NEW RICHMOND, Wis. -- NASCAR Sanctioning - 2008 brought several changes to the Cedar Lake Speedway; the partnership with NASCAR was by far the biggest. “Our partnership with NASCAR allowed our track the flexibility to market and operate the track differently than other area race tracks” mentioned owner Brad Both. NASCAR’s contribution to Cedar Lake Speedway has and will benefit both the track and its competitors. First, the NASCAR name alone gives the track the ability to market to casual race fans locally and in the metro area as well as a true sense of professionalism to the weekly program. Second, drivers benefit from a comprehensive participant insurance policy provided by NASCAR. Finally, under the NASCAR umbrella, Cedar Lake Speedway drivers will receive the largest individual area track point fund in history, over $25,000! In addition, NASCAR will provide additional $4,000 to Wisconsin State Champion Brent Larson, Cedar Lake’s Late Model division point champion. Brent will be awarded at the NASCAR banquet next week in Las Vegas for his accomplishments. Cedar Lake Speedway is proud to announce that they will again partner with NASCAR for the 2009 season and look forward to the season ahead.

Street Stocks

After discussions with fans, crews, drivers and sponsors, Cedar Lake Speedway will remove the Street Stock division from their weekly program. Dwindling car counts and skyrocketing costs have caused this class to no longer be a beginner class as initially intended. The Street Stock division at Cedar Lake Speedway has always been competitive and has had some of the nicest cars in the area. This was a tough decision and we value every competitor and their crew and look forward to them racing at Cedar Lake in another class or in the Street Stock division during special events. Cedar Lake Speedway’s weekly program in 2009 will consist of four classes (Late Models, Modifieds, Super Stocks & Midwest Modifieds). During the year Cedar Lake will add other divisions for special events such as Sprint Cars, Hornets, Legends, Pure Stocks & Street Stocks.

2009 USA Nationals

Cedar Lake Speedway officials have changed the dates of the USA Nationals from the previously announced dates of August 6th-8th to July 30th-August 1st. This change is being made to not conflict with other crown-jewel late model events in the country. Those who already purchased tickets or camping need to change the date on their tickets and/or camping reservations but do not need to send them back. They will be honored at the event during the new date.

"Last year this happened because of a mis-communication with other promoters", stated Bob Kaufman of Cedar Lake Speedway. "This year, we were 100% sure and on the same page as CLS owners and promoters at Knoxville (Knoxville Sprint Car Nationals) and Florence Speedway ($50k to win North/South Late Model event) all planned on pushing their events back one week as Labor day is one week later next year. Unfortunately, NASCAR released its schedule a few weeks ago and they did not push some of their events back. In particular, the Bristol race has always been the week before Labor Day. In 2009, it is 2 weeks before labor day. This change forced the Topless Late Model event in Batesville, AR to move to Saturday, Aug 15, 2009 to not conflict with the Bristol show. Then, the North/South had to move to Aug 8, 2009. With that race closer to many of the top drivers in the country, we chose to move the 22nd running of the $50,000 to win USA Nationals to one week earlier to accommodate the drivers and allow them to compete at both events."

Additional communications will go out over the coming weeks. However, please share the new date with anyone you speak with and make sure you change your vacation plans! We appreciate your understanding and look forward to an event that is as great as the 2008 USA Nationals was!

Rules

With the following modifications to our rules in 2009 Cedar Lake Speedway fans will see the most diverse group of cars in the area. All of these changes will be strictly optional and will be monitored to allow for equal competition and amended as needed in the event of competitive inequality. Watch our website for complete details on these changes very soon.

Late Models- Aluminum engines will be allowed with the addition of weight. This will allow area competitors with open engines the chance to use them not only at our specials but weekly.

Modifieds- Quick Change Rear Ends will be allowed. A 10” wheel will be allowed on the right rear only and the track is also looking to including other engine packages used on other regional modifieds during their weekly program.

Super Stocks-A rear spoiler will be allowed to help finish the look on these cars.

Midwest Modifieds- Quick change transmissions will be allowed resulting in huge savings over time.

2008 Banquet

The 2009 Cedar Lake Speedway driver banquet will be held January 17th at Grand Casino located in Hinckley Minnesota. Cedar Lake Speedway will honor their loyal drivers with an awards presentation, DVD highlights and dinner. The largest point fund ever at Cedar Lake Speedway and the largest in the upper Midwest – over $25,000 – will be paid out that night! Go to www.cedarlakespeedway or call 612-363-0479 for details.