2010 News and Rumor - January and February
Dirt Racing
Central Wisconsin Race Expo - Rental Form (02-15-10)
More than 200 drivers, crew members and track officials were honored for their efforts as 141 Speedway in Francis Creek hosted it’s 2009 season awards banquet at Knox’s Silver Valley Banquet Hall in Manitowoc Saturday night. Whitelaw’s Daryl Gerke teamed up with Green Bay’s Brett Piontek to capture the Tisler Salvage Mid American Sportsman crown. During the last third of the season Gerke had injuries that prevented him from racing, and Piontek drove his car, and the pair earned enough points to beat out Manitowoc’s Travis Groelle for the title. Press Release (02-15-10)
More than 300 drivers, crew members and track officials officially put the wraps on the 2009 racing season at Luxemburg Speedway at Potts Beverly Gardens in Denmark Saturday, as track champions were crowned in the track’s five weekly divisions during the annual awards banquet. Capturing his unprecedented 7th IMCA modified track title, Seymour veteran Brian Mullen took to the podium. Mullen beat out former IMCA national champion Jared Siefert by nine points to capture the crown. Press Release (01-31-10)
Kasey Kahne Racing will field a two car team on the World of Outlaws trail again in 2010, pitting veteran Joey Saldana, who led the World of Outlaws with 20 A-Feature wins last year, with rookie Cody Darrah, who scored his first win with the series last fall at his home track of Williams Grove Speedway. The pair will kick off the 2010 campaign February 5-7 with the 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by the University of Northwestern Ohio at Volusia Speedway Park, just down the road from Daytona, where their boss will be in action. Press Release (01-27-10)
Champions will abound at Volusia Speedway Park when the World of Outlaws open the 2010 season with the 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by the University of Northwestern Ohio, February 5-7. Leading the way will be Steve Kinser, Donny Schatz and Danny Lasoski, who have combined to win each of the last 10 World of Outlaws titles. Press Release (01-25-10)
The fastest dirt race cars in the Midwest will embark upon Wisconsin’s newest third-mile, clay oval in 2010. 141 Speedway in Francis Creek will host the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw 410 sprint car series Sunday night, May 30. The event will be the maiden voyage for the Midwest’s premier sprint car series, as the track was converted from a quarter-mile, paved oval last Fall, to a high-banked, third mile clay oval before the snow flew. “We’re pretty excited to be coming to 141 Speedway, without question,” said IRA Outlaw president Steve Sinclair. Press Release (01-19-10)
Volusia Speedway Park laid down the challenge a month ago. Are you a Fan of February? Dirt track fans from across North America responded, and four of them are being rewarded with a free hotel stay and two tickets to the Feb. 2-13 Florida DIRTcar Nationals By UNOH. Winners from New Mexico, New York, Oregon and South Dakota are excited to start the racing season with all of the competitors from the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, the Super DIRTcar Series and UMP DIRTcar Racing at Volusia Speedway Park, just down State Road 40 from Interstate 95 and Ormond Beach. Press Release (01-18-10)
Everything is bigger in Texas, especially when the World of Outlaws come to town. For the second consecutive year, the Texas Two-Step Weekend will bring the best sprint car drivers in the world to the Lone Star State for two full nights of racing on March 12-13. Joey Saldana, who led the World of Outlaws with 20 main event wins in 2009 in his Kasey Kahne Racing car, swept all three of the World of Outlaws events in Texas last season. He looks to extend his win streak on Friday, March 12, at Lone Star Speedway in Kilgore and on Saturday, March 13, at Houston Raceway Park in Baytown. Saldana's '09 wins at Houston Raceway Park and Lone Star Speedway were the first of his career at those tracks. Press Release (01-18-10)
World of Outlaws News & Notes - January 17th (01-18-10)
Luxemburg Speedway track manager Rick Goral has announced a driver’s informational meeting will be held Friday, February 5 at Northbrook Country Club at 7 p.m. At this meeting drivers will be able to purchase their pit stalls – front row stalls go for $100 and all other spots will be $50. An update will be provided on the East Town Mall car show April 10 and 11. Drivers will receive informational packets as well. Press Release (01-17-10)
141 Speedway track management has announced a meeting for any driver who wishes to race at Wisconsin’s newest, third-mile, clay oval will be held Saturday, January 23 at 1 p.m. a the track’s sports bar, the Victory Lane Pub. Track memberships will be sold. Pit stalls will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Paved pit stalls will sell for $100, other gravel spots will sell for $50. “We have 47 paved pit stalls available for sale and like we did when it was pavement, we’ll make sure they’re cleaned off weekly,” said track promoter Bruce Conard. “We strongly urge any drivers who want to be part of our program in 2010 to attend. It should be an exciting year.” Press Release (01-15-10)
