Breiner Breaks into Stock Car Ranks in Mid-American

Topics:  Mikie Breiner

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
June 2008

When Mike Breiner Sr. decided to step aside as a race car driver and move into the role of crew chief there was only one logical choice to replace him. That driver was his son, Mikie. With twelve years of experience already under his belt, Mikie is looking to make some noise in his first year as a Mid-American Stock Car Series driver.

The 21-year-old from Johnburg, IL got the call at a very young age. While most kids were still playing Playstation and watching Saturday morning cartoons, Mikie was winning go-kart championships. In his years as a go-kart driver, Mikie won three championships racing in South Bend, IN.

Mikie kept advancing his career at an accelerated pace. “He got in a 125 shifter kart when he was twelve. He was pulling wheelies in it because there wasn't enough weight to hold him down,” recalled Mike Sr. From the go-karts it was on to the Allison Legacy Series for Mikie and his team. After a few years of running at the front of the pack, the team decided that it was time to move to the full size stock cars to help Mikie fulfill his dream of someday making it to the top ranks of NASCAR.

Making the jump to a full time stock car provides a few new obstacles for Mikie. Along with the challenges of his new competitors, the adaptation to a new car has been a challenge for him. “My driving style has changed. I can't go out and attack it like I did in go-karts,” he said.

A look at Mikie’s track record will show that adaptation will not be much of a problem for him. Mike Sr. is also confident that the team will be able to field a car that will be able to put them up front. “The cars aren't the most sophisticated so you need to learn how to work on them,” Mike Sr. stated.

Another challenge, to which most drivers can attest, is the finances for Mikie and his team. “The traveling is about the same as the Allison Legacies, but the car itself has been the biggest expense,” said Mike Sr. However, there is an advantage to racing in Mid-American without incredibly fat pockets. “Unlike the bigger series, [Mid-American] racing is a lot closer. In the Mid-Ams you can work on the car and get to the front, you don't have to have the most money,” he added.

In fact, the Mid-American Stock Car Series seems like the most logical next step for Mikie. “There are good drivers to be around and hard, tight racing,” said Mikie of Mid-American. The series boasts some of the best sportsmen drivers like James Swan, Bill Prietzel, Bobby Gutknecht and Lyle Nowak. Mikie has been making the best of the situation by having conversations with those drivers on race day.

Along with great competitors who are willing to help out, Mikie sees the benefits of heading to some new venues. “I like [the idea of] all the news tracks and new experiences,” said Mikie. “I am looking forward to seeing a lot of the tracks, especially Milwaukee.”

Thanks to the Hunger Task Force “Drive the Mile” event at the Milwaukee Mile, Mikie already has some laps at the legendary oval in West Allis, WI. Drivers were only allowed to take pace laps around Milwaukee, but they will have a chance to practice at the Mile on Sunday, July 13th and Friday, August 22nd. The Governor’s Cup 40 will provide Mikie with his first opportunity to take some competitive laps at the Mile on Saturday, August 23rd.

Mikie has already ventured to two new facilities in 2008. He was poised for a solid run in Mid-American’s season opening event at Rockford when misfortune struck. Leader Don Wood lost his brakes heading into turn one on a restart, slammed into the wall and bounced back into traffic, leaving nowhere for Mikie to go.

Mid-American’s second event at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway was an all new experience for Mikie. “I could have used more practice. It was my first time at a track like that,” he said. Mikie spun out of turn two on his qualifying lap causing some slight damage to his car. He nursed his machine through the heat race and to a 22nd place finish in the feature event.

In his first appearance at Dells Raceway Park Mikie finished 21st and at Wisconsin International Raceway he finished 14th.

“First times at race tracks are hard. Did you get the set up right? Did you make the right decisions? My biggest concern is getting everyone home safely,” said Mike Sr. In deed, Mikie’s first two races have provided him with some insight as to how to attack more new venues in 2008 and beyond.

Mikie and his team, which consists of his dad Mike Sr. and car owner Cindy Mosted, will look to keep pace with the other rookies in 2008 in hopes of being Mid-American’s rookie of the year. For more information about Mikie and his team visit MikieBreiner.com. For more information on the Mid-American Stock Car Series visit www.midamericanracing.com.

The Mid-American Stock Car Series will make its next trip 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, WI on Saturday, June 28 for the Francis Creek Frenzy. The 141 Speedway is located on Highway R just outside of Maribel. For more information on the 141 Speedway visit their new website 141speedway.com.