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A Successful Inaugural Season For New-Era Mid-American
By Matt Panure
November 4, 2006 (Fort Atkinson, WI) - Gloomy skies hovered over the Rockford
Speedway as the Mid-American Stock Car Series 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.
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