Impressive Rookies Ready to Race into ’09 Mid-American Season

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
March 26, 2009

Fort Atkinson, WI (March 26, 2009) – Less than a month remains before the start of the 2009 Mid-American Stock Car Series season. Drivers and teams are frantically preparing for the traditional opening weekend trip to Rockford Speedway. By now, for most MASCS veterans, this may seem like old hat.

However, two Mid-American members are preparing for their first ever trip to the tight quarter mile.

“[Rockford is] probably the one I’m most worried about,” said Mid-American Rookie Justin Neisius. “I think Rockford has really got my attention. I’m really pumped up for it. I’ve never raced a track that small before so that will be something new to experience.”

The Eagan, MN product approaches Rockford with caution, but he is fully prepared for the new challenges of traveling with Mid-American all season in 2009.

“I love racing Mid-American. Every time they’re thanking you for coming. I feel very welcome every time I come,” he said.

In four seasons racing Mid-American Sportsman at Elko Speedway Neisius worked his way onto the stage at each awards banquet. He was Rookie of the Year in 2005, Mid-Season Champion in 2006 and 2007, and overall Champion in 2008.

However, Elko announced this past season the rules of the sportsman class would be changed for the 2009 season. Neisius and his cousin, Paul, decided to take their show on the road. “All of my experiences [with Mid-American] have been awesome. So we decided to do one big blow out year with our cars and run Mid-American,” commented Neisius on the decision.

The limited experiences indeed have been good for Neisius. His last race with Mid-American was this past October in the Oktoberfest 35. Neisius qualified 6th and raced his way to a 4th place feature run.

Those fans who were witness to Neisius spectacular run at Oktoberfest, may also have been witness to the driver who will rival Neisius for Mid-American Rookie of the Year honors.

Matt Pyburn electrified the super sportsman division on Oktberfest Friday by setting a new track record in qualifying and winning the feature event. The car he piloted to that superb weekend was partially prepared by another driver who made the jump from central Wisconsin super stocks to Mid-American, [u]Brian Back[/u].

As Neisius will have cousin Paul, a former Midwest Super Truck traveler, to mentor him through his first Mid-American season, Pyburn will have the knowledgeable Back to share secrets.

The partnership between Pyburn and Back began in 2006 when the two decided to merge their efforts into one team. “It kind of took off from there,” said the Wisconsin Rapids, WI native. “We did pretty well.”

Back and Pyburn split duties in their initial season together. Both scored second place points finishes, Pyburn at Marshfield Motor Speedway and Back at Golden Sands Speedway. In 2007 Back took over behind the wheel and drove to championships at both tracks and was crowned the Central Wisconsin Super Stock Association Champion.

When Back left in 2008 to pursue Mid-American, Pyburn was left with a quick ride. “It’s always nice to jump in a car that is perfectly set up every time. Brian gave me that opportunity. The car is always perfect and ready to go,” commented Pyburn.

Pyburn also made a few trips with Back to scope out the Mid-American scene. After witnessing a few races first hand in ’08, Pyburn wanted to try his hand at Mid-American racing. “I always kind of wanted to do it. Our [super stocks] are similar but they are just a little too far to run with Mid-American. So, we decided to find a car, make it work and go race Mid-American. It’s a pretty neat deal. It’s like a mini-NASCAR.”

For both competitors the new challenges awaiting them in Mid-American are a cause for excitement. “I’m looking forward to pretty much going out and trying different things,” said Pyburn. “That’s kind of what why we joined Mid-American. We wanted to race at some different places with different people and change things up a bit.”

Through that anticipation, Pyburn has set what he feels are realistic expectations for 2009. He hopes to make and finish every event this season. “Those are the only two goals we have and anything past that is going to be a nice little bonus,” he said.

Neisius’ goals are a little more specific and include his cousin Paul. “I think we have it in us to put both cars in the top ten and hopefully I’ll wrap up this Rookie of the Year thing,” claimed Neisius.

The two will begin their quest to become the 2009 MASCS Rookie of the Year on Sunday, April 19 at the aforementioned Rockford Speedway in Love’s Park, IL. The Mid-American Stock Car Series will join the Big 8 Late Models as part of the 32nd Annual Spring Classic.

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, IL. For more information please visit www.rockfordspeedway.com.

Stay tuned to www.midamericanracing.com for more announcements and news regarding Mid-American’s 2009 season.