By John Wells

Here is the latest from Madison International Speedway, an ASA Member track.

It was great to get to see many of you at the banquet on Saturday night. I hope all of you had a great time putting closure on the 2009 season and talking about what's happening in 2010. Ticket prices for regular MIS racing events will remain the same this year- good news after you read about prices going up at collegiate and professional sporting events.

I certainly am looking forward to the start of the 2010 racing season and we're less than three months away from opening practice day.

The season will begin on Saturday, April 24th with a full day of practice and inspections. Another practice day follows one week later on May 1st before the ASA Midwest Tour Super Late Models and Sportsman are here on May 2nd. The weekly opener is scheduled for Sunday, May 16th with the Friday night excitement beginning on May 21st.

I would like to thank everyone for your support of Madison International Speedway. Drivers, teams, sponsors, fans, employees...we need you all and you are appreciated.

Thank you to Todd Christopherson for his contributions to the E-News and being at MIS each and every week supporting the teams and employees.

And a big thank you to Dave Grueneberg for all he does at MIS. I couldn't think of a better person to work with than Dave who's probably one of the hardest working people I know. Dave is one of those versatile guys who jumps in wherever work needs to be done. Next time you see Dave don't forget to say "Thanks". And hey, he has to put up with all of my questions! If you have questions or comments for Dave you can reach him at 608.513.2278.

Hundreds of opportunities are available at MIS in 2010 from nightly and weekly sponsorships, billboards, special events and much more. Contact Kelli Kunes at 262-749-4065.

Rules Questions???

Rules have been posted on our website at madisoninternationalspeedway.com.

Call Dave Oswald at 608.839.5507

Driver Features

Our driver features for the website, MIS E-News, and weekly program will return in 2010. Email me if you are interested in being featured...it's a great promotion for your team and good for your sponsors too and it is all free. Email me at mismedia2@yahoo.com.

We are also happy to be working closely with the ASA at asa-racing.com and some of our features will be posted on their website too.

Driver info and membership forms are also on the downloads section of our website. If you want to be part of the point fund and receive a discount at the pit gate you will need to become a member. All fees from 2009 will remain the same in 2010.

The Night Belongs to the Stars
Drivers Honored at MIS Banquet
By John Wells

Saturday, January 23, 2010 (Verona, WI)- The Heights Convention Center in Verona, Wisconsin, was the venue for the annual Madison International Speedway banquet which honors the racing accomplishments of the drivers in the five weekly divisions in the 2009 season. A crowd of over 300 gathered for what proved to be a night not only to look back but to look ahead to the 2010 racing season.

Miller Takes Home Second MIS Track Championship

Jeremy Miller of Rockton, Illinois, was crowned 2009 champion in the Rockweiler Insulation Late Models. For Miller it was his second title at MIS after winning top honors in 2006.

Miller, who finished third overall in the ASA National Points championship, totaled 1,154 points at MIS in 2009. This included two feature wins and eight fast times, but it was Miller's consistency that drew the most attention. Out of sixteen feature events in 2009 Miller finished in the top five fourteen times. Even more impressive is that this came from starting fields that averaged twenty-five cars.

"I want to thank Madison International Speedway for the opportunity to race here. I want to thank Gary Rockweiler for sponsoring our division and also my car owners, Tom and Carol Atchison. My crew is great especially when you consider some weeks we're at the shop four nights not including Friday nights. We had some great sponsors including Joe Hunter and Swiss Colony," said Miller. "In 2010 Swiss Colony and Joe Hunter will be our car owners so we're looking forward to this opportunity."

Miller also took the opportunity to thank the sponsors of the other drivers. "Without everyone's sponsors we wouldn't have the great field we do every week at Madison."

Runner-up honors went to Bobby Wilberg of Beloit, Wisconsin, who had 987 points that included two feature wins, eleven top five finishes, one heat win, and two fast times. "My crew and sponsors make all this possible. We just do the best we can. Congratulations to Jeremy. We've raced with you a lot of years and it's good to see you get the championship. We hope to be back in 2010, but we aren't sure what we'll be doing at this time."