141 Speedway track management has announced the 2009 awards banquet will be held Saturday, February 13 at Knox’s Silver Valley Supper Club in Manitowoc. Track champions in the six weekly divisions will be crowned, and drivers who finished in the top 10 in points will be honored as well. Competitors who are track members and took part in at least 65 percent of the scheduled events are eligible for post season awards. Press Release (01-15-10)
With 2010 here and the season opening 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park just about three weeks away, Donny Schatz and Joey Saldana are still being lauded for their strong 2009 campaigns, as both were honored today by the North American 410 Sprint Car Poll. Schatz, who claimed his fourth consecutive World of Outlaws title last year, was voted the “Driver of the Year” by the North American 410 Sprint Car Poll for the fourth straight year. Saldana, who finished second in the “Driver of the Year” voting, received the “Wild Car Award” for his exciting performance in 2009 that saw him win a series-best 21 times overall with the World of Outlaws. Press Release (01-15-10)
Since joining forces with Tod Quiring and Big Game Motorsports near the end of the 2009 season, Craig Dollansky has been counting the days until the 2010 season opening 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park. Three straight nights of racing await the World of Outlaws at the DIRTcar Nationals beginning on February 5. Dollansky has won the overall crown in the season opening event in the Sunshine State in two of the last three seasons. He will pilot the Big Game Treestands Maxim which will be adorned with the No. 7, a number he has raced under for much of his career. Press Release (01-15-10)
Racing against tough competition night in and night out will be nothing new for Cody Darrah this coming season as he contends for the World of Outlaws Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Award, beginning at the 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park, February 5-7. For each of the last four seasons he has raced in Central Pennsylvania against stout competition wherever he went and won his fair share of races, while continuing to hone his skills behind the wheel. Press Release (01-15-10)
Before heading back home from Australia, Donny Schatz picked up a $20,000 victory with the World Series Sprintcars at Brisbane International Speedway on Saturday. The four-time and defending World of Outlaws champion started on the pole after earning the most points in the preliminary program on Friday night. He would go on to pace all 50 laps of the contest to pick up the win over Brooke Tatnell and Garry Brazier. It was the third straight year that Schatz won the two-day World Series event at Brisbane. For Schatz it was his 11th career win with the World Series. Jason Sides also competed in the event, coming home 13th. Press Release (01-11-10)
Luxemburg Speedway track manager Rick Goral has announced the 2009 season awards banquet will be held Saturday, January 30 at Beverly Gardens in Denmark. Champions will be crowned in the IMCA modified, stock car, northern sportmod, hobby stock and sport four divisions. Drivers who finished in the top ten in points in each of the respective divisions will haul home hardware. Rookie-of-the-year awards will also be doled out, as well as the newly-named Walter Christensen Memorial Sportsmanship award. Press Release (01-5-10)
World of Outlaws News & Notes (01-5-10)
Asphalt Racing
2010 finds Jake (Zelinske) planning on racing the complete season in the Limited Late Model division of the Fox River Racing Club. Zelinske Motorsports (02-25-10)
The American Speed Association and Madison International Speedway have a long standing relationship. That relationship goes back to when the half-mile oval located south of Madison, WI hosted the popular ASA National Tour events. In 2004, it cemented itself in the ASA family by signing on as an ASA Member Track. "When I purchased MIS in 2003 I felt that the track should be a part of a strong sanctioning body and when Dennis Huth presented the ASA Member Track program to us, it was an easy decision to sign on," Terry Kunes, MIS Owner said. "There is no hesitation when it comes time for me to re-sign every year with ASA. They do a great job of promoting the Member Tracks along with providing a great insurance program for the racers." Press Release (02-25-10)
Joe Graziano and Lance Fielitz continue to look at how they can be creative and innovative to attract new and current race fans. As the owners of Dells Raceway Park, an ASA Member Track in Wisconsin Dells, WI, they are going into the 2010 season with some new ideas and updating some current ones. "We have made some changes to our 2010 lineup," Graziano said. "Our weekly show will feature late models rather than super late models as our top division. We have removed our Super Stock division and replaced it with a Sportsman division that will run the same rules as the new ASA Midwest Tour Sportsman Series and I think we will see a great car count from that division. Our Pure Stock and Bandit divisions will be back along with our new Six Shooter division." Press Release (02-25-10)
Central Wisconsin Race Expo - Rental Form (02-15-10)
