Matt Kenseth Wins Short Track Auto Race in Wisconsin, Son Ross Kenseth Finishes 3rd

NASCAR drivers Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart took a break from their schedules and competed in the 100 lap Swiss Colony All Star Challenge stock car race at Madison International Speedway near Madison, Wisconsin on June 29th. Back before he was on the big circuit, Kenseth used to race at Madison International, and still returns every year to a large appreciative crowd. Matt usually brings another top driver along and Tony Stewart made a return trip this year, giving small track race fans a chance to see two top drivers compete against the local guys.

Kenseth grew up in Cambridge, Wisconsin, and the half mile Madison International was one of the tracks he competed on as a young stock car driver. He is slated to race at another Wisconsin small track, Slinger Speedway on July 11th; he had another event in Ohio earlier in the month. Stewart is even busier, racing in five extra events in a two week period. Both drivers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere away from the pressure filled NASCAR Sprint Cup circuit. Kenseth is currently seventh in the Sprint Cup standings, and Stewart is ninth.

Matt Kenseth qualified for the pole position for the race, while Stewart was back at the 29th slot in the 41 car field. Also in the field was Matt's son, 17 year old Ross Kenseth.Ross is already a pretty fair driver himself on the small track circuit. He won a 100 lap race on June 5th at Elko, Minnesota. Ross Kenseth qualified twelfth for the Madison race.

Small track races can be very competitive, and with the advantage of being familiar with the track, the local drivers can compete well with the NASCAR guys. The fans got their money's worth. This race was down to the wire as Matt Kenseth passed Steve Carlson of West Salem, Wisconsin on the final turn of the last lap to take the checkered flag. Carlson was second, Ross Kenseth finished third, and Tony Stewart was 15th.

Events such as these are great PR for auto racing, and for the drivers that take the time to participate. The next stop on the Sprint Cup schedule is the Coke Zero 400 July 3rd at Daytona Beach Florida, a race won last year by Tony Stewart.

Sources embedded, also:

Stewart, Kenseth Enjoy Break From Rat Race madison.com

Matt Kenseth Official Website

Ross Kenseth Official Website

The Swiss Colony All Star Race Results