MID-AMERICAN CLOSES OUT 2011 SEASON

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
January 16, 2012

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (January 16, 2012) – For a record fifth time James Swan was recognized as the Mid-American Stock Car Series Champion. Swan accepted his accolades in front of one of the best-attended MASCS Awards Banquets in recent history Saturday night at the Wintergreen Resort and Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells.

In accepting honors as the top MASCS racer from 2011, Swan reflected on how he and his car owner Brian Holtz had come together and the road they traveled. The road included a rocky 2010 season and a dominating performance through the first half of 2011. Swan rounded out his speech by saying he was looking forward to chasing a sixth Championship.

Although Swan accepted the most honors for the season, the big winner on the night was 2010 MASCS Champion Lyle Nowak. Nowak, who finished second in 2011 standings, won the draw for a brand new engine provided by B&B race engines and, again, captured the MASCS Sportsman of the Year Award. He concluded his final speech by telling the crowd that he and his wife Marcy will continue to race Mid-American as long as they can.

Marcy Nowak also took to the podium early in the evening to introduce a new series that will be coming to the MASCS web site – the Women of Mid-American. The articles will feature stories about the women behind those who race in Mid-American.

As part of the introduction of the Women of Mid-American, Bud Collar of Race Comm provided a pink headset to be raffled. The raffle was won by Dawn Melchiori, wife of MASCS photographer Mark Melchiori. Earlier, Collar was recognized by series owners Doug and Julie Strasburg for his commitment as a sponsor of the MASCS.

Collar’s contributions continued as he later would present Danny Church with a complete radio set as the 2011 MASCS Rookie of the Year. Church thanked his crew, who arrived wearing blue shirts with orange ties – a striking resemblance to Church’s racer.

Much like Nowak, Church was a winner on the evening as he won a draw for a Miller Welder. Jay Foster also won a welder, while Scott Null won the draw on a welding table from Miller Welders.

Other driver contingencies were donated by Five Star Stock Car Bodies (certificates won by Tyler Bauknecht and James Swan), AR Bodies (certificate won by Ryan Gutknecht), Hoosier Racing Tire, Clossey Racing Specialties, Intercomp Scales, Hankscraft Inc., Quartermaster, Tiry’s Race Engines, Behling Racing Equipment and Diamond Racing Wheels.

Oak Creek Automotive not only contributed to the driver draw, but also introduced a new award. Bobby Gutknecht stepped to the podium to introduce the Oak Creek Automotive Most Improved Driver Award. The first of an award to presented on a yearly basis went to Travis Rodewald, who finished fourth in season standings.

Prior to honoring the top Mid-American drivers, Rob Albright from Performance Radio Network’s NASCAR coverage team spoke. Albright’s speech included his history in racing and the tie-ins to his faith and family. Albright spoke of New Year’s resolutions and challenged racers not only to make resolutions, but to make New Year’s revolutions, as well.

At the end of the evening door prizes were presented to all in attendance. Additional door prizes were donated by Beway Race Products, Race-Comm, Bauknecht Racing, Church Racing, Dawn Melchiori, Finney Racing, Nowak Racing, Oak Creek Automotive, Swan Racing, Todd Christopherson and Widdis Racing.

The Mid-American Stock Car Series begins its 20th season at Rockford Speedway in April. A complete 2012 schedule is still in negotiation. A tentative schedule will be available on the MASCS web site in early to mid February.

For more information about the Mid-American Stock Car Series, including results, the final 2011 standings and driver information visit www.midamericanracing.com.