A SUCCESSFUL INAUGRAL SEASON for NEW-ERA MID-AMERICAN

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
November 4, 2006

November 4, 2006 (Fort Atkinson, WI) - Gloomy skies hovered over the Rockford Speedway as Mid-American kicked off its new era last April. However, the inclement weather was no indication of the morale possessed throughout the 2006 season by Mid-American staff, teams and fans. “We had a very positive year,” stated Mid-American co-owner Doug Strasburg. “The feedback from drivers, fans and tracks has been very encouraging,” he added.

One of the goals set forth for 2006 was to increase car counts. By all means the goal was met as car counts increased 27%. In total, 107 different drivers and teams took a green flag with the Mid-American Stock Car Series. The fulfillment of this goal can be attributed to the hands on tactics of the Strasburgs. “Being involved with the drivers and teams has been inspiring to us and they seem to be encouraged by our interaction,” stated Doug’s wife and Series co-owner Julie Strasburg. “Communication and building relationships were our strong suits this year,” Doug said. “We feel as though car counts are a direct result of that”, he added.

Outstanding car counts took place at four particular events in 2006. On July 15th at the 141 Speedway the Series hit the mark of 30 for the first time in 2006. During the Governor’s Cup Weekend at the Milwaukee Mile, a season high 39 competitors were on hand. The final two events at the Lake Geneva Raceway Final Fall Classic and Oktoberfest Race weekend at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway saw a total of 35 competitors each, which leads to great hope for the Strasburgs that counts will increase even more in 2007.

Interaction and positive feedback between the Strasburgs and Mid-American teams were not the only high points of the 2006 season. Many of the tracks that hosted the new era Mid-American Stock Car Series were pleased with the car counts and competition. “We are already meeting with the Milwaukee Mile about next year, they are excited to have us back,” said Doug. He also stated that the Series is in talks with several new tracks that may be interested in having a Mid-American show. One track in particular is Road America who has already put the Series on the schedule for the weekend of June 23rd and 24th.

Looking forward to the 2007 season, the Strasburgs are not prepared to rest on their laurels after a successful 2006. Doug and Julie have found opportunity to improve in the marketing department. “I would like to take these guys (Mid-American teams) to the next level,” said Doug. Realizing that marketing the Series alone could be a daunting task. Doug has looked into outside resources to help. “I hope to achieve this goal. We have got some good people that we have been talking with for next year who can help us expand,” stated Doug.

Expansion may be a key word for the 2006 off-season for the Mid-American Stock Car Series. During the 2006 season only two non-GM motors competed in the Series. “We’re not looking to change much,” said Doug. “The basic motor rule is going to stay the same, however we would like to encourage the crate motors to run with us. We would also like to expand to get the Dodge and Ford programs more active,” he added.

Race car body diversity was also at a minimum in the Series as less than 10% of competitors in 2006 had bodies that were not produced by GM. Strasburg and the Mid-American technical staff have been in talks with Five-Star Race Car Bodies to expand the sportsman type bodies to include Ford and Dodge makes.

Series competitors can voice their opinions on rule clarification and other information at meetings held at the Annual Racers’ Auction either in Green Bay at Shopko Hall on December 1st and 2nd or in Rockford at Sportscore Indoor Sport Center on January 5th and 6th. The Mid-American Banquet will take place on January 20th at the Wintergreen Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. For more information about the Mid-American Series including results, the final 2006 standings and driver info visit www.midamericanracing.com. For more on the Midwest Motorsports Racers Auctions visit www.racersauctionnews.com.