Prietzel Spins and Wins Wild 'Fight for the Cure' 40 at Road America

Topics:  Bill Prieztel, Fight for the Cure 40

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
October 25, 2008

Elkhart Lake, WI (October 25, 2008) – Over 2,200 participants were on hand for the American Cancer Society Run/Walk on Saturday afternoon. The many who stuck around to watch the Mid-American Stock Car Series’ season ending event on the brisk afternoon were in for a treat.

Bill Prietzel looked to be repeating his effort from last years’ “Fight for the Cure” Fall Classic as he spun entering turn one for the second consecutive year. This year, however, Prietzel stunned onlookers as he was able to claw his way back to the front of the field and scoot to victory lane.

Thanks in part to a full course caution on the first lap, which kept him from falling a lap to the field, and a local caution entering turn 12, which allowed him to keep close to the leader Mike Mulcahy, Prietzel was able to close in on the lead position on the final lap and make his crucial pass coming through one of the trickiest turns, turn five.

The win for Prietzel came after a tumultuous three race stretch to end the “Sweet 16 Season.” The three-time champion suffered a DNF at Madison and was unable to qualify through time trials at both Rockford and La Crosse.

“It feels great to be here,” Prietzel commented as the wind blew his awards around in victory lane. “If it wasn’t for the full course yellow on lap one, I don’t know if we would be here,” he added.

Prietzel and last year’s runner-up Kenny Smart slid into the gravel entering turn one after the initial green flag fell. Preitzel was able to escape the gravel before the field returned to turn one under caution, but Smart was not as fortunate. Smart was pulled from the gravel, returned to the paddock area and was forced to remove the nose from his machine.

The field, however, seemed to be at the mercy of Mike Mulcahy. The road racing standout took the lead from Mark Pluer and looked to check out after lap three. Prietzel consistently chopped away at the lead and, through the carnage of retired machines, crept up on Mulcahy with only two laps remaining.

“The car was good,” said Prietzel. “That yellow in the kink (turn 12) really helped too,” he added.

It was the second win of the season for Prietzel, who won at Dells Raceway Park back in May. Mulcahy held on for second, Pluer was third, Louie Goss held on for a career best fourth and Kyle Shear rebounded for a top five finish in the non-points event.

Earlier in the afternoon, several Mid-American officials, drivers and team members participated in the Run/Walk for the American Cancer Society. The “Mid-American Marauders” raised over $1800 for the cause while the event brought in over $110,000 total.

Mid-American would also like to thank the non Mid-American participants who were on hand to participate in the event.

1 – Eileen McKanna of Orland Hills, IL in a 1970 Dodge Daytona
8 – Scott Ascher of Sussex, WI in a Limited Late Model
9 – Matt McLaughlin of Friendship, WI in a 1959 Edsel
10 – Steve Lemke of West Chicago, IL in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck
11 – Bill Paul of Brookfield, WI in a Brett Bodine Busch Car
16 – Steve Apel of Colgate, WI in a Limited Late Model (who finished 3rd overall and was the top non Mid-American finisher)
21 – Jim Schmitz of Fond du Lac, WI in a 1986 Ford Mustang
22 – Lon Meagher of Racine, WI in a 1965 Impala SS
32 – Jan Prietzel of Richfield, WI in a SCCA Club Car
68 – Steve Markey of Villa Park, IL in a Tony Raines Craftsman Truck
71 – Chuck King of West Chicago, IL in a Dave Marcus 1988 Monte Carlo
72 – John Nelson of Hartford, WI in a Super Late Model
83 – Juan Huerta of Racine, WI in a 1956 Chevy
90 – Dick Karth of Grafton, WI in a Dick Trickle NASCAR Cup Car.

Mid-American will host a booth at the Wisconsin’s Racers’ Auction and Trade Show on Friday, December 5th and Saturday, December 6th at the Brown County Arena in Green Bay Wisconsin. Drivers will be able to register for the 2009 season and will be able to participate in a competition meeting on Saturday morning.

The Mid-American Stock Car Series will honor its competitors at the Wintergreen Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI on Saturday, January 17th 2009. Details will be available through www.midamericanracing.com very soon.

For more information about the Mid-American Series including results, the final 2008 standings and driver info please visit www.midamericanracing.com

“Fight for the Cure” Fall 40
1. Bill Prietzel, Richfield, WI; 2. Mike Mulcahy, Warrenville, IL; 3. Mark Pluer, Brookfield, WI; 4. Louie Goss, Green Bay, WI; 5. Kyle Shear, Roscoe, IL; 6. Tony Habeck, Black Creek, WI; 7. Hank Tews, Batavia, IL; 8. Jim Thorson, Sugar Grove, IL; 9. Brett Widdis, Manistique, MI; 10. Kenny Smart, Eagle, WI