2009 Season In Review: The Midwest Sportsman has relatively few tracks that the cars run on a weekly basis. The Slinger Super Speedway is one of those tracks, and every week this division puts on an exciting show. A total of thirty five drivers took to the high banks in 2009, and by season’s end there was a first time champion in Mike Borchardt Jr. Press Release (02-15-10)
Jesse Fuller Racing is proud to announce that Performance Motorsports will be the primary sponsor on both cars to be run weekly at wir. Opening soon Performance Motorsports LLC located HWY 10 in Whitelaw Wisconsin, conveniently located off I43 and centrally located to support racers in northeast Wisconsin. Performance Motorsports will provide new and used circle track racing supplies and equipment ranging from asphalt, dirt, to IMCA parts. This is a new venture to supply racers with parts when needed carring everything from nuts and bolts to complete turn key race cars. For more info please visit www.performancemotorsportsllc.com or www.jessefullerracing.com. (02-10-10)
MIS E-News February 9, 2010 (02-10-10)
Florida drivers Tim Russell, David Rogers and John Coffman along with Wisconsin's Rebecca Kasten are the first four drivers to pre-enter for the Super Late Model portion of next month's World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway (FL). Speed 51 (01-7-10) UPDATE: Rebecca Kasten is driving an ASA Crate Late Model car that Steve Carlson drove to many victories the last couple of seasons. Steve Carlson is helping Rebecca during the 9 nights of racing (02-9-10)
We understand Mike Higgins has purchased a late model car to race at Wisconsin International Raceway. No word if the car will be raced as a Limited Late Model or a Super Late Model. Mike use to race a super stock at Norway Speedway and then raced a super stock at WIR during the 2009 season. (02-9-10)
Opening soon Performance Motorsports LLC located HWY 10 in Whitelaw Wisconsin. Conveniently located off I43 and centrally locate to support racers in northeast Wisconsin. Performance Motorsports LLC will provide new and used circle track racing supplies and equipment ranging from asphalt, dirt, to IMCA parts. This is a new venture to supply racers with parts when needed, give your feedback, thoughts, ideas, what are you looking for. We want to carry what you need and have it in stock for your convenience, so what do you need? Email info@performancemotorsportsllc.com with your suggestions. (02-9-10)
Kevin Lang's Advanced Racing Motorsports team has signed Colin Reffner to drive their Super Late Model this year . Colin is the Grandson of Tom Reffner a Wisconsin Short Track Legend and nephew of ASA Champion and former Nascar Truck Series Standout Bryan Reffner. Dick Trickle has been consulting this effort over the phone with Lang on building this car and will come to Wisconsin to help coach Reffner this summer. The car will feature the #88 and Speed51.com has been told that it will have a retro 1980's paint scheme honoring "The Blue Knight" Tom Reffner and "The White Knight" Dick Trickle. Speed 51 (02-9-10)
American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay® Residential Suites Hotels driver Jacob Goede finished off an impressive 2009 season being crowned as the 2009 ASAMT Lane Automotive Rookie of the Year. Goede maintained his Touring Star status throughout the season. Finishing 8th in the final point standings guaranteed him a spot as an ASA Midwest Kwik Trip Touring Star for the 2010 season. Press Release (02-18-10)
MIS E-News Week of February 1, 2010 (01-31-10)
Tim Springstroh plans to race weekly at Wisconsin International Raceway in the Limited Late Model division. (01-27-10)
The Heights Convention Center in Verona, Wisconsin, was the venue for the annual Madison International Speedway banquet which honors the racing accomplishments of the drivers in the five weekly divisions in the 2009 season. A crowd of over 300 gathered for what proved to be a night not only to look back but to look ahead to the 2010 racing season. Press Release (01-27-10)
It was one of the hardest decisions he's had to make in his life, and that is exactly why he didn't take it lightly, nor did he make it without considerable contemplation. If you know Kevin Nuttleman, you know he sees the "big picture" of local racing better than almost anyone. The Bangor, Wis., driver, without a doubt, the most popular driver at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway for more than two decades, has decided to end his stellar 30-year racing career. LaCrosse Tribune (01-25-10)
We are hearing that Brent Strelka will be making a return to racing this season after taking a couple seasons off. (01-25-10)
Jordan Thiel tells us their plans are not locked down for the 2010 season, but they plan to run Wisconsin International Raceway weekly. (01-19-10)
The 2009 Slinger Super Speedway awards banquet was held on January 9th at the Chandelier Ballroom in Hartford, Wisconsin. Fellow drivers, crews, fans, and track staff all turned out to honor the champions of each division for the 2009 season. An early cocktail party followed by a catered dinner by Leroy Meats of Horicon, set the stage for the night’s festivities. Jim Tretow, Speed Channel pit reporter and host of the Racing Round Up radio show was the master of ceremonies and got the evening underway by thanking all the sponsors and staff who make all the great racing action at the track possible. Press Release (01-19-10)
