey finished in third place and notched one feature win and nine top five finishes in 2008. Rubeck was voted Favorite Driver by the fans and Zack Riddle won Rookie of the Year honors.
Bobby Wilberg of Beloit, Wisconsin, made it back to back championships in the Rockweiler Insulation Limited Late Model division. Wilberg set fast time on seven nights, picked up ten top five finishes and added one feature win. This year's title was his tenth at MIS since the track re-opened in 1992.
"I have to thank all of our sponsors for being with us. It was a lot of fun racing with these guys this year especially Ross (Kenseth). I want to thank Jon and the boys from Illinois (crew) for all of their work because consistency pays off. We're looking forward to next year when this will be the premier division at MIS," noted Wilberg who also took time to thank his fellow competitors in the super late model division.
Runner-up honors went to sixteen year old Ross Kenseth of Spring Valley, Illinois, who finished in the top five eleven out of twelve races and picked up two feature wins and a heat win. Kenseth was also named Rookie of the Year in the Rockweiler Insulation Limited Late Models. Ryan Goldade of Stoughton, Wisconsin, finished in third place powered by six top five finishes including one feature win. Goldade was also named Fan Favorite for the Limited Late Models.
Donna Forsythe presented the Wayne's Custom DIECAST Dash Series and Hard Charger Awards. Donna's husband Wayne lost his battle with cancer during the off season and those in attendance at the banquet honored both Wayne and Donna with a standing ovation.
"Looking back knowing that you gave your all, win or lose you finish a champion," said Donna as she shared one of Wayne's favorite Dale Earnhardt quotes. She then presented the Dash Series trophy to Ryan Goldade. Six different drivers won dash events in 2008 and although Goldade was not one of them he proved that consistency has its rewards.
Bob Wilberg won the Hard Charger Award based on points received for passing cars during feature events. "This award really means a lot to me. Wayne did a lot for racing," noted Wilberg.
Jay Kalbus of Watertown, Wisconsin, won his first-ever track championship at Madison International Speedway by taking home top honors in the Bryden Motors Area Sportsman division. Kalbus won a division high four features along with two heat wins and set fast time on one night.
"We had a lot of fun doing this in the past and this year was really fun. I'm looking forward to getting back to the track in 2009," said Kalbus.
Scott Lawver of Roscoe, Illinois, finished second in the points fueled by eleven top five finishes, two heat wins and a feature win. Steve Dickson of Rockton, Illinois, finished in third place and set fast time on one night and won two heat races. Dickson was also honored as Rookie of the Year after moving up from the Bandit division while TJ Goldade of Stoughton, Wisconsin, won both the Fan Favorite Award and Best Appearing Car.
Max McNamara of Ingleside, Illinois, was crowned champion in the Pellitteri Waste Systems Legends after a strong season that found him winning seven feature events including a string of six in a row. "Mad Max" also set fast time on seven occasions and won five heat races on his way to the title.
"I really want to thank all of my fellow competitors and MIS for letting us race here. We really had a lot of fun and hope to keep doing it in 2009. Hopefully next year will be as good as this year was for us. I really have to thank all of my sponsors and my dad for making this happen." McNamara was also recognized as "Favorite Driver" as voted on by the fans.
Aaron Moyer of Eden, Wisconsin, finished in the runner-up position despite not winning a feature in 2008. Moyer also won Rookie of the Year honors in the division. Alex Arelano of Frankfort, Illinois, began the season strong but suffered mechanical issues that forced him to miss a couple of events finished in third place. Arelano won four features and also picked up two wins in non-points races.
Chester Ace of Oregon, Wisconsin, took home top honors in the Roto Rooter Bandits. On his way to the title Ace picked up seven feature wins including five in a row. He also led the division by setting fast time on eight nights. Ace was also recognized as "Fan Favorite" for the Bandit division.
"I want to thank all of my sponsors and friends and family especially my mom and dad because I couldn't do it without you. This was a lot of fun this year. My fellow racers made it fun every night. We are looking at a couple of possibilities for next year," said Ace who hinted that he may be back to defend his title.
