MID-AMERICAN PUTS WRAPS ON A SPECTACULAR NEW-ERA SEASON

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
January 2007

(Wisconsin Dells, WI) -- The 2006 Mid-American season came to an official end as the Series’ top competitors were honored at the Wintergreen Resort and Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

The evening began with a speech by Series co-owner Doug Strasburg. Strasburg thanked the drivers and sponsors of the Series along with its employees. He also announced that Lynch GM Superstore of Burlington, WI. would come aboard as a contingency sponsor for the Series in the 2007 season. Lynch was a long time supporter of the Lake Geneva Raceway, which closed the gates for the final time in 2006.

After Strasburg’s speech, Mark Hennessey spoke to drivers about the vast opportunities that lay before them through marketing options. Mark can be reached at Minuteman Press of Tomah at 608-374-7746.

The first awards of the night were given to recognize the six drivers who competed in all of the 14 Mid-American events in 2006. The drivers receiving recognition were James Swan, George Schultz, Bobby Gutknecht, Jake Finney, Scott Null and Jim Thorson. Tony Habeck and Lyle Nowak were also honored for competing in all but one event.

Contingencies were plentiful in 2006 for Mid-American Drivers. The top 11 drivers who were in attendance left with no less than $200 in contingency prizes. The prizes were donated by Hoosier Racing Tires, Diamond Racing Wheels, M/R Racing Equipment, Race Driver Cards, Joe Verdegan Marketing, Pace Trailer, Zander Radio, and Motor Masters.

After the first round of contingencies were passed out, trophies were awarded to the drivers who finished 10th through 6th. Finishing 6th was 2006 Mid-American Rookie of the Year Jake Finney from Sycamore, IL. Jake took time to thank all of his sponsors and the numerous members of his family and crew on hand. Jake plans to return to the Series in 2007 as one of the top contenders in only his second year.

Another break was then taken to draw for more contingency prizes awarded to drivers who competed in 75% of the events in 2006. The first award drawn was for a free Fivestar body which was won by Jeff Tisler of Reedsville, WI. Bobby Gutknecht of Oak Creek, WI was drawn as the winner of a trip in February to the Daytona 500 courtesy of Boring Bob’s Tours. Other awards were donated by Boarchardt Speed/Automotive, B & B Racing Engines, Carburetors by Al Gouelke, and Randercar Chassis.

Trophies were then presented to the 5th place through 2nd place finishers. Two of the top five drivers announced that they may not compete on a regular basis in 2007. Second place George Schultz from Bristol, WI has decided to return to the off-road ranks and will race as part of the World Series of Off-Road Racing. Bill Prietzel also announced that he may not attend as frequently in 2007 in order to spend more time with his family.

The next award given out was one of the most special awards of the evening. Three drivers were in the running for the Series Sportsmanship Award, which was voted on by Series drivers. Wausau WI veteran Lyle Nowak was announced as the winner to a standing ovation by 4 votes over Bobby Gutknecht and Scott Null. “A lot of people ask why I am racing in a ‘street stock series,’” stated Nowak. My wife (Marcy) and I decided that racing wasn’t worth while if it wasn’t fun, so we decided to make the switch about four years ago. My only regret is that we didn’t make the switch earlier,” he added.

Lastly James Swan from Lake Geneva, WI was honored as the 2006 Mid-American Stock Car Series Champion. James also won the title in 2001. Swan thanked series owners Doug and Julie Strasburg, his sponsors and his crew members who were all in attendance. He also thanked all the other competitors in attendance and exclaimed that he was excited to race with them again in 2007 as he plans to return to defend his championship.

Thanks to many generous donations by Hankscraft, Napa, Intercomp, Behling Racing Equipment, Carquest, Bobby Gutknecht, Bob Schultz, Madison International Speedway, the 141 Speedway, the Golden Sands Speedway, and the LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway no one left the banquet hall empty handed. The night concluded with entertainment from the Juke Box Bandstand.

The Mid-American Stock Car Series would like to thank all of its sponsors in the 2006 season along with all the fans who supported the Series. The 2007 campaign begins on April 14 at the Rockford Speedway in Loves Park, IL as part of the Spring Opener. For more information about the Mid-American Series including the final 2006 standings, a tentative 2007 schedule and driver info visit www.midamericanracing.com.