Thrive to Drive Motorsports is planning on running the same schedule as they did in 2009, although that will depend on sponsorship. If sponsorship can't be secured the team will full time at WIR and select ASA Midwest Tour races. The team is building a brand new car for ASA tour and will be running their ASA car from last year at all WIR races. (01-18-10)
Daryl Gerke tells us he is building a new limited late model to race weekly at WIR this season. He plans to be there every week, but is looking for some sponsorship. (01-18-10)
State Park Speedway Racing Thursday Nights...rain date Sunday Afternoon. New for 2010! VIP Party Deck, Updated Concession Area, VIP Air Conditioned Indoor Seating, Tiki Bar, Expanded Pit Area, New Updated Bathrooms State Park Speedway. State Park Speedway (01-12-10)
Zack "Showtime" Riddle Joins Urban Force Racing! Urban Force Racing announced today that Brooklyn Wisconsin Hotshoe, Zack Riddle will join ABC Supply/Urban Force Racing for 2010. The team will field two cars for the 2010 season with Riddle piloting one of the Limited-Late Models that the team will campaign at Madison International Speedway. Urban Force Racing (01-12-10)
We understand Sawyer Effertz will run in the Limited Late Model division in 2010. Originally the plans on the teams website stated they were running in the Super Late Model series. (12-23-09) UPDATE: The shop has been busy since the gates closed in Sept at the track. Our Late Model is now a Limited Late Model and nearing completion for the 2010 season. We also abtained a Big 8 Series Car which Sawyer will run in a limited number of events in 2010. Don Doug and Pete have been busy completely rebuilding the Limited Late Model chassis up. The Pit Crew that helped Tom Sporowski win his Limited Championship has regrouped and signed on with Sawyer for 2010. Sawyer Effertz Racing (01-11-10)
NASCAR Champions Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart will return to Madison International Speedway (WI), for the 2010 Swiss Colony All-Star Challenge on Tuesday, June 29th. Speed 51 (01-11-10)
SAD NEWS: Long time racer Randy "Zoomin" Neumann, of DePere, died unexpectedly on Saturday morning, January 9, 2010 at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. Randy was 48. Randy longed for his health to improve so he could return to doing what he loved – working on and racing cars. Full Obituary (01-11-10)
Multiple racetracks as well as the BRP Big 8 Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet will utilize the new Hoosier 800 eight inch implement tire in 2010 for Weekly Late Model racing in Illinois and Wisconsin. The Hoosier Racing Tire compound will be utilized Fridays at Madison International Speedway and Saturday nights at Dells Raceway Park as well as Rockford Speedway. Speed 51 (01-7-10-)
We are looking for information to complete our 2010 Fox River Racing Club driver plans. (12-23-09) UPDATE: Updates are starting to come in ever couple of days. If you have any comfirmed information feel free to email Corey. (01-7-10)
John Meidam and team will be back racing weekly at Wisconsin International Raceway for the 2010 season. The team will have two cars at their disposal this year. The team has fixed the car that was wrecked hard during the 2009 season and that will be the primary car. (02-7-10)
We have been informed Barnaby Tomazevic has sold both his cars. Barnaby was offered a ride with another team, but has decided he won't drive at all this season. (01-4-10)
We stumbled upon Ultimate Racing History which is a website lets you view racing results from the 1960's to recent. You can search by track or by driver to find all results. Some races the full results where others only have partial results. (01-4-10)
The Chase'n Monday Motorsports team is hard at work both preparing the car and sponsor lineup for our 2010 season. The new 2010 Kolosso Toyota Camry body has been installed and will be painted later this month. Our schedule will be finalized in the coming weeks. We are planning on racing at WIR this season back with our Racetech Chassis searching for our first Late Model Championship. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks! Andy Monday.com (01-1-10)
(Sawyer Effertz Racing) We would like to welcome David Greene and Siesta Pool Creations as a Corporate Sponsor on our second car. Siesta Pool Creations will be displayed on both Big 8 Series cars in 2010. Sawyer Effertz Racing (01-1-10)
Touring Racing
Ron Varney has confirmed to Speed51.com that the ASA Late Model Series is in the final stages of discussions with a new series sponsor. Varney told 51 that those discussions are going very well and an announcement should be coming soon. We have received several calls and tips at the Speed51.com offices that sponsor could be Sunoco, but Varney would neither confirm or deny those reports. No matter who the sponsor is, we do see this as a very positive sign for short track racing during a difficult economic time. Speed 51 (02-19-10) UPDATE: We are told the Series will change it's name from the ASA Late Model Series to the Sunoco National Tour. Looks as though the series has a new website started which confirms this. http://www.sunoconationaltour.com (02-25-10)
