HISTORY SURRONDS MID-AMERICAN AND RED,WHITE AND BLUE |
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Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
Early June 2006
History is the word of the week as the Mid-American Stock Car Series is set to compete as part of the Red White and Blue Series for the fourteenth consecutive year. Through those fourteen years the Mid-American Stock Car Series has seen numerous tracks, officials, racers, champions and now, new owners. Even with the changes the series has seen, one aspect will remain the same. The Mid-American Series will compete in Wisconsin International Raceway’s Red, White and Blue state championships on Saturday, June 10th.
Series co-owner Doug Strasburg certainly has historical ties to the ½ mile D-shaped oval. An ideal prom date for Strasburg, some 40 years ago, was not complete without a walk along the grounds of WIR. “We went out and walked the track before it had asphalt on it. My footsteps are embedded in that track,” said Strasburg. Doug has made many return trips as a racer and official. “When I raced I really enjoyed WIR, it’s a fast track and its long enough where racers can build up speed. It makes for good racing,” stated Strasburg. Doug and his wife Julie are now set to embark on a new journey as they will arrive in Kaukauna for the first time as the owners of the Mid-American Series. “The Red, White and Blue has been a part of the Mid-American Series as long as I can remember. We are anxious to go there and put on a good show for everyone,” exclaimed Strasburg.
As Strasburg stated, the history of the Mid-American Series goes hand in hand with WIR. Series founder Gary Vercauteren had been a frequent contributor to WIR throughout his many years working on the racing circuit. When Gary formed Mid-American in 1992 it only seemed natural that the series should race at WIR and participate as part of the Red, White and Blue state championships. Track owner Roger Van Daalwyk welcomed the series with open arms back in 1992 and has seen the evolution of the series first hand. “In the early years the cars were pretty basic, they have come a very long way. They are very good looking competitive stock cars,” Van Daalwyk said. Van Daalwyk is happy to carry on the tradition of the Mid-American Series’ partnership with WIR and the Red, White and Blue series. “The drivers put on a good show and we’re happy to have them,” stated Van Daalwyk.
The series may see a change this Saturday as they return to WIR. “We may run just a consolation race and the feature,” stated Strasburg. The concern by both Strasburg and Van Daalwyk is to expedite the event this Saturday. “Because we’re racing five divisions in the Red, White and Blue, we’re looking to qualify everyone and run last chances and take it from there. We would like to have the people in and out in three hours,” said Van Daalwyk Strasburg reiterated Van Daalwyk’s thoughts, “The concern is that we don’t want to bore the fans. We want to give them a good race but we don’t want them to sit in the stands forever.”
A new chapter in the history that is the Red, White and Blue state championships is set to take place on Saturday June 10th at the ever historic Wisconsin International Raceway just outside of Kaukauna, Wisconsin. The top 5 drivers in Mid-American points are separated by just seventeen points after two events. George Schultz of Bristol, Wisconsin holds a three point advantage over Johnny Senerchia of New Lenox, IL. Lyle Nowak of Wausau, Wisconsin (five points back), James Swan of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (eleven points back) and Scott Null of Lake Mills, Wisconsin round out the top 5 in points. After the Red race on June 10th, Mid-American is set to invade the Lake Geneva Raceway on June 17th. For more information including results, standings, schedules and driver info visit www.midamericanracing.com.