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By: Kevin Ramsell
STOUGHTON, WI – In case you haven’t noticed, the Midwest is currently wrapping up its 2008 season with end of year multi-day specials. The one that started it all happens this weekend with the 43rd Annual National Short Track Championships at Rockford Speedway.

Started in 1966, the idea was to get the drivers from central Wisconsin to take on the Chicagoland drivers in an end of year special event. Dick Trickle was the inaugural winner of that event. In fact, if you ask Trickle what he got paid, he can give you the exact number because Rockford Speedway Promoter Hugh Deery paid him in $5 bills. Trickle would also pick up NSTC championships in 1978, 79.

Since that first event, some of the most famous drivers in racing (some who are running in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series today) have competed at NSTC.

It’s very hard to figure out the right way of how to start a note in regards to the announcement that is being made in it. But, this is something I cannot dance around and need to come straight to the point. Recently, I have tendered my resignation to Rockford Speedway and, as of last Saturday, will no longer be their Public Relations Director.

This was a tough decision to make, but after my discussions with Gregg McKarns, I felt that it was in my best interest to resign to take advantage of some upcoming opportunities that I am looking at in racing.

It was around this time in 2004 that Gregg McKarns contacted me and asked for my assistance with the National Short Track Championships. Since that weekend, I have had a great four year experience working with the staff, drivers, teams, media and fans of the Rockford Speedway.

Saturday Night Action and USAC Midget Sunday Afternoon Highlight a Fun Weekend.

LOVES PARK, IL (Friday, May 16, 2008) - Two exciting and historical events will highlight this weekend's racing action at the Rockford Speedway. Race fans will be able to take it the traditional Saturday racing action and, for the first time since 1979, the USAC Midgets will challenge the high-banked oval on Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday, it's Just Engineering Kid's Night with the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series in action along with a School's Almost Out Smash with a School Bus jump.

All kids, 11 & under, will get FREE admission with the Stanley Steemer NASCAR Late Models, Budweiser American Short Trackers, Coca-Cola RoadRunners, and Supercups in action. The Popeye's Mini Grand Prix and Driver/Fan Egg Toss are also on the schedule.

By: Kevin Ramsell
LOVES PARK, IL (Saturday, April 26, 2008) – Ryan Carlson and his crew had a busy week. After being involved in a hard wreck last week, he came back tonight to capture the Stanley Steemer NASCAR Late Model win at Rockford Speedway.

Chris Gantz, Ricky Nielsen, Tim Melvin, and John Zellinga also took home feature wins.

Brett McCoy was the early leader in the 30-lap main event. Carlson, who was the evening’s fast qualifier, started his charge to the front from the eighth starting position.

Carlson found the inside line to work for him on a cool night as that was the preferred way for him to get to the front. With six laps to go, he would get past Tim Sargent for second and would keep his momentum going as he set his sights on McCoy for the lead.

By: Kevin Ramsell

Loves Park, IL (Sunday, March 30, 2008) – The 61st season of racing at the Rockford Speedway will open April 5-6 at the famed Loves Park, IL facility. The weekend will include an open practice and Media Day on Saturday, April 5th and a 200-lap 4-cylinder Enduro on Sunday, April 6th.

For the first time in 2008, the sound of engines will erupt on Saturday, April 5th for an open practice session for all divisions competing this season at quarter-mile high-banked oval. The track will be opened from Noon until 4 p.m.

Members of the Media are also invited to visit the Speedway on Saturday afternoon to get a preview of the 2008 season and to visit with some of the competitors and Rockford Speedway staff. Media members are asked to RSVP to Kevin Ramsell, Rockford Speedway Public/Media Relations Director at press@kevinramsell.com.