Stephen Scheel of Lake Mills, Wisconsin, finished in second place in the Bandit division while Cory Skolaski of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, finished in third place. Pat Richgels of Middleton, Wisconsin, was Rookie of the Year based on his seventh place overall finish.
Five Star donated two stock car bodies for the drivers with Cliff Rucks and Bob Wilberg being randomly selected as the lucky winners. Chad Stevens won a chassis donated by Lefthander Chassis. Many other door prizes were also presented to those in attendance. MIS would like to thank Five Star and Lefthander for their gracious donations along with all of the area businesses who donated door prizes.
Madison International Speedway General Manager Dave Grueneberg recognized The Oregon Fire Department and EMS for all of their efforts at MIS and long-time fan Gary Schmelzer was honored with a plaque designating him as "Official Historian" of MIS. Grueneberg also thanked the race teams, fans and sponsors for all they do for racing at MIS. Grueneberg also indicated that the Speedway Educational Series for high school students will continue in 2009 with participating students who are members of pit crews or drivers can win scholarships to Ohio Technical College in Cleveland, Ohio. This will be the second year this program has been offered at MIS and more students are expected to participate this year. He also mentioned that drivers in the Rockweiler Insulation Late Model division in 2009 will be eligible for the ASA Member Track Champion program.
MIS Owner Terry Kunes also thanked the racers and discussed the New Fan Initiative for 2009 in which teams will be encouraged to invite new fans to the track. Kunes also mentioned that adult admission for regular weekly events will be $9.00 in 2009.
The 2009 racing season begins at Madison International Speedway with two practice sessions on Saturday, April 25th and Saturday, May 2nd. The season opener will be on Sunday, May 3rd with the ASA Midwest Tour and Big 8 Series. Weekly Friday night racing featuring Late Models, Area Sportsman, Hobby Stocks, Legends, and Bandits will begin on Friday, May 8th.
A big thank you to Five Star and Lefthander for your gracious donations. We'd also like to thank the following for donating all of the great door prizes: Pellitteri Waste Systems, Weaver Auto Parts
Bryden Motors, Roto Rooter, Stark Chevrolet, Miller, Budweiser, Pepsi,AT&T of Madison, Zimbrick Auto,100.5 ESPN Radio Madison, Swiss Colony, Raceteamgear.com, Stoughton Tire & Auto, Club LaMark, Ferrellgas, Gordie Boucher, WI Army National Guard.
Photos from the banquet are available from Dee at jndphoto@charter.net.
MIS Rules and Payouts Posted
Rules for the 2009 weekly racing divisions (Late Models, Area Sportsman, Hobby Stocks, and Bandits) are posted on our website. The Legends rules will follow the INEX rulebook so the payout will be posted separately. If you have any questions about the rules please contact our technical director Dave Oswald.
Driver Info and Payout forms are also posted on our website.
$9.00 in '09
MIS Owner Terry Kunes announced at the banquet that adult admission for regular Friday night racing will be $9.00 in 2009. He also mentioned that he will be working with drivers to attract new sponsors and will also have an incentive for drivers to bring new fans to the track. Please check future newsletters for more information.
We want to keep MIS an affordable choice for families since children eleven and under are free for regular racing events. There aren't too many sporting events today that offer this type of deal for families.
Miracle Video News
An outstanding season summary video compiled by Jake Roth of Miracle Video was shared at our banquet last week. Jake does outstanding work and we are looking forward to him being with us in 2009. He is already lining up drivers for his in-car camera for the 2009 racing season. Check out his website at miraclevideojake.com or email him at miraclevideo@msn.com. His work is simply the best and you owe it to yourself to get in touch with Jake.
ASA News (From asa-racing.com) As an ASA Member track MIS teams can take advantage of many benefits. Here is just one example...
JOE GIBBS RACING WILL ONCE AGAIN GIVE THE ASA MEMBER TRACK CHAMPION A TRYOUT IN 2009
By: Kevin Ramsell
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Monday, December 15, 2009) - The American Speed Association has announced that Joe Gibbs Racing through its Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil will once again offer the 2009 ASA Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil Member Track National Champion a tryout with one of the more successful teams in NASCAR. For the second year in a row, one driver who races weekly at one of the ASA Member Tracks will receive an opportunity of a lifetime.
