MID-AMERICAN WRAPS UP 2010

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
January 16, 2011

Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (January 16, 2011) – The Mid-American Stock Car Series closed out its 18th season Saturday night, honoring season champion Lyle Nowak.

Nowak gave a heartfelt speech about his transition from being a top late model driver in central Wisconsin to becoming a MASCS regular several seasons ago. He spoke of the criticism he received when transitioning to what others saw as a lesser series. As his rebuttal to the critics, Nowak spoke highly of the tough competition and the top venues of the Mid-American Stock Car Series.

Prior to Nowak’s speech 2010 Rookie of the Year Tyler Bauknecht received his accolades. Bauknecht recorded an unprecedented rookie season racking up two wins and a runner up finish in standings. He thanked his family and competitors for his success in the campaign. For his Rookie of the Year title, Bauknecht received a complete radio set from RaceComm.

After Bauknecht was honored, Mid-American, in conjunction with B&B Race Engines, gave away a complete, race-ready engine. This season’s winner was Adam Bendzick, who may have logged the most miles to reach each MASCS event from Apple Valley, Minn.

Another long-range traveler, Bret Widdis, won a trip to Bristol in Spring courtesy of Boring Bob’s Trips. Jake Finney, who earlier in the evening received an Aaron Rogers t-shirt from Lyle Nowak in their ongoing Packer-fan/Bear-fan rivalry, won the draw for a Go-Pro in-car camera donated by Cindy Zelinske of Stock Car Stats Pro.

Both Mid-American body providers gave away certificates, as well. Four certificates from AR Bodies were claimed by Bill Prietzel, Ryan Gutknecht, Tom McClintock and James Swan. Paige Decker won a wing for the new FiveStar S2 body, which will be legal in MASCS competition in 2011. Tyler Bauknecht won $900 toward a new FiveStar body.

An ending to the 2010 season also marked the final time 16-year Mid-American veteran Bobby Gutknecht took to the stage to accept a top-ten trophy. Although he received tough competition from Nowak and Brian Back, Gutknecht once again was voted winner of the MASCS Sportsmanship award. Gutknecht has pledged to keep close ties to the series and will aid his nephew Ryan in 2011. He will also sponsor a most improved driver award at next season’s banquet.

Other driver draws were donated by Hoosier Racing Tires, Randercar Racing, Clossey Racing Specialists, Coleman Racing Products and Diamond Racing Wheels.

Oak Creek Automotive/Bobby Gutknecht Racing, Scott Null Racing, Lyle Nowak Racing/Sprecher Brewing, RaceComm, Rockford Speedway, Dells Raceway Park and Hankscraft Inc. donated door prizes for those in attendance.

Mid-American begins its 19th season on Saturday, April 17 as part of the 34th Annual Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway in Loves Park, Ill.

Rockford Speedway is located at 9572 Forest Hills Road seven miles north of downtown Rockford, just two miles west of Interstate 90 at the intersection of Forest Hills Road and Highway 173 in Loves Park, Ill. For more information visit www.rockfordspeedway.com