MIS Outlines Plans for 2013 Season
by John Wells
The green flag will wave in 2013 at Madison International Speedway.
The racing season will take on a very different look next season as the focus will change from a weekly Friday night program to a Sunday afternoon special event schedule.
“We need to make some changes to our program. We have decided to go away from a weekly racing schedule to one featuring a variety of special events,” said MIS Business / Marketing Manager Jason Tyler who is beginning his second full season at MIS.
“I am really excited for the 2013 season and am working hard to make the events we are running to be great ones,” said Tyler. “I realize that change is difficult and we are making some major ones. But I’m asking our fans to be patient and continue to support the track. I think they are going to like what they see.”
One of the comments the management team at Madison has heard over the past few years is the lack of super late model racing. “We have heard this for many years and agree with the fans. Wisconsin’s Fastest Half-Mile is an awesome track and one that should host more super late model racing. So that’s what we’re going to do in 2013,” commented Tyler
At least six super late model events will be scheduled for Sunday afternoons in 2013. “We want to attract the best super late model drivers in the region and the best day to do this is by racing on Sundays. It’s very difficult for guys who travel more than two hours to get here to be able to do it on Friday nights. The guys who have done it have had to make sacrifices like taking off work,” said Tyler.
A point system similar to last year’s Triple Crown Challenge will be developed. “We will have a track champion just like we always have at Madison. We are working on putting together an exciting racing format that will benefit the drivers and be exciting for the fans,” said Tyler.
“We will also have ways that allow late model teams to convert their cars over to super late models and be competitive in 2013,” said Tyler. “We want everyone to be able to come race at MIS and feel that they have the same chances at winning as everyone else. If teams have questions just give me a call and we will work with you.”
Also in action as part of Super Sundays at MIS will be the Legends division. “We are putting out the call to Legends throughout the Midwest to come and take on the “Ring of Fire,” said Tyler. “We think the Super Sundays will allow more drivers to make their way to MIS.”
Tyler hasn’t ruled out additional divisions joining the program. “We are looking at some other possible divisions but nothing is finalized at this point. We want to have a third division that is economical and provides for great racing.”
MIS will also be hosting Four major touring series in 2013. The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards will return for the third straight season on Sunday, August 25th bringing in drivers from throughout the United States and beyond for the Herr’s Live Life with Flavor 200. The ARCA Midwest Tour will open up the very exciting 2013 season on May 5th, plus the ARCA CRA Super Series and the Big 8 Late Model Series will also be at MIS with the best of the Midwest battling it out on Wisconsin’s Fastest Half-Mile.
Plans are also in the works to have a major Badger State tractor / truck pulling event along with the Tri-County Mini Rodson the infield pulling track. “Our event last year was very competitive and well-attended and we are looking at stepping up our involvement in truck and tractor pulling,” said Tyler.
“I realize we are proposing many changes. It’s no secret that the economy has been tough on MIS as it has been on many tracks around the country. We needed to make some changes and we feel this is the best way to move the track forward, and provide the best entertainment for our fans,” said Tyler.
Fans, friends, and families can come out to MIS on Sunday afternoons in 2013 and have 3-4 hours of great fun and not have to get home late at night. “We are still committed to creating family fun at MIS and will be expanding some of our programs geared towards the young fans. We will still have our Speedy’s Turn One Kids Club and do our coin drop, big wheel races, and much more in 2013,” added Tyler.
Sponsorship and marketing opportunities are also abundant at MIS. “There are hundreds of different ways local businesses can participate in our programs here at MIS. From seasonal to event sponsorships, billboards, barriers, and contests there’s no limit to what we can do for your business at MIS.” noted Tyler.
Tyler also maintains his open door policy when it comes to Madison International Speedway. “My door is always open…my phone is always on. If you have questions, concerns, comments or whatever you can reach me.” Tyler’s phone number is 608.513.9709.
“We are going to do the best we can with the resources and people we have to meet our goal of offering the best racing and the most exciting events in the Midwest! We are still working on setting specific dates and will release that information as soon as it is finalized,”added Tyler.
Madison International Speedway is located just 10 minutes south of the Beltline (12&18) off Hwy 138 between Oregon and Stoughton. Visit our website at www.madisoninternationalspeedway.com