The 2015 racing season is just around the corner at Madison International Speedway with the season opener just a month away. Here’s a look at what’s on tap at MIS.
Weekly Divisions Set
It was announced earlier this year that MIS will be part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Racing Series featuring weekly Late Models, Sportsman, and Bandits all under the lights on Friday nights. The season opener for the weekly racing program is set for Friday, May 15th and will continue until early September.
The Late Models will be a “Big 8 style” car that is no stranger to Wisconsin’s Fastest Half-Mile with many of the regions top stars expected to battle it out for a track championship. The Sportsman cars will also be racing on the half-mile while the four cylinder Bandits will take to the quarter-mile “Ring of Fire.”
Even more exciting are the opportunities for the weekly racers at Madison now be part of the NASCAR program. Late Model drivers will compete for a season point fund of over $10,000 including $3000 to the winner. Sportsman competitors will race for a $3000 point fund while the Bandits race for a $2000 point fund. Drivers are also eligible for state and national honors.
A brand new entry-level division for six cylinder cars called the “6shooters” will also debut at Madison this season running a limited schedule. They will compete on the “Ring of Fire.”
“Every Friday night has something a little different in store for the fans, whether it is a touring series coming in or a special promotion for the kids, it is going to be a fun season out here.” commented Speedway owner Gregg McKarns.
A wide variety of other divisions will also be in action during the season including visits from the Midwest Trucks, Vores Compact Touring Series, American Ethanol Super Trucks, Great Northern Sportsman Series, Legends, and more.
Track Clean Up Day Set for April 18th
Fans are invited out to the track on Saturday, April 18th for the first annual “Track Clean Up Day.” Let’s work together to make general improvements to make everyone’s experience at the speedway a great one in 2015.
“We just have some little projects to accomplish around the track, mending a few fences, painting some walls, some wood work and the like. I know there are many talented people that support this track and we would like to have them help out. It is kinda like the fans helping shovel in Green Bay every winter, but we should be warmer and enjoy a little food and drink afterwards.” stated Speedway owner Angie McKarns.
Supplies needed include shovels, drills, saws, paint rollers, paint brushes, rakes, plants / flowers, and anything that will help spruce up the buildings and grounds.
Season Opener is May 3rd
The green flag will wave on Sunday, May 3rd when the ARCA Midwest Tour comes to MIS for the running of the seventh annual Joe Shear Classic presented by SCAG Power Equipment, an event held in memory of the four time Madison track champion and one of the greatest short track racers in America. Also joining the racing program will be the Midwest Trucks and Mid American Stock Car Series.
Past winners of the Joe Shear Classic include Nathan Haseleu (2009 and 2014), Steve Carlson (2010), Ross Kenseth (2011), Andrew Morrissey (2012) , and Travis Sauter (2013).
Super Late Model Triple Crown Challenge Returns to MIS in 2015
Fans of Super Late Model racing on Wisconsin’s Fastest Half-Mile will be happy to know that the Triple Crown Challenge is returning to Madison in 2015.
The three events will be held on June 5, July 10, and August 23. Fans can expect to see the top drivers from throughout the Midwest battle it out on the half-mile.
This will be the fourth year the “Challenge” has been part of the racing schedule at Madison. Past Triple Crown champions include Nathan Haseleu (2012), Casey Johnson (2013), and Chris Wimmer (2014).
This year’s “Challenge” will take on a slightly different look. Each of the three races will be 50 laps with $1500 going to the winner and $500 to start. The overall winner of the “Challenge” will be the driver who accumulates the most points over the three races. A point fund has also been created to reward the top drivers in the overall points.
Madison International Speedway is proud to be a NASCAR Home Track and are excited to share the benefits of this membership with the teams and fans. For more information check us out on Facebook, Twitter @MISRacing, or at misracing.com.