Did You know…
Two current Fox Sports NASCAR analysts have competed at Oktoberfest?
Clint Bowyer competed in 2003 and finished 16th in the NASCAR Midwest Series Oktoberfest 250 that was won by Tim Schendel.
Jamie MacMurray competed in the 1999 NASCAR Challenge Series Oktoberfest 200 in 1999. He finished 23rd in the race that was won by Eddie Hoffman.
Around the Fest Grounds
While the main focus will be exciting racing action, there will be more fun & games for fans and participants throughout the four days.
Thursday, October 5th, will kick off with the annual cornhole tournament in the Big Red Barn at noon. After the races on Thursday night, head on into the Exhibition Hall for 2023 La Crosse Division Track Champion Reception with a live DJ.
Friday, October 6th, day two of the Cornhole tournament will get underway at noon in the Big Red Barn. The always popular Pet Costume Parade starts at 2pm outside the Exhibition Hall. The band “Moniker” will take the stage in the Exhibition Hall after the races.
Saturday, October 7th, a busy Saturday will start early with the Memorabilia Show opening at 9am in the Big Red Barn. A Racing T-Shirt Swap will also be happening in the Big Red Barn at 10am. The Exhibition Hall will feature live music from 1-5pm. After the races, head on over to the Exhibition Hall with “Blue Collar 40” taking the live music stage.
Sunday, October 8th, start the final day with a hearty pancake breakfast starting at 7am in the Exhibition Hall. Kids will be able to participate in a Pumpkin Coloring Contest at 9am in the Exhibition Hall. The popular On-Track Autograph Session will start at 10:45am on the frontstretch. The Annual Racers Reunion starts at 11am in the Hospitality Chart down at turn one.
“Lightning Lowell” Returns
Via a Facebook post, Lowell Bennett has announced that he is returning to compete at Oktoberfest for the first time since 1986. The seven-time Slinger Super Speedway track champion, five-time Slinger Nationals winner, six-time Wisconsin International Raceway Red, White, and Blue champion, and two-time WIR track champion is hoping to add an Oktoberfest Race Weekend to his impressive resume. The last time Bennett competed at Fest was in the Oktoberfest 100 in 1986 where he finished 19th. The event was won by Rich Bickle Jr.
La Crosse Speedway Championships Decided at Fest
The La Crosse Kwik Trip Late Models will be busy on Thursday and Friday as they will have two 20-lap feature events each night. Skylar Holzhausen will be coming into Fest with a 67-point lead over Brent Kirchner in the championship standings.
There is a tight point battle in the La Crosse Line-X Sportsmen division and their title will be decided on Thursday night. Only 13 points separate Andy Barney, Justin Berg, and Bob Fort in the standings. They will have a 20-lap feature event to decide the championship.
The La Crosse Skyline Fireworks Hornets will also have a 20-lap feature to decide their championship. Ben Thurk holds a 52-point lead over Jacob Iverson in the standings.
Robert Stanfield holds a 78-point lead over Matt Miller in the La Crosse Auto Value 6-Shooters leading up to their championship 20-lap feature event.
