FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (September 8, 2009) – The Mid-American Stock Car Series roars into Dells Raceway Park for the third and final time this Saturday, September 12 bursting at the seams with storylines. After the “Split 50” at Madison International Speedway two weeks ago, the point battle has tightened, the leading rookie is hoping to get back on track, and an overall winner of the “Dells Duels” must be crowned.

Although his season had gone stunningly well heading into Madison, even Bill Prietzel was not immune to a relatively high attrition rate at “Wisconsin’s Fastest Half-mile.” Prietzel seized control of the first session of the “Split 50” and seemingly was on cruise control after pulling away on two early restarts. While sprinting away from the field, a cloud of smoke poured from Prietzel’s car indicating that his chances at his second consecutive win were through.

According to Prietzel’s web site, he and his wife Jan brought their engine to the builders to be repaired the following day.

Prietzel’s bad luck allowed Paul Neisius to cut the deficit in season standings by more than half. Heading into MIS, Prietzel held a 61 point advantage over Neisius. With a fifth place finish overall, Neisius was able to bring the margin down to a slim 28 markers.

While Neisius was able to make his return trip to Hastings, Minn., with a positive result, his cousin, Justin, left MIS scratching his head. Mid-American’s leading rookie contender finished eighth in the first segment and started inside-second row in the second segment. Something was clearly wrong for Justin Neisius from the drop of the green as cars sped to his right and left. Two laps into the second 25, Justin Neisius was forced to retire with the same ailment as Prietzel.

The afternoon could have been just as successful for the 2008 Elko Speedway champion as he was poised to move into the top trio in MASCS standings. With a DNF in the second 25, Neisius was leap-frogged by Mark Pluer and Lyle Nowak. For his troubles, he was awarded the Wehrs Machine Hard Luck Award.

On the contrary to Prietzel’s situation, Justin Neisius extended his lead in the rookie battle. His main competition, Matt Pyburn, has been sidelined for the year with a knee injury. Although Pyburn had a substitute driver, Eugene Gregorich Jr., points are awarded only to the driver. By attending MIS, Neisius put a stranglehold on the rookie of the year title.

Neisius also had some worries as to a new power plant for DRP and hopes to have his machine back in working order for this Saturday. He, his cousin Paul, Prietzel and several others are eligible to complete in the eight-car, ten-lap Hankscraft Inc. “Dash for the Duel” presented by Wintergreen Resort and Conference Center.

The dash pits the drivers with the best average finishes in the first two events at DRP against each other to see who will stand alone at the top. It will be run as the first Mid-American event of the evening on Saturday. The competitors will be pulled from their respective heat races in order to run the event. Competitors include: Tom McClintock, Brian Back, Mark Pluer, the Neisius’, Prietzel, Mike Beyer and the Wild Card pick which will be announced during opening ceremonies.

Hankscraft Inc., donated extra money that makes the “Dash for the Duel” worth more than twice that of a normal heat race. They also will give out the “Dells Duels” plaque for the second consecutive year. Wintergreen Resort and Conference Center donated a total of three rooms and two meals. The winner will receive a room and the two free meals and two other drivers will be selected at random for one of the remaining rooms.

After the “Dash for the Duel” the drivers will settle in and prepare for the 40-lap “September Showdown” feature event.

Mid-American will be joined by a whopping 8 divisions at DRP on Saturday. Qualifying begins at 4 p.m.

Dells Raceway Park is located on Smith Road just outside of Wisconsin Dells, WI. For more information visit www.dellsracewaypark.com

For more information about the Mid-American Stock Car Series, including results, the current 2009 standings, the 2009 schedule and driver information please visit www.midamericanracing.com