The 2019 season at ‘Wisconsin’s Fastest Half Mile’ is shaping up to be one for the ages. Madison International Speedway will play host to a thorough mix of weekly NASCAR racing, Street Drags, the region’s best touring divisions and three national sanctioning bodies, creating a schedule full of action at the family owned and operated facility.
“It seems like we have something new and different every week”, noted Madison International Speedway co-owner Angie McKarns. “There seems to be a lot of anticipation for this year, with everything we have going on out here, I can understand the excitement.”
The oval track season begins on Sunday afternoon May 5 with the Joe Shear Classic 200. 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 saw Austin Nason claim his first career ARCA Midwest Tour victory over a star-studded field. The Stars and Cars of the ARCA Midwest Tour will be joined once again by the Mid-American Stock Car Series and Midwest Trucks, additionally the Upper Midwest Vintage Series has been added to the card. New for 2019, the ARCA Midwest Tour will make a second stop, on Friday night August 16 for the $5,000 To Win Howie Lettow Classic 100. The Midwest Trucks and Midwest Dash will also be under the lights with the touring Super Late Models in August.
Student Night will mark the start of weekly NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action on Friday May 17. All students will be admitted FREE with a valid student ID. The NASCAR Late Models, the all-new Dave’s White Rock MISfitz and Pellitteri Waste Systems Bandits will be joined by the Roto Rooter 6shooters on Opening Night.
The Bandit Big Rig Series presented by Minimizer returns to MIS on Friday night May 24. Full size Semi Trucks will hustle their way around ‘Wisconsin’s Fastest Half Mile’. The inaugural visit for the Big Rigs in 2017 left fans wanting more, they will get just that in 2019. Advance ticket sales will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Super Late Model Alive for 5 Series will embark on the high banks of MIS on Friday night May 31. The first ever Alive for 5 visit will see twin 50 lap features run during the ‘Capital Classic’ which will pay $3,500 to the top overall finisher in round two of the five race series which calls Dells Raceway Park home. A full NASCAR program of Late Models, MISfitz and Bandits will join the action to finish a busy month of May.
The eyes of the Nation will be on Madison International Speedway during the ARCA 200 which will be broadcasted live on MAVTv. 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. The ARCA Racing Series will begin its season at Daytona International Speedway this weekend during Speedweeks.
The Colony Brands Salute to America Night on Friday Night June 28 marks the much anticipated return of 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”, five years running. Under extreme heat, California’s Kody Swanson diced his way to the front of the field to claim the USAC Checkered Flag while it was Illinois’ Michael Bilderback capturing top honors in Big 8 action.
Following the Independence Day break from racing, the much anticipated ‘Ring of Fire Shootout’ will be contested on Friday night July 12, a ‘Run What Ya Brung’ event with few rules and lots of cash to be had. At last tally the winner will take home over $2,000 for their efforts on the MIS quarter mile. A full NASCAR program of Late Models, MISfitz and Bandits will join the first ever special event.
Two nights will be highlighted by Double Features for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series divisions. The first Double Feature night is Friday July 19 with the second taking place during Whelen Championship Night on Friday August 30. The Late Models, MISfits and Bandits will all battle for double points to decide their respective Championship.
$5 admission awaits race fans on Friday Night July 26 during Toys for Tots Christmas in July. With a toy donation, fans can see all the action of the Midwest Trucks, Vintage, Illini Midgets and Roto Rooter 6shooters for just $5 at MIS.
Two Buck Nights are scheduled, featuring all concession items for just a dollar and two dollar beer. Those dates are Friday June 21 and Friday August 23. 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 7, the Kid’s Candy Scramble happens July 19 with Union 464 Kid’s Bike and Big Wheel races on Friday August 9.
Six Street Drags are set to go in 2019, with the first 300’ drag competition taking place on Sunday April 28. The next five Thursday Night Street Drags will be held the second Thursday of each month, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 12. The final Street Drag of 2018 saw a record 364 bracket entries take to the strip, another 34 cars participated in the popular Shine ‘N Show Contest.
The Madison Speedway Marketplace and Flea Market will take place three times throughout the season, beginning on Saturday May 11th. The market will be held from 9am-3pm in the pit area with free admission to patrons. The second market takes place Saturday July 13 with the final market of the season being held on Saturday September 14.
Heading into its fifth 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.