by Dean Reller
September 20, 2012 – Nathan Haseleu could be considered the “Iron Man” of the ASA Midwest Tour Presented by SCAG Power Equipment and Lester Buildings. He’s started every race in the history of the series and when the green flag waves for the Thunderstruck 93 at Elko Speedway on Saturday Sept 22nd , Haseleu hopes to add not just another start, but another mark in the win column.
Haseleu, an ECHO and ECHO Bearcat Touring Star, sits fourth in points behind series leader Jonathan Eilen, Chris Wimmer and Chris Weinkauf. After a little over a month, the series returns to Elko where Haseleu finished second to Travis Sauter. “I’m really excited to go back to Elko”, said Haseleu. “We had a really good car last time and hopefully we can make it a little bit better and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Any trip to Elko means facing off against the Elko regulars who always seem to bring out their best to match up against the ASA Midwest Tour drivers. Included in the fold are former Thunderstruck 93 winners Jacob Goede and Dan Fredrickson. “They’re tough competitors and it’s always great to race against good competition,” said Haseleu.
Unlike the last race, the Thunderstruck 93 poses some new challenges and a slightly different game plan. “It’s a little bit different than the last race, it’s 25 laps shorter, with a break at lap 61 and then a 39 lap sprint to the finish”, said Haseleu. “If you have a good car you can go from the beginning. If you don’t, you can ride around and save your tires and then make changes at the break.”
Haseleu has been a fixture with the ASA Midwest Tour since its inception. He has never failed to make a feature in 70 races, was the inaugural Series Champion in 2007, has 5 career wins, won 7 ECHO Bear Cat Quick Cut Qualifier awards and has finished in the top 10 in 77% of the races. “It’s been fun going to all the races”, remarked Haseleu. “Our team has been lucky enough to have sponsors like RaceTeamGear.com that allows us to go to all these races over the past six years.”
Haseleu might be the “Iron Man” of the ASA Midwest Tour, but with an electric guitar for a trophy awaiting the winner of the Thunderstruck 93, whoever takes the checkered flag will be the rock star for the night.
The ASA Midwest Tour Late Models will be joined by the ASA Midwest SCAG Truck Tour, Big 8 Late Model Series, Mid-American Stock Cars, and Thundercar Nationals.
The Thunderstruck 93 will be on Friday and Saturday September 21st and 22nd at Elko Speedway, located in Elko, Minnesota. Qualifying is scheduled for 5 PM, Friday, followed by qualifying races. Saturday will feature an ASA Midwest Tour driver autograph session at 5:30, followed by opening ceremonies at 6:45 and the first green flag of the night will fly at 7 PM. For more details visit asamidwesttour.com.
Be sure to follow the ASA Midwest Tour on Facebook (asamidwesttour) and Twitter (@asamidwesttour).
To learn more about the ASA Midwest Tour presented by SCAG Power Equipment and Lester Buildings, log on to asamidwesttour.com. For questions call the ASA Midwest Tour office at (630) 212-6022 or Tim Olson at (612) 327-5831 or e-mail Tim Olson at tim@asamidwesttour.com or Steve Einhaus at steve@asamidwesttour.com.
To learn more about 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 racetracks and regional tours involved in the American Speed Association®, visit www.asaracing.com.
