MID-AMERICAN OFFICIALLY PUTS SEASON 20 IN THE BOOKS

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
January 19, 2013

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (January 19, 2013) - The Mid-American Stock Car Series welcomed a new Champion Saturday night at the Wintergreen Resort and Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells. Jeremy Spoonmore was honored for the historic title after a frantic battle with Lyle Nowak through the 2012 season.

The series also made an exciting announcement that a race at the Milwaukee Mile has been added to the 2013 schedule. Mid-American will participate as part of ARCA Fest, Howie Lettow Memorial at the Mile on Monday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 9.

Spoonmore has had three top five finishes in the standings since 2007. He raced only periodically in 2008 and 2011. Recounting the commitment of his team and car owners - Randy and Claire Aubart - Spoonmore proclaimed a team victory. He even went as far as to present the Aubarts with their own MASCS Championship Trophy.

Finishing second to Spoonmore, Lyle Nowak again captivated the crowd with his second-place acceptance speech. Nowak said he was appreciative of the opportunity to race for a title with someone who had become a close friend. He also honored his wife Marcy, who he claimed is the true driving force of the team. He was quick to credit Mid-Am Chaplain Todd Christopherson for his faith and willingness to share it with the racers.

Not surprisingly, Nowak again claimed the Mid-American Sportsmanship Award, with the winner decided by the Mid-American teams. By accepting the honor again in 2012, Nowak now has won it a five of times.

"He (Nowak) represents the heart and soul of Mid-American," said MASCS co-owner Doug Strasburg. Some speculation exists once Nowak retires - which seemingly will not happen any time soon - that the award will be named after him.

The Nowak team has also been the driving force for the Women of Mid-American. Marcy Nowak introduced the program last year. As part of the Women of Mid-American, Bud Collar of Race Comm provided a pink headset to be raffled. The raffle was won by Jan Prietzel who has become a staple in the spotters stand, working with her husband, three-time Champion Bill Prietzel. Dawn Melchiori also presented hand-made jewelry as a giveaway won by Heather Sankey.

Collar's contributions continued as he later presented Ryan Farrell with a complete crew radio set as the 2011 MASCS Rookie of the Year. Just one year earlier Farrell's car owner Danny Church claimed the same award. Farrell later took to the podium for his third-place finish in standings with copious notes. He thanked all of his team members and those he raced with this season.

Big-ticket driver draws were again a highlight of the series banquet. Chris Storey faced a delayed flight before he could make a late arrival. His persistence paid off as he won the engine from B&B Race Engines. Two Millermatic welders were also given away. Jake Finney claimed one and the other was awarded to Rick Tackman.

Other driver contingencies were donated by Five Star Stock Car Bodies (certificates won by Jack Stern and Jeremy Spoonmore), AR Bodies (certificate won by Ryan Gutknecht), Hoosier Racing Tire, Clossey Racing Specialties, Competition Products, Hankscraft Inc., Quartermaster and Napa through Oak Creek Automotive.

The Mid-American Stock Car Series was also proud to highlight Hoosier and Lynch GM Superstore of Burlington, Wis., as major contributors to the 2012 point fund. Both will be part of Mid-American again in 2013.

For the second straight year Oak Creek Automotive not only contributed to the driver draw, but also presented trophies for the 11th and 12th place finishers. Bobby Gutknecht stepped to the podium to present the Oak Creek Automotive Most Improved Driver Award. The award was won by Bobby's nephew Ryan Gutknecht.

At the end of the evening door prizes were presented to all in attendance. Additional door prizes were donated by Race-Comm, Brad Keith Racing, Mark Melchiori, Nowak Racing, Oak Creek Automotive, Widdis Racing and many others.

The Mid-American Stock Car Series begins its 21st season on Sunday, April 14 at Rockford Speedway in Loves Park, Ill. A tentative 2013 schedule is posted on the Mid-American website.