MIS E-News
Week of March 16, 2009
By John Wells

The countdown is on to Opening Day at Madison International Speedway.  Before you know it the countryside in the Town of Rutland will come alive with the sounds of speed when the ASA Midwest Tour Super Late Models and Big 8 Series come to Wisconsin's Fastest Half-Mile on Sunday, May 3rd.
 
Drivers will have two opportunities to take to the tracks with practice sessions scheduled for Saturday, April 25th and Saturday, May 2nd.  Fans can come out and watch the practice sessions at no cost.
 
Please note that ASA Midwest Tour Super Late Model drivers will be allowed to practice on both dates.
 
Fans...remember to go to the MIS website for all updates, schedules, rules, etc. http://www.madisoninternationalspeedway.com.
 
Season Opener Information
 
The ASA Midwest Tour Super Late Models will be competing at MIS on Sunday, May 3rd. Fans can expect the best in the Midwest to be at MIS along with some top drivers from around the country.  I've been told to expect a unique format as well so stay tuned for more information.
 
Adult tickets are $17.00 with students ages 12-17 at $12.00 and children eleven and under free.
 
 
Big 8 Times Two in 2009
 
The Big 8 Series will be at MIS not only as part of the season opener on May 3rd but will be joining the program for the All Star Challenge on June 30th.
 
"The Big 8 Series puts on a great show wherever they race.  Can it get any closer than the race at the All Star Challenge in 2008?" said MIS Promoter Dave Grueneberg.
 

 
Tire Rule Update for Late Model Teams
 
Here is the updated tire rule for the Late Model division per our discussion at the February 28th meeting:
 
Each team will be allowed to purchase eight tires for the first two weeks.  They will use four tires the first night and the other four the second night. The following week we will start impounding two tires per night that will need to be used the following week.  These tires will be marked during the week and must be run for time trials and the feature.  If a driver does not race the first night they will only be able to purchase four tires for the second night and two of them will be impounded for the next week or the next time they race.  Each team will be allowed to purchase two tires per night but are not required to do so.  If a team comes to race after the second night of racing, their four tires (new or used) will be marked and they will have to run them for all hot laps and qualifying.  Furthermore, the car will start at the back of the heat race and / or qualifying race and must finish in one of the transfer spots to get their spot in the feature.
 
Something New in 2009:  Two-Driver Teams
 
Here is something new in 2009.  Drivers may register as a two-driver team and be eligible for the point fund and track championship provided they race at least 75% of the shows in their division.  Two-driver teams must be declared by May 22nd.  Drivers must race the same car and each driver must race a minimum of four events.
 
This means that if two drivers want to share driving duties with a car in 2009 they can do it.  So how does this work and why would someone want to do it?
 
Let's say Driver A knows he's going to miss four or five events during the season but still wants to run for points and point fund money.  The co-driver can race the events he/she will miss with points going to the two-driver team.  Now it is possible provided the above criteria is met.  This applies to all five weekly divisions.
 
Be featured in our E-News and on our website.  What a great way to highlight your current sponsors or attract new ones.  It's all something we are more than happy to do for you at MIS.
 
All Star Challenge Update
 
RK Race Promotions owner Roy Kenseth is pleased to announce the 5th Annual Swiss Colony All-Star Challenge scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2009.   Daytona "500" Champion and 2003 Sprint Cup Champion Matt Kenseth will be joined by two time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart for the fifth running of this popular superstar event at Madison Int'l Speedway in Oregon, Wisconsin.
 
Last year's All-Star Challenge winner Steve Carlson will join expected entries of local favorites like Bryan Reffner, Nate Haseleu, Andrew Morrissey, Travis Sauter, in addition to a host of the areas best Super Late Models drivers vying for the first place prize money and the right to be called the 2009 All-Star Challenge champion.
 
Ticket order forms are available online at www.mattkenseth.com or www.madisoninternationalspeedway.com.  If you prefer to place your order by phone with a credit card, please call RK Race Promotions 608-423-7829.
 
Save for a limited time only:  Specially priced advance general admission tickets are available now through Monday, June 1, 2009.  Adults 18 years and up are $20.00.  Youth Ages 7-17 $10. 
 
