Oregon, WI- Racing season is beginning in some parts of the country, parts much warmer than it is currently at Madison International Speedway. However, the 2018 season at ‘Wisconsin’s Fastest Half Mile’ is one of the most anticipated in recent history. A thorough mix of weekly NASCAR racing, Street Drags, the region’s best touring divisions and two visits from national sanctioning bodies has created a schedule full of action at the family owned and operated facility.
“Its fun hosting a different mix of events”, noted Madison International Speedway co-owner Angie McKarns. “Each week is something different, something new and something we look forward to all week and all year.”
The oval track season begins on Sunday afternoon May 6 with the Joe Shear Classic presented by SCAG Power Equipment. Now boasting a $10,000 pay day for the winner, this marquee event has proven a great way to start each season at MIS. Last season the event became a 200 lap affair, with Andrew Morrissey claiming his second victory in the race in honor of Midwest Racing icon Joe Shear. Seven drivers exchanged the lead ten times in a race many felt was amongst the best in decades, on any surface. The Stars and Cars of the ARCA Midwest Tour will be joined once again by the Mid-American Stock Car Series and Midwest Trucks.
Weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action begins on Friday May 18. The NASCAR Late Models, Dave’s White Rock Sportsman and Pellitteri Waste Systems Bandits will be joined by the Northern Outlaw Vintage Series on Opening Night. Madison’s NASCAR divisions will be joined throughout the season by various visiting divisions, including the Midwest Compact Series, Hobby Stocks, Bandoleros, , Upper Midwest Vintage and 6shooters.
The Super Late Model Triple Crown Challenge opens up the month of June, as the first of three 50 lap Super Late Model feature events takes place on Friday June 1, joining the Super Late Models will be the Midwest Trucks, Central States Super Cups and 6shooters. Round II is slated for Friday July 6, a night which will see both Super Late Models and NASCAR Late Models as well as Sportsman and Bandits. The ‘Howie 50’ title round will decide the Triple Crown Championship on Friday August 24, marking the final Super Late Model event at MIS for the season. The Midwest Trucks and 6shooters will also be in competition during the Howie Lettow Classic.
The National TV cameras will be rolling during the Herr’s 200 at Madison International. See the rising stars of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards in their full size stock cars, complete with Live on the Fly Pit Stops. Many of today’s top talents have found success at Madison in ARCA competition and that trend looks to continue during the Herr’s 200. The ARCA Racing Series will begin its season at Daytona International Speedway this weekend during Speedweeks.
A new event at MIS will happen on Friday night June 22. Area Bars and Taverns are beginning to donate drink tokens for the soon to be talked about event. The Tavern Drink Token Scramble will take place along the frontstretch prior to feature racing action, splitting those ages 21 and over into multiple age and build groups. Bar owners wishing to be included in this event and advertising are encouraged to contact MIS.
The Colony Brands Salute to America Night on Friday Night June 29 marks the first ever appearance by the USAC Silver Crown Series. ‘The Big Cars’ will be lightning quick during the Bytec Dairyland 100. Joining the open wheeled USAC cars will be the best weekly Late Model drivers in the region as the Big 8 Late Model Series contests the Montgomery Ward 48. Once the racing conclude, fans will be treated to a gigantic Fireworks display by Spielbauer Fireworks, voted “Best in the Midwest”, four years running.
Two nights will feature Double Features for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions. The first Double Feature night is Friday July 20 with the second taking place during Whelen Championship Night on Friday September 7. Championship night is one week later than previous years and will include a gigantic fireworks display to bring the oval track racing season to a close. The Late Models, Sportsman and Bandits will all battle for double points to decide their respective Championship.
America’s Winged Tailgate Party will take place on Friday July 27. The Must See Racing Sprint Cars, featuring 700 horsepower, winged open wheeled machines, the fastest racecars to take on Madison will headline the action packed night. The always fierce competition of the Midwest Trucks, Great Northern Sportsman and Midwest Dash Series will share the spotlight during this special event.
A $1,000 bounty has once again been placed on the line for the driver establishing the New Track Record at ‘Wisconsin’s Fastest Half Mile’. Two classes, an open wheeled and a fendered class with both be chasing their individual bonuses. Andrew Morrissey claimed the $1,000 in the fendered class last season, setting a new record of 108.18MPH at 16.639 seconds in his Dave Klein prepared Outlaw Super Late Model.
Three Buck Nights are scheduled, featuring all concession items for just a dollar and two dollar beer. Those dates are Friday May 25, Friday July 20 and Friday August 17 which will feature an on-track Fan Autograph Session. Additionally, three Kid’s Nights will feature different kid related activities in addition to FREE admission for those ages 11 and under. A Kid’s $1,000 Coin Scramble is set for Friday June 8, the Kid’s Candy Scramble happens July 13 with Union 464 Kid’s Bike and Big Wheel races on Friday August 10.
Six Street Drags are set to go in 2018, with the first 300’ drag competition taking place on Sunday April 29. The next five Thursday Night Street Drags will be held the second Thursday of each month, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9 and September 13. The final Street Drag of 2017 saw a record 288 bracket cars take to the strip, another 31 cars participated in the popular Shine ‘N Show Contest.
The Madison Speedway Marketplace and Flea Market will take place on the second Saturday of the month throughout the season, beginning on Saturday May 12th. The market will be held from 9am-3pm in the pit area with free admission to patrons. Those wishing to join the over 100 vendors displaying on May 12 are encouraged to call the Speedway Office for more information.
Heading into its fourth year as Madison’s NASCAR Home Track, Madison International Speedway is located at 1122 Sunrise Road in Oregon, WI, just south of Highway 138 which runs between Oregon and Stoughton. For additional information visit www.misracing.com or call 608-835-9700.