Tri-Track Challenge Series Locked and Loaded in NE Wisconsin! By Bob Schafer

April 15, 2004; Seymour, WI - The 2004 dirt late model scene in Northeastern Wisconsin brings a ray of light to a class that was given up for dead some 10 years ago.

Back under the WISSOTA sanctioning body, the three tracks that host late model racing on a regular basis – the Langlade County Speedway, Shawano Speedway, and Seymour Tri-oval Raceway – will see something in 2004 that will bring back memories of the AllStar Late Model Association and even the Northeastern Wisconsin Drivers Championship.

The Seubert Calf Ranches/Gold Star Racing Supplies Tri-Track Challenge Series is poised to bring more cars, drivers, and fans to each venue through the summer and culminate 2004 with a large cash payout based on points gained at all three tracks.

“It’s a shame we got off to a late start on this deal but it’s good that it’s up and running,” said Ed Bertram of Gold Star Racing. “So far the drivers have been very warm to the idea and it has brought in the element of racing at each track again. Back with ALMA you had to do that.

“The bottom line is that some guys don’t like to go to one track or another. Some guys just won’t do that, no matter what the payoff is. But there are others that have ridden the fence for years and now that you have to race six times at each place they have made plans to do so.”

The Tri-Track Challenge Series will gather a drivers top six points nights at the three tracks to determine a champion in 2004. All drivers that compete in at least six events at the Langlade County Speedway, six at the Shawano Speedway, and six at the Seymour Tri-oval Raceway will be included in the point fund payout at the end of the year.

“Right now, based on what I know and the number of drivers that are going to do this thing I think the champion should get about $2,500, maybe more. It all depends on the number of drivers that meet the minimum standards. Plus there is room for more and this group is always searching for more sponsorship money to add to the payoff for the drivers,” stated Bertram.

Drivers that meet the specifications set forth will also be eligible for some contingency awards at the end of the year. Bertram is currently putting that program together and it is likely to add substantial value to the point fund.

The Tri-Track Challenge Series will utilize WISSOTA rules and points. Drivers must be full WISSOTA members to compete. All regulations set forth by the tracks and WISSOTA will be followed for the series.

There are currently 40 active dirt late model teams in Northeastern Wisconsin, the highest number in nearly three decades. Bertram feels that with the Tri-Track Challenge Series the sport is definitely on the upswing.

“There are more drivers racing late models in this area today than we have had in a long time. Credit has to go to the rules being stable and the fact that the tracks are starting put some programs in place to benefit the division. The Tri-Track deal is just part of it but it could prove to be very helpful in the future.”

For more information on the Tri-Track Challenge Series contact Bertram at Gold Star Racing Supplies, (800) 782-7072 or ed@gsrkartway.com