ASA MIDWEST TOUR VETERANS VYING TO MAKE IT IN ASAMT EVENTS

TOURING STARS TAKE PROVISIONALS IN FIRST TWO RACES OF 2011 SEASON

ASAMT PR (Kari Shear-Carlson)
May 24, 2011 - As one of the most competitive series in the entire country, the ASA Midwest Tour includes drivers with a wide range of experience. However the 2011 season is proving that whether a veteran or rookie, a driver has to be on top of his or her game just to qualify into an ASAMT event.

To put it in perspective, last year's first and second place points's finishers have each taken a provisional in the first two events. In fact, five ASA Midwest Touring Stars along with NASCAR driver, Erik Darnell had to attempt to race their way into the season opener at Madison International Speedway, three of which did. Both Jonathan Eilen and Chris Wimmer settled for provisionals, while Darnell did not make the event.

Chris Wimmer, driver of the #52 Preval sponsored car said, "It's a tough series and always has been. I think it's probably one of the toughest super late model series in the country. It's frustrating to not qualify in on time, but when I think about it, I have been fortunate enough to do it many times in the past. When you look at the guys who race in the ASAMT every week, there are so many good drivers that a few are bound to have to race their way in. I'm working hard to get things back on track, but this series is challenging every week and I know I am a better driver and competitor because of it."

For the second time, five ASA Midwest Touring Stars ran the last chance event at the SCAG Power Equipment Dixieland 100 at WIR. Chris Wimmer, Jacob Goede, and Jonathan Eilen raced their way in, while the 2009 and 2010 ASA Midwest Tour Champion, Steve Carlson took his first ever provisional.

When asked by media personnel if he would get a provisional if he did not race in at WIR, Carlson responded, "I don't know. I've never needed one before!" Drivers like Carlson, who have once dominated, are starting to feel the level of competition in the ASAMT rising.

Meanwhile younger drivers like Ross Kenseth, Skylar Holzhausen, Nick Panitzke, Nick Murgic, and Andrew Morrissey are showing their strength. As the talent continues to grow and more talent joins the ASAMT, drivers have to come prepared and on top of their game, as the two event winners, Ross Kenseth and Tim Schendel have shown.

Even though he has qualified in to both events and has a victory under his belt, Kenseth still understands what racing in the ASAMT means to his personal success. While talking with Steve Einhaus, VP of the ASAMT, Kenseth said, "Where can you go, anywhere in the US, and have this type of talent at one race? This is crazy ridiculous that we see numerous local super late model winners, champions, Nascar competitors, and pure veterans racing in a last chance race just to make an ASAMT event. If you want to be successful and prove yourself, you gotta race in this series."
 
The caliber of talent is evident in the current point standings as well. Last year's champion and runner up find themselves 16th and 12th respectively, while Kenseth and Morrissey lead the way only three points apart. Yet with only two events completed on the 2011 schedule, the points are sure to continue to juggle around.

Hoosier provides a great tire and the ASAMT is dedicated to the Holley 500CMF two-barrel carburetor that creates a great equalizer for all the engines. Because of the equality of the engines and tires, the difference comes down to handling and driver talent, and let's face it, a little luck.

"We are very fortunate to have a series with the strongest short track racing talent in the country right here in the Midwest. When you look back at the success of many of NASCAR's famous stars, they raced in the Midwest for a reason, to beat the best. Our rules package and carb package has put the talent in the hands of the driver and not the pocket book. It shows how important it is to drive a real Super Late Model. Steve (Einhaus) and I can't be any more proud of what everyone in the ASAMT has accomplished," said ASAMT President, Tim Olson.

Teams and drivers have had a few weeks to evaluate their programs and determine what improvements can be made before the American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and GrandStay Hospitality heads into its third race of the season.

The "Wayne Carter Classic 125 presented by ECHO Bear Cat" will be held on Friday night, June 3rd just minutes from Chicagoland Speedway where the NASCAR Nationwide Series will be racing on Saturday. Make your plans now to come out and see which drivers did their homework and who will be the next winner in the ASAMT!

To learn more about the American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and GrandStay Hospitality, log on to asamidwesttour.com. For questions call the ASA Midwest Tour office at (630) 212-6022 or Tim Olson at (612) 327-5831 or e-mail Tim Olson at tim@asamidwesttour.comor Steve Einhaus at steve@asamidwesttour.com.

To learn more about 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