Midwest Truck Series History at the Dixieland
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(Kaukauna, Wis.) - The Midwest Truck Series returns to Wisconsin International Raceway on Tuesday, August 4, for the Dixieland Delight 35 presented by Zentner's Auto. This year's event marks the eighth appearance for the Midwest Truck Series as part of the historic Dixieland August special.
Since the inaugural Dixieland 40 in 2010, the series has delivered unforgettable finishes, breakthrough victories, and great racing. Before another chapter is added Tuesday night, let's take a look back at the history of the Midwest Truck Series at the Dixieland.
The story began in 2010 when the Midwest Truck Series made its Dixieland debut with a 40-lap feature. Current series owner John Wood held off his brother, Jerry Wood, to claim the inaugural victory.
After a 10-year hiatus, the series returned in 2020, where Bryce Miller held off multi-time Midwest Truck Series champion James Swan to score his first career series victory.
The trend of first-time winners continued in 2021. James Lynch battled veteran Brad "J.J." Mueller in one of the most exciting races in event history. The pair exchanged the lead multiple times before Lynch emerged victorious for his first Midwest Truck Series win.
In 2022, longtime Wisconsin International Raceway standout Tom Gee added his name to the winner's list. A familiar face on the WIR half-mile in both Late Models and Super Late Models, Gee finally captured his second Midwest Truck Series victory, and none sweeter than a home Dixieland win.
Another classic followed in 2023. Veteran Brad Mueller and Brandon Reichenberger traded the lead several times in a hard-fought battle, but Mueller led the only lap that mattered, the final one, to capture the coveted Dixieland Delight 35 trophy.
The 2024 edition continued the trend of breakthrough victories. Grant Griesbach held off defending winner Brad Mueller to earn his first Midwest Truck Series victory. Griesbach has since gone on to win Super Late Model track championships at both Wisconsin International Raceway and Slinger Speedway.
Last year's race may have been the most memorable of them all. WIR regular Nick Van became yet another first-time Midwest Truck Series winner after an incredible duel with WIR standout and defending Midwest Truck Series champion Brandon Reichenberger. The two raced side-by-side for lap after lap, battling each other hard but clean. When the checkered flag flew, it was Van celebrating one of the biggest wins of his career.
Twenty-four trucks are entered for Tuesday night's Dixieland Delight 35 presented by Zentner's Auto, and the field is stacked with contenders.
Former Midwest Truck Series champions Brandon Reichenberger and James Swan both return looking to check one race off their bucket list. Despite their championship resumes, neither driver has captured a Dixieland Delight victory, and both have made it clear this is one they want badly.
Defending winner Nick Van is back to defend his title, while 2024 winner Grant Griesbach looks to become the event's first repeat winner. Current points leader, and 2021 champion, Tristan Swanson and third-place driver Blake Brown (2014 champion) also enter the night as championship contenders looking to add one of Wisconsin's most prestigious victories to their resumes.
If history has proven anything, it's that the Dixieland Delight 35 has a way of producing unforgettable moments. Another classic could be waiting when the green flag drops on Tuesday night.
Tickets for the Gandrud Auto Group 250 are on sale now, and fans are encouraged to purchase in advance to save money and skip the lines on race day. Advance general admission tickets are $25, while race day admission is $30. Kids 12 and under are admitted FREE with a paid adult.
Grandstand gates open at 4:00 p.m., with racing beginning at 6:30 p.m.
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