Zack Riddle of Brooklyn, Wisconsin, finished third in the points race with 934 including one feature win and ten top five finishes. Riddle took time to thank his sponsors and all of those who helped him weekly. "I really need to thank everyone who's helped me especially those who did a lot before we even go to the track. I also want to congratulate Jeremy (Miller) and his crew. They are true champions." Riddle also announced his plans for 2010 that will find him teaming up with Urban Force Racing.

Mike Storkson, Brad Becker, JD Leonard, Vern Fagerberg Jr., Shaun Scheel, Tyler Kelley, Jason Hicks, Brady Liddle, Nathan Oppliger, Kevin Knuese, John Ovadal Jr., Ryan Goldade, Chad Stevens, Dave Feiler, John Baumeister Jr., and Scott Broughton received point fund checks.

A total of sixty-eight drivers earned points in 2009 with eighteen different drivers winning heat races and eleven different drivers winning features- statistics that only reinforce just how competitive this division is and will be in the future.

Kalbus Rocks the Area Sportsman

Jay Kalbus of Watertown, Wisconsin, was the Brown Heating and Air Conditioning Area Sportsman track championship for the second year in a row.

Kalbus won the crown with 951 points that included four feature wins, ten top five finishes, two heat wins, and five fast times.

"I had an awesome time racing with these guys this year. This is a great division and I am glad MIS has us there each week. This has been a very fulfilling year for us. Having a student ASA Educational Series member on our team win a $25,000 scholarship meant a lot to me," said Kalbus. The champion also went on describe what his final points night at MIS looked like. "They said all I needed to do was show up. I wish it would have been that easy."

Second place in the Area Sportsman division went to Bobby Wilberg of Beloit, Wisconsin. Wilberg earned three wins in 2009 along with ten top fives, two heat wins, and a division high seven fast times.

"I want to thank Jerry Brown for sponsoring the division and me personally. I want to thank all of the guys I race with. It's a lot of fun with good young drivers and good old drivers. We'll see all of you in 2010."

In his first full season at MIS, Kurt Kleven of Utica, Wisconsin, finished in third place. Kleven totaled 860 points including one feature win and nine top five finishes.

"I had a lot of fun this year at MIS and didn't know what to expect. We had a great car and had lot of fun," said Kleven.

John Handeland, Don Wickstrum, Team Hansberry, Stephen Scheel, and Team Goldade were rewarded with point fund money.

TJ Goldade, who won his first feature on August 28th but did not get interviewed after his win, had his opportunity in a mock victory lane tonight. "It was pretty exciting to get a win and this is what it's all about," said Goldade.

Twenty-three drivers earned points in 2009 with seven different drivers notching feature wins.

Teamwork Pays Off for Ambrose and Luck

The duo of Todd Ambrose and Brad Luck of Sauk City, Wisconsin, paired up to win the Weaver Auto Parts Hobby Stock championship in what is believed to be the first team to ever win a title at Madison. For Ambrose it was his second track championship at Madison as he is also a past Sportsman champion.

Ambrose and Luck teamed up for 1,030 points powered by three feature wins, twelve top fives, three heat wins, and six fast times.

"Brad asked me about a month before the season if we wanted to do this deal in 2009. It worked out well and he's become a good friend," said Ambrose. He also went on to thank his crew members and his family.

Luck added, "I couldn't ask for a better guy to race with than Todd. I also want to thank Weaver Auto Parts for sponsoring the division and for MIS who put us on the big track."

Don Fassett of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, finished in second place with 915 points which included two feature wins, nine top five finishes, one heat win, and five fast times.

"I want to thank my wife for letting me drive in circles every Friday night. We had a lot of fun this year," said Fassett.

Bobby Selsing Jr. of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, finished in third place with 860 points fueled by four feature wins and nine top five finishes.

"This division is a lot of fun and we put on a great show," said Selsing Jr.

Ken Au, Chad Knaus, and Terry Ciano Jr. collected point fund money.

A total of fourteen drivers earned points in 2009 with seven different drivers picking up feature wins.

Ace Does It Again in Bandits

Chester Ace of Oregon, Wisconsin, made it back to back championships in the Roto Rooter Bandits.

Ace tallied 929 points with five feature wins, eleven top five finishes, a pair of heat wins, and seven fast times.

