Milwaukee Mile Forced to Shut Doors on Mid-American

Topics:  Milwaukee Mile

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
July 8, 2009

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (July 8, 2009) – The struggles of the Milwaukee Mile have been anything but pleasant news to many die-hard race fans from the Midwest. The most recent news will be heart wrenching to Mid-American Stock Car Series drivers and fans alike.

The Milwaukee Mile was forced to close its doors for the August “Wisconsin All-Stars” weekend, it was reported by Dave Kallmann of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal Wednesday. Among other events, the weekend was to host a 40-lap MASCS feature event on Saturday, August 29.

“The Milwaukee Mile has been a very important venue to Mid-American, hosting some of the best races that we have had in the past four seasons,” said MASCS co-owner Doug Strasburg. “We wish the Mile the best of luck in getting back on their feet.”

The news, however, is not all “doom and gloom,” said Strasburg. He said there are many good people working, basically for free, to try to resolve the issues at the Milwaukee Mile.

“Unfortunately, the Mid-American race is off for this year,” said Strasburg. “But I believe there are enough good people who were meeting in the offices at the Mile today that will be able to get the facility up and running in the near future.”

From Mid-American’s standpoint, the loss of the Milwaukee race leaves a void in the schedule. The race prior to Milwaukee is scheduled at Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on Saturday, August 8 and the race after is scheduled at Dells Raceway Park in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., on Saturday September 12.

However, Strasburg and MASCS officials have been working frantically over the past week to find a replacement venue.

Knowing the possibility of losing the race at the Mile, Strasburg placed several phone calls over the weekend to tracks which may be willing to host an MASCS event. Strasburg hopes to keep the event on the same weekend, as most drivers have already made plans to attend an event.

“There are two strong possibilities to fill that date,” said Strasburg. “We didn’t want to secure anything prior to the news of the Mile officially closing for obvious reasons.” Strasburg said he is now willing to pursue those options.

With a little more than half of the racing left for Mid-American in 2009, the next event is scheduled at Dells Raceway Park on Saturday, July 25. The Dells Duel Part Two will feature a 40-lap main event for the Mid-American Stock Car Series.

Dells Raceway Park is located on Smith Road just outside of Wisconsin Dells, WI. For more information visit www.dellsracewaypark.com

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