Tickets purchased after June 1, 2009 will be at the Race Day prices.  Adults 18 years and up $25; Youth Ages 7-17 $10; and ages 6 and under are free.
 
Spectator pit passes are $60.00 and are available in advance or at the gate.
 
*Competitor pit pass may be purchased in advance for $35 with driver entry.  Competitor pit passes purchased the day of the event are $60. Advance entry form available by calling or emailing RK Race Promotions.
 
At this time we are currently sold out of hospitality tickets.  Thanks so much for your continued interest and support of local racing in Wisconsin. 
 
RK Race Promotions          mattsdad@mattkenseth.com
618 Drumlin Trail
Cambridge, WI  53523      608-423-7829
 
 
Friday Night Stars Feature
 
Here's the first Friday Night Stars feature that will be included in the MIS E-News and on our website.  Drivers you can be featured here too...just contact me at mismedia2@yahoo.com.  Come on drivers...it's a great way to promote you and your team.
 
Keeping Up With Alex Jones
By John Wells
 
After competing in the Roto Rooter Bandits at Madison International Speedway for two seasons, Alex Jones of Middleton, Wisconsin, decided to move up to the Rockweiler Insulation Limited Late Models in 2008.  And to put it simply, it was a real learning experience.
 
"What didn't we learn last year?" said Jones as he looked back on his rookie season on Wisconsin's Fastest Half-Mile.  "It was a full year of learning. The first weeks I couldn't figure out why the car was so loose. Two weeks in a row my oil cooler had leaked all over my tires. I ended up fixing it just to have the problem occur again. We learned what it was like to be going twice as fast on a track twice as big."
 
But despite the steep learning curve, Jones never lost sight that having fun is important. "It's just that much more fun on the big track and at faster speeds. I learned a lot about being in a group at those speeds and being out there for a bigger race. So far it was my favorite year despite as short as it was," added Jones.
 
Like a growing number of drivers at MIS, Jones got his start when he was just fourteen years old and racing on the quarter mile.  "I wanted a race car really bad after going to watch Rick Nelson for many years.  My dad seemed interested when I brought it up so we brought home a Bandit on my birthday.  The next thing you know we were on the track.  Racing was all my choice because I could still focus on school enough to get into college and still do something outside of school.  I loved cars so it was always my passion."
 
Jones came to MIS when the quarter mile was built in 2006.  "The first season we went out and won a few heats and a feature.  We learned a lot about the sport and went out the next season and worked our way up to fourth in points and finished in the top five nearly every night."
 
In 2009 Jones will compete in the very competitive Rockweiler Insulation Late Model division at MIS. "We are looking to take our new car up to the top. We got a new car and new motor so we are looking to race our way into the top ten in points and stay there consistently. If all works out maybe win a few features. I just want to have a good consistent season and get some quality seat time. Hopefully, I can run with some of the guys I watched when I was young and came to watch the races at MIS."
 
Jones is the first to acknowledge he couldn't do it without the guidance from others. "I get a ton of help from Rick Nelson. As a former champion in his division he knows everything and helps to talk me through everything on and off the track. I have talked a lot with buddies like Tyler Kelley about making the move to the late models especially since we made the transition at the same time and he knows what it feels like to be in the seat for the first time. Andrew Morrissey has always helped me out by just telling me how to run and be smart. Rich Morschauser always has something to say to help me out. I'm just trying to take it all in."
 
"I enjoy racing at Madison because it's local; we know the people there and have been watching forever. My dad watched when he was a kid way back when and took me when I was tiny. It's the friends you make and the racing you watch. There's nothing like it anywhere else. I am addicted to the speed on the half and the awesome racing that takes place every night. It's just a wild time every time we're on the track and that's why I love it."
 
Jones is sponsored by Kayser Automotive Group of Madison and Stoughton.  "I am very thankful for my sponsors. It would be great to have a few more sponsors come on board with us in 2009.  We're excited about this season," he added.
 
In his free time when he's not working at Kayser and attending college where he's majoring in psychology, Jones enjoys playing hockey, snowboarding, and hanging out with friends.
 