"I have a lot of people to thank for making this possible. I couldn't do this without my family and my sponsors," said Ace.

Kyle Padfield of Janesville, Wisconsin, finished second overall with 845 points including five feature wins and ten top five finishes.

"This was a very fun year at MIS in 2009 and I am really looking forward to 2010," said Padfield.

Rounding out the top three was Jody Schmidt of Belleville, Wisconsin, who tallied 810 points and two feature wins. Schmidt was unable to attend the banquet.

Ryan Slater, Teresa Verburgt, Jason Coker, Jonathon Coker, Brandon Skolaski, Lee Haag, and Cory Skolaski received point fund checks.

A total of thirty drivers earned points in the Bandits in 2009.

McNamara Makes it Two in a Row

Max McNamara of Ingleside, Illinois, became the third driver in 2009 to repeat as he won the Pelliterri Waste Systems Legends crown.

McNamara's championship found him earning 883 points based on a division high seven feature wins, eleven top five finishes, three heat victories, and nine quick times.

"This past season was my biggest up and down season so far. We had some great luck at Madison but not as good of luck at other places," said McNamara who indicated he will be going for a "three-peat" in 2010.

Aaron Moyer of Eden, Wisconsin, finished in second place in 2009 thanks to his four feature wins. Moyer also finished with ten top five finishes, two heat wins, and two fast times.

"I want to thank Madison for being loyal to the Legends. It's a great place to race," noted Moyer.

Hermann Greinig took home third place honors after earning 553 points and finishing in the top five on nine different nights.

"It certainly has been a pleasure racing at MIS this year. I want to thank MIS because it is truly a great time every night we come to race," said Greinig.

Kyle Vergata, Dave Wastak, Brandon Heisler, and Tim Narr also earned point fund checks.

A total of twenty-one different drivers earned points in the division in 2009.

Miller Adds Wayne's Custom DIECAST Hard Charger Award

Donna Forsythe presented the Wayne's Custom DIECAST Hard Charger Award for the Late Models to Jeremy Miller in memory of her husband, Wayne. "This program meant a lot to Wayne," she said.

"It's a honor to win this award. Wayne was a great guy," added Miller.

Super Late Model Trophy to Haseleu

Nathan Haseleu won the three event point race for the super late models in 2009. Andrew Morrissey and Dave Feiler finished second and third respectively. None of the drivers were able to attend the banquet due to other commitments.

Rookies and Fan Favorites Honored

Five drivers were recognized as Rookie of the Year in their respective divisions: Brad Becker of Elkhorn, Wisconsin (Late Models), Stephen Scheel (Area Sportsman), Chad Knaus (Hobby Stocks), Lee Haag (Bandits), and Kyle Vergata (Legends).

During the season the fans were able to vote for their favorite drivers with Zack Riddle (Late Models), TJ Goldade (Area Sportsman), Don Fassett (Hobby Stocks), Chester Ace (Bandits), and Max McNamara (Legends).

The Challenger of Bobby Wilberg (Area Sportsman) was selected as the Best Appearing Car.

Other Awards
Ryan Goldade and Bob Hansberry won certificates for Five Star stock car bodies.

Dozens of door prizes and gifts were also handed out over the course of the evening.

Promoter's Announcements

Earlier in the evening MIS General Manager Dave Grueneberg took time to recognize the many track employees who were in attendance. "This wouldn't be possible without all of your efforts," said Grueneberg.

He also acknowledged all of the sponsors who supported MIS in 2009. "You guys have been great and we appreciate all of you. Some of you have been with us for a lot of years and we value your support of racing at MIS."

Grueneberg also introduced the new marketing manager at MIS, Kelli Kunes. She will be responsible for working with sponsors. "I am really looking forward to working with the sponsors, teams, and fans in 2010," she noted.

Pete Raskovic of Urban Force Racing was also thanked by Grueneberg for his efforts in bringing the ASA Educational Series to MIS. "This is a great program and wouldn't have been possible were it not for the efforts of Pete. We also need to thank you (the teams) for being willing to make this happen for our high school kids."

"There are some really exciting things happening with the ASA Educational Series in 2010 as it expands to a national program. But it all started here and you guys were the pioneers in making this something really special," said Raskovic.

