MIS Drivers' Meeting Review




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				Madison International Speedway 03.02.09

Madison International Speedway 2009 drivers' meeting review

It's All About Working Together

Saturday, February 28, 2009 (Stoughton, WI) On a clear and cold Saturday afternoon, drivers and management from Madison International Speedway took time to get together in Stoughton to discuss the upcoming season.

MIS General Manager Dave Grueneberg made it very clear at Saturday's preseason meeting when he said, “It's all about working together.”

With economic challenges facing nearly everyone in America it has become more and more important for local racers and their local tracks to work together. “We need to come together and help each other keep this sport alive and well,” added Grueneberg. MIS owner Terry Kunes previously announced the speedway's commitment to families in these tough economic times. Adult admission for regular racing events will be just $9.00 in 2009. This is a decrease of $3.00 from the 2008 admission price. MIS will also continue its policy that children eleven and under are admitted free. “We want this to be a place where families come because it's both fun and affordable. There is a lot of competition for the entertainment dollar and we want MIS to be a first class destination for families,” said Kunes.

Grueneberg also outlined the track's plans for the “New Fan Initiative”, a program in which the track will help its drivers reach out to their sponsors, both old and new. “We have a very loyal fan base. However, we need to do whatever it takes to reach out to new fans. We want to help our drivers make even stronger connections with their sponsors and their employees. We have some great incentives for our teams to get their sponsors and employees out to the track for a night of fun.”

MIS Marketing Manager Holly Coley also updated teams on ways to recognize their sponsors on race night. “The VIP suites are a very affordable way to thank your sponsors. You can treat them at the track in indoor comfort with food and drink. Something else to consider is encouraging your sponsors to hold corporate outings at the speedway. This has gone over extremely well in the past and those who have participated have been very happy. All of you should take advantage of these two first-class opportunities.”

Drivers and teams were also invited to take advantage of promotional opportunities via the MIS E-News and madisoninternationalspeedway.com. The track's goal is to work with drivers and teams to help promote them through newsletters, website updates, and press releases. If teams have something they want to share with the fans, MIS has the electronic vehicles to make it happen.

During a rules discussion led by Grueneberg and Technical Director Dave Oswald the drivers in attendance were asked for their feedback on several issues including a tire rule for the Late Model division. “This is all about you. We value your feedback and are asking for it. We need to work together on these questions,” commented Grueneberg. The tire rule for the Late Model divison will be updated on the track website.

The ASA Educational Series will be returning to the track in 2009 with high school age crew members and drivers have an opportunity to win scholarships to Ohio Technical College in Cleveland, Ohio. “This is first and foremost a great way to get young people involved in our sport. I would encourage every team that races at MIS to get a young person on their team. It was a successful program last year and will be even bigger this year,” added Grueneberg. Last year over $200,000 in scholarship money was awarded as part of the program.

Teams were also asked to help get the word out about the Friday night excitement. “We have a great track with the best racing in the Midwest. You guys know that and so do our loyal fans. We have to do everything we can to help promote the speedway. We have some incentives for you, but we need your help too. Get your car out to your sponsor, put it on display, and help us get fans out to the track. You have my phone number so call me with any suggestions or questions. None of us can do this alone; we have to work together,” said Grueneberg.

All forms for the 2009 are available on the download section of the website:

Driver information and car owner payout forms should be completed and either mailed to the track or brought to the track during the opening practice day.

Membership forms should be completed and sent in as soon as possible. Driver memberships cost $100 for the Late Models and $75 for the other four divisions while a crew membership is $50. All members receive a $5 discount off the weekly regular event pit pass. Pit passes cost $25 for members and $30 for non-members. To be eligible for the point fund a driver must be a member and run 75% of the shows in their division.

Racing begins on Saturday, April 25th with an open practice session at MIS from Noon - 5:00 PM. The first racing weekend of the season will find a second open practice session from Noon - 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 2nd with the season opener featuring the ASA Midwest Tour and Big 8 Series slated for Sunday, May 3rd. The Friday night season opener featuring five weekly divisions (Late Models, Area Sportsman, Hobby Stocks, Legends, and Bandits) begins on May 8th.