CARLSON AND WIMMER HAVE ONE MORE CHANCE
September 14, 2010- For most drivers in the American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and grandstay.net, the 2010 racing season kicked off on May 2nd at Madison International Speedway. But for some, including the top-two battling for the 2010 championship, it started much earlier and in another country.
For the first time in history, the American Speed Association traveled across continents to Phakisa Freeway Circuit in Welkom, Free State, South Africa on January 31st, 2010 for the ASA Transcontinental Series Free State 500. Sixteen Americans, six South Africans, one driver from Great Britain, and one from Australia made the trip.
Steve Carlson along with event teammate, Russ Blakeley, Chris Wimmer and ASAMT President, Tim Olson all represented the ASAMT. Both Carlson and Wimmer, who qualified third, had mechanical problems and finished 19th and 20th respectfully. Blakeley finished 16th and Olson finished in the 17th position.
The trip to South Africa was not just about the racing. For all of those who were able to make the trip, it was a once in a lifetime chance at going on a true African Safari, experiencing new foods, sleeping accommodations, and all that a different culture provides. It was a time of bonding for all that were there. “The whole experience has been great. Everyone I have met has been great and I hope that we have the chance to come back again someday,” said Chris Wimmer, when asked about his experience after the event concluded.
Several ASAMT officials were able to partake in the adventure including, Steve Einhaus, Mike “Lumpy” Lemke, Josh Friedrichs, Tim and Faith Olson, Jana Jurkovic, and former ASAMT media director, Kevin Ramsell, as well as several ASAMT crew and family members. ASA Midwest Tour President, Tim Olson was happy to be able to get behind the wheel again and represent the series as a driver as well. “It was an awesome experience. The people were great and the event was an incredible experience. Plus, it was fun for me to get behind the wheel for it,” Olson said. “It was a great way to kick off 2010 for everyone from the ASA Midwest Tour who were invited to participate.”
With two points separating Steve Carlson and Chris Wimmer, we begin to reflect on all that has transpired to get to the Championship event. Ten action-packed races of the official 2010 ASA Midwest Tour racing season may have started in Oregon, WI, but the competition for Carlson and Wimmer started on foreign ground in the middle of winter. Well, it will not be foreign ground, but it might feel like the middle of winter on October 10th, as the two battle it out one last time to claim the 2010 ASA Midwest Tour Championship.
Stay tuned to the ASAMT website for more information about the upcoming Oktoberfest weekend,
To learn more about the American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and GrandStay Residential Suites Hotels and Crossings by GrandStay Inn & Suites, log on to http://www.asamidwesttour.com or call the ASA Midwest Tour office at (262) 514-3880 or e-mail Tim Olson at tim@asamidwesttour.com or Steve Einhaus at steve@asamidwesttour.com.
If you would like to learn more about the ASAMT series sponsors, please visit their websites: Kwik Trip, Inc. (http://www.kwiktrip.com), ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment (http://www.echo-usa.com), and GrandStay Residential Suites Hotels and Crossings by GrandStay Inn & Suites (http://www.grandstay.net).
To learn more about the Midwest Sportsman Tour log on to http://www.asamidwestsportsman.com.
To learn more about the ASA Midwest Truck Tour log on to http://www.asamidwesttrucks.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 http://www.asaracing.com.
ASA®, ASA Racing®, and American Speed Association® are registered trademarks of Racing Speed Associates, LLC. ASA International, LLC or Racing Speed Associates, LLC are not related to or affiliated with the ASA Late Model Series.
