Orientation Meetings - The orientation meetings are scheduled for Saturday, March 19^th at the Fox Hollow Golf Course Banquet Hall. The hall is located about 5 miles south of the speedway on county road M.  Then turn right onto Cty Rd O (at Hayfield store).  The hall is about a ¼ mile ahead – across from Syl’s restaurant.  The schedule is as follows: Hornets will meet at 9:30, Thunderstox will meet at 11:00, Sportsman will meet at 1:00 and Late Models meet at 2:30.  This is not a rules meeting.  Business such as season pit passes, NASCAR and LaCrosse memberships, car numbers, pit parking, etc… will be taken care of at these meetings.  Sportsman and Late Model teams must be represented at the meeting.  If your team can not make it, please let us know.  Sportsman and Late Model teams not represented or excused will lose the privilege of one tire purchase during the 2005 season.  If you would like to get your NASCAR and LaCrosse membership forms in advance…stop by the speedway or we can mail them to you.  It will help expedite the meetings. 

NASCAR - Licenses- The license has changed.  The ShortTrack license has been dropped.  Late Model drivers and car owners need to fill in the “feature division” section….everyone else as a Charger.

                   Divisions/Regions- NASCAR has reinvented the Dodge Weekly Series, now there are four divisions instead of the six or eight regions.  This really does not effect us, but we are glad to see the change. In addition, the points system used to determine division champions has been changed.  It is a straightforward point system with bonus points, depending on car count.

                   Redistribution of Contingency dollars-  NASCAR has decided to change the distribution of the contingency dollars.  Instead of giving the National Champ a $140,000.00  etc dollars….they are changing the distribution of money to the competitors at the tracks (top 15 or ?). (Our B-main winner has had to work harder than some regional champions do)  We did not receive the details on how it will work….but we believe it is a huge improvement.  We will try to have the details at the meeting.    

Important Dates        March 24 – 26             Valley View Mall Car Show

                                    March 29                     Tire sales (Sportsman & Late Models)                                  

                                    April 2                          Open Practice / Media Day 11am-3pm

                                    April 7                          Open Practice 5-8 pm

                                    April 9                          Opening Night, 2005

Photos – We will be taking headshots at the orientation meeting.  Be prepared. 

Tires – Late Model and Sportsman tires will be available on March 29 from 5:00 until 7:00 at the fairgrounds.  Late Models will be $106. The Sportsman (Goodyear) will be $85.  NOTE: The Goodyears are very difficult to mount…try to get them done in advance.  

Sportsman Tire issues- there are some changes for the Sportsman tire rule….because of the new tire…some teams may have used ones, but many do not.  Because of this, a team may purchase up to eight tires.  Tires that DO NOT have the “tattoo” on them will not be allowed  after June 1.   Teams may purchase tires during the season as in the past, however, when you are allowed to buy depends on how many you buy pre-season.   For example: if you bought eight, your first night to purchase is June 1.  If you bought 7, you can purchase one on May 21.   Don’t forget, you can still run the American Racer with a 75# weight break. 

Hospitality and Employee nights – Dates are filling up quickly for these two great programs.  If your sponsors or employers are interested in a hospitality night or industry employee night, please have them contact us as soon as possible.  Whether it’s a large group admission rate, or a fully catered pre-race meal, entertain your guests with the excitement of stock car racing!   

Thunderstox Wheels- we only have less than a half dozen 16” wheels.  We can get more….but the price will go up $5.00 per wheel.  You can buy them from whomever you want, we were just able to get a good deal on the first load. 

2005 LaCrosse Speedway Memberships – If you have sent in your 2005 track membership application, you can pick up your membership card at the orientation meetings.  If you can not attend, it will be mailed to you after the meetings.  Members that attend the orientation meeting will also receive a LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway T-shirt.  You must attend, and be a member to receive one.
 

Test & Tune – Practice will still remain the FIRST and THIRD Thursday of every month, starting April 7^th through September 16^th.  Hours are from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
 

Late Model Contingency Decal Packs – Expect the Speedway to receive the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Decal packages between March 15^th and April 1^st.  If you need one for the mall show, contact us the week of the event.

Division Sponsors – Kwik Trip, Ray Hutson Chevrolet, United Auto Supply, and Features Sports Bar & Grill will continue their respective division sponsorships.  We thank them for their continued support of racing at the LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway.  You must run the division sponsor decal(s) to race. 

Award- Congratulations to Dave Noelke.  Dave was the recipient of  NASCAR’S  “Sponsor Activation ” award.  Dave won the award for his hard work--  by exceeding the sponsors’ expectations.   Way to go Dave!   (Plus…we would like to also mention that Scott Van Someren (he has did the line-ups plus other duties) is now with the NASCAR national tours- Cup, Truck, Busch.  Look for him to be part of the hat dance in Victory lane or putting the Powerade bottle on the car) 

Bow Wow-  We have teamed up with the Coulee Region Humane Society for an event on Saturday April 23.  Spectators may bring an item on the Society’s “wish list” (bleach, dog food, etc)….and receive admission for ½ price. 

Customer Service-  In addition to the “fan autograph session” each race night, we are considering having a driver from each division welcome the fans (from 6:30 to 7:05) as they enter.  Your input would be appreciated on this matter.  Our goal is to continue to push the family fun concept.  (Remember- professional basketball players greet their fans with a fist and throw chairs at their heads!) 

Mall show- Our show is full.  We do have space at the “Explore LaCrosse” Expo.  The Expo is March 19 &20 at the Valley View Mall.  We have been allowed two spots for a couple of late models.  Please call us if you can participate. ASAP! 

Hurry up- Get your driver information sheet to us!!   Do it today or you will miss the program and the first list we send to the local media. 

Daredevil Challenge-  We are looking for six competitors to do various stunts throughout the 2005 season.  Please contact us at the orientation meeting if you wish to be part of the excitement!   This will be a lot of fun for both the fan and the daredevil.   The Daredevil Champion receives a huge trophy at the awards banquet.  

HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE ORIENTATION MEETING!!