Track owner Terry Kunes also thanked all of those in attendance for their support of MIS over the years. "You guys are a great group and I just want to thank each and every one of you for supporting this race track." Kunes also outlined plans for a ticket program for race teams that will attract new fans in 2010. "We want to help you go out and get new fans to this track."

Jake Roth of Miracle Video did an outstanding job putting together the 2009 highlight video which was shown to those in attendance during the meal and prior to the start of the banquet. The staff from Phast Photos and Phan Cards was also on hand taking pictures.

Track chaplain Todd Christopherson gave the invocation at the beginning of the evening.

The 2010 racing season at MIS will once again feature five weekly divisions: Late Models, Area Sportsman, Hobby Stocks, Bandits, and Legends. Two practice sessions will open the year on April 24th and May 1st with the season opener set for Sunday, May 2nd with the ASA Midwest Tour Super Late Models and Sportsman coming to MIS.

Looking Ahead to 2010

Congratulations to Zack Riddle who will be teaming up with Urban Force Racing in 2010. Urban Force will have matching 14 and 41 cars at MIS in 2010. Pete Raskovic and Riddle were recent guests on The Stan Milam Show on WCLO in Janesville.

The Sportsman division will take on a very unique look in 2010 and will most assuredly be drawing national attention. Bobby Wilberg's Challenger was featured on the cover of Circle Track magazine and now will be joined by Don Wickstrum's Mustang and TJ Goldade's Camaro. Add in an El Camino and a "Wagon" and the division truly takes on a personality of its own.

Aaron Moyer will be doing some racing in North Carolina in 2010 but will be at MIS whenever he can. His father, Tony, will be piloting a car at the track in 2010 as we will continue to see this division grow. Mad Max is planning to be back and looking for his third straight title. There is no doubt that the Legends will continue to be the most diverse racing group at Madison with an age range of fifty years!

We are finalizing the schedule. The All Star Challenge is back on June 29th...go to MattKenseth.com for more information. The MIS Fall Classic will also return the last weekend in September.

Kenseth / Stewart Return in 2010

NASCAR Champions Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart will return to Madison International Speedway in Oregon, Wis., for the 2010 Swiss Colony All-Star Challenge on Tuesday, June 29. Spectator gates will open at noon with practice from noon-3:30, qualifying at 4:00, first race at 7:00 and the main event at 8:00

VIP hospitality packages for all ages will be $125 and include the hospitality tent with free hot food, beer, snacks, soft drinks and more from 2:00-6:30 PM. There will also be a Q&A with Kenseth and Stewart, charity auction with Gilbert Brown and friends, reserved seating, reserved parking, and full access to the pit area.

Spectator pit passes will be $50. Adult general admission tickets are just $20 with students 7-17 $10 and children six and under free.

Rain date is Wednesday, June 30th. No Refunds. If you have any questions please call 608.423.7829 or email MattsDad@mattkenseth.com.

Fast Times with Gary Schmelzer

We are continuing our look back at fast times over the past 40 years at Madison. Of course there have been many rule changes over the years which may explain the differences in fast times.

In 1980 Joe Shear was fastest with a lap of 18.669 until Mark Martin set fast time on August 24th with a lap of 18.141 in an ARTGO event.

The 1981 season saw Shear with the fastest lap of 18.056 in an ARTGO race on October 10th. Other notable names from 1981 who set quick times included Larry Detjens, Jim Sauter, and Jimmie Pierson. Kevin Olson set fast time in Midget qualifying with a lap of 18.633.

The 1982 season saw drivers like Dave Watson, Steve Burgess, and Shear set fast time with Dick Trickle turning a lap of 18.267 with Jim Sauter setting fast time for the season with an 18.082 trip on September 6th in an ARTGO race.

Conrad Morgan was one of the fastest in 1983 with a lap of 18.198, but it was Trickle flirting with the eighteen second mark with an 18.036 circuit in a May 29th ARTGO event. Dave Wunrow toured the half-mile in 18.503 in a Midget while Jim Moulis powered his way around the track in a Sprint car in 17.202 at the October 8th season ending special.

