Doug and Julie Strasburg | Series Co-OwnersFour years after they wed in 1990, Doug and Julie Strasburg embarked on what has become another long term relationship by joining the Mid-American Stock Car Series. From 1994 to 1998 Doug served in many different areas from competition director, to tech director, to starter with Julie right by his side.
The Strasburgs felt a bond with the competitors associated with Mid-American and considered them part of their extended family. However, an opportunity to expand their horizons in racing led the Strasburgs south in 1999. Doug and Julie accepted the dual track manager position at I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, MO and Speedway USA in Bolivar, MO, for the 1999 season. Then in 2000, Doug served as Technical Director for the American Speed Association.
After those experiences, Mid-American was waiting with open arms for the Strasburgs. They joined up with series founder and owner Gary Vercauteren in 2001 but took a leave after that season, citing a difference in philosophy.
Although Vercauteren and the Strasburgs did not work as closely as they had in the past, Doug and Julie still kept in contact with Gary and advised him on several issues after the 2001 season. They also held close contact with Mid-American competitors who had been with the series since its infancy.
Then, on a very sad day of Oktoberfest 2005, the racing community learned of the loss of Gary Vercauteren. Mid-American was set to have their Oktoberfest feature that Saturday. The Strasburgs were there to administer the event and speak with MASCS competitors. A few weeks later, the Strasburgs were also in attendance to oversee the final race of that season, a rain date of the National Short Track Championships at Rockford.
After some discussion during that offseason, the decision was made. The Strasburgs purchased the Mid-American Stock Car Series from Gary’s widow Kay in January of 2006.
Since that time, Mid-American has seen an increase in car counts and new tracks willing to host an event. The Strasburgs have brought their philosophy of keeping things simple to the series and it has paid dividends.
Perhaps that philosophy can be discovered somewhere in Doug’s past. Doug began racing in the 70s, when racing was much more “simple.” Doug, a Vietnam veteran, raced regularly against drivers such as Dick Trickle, Tom Reffner, Joe Shear, Dave Watson, John Ziegler, Marv Marzofka, Larry Detjens, Conrad Morgan, Al Schill, Mike Miller, Ted Musgrave, and Allan Kulwicki at some of his favorite venues across the Midwest including I-70 in Odessa, MO and Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna, WI.
When he retired from racing Doug began working on the other side of the catch fence. He served as competition director, tech director and starter for eight different race tracks and two different racing series from 1982 to the present.
Six years into that stretch, Doug was working as a school bus mechanic. As fate would have it, he met a vivacious, young bus driver who would someday become known as “The First Lady” of the Mid-American Stock Car Series.
Julie had never been to a race before she met Doug. Lest she become a short track widow, Julie decided to join Doug each and every week while he flagged at Jefferson Speedway from 1990 to 1993. While some may sit by and watch, Julie decided to get involved herself. She began by doing payouts at Mid-American events and soon found herself in pit registration lines throughout tracks in the Midwest. You can witness her smiling face first hand by registering for passes at Oktoberfest Race Weekend at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway.
Aside from all of those duties, Julie works as a floral designer, office manager of a custom wrought iron shop and a substitute school bus driver. If that isn’t enough, she fills the remainder of her free time by collecting teddy bears, playing piano and singing.
Doug and Julie also share a deep and growing faith in the principals of the Bible, God’s Holy Word. This provides them the assurance of eternal salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
It may have been a long road for Doug and Julie Strasburg to get to where they are with Mid-American, but the experiences have certainly paid off. Their knowledge and expertise has given Mid-American an incredible boost in the past three seasons and most certainly will keep the series moving in the right direction as it approaches its 20th season.
