Good-Bye Tri-Oval Speedway; Hello MISSISSIPPI THUNDER SPEEDWAY

January 29, 2009

FOUNTAIN CITY (February 28) – Several people gathered at the Hilltop Bar and Ballroom high atop the bluffs of Fountain City, Wisconsin to honor the final track champions and drivers of the historic three-cornered track. Now but a memory, Tri-Oval Speedway honored first-time champions in all but one of its classes. When the track opens back up in the Spring, it will be a 3/8 mile oval tearing out of the gates at MISSISSIPPI THUNDER SPEEDWAY with new management.

Trophies were awarded to the top ten in the WISSOTA Street Stocks, WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds, WISSOTA Super Stocks, and USRA Modifieds. Top five trophies were presented in the Hornets, Outlaw Mini Peewees, Outlaw Mini Juniors, and Outlaw Mini Seniors.

In the WISSOTA Street Stocks, Danny Hanson clinched his first Tri-Oval Speedway track championship. Three-time track champion Kevin Hager finished second followed by the 2007 Track Champion Brad Dennis. Tom Hund sealed fourth place followed by Dan Bork in fifth place.

Kyle Jumbeck barreled to his first track championship grabbing the WISSOTA Midwest Modified in convincing fashion with 12 feature wins on the season. Following Jumbeck in second place was the 2007 Track Champion Josh Angst. Travis Krause finished third, Erik Kanz finished fourth, and Chris Gilbertson rounded out the top five.

Troy Langowski capped 2008 with yet another WISSOTA Super Stock Track Championship bringing his track championships total at Tri-Oval Speedway to six. He was chased very closely all season long by Bob Fort, who finished second place. Adam Stockhausen, Jon Duffy, and Kevin Hager completed the top five.

Brad Waits found his way to the front multiple times in 2008 which led to his first Tri-Oval Track Championship in the USRA Modified division. Josh Angst made it twice as nice also finishing second place in the USRA Modifieds. 2007 champion Bob Timm remained strong finishing third place while Paul Hamernik and John Doelle finished fourth and fifth respectively.

Michael Hofer won his first track championship by sitting atop the Hornet division followed by his twin brother Lance in second place. Shawn Mann, Carroll Hundorf, and Shawn Applen rounded out the top five in spots third, fourth, and fifth.

Dylan Buckland won the Outlaw Mini Peewee championship followed by Alex Stevens, Rachel LaDuke, Matthew Schliesman, and Tanner Brown. Nia Gardner topped the Outlaw Mini Junior division followed by Alex Williamson, Brandon Reutzel, Mike Stevens, and Brady Keefe. Cody Gardner took the championship in the Outlaw Mini Senior division followed by Brandon Reutzel, Charlie McNally Jr., Jake Timm, and Don Werner. In 2009, the Outlaw Mini’s will be divided into only two division, ages 10 and under and ages 11 and up. This will allow for the addition of the new 600 Mod Outlaw Mini to join the race card.

Special awards, as voted via the track website, were presented to several drivers. The Most Improved Driver award went to Kyle Jumbeck, and Kevin Hager was voted for the Sportsmanship Award. Bob Timm received the plaque for the Best Looking Car, and the Hard Luck Award was presented to Carroll Hundorf. The Best Appearing Outlaw Mini went to Alex Stevens, and the Rising Star honors went to Kyle Jumbeck. Josh Angst was voted Fan Favorite.

Coming on board with MISSISSIPPI THUNDER SPEEDWAY in 2009 will be River City Manufacturing & Machining as the USRA Modified class sponsor, and Winona Auto Sales as the WISSOTA Super Stock class sponsor. The Jailhouse Saloon will sponsor the WISSOTA Street Stock division, and The Engine Store will sponsor the WISSOTA Midwest Modified class. Redbox+ will sponsor the Outlaw Mini classes, and MISSISSIPPI THUNDER SPEEDWAY will be the Hornet class sponsor. The 600 Mod Outlaw Mini will be sponsored by Oak Ridge Fabrication.

A big thanks go to the many people and businesses who helped make the banquet a success, including but not limited to Hank’s Racing Supply, Maxim Graphics, Mississippi Welders, Windy Ridge Motor Sports, Motor Parts & Equipment, Lou Fegers Racing Equipment, The Engine Store, Fastenal, Coca Cola.

And so closes a book in racing history. Tri-Oval Speedway is no more. Possibilities, dreams, and new history are to be made with the new MISSISSIPPI THUNDER SPEEDWAY. The season opener is scheduled for Friday, April 17th, and the start time will be 7 p.m. Keep an eye on the track website www.mississippithunder.com for updates and information leading up to the grand opening of MISSISSIPPI THUNDER SPEEDWAY.