Three-Peat Could Mean a 'Swan Song' at 'Fest

Topics:  James Swan, Oktoberfest 35

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
October 2, 2008

Fort Atkinson, WI (October 2, 2008) – “A farewell or final appearance, action, or work,” that is the definition of a [i]swan song[/i] according to Dictionary.com. Mid-American Stock Car Series three-time and defending champion James Swan may be warming up the pipes as he heads into this Saturday’s Oktoberfest 40 at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway with the point lead for the third consecutive year. “This will be Adam Berge's last race as my car owner, my last race in this car, and could be my last race in the Mid-Am series,” said Swan.

The partnership between Swan and Berge has been incredibly successful. With many miles logged, multiple features won, two championships, and perhaps a third on the way this weekend, it is no secret that Swan and Berge Racing have been the cornerstone of the New Era of Mid-American.

What is next for Swan? The answer is obvious, Oktoberfest. “Going to La Crosse, we will probably have more of an emphasis on winning. I have never won there,” he claimed. In May, Swan salvaged a 6th place finish after an early incident with Kyle Shear. Last October, a seventh place finish helped Swan claim championship number three.

As far as wins are concerned, Swan still has the egg next to his name in that column. However, he and his team have had much better luck than last year. They have yet to finish worse than ninth all season long. “We had a great car for most of the year, but not good enough to win. We just didn't have as bad of luck that the others did. I don't think we were the best car every week, but we were the most consistent, and that is why we are here,” claimed Swan.

“We have gone to every race to win, and look at the points after we get home. You can't make something happen just because you are going to gain or lose points. I calculate risks as they come to make the best race for the fans, respect other drivers, and conserve repair costs,” he added.

If Swan is to capture his historic fourth MASCS championship this Saturday evening, it will be the cherry on top of his astounding résumé. Added to his championships with Mid-American, Swan also has championships at Madison International Speedway, Lake Geneva Raceway, and Slinger Super Speedway. It would be his 8th championship in 8 years of racing Mid-American style sportsman.

Swan did, however, foreshadow slightly past Oktoberfest. “I don't know what the plans are for next year. I will weigh the options after Road America, and hope I wind up with as much support and friendship as I have had over the past 3 years,” he concluded.

Trailing Swan is Kyle Shear, with a gap of 68 points separating the two. While it may be tough to make up that margin, Shear is ready to let it all hang out. “I want to win the championship real bad but I know I’m pretty far out. I'm just going to try and race like I have all year and see where everything falls,” said the 2007 MASCS Rookie of the Year.

Bill Prietzel, the three-time champion who currently sits third in points, is not out of the hunt yet either. At 78 points back, his words from an earlier interview echo those of Shears. “The point battle doesn't affect how I go racing. I go to have fun and obviously to win,” Prietzel stated.

Qualifying will take place at 12:20 p.m. on Saturday, October 4th at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway with racing set to begin at 4 p.m. Fans will be wise to put the camp fires on hold as Mid-American will be the last feature of the evening. Why? Because as Swan said, “The ‘fat lady’ hasn't sung yet!”

The LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway is located on the LaCrosse Interstate Fairgrounds.

The Fairground is located at the intersection of Hwy 16 and County Road M, next to the town of West Salem, Wisconsin. For more information please visit www.lacrossespeedway.com or www.oktoberfestraceweekend.com

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