The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay® Residential Suites Hotels welcomes TCI® as a contingency sponsor for the ASA Midwest Sportsman Tour in 2010. TCI® is built on excellence in products and unmatched customer satisfaction, which is why the relationship with the ASAMT works so well. Another proud member of COMP Performance Group™, TCI® offers the same superior customer service and technical support as all COMP Performance Group™ customers come to expect. With a highly trained technical staff, those at TCI® have the hands-on experience needed to ensure they find the right products for each customer. Press Release (02-25-10)
It's a laugh some days, how life works. Who knew, a year ago - that my racing life would be taking as many twists and turns as the road course at Watkins Glen in the US! Myself and my family are blessed right now to be surrounded by wonderful people and fantastic support - friends, family & colleagues. This week, England held the first ever international broadcast - the ESPN UK broadcast of the American Speed Association's Freestate 500 back on January 31st, in Welkom, Freestate, South Africa. Kudos to Kevin, Dennis & the hardworking team at the ASA in garnering so many broadcasts around the world of this event, that 100M potential viewers may watch this race. Racing, over the past year, has become truly global - and this Englishman is pretty happy about that! Press Release (02-25-10)
For more than 34 years, the COMP Cams® mission has never changed: to produce the highest-performing products possible, provide customers with superior service, and to lead the industry in technological development. The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay® Residential Suites Hotels is proud to have COMP Cams® as a contingency sponsor for the 2010 racing season. Press Release (02-22-10)
Three weeks after the historic event took place, race fans in the United States will finally get their opportunity to see the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 tonight (Monday, February 22, 2010) in some of the markets. The two-hour broadcast was produced by Carolina Production Group, Inc. with Rick Benjamin calling the play-by-play and Todd Lewis reporting from pit road. Sun Sports Network is available to 6.6 million households in the Florida Market will show the event at 9 p.m. EST. Press Release (02-22-10)
Carolina Productions Group, Inc. is putting the final touches and starting to ship the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 out to affiliates for their respective air dates which begins on Monday, February 22nd. DirecTV and Dish Satellite Network owners will have plenty of opportunities to watch the event that took place on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa. Press Release (02-18-10)
The list continues to grow for requests to broadcast the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 event that was ran on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa. The race will now be available to over 100 million households worldwide. "We've added a huge network, InCountry TV, which is exclusively on DirecTV CH 345 and Dish Network CH 230...adding 32 million households," Rick Benjamin, President of Carolina Production Group Inc. said. "As you can see we're above 100 million households for this historic telecast. That's a new record for us." Press Release (02-15-10)
The last two weeks will long be remembered for Tiff Daniels. Fresh off her seventh place finish at the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa, Daniels returned to her full-time job as an engineer Earnhardt Ganassi Racing where exactly two weeks later, she is part of the team that won the 52nd Annual Daytona 500. Press Release (02-15-10)
The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay® Residential Suites Hotels driver Nick Neville started racing quarter midgets at the age of nine. Since then Neville has found much success behind the wheel and added the ASAMT to his already impressive resume'. In his first season with the ASAMT, the Mackinaw, IL driver of the #32 Dixie Chopper Lawn Mowers sponsored Monte Carlo proved to the competition that he was one to be contended with. As an ASA Midwest Kwik Trip Touring Star, Nick competed in all 12 events and accumulated one top five and four top ten finishes including a 3rd place podium finish at Norway Speedway in Norway, MI. Press Release (02-15-10)
McKarns, John Russell, 65 of Tavares, Fl passed away on Tuesday, February 09, 2010 from complications of bladder cancer. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to Rolling Hills Community Church (note: Garden of Prayer/McKarns) P.O. Box 250, Zellwood, FL 32798-0250; or the American Cancer Society, or the charity of their own choosing. Memorial services will be held on Friday, February 12, at 2:00 p.m. at Rolling Hills Community Church on Hwy. 441 just west of Zellwood Station. A reception to greet the family will follow the ceremony. Press Release (02-9-10)
