FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (June 22, 2009) – A flock of Mid-American stock Car Series competitors will migrate to the north for a mid-summer swing this Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27. Mid-American makes its return to Norway Speedway in Norway, Mich., on Friday and will convene for the Vercauteren Memorial at 141 Speedway in Francis Creek, Wis., on Saturday.

The trip to Norway Speedway will be the first time any current MASCS driver has competed on the flat 1/3-mile oval in a Mid-American style car. Bill Prietzel was the only active driver competing with Mid-American in 1993 when the series made its first trip to the Dickinson County Fairgrounds. According to his Web site, www.billprietzel.com, Prietzel did not attend the race. The event was won by Larry Richards of Montello, Wis.

One MASCS competitor, however, does have a significant amount of laps at the venue. Bret Widdis competed with the late models at Norway for several seasons before hitting the road with the United States Super Trucks, and eventually the Mid-American Stock Car Series. The 23-year-old Manistique, Mich., native was named “Most Improved Driver” of the class in 2005.

With few experienced drivers at Norway Speedway, a new facility may be a breath of fresh air for 2008 MASCS runner-up Kyle Shear. The Roscoe, Ill., driver captured Mid-American’s first ever feature at Dells Raceway Park on July 14, 2007 en route to Rookie of the Year honors. Shear has struggled thus far in 2009. An ill-handling machine forced Shear to settle for 16th at Golden Sands and overheating sent Shear to 18th at DRP in May.

While Shear, a pre-season favorite to succeed James Swan as Mid-American champion, has struggled, a first-year MASCS competitor, Paul Neisius has begun the season with two spectacular runs. Neisius captured his first ever MASCS win at Golden Sands and was able to secure sixth at Dells Raceway Park.

Paul Neisius holds a 14 point lead over Prietzel and a 16 point lead over DRP winner Brian Back. Lyle Nowak sits only 17 points out of the lead and Justin Neisus, Mid-American’s leading rookie contender, trails by only 18 markers.

The greatest test of the weekend for Mid-American’s top contenders will come on Saturday when the series marches into 141 Speedway for the Vercauteren Memorial. 141 Speedway boasts the toughest local contingent of any stop on Mid-American’s 2009 schedule.

Last year, Crystal Wood, who began her racing career at 141, became the first woman to win a Mid-American feature at the tight ¼-mile oval. This year, extra incentive will be added to the event.

The Vercauteren Memorial will be held at 141 Speedway for the second time in three years. The event honors Mid-American’s founder Gary Vercauteren and his family.

Two years ago, a local 141 competitor turned MASCS regular, Kevin Damrow, put his name on the Harold and Regina Vercauteren Traveling Trophy at 141. Jake Finney won the event last season at Wisconsin International Raceway and will attempt to return the trophy to Sycamore, Ill.

Qualifying at Norway Speedway begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday with racing slated to begin at 7 p.m. On Saturday at 141 Speedway qualifying begins at 5:45 p.m. with racing scheduled to go at 7 p.m.

Norway Speedway is located on the Dickinson County Fairgrounds on Highway 8, approximately one mile east of the Wisconsin/Northern Michigan border. For more information please visit www.norwayspeedway.com.

141 Speedway is located on Highway R just north of Francis Creek, Wis. For more information please visit www.141speedway.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.