Mid-American Racing Staff PhotoThird in a Series Introducing Mid-American’s Rookie Class of 2010
FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (March 31, 2010) – The 11th year may be the final for Crystal Wood. If so, one of the greatest pioneers for women in Wisconsin short track racing history hopes to end her career as Mid-American Stock Car Series rookie of the year.
For the past six seasons the Denmark, Wis., driver has balanced a career and raising her twin daughters with the sport she loves. With her family on her mind, Wood seems at ease with the thought of 2010 being her last season.
“You kind of run out of time for things you want to do,” Wood said in reference to her daughters becoming more active. “We figured this is probably going to be our last year, so why not try for [rookie of the year].”
Last season Wood attempted a run at the rookie of the year title, but was only able to attend five races, leaving her eligible to try again this season.
In those five events Wood qualified for three features. She logged a 10th place finish at 141 Speedway, a 13th place finish at Norway Speedway and a 20th place finish at Dells Raceway Park.
An abbreviated schedule in 2009 with Mid-American and a part-time schedule at 141 gave Wood a few lessons on how to attack this year’s campaign.
“It’s interesting to go to all the different tracks. It really challenges you to test what you know,” she said. “You’re in such a routine. You know the ins and outs of the track you race at every week. So when you travel, it’s a challenge.”
The decision to hit the road with Mid-American was made a little easier for Wood when 141 Speedway decided to go dirt for 2010. Wood said she hopes for the best for the facility, but will miss the convenience and tradition of going to her home track.
“It was hard because we raced there 11 years, plus I had worked there when they first opened the doors,” she said. “Every Saturday night for 13 years all we did was go to the race track.”
Wood possesses a strong résumé of racing at 141. She began her career in 2000 in the Enduro Series, racing to a 3rd place finish in standings. The next two seasons Wood participated in the hobby stock division. She won the title in 2002. Her championship was the first for a woman on the asphalt in the state of Wisconsin.
After the historic championship, Wood moved up a class to the super stocks. Through three seasons she won multiple features and finished fifth in standings in 2005.
The Mid-American division was the next step up for Wood in 2006. That year she was named rookie of the year in the division and finished sixth in standings. After a fourth place finish the next season, the table was set for Wood to make some more history.
In 2008 Wood grabbed the checkered flag when the Mid-American Stock Car Series came to town. She was the first woman to win in MASCS competition, doing so in front of a raucous crowd at 141 Speedway.
“That was pretty big for me because of the amount of talent in the series. To actually win was amazing,” Wood said. “When you can compete with guys who have been doing this forever, it’s pretty awesome.”
Although Wood is forever etched into the Mid-American history books for her win at 141, she knows that challenges await her in 2010.
“I hope to qualify into all of the shows,” she said. “That is always a big hang up. Finishing a few features might help too,” Wood joked.
Sponsoring Wood in 2010 are Highview Custom Fabricating, Heyroth Mini Storage, Crow Bar & Grill, Peli's Pub & Grill, Bradley Gun Sales, Dalebroux Meats, Behrmann's Round – Up, New Homestead Realty, Animals' Pizzeria.
Her crew will consist of her father Terry, mother JoDee, husband Don, Bomber, Kathy, John, Jesse, and Pete. She said anyone else who wants to come along for the ride is welcome as well.
The first event for Wood’s run at rookie of the year and Mid-American’s 18th season is scheduled for Sunday, April 18 at Rockford Speedway in Loves Park, Ill. Mid-American will join the BRP Big 8 late models for the 33rd Annual Spring Classic.
Rockford Speedway is located at 9572 Forest Hills Road seven miles north of downtown Rockford, just two miles west of Interstate 90 at the intersection of Forest Hills Road and Highway 173 in Loves Park, Ill. For more information visit www.rockfordspeedway.com
For more information about the Mid-American Stock Car Series, including the full 2010 schedule and driver information visit www.midamericanracing.com.
This article was posted to the website on March 31st, 2010 • Click to view all related content in the following categories
