MID-AMERICAN SCHEDULES FIRST EVENT OF 2010 – ON DIRT

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
November 28, 2009

FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (November 28, 2009) – The Mid-American Stock Car Series is going where no regional asphalt traveling series has ventured in almost 20 years – to the dirt. For the first time since 1992 the Wisconsin-based organization will hold events on both dirt and asphalt.

Mid-American will take a page out of its history book in 2010 and run at least one race on the clay at the Dodge County Fairgrounds in Beaver Dam, Wis., on Friday, July 2. A second appearance for Mid-American at Dodge County on September 3 is still in negotiation.

The event will be promoted by Dan Thiel of STM promotions. The Ninth Annual Sue Thiel Memorial honors Thiel’s late wife and will feature IRA Sprint Cars and an open-competition midget class.

Thiel decided to involve Mid-American after a partnership in May of 2008 at La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, where he promoted as USAC midget race with Mid-American as the undercard. Thiel said he was impressed with the organization and decided that he wanted it involved at Dodge County.

“I like to bring something in that fans haven’t seen,” Thiel said. “I thought we can make a little history and put Mid-American on dirt and we can see what they’ll do.”

The even will be a flash back, of sorts, to the early days of Mid-American racing. Very similar to the national touring ARCA series, the Mid-American Stock Car Series began by racing on both dirt and asphalt in the 1992 season.

Known as the Midwest Grand National Series that season, Mid-American changed its name in 1993 and began a string of 17 seasons racing exclusively on paved tracks. Series co-owner Doug Strasburg said year 18 is a perfect time to try the clay again.

“We’re looking forward to showing the versatility of the Mid-American Stock Car Series, which has been hidden for over 17 years now,” Strasburg said. “Our drivers are some of the best in the area, and should put on an entertaining event for the fans at Dodge County.”

Thanks to Thiel and STM promotions the purse for the event will be more than double that of a normal Mid-American race. Although there were concerns over some expenses, mainly tires, Strasburg was able to provide a solution. He said Mid-American is working closely with a dirt tire supplier that will provide tires at less than half the normal cost.

Mid-American championship points will not be awarded in this event. Eligible drivers include any Mid-American driver who has competed in at least one MASCS event in 2010 prior to the July 2 race. All cars must be Mid-American legal. Any technical questions can be directed to MASCS technical director Ron Blood at (262) 743-1656.

The remaining 2010 schedule will be released within the coming weeks.

For more information about the Mid-American Stock Car Series, including results, the final 2009 standings, and driver information visit www.midamericanracing.com.