FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (September 22, 2009) – In 2009, the Mid-American Stock Car Series’ only four-time champion decided to spread his wings and fly into action with the Big 8 Late Models. This Saturday, September 26 at Madison International Speedway, James Swan will return to nest behind the wheel of an MASCS racer.

Swan will be driving the number 8 Ford Taurus which is owned and normally driven by Muskego, Wis. driver Brian Holtz. In one guest driving appearance two weeks ago at the Slinger Speedway, Swan was victorious.

The victory was not Swan’s first encounter with that particular Mid-American car, however. When Swan returned to MASCS action in 2006, he was chased on the way to his second championship by that machine, which at the time was driven by George Schultz.

After the victory, the two former rivals were given a chance to reconnect. “I had to call George right away and let him know that I won in another one of his cars,” Swan said. The car Swan drove to championships in 2006 through 2008, owned by Adam Berge, was also previously owned by Schultz.

Berge has also stepped back into the picture as he has been working on the set up for Madison. “He’s been doing all the same stuff he used to do to his car,” Swan explained. “Hopefully when we get there it will be just as good as his car was, because it was really good at Madison.” In fact, Swan says Berge is working on getting the championship pit crew back together, as well.

Returning to Madison seems a bit ironic given Swan’s past history. “Wisconsin’s Fastest Half-mile” is one of very few tracks at which Swan has not been victorious. He came close in July of 2007 by setting fast time, winning his heat and taking the lead by the halfway point in the event’s 40-lap feature.

Then the MIS curse reared its ugly head at Swan. The engine expired and he backed into the wall, missing out on yet another win at the venue.

“The car was just phenomenal. That was the best handling car I ever had at that race track,” Swan recalled. “I guess the motor couldn’t hold on to the chassis. That is definitely the one I would love to have back.”

Swan will have two, or perhaps even three, chances to find victory lane at MIS this weekend. He will also be competing with the Madison Late Models Friday and, according to Swan, if the late model runs well, he will pull double duty between the two classes on Saturday. “Right now it looks like we’ll run just the Mid-Am car on Saturday; hopefully I can concentrate on it.”

If all goes well at Madison, and for Brian Holtz at Rockford, Swan also says he will return to La Crosse for Oktoberfest to defend his race championship from one year ago.

Qualifying for the Capitol Classic for the Mid-American Stock Car Series at MIS begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Racing begins at 6 p.m. with Mid-American scheduled to run a 40-lap feature.

Madison International Speedway is located a half mile off of WI Hwy 138 on Sunrise Rd in Oregon, WI. For more information visit www.madisoninternationalspeedway.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