Last year, the American Speed Association introduced a new unique point system to help determine the National Champion out of its 35 member tracks in the United States. With the help of speednetdirect.com, the first National Champion was Cary Stapp who was the track champion at Thunderhill Raceway in Kyle, TX.
The program proved to be successful and will return next year for the ASA Member Tracks.
"We have a great formula set up to help determine the ASA Member Track National Champion," Dennis Huth, American Speed Association President stated. "The formula gives every driver who competes at our ASA Member Tracks an equal opportunity to be the ASA Joe Gibbs Driven Racing Oil Member Track National Champion."
"Working with Dennis Huth and the American Speed Association is giving Joe Gibbs Racing a great opportunity to see the talent that is racing at the local tracks across the United States," JD Gibbs, President of Joe Gibbs Racing stated. "We are very proud to renew this opportunity in 2009. A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to welcome Cary Stapp to our shop and give him an opportunity to tryout by driving our race cars. It was a very positive experience for everyone involved."
As the 2008 ASA Member Track National Champion, Stapp took full advantage of his tryout with Joe Gibbs Racing. The experience itself was one that Stapp will always remember, "Oh man, it was more than what I expected," Stapp stated. "Joe & JD Gibbs and their entire staff treated us so well; this is something I will never forget."
The San Marcos, TX driver got to tour the Joe Gibbs Racing shop and had a test session at South Boston Speedway where he logged over 100 laps in testing two Toyota Camry's for Gibbs.
"Overall, the whole experience was a positive one for the American Speed Association and Joe Gibbs Racing," Dennis Huth, American Speed Association President stated. "We were able to give a driver an opportunity of a lifetime and Joe Gibbs Racing got the opportunity to see a talented local driver behind the wheel of their cars."
Joe Gibbs Racing is one of the premier organizations in NASCAR, currently fielding three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams, two NASCAR Nationwide Series teams and a driver development program. Its driver lineup consists of Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch in the Sprint Cup Series. Based in Huntersville, N.C., and owned by Joe Gibbs - a three-time Super Bowl winner as head coach of the Washington Redskins and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame - JGR has competed in NASCAR since 1992, winning three Cup Series championships and more than 80 NASCAR races, including three Brickyard 400s and the 1993 Daytona 500.
"The American Speed Association has a motto and that is 'We Build Champions' and with Joe Gibbs Racing doing this for our champions, I can only see the list of quality champions get bigger and brighter," Huth exclaimed. "The racing at our member tracks will be awesome in 2009 with this opportunity that Joe Gibbs Racing is offering next year."
The American Speed Association is comprised of a network of short tracks around the United States in its Member Track program, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com.
The Chaplain's Corner
By Todd Christopherson
Well I was very sorry to miss everyone at the banquet. I had a dilemma as it was my wife's birthday and she wanted a family day. So I was obedient and hung around the family. I was okay until about 6:30 and I felt like I was in the wrong place, but I looked around the dinner table and remembered my main focus - my family first then the racing community.
I have been thinking a lot lately about how we live out faith. One of them is being family and loving on them. As we hit these hard time family is even more important. We need to be able to count on each other and to be there. As dad's we need to be strong in the Lord and we have to be in the Word teaching our kids the truth and "wash" our wife in the truth. In other words, we have to know the Bible and be ready for the questions and to encourage them. It is like the great Tech training program at the track. We have to patient. We have to teach them the right from wrong. God wants us to do that in our families. But most important is we have to live the right from wrong out in front of them. So how are you doing? Are you living out a godly life? Do you know what that would look like? Many of us did not have godly examples and we have to come along side of someone else to help us. Maybe I can help you with that. Just reach out to me at torch_for_jesus@yahoo.com
Have a great day racin' in the SONshine and hope to see you soon
Todd
We would like to thank Todd for all he does for racing at MIS.
That's all for this edition of the MIS E-News.