Friday Night Under the Lights returns to Madison International Speedway this Friday night for the 2018 NASCAR Whelen All-American Season Opener. See the NASCAR Late Models, Dave’s White Rock Sportsman, and Pellitteri Waste Systems Bandits in action along with the Northern Outlaw Vintage Series.
As part of the NASCAR Hometrack program, drivers in the Late Model, Sportsman, and Bandit divisions will be competing for nearly $15,000 in point fund money in 2018 as well as possible state, regional, and national honors. An increase in weekly pay will also greet drivers competing at Madison. The NASCAR Late Models will now pay $210 to start and $500 to win while the Dave’s White Rock Sportsman have had their nightly purse increase to $300 to win and $85 to start. Likewise, the Pellitteri Waste Systems Bandit payout has been bumped up as well, remaining $200 to win but now paying $55 to start a feature event.
A talented field of drivers from throughout the region will be taking on Wisconsin’s Fastest Half-Mile this year in the Late Model and Sportsman divisions with the Bandits battling it out on the famous “Ring of Fire” quarter mile. Last year’s track champions were Bobby Wilberg (Late Models), Robert Hansberry Jr. (Sportsman), and Dave Schmidt (Bandits).
Adult ticket prices are $14.00, Whelen Heroes and Seniors $12.00, Students (12-17) $8.00, Kids (6-11) $5.00 and children 5 and under free. A “Family” ticket that includes two adults and up to four students / children is just $30.00. Grandstands open at 6:00 PM with qualifying at 6:15 PM and racing at 7:30 PM.
Buck Night and Badgerland Back at Madison on May 25th
Make plans now to be at Madison on Friday, May 25th for the first of three “Buck Nights” featuring all concessions for just $1.00 and beer for $2.00. Racing action will take place in the Late Models and Sportsman as part of the Badgerland Challenge plus the Midwest Compacts, Bandits, and Hobby Stocks will also be in action.
The fourth annual Badgerland Challenge takes on a new format this year with a four race series between Madison and Jefferson. Besides the May 25th at Madison the Badgerland will move to the Jefferson Speedway on June 16th, return to Madison on August 3rd, and crown the champions at Jefferson on August 25th. Dale Nottestad (Late Models) and Terry Wangsness (Sportsman) claimed overall championships last year with the team title going to the Jefferson Speedway.
Get Your ARCA Tickets at Menards Now
Discounted tickets for the Friday, June 15 Herr’s Potato Chips 200 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards are now on sale at 27 Menards stores across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
The offer for discounted tickets will remain in place up through June 14. Tickets purchased at participating Menards stores are available for just $20, which is $10 off the raceday gate price of $30. Kids 6 – 11 are just $10 at the track gate. Kids 5 and under are free.
This will be ARCA’s tenth visit to Madison and once again will feature live pit stops on the frontstretch along with a pre-race autograph session. Austin Theriault took home the checkered flag in last year’s event.
See you this Friday night at Madison International Speedway.