Fans will have the opportunity to see Jones in action on Friday, May 8th when the Friday Night Stars come out at Madison International Speedway.
 
It's as Easy as 241...Ed Klug Joins Bandit Field
By John Wells
 
Ed Klug of Oregon, Wisconsin, is throwing his hat in the ring, the "Ring of Fire" that is, as he joins the Bandit field for 2009 driving the 241 car.
 
The weekly trip to the track will be much shorter for Klug this year. "I will be racing in the Bandit division at MIS this season.  I live in Oregon, and decided not to drive up north where I've been racing the last 4 years."
 
Klug comes to MIS with a background in four cylinder racing and the nickname "The Image." "I raced the 4 cylinder enduro class for 2 years.  Then in 2007-2008 raced Sport 4 division, all at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek.  I'm friends with the old, and the new owners and that's why I made the trip every week.  I like the track as well, but it's a 2.5 hour drive every Saturday.  One way!  I took Rookie of the Year in 2007, and last year finished 2nd in points.  I also raced half the year in a different bandit car at Columbus 151 in 2008 and finished 14th overall, and 3rd for the hard charger award."
 
Klug did race one event at MIS in 2008, but his experience at other tracks will pay off in 2009. "I raced at a few other tracks here and there, and ran the Bahama Brackets in Rockford in 2008, and won down there.  That was pretty much the highlight of the year."
 
Klug is one of at least three new Bandit drivers making the short trip from Oregon in 2009. "MIS is very convenient for me, and most of my sponsors are local, so that is nice for them as well.
I look forward to racing the full season at MIS this year and for years to come."
 
Klug's sponsors include Larry's Tire Service - Oregon, Johnson Construction- Madison,
Midwest Bumper to Bumper- Madison, SRR Chassis- Waunakee, Tisler Salvage, Menchalville, Trackside Vinyl Graphics- Jefferson City, MO, Spyder Studios- Madison,
The Custom Shop- Madison, and Excalibur Executive Sedan, Oregon.
 
And how did Klug come up with the unique number for his car? "My number 241 came from the 141 Speedway.  When I started racing enduros there in 2005, a friend of mine, Mike Dolphin, let me guest drive in his enduro car #141 as a wedding gift.  Out of 89 cars, I finished 4th in my first race.  After that, I bought my own car, and since #141 was taken, and also #41 by the same race team, I went with #241.  I've been friends with Matt Rowe, the previous owner of 141 Speedway for years too, so I just kept with a number similar to the track." 
 
We're happy to welcome Ed Klug to MIS as one of our Friday Night Stars.
 
Big News for Mike "The Spike" Storkson
 
Mike Storkson of Evansville, Wisconsin, who was recently featured in Hawkeye Racing News, will begin the 2009 season with a different look.  Storkson will be driving the ESPN Radio 100.5 Late Model in the Rockweiler Insulation Late Model division.
 
"I am really excited about the 2009 Late Model season.  We have some great sponsors and a new number.  We learned a lot last year and had a blast racing on the half-mile.  We're aiming high in 2009 and looking for bigger and better things at my home track.  This is going to be an incredible division and I can't wait to get out there," said Storkson.
 
Storkson also announced that former Super Late Model driver Todd "Flipper" Blair will be his crew chief this season.  "He will bring a whole lot of experience to our team.  He's logged a lot of miles at this track."
 
Storkson also announced that his younger brother, Kenny, will be getting on the track in 2009 racing in the Bandit division in the #54 car.  Kenny did an outstanding job last season as Spike's spotter.
 
 
Educational Series Update
 
Here is an update on the ASA Educational Series and the events that will count towards the Series points.  Please note that these point standings are separate from the track championship point standings.
 
