Four for Four: Swan and Prietzel Hit Final Stretch of 2008

Topics:  James Swan, Bill Prietzel

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
September 10, 2008

(Fort Atkinson, WI) September 10, 2008 –This story has been told before. Bill Prietzel and James Swan are again battling for the Mid-American Stock Car Series championship. However, with four races remaining in the “Sweet 16 Season,” there is a great potential for history to be made. After classic points battles in 2001 and last season, Swan and Prietzel are looking to be the first to secure a fourth Mid-American championship.

Preitzel won his championships in 2000, 2003 and 2005. Swan's trio came in 2001, 2006 and 2007.

Swan and Prietzel share the honor of being a three time champion with Eddie Hoffman. Hoffman dominated the first three seasons of Mid-American action, collecting championships from 1993 to 1995. He has since moved up to the ranks of Super Late Models and continues to be a championship contender.

The stretch run begins this Saturday, September 13th at the Marshfield Super Speedway in Marshfield, WI. Earlier this season, Marshfield was host to what has been called one of the most spectacular races in Mid-American history. Prietzel was passed by Brian Back exiting the last corner of the 40 lap feature; however the second place finish gave Prietzel a lead in championship standings.

“We were good, but we weren’t as good as Brian,” Prietzel joked of his last race at Marshfield. Before last year, only Prietzel and Lyle Nowak had raced at the Marshfield Super Speedway. Nowak had success in late models and Prietzel ran up front in several Mid-American Truck Series races.

Although it may seem that Prietzel has an edge going into Marshfield, it was this very race last year that James Swan picked up his first win of the 2007 season and strengthened his point lead heading toward another championship. “I am really excited about going to Marshfield after our great run at Milwaukee. I am willing to predict our first [Mid-American] win of the season will come there,” said Swan.

This season has all of the makings of being a mirror image to last year’s run to the championship for Swan and his team. Swan struggled early this year and seems to be hitting his stride going to into the final month of the season. “I really do feel rejuvenated after our strong run at Milwaukee. I have regained my confidence and then some,” the Lake Geneva, WI veteran commented.

The rejuvenation could not come at a better time as frustration began to set in amongst members of Berge Racing. “We have all been really discouraged with the engine problems again and then set-up problems. It is hard to believe that set-ups that have been run the last 3 years all of a sudden are only good for 5th-6th best. We have the valve spring problem fixed and now the car is back to what it used to be,” Swan added.

While Swan has had to deal with the set up and engine, Prietzel has been hit by some timely DNFs. The two most notable are his early exits at the 141 Speedway and Wisconsin International Raceway in the Tisler Salvage Vercauteren Memorial Blue Race. “I think we had a good chance at Kaukauna,” said Prietzel in reference to tangling with Nowak on his way to the front of the feature field.

Prietzel and Swan, however, realize that they can not change what has happened and remain more focused on having a strong finish to the season.

Swan knows that something big is at hand. “When I started racing, I never thought I would win a feature, and now I am a 3 time Mid-Am Series champion,” he said. I have exceeded my goals, four [championships] would be a bonus.”

Prietzel echoed his sentiments. “James wants four I want four, that’s just racing,” he said. But that point battle is secondary. “The point battle doesn't affect how I go racing. I go to have fun and obviously to win,” he concluded.

The spread is fifteen points going into tomorrow’s Return to Marshfield at the Marshfield Super Speedway. Kyle Shear lurks back in third 65 points behind Swan. The 2007 MASCS Rookie of the Year can not be counted out as he looks to make Mid-Am history as the youngest ever champion. The pit area opens at 9 a.m. at Marshfield tomorrow morning. Practice begins at noon and racing begins at 4 p.m.

The Marshfield Super Speedway is located three miles west of Marshfield on County Trunk H. For more information please visit www.marshfieldspeedway.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.