ARCA Midwest Tour Championship to be Decided When the Checkered Flag Falls
by Kari Shear-Carlson
Sept 29, 2014 – “Oktoberfest Race Weekend.” Just saying those words gives me chills. The history behind this event is probably one of the richest histories in Midwest short track racing. The event started in the 1970’s as a two-day show. Over 15 years ago it grew to a four-day show and I’m pretty sure if you asked the racers and fans if they wanted it to be a five-day show, they’d say, ‘bring it on.’ In fact, some do make it a week to remember. Camper village opened today, Sept 29th, and doesn’t close until Monday, October 6th.
In 1970, Tom Reffner was crowned the very first Oktoberfest winner. In 2013, Nathan Haseleu added his name to the prestigious list. In the last 45 years, names like Dick Trickle, Joe Shear, Larry Detjens, Mark Martin, Rich Bickle, Matt Kenseth, Steve Carlson, Travis Sauter and so many more have filled in the gaps and become recognized as Oktoberfest legends.
This coming weekend in addition to adding another name to the list of legends, the ARCA Midwest Tour presented by Scag Power Equipment Championship will be decided. Ty Majeski, who has already clinched the Rookie of the Year title, could become the first ever Rookie Champion in the Tour’s history. He holds a nine point lead over Nathan Haseleu, last year’s Oktoberfest winner. Chances are the battle won’t be won until the checkered flag falls on the Oktoberfest 200 Sunday afternoon.
While the victors and Champions that have been crowned over the years at Oktoberfest are added to lists, billboards and flyers, the memories that are not always captured in writing are some of the biggest reasons that make Oktoberfest Race Weekend an event that racers and fans don’t want to miss.
There is so much going on during Oktoberfest weekend it is hard to keep up.
There is rarely a quiet moment on the track with 17 different divisions racing throughout the four days. There is the traditional pet costume parade, pumpkin coloring contest for the kids, general campground fun, after race parties, which this year will include, Altered Vision on Friday night and Jared Blake on Saturday night, and so much more. On Thursday night fans can watch the Packers vs. Vikings game in the exhibition hall. This isn’t just another race weekend, this is Oktoberfest Race Weekend.
For an entire Oktoberfest Race Weekend schedule and information, go to www.oktoberfestraceweekend.com. There you will find all of the information you need about this weekend’s events. Also join Oktoberfest on Facebook/Oktoberfest Race Weekend and on Twitter/@RaceOktoberfest #FestIsBest
For all of the latest going on with the ARCA Midwest Tour, follow along on Facebook (midwesttour) and Twitter (@midwesttour).
For complete Midwest Tour event details log on to arcamidwesttour.com.
To learn more about the Automobile Racing Club of America Midwest Tour, log on to arcamidwesttour.com. For questions, call Tim Olson at (612) 327-5831 or e-mail tim@arcamidwesttour.com
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, the ARCA Truck Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.