It’s hard to believe that the 2016 weekly racing season is down to just one final night. But it’s going to be an exciting one when Whelen Engineering presents NASCAR Championship Night this Friday at Madison International Speedway with the crowning of three champions in a tradition that dates back over sixty years.
Twin Features are on tap for the Club LaMark NASCAR Late Models, Dave’s White Rock Sportsman, and Pellitteri Waste Systems Bandits. No point lead is safe with double features on tap where one driver could potentially earn 215 points with a clean sweep. Here’s a look at how the point races shape up going into Friday night.
Club LaMark NASCAR Late Models: Bobby Wilberg could be on his way to another track championship at Madison as he leads the division with 1039 points. Defending champion Zack Riddle is second with 918 points followed by John Beale (872), Jon Reynolds Jr (777), and John Baumeister Jr. (754). Seventh place driver Matt Lundberg is the leading Late Model rookie.
Dave’s White Rock Sportsman: Robert Hansberry Jr. is the leading driver in the division with 1344 points followed by Steve Anderson (1204), Mike Taylor (1055), Ryan Goldade (1045), and Trevor Robinson (942). Robinson is also the leading rookie in the division. If he maintains his lead, Hansberry Jr. will pick up his third track championship.
Pellitteri Waste Systems Bandits: Brandon DeLacy is seeking his first track championship at Madison and is currently the point leader with 945. Past champion Steve Dickson moved up to second place with 831 points followed by James Junget (761), Nick Schmidt (732), and Lyle Phillips (712). Sam Messel is the leader for Rookie of the Year honors.
Wilberg, Hansberry Jr., and DeLacy are also the leaders in the RA Heating and Air Conditioning Dash Series.
Pit gates open at 3:30 followed by practice at 5:00, qualifying at 6:15, and racing at 7:30. Adult admission is $14.00 / Whelen Heroes and Seniors are $12.00 / Students 12-17 are $8.00 / Kids 6-11 are $5.00 with kids 5 and under free. Take advantage of the special family pricing package of just $30.00 which includes two adults and up to four students / children.
Friday Night Review
It was a great night of racing at Madison this past Friday as five divisions took to the track and fans enjoyed all of the great food, drink, and free corn served after the races. A heartfelt thank you to all of those who came out in support of local racing either as competitors or fans.
On track Casey Johnson held off Ty Majeski to win the $1000 prize for the Club LaMark NASCAR Late Models in a very competitive twenty car field. Ryan Goldade and Chester Ace each won a feature in the American Ethanol Super Trucks while Goldade also won in the Dave’s White Rock Sportsman. Brandon DeLacy was back in victory lane for the Pellitteri Waste Systems Bandits while eight year old Karter Stark became the youngest ever feature winner at Madison by picking up the victory in the Bandoleros.
Complete race report available at misracing.com
Did You Know?
Bobby Wilberg is looking to win his 12th track championship at Madison and we believe has picked up 58 feature wins over the years in Super Late Models, Madison / ASA Late Models, Late Models, Midwest Modifieds, Sportsman, and Trucks. He has also won seven track championships at the Rockford Speedway.
Our very own long-time employee Evie Handeland has lived next to the speedway before the original facility was built in 1953 and even sold some of their land to Sam Bartus when the half-mile was constructed in 1969.
Upcoming Events at Madison
Friday, September 9th: You won’t want to miss the thrills and spills and booms from above when we present the second annual Eve of Destruction featuring a gigantic fireworks display, Monster Trucks, 6Shooters, Spectacular Drifting, Tough Truck Tug of War, Smoky Burnout Contest, School Bus Destruction, Roll Over Contest, Double Steel Wall Crash and much, much more.
Thursday, September 15th: The very popular One on One Street Drags plus Shine and Show Contest takes to the track for their final event of the season. Pit gates open at 6:00 with practice and “Grudge” matches at 6:30 and bracket racing at 7:30. Pit passes and grandstand admission is $10.00 with a $10.00 entry fee per bracket. If you’ve thought about racing and haven’t done it yet, now is your time. Let’s see if we can go over the 200 mark for entries!
Saturday, September 24: Midwest Stock Car Association racing at 1:00 PM. This is for 8 cylinder enduro style cars who will be competing for an amazing 250 laps.
Thank you for supporting short track racing, and we hope to see you and your friends at Madison International Speedway this Friday night. There’s nothing like experiencing racing live and in “real” time on a Friday night under the lights.