FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (October 1, 2009) – The stakes couldn’t be higher with only two races remaining in the Mid-American Stock Car Series’ 17th season. Heading into this Sunday’s running of the National Short Track Championships 75-lap feature event at Rockford Speedway only 30 points separate first-place Paul Neisius from second-place Bill Prietzel.

The degree of separation concerning experience at Rockford Speedway, however, is much greater. Prietzel has turned many laps at the historic venue while Paul Neisius has extremely limited experience.

Neisius’ first experience of Rockford came in April when he and his cousin Justin practiced for the Spring Opener, which was rained out the following day, and again a week later. Prietzel has attended the venue at least once in each of the past 15 years and has set fast time several times in the past four seasons. He also has a win in a modified at Rockford in 2009.

Although Rockford is a much different form of a bullring than any other facility on the MASCS schedule, another tight quarter-mile may have provided a preview of what is to come. Perhaps some clues of what is to come Sunday can be found in Mid-American’s late-June visit to the 141 Speedway. After all, Prietzel had a good amount of experience at 141 as Neisius had to make his adjustments.

In the event, Neisius was forced to accept a provisional. The Hastings, Minn., veteran adapted well, however, as he raced his way from a 20th place starting spot to 11th. Prietzel fared well also. He qualified eighth and finished third. He was the highest finishing MASCS traveler.

If he is to claw back to the top of the standings, Prietzel will have to hope the ghosts of Rockford passed have been exorcized. Last year the Richfield, Wis., racer saw a sure top-five fall by the wayside as engine problems haunted him for the second consecutive race. Prietzel’s misfortune allowed James Swan to pull to a comfortable point margin heading into Oktoberfest.

As the top two slug it out to be the 17th MASCS champion, each position in the top seven remains up for grabs. Mark Pluer, the 1996 series champion, sits third only five points ahead of leading MASCS rookie Justin Neisius. Fifth-place Lyle Nowak and seventh-place Mike Beyer are separated by only 13 tallies with Brian Back sandwiched in the sixth spot.

With the tight point battle in mind, the main focus will be on one of the longest running Mid-American events this Sunday. Mid-American has been a part of the event since 1993 when Southeast Wisconsin Short Track Hall of Fame inductee Roger Regeth was victorious. Other notable winners include: three-time MASCS champion Eddie Hoffman, two-time MASCS champion Jeff Storm and two-time Big 8 Late Model champion Jeremy Miller.

Last year’s NSTC winner Jeremy Spoonmore will return to defend his title. Spoonmore has enjoyed a prosperous 2009. In four starts he has yet to finish outside of the top five. He was also the winner of the “Split 50” at Madison International Speedway in August.

Qualifying for the 75-lap National Short Track Championship feature is scheduled to begin at 11:15 a.m. Racing is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m.

Rockford Speedway is located at 9572 Forest Hills Road seven miles north of downtown Rockford, just two miles west of Interstate 90 at the intersection of Forest Hills Road and Highway 173 in Loves Park, IL. For more information please visit www.rockfordspeedway.com

For more information about the Mid-American Stock Car Series, including results, the current 2009 standings, the 2009 schedule and driver information please visit www.midamericanracing.com.