American Speed Association Educational Series
 For Madison International Speedway 2009 Season
 
 
Divisions
There will be five (5) qualifying ASA Educational series divisions at MIS in 2009. The divisions are;
Limited Late Models, Area Sportsman, Bandits, Legends and Hobby Stocks.
Attendance Policy
All participating ASA ES participants will be required to sign in at the pit shack upon arrival each and every night. There will be a special ASA ES attendance form to sign. Don't forget to sign in. Every participating student will have one excused day during the entire ASA ES season and this includes the non-points required events. Forgery of attendance on ASA ES Sign-In sheet will result in disqualification for the entire season.
2009 ASA Educational Series Schedule for Madison International Speedway.
Students will be required to be present and work with their teams at the May 8th and May 15th events, however these events WILL NOT be Educational Series point races.
 
ASA Educational Series Point Races;
 
Saturday
Noon ­ 5:00 PM April 25th Open Practice 
Saturday
Noon ­ 5:00 PM May 2nd Open Practice
     
Friday May 8th AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES NON-POINTS EVENT. Attendance is required and will be verified.
Friday May 15th AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES NON-POINTS EVENT. Attendance is required and will be verified.
 
 
 
Friday May 22nd *AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES POINTS EVENTS START DATE.
Friday May 29th AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES POINTS EVENT
Friday June 5th AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES POINTS EVENT
Friday June 12th AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES POINTS EVENT
Friday June 19th AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES POINTS EVENT
Friday June 26th AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES POINTS EVENT
 
Friday
Fireworks Night July 3rd AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES POINTS EVENT
Friday July 10th AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES POINTS EVENT
Friday July 17th AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES POINTS EVENT
 
 
Friday July 31st AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES POINTS EVENT
Friday Aug 7th FINAL AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION EDUCATIONAL SERIES POINTS EVENT
AWARDS NIGHT
UP TO $400,000.00 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO ATTEND OHIO TECHNICAL COLLEGE WILL BE PRESENTED!
 
On August 7h, an ASA educational Series overall track winner will be announced. The winner will be selected from the winners of each division including the winner of the Founders Choice Award. The winner will be selected by the ASA Educational Series Management. This winner will progress to the ASA ES National Competition. National winner to be selected by the ASA Educational Series National Advisory Board via interview process.
 
2009 MIS Yearbook
 
I am looking for story ideas for our 2009 MIS Yearbook.  If you have some thoughts please let me know.  I am looking to write a "Favorite Memories" section and would like to hear some of your best memories from MIS.
 
Treat Your Sponsors Well in 2009
 
How about treating your sponsors to a night of luxury at MIS?  How about making MIS their destination for a company picnic or outing?  Contact Holly Coley at mishollycoley@yahoo.com or 608.332.9445 to find out just how easy this can be for you and your sponsors.
 
How about a bus trip from the location of one of your sponsors to MIS?  Wayne Ace has a deal for you!
 
If you want Holly to work with your team then you need to contact her today.  She will work for you!
 
Introducing Phast Photos
 
MIS is pleased to announce that Chuck West (The Guy at the Turn Four Kids Club) will be handling photography at MIS in 2009 and does he have some big plans for the teams.
 
Welcome your fans to the 2009 season by handing them an autographed "Hero Card".  Fans love to collect them!  All you need to do is give him your current stats and he will start on your personal, custom design.  When your car is ready to roll out in the spring, all he needs is a photo of the car and you will have your new cards by the first race of the season...guaranteed.  It doesn't get any easier than that!
 
You supply the copyright free photos and your career stats and sponsors for the back of the card.  Give him the quantity you need and they will be delivered to you at the track the next week.  A one-time design charge is $25.00 for a basic card with 5 x 7 cards at $50 per 100, 4 x 6 cards at $40 per 100, or 3 x 5 cards for $35 per 100.
 
Call Chuck today at 608.225.1966 or email him at cphastphotos@gmail.com.
 
Drivers can order 2009 Fan Cards now and save on your first order with a ½ down payment.
 
 
 
Sad News from MIS
 
One of our Area Sportsman drivers passed away on March 5th as the result of a house fire just north of Evansville.  Duane Pernot, 34, raced with us on a couple of nights in 2008 in his #61 Sportsman car.  On behalf of all of us at MIS we would like to offer our sympathies to the Pernot family.
 
That's all for this week.  Your suggestions are always welcome at mismedia2@yahoo.com.
 
John