DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 2, 2007) – The American Speed Association Midwest Tour presented by Echo received nearly 50 applications from drivers vying for a spot on the elite Touring Stars roster for the 2007 season.
“The Midwest has produced the greatest short track racers in the country and it’s our goal to see that all of the current stars of the Midwest are competing in our series. The whole purpose behind the design of the ASA Midwest Tour is to build a series that is attractive to the race facility and the local race fan by bringing in the most well known racers in the Midwest and allowing the local hot dogs to race against them”, explained ASAMT Vice President Steve Einhaus.
The program will promote the group of competitors in ways reminiscent of the ARTGO series and 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 star worthy and the ASAMT will help them capitalize on their records of success.
“Steve and I felt that it was important to supply each of the facilities that we visit with a core group of highly sought after competitors that race with the Tour and will be challenging the home track top guns,” stated ASAMT President Tim Olson. “We are also building the program to allow others following the series the opportunity to race their way into the program throughout the year,” He added.
The inaugural group of Touring Stars for the 2007 season will automatically qualify for the Travel Incentive Program. Each chosen competitor is required to complete a contractual agreement with the ASA Midwest Tour that requires the driver to complete the full season of events to qualify 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 off of 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.”
The Touring Stars program incorporates a special bonus for the highest finishing Rookie of the Year contending registrant. Those eligible must apply for Rookie status upon registration and one candidate will be awarded their bonus TIP based off of the highest finishing qualified driver. All Rookie applicants will be eligible for the TIP based off of individual event attendance. Selected competitors must agree to attend all Midwest Tour events and participate in all promotional events tied to the program.
Einhaus added, “We are meeting this weekend to discuss everyone pre-entered for the program. In our eyes every one of our contenders is a star and can draw many fans to any of the venues. The Touring Stars program helps tracks advertise prior to our events that the Touring Stars will be making appearances. It’s all about finding ways to help each racing facility have a successful event, and pitting the stars against the home track heroes is very exciting for the fans. The ASA Midwest Tour is dedicated to helping each venue find ways to put people in the stands and we are doing our best to help each facility by bringing the promotional package to them well before each event.”
Once the ASAMT administration comes to a consensus on the Touring Stars roster, all finalists will be contacted directly. A press release will follow once the drivers enter into contractual commitment.
The Touring Stars program was developed as a result of venues requesting a “Who’s Who” list of participants to advertise and generate excitement around. The program also ensures that the elite group of competitors will be present at every event however, it does not guarantee them an automatic starting spot.
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 Midwest Tour presented by Echo 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.
