8 February 2012
By Kari Shear-Carlson > February 8, 2012 – The American Speed Association® Midwest Tour honored three division Champions and Rookies of the Year, along with several special awards recipients this past Saturday night, February 4th at Ho Chunk Resort in Baraboo, WI. Two hundred sixty guests were in attendance to take part in the celebration.
Andrew Morrissey was officially crowned the 2011 ASA Midwest Tour Champion. Morrissey received a $6000 cash point check and an additional $4000 in contingency prizes from various sponsors including, AP Brakes, Penske, Ferodo, Lane Automotve, Hyper Coil, Lefthander, and many more.
The end of the 2011 season was particularly difficult for Morrissey with the loss of two of his closest friends. In an emotional speech, Andrew remembered all of those who have helped him along the way. “I can’t thank my dad enough for all of the sacrifices he has made so that I can do what I love.”
The 2011 ASA Midwest SCAG Truck Tour Champion, Jerry Wood was honored as the Champion for the second year in a row. Wood thanked all of the ASAMT sponsors and all of those who have been a part of the Truck division. “I really enjoy racing these trucks and think there is a real future for them,” said Wood.
Chris Marek was the 2011 ASA Midwest Sunoco Sportsman Tour Champion. Marek was also honored for the second year in a row. “I want to thank Tim and Steve for all that they do to put together all of the divisions,” Marek added.
Skylar Holzhausen was crowned the 2011 ASA Midwest Tour Rookie of the Year. Skylar thanked his dad for all that he has done for him and for everyone involved with the ASAMT for putting together the series. “It is great to race against so many strong competitors in the ASAMT,” noted Holzhausen. Holzhausen received a Roltek Transmission worth $5000.
Jerry Suderland and Austin “The Ace” Luedtke were also presented with Rookie of the Year honors in the Sportsman and Truck divisions.
Every year the ASAMT presents one driver with the Larry Detjens Sportsmanship Award. The award honors Detjens’ dedicated approach and sportsmanship to the sport. This year’s award winner was Cedar Rapids, IA’s, Griffin McGrath. “The fact that you voted for me to receive this award is such an honor,” said McGrath.
In addition to the Detjens award, McGrath also received the RaceTeamGear.com Best Appearing Car and Crew Award. Choice Hotels also provided McGrath with $300 for the Dedication Award.
Andrew Morrissey received $500 from Five Star Race Car Bodies for the Fast Qualifier Award. A free Lefthander Chassis went to Jacob Goede for the Hard Charger Award. In addition, Goede received a race-ready 4412 carburetor from VDL Fuel Systems and a set of Hedman Husler Hedders.
Austin “The Ace” Luedtke received $500 from Comp Cams for his hard charger efforts in the Truck division, and Scott Null received a set of rocker arms from Scorpion Performance Products in the Sportsman division.
Car owner of the year went to Jay VanDerGeest, owner of Chris Weinkauf’s car. He received a Wegner 4412 carburetor. The Crew Chief of the Year was awarded to Charlie Morrissey. He received a new Miller 211 welder. Engine builder of the Year went to B&B Racing Engines.
Crane Ignitions presented the ASAMT and ASA Midwest SCAG Truck Tour Champion with $1000. Bruce Mueller from B&B Racing Engines surprised Andrew Morrissey with the free use of a motor for the 2012 racing season. Wayne Lensing of Lefthander Chassis also surprised the team with a free chassis for 2012. Another surprise award of $5000 from Wegner Automotive went to Skylar Holzhausen for his Rookie of the Year honors.
Over $35,000 in door prizes were given throughout the course of the night from the various sponsors of the ASA Midwest Tour. http://asamidwest.racetrackmarketing.com/
The night ended with the comedic entertainment of female hypnotist Sami Dare.
Next up on the ASA Midwest Tour schedule is the 4th Annual Joe Shear Classic at Madison International Speedway on Sunday, May 6th, 2012.
To learn more about the American Speed Association® Midwest Tour, 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.comor 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.
