Content property of JE-CO
Motorsports. Photos provided
by Joe Starr and JE-CO
ASA Late Model Series?..and Now the Rest of the Story
The ASA Late Model Series is a premier and distinctive late model touring series. A series that was born into its rich grassroots history through the racers for the racers. The series has always been a topic of interest to the fans, racers, media and other series across the country. What makes this series so intriguing to so many?
It all started back in 2002 when an idea was born on (believe it or not) a message board. The idea was to start a late model crate engine series that was cost effective with a rules package created by racers to keep the cost of racing down. Talk is one thing especially on a message board, but to take the next step and host a meeting about a new series created by racers is another thing. That is just what happened.
In February of 2002 in
Lansing, Mich., select drivers were invited to discuss the rules that
had been formulated to date and to design a USPRO Cup race car. Tim Felver,
Mark Kortz and Phil Massuch, all super late model champions, as well as
drivers from factory stock to limited late model to modified drivers
attended the "invitation only " meeting
No manufacturers or promoters
were invited to alleviate any conflict of interest in the rules making
process. USPRO Cup wanted the rules to be designed by racers, not outside
interests. Some rules were changed in order to achieve all the objectives of
the drivers.
That is where it all began; it
was something that was initiated by a passion for racing and a desire to
keep
late model racing strong. Although
USPRO Racing was limited geographically, it created a buzz that took the
racing industry by surprise. The crate motor, template body package with
cost limitation on parts sparked an interest throughout the industry.
The first year, the series and
the teams were met with much resistance as some engine builders came out
with the ?Just Say No to Crates? pins and worked to create a campaign
against this. Fortunately many others felt differently; teams, companies,
tracks and many prominent players saw the potential in the USPRO racing
program.
By the time the USPRO Series
completed its first year of history during the 2003 season, the buzz had
reached its highest levels. The officials could barely keep up with the
calls and emails that poured into the home office. One of those calls was
from the American Speed Association owner Steve Dale. At the time American
Speed was one of the most prominent late model series of its time and they
wanted to know more about the small Midwest Series that had created such a
buzz across the country.
The two entities came together
and formed a new company called the
ASA Late Model Series. This company
was owned by Ron Varney Jr.(USPRO Racing) and Steve Dale (American Speed
Association). It was a separate company that was designed to be a stepping
stone for the American Speed Association?s National Tour. In 2004 the
ASA
Late Model Series completed a successful year in
late model racing with over 100 registered teams and plenty of
growing interest. Bobby Stremme took the 2004 Championship showing the
racing world that some of the best teams compete within.
By the end of the 2004 season it
was evident that the American Speed Association was facing some of its
darkest days. The decision was made to return complete ownership of the
ASA
Late Model Series to Ron Varney Jr. The series severed its
ties with the American Speed Association and moved on retaining all naming
rights and marks to the
ASA Late Model Series.
The
ASA
Late Model Series had one of its most successful seasons
during the 2005 season, crowning Stephen Leicht Champion. The 2005 season
highlighted the outstanding skill and ability of our teams. The concept of
the series rules package forced teams to focus on their driving skill and
experience and not the power of their cars. To win an
ASA
Late Model Series event or Championship has to be earned with
talent.
The series had become of national
interest to tracks, teams and companies that wanted to be a part of what was
becoming the most successful late model touring series in the country.
Other series and tracks began developing our rules package in their programs
and making accommodations to allow ASALMS style cars to compete. The
ASA
Late Model Series rules package was still the same rules
package created back in 2002 with minor changes implemented to make it more
conducive to travel and safety.
Because of the high demand from
tracks and teams, the series expanding it geographic base during the 2006
season to include the South, North,
Midwest and East as part of its program. Three divisions were
needed in order to accommodate the growing demand; ASALMS Challenge, ASALMS
North and ASALMS South. All three divisions had the same rules package to
ensure that our teams could participate anywhere, anytime.
The
ASA
Late Model Series added three more champions during the 2006
season; Jesse Smith, James Buescher and Kelly Bires. Many developmental
drivers moved into the series to help them develop the skills and training
needed to enhance their careers.
With proven success the series
moved forward into 2007 with all three divisions and continued to ignite the
racing world. The teams continue to have the eyes and ears of the racing
world upon them and many will use this as a tool to launch their racing
careers. The ASALMS is a premier series, with premier drivers and tremendous
support from some of the largest companies in the racing industry.
The
ASA Late Model Series has crowned two
2007 Season Champions, Travis Dassow in the Challenge Division and Trent
Snyder in the Northern Division, the
Southern Championship event will be held this weekend to
determine who will be the 3rd
ASA
Late Model Series Champion of the season.
The
ASA
Late Model Series will go forward into 2008 with all three
divisions; North, South and Challenge Division and continue to develop some
of the best short track racers in the country. There are many other series
that compete with our series for teams and tracks and many try to mirror who
and what we are. Be assured that the
ASA
Late Model Series is the only one of its kind.
The
ASA
Late Model Series sets the standard with professionalism,
development and initiative. We believe in what we do and we do it well, our
focus remains on short track
late model racing and we do not tread
in areas that are beyond that realm. We have our own history and
accomplishments that have been earned and proven by our series and teams.
Our name is The
ASA Late Model Series because that is
who we are.
The
ASA
Late Model Series is its own entity and not affiliated in any
way with ASA Racing, American Speed Association or the ASA Member Track
Program. The ASA Late Model Series
is owned and operated by Ron and Sandy Varney as it has been for the past
five years and will be for years to come.
Contact
Sandy Varney
1-800-385-2503
JE-CO Motorsports is proud to announce our fully updated
fabrication & repair shop
Lynch Set to Run JECO MotorSports Charger in the "Northland Oil 250" ASALMS Iowa Event..................................................................10.09.06
Bear Lynch Drives the JECO MotorSports Dodge to a Top-10 in the
USLMA Fall Classic at CNS..........................................................09.30.06
JECO Results from CNS' Challenge Cup XXXII............................09.18.06
JECO Results from CNS' Race of Champions...............................09.11.06
JECO Results from CNS' Labor Day Weekend Shootout...............09.05.06
ASALMS Results from The Milwaukee Mile.................................08.26.06
Bear Lynch to Pilot New Dodge Charger in the ASALMS Milwaukee Mile "Governors Cup 150"................................................................08.24.06
Bear Lynch Wins USLMA "Fathers Day Challenge" at CNS...........06.17.06
Jim Egli Pilots His Figure-8 to a Strong Finish.............................06.03.06
JECO MotorSports Finds New Direction for 2006........................02.09.06
Bear Lynch Powers His Dodge to Second Victory of 2004............09.26.04
Bear Lynch Drives Drives His Dodge to Victory in CNS Opener....04.18.04