Wisconsin MSA 2003 preview

2003 MSA schedule: Touring Wisconsin.

Wisconsin's Midwest Sprintcar Association takes on it's fifth season with continuing success and the distinction of being the largest sprint car group in the state. Veteran sprinter and club president Al Schlafer again worked his magic to line up a full season of racing. This in spite of the club going from having a dozen races at a home track in past years to the group becoming a traveling club for 2003.

With a driver roster that about matches last year's count of 53 drivers, car participation is expected to match the 35.9 cars per event average, with a shot at exceeding the top mark of 44 cars at a single event. Look again for the group to spread the checkered flags as last season saw 32 different drivers take a win over the 23 completed events.

New to the schedule this year are appearances at Grant County Speedway in Lancaster, several runs at Shawano Speedway, and a season ending show at LaSalle Speedway in Illinois. Still under late in the day negotiations are appearances at Manitowoc County Expo Speedway. With the ending of the home track partnership, there will be only three appearances this year at The Raceway at Powercom Park.

In a continuing tradition, the MSA will again be appearing with the Badger Midgets for two shows at Hales Corners Speedway with the season opener on Friday, May 2nd. There will also be two special shows at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie. The MSA will appear in at least two special mid-week shows at Sheboygan County Fairpark in Plymouth, one of which is anticipated to include an appearance by Tony Stewart.

Also on the schedule are return visits to Monster Hall Raceway at Unity, TNT Speedway in Three Lakes, and Powercom Speedzone in Oshkosh. Schlafer is still trying to arrange a couple more events to extend the already impressive coverage of Wisconsin tracks. Late breaking schedule information will be posted on the MSA website.

Schlafer has continued with securing sponsorship support, and has brought on The Golf Club at Camelot as another major sponsor, as well as continued support from Triton Trailers for the generous donation of a tech equipment trailer. Returning as race sponsors are Hepfner Racing Products, JB Enterprise, MPD Racing Products, and B&B Oval Track Products. Wisconsin PC and Wireless will again sponsor the fast time award, and KSE Racing Products will award the hard charger. Over $250,000 is expected to be awarded in purse and contingency products for the 2003 season.

For those who are new to the Midwest Sprintcar Association, the class adheres to a rulebook that provides excellent Sprint Car performance at a reasonable cost and highlights the abilities of a driver and his crew. Competition Director Jerry Priesgen will continue to head up the thorough inspections that keeps the competition exciting.

Two time champion #80 K.J. Skelton of Cascade will again defend his title against some very strong challengers as well as attempt to extend his amazing string of 71 consecutive A-Main appearances with the MSA. Heading up the challenge will be Madison's Doug Schenk in the #71s car, and the #21H of Tim Haddy from Lomira both of whom ranked close to Skelton for top 10 finishes. Another strong contender will be the #11 of David O'Neal from Greenfield.

Close behind in the points hunt last season was Horicon's #7 of Lance Fassbender, and the #25 of Danny Schlafer hailing from Sussex. The remaining top 10 in standings from last year make up a strong contingent all capable of mounting a challenge on the top spot. This list of drivers include the veteran Al Schlafer in the #26 car, the #98 of Dean Erfurth, #00 Jerry Ski and #16 of Chris Wiser to name just a few. Watch for special appearances by prior MSA champion Kurt Davis, 2002 Top Rookie Jeremie Hedrick, and 2002 runner-up Troy Hepfner.

Midwest Sprintcar Association fans can browse to our website at www.msasprints.com for up to date schedule, and driver information. Results and standings are usually updated within 1 to 12 hours after the completion of an event.

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