By Kevin Ramsell
Wednesday, September 13, 2006 (West Salem, WI) – The history of Oktoberfest race winners is a who’s who list of famous racing names. If you take a look back at the race winners from 2002 to today, you will see a familiar name, Charlie Menard.
Menard has basically become Mr. Oktoberfest. “That’s home for us,” Menard recently stated. “I remember going there about 5-6 years ago before we really got into racing late models thinking, my gosh this is Oktoberfest? It was unbelievable.”
Menard won his first Oktoberfest feature in 2002 by capturing the Northern Series Late Model crown. He defended his crown in 2003.
In 2004, he took home three Oktoberfest titles by capturing the Wisconsin Late Models, La Crosse Late Models and the Central Wisconsin Late Model features. He retained his Central Wisconsin and La Crosse Late Model crowns in 2005 and added the ASA Late Model Series title to his resume.
“To be able to race there competitively and be a champion means a lot,” Menard stated. “I would rather win at La Crosse than any other place. Winning there is such an accomplishment, I am so proud of my team of what we can do at that time. We always seem to step it up.”
This year, Menard will be looking to defend his ASA Late Model Series and La Crosse Late Model wins from last year. He will also be competing in the Wisconsin Late Model and Central Wisconsin Late Model divisions.
For Menard, the Chief Operating Officer of Menards Inc., Oktoberfest can be summed in one word, “Just the atmosphere, there is nothing like it,” Menard stated. “I have never been to a race that has that much atmosphere and that much racing. It’s just great to be around people that enjoy racing and know how to have a good time. If you want a good time and some great racing, Oktoberfest is the place to go.”
The 37th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend will take place on Oktober 5-8 at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, WI. Over 500 drivers will be competing in 15 different divisions over four days. More information can be found at www.lacrossespeedway.com.
Oktoberfest Race Weekend is “Racing’s Family Reunion.” Plan now to be a part of this great racing weekend.