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Madison International Speedway | |||||||||||
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MIS has REDUCED Adult Admissions for regular events to $9.00 | ||||
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Don Wickstrum By John Wells The first day the #7 Area Sportsman car showed up at MIS I looked at Todd Christopherson and said, “Who's that?” The answer was Don Wickstrum of Monroe, Wisconsin, who is competing in his rookie season in the Brown Heating and Air Conditioning Area Sportsman. Wickstrum brings a unique background of racing and work experience to the track. “My goal is quite simple: To continue to learn about MIS racing and my Sportsman car, but even more importantly to just continue to HAVE FUN!! I love racing at MIS.” “I first started out racing some of the cars I built when I was younger, however, I didn't really start racing until I was nineteen because my family couldn't afford to put me in a car. So at nineteen I bought a go kart and raced for two years while also being a crew chief for a national tractor pulling team. After the kart racing I then was brought on an American Short Tracker race team to race for them for a couple of years. Then along came marriage, kids, and now I'm back in racing after eight years off,” said Wickstrum. His earliest experience with racing wasn't necessarily a positive one. “When I was 5 years old, I hijacked the controls of a go-cart myself and my sister's friend were renting at a rental cart place in the boonies of northern Wisconsin. I put the pedal to the metal, almost ran over the flag lady, took out several tires and haybales, and ended with the flag lady's husband (who also owned the track by the way) yelling at me, calling me names, as he literally chased me out of the track. I just ran away crying to get in the family van as my mom, dad, and sisters were laughing so hard, I just remember thinking to myself "one day I will show them, I will race on a real track." It has been an adjustment to the big track at MIS, but Wickstrum welcomes the challenge. “Honestly, I love that its a half mile, and that the guys in the Sportsman division are for the most part, very friendly and helpful, and even beyond that, I love the fact that I get to race, I mean come on, how awesome is it that on Friday nights I get to do something that very few people get to do in their lives. I am just so blessed by God to have this opportunity. My goal is quite simple: To continue to learn about MIS racing and my Sportsman car, but even more importantly to just continue to HAVE FUN!! I love racing at MIS.” Wickstrum has a lot of respect for his fellow competitors especially Bob Hansberry. “I have never met a fellow racer that has been so willing to help others, and to help me. Bob saw me struggling last week with my lines so he passed me and then slowed down to help me follow his line, I don't know anyone else who would do that for a fellow competitor. Eventually, I would like to race against the leaders. His approach to racing weekly may be a little different from other drivers. In fact, Wickstrum wants his competition to think about him in a unique way: “We have never seen a guy smile and have so much fun racing before...and if they can hear me singing as I hopefully pass them, they might even say I sing well! All in all, hopefully they say I have improved, and I am a good sport.” To say Wickstrum is a busy man would be an understatement. “A typical week for me is about 80+ hours of work, in which has made it tough to work on my car as much as I would like, but typically I get a night to prepare my car for the races, in which I go through all the safety items first, inspect brakes, steering, bolts, safety wires, and etc Lately by the time I take care of that, and make adjustments it has left cleaning and waxing the car for us to do while at the track in between hot laps and the first heat race.” “MY wife and my kids have been so supportive; it's amazing to have a family that supports you in what you do! My crew, Wes (my cousin), Dick (my Uncle), Daniel ( a buddy of mine), and JD and Nico when they have time. My sponsors McClaren Machine and Tool, Bell Signs, and my business Quest Industrial, have been amazing to have as sponsors! And, last but not least, all my family, friends, and fans that have been coming every week to see me and to support me! Also, God, and Christ my Savior for giving me this opportunity to do what I love to do.” Wickstrum is the owner of Quest Industrial, a Robotics and Automation firm specializing in robotic integration and automation. Recently Quest Industrial and Wickstrum were recognized with the Green County Development Corps “Entrepreneur Sprit Award, the Green County Young Professional of the Year Award, and other honors. “I love to spend time with my family, I really enjoy playing the guitar and writing music. I am a youth pastor at Grace Church in New Glarus which is a blast to do, and see kids changing their lives for Christ.” It's no surprise then that Wickstrum lists his nickname as “Pastor Don.” Don Wickstrum is another one of the Friday Night Stars that call Madison International Speedway their home on Friday nights from May through September. | ||
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MIS Friday Night Stars Aaron Moyer | Coker Brothers | Don Fassett | T.J. Goldade | Jason Hicks | ||
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