Morgan also had the fastest time in 1984 on May 27th with a lap of 18.369. Alan Kulwicki went in 18.133 in an ARTGO race on June 20th with Jim Sauter speeding his way to a lap of 17.823 in an ASA event. Bill Kojis turned a lap of 18.268 in a modified during the end of season special on October 7th.

Rich Bickle Jr. was fastest in 1985 with a lap of 18.199 with Kulwicki setting fastest time for the ASA event on June 22nd at 17.975. Dan Boorse was fastest in the Midgets with a time of 18.183.

The 1986 season was the final year of asphalt racing in the 1980's and saw Dave Watson fastest at 18.353 while Butch Miller went for 17.972 in an ARTGO race and Mark Martin with an 18.496 in an ASA race on June 21st. Boorse was fastest of the Midgets with a lap of 18.071.

Dirt came to Madison in 1987 along with it Sprint Cars. Larry Hillerud was the fastest of the Sprint Cars with a lap of 16.931 with some of the others setting quick time during the year being Jim Moulis, Randy Sippel, and Carmen Menzardo. Doug Wolfgang turned a lap of 16.810 in an All Star Sprint race on June 17th. Rich Vogler was fast qualifier for the USAC Sprints on June 6th with a lap of 18.497. Kevin Olson was the fastest in the USAC / Badger Midgets with a lap of 19.837. In the Modifieds it was Donn Goeden at 18.686, and Jerry Redetzke in the Dirt Late Models with a lap of 18.850. Dirt track legend Gary Webb set fast time on July 31st at 20.080 in his late model.

Rich Vogler was the fastest in the USAC Midgets in 1988 with a trip of 19.681 while Dave Blaney turned the fastest lap ever at Madison up to that point at 15.649 in the World of Outlaws. Mark Kinser was fastest in 1989 with a lap of 15.566 (114.94 mph) on May 22nd for the two day USA Sprint Cars. The World of Outlaws Late Models were here on June 5th with Billy Moyer Jr. setting fast time at 17.280.

The Chaplain's Corner
By Todd Christopherson
Torch_For_Jesus@yahoo.com

Hope many of you check on Jayski Silly Season. I do some times and I was thinking about it a had this thought. We will spend the next three or four corners on this. Stay with me to the end.
Silly:
Listen to how silly this sounds. So a street car jumped on the track and run with the late models. Think about it getting lapped time after time and that would be the least of the problems. If a street car hits the wall or flips it does not have any of the protection of a racing car. Even having a bandit, hobby stock, etc.. can not hang with the late models and it would be silly to "race".
You know a lot of people do that with God and salvation. They think of salvation so it "works out for them" but we can not do that. It has to be on God's term s. Listen to the terms of Acts 20:21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. See the terms the rules for the division of getting to heaven - turning to God, repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus. This is a critical verse. It is very clear and deliberate in wording. Let's look at the three parts. All three of these seem simplistic and they are and yet not as easy as I would think.

If I can help or you have questions shot me an e mail. I am pray for you.

Todd

Here is a very special message from Todd that I forgot to include back in December.

As I sit and think about the season we are in and to the race season I think about how we anticipate the season coming. We are waiting, doing things to prepare, getting ready, etc... We have days marked on the calendar and wait to circle others. We are setting aside money to fund the upcoming season. The young guys are trying to learn from the experienced guys. We are checking out trade shows and shops. Working on the cars. We are envisioning great races and wins. We are checking the safety gear.

Does that sound familiar? Listen to Luke 2:8-11 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. (NIV)

The shepherds also did a lot to prepare and notice the angel's proclamation. He proclaimed He is Christ the Lord.

This time of year we remember that Jesus came from His home in heaven with a purpose. The purpose was paying for my sin, for your sin for our sin. He knew His task and was intentional, unwavering, focused. I am so thankful. I am hopeless, unable to fill the void without Him. Do you have a void in your life? Have you peace with God? Do you know if you were to die would you be with Him or separated from Him? At Christmas time there is no better gift then that of salvation. I hope you have received Him and it. Christmas will never be the same. I remember my first Christmas after salvation. WOW!

Merry Christmas

Todd
Can I help you look into the Bible and find some answers? Just e mail or call me and we can talk things out.

That's all for now.

John