2009 ASAMT TOURING STARS: TRAVIS SAUTER

Eighth in a series of 14 announcing the 2009 ASAMT Touring Stars
By: Kevin Ramsell

BURLINGTON, WI (Tuesday, February 10, 2009) - The last name is a familiar name in racing with his grandfather, father and uncles creating a legacy for him to continue. In 2008, Travis Sauter made the most of his second year in the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment in which he will continue as a Touring Star in 2009.

Sauter finished seventh in points with one ECHO fast time award, five top-five and nine top-ten finishes. The highlight of his season was winning the Lefthander Chassis Hard Charger Award in which he received a new Lefthander Chassis.

"The way the season started we were in the hunt for the championship and then we hit a rough patch starting with WIR that pretty much lasted until Marshfield.  I thought our car was really strong early in the year, and then guys sort of caught up to our speed a little bit," Sauter stated.  "Then we had motor problems a few times and a flat tire at Milwaukee.  We weren't terrible at any of the races; we just didn't have the speed we had earlier.  Then we tested a couple times later in the season and finished strong at La Crosse."

With the way the season was going, Sauter kept looking at the Hard Charger standings and made it a personal goal to win it. "It seems all season we would either qualify in the top 5 or outside the top 15.  That almost never has you start up front and I guess that would contribute to winning the hard charger award," Sauter explained.  "It's pretty cool to pass that many cars, but winning a race now and then would be nice also.  A couple times we probably had the best car, but ran out of time going forward. The car we were running was on its 4th season, so I can really use that new chassis, and I thank Lefthander for donating it."

Looking towards next season, Sauter has many opportunities for sponsors to partner with his team. "I have been fortunate to have great sponsors this season with Arctic Ice, Cranberry Creek Cranberries and Coleman Racing Products along with B&B Racing Engines.  As far as next year goes, we are in need of primary sponsorship.  I think the ASA Midwest Tour is a great series for a sponsor to be recognized and I think I would be a good fit for any potential sponsor."

Sauter feels that his team will be a great representative for a sponsor in the ASAMT, "We have nice, clean equipment and we run up front and present a good image.  I have a show car and am willing to do whatever it takes for the sponsorship to be successful for both parties.  Funding is probably the most important factor when you talk about running good, and every racer is grateful for the help they receive from their sponsors."

You can learn more about Travis at his website, www.travissauter.net.

The ASAMT Touring Star program was developed to help the series promote each special event prior to, during, and after each event. Each year a group of Touring Stars will be selected to the travel bonus program.

In 2009, the top-14 from the 2008 points standing will be eligible for the Touring Star program. Those drivers who are eligible will be required to sign an agreement with a promise to attend all ASAMT events and to participate in all promotional programs or opportunities. Failure to do so will result in removal from the bonus program. Touring Stars will be allowed one (1) excused absence due to unforeseen reasons that is approved by the ASAMT office.

Those eligible drivers must have their agreement signed by February 28, 2009 to be in the program. If an eligible driver declines, then the Touring Star offer will go to the next eligible driver in the 2008 points standing prior to the start of the 2009 season. If a star drops out during the season, it will go to the next eligible driver in the current 2009 points standing.

The 15th spot in the ASAMT Touring Star program is reserved for the highest finishing rookie at an ASAMT event. If they are the highest finishing eligible rookie at any 2009 ASAMT events, they will receive a Touring Star bonus at the next event.

"The Touring Star program accomplishes a major goal that Tim (Olson, ASAMT President) and I set when we started this series. That is we want to have our fans local heroes to compete against the best Midwest drivers," Steve Einhaus, ASAMT Vice-President stated. "When we come to compete at a track with our Touring Stars, we encourage the local competitors to race with us. This is a win-win for everyone. The fans get to see some great racing and the local heroes get to show their talent against some of the toughest competition in the United States."

The season opening event will take place on Saturday, April 25 at Dells Raceway Park in Wisconsin Dells, WI with the Race for the Gold - Bronze Race.

To learn more about the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment log on to www.asamidwesttour.com or call the ASA Midwest Tour office at (262) 514-3880 or e-mail Tim Olson at tim@asamidwesttour.com or Steve Einhaus at steve@asamidwesttour.com.

To learn more of the Daytona Beach, Florida-based Racing Speed Associates or the American Speed Association Racing Member Track program, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from racetracks and regional tours involved in the American Speed Association, visit www.asaracing.com.