TJ Harron Photography / TJ Harron.com
Two top Asphalt Sprint Car teams have already thrown their name into the mix for the inaugural Madtown Meltdown Open Competition Speed Trials which will be contested on Friday Night May 20 at Madison International Speedway. $1,000 has been posted thus far for the driver who establishes the new track at ‘Wisconsin’s Fastest Half Mile’, now another $1,000 has been raised to allow for a ‘Late Model type’ class.
Open wheeled hot shoe Jason Cox, whose father Tim Cox is the current track record holder with a speed of 121.87MPH during his 14.770 second tour of the high banked oval, will be joined by USAC Silver Crown standout David Byrne as both drivers attempt to topple the track record. Additional open wheeled teams from as far away as New York have shown interest as well. Both Byrne and Cox will be piloting their Must See Racing Sprint Cars in anticipation of the series visit for the Dairy Farms / Cheesemakers 30 presented by Bytec. Inc.
With the addition of the ‘Late Model type’ class to the event, the door is open for Chris Wimmer’s 104.38MPH, 17.245 second lap to be blistered. Currently a $1,000 bonus awaits the driver to establish the new record, and that figure is expected to rise as the event nears. “There were numerous Super Late Model drivers that expressed interest but knew the Open Wheel record was unattainable due to the limitations of the national Super Late Model rules.” Speedway owner Gregg McKarns commented. “Now they have the chance to break the record and the fans are going to see history made on May 20th.”
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 featuring NASCAR Late Models, Sportsman, Bandits and Vintage Racing of Illinois. Just two rules will be enforced during the Madtown Meltdown; 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. As long as the car and driver meet the standard safety specifications, they will be allowed a shot at the money.
The first checkered flag of the Madison International Speedway 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.
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.