HONORING JOE SHEAR WITH RACING, RACING, AND MORE RACING!
March 23, 2011 – The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and GrandStay Hospitality is gearing up for the 2011 racing season. First stop; Madison International Speedway on May 1st, 2011 for the 3rd Annual Joe Shear Classic.*
In only its third year, this race has already become an iconic event on the ASA Midwest Tour schedule. Not only does it represent one of the great legends in auto racing, but it is a great way for drivers, teams and fans to get back to the track after the long seven month offseason.
This year there is even more reason to come out of hibernation, put the snow shovels away, and get out the sunscreen. The Joe Shear Classic will be using an all new race format in 2011. This show will be an “in and out event.”
As most Joe Shear fans know, Joe was not a man of many words. He did his talking on the race track. That is exactly how he would want to be honored…less talk and more action! So that’s what the Joe Shear Classic is going to be all about. “No messing around…let’s just race!”
The start time for the event has been moved up to 2:00 PM with a goal to provide fans with racing, racing, and more racing! The format will be focused on giving the fans a great show, while at the same time being attentive to the time so that fans can get home at a more reasonable time.
“The first couple years of the Joe Shear Classic were spent recognizing a lot of people that were important in his life and career. We wanted to give those people the proper recognition, but understood that it was causing the show to get stretched out longer and longer,” said Steve Einhaus, ASAMT VP.
“We have made some adjustments to focus more on the event itself this year. We are excited about this year’s format. It will shorten the day and just bring our fans racing, racing, and more racing, just the way Joe Shear would like it!” added Einhaus.
In order to keep with this time sensitivity, there will be some changes to the normal race day procedures. There will be no special guest interviews prior to the race, but special guests will still be invited to enjoy the day full of racing in remembrance of Joe Shear.
Also, in respect of time, the ASAMT apologizes in advance that there will be no autograph session simply because there will be no time gap between qualifying and race times. However, fans are still able to purchase a pit pass on Sunday to see their favorite drivers up close and personal.
The regular autograph session will resume at the next event; the Dixieland 100 at Wisconsin International Raceway on Sunday, May 15th, 2011.
There will still be driver introductions so that the fans can be personally introduced to each ASAMT star prior to the main event. Additionally there will still be a 10 minute break on lap 100. The drivers will be on the front stretch so that fans can enjoy the driver interviews during the break. Cars will then head back out on the track for the 36 lap shoot-out in honor of Joe Shear.
With the new “choose Rule” for double-file restarts, the 100 lap break strategies will make the remaining 36 laps interesting. Fans will not be disappointed with the excitement this honorary 36 lap dash will bring. Joe Shear always took note of and had a lot of respect for “hard chargers.” So the double-file restart with 36 laps to go will present the perfect opportunity to witness hard charging at its fullest.
There is more information to come on the upcoming season opener and the many exciting changes for 2011. Some of those changes include ways to save money on general admission tickets and much, much more!
Special incentives will be available on our Facebook page, so be sure to become a fan at http://www.facebook.com/asamidwesttour. Also continue to stay tuned athttp://www.asamidwesttour.com.
*The rain date for the Joe Shear Classic is scheduled for the following Sunday, May 8th, 2011 (same times).
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 (630) 212-6022 or Tim Olson at (612) 327-5831 or e-mail Tim Olson at tim@asamidwesttour.com or Steve Einhaus atsteve@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 http://www.asaracing.com.
