When a person thinks of short track racing they not only think about the excitement of the sport, but also the legendary names that come with it. On June 19, at Grundy County Speedway in Morris, Ill., some of the best drivers in Late Model racing will be tackling the 1/3-mile track for the Terry's Automotive Group Twin 100's.

In one day, the fans can see both the American Speed Association's newly-developed ASA Late Model series and the Chicagoland Late Models compete in 100-lap events, some drivers attempting both races. What makes this race so big? Let's ask Twin 100 promoter Steve Einhaus.

"The new ASA Late Model Series is prepping some of the youngest stars in the country to take the next step in their racing careers," said Einhaus. "Grundy has been rounded by some of NASCAR's best and this will be a perfect facility for the star drivers of the future to further their short track experience."

The ASA Late Model Series runs a crate engine program, which means that teams must purchase a relatively-inexpensive motor from a car dealer and cannot make changes to the motor. It is sealed to prove that tinkering or illegal alterations have not been done to the motor.

"The crate engine program is taking off like crazy because it is so affordable for everyone and it allows so many racers to get the experience and exposure that they need," Einhaus explained.

The Grundy County fans will have plenty of excitement and drivers to root for in the ASA Late Model Series event.

"I watched 13-year old Joey Logano duke it out with Winston Cup Champion Matt Kenseth lap-after-lap only to see Matt prevail in a late race battle with short track specialist Ron Breese," said Einhaus, alluding to a driver to watch in the upcoming Terry's Automotive Group Twin 100s.

Grundy County Speedway has been one of the Midwest's most successful 1/3-mile facilities due to it's location and the Chicagoland market. Bringing this race to Grundy will give the fans one of the most exciting double headers in the history of the speedway. Not only will each race pay $3000 to win, but there is an additional $1000 bonus if one drivers is able to win both events.

The exciting race weekend will start off with a bang as the Friday night fans will see a long-awaited Grudge Match between defending ASA National Champion Kevin Cywinski and three-time series champion (1987, '88, '92) and all-time ASA pole winner Butch Miller.

"These drivers are jumping back to their racing roots getting into a pair of 550-horsepower Late Models and challenging each other to a best out of three, winner take all grudge match," explained Einhaus.

"I'm looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of a Late Model," said Miller, driver of the No. 52 Timber Wolf Chevrolet for Indianapolis-based SS Racing in the ASA National Tour. "I'm always looking for ways to help ASA brand their name along with my own team. SS Racing has a driver development program, and we are always looking for new talent, and by being apart of a Late Model race is a great way to scoop out the scene." Miller will also take part in the ASA Late Model Series program on Saturday, June 19.

"The fans just love the Grudge Matches because it raises the competitiveness a notch by going head-to-head against one another in front of thousands of people. Grundy's weekly Friday night show consists of three very healthy divisions with over 100 cars making for some really exciting shows each week," said Einhaus.

What makes the Chicagoland Late Model event so unique is the engine package that Cywinski will be utilizing. "I am running a 525-horsepower Schwanke sealed fuel injected Vortec engine," said Cywinski. "I feel that my knowledge and experience with the fuel injection motors will allow me to be smooth and very competitive throughout the entire race."

"The Schwanke engine is very similar to the touring series engine and is priced very affordably which allows more racers to get behind the wheel," Einhaus explained. "I have received a lot of calls from guys out east running the ASA Late Model Series that were inquiring about bringing their cars to our event, and fortunately they fit our rules in almost everyway. We should have an extremely good car-count for the Terry's Automotive Group Twin 100s.

"These two events will have some of the best rookies in the country running against a lot of seasoned veterans. They get to see each other not only once, but twice in one night. One can only imagine what lies ahead, but I can assure you it will be a knock-down, drag out duel for that extra money," Einhaus said with a grin.

Grundy County Speedway is located just one mile north off of Rt. 47 and Rt. 80 in Morris, Ill. Camping is available, and spots with electrical hookups are available by reservation. Advance tickets can be obtained for $15 by calling 630-212-6022 or they can be purchased at the ticket gate on event night.
Visit www.grundycountyspeedway.com for additional information.