SHAWANO, WI - Current NASCAR Winston Cup point leader Matt Kenseth is coming to dinner and you are all invited. Kenseth, formerly of Cambridge, WI, will make his first ever appearance at the Shawano Speedway on Wednesday night, June 4, as part of the Menominee Bingo Casino Hotel 40, an event which will showcase the WISSOTA Late Model Challenge Series. Prior to racing Kenseth will meet with fans and drivers during a special dinner to be held at the track. "This is the best way to let the fans get up close and talk to one of the brightest drivers on the Winston Cup circuit," said Warren Schmidt, Shawano County Fair Board President. "Matt has agreed to come to Shawano and be part of this event. We are simply honored to have him and Challenge Series on the schedule. "Usually fans don't get a chance to see drivers such as Kenseth in a relaxed atmosphere. This will be a great chance to talk with Kenseth and others about racing without the pressures that normally surround it." Kenseth, a former track champion at the Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna, is looking forward to his first visit to Shawano. While there are no plans for him to compete during the show the event will bring him back to an area in which he has many fans. "Running at WIR and in that part of the state was great," Kenseth stated. "I got to know a bunch of people over there and many have become friends of mine. I am looking forward to getting back to that area and meeting many of those people."

The WISSOTA Challenge Series brings together the best drivers in the sanctioning body's top class in an 18-event season. Stretching from Wyoming to Eastern Wisconsin, the series holds events on off-nights allowing drivers to travel from other areas to race. "In the past we have been able to get some pretty impressive car counts with the Challenge Series," said Schmidt. "With Seymour (Tri-oval Raceway) holding a show the next day I can see where we may hit the 40 mark for cars. It should be a great show and a real good night." Kenseth will serve as honorary starter for the race and will also be part of the night's activities through the public address system. For more information on becoming part of the Matt Kenseth dinner at the Shawano Speedway contact the fair office at (866) 715-6532. Advance tickets for this event are now on sale.