Swan Goes Out in Style at Oktoberfest

Topics:  James Swan, Oktoberfest 35

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
October 4, 2008

West Salem, WI (October 4, 2008) – In what may have been his last Mid-American Stock Car Series event, and what most certainly was the last event for car owner Adam Berge, James Swan captured his historic fourth MASCS championship with a win in the Oktoberfest 35 at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway on Saturday night. In a career highlighted with big wins and championships, the circumstances for Swan’s third consecutive championship may rank up top with his best moments as a Mid-American driver.

Last year Swan had to wait until September to pick up his first win of the season. This year it came down to the final event of the year. “I thought I was going to get shut out this year. We’ve had a good car, just bad luck. I’m really happy to be here though,” said Swan of the win, his first ever at Oktoberfest.

Although Swan benefitted from an inside-row-two starting spot, the win was anything but easy. After the initial green, Swan was locked into a six lap battle with Paul Neisius for second place, by that time outside pole-sitter Kevin Lutz had built his lead to almost a half of a straightaway.

While Swan slowly started to reel Lutz in, Brian Back mounted his charge from his outside-row-six starting spot into third by lap 18. It was then the task of Back to try to track down the top two as Kenny Smart mimicked his moves on the outside and broke into the top five just one lap later.

Lutz’s lead had diminished to a car length by that time and, after a few challenges, Swan finally was able to work his way to the inside of Lutz and into the lead on lap 21. Unfortunately for Swan, the caution flag flew for an incident involving Ryan Rose that brought the line up back to the last completed lap.

On the restart Swan started inside row two alongside Back, after Lutz reassumed the lead spot. A mad scramble after the restart allowed Back to shoot around the outside and into the lead. Swan was still battling with Lutz and was also surpassed by Kenny Smart.

“I didn’t think we were going to catch Brian. I knew he was fast and I knew he was coming,” said Swan.

Indeed it seemed as though Back was headed for victory after building a very strong advantage over Lutz, Smart and Swan. However, with eight circuits remaining, Swan got the break he needed, after pulling into the second spot, with another caution involving four cars in turn one.

With the field coming back to green in single file, Swan was able to keep right with Back and got to the inside line heading into turn one. After the pass on lap 28, Swan felt some pressure from Smart, but was able to pull away and cruise to victory lane. Smart was second, Back held on for third, Justin Neisuis fourth and Rod Brewe rounded out the top five.

Swan picked up his third consecutive championship to add to his 2001 title by an unofficial 90 markers over Kyle Shear. Bill Prietzel, Lyle Nowak and Jake Finney rounded out the top five in Mid-American’s “Sweet 16 Season” standings. Mark Kissinger finished 9th and was named Rookie of the Year.

Perhaps the win was such a relief that Swan had not yet realized the gravity of what he and his team have accomplished with their fourth MASCS crown. “I’m sure it will sink in later this week,” said Swan of the historical feat. “I hadn’t really thought about it because I didn’t want to make myself too nervous.”

As soon as the realization strikes, Swan and his team will have great memories of the past three years. “We had so much fun the first year we had to do it a second year,” said Swan of his relationship with Berge Racing. “The second year wasn’t as much fun, but we won the championship in the end. Adam told me, ‘We can’t win like this. We have to go out in style.’”

And that, they did.

Oktoberfest was the last race of the regular season for Mid-American, but one very special exhibition race remains on the schedule. The season will round out with the 2nd annual “Fight for the Cure” Fall Classic at Road America in conjunction with the American Cancer Society on Saturday, October 25th. More information will be available through www.midamericanracing.com shortly.

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