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Mid-American Puts Wraps On A Spectacular New-Era Season
By Matt Panure
Friday, January 26, 2007 (Wisconsin Dells, WI) -- The 2006 Mid-American season
came to an official end as the Series’ top competitors were honored on
Saturday evening, January 20, 2007 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.
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