The second season of the ASA STARS National Tour season has now 2 races completed. The story lines have fans on edge, longing for more exciting racing action. With 8 races to go in the 2024 season, the story lines are being written.
Donnie Wilson Racing Stays Out at First Mandatory Caution
The Donnie Wilson Racing team cars stayed out at the lap 50 Mandatory caution giving Cole Butcher the lead for a 25 lap sprint to the Phoenix Water Solutions Stage 1 Break. Butcher was able to hold off Casey Roderick for the Stage win before coming down for two fresh Hoosier Racing Tires on lap 75.
Stephen Nasse Looked Strong
In the closing laps of the Sunshine State 200 Florida Veteran Stephen Nasse looked to have one of the strongest cars. After making a late race pass on Gio Ruggiero, Nasse set his sights on Cole Butcher. However, the gap to Butcher was too much and Nasse was forced to settle for second. A strong showing for Nasse in the Anthony Campi Racing ride was exactly what the 51 team needed.
Dawson Sutton Looked In Control
ASA STARS Rookie of the Year contender Dawson Sutton had just taken control of the race when the green flag on the second stage flew. However, under a caution on lap 77 Dawson was forced to come down to the service by his crew where an oil leak was found forcing him to retire the car.
Butcher Takes Control of Points
With a near perfect race, Canadian Cole Butcher has taken a 12 point lead over Casey Roderick. Butcher is no stranger to being near the top of the overall points after his second place finish in the final ASA STARS National Tour points just one season ago. Gio Ruggiero sits in 3rd, Bubba Pollard drops to 4th after his late race issue and Jett Noland rounds out the top 5.
Bubba Pollard Blows Up
A relatively quiet day for Bubba Pollard ended on lap 175 when his engine decided it was done. A massive amount of oil was laid down on the track and Bubba was forced to DNF. A 5th place in Phoenix Water Solutions Stage 1 and a 3rd in Stage 2, proved Bubba was buying his time before heading toward the front. We just never got the chance to see it.
Kyle Steckly Leads the ASA Rookie Standings
Canada’s Kyle Steckly has a 13 point lead over Dawson Sutton in the Rookie of the Year Standings. The two rising stars have both shown speed in each of the two first events and are expected to be contenders before the year is over. Fellow Canadian Jo Lawerence is 3rd in rookie of the year standings.
Strategy Played a Role
A variety of pit strategies played a factor in creating comers and goers over the course of the 200 lap Sunshine State 200. A total of 8 lead changes among 4 drivers kept fans in the stands and those watching on Track TV guessing who might be there at the end.
Up Next:
The ASA STARS National Tour has two months off before heading to the famous Hickory Motor Speedway Thursday May 23rd part of the Memorial Day Weekend Festivities in the Charlotte area. Last year saw the race come down to the final corner where Rising Star Gio Ruggiero used the bump and run on NASCAR regular William Byron to pick up his first ASA STARS National Tour victory.
