West Salem, WI- Heading into the 2020 season, a new set of rules was put in place for the LawnKeepers Sportsmen at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway. The weekly division on the 5/8 mile paved oval adopted a 22.000 second breakout rule as well as a more encompassing rule package, putting the fun back into the division which has been a mainstay at the West Salem facility since the 1980’s. The first Champion of the new era will be crowned on Oktoberfest Opening Night, Thursday October 8, part of the four day 51st annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend which concludes on Sunday October 11.
Five drivers have captured feature wins during the abbreviated Sportsmen season, with Sam Niles leading the pack with three wins. The Sportsmen have seen multiple features decided by less than a tenth of a second this season. Former Lake Geneva Raceway Street Stock front runner Dave Edwards sits atop the point standings, forty-three markers ahead of local underdog Mark Challet. Edwards, who was crowned Champion last season in a similar division, the MISfitz at Madison International Speedway, has eight top five finishes in nine attempts this year at LaCrosse.
A variety of race vehicles including Sportsmen, Mid-American, Modifieds, Trucks, 602 Late Models, Vintage, MISfitz and more can now compete as Sportmen on Thursday night. Teams can use any treaded Hoosier tire that fits on an eight inch steel racing wheel. Stock stub cars are able to run any engine/carb combo they would like while fabricated stubs must utilize the GM 602 Crate Engine. Those interested in competing in the Sportsmen division during Oktoberfest are encouraged to call LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway at 608-786-1525 with any questions. Teams without a NASCAR license may purchase a temporary license for $25.
Drivers will be allowed one ‘Mulligan’ per race in which they can be under the set time, but not faster than 21.600 seconds. At that moment they will be warned but able to maintain their running position on track. If a driver surpasses the 22.000 second mark again in the same race, they will be disqualified from that race event and scored and payed at the rear of that event. Any driver turning a lap faster than 22.000 on the last lap will be relegated to the rear of the field and scored in that position. Any laps under 21.600 will also result in a disqualification from that race.
OKTOBERFEST SPORTSMEN COMPETITOR GUIDE
A total of 17 divisions of racing action will make up the 51st Oktoberfest Race Weekend October 8-11, 2020. For additional information including Schedules, Rules, Camper Village information, Registration and more, visit www.oktoberfestraceweekend.com or call 608-786-1525.