FOUNTAIN CITY, Wis. – Several people gathered at the Hilltop Bar and Ballroom high atop the bluffs of Fountain City, Wis., to honor the final track champions and drivers of the historic three-cornered track.

Now but a memory, Tri-Oval Speedway honored first-time champions in all but one of its classes. When the track opens back up in the Spring, it will be a 3/8-mile oval tearing out of the gates at Mississippi Thunder Speedway with new management.

Brad Waits of Zumbrota, Minn., found his way to the front multiple times in 2008 which led to his first Tri-Oval Track Championship in the USRA Modified division while also capturing his second consecutive American Racer USRA Weekly Racing Series title.

Josh Angst made it twice as nice, also finishing second place in the USRA Modifieds.

2007 champion Bob Timm remained strong, finishing third while Paul Hamernik and John Doelle finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Trophies were also awarded to drivers in the Wissota Street Stocks, Wissota Midwest Modifieds, Wissota Super Stocks, Hornets, Outlaw Mini Peewees, Outlaw Mini Juniors and Outlaw Mini Seniors.

Special awards, as voted via the track website, were presented to several drivers. Timm received the plaque for the Best Looking Car. Angst was voted Fan Favorite.

Coming on board with Mississippi Thunder Speedway in 2009 will be River City Manufacturing & Machining as the USRA Modified class sponsor.

A big thanks go to the many people and businesses who helped make the banquet a success, including but not limited to Hank’s Racing Supply, Maxim Graphics, Mississippi Welders, Windy Ridge Motor Sports, Motor Parts & Equipment, Lou Fegers Racing Equipment, The Engine Store, Fastenal and Coca-Cola.

And so closes a book in racing history. Tri-Oval Speedway is no more. Possibilities, dreams and new history are to be made with the new Mississippi Thunder Speedway.

The season opener is scheduled for Friday, April 17, and the start time will be 7 p.m. Keep an eye on the track website at www.mississippithunder.com for updates and information leading up to the grand opening of the Mississippi Thunder Speedway.