The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay® Residential Suites Hotels has received news that the racing community suffered a great loss today. ohn Russell McKarns (65) passed away earlier today, Tuesday, February 09, 2010 after his courageous battle with cancer. John was best known as the owner and promoter of the Artgo Challenge Series which ran from 1975-1997 before it was licensed to NASCAR in 1998. His hard work and love for racing helped build the careers of many great stock car drivers and most of all he always did it with a smile. John not only was a great promoter, but he was a great friend to so many and he will be greatly missed. All of us involved with the ASA Midwest Tour extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers to the entire McKarns family. Press Release (02-9-10)
The American Speed Association is starting receive tentative air dates for the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 event that took place on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa. Over 71 countries have requested a copy of the event to air in their area. Press Release (02-9-10)
The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay® Residential Suites Hotels driver Mark Kraus finished out the 2009 season tenth overall in the point standings only three points out of ninth position. The driver of the #9K Ford Fusion overcame some battles that many drivers have never had to face. Early in the season, Mark's car owner, Don Fanetti passed away from cancer. Mark was not sure if he would be able to continue racing. But Don's wife Marilyn continued to support Kraus and encouraged him all season long. Mark also assumed the role as car owner, crew chief, mechanic, and transporter driver throughout the entire 2009 season. Press Release (02-9-10)
Daytona Beach is busy this time of the year with all of the racing activities going on around the area. Starting on Monday, many race track and series promoters, including those within the American Speed Association family, will take part in the 37th Annual RPM (Racing Promotion Monthly) Promoters Workshop at the Hilton Daytona Beach Ocean Walk Village. Press Release (02-9-10)
The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay® Residential Suites Hotels is happy to announce that ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment is once again teaming up with the ASAMT as a co-presenting sponsor for the 2010 season. ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment first partnered with the ASAMT in its inaugural season in 2007 as a series presenting and pole award sponsor, presenting a piece of ECHO Power equipment to the pole award winner at each race. This relationship continues into the 2010 season. Press Release (02-9-10)
The inaugural ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 was won in dramatic style at Phakisa Freeway near Welkom this afternoon by Briton John Mickel in an RS Capp Chev Monte Carlo. Mickel, who started the 207-lap 500-km race from fourth on the 24-car grid, took the lead three-quarters of the way around the final lap to win by less than half a second from American Toni McCray (Lucas Oil Chev Monte Carlo) and 2,6 seconds ahead of American Marc Davis (WHUR 96.3/The Word Network/Marc Davis Motorsports Chev Lumina). Press Release (01-31-10)
A large and appreciative crowd enjoyed the sunshine and the excitement of official qualifying for the inaugural ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 at Phakisa Freeway near Welkom this afternoon. It was the veteran Geoff Bodine, a former Daytona 500 champion, who turned the fastest lap of the four 15-minute qualifying sessions, which saw the 24-car field go out in groups of six to qualify their American V8 stock cars on the starting grid for tomorrow's 207-lap 500-km race. Press Release (01-30-10)
American Speed Association officials along with Sirius Satellite Radio are announcing that the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 event will be broadcasted live on Sunday, January 31, 2010 starting at 6:00 a.m. EST on Sirius channel 90 and XM channel 244. Press Release (01-30-10)
Last evening at the "Welcome to Welkom" dinner, ASA President announced that the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 will be dedicated to Harry Davis, father of Marc Davis, who passed away unexpectedly last week. Marc Davis will be competing in the event. Harry Davis was very instrumental in having his son compete in the Free State 500 event and was looking forward to Marc traveling to South Africa for the historic event. Press Release (01-30-10)
The first practice session for Sunday's ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 has ended at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa. This was the only practice session to take place on Friday. Gary Lewis (Bothell, WA, USA), the 2009 ASA Northwest Late Model Tour Champion, led the field in practice with a time of 37.334 seconds with 1986 Daytona 500 champion Geoff Bodine (Chemung, NY, USA) in second with a time of 37.534 seconds. Russ Blakeley, an ASA Midwest Tour competitor from Wisconsin, USA was third with 37.926 seconds. Press Release (01-30-10)
Television networks from around the world are signing up to show a tape-delayed broadcast of the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 event that will take place on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa. The list continues to grow as the event is only two days away. Press Release (01-30-10)
