DAYTONA BEACH, Flaprida -- The slogan of the ASA Member Track program is “We Build Champions” and a racetrack that has built many champions over the years, Madison International Speedway, has re-signed for the 2006 season.
The 2006 racing schedule at Madison International Speedway will also take on a very different look from previous years as many changes will be occurring at Wisconsin’s Track of Champions.
Fans will be seeing double at MIS in 2006 as the legendary speedplant known throughout the midwest as “Wisconsin’s Fastest Half-Mile,” will now be home to two tracks. Ground was broken in the fall of 2005 to install a state of the art paved quarter mile track inside the half mile oval. With the addition of the quarter mile, the weekly divisions at MIS will take on a distinctive new look in 2006.
“The half-mile is an awesome track and will continue to feature some of the best racing in the midwest. However, the cost of racing on the big track has prevented many drivers from having the opportunity to race at MIS. The installation of the new quarter mile will allow us to add some new, affordable racing divisions in addition to our ASA Late Models and Limited Late Models,” said general manager Dave Grueneberg.
“Over the years, ASA has had many championship drivers, and quite a few of them came directly from Madison,” said Dennis Huth, president of the ASA Member Track program. “Names like Dick Trickle, Matt Kenseth, Travis Kvapil, and more recently Todd Kluever have all learned the ins-and-outs of stock car racing on this legendary track..
“There are few racetracks with such storied history, and Madison International Speedway is among the finest facilities in the Midwest. Located in Oregon, Wis., this half-mile oval has been in operation since 1969 and justifiably bills itself as the “Track of Champions,” said Huth.
The 2006 season features a healthy mix of regular track divisions and special events. Visits by several touring series, including the ASA Late Model Series (not affiliated with the ASA Racing Member Track program), Wisconsin Challenge Series, HOSS Winged Sprints, and the Hooters Pro Cup will keep local fans on the edge of their seats, but the most anticipated event of the year is likely to be the June 27 Late Model race featuring a return by track champion Matt Kenseth and the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart.
For track information, including the complete 2006 schedule, visit www.MadisonInternationalSpeedway.com or telephone (608) 835-9700. For convenience, fans can even purchase and print their tickets from the web site to bypass the lines at the gate.
“We have so many exciting programs planned for this year that I think it will be one of the best yet,” said track owner Terry Kunes. “I doubt that there are many short tracks that are fortunate enough to blend the local racers and the traveling series like we have been able to schedule. It looks like we can continue to produce champions under the ASA banner, and I truly believe that part of our success and the reason we continue to grow and become more popular each year is due in part to the ASA affiliation.”
“The ASA Member Track program has only helped to elevate the status of Madison International Raceway,” claimed Steve Einhaus, track promoter. “ASA has had such a strong following over the past several decades in the Midwest, and has certainly added to the value of our track as the fans and racers both know the strength of the brand.”
Tracks and regional touring series that join the ASA Racing Member Track Level II program are eligible to receive marketing assistance, enhanced participant accident insurance, and will be the spot for today’s fans to watch the stars of tomorrow learn the trade.
To learn more of the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based Racing Speed Associates or the ASA Racing Member Track program, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and regional tours involved in the ASA, visit www.asa-racing.com.
