DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 7, 2007) – The American Speed Association Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment received nearly 50 applications from drivers vying for a spot on the elite Touring Stars roster for the 2007 season.
“The list of drivers we had to choose from was a virtual who’s who in midwest racing, making it some of the hardest decisions that we have had to make so far,” stated ASAMT President Tim Olson.
The program will promote the group of competitors in ways reminiscent of the ARTGO series. The group will be the center of advertising and encourage fans to travel to see the group together. The resumes of the Touring Star members make them icon-worthy. The ASAMT will help them capitalize on their records of success. We are honored to announce the following drivers as our Kwik Trip Touring Stars for the 2007 inaugural season:
Kenny Richards (Montello, WI), Dan Fredrickson (Elko, MN), Nathan Haseleu (Pardeeville, WI), Rod Wheeler (Hortonville, WI), Josh Vadnais (White Bear Lake, MN), Brad “JJ” Mueller (Random Lake, WI), Dave Feiler (Sun Prairie, WI), Donny Reuvers (Dundas, MN), Adam Royle (Farmington, MN), Steve Carlson (West Salem, WI), Travis Sauter (Sauk City, WI), and Jamie Iverson (Escanaba, MI) are the Kwik Trip Touring Stars for the inaugural 2007 season.
“Steve and I felt that it was important to supply each of the facilities that we visit with a core group of 12 highly sought after competitors that race with the Tour and will be challenging the home track top guns,” stated ASAMT President Tim Olson.
Donnie Reuvers commented, “It’s a great honor to be selected for the first season of the Tour. It’s pretty important for me that I was picked. I’m really excited for the whole program, the Tour sounds a lot like the old ARTGO series with a lot of great drivers and traveling to the best tracks around the Midwest. I am also glad to see Kwik Trip on board as the title sponsor. Almost every track we go to has a Kwik Trip (or Kwik Star) near their facility. It will be interesting watching the organizations grow together.”
The inaugural group of Touring Stars for the 2007 season automatically qualifies for the Travel Incentive Program (TIP). Each chosen competitor has completed a contractual agreement with the ASA Midwest Tour requiring the driver to complete the full season of events to remain eligible for the TIP.
“It’s a great incentive and a huge financial boost to those taking part in the program,” stated ASA Midwest Tour VP Steve Einhaus. “The Traveling Stars will receive bonus pay based on their performance at each event. In other words, they’ll be competing very hard not only for the win but also for the added bonus money. It’s the inaugural year for the operation and creating the Touring Stars program is vital to everyone’s success.”
Dave Feiler added, “Our Heat-N-Glo team is excited to be part of the Touring Stars program. The ASA Midwest Tour will showcase the top talent in excellent races. I’m looking forward to my sophomore year with Maynard Motorsports in 2007. It’s always good to see new faces and businesses support racing. Kwik Trip represents the Tour really well. The two share philosophies and it’s going to be a great program all around.”
“Having the quality of drivers we had apply for this program has made us look at some other programs to promote these talented drivers,” stated Olson. The Touring Stars program also incorporates a special bonus for the highest finishing Rookie of the Year. Those eligible must apply for Rookie status upon registration. The highest finishing qualified driver per event will be awarded a bonus TIP. The highest finishing ASAMT contender that is not on the Kwik Trip Touring Stars will also be eligible for TIP monies at each race. The final spot will be awarded as a wild card drawing at the drivers meeting the day of the race. A name will be drawn from all of the ASAMT members that are pre entered for that race. This will round out the 15 touring stars per event.
Einhaus added, “The ASA Midwest Tour is dedicated to helping each venue find ways to put people in the stands. We are doing our best to help each facility by bringing the promotional package to them well before the event. The Touring Stars program will help tracks advertise prior to the event. They will be able to highlight Touring Stars that will be making appearances at their venue. It’s all about finding ways to help each racing facility have a successful event. It pits the stars against the home track heroes and is very exciting for the fans. ”
The Touring Stars program was developed as a result of venues requesting a “Who’s Who” list of participants to advertise and generate excitement. The program also ensures that the elite group of competitors will be present at every event.
In 2008 and following, the Touring Stars program roster will be composed of the top 15 in points from the previous season.
The ASAMT will hold its inaugural season opener April 28, 2007 at the Elko Speedway (MN).
To learn more about the American Speed Association Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment please contact the ASA Midwest Tour office by calling (262) 514-3880 or by e-mailing 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 all the racetracks and regional tours involved in the American Speed Association, visit www.asa-racing.com.