Late last night, the crew members arrived to the Welkom Inn and met up with their respective drivers. The next morning they arrived at Phakisa Freeway Circuit as containers continued to arrive. By noon, the teams started to unload their cars and pit equipment. "All cars have arrived," Dennis Huth, ASA President announced as he was walking past the containers as very favorable weather helped the teams with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 80's. Press Release (01-30-10)
The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay® Residential Suites Hotels 2009 series banquet was held this past Saturday at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Steve Carlson was honored with his first ASA Midwest Tour Championship and tenth series championship of his career and Jacob Goede was honored as the 2010 Rookie of the Year. The top 16 drivers and others were also honored during the awards presentation. Press Release (01-27-10)
Here are the 19 drivers that will be leaving on Monday, January 25th to compete in the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa. The event itself will take place on Sunday, January 31, 2010. Press Release (01-25-10)
For the past two seasons, Pat Richgels of Middleton, Wisconsin, has participated weekly in the Roto Rooter Bandit division at Madison International Speedway, an ASA Member Track. While he was driving his four cylinder car around the "Ring of Fire" quarter-mile, he was also participating in the ASA Educational Series. The ASA Educational Series awards high school students who race or work on race teams at MIS scholarships to the country's premier automotive technology school, Ohio Technical College in Cleveland, Ohio. In each of the past two seasons over $200,000 in scholarships have been awarded to students at Madison. In fact, the number of participants doubled in 2009 with nearly forty young people taking part in the program. Press Release (01-22-10)
The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay® Residential Suites Hotels is thrilled to announce that they have joined forces with Emmy Award-winning Fox Sports Net for the 2010 ASAMT racing season. Fox Sports North* and Fox Sports Wisconsin* reach the homes of more than 4 million viewers throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas, providing coverage anywhere from the WIAA high school championships to Minnesota Wild hockey, the Milwaukee Brewers, the NBA, and the NFL. Press Release (01-22-10)
Steve Carlson will be crowned the 2009 American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay® Residential Suites Hotels Champion this Saturday, January 23rd, at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The celebration kicks off Friday afternoon as teams and their families are invited to come early to enjoy all that the Chula Vista Resort has to offer. Press Release (01-20-10)
5k Motorsports will head to New Smyrna Speedway's 44th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing with Cardell Porter as their driver. Porter is a former snowmobile racer who won the 2009 Limited Late Model Rookie of the Year title at Dells Raceway Park (WI). (Also drove Super Late Models for Brad Dahmer Motorsports at Slinger Super Speedway in 2009) Speed 51 (01-20-10)
Saturday night, Speed51.com was contacted by Ken Wills, owner of 5K Motorsports, a team that competed in the ASA Late Model series in 2009 with driver Chris Eggleston. Wills stated that at the ASA LM banquet Saturday night in Indianapolis, teams were not paid their point fund checks as they were supposed to without any word on the subject from ASA LM Owner and President Ron Varney. Speed 51 (01-18-10) UPDATE: Varney told Speed51.com that teams were issued vouchers at the banquet which can be exchanged for cash, products or services. Varney also said that during a time when many series are facing tough economic times, that he wanted to give his competitors an option of how to be paid. Varney also told Speed51.com that preparations for the 2010 season are underway and right on track. Speed 51 (01-18-10) UPDATE 2: On Tuesday night's Speed 51 Radio show, heard live on RaceTalkRadio.com, team owner Ken Wills told the gang that his 5k Motorsports team will not be back to defend their ASA Late Model North Series championship or run any ASA Late Model Challenge Series events in 2010. Wills suggested that you might see his team compete in either the CRA Super Series or on the ASA Midwest Tour instead. Speed 51 (01-20-10)
When he was asked if he was interested in competing in the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa, Lance Fenton didn't hesitate to say yes. For the Tyler, Texas driver this event will be the start of a big racing season for him. Fenton was approached by Ron Barfield Jr. about driving one of his car in the Sunday, January 31, 2010 event. "Ron said, what do you think about going to South Africa and race? I said I was in," Fenton said. "Then he said, let me tell you the details about the event. I looked at him and said it didn't matter, I'm in." Press Release (01-19-10)
The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay® Residential Suites Hotels is happy to announce that Kwik Trip will once again return as a series title sponsor and touring stars sponsor for the 2010 racing season. ASA Midwest Tour (01-18-10)
