The 2016 Madison International Speedway Schedule is now available, allowing fans and race teams alike to plan their summer at ‘Wisconsin’s Fastest Half Mile’ in Oregon. The season is highlighted by traditional events as well as new and returning events which place on emphasis on providing the top motorsports entertainment available.
The first checkered flag of the season will wave under the sunshine on Sunday afternoon May 1 during the Joe Shear Classic presented by SCAG Power Equipment. A 100 lap affair awaits the top Super Late Model drivers in the region when the ARCA Midwest Tour launches their point season. They will be joined by the Mid-American Stock Car Series as well as the Midwest Truck Series. The 2015 running of the Joe Shear Classic was captured by NASCAR Truck Series Daytona victor Johnny Sauter.
Friday Nights once again play host to the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series featuring the NASCAR Late Models, Sportsman and Bandits under the lights. Drivers in all three divisions begin their season-long quest for the Madison International Championship in addition to NASCAR National Points and the right to be recognized as State Champion during the NASCAR Awards Banquet in Charlotte, NC. There will be racing every Friday night at MIS all summer with the exception of the 4th of July Holiday Weekend. Whelen NASCAR Championship Night is slated for Labor Day Weekend, Friday night September 2, one of two double feature nights during 2016.
A New Event which already has race teams talking, will take place on Friday May 20. $1,000 has been posted thus far for the driver who establishes the new track record during the ‘Madtown Meltdown Open Competition Speed Trials’. The first time event will be highlighted by the Speed Trials at three separate times during the night which also will encompass a full weekly racing program. “My hope is to see that winner’s share grow substantially as we near this event. The beauty of the event is that it has just two rules, the car must fit through the opening in the wall in turn two and any wings must clear any obstructions around the track such as safety lights. We don’t care what tires, engine, body or shocks a car has. As long as it meets the standard safety specifications, let’s see what you’ve got.” Stated Speedway owner Gregg McKarns. The current track record is was set by Tim Cox at a speed of 121.87MPH during his 14.770 tour of the high banked oval.
The Month of June will be extremely busy at MIS with five heavy hitting race events. Returning on June 3 after an absence will be the open wheeled excitement of the 410 Winged Sprint Cars of the Must See Racing Sprint Series for an insanely rapid 30 lap race. The following week kicks off the three race Badgerland Challenge which pits the top Late Model and Sportsman teams from MIS, Slinger and Jefferson against one another at each track over the course of three months. Drivers earn points toward their Badgerland Championship standings as well as the home track team points with ‘George the Badger’, a traveling Badger Trophy being awarded to the winning track.
Father’s Day Weekend will provide three days of excitement for race fans in the Midwest. Friday June 17 marks Round I of the Super Late Model Triple Crown Challenge. The Triple Crown attracted drivers from five states last season, with Jeremy Miller besting the competition. The NASCAR Late Models will round out the Late Model Double Header on the night which also features Sportsman and Midwest Truck Series action. Menards Pole Qualifying presented by Ansell will take place Saturday afternoon for the ARCA Racing Series, setting the field for Sunday afternoon’s 200 lap contest. The new Father’s Day tradition in Wisconsin begins Sunday June 19 when the ARCA Racing Series returns to MIS. An on-track autograph session begins the day with the 200 lap event complete with live pit stops getting underway at 2PM. Early indications are that multiple area favorites are arranging rides for this big race. Advance Discount Tickets will be available at area Menards locations. Camping is allowed and encouraged this weekend at the track with final details being worked out for a bus trip on Saturday night for those campers wishing to attend an additional short track event.
Completing the month of June will be the annual Salute to America Night, Friday June 24. The Big 8 Late Model Series makes their annual stop in Oregon, sharing the card with the Great Northern Sportsman Series and Midwest Dash Series. The region’s best weekly Late Model drivers from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa are expected to compete. The evening concludes with the Area’s Biggest and Best Aerial and Ground Display by Thundercat Fireworks.
The final two rounds of the Super Late Model Triple Crown take place on Friday July 22 during a Late Model Double Header and then is brought to a close on Friday August 19 with the running of ‘The Howie 50’, the Howie Lettow Classic. Additional fun including Kids Nights, Buck Nights with one dollar concessions and two dollar beer, a Charity Corn Boil, Fan Autograph Night, Hall of Fame Night and more are sprinkled throughout the schedule providing something fresh each and every night. The final oval action will take place during the Eve of Destruction on September 9, a Friday night featuring racing and wrecking including Monster Trucks and Fireworks.
An additional set of events that has been building momentum as the calendar approaches May 19 is Thursday Night Street Drags. Once a month, street cars will be matched in multiple brackets to Drag Race on our 300 foot drag strip. A Shine ‘N Show Contest will also be part of each Street Drag event. June 9, July 14, August 18 and September 15 mark the remaining four Thursday night gatherings.
For additional information including ticket policies, division rules and more please visit the Madison International Speedway website at www.misracing.com or call the Speedway Box Office at 608-835-9700. Madison International Speedway is located at 1122 Sunrise Road in Oregon, WI where the state of the art facility was built in 1969.