6/19/2020
Wissota Late Model Challenge Series
2020 Structural Buildings WISSOTA Late Model Challenge Series Status
St. Augusta, MN (June 19, 2020) - It is with deep sadness and regret that the 2020 Structural Buildings WISSOTA Late Model Challenge Series is cancelled for the season due to the uncertainty still felt by many tracks in the state of Minnesota. Officials with the series state concerns of fewer travelers and fans at events to provide high quality racing entertainment each night of the series.
“This has been a tough decision,” stated Carson Gramm, WISSOTA Executive Director. “This series is a great thing for the organization, the drivers that support it, the tracks that schedule the shows, and the fans. The potential for greatness in this series in the 2020 season has been lost due to the COVID-19 virus that is still causing many restrictions for race tracks on the schedule.”
This year Structural Buildings, headquartered in Becker, MN, became the new title sponsor of the series.
“As a very proud sponsor of Wissota Auto Racing, Structural Buildings is disappointed with the hard decision that Wissota was faced with in cancelling the 2020 challenge series season. While this not how we had foreseen the year going, we know that this decision was not made lightly. The Wissota officials have been wonderful to work with and we fully understand and support their decision to do what they feel is in the best interest of the fans, racers and tracks alike.
Our company looks forward to continuing our relationship with the organization and are excited to be a part of all the great things we know they have in store for us all in the 2021 racing season. Until then, we hope that you all stay safe and we can’t wait to see you at the tracks in 2021!”
~Structural Buildings, Proud Sponsors of the WISSOTA Late Model Challenge Series
Series regulars were obviously concerned about the season in regards to point funds and the number of shows that would be able to be run. The pandemic already forced the cancellation of 3 shows, and it could cost the series more shows in the near future. “A shorter series is not a series and to call it that would be a discredit to the history of the series as we know it,” said John Kaanta.
“It’s too bad we can’t have the challenge series this year, but we are still racing as much as possible,” said Pat Doar. “COVID has us all kind of running the B main. I am still going to the tracks that have late model races, and am gonna race as much as possible. Next year we can get back to “normal,” without the COVID restrictor plate.”
With only 5 shows on the schedule outside the state of Minnesota, WISSOTA officials still encourage and hope that drivers support the shows that can still run the date as a special event. WISSOTA officials discussed the series in depth with all promoters that were on the schedule. A majority of the promoters felt that given the unknown it is the best decision that the organization could make at this time.
Looking forward to 2021, Gramm has hinted towards a complete restructuring of the series which would “give the series the potential to be at more tracks and some for the first time.” Other potential new perks to the series are being developed with media partners, sponsors, and point funds or travel bonuses.
“Though a cancellation was the last thing we wanted to do, it does give our organization time to discussion the future of the series with key sponsors, tracks, and drivers,” stated Gramm. “Fans and drivers can expect a whole new look for the series in 2021.”
Structural Buildings is a General Contractor that has been proudly constructing dreams throughout the Midwest since 1985. We design and construct a wide array of building types from post-frame, steel-frame, masonry, stud wall frame, SIP panel, and tilt-up concrete; ensuring our ability to provide the best type of building to meet all of our customer’s individual needs. Whether they want an Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial or Residential Building our team has the expertise to exceed all of their expectations.
With 35 years of proven growth, quality buildings, and excellent customer service at every point of contact, we look forward to helping you make your building dreams a reality too! Find us online at www.structuralbuildings.com or call us today at 1(800)535-9722!
Submitted By: Carson Gramm