ASA motors stay the same through 2004

[rebelracewriter]

ASA’s Revolutionary Engine Program Extended Through 2004

 

Pendleton, IN (March 28, 2003) – When the concept of using a sealed, crate

engine in a nationally touring stock car series was introduced in 1998, it was met

with skepticism from many fronts. But Herb Fishel's vision of taking a factory

produced, fuel-injected, V8 engine, modifying it slightly for racing and planting it

in a racecar was just the type of idea ASA was hoping to find.

 

The long relationship between ASA and General Motors took a huge step in that

time frame as Fishel and ASA Founder Rex Robbins took a concept and

developed a viable program. Not only has the sealed engine been a success, but

it has exceeded expectations. Now in its fourth season, the program continues to

excel and has the opportunity to continue to thrive through the 2004 season.

When the concept of the program was initially introduced, many thought it was

risky and that ASA was on the edge of throwing away a series that had a

considerable history and reputation for producing competitive racing. That

reputation is very much alive with the engine program.

 

In 2000, the ASA Racing Series saw a huge transition. Not only was the

introduction of the fuel-injected, sealed V8 engine made for the 2000 season, but

so also was a transition from bias-ply tires to radial tires, the BFGoodrich

Traction T/A Radial Tires, which the company designed specifically for use with

the ASA car. Both programs have exceeded expectations and have opened new

avenues for the series to pursue.

 

"Herb Fishel had a dream and came to ASA with that dream," ASA President and

CEO Steve Dale said. "Through the efforts of many individuals at General

Motors, Herb Fishel, Don Taylor, Mark McPhail and Dan Engle chief among

them, this engine program was pursued, developed and introduced. If you look at

the significance of this program, it is really pretty amazing. Our relationship with

General Motors is strong and the future is limitless with opportunities before us.

 

"Herb Fishel had a vision and ASA provided a pallet on which that vision could be

developed. Now we want to continue that concept and expand upon it."

 

In 1998, ASA saw eight different race winners and 21 lap leaders in 20 races

under the former engine and tire rules. In 1999, seven different drivers found

Winner's Circle and 24 drivers made their way to the front of the field. Since that

time, the numbers have remained steady, as nine drivers won races and 39

drivers led laps in 2000, seven drivers won and 30 drivers led laps in 2001 and

six different drivers won races and 23 drivers led laps in 2002.

 

-more-

 

 

"There have been things ASA has done through the years and I have known that

they weren't going to work," three-time ASA National Champion Butch Miller said.

"They were talking about this engine and tire program and old Butch just knew

this deal wasn't going to work. But look at it now and you'll see old Butch was

wrong. The engine is great and the series is strong and growing again."

 

There were open skeptics of the engine program when it was introduced, but

most of those skeptics have changed their minds and have seen what

opportunities this revolutionary concept opened for ASA and for them. With the

horsepower generated in the relationship between ASA and General Motors, the

future is indeed promising.

 

The second event of the 2003 ASA Racing Series is set for Saturday, April 12 at

Houston Motor Speedway in Houston (TX). The Texas 250 takes the green flag

at 8 p.m. (Central) and will be telecast live on the SPEED CHANNEL.

 

 

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