Tim Olson has worn many hats in his racing career from driver to track operator and to now the President of the American Speed Association Midwest Tour. At the end of this month, he will put on his racing hat, or helmet to be exact, and get behind the wheel to compete in the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa on January 31st. Press Release (01-18-10)
The first of two two-day driver training and licence qualification courses for January 31's inaugural Free State 500 at Phakisa Freeway was held at the Welkom circuit on Saturday and Sunday. Five South African drivers successfully completed the California-based Drivetech Training School's preparation for the first NASCAR type American stock car race in South Africa. Press Release (01-17-10)
Fifteen year old Elkhorn Wisconsin driver Kyle Brinkmann has announced his plans to race fulltime on the new American Speed Association ASA Midwest Truck Tour in 2010. Brinkman will set his focus on winning the inaugural Midwest Truck Tour Rookie of the Year title. The officials of the American Speed Association Midwest Tour announced the addition of the ASA Midwest Truck Tour today. Kyle recently attended a special meeting to discuss the potential of the ASA Midwest Tour launching a truck program. Since that meeting Kyle and the entire KBR team have been hoping to hear today’s big announcement. Press Release (01-17-10)
The officials of the American Speed Association Midwest Tour are happy to announce the addition of the ASA Midwest Truck Tour for 2010. A meeting was held for interested drivers at the Midwest Motorsports Expo last weekend in Madison, WI. After an overwhelming response, John Wood, veteran truck racer, Tim Olson, President of the ASAMT and Steve Einhaus, VP of the ASAMT, decided that teaming up to promote the trucks was a great decision. Press Release (01-15-10)
When you see the prize at the end of the finish line, you do everything to make sure you have the best opportunity to be the first to grab it. Ron Norman did that, and with the support of friends and family, he won the Phakisa Challenge 150 this past Saturday at Tucson Raceway Park, an ASA Member Track, and will now compete in the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa on Sunday, January 31st. Press Release (01-15-10)
The ASA Midwest Sportsman Tour officials have announced the 2010 schedule for the inaugural ASA Midwest Sportsman Tour racing season. The ten-race schedule will allow drivers to compete at some of the most competitive tracks in the Midwest. Steve Einhaus, Vice President of the ASAMT is excited about the response and the upcoming season. "A lot of people have put forth great effort to make this all happen. Donnie Heelien has done a great job with the rules. We saw an overwhelming turnout at the competitor meetings last weekend in Madison, and we have over 70 drivers registered with intent to race in the tour. We have been working very hard on putting a solid schedule together for the ASA Midwest Sportsman Tour and are happy with what we have for 2010. Press Release (01-14-10)
He has enjoyed a 30-year career as a safety director for many different racing series and tracks. Rich Trimmer is about to have his dream come true of doing the job he loves at an event on a different continent as he is preparing as the ASA Safety Director duties in the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa on Sunday, January 31, 2010. Trimmer has had a long career as a safety director. He has worked ASA, NHRA, NASCAR events along with road racing and specialty events at Firebird International Raceway. He also has served on the committee for NFPA that wrote the professional level fire and safety protocol 610 for auto racing in the USA. Press Release (01-11-10)
Russ Blakeley talks about the unique theme cars that he and Steve Carlson will be piloting in the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa. Press Release (01-11-10)
The Midwest Motorsports Racers' Expo to be held January 8th and 9th in Madison, WI is a place where racers meet and talk about the past year, the good stories and the bad, but most of all, get geared up for the next racing season. This year the ASA Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment and Grandstay Residential Suites Hotels will have a booth featuring a brand new ASA Midwest Sportsman Tour car. Press Release (01-5-10)
There is a famous American country song called "Friends in Low Places" and Ron Barfield can relate to this song when he thinks about his friend Shaun Richardson. The Noosa, Queensland, Australia driver will get behind the wheel of one of Barfield's car at the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500k on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at the Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa. Press Release (01-5-10)
National Speed Sport News reported in their December issue that the ASA Late Model Series will not have a southern division in 2010. According to the report, the series cited economic times and the inability to draw full fields as their reasoning for not having a southern division. A check of the ASA Late Model Series website shows the North and the Challenge Series schedules released to their website, but absent is the South division. Speed 51 (01-4-10)