Mid-American Wraps up ‘08 with Special Announcement for 2009 |
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Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
January 18, 2009
Wisconsin Dells, WI (January 18, 2009) – The Mid-American Stock Car Series ended its “Sweet 16” season at the Wintergreen Resort and Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI Saturday night while providing some exciting news for the 2009 season.
An announcement was made that Bruce Mueller of B&B Race Engines in Appleton, WI will be preparing a motor to be given away at next year’s Mid-American banquet. Several yet to be named contingency sponsors will be donating products to B&B for the giveaway.
B&B builds engines for several of Mid-American’s top drivers as well as drivers in other racing divisions. They provide a similar engine giveaway program for the ASA Midwest Tour.
Mid-American drivers must meet several eligibility requirements for the engine giveaway. In order to enter the drawing a driver must run 75% of the races in 2009, display the decals of donating sponsors, sign an agreement to run the motor in 2010 and register for 2010 MASCS membership before next year’s banquet.
The announcement of next year’s engine giveaway program was one of many highlights of the evening. Guest speaker Chuck Deery, who is the promoter of La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway, gave an inspiring speech about the state of short track racing and how drivers at every level can contribute to its promotion and success.
When Deery concluded his speech he handed out two awards remaining from the 2008 Oktoberfest Race Weekend. Deery presented James Swan with the Showmanship Award for his spectacular burnout after winning the Oktoberfest 35. He then presented MASCS co-owner Doug Strasburg with the Larry Wehr’s Dedication to Racing Award for his commitment to the sport and Oktoberfest Race Weekend for the past two decades-plus.
The awards portion of the ceremony continued with MASCS Rookie of the Year Mark Kissinger. Kissinger thanked his sponsors, crew, family and competitors. He ended his speech by stating that he will return for his sophomore season in 2009. Kissinger received a complete radio set from Race-Comm, a jacket from Hoosier and a certificate from Diamond Race Wheels for two free wheels.
Contingency sponsorships were plenty for drivers in the top ten. Along with Hoosier and Diamond, Lynch GM Superstore, Tisler Salvage, Hawk Performance, Beway Racing Products and Verdegan Elite Sports Marketing made contributions.
Between awards for the top ten drivers, several prizes were drawn for drivers who participated in 75% of Mid-American’s 2008 events. Kyle Shear won a trip to Bristol courtesy of Boring Bob’s Tours, Jake Finney won a certificate for a new ARP “NGB” body, and Bill Prietzel won a certificate for a Five Star body. One of the newest Mid-American sponsors, Miller Welders, donated two welders to be given away.
A Millermatic 180, which retails at $987, was won by Ryan Gutknecht. A Millermatic 140, which retails at $810, was won by Troy Shear Jr..
Several other drivers’ awards were donated by Hankscraft Inc, Diamond, ARP, Hawk, and Finney Racing. In fact, there were door prizes for all in attendance thanks to many great sponsors and several tracks. Those tracks include Dells Raceway Park, The Fox River Racing Club (WIR), Madison International Speedway, Rockford Speedway and La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway.
The final trophy of the evening was presented to Mid-American champion James Swan. It was the fourth time overall that Swan has claimed the title and his third in a row. Swan was quick to thank his sponsors, crew, and fellow competitors. Although Swan will move to the Big 8 Late Model series in 2009, he ensured that he will be keeping close tabs on his Mid-American “family” and will return to visit drivers at the track.
The awards ceremony was brought to a close with the presentation of the Sportsman of the Year Award. For the first time in the new era of Mid-American, two drivers split the award. Not surprisingly, it was the two drivers who won the award the previous two years. Good friends Bobby Gutknecht and Lyle Nowak will share the honor in 2008. Nowak was unable to attend due to a wedding in his family. Gutknecht accepted on his behalf.
The Mid-American Stock Car Series’ 17th season begins on Sunday, April 19 as part of the 32nd Annual Spring Classic at Rockford Speedway in Love’s Park, IL. Stay tuned to www.midamericanracing.com for more announcements and news regarding Mid-American’s 2009 season.