THE TOP TEN SUB-PLOTS OF 2009 (PART 3)

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
November 27, 2009

FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (November 27, 2009) – Here are moments four through two of the top ten sub-plots of the 2009 Mid-American Stock Car Series season.

4. MASCS Point lead changes hands three times down the stretch

The 2009 season was one of the most competitive in recent Mid-American Stock Car Series history. When Bill Prietzel won at Hawkeye Downs, it seemed as though he was on his way to a fourth MASCS title. However, when his luck changed with an engine failure at Madison International Speedway, the scat for the ’09 crown was set into motion.

Three weeks after Prietzel lost his engine at MIS, he arrived early at Dells Raceway Park to test the repairs. The test session ended with Prietzel experiencing more engine problems. He and his wife Jan ventured home to diagnose the problem. After several hours, and with a few extra helping hands, they returned to DRP early Saturday morning. Prietzel later exited the speedway due to overheating in the feature.

While Prietzel struggled at DRP, his counterpart Paul Neisius gave a strong performance. After qualifying third and gaining ground on Prietzel, Neisus swooped around the outside of the third-mile to capture his second feature win. He left with a 28 point advantage.

At the Rockford Speedway three weeks later, Neisius saw his string of bad luck. He had a strong top five run underway, after winning the last chance race and climbing through the field, when he made contact with Mike Beyer. The incident sent both to the tail end of the field.

While working through the field, Neisius spun out of the second turn. His momentum carried him into the infield where he smashed into a retaining barrier. Neisius settled for a 19th place finish as Prietzel made ground by qualifying and finishing third. Prietzel left Rockford with a 21-point advantage.

The final swing occurred at Oktoberfest. Prietzel’s advantage grew by three heading into the feature as he set fast time for the event. Prietzel was unable to dodge several incidents in the feature event while Neisius floated through the field to win his thrid race of the season. Fortune took a turn in the feature, as the point lead changed hands for the final time.

3. Back’s DRP dominance capped off with win in Dash for Duel

The 2009 MASCS schedule was very unique in comparison to past seasons. The series normally sees a trio of trips to Wisconsin International Raceway. With the Red, White and Blue state championship moved to Thursday, the series opened up to three races at Dells Raceway Park.

In past seasons, Kyle Shear had been the most dominant force at DRP. In 2009, Brian Back flexed his muscle over the Mid-American regulars.

Mid-American made its first trip to DRP on May 30th. Back showed his strong hand immediately as he set fast time and a new track record. In the feature event, Back demonstrated no fear by taking his Bac-Kar chassis to the outside line as he swept to the win.

The second trip in July was not as dominant for Back, but was still impressive. Back tied Paul Neisius for fast time and secured a sixth place feature finish. The overall finish between the two races placed Back on the outside pole for the Hankscraft Inc. Dash for the Duel presented by Wintergreen Resort and Conference Center.

Back arrived for the September Showdown and Dash for the Duel prepared to show his dominance. He set fast time for the 40-lap feature and later finished third.

In the ten-lap, eight-car dash, Back showed complete dominance over the best at the Dells in 09. He led from the drop of the green flag and easily took the checkered flag. When the final laps were put into the record books, there was no doubt that Brian Back had found another home at DRP.

2. Neisius wins one for the Gopher State

Through 16 years of Mid-American Stock Car Series action drivers had come from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan and Arizona. With the majority of drivers coming from Wisconsin and Illinois, it was no surprise that all 16 championships had stayed in the two states.

But this was the year of the Gopher.

The trend began last season when two Minnesota drivers visited victory lane for the first time in the new-era of Mid-American racing. Darren Wolke and Ross Zumbach may have set a precedent for 2009.

Paul Neisius won the first event of the season at the Golden Sands Speedway and opened the door for other Minnesota drivers to join in the fun. Justin Neisius claimed fourth in MASCS standings and was named Rookie of the Year. Adam Bendzick and Nick Crawford made six feature starts each, and both secured a top ten finish.

With a total of three wins, Neisius almost doubled the total wins my Minnesota drivers since 2006. Before the ’09 season, Minnesota saw four wins in 40 events.

To get to that point, Neisius and his team had to make a frantic repair to his Monte Carlo after a wreck at Rockford Speedway. In less than a week before the final event of the season the team replaced the entire front clip. The extra hours paid off as Neisius took the win and the championship at Oktoberfest.

For the 23 other Minnesota drivers who have competed in an event since 2006, Neisius has secured his place at the top. In the 17th season the trophy took its first trip west across the Mississippi River. Perhaps 2010 will provide a second tour.

The top sub-plot of 2009 will be released next week.