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History Surrounds Mid-American And Red, White & Blue
by Matt Panure
History is the word of the week as the Mid-American Stock Car Series is set to
compete as part of the Red White and Blue Series for the fourteenth
consecutive year. Through those fourteen years the Mid-American Stock Car
Series has seen numerous tracks, officials, racers, champions and now, new
owners. Even with the changes the series has seen, one aspect will remain the
same. The Mid-American Series will compete in Wisconsin International
Raceway’s Red, White and Blue state championships on Saturday, June
10th.
Series co-owner Doug Strasburg certainly has historical ties to the ˝ mile
D-shaped oval. An ideal prom date for Strasburg, some 40 years ago, was not
complete without a walk along the grounds of WIR. “We went out and walked
the track before it had asphalt on it. My footsteps are embedded in that
track,” said Strasburg. Doug has made many return trips as a racer and
official. “When I raced I really enjoyed WIR, it’s a fast track and its
long enough where racers can build up speed. It makes for good racing,”
stated Strasburg. Doug and his wife Julie are now set to embark on a new
journey as they will arrive in Kaukauna for the first time as the owners of
the Mid-American Series. “The Red, White and Blue has been a part of the
Mid-American Series as long as I can remember. We are anxious to go there and
put on a good show for everyone,” exclaimed Strasburg.
As Strasburg stated, the history of the Mid-American Series goes hand in hand
with WIR. Series founder Gary Vercauteren had been a frequent contributor to
WIR throughout his many years working on the racing circuit. When Gary formed
Mid-American in 1992 it only seemed natural that the series should race at WIR
and participate as part of the Red, White and Blue state championships. Track
owner Roger Van Daalwyk welcomed the series with open arms back in 1992 and
has seen the evolution of the series first hand. “In the early years the
cars were pretty basic, they have come a very long way. They are very good
looking competitive stock cars,” Van Daalwyk said. Van Daalwyk is happy to
carry on the tradition of the Mid-American Series’ partnership with WIR and
the Red, White and Blue series. “The drivers put on a good show and we’re
happy to have them,” stated Van Daalwyk.
The series may see a change this Saturday as they return to WIR. “We may run
just a consolation race and the feature,” stated Strasburg. The concern by
both Strasburg and Van Daalwyk is to expedite the event this Saturday.
“Because we’re racing five divisions in the Red, White and Blue, we’re
looking to qualify everyone and run last chances and take it from there. We
would like to have the people in and out in three hours,” said Van Daalwyk
Strasburg reiterated Van Daalwyk’s thoughts, “The concern is that we
don’t want to bore the fans. We want to give them a good race but we don’t
want them to sit in the stands forever.”
A new chapter in the history that is the Red, White and Blue state
championships is set to take place on Saturday June 10th at the ever historic
Wisconsin International Raceway just outside of Kaukauna, Wisconsin. The top 5
drivers in Mid-American points are separated by just seventeen points after
two events. George Schultz of Bristol, Wisconsin holds a three point advantage
over Johnny Senerchia of New Lenox, IL. Lyle Nowak of Wausau, Wisconsin (five
points back), James Swan of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (eleven points back) and
Scott Null of Lake Mills, Wisconsin round out the top 5 in points. After the
Red race on June 10th, Mid-American is set to invade the Lake Geneva Raceway
on June 17th. For more information including results, standings, schedules and
driver info visit www.midamericanracing.com.
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