MINNESOTA LATE MODELS TO VIE FOR ASA CHALLENGE SERIES TITLE

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 18, 2005) - Weekly Late Model drivers in the state of Minnesota have an opportunity to compete for the newly-developed ASA Minnesota Challenge Series championship, a co-operative effort between three racetracks in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."

Officials from ASA Member Track I-94 Raceway (located in Sauk Centre), Elko Speedway (Elko), and Raceway Park (Shakopee) developed a common rules package for the class to allow teams to easily travel back and forth between the facilities; this became the basis for the ASA Minnesota Challenge Series.

"We looked for ways that we could raise the bar on the competition level in the state of Minnesota," said Tim Olson, co-owner of I-94 Raceway. "By creating one set of rules for the three tracks we are able to offer teams an opportunity to try racing at different racetracks and experience the lifestyle of a traveling race series in a budget-friendly manner. This should bring the best Late Model drivers to each of the facilities, and give the fans a chance to see the best in the state compete against their hometown favorites in what is really the ASA Land of 10,000 Lakes Challenge Series!"

The ASA Minnesota Challenge Series is a six-race schedule with the drivers competing twice at each of the three tracks. There is a separate point system for the drivers in the ASA Minnesota Challenge Series, and at the conclusion of the final event the champion will be crowned and awarded $1500 from the $8000 point fund. All six ASA Minnesota Challenge Series races are 50 laps in length with the top cars inverted by the roll of a die.

"The ASA Minnesota Challenge Series is a perfect example of a group of racetrack owners working together for the betterment of the sport and to provide their fan base with something unique by bringing together the best Late Model drivers to compete against each other," said Dennis Huth of the ASA Racing program. "The short track promoter is under a lot of pressure today and this goes to show that often things can be improved by working together which often is counter-intuitive to help another promoter. I can see this idea catching on with other tracks in other states, perhaps one day to the point when all the ASA Minnesota Challenge Series champions from around the country can come together for the ultimate championship."

The first event of the ASA Minnesota Challenge series was scheduled for last Saturday evening, but rain beat out the 32 cars that showed up and the event was rescheduled for Friday, August 26 at Elko Speedway. The Next ASA Minnesota Challenge series event is scheduled for May 22 at Raceway Park. For ticket information telephone the track at (952) 445-2257.

For rules or more information on the ASA Minnesota Challenge Series, contact I-94 Raceway at (320) 352-5263 or visit the web site at www.i94raceway.com.

The ASA Racing program is a membership-based program for weekly short tracks and regional racing series looking for an alternative sanctioning organization. Tracks and regional touring series that join the program are eligible to receive marketing assistance, enhanced participant accident insurance, and will be the spot for today's fans to watch the stars of tomorrow learn the trade. The Daytona Beach, Fla.-based Racing Speed Associates acquired the ASA Racing program late last year. To learn more, visit online at www.asa-racing.com or call (386) 258-2221.