Mid-American Gets Involved at Road America

Topics:  Fight for the Cure 40

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
October 20, 2008

Fort Atkinson, WI (October 20, 2008) – Mid-American Stock Car Series competitors will have the chance to fire their engines and turn some laps for one final time in 2008 at Road America this Saturday October 25th. However, the real fight will take place when the cars are in the pit area. The “Fight for the Cure” Fall Classic will take place in conjunction with the American Cancer Society Run/Walk and instead of idly standing by, several Mid-American teams and officials will join in the festivities.

Last year the team, nicknamed “The Mid-American Marauders,” raised over $1500 for the ACS. The team is well on its way to matching and surpassing their 2007 total as their total already sits at just over $1300.

The team is composed of Mid-American competitors Hank Tews, Louie Goss, and Brett Widdis. Chelsey Smith, Bonnie Mierendorf, Boyd, Alison, and Graham Widdis will also take part. The team is captained by Mid-American co-owner Julie Strasburg.

To make a donation please visit www.main.acsevents.org/MW_RoadAmerica, click on “Donate to a Walker,” then “Search by Team,” and type in “Mid-American.”

Tews felt a particular need to get involved after cancer hit close to home. “My mom announced at Christmas last year that she had stage 3 Lymphoma. She went through the hell of Chemotherapy and was declared cured last month,” he said. “My mom means the world to me, anything my team can do to help cure cancer is on my list of things to do.”

Making sure the MASCS is involved as an organization was key to Strasburg last year and is her focus again heading into this year’s event. “It's important to take part in an event like this to help bring awareness to the seriousness of the deadly disease of Cancer and the needs of the American Cancer Society. Mid-American brings enthusiasm and excitement to the loyal walk supporters,” she said.

There were many highlights for Strasburg as she recalled the 2007 Run/Walk. Aside from the scenery of a lovely Wisconsin fall afternoon, Strasburg found pride in knowing that so many people were there to support a great cause. “It was great to see the huge mass of people participating in the ACS Run/Walk and I was very happy finding out afterwards that a good number of Mid-Am people were involved I didn't know about,” she recalled.

All Mid-American, Limited Late Model, Super Late Model, Vintage Cars, USST Super Trucks, Modifieds, ARCA, ASA, or SCCA legal cars are encouraged to attend the racing portion of this Saturday’s event. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. with the first on-track session beginning at 8:15. There will be over 5 hours of track time available for competitors to enjoy Road America. For more information please visit www.midamericanracing.com

Road America is located on state highway 67 in Elkhart Lake, WI. For more information including a map of the facility please visit www.roadamerica.com

Schedule of Events:

6:30 am - 9:30 am Car and Hot Pit Pass Registration at Registration inside Gate 6 (Farmhouse/Competition Entrance)

7:00 am Main Gate open to the public for ticket purchases ($20 each with $5 of each ticket sale donated to the American Cancer Society). Children 12 & under free.

7:30 am Mandatory Drivers’ Meeting in Paddock Meeting Room (attached to Medical Building)

8:15 am to 11:45 - Open Practice - All Cars (includes Mid-Am Qualifying)

12:00 pm –American Cancer Society Walk / Run Starts

2:15 pm Track is cleared of all Walk / Run participants

2:30 pm to 4:30 pm Open Session including Mid-American 40 mile race