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Competitive NASCAR Rookie Class To Vie for the Flag at WIR
(KAUKAUNA, WI) – The 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, International Truck and
Engine Corporation Midwest Series, Victory Circle Chassis Rookie class of 2003
is perhaps the most competitive in the 29-year history of the series.
Nearly half of the series drivers are from Wisconsin, six of them currently in
the top ten and three of those rookies. This will provide local NASCAR fans an
added air of excitement, as many of these drivers will be competing in this
year’s Oneida Bingo & Casino 300 on Aug. 5 at Wisconsin International
Raceway (WIR).
“This could be the best field the Oneida Bingo & Casino 300 has had in
history,” said race promoter Rod Kresal of Game Day Sports Marketing.
Eric Fransen, who hails from West Bend, WI, is the current 2003 Victory Circle
Chassis Rookie-of-the-Year point leader on the International Truck and Engine
Corporation Midwest Series. Fransen started the season with top-five
finishes in his first few races. More recently, his team struggled, yet
managed to pull off top-ten finishes. Still, Fransen feels his team can make
the grade, “If we can just keep doing what we’re doing, if we could win a
race, then I’d say that would be an `A’ year.”
Twenty-three year old rookie Tim Schendel of Sparta, WI has aspirations of
advancing his NASCAR racing career. A victory in the Oneida Bingo & Casino
300 this year would help him do just that. As of mid July, the point
standings had Schendel at 1033 and Fransen at 1019…right behind veteran
driver Brian Hoppe of Madison, WI, the 1999 Series Champion, and winner of the
Oneida Bingo & Casino 300 in 2002.
Despite sitting fourth and fifth, respectfully, in the Midwest Series
championship chase, Brian Hoppe (Gildan Activewear Chevrolet) and Tim Schendel
(Mathews Archery Chevrolet) can't be counted out of the year-long title
tussle. Hoppe is the only series driver to repeat at Gateway, with wins in
2000 and 2001. Schendel meanwhile posted a third place showing at Gateway last
season and came back to score his first series win at Pikes Peak.
In the points standing, Hoppe, Schendels and Fransen sit right behind veteran
driver Steve Carlson – again from Wisconsin, this time from West Salem.
Carlson is the International Truck and Engine Corporation Midwest Series
defending champion.
Everyone is welcome to experience the racing excitement at WIR on Tuesday Aug.
5. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. Racing practice runs until 4:00 p.m. Time
Trials start at 5:00 p.m. The Qualifying Race takes place at 7:00 p.m.,
and at 7:15 p.m. fans will enjoy the Legends Race, two 10-lap races featuring
NASCAR Legends Cale Yarborough, Buddy Baker, Harry Gant and Ernie Irvan.
The Oneida Bingo & Casino 300 begins at 7:45 p.m.
Tickets to the Oneida Bingo & Casino 300 are now available at any Express
Convenience Store or Ticket Star Outlet, or by calling Game Day Sports
Marketing toll-free at 877-902-1177. Tickets are $18 in advance or $20
on race day and may be purchased at the gate.
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