September 24, 2013

(West Salem, WI) – While racing doesn’t get underway for the 44th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend until October 3rd, for hundreds of fans, the event traditionally kicks off three days prior.

That kickoff is known as “opening day” for the popular Oktoberfest Camper Village.

The Camper Village has become a landmark for both fans and racers throughout the upper Midwest over the past decade.

It is that same Camper Village where the nighttime glow of campfires is seen throughout, and that campfire smell can be scented all over the fairgrounds.

It is that same Camper Village where fans flock to year after year to meet up with their racing friends, many of whom they may only see annually.

It is that same Camper Village that is sold out on advanced reserved spaces and has its own waiting list for reservations.

Fear not, campground visitors, as there is plenty of room to bring along and park your camper even if you do not have a reserved space. A large portion of the grounds is available for “first-come, first-served” parking, at no fee.

Camper Village opens on Monday, September 30th when the gates are opened by OJ Romskog at Noon. Romskog, a LaCrosse Interstate Fairgrounds employee for over 30 years, looks forward to this each year. “I have met a lot of great people over the years that are a part of the Oktoberfest Race Weekend,” commented Romskog. “I look forward to Oktoberfest every year and have gotten to know some of the fans quite well. Last year I got to wave the green flag for the campers as they pulled into the grounds on opening day. We look forward to having all of them back here next week,” concluded Romskog.

Yes, there will be thousands of laps taking place on the track next week with hours of open practice and hours of racing action on the track.

The convenience of the Camper Village allows fans to come and go during the day and see what’s going on at the track, and what’s going on elsewhere, or they can simply just relax at the camper for a while.

Off-track activities are aplenty. Friday and Saturday night’s after-race parties are held in the Exhibition Hall, include live music from the band, “The Freezers.”

Fans and their pets can participate in a pet costume parade on Friday afternoon. It has been a tradition for over 20 years, where fans in the campground bring their pets and dress up in halloween costumes, have a parade in the campground’s midway, and award trophies at the end.

More recently, a cornhole tournament has been held, and is again scheduled at noon on Friday and Saturday. A memorabilia show will take place all day on Saturday in the Exhibition Hall, and for the youngsters, there’s the pumpkin coloring contest during the 4-H Charity pancake breakfast Sunday morning, also in the Exhibition hall.

New this year, is the return of the popular pre-race on-track driver autograph session. It is scheduled to be held on Saturday afternoon, October 5th after qualifying, time permitting. Fans will get the chance to visit with the stars and cars of the ARCA Midwest Tour, Big-8 Series and Mid-American Stock Car Series.

The first green flag for the 44th Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend takes place on Thursday night, October 3rd, but for many it begins on Monday, September 30th with the opening of Camper Village. So make your plans now to be part of this festive fun event, September 30th- October 6th at West Salem’s LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway.

For more information about the LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway, please visit lacrossespeedway.com or contact the office at 608-786-1525. Additional information about the Oktoberfest race weekend can be found at www.oktoberfestraceweekend.com.

LaCrosse Speedway is the only NASCAR Sanctioned Weekly Racing Paved Oval in Wisconsin; a proud NASCAR Hometrack.

Oktoberfest Race Weekend Reserved
Tickets Available
Tickets are now available for the Oktoberfest Race Weekend’s Reserved Seating Grandstand. The Reserved Grandstand is located in turn one of the grandstand area, with a breathtaking view of both the quarter mile and five-eighths mile ovals. null

Tickets are $20 on Thursday night, Oct. 3rd, and they are $25 each day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Call the Speedway office at 608-786-1525 to get your reserved seats while supplies last!