By: Kevin Ramsell
WEST SALEM, WI (Thursday, October 01, 2009) – This week…20 divisions which includes six late model divisions, over 500 cars, over 1,000 campers, and over 1,300 laps of racing will fall upon La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway for the 40th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend in West Salem, WI. The annual event will bring competitors and racers together for four days of racing, fun and fellowship on October 8-9-10-11, 2009.

For many, Oktoberfest will begin on Monday, October 5 at noon when the Camper Village officially opens. “One of the unique things about Oktoberfest is our Camper Village,” Dave Noelke, Camper Village Mayor said. “This really adds to the character of this great Midwest racing event. Many first time visitors to Oktoberfest are just amazed with the number of campers that stay within the fairgrounds.”

Mayor Dave and his crew have been busy marking off the sites in preparation for the parade of motorhomes and campers that will start arriving on Monday.

La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway will be open for practice this Saturday, October 3 from 11 am to 3 pm and Wednesday, October 7 from 5 pm to 7:30 pm.

For the fans coming to the four-day event, the recommendation is to purchase a multi-day wristband. This will give you grandstand admission and post-race party admission. Plus you can avoid the rush and guarantee yourself a great seat.

This year’s four-day wristband is $80 per person (ages 5 and under is FREE), this is a savings of $15 if you purchased and individual admission each day.

Not planning on coming all four days, no worries. There will be a three-day wristband (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) for $65. Or you can purchase a Friday & Saturday or a Saturday & Sunday wristband for $40.

The wristbands will be available at the box office only starting on Thursday, October 8.

There is also a special reserved grandstand section down by turn one, please call 608-786-1525 for availability.

Competitors are reminded to review the 2009 Oktoberfest Race Weekend Competitors Guide, available online at www.oktoberfestraceweekend.com, for entry forms, rules, what to do when you arrive at the Speedway, pit parking, and pit pass prices.

The American Speed Association Midwest Tour, ASA Late Model North Series, and Mid-American Stock Car Series entry forms are also available at the Oktoberfest website as well.

Along with the racing action, there will be plenty of other activities for the fans and competitors over the four days of racing. On Friday at 2:15 p.m. it’s the annual Pet Costume Parade. Saturday will have the Memorabilia Show starting at 9:00 a.m. in the Exhibition Hall. In addition to the memorabilia show on Saturday is a 40th Anniversary get-together in the Big Red Barn, featuring a racers’ roundtable, photo op’s, autographs and Dick Trickle will be on hand to exchange stories. Sunday will feature the popular Charity Pancake Breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m., a Church Service at 8:00, and the Pumpkin Coloring Contest at 9:00 a.m. The on track fan/driver photo & autograph session will start at 9:15 a.m.

Competitors and fans are encouraged to visit www.oktoberfestraceweekend.com, the official website of the 40th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend. The site has all of the information you need for this year’s event including: schedules, ticket prices, competitors Guide, Entry Forms, History, Camper Village Information and area lodging information. You can also contact the track office at (608) 786-1525 or email lacrossespeedway@yahoo.com for more information.

Make your final plans now to be a part of the 40th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend!!!