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| 2001 ASA
Racing Preview: |
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Season
Marks Second of ASA's New Era |
It was the dawning of a new era in ASA Racing and in all of
motorsports. ASA opened a new century in 2000 by reasserting its
position on the cutting edge of technology, introducing a fuel
injected, factory-produced engine and radial tires to short
track stock car racing.
The GM Vortec ASA 5700 V8 engines and BFGoodrich Traction T/A
radial tires performed in nearly flawless fashion in their
initial campaign. Now, ASA heads toward the chapter season of
the new era with the 2001 ASA Racing season.
While the performance of the tires and engines in their
inaugural season has drivers, teams, officials and fans excited
about what the future holds, the dawning of a new season offers
several other reasons for anticipation. The 2001 season holds
the promise of exceeding the marks established in 2000 and
further establishing ASA as the frontrunner in short track stock
racing technology and recognition.
ASA visits 19 tracks in 15 states during its 20-race season and
all 20 races are scheduled for LIVE television coverage on TNN:
The National Network. The series again holds its National Awards
Banquet at Opryland Hotel Convention Center on December 7-8.
The August 26 Jennerstown Speedway event will come later in the
season than in 2000, where Scott Hansen outsmarted Gary St.
Amant to win his second race for his Structural Transport team.
The 2001 show will once again be a two-day affair, with
qualifying and a 100-lap qualifying race set for Saturday,
August 25 and the main event set to go August 26.
For the third consecutive season ASA has a defending champion
competing among its ranks, as Gary St. Amant returns to defend
his national title. St. Amant earned the 1998 ASA title and
returned to defend that title in 1999, ending a streak of five
consecutive champions who moved on from ASA after winning a
title. In 2000, 1999 ASA National Champion Tim Sauter returned
to defend his title and now St. Amant aims for a third title in
2001.
In addition to St. Amant returning to defend his title, 2000 Pat
Schauer Memorial Rookie of the Year Joey Clanton returns for his
second full season of racing, gunning for a National
Championship after his 2000 season produced a win at Memphis
Motorsports Park and 10 top10 finishes.
Veterans Kevin Cywinski (0 wins, 14 top-l0s), Mike Garvey (four
wins, 12 top-10s). Butch
Miller (three wins, 15 top-10s), Scott Hansen (two wins in 2000,
11 top-l0s), Mike Miller (one
win, 10 top-l0s), Tristan Dupuis (one win, four top-l0s) and
Greg Stewart (six top-10s) all
return in 2001, looking for a season of improvement and a run at
the 2001 ASA National
Championship.
The rookie class looks to be one that will make for an exciting
race toward the Pat Schauer Memorial Rookie of the Year honors.
Led by veteran short track racer Mike Cope, the 2001 rookie
class also holds promise with Ricky Bryan, Scott Fraser, Johnny
Sauter and Chris Wimmer. Other announced rookies who could turn
some heads in 2001 include Kenny Phillips, Brian Schwartz, Matt
Sielsky and Johnny Spaw.
The 300-lap event is set to begin at 1 p.m. (all times Eastern).
For ticket information call the toll-free ASA ticket line at
1-888-ASA-1020 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
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