Oct. 18 at CCMP - ASA is coming!!! - Let's cheer on the Florida drivers!

[Racefan99]

The big race is now less than a week away! Although the ASA Late Model Series Southern Division has not yet posted the pre-entry list for this Saturday's race on their website, it's likely to include many of Florida's "big" names. This race is the season finale for the ASA, and every team is planning to bring their "A" game to Punta Gorda, as this event will decide BOTH the season championship and the rookie of the year titles. (How cool is that!?)

Although I don't believe I've personally met any of the current ASA South drivers, I am really looking forward to watching this event, and cheering on the Florida contingent. At 7:00pm, the ASA drivers will conduct an autograph session in the main grandstand area. Many of the drivers will distribute free autograph cards to fans. This is a great opportunity for race fans young and old, to meet some of the up and coming stars in the sport!

If you have a favorite, please post his name and photo. Let's make some noise for this big event!

(Copied from the ASA website)
Saturday October 18th
8:00 a.m. - ASALMS Officials to track
8:45 a.m. - Registration opens
9:00 a.m. - Pit gates open/Rig parking
9:30 a.m. - ASALMS practice tech opens
9:30 a.m. – Local Practice Rotating (80 Minutes)
10:00 a.m. - Drivers/Crew Chief/Spotters meeting
11:00 a.m. - ASALMS practice (60 minutes)
12:00 p.m. - Local Practice Rotating (60 minutes)
1:00 p.m. - ASALMS practice (60 minutes)
2:00 p.m. - Local Practice Rotating (60 minutes)
2:30 p.m. - ASALMS qualifying tech opens
3:45 p.m. - ASALMS qualifying (2 laps)
4:00 p.m. - Fan Admission Gates Open
4:45 p.m. - Local qualifying
5:50 p.m. - National Anthem
6:00 p.m. – 8:45 pm – Local Features
FASTRUCK Pro’s & Fastkids, Road Warrior, 4 Cylinder Shootout, Sportsman
7:00 p.m. – ASALM Autograph Session – Grandstand Autograph Area – (45 Min.)
8:30 p.m. - ASALMS cars to grid – Line up Behind Main Grandstand
8:45 p.m. - Pre-Race Ceremonies/Driver Introductions – Front Stretch
9:00 p.m. - ASALMS Championship 125
10:30 p.m. – Figure 8 (If time permits)

One driver that will be hard to miss on Saturday is Florida Atlantic University student Brian Blum! Brian has sold 100 tickets to his fellow students, for this event. Every time Brian hits the track, you can be sure to expect a roar from the stands, as his cheering section roots him on.


Florida's short track promoters need the fans support, now more than ever. Please, regardless of where you live, get out and support your local short track, before it's gone!

[Racefan99]

The ASA just posted their list of pre-entries, thus far, on their website!

Championship 100 EntriesPosted October 13th, 2008

Charlotte County Motorsports Park-Punta Gorda, Florida
2008 ASA Late Model Series Southern Division Season Championships 100

3 – Blake Lehr
9 – Rob Partelo
9 – Kurt Jett
13 – Jr Garcia
15 – Colt James
16 – Patrick Mennenga
17 – AJ Fulgenzi
31 – Brian Blum
33 – Casey Caudill
34 – Blake Koch
36 – Ross Chastain
46 – Matt Kochen
51 – Stephen Nasse
57 – Chad Pierce
59 – Dustin Dunn
70 – Jeremy Gerstner
78 – GMR - TBA
75 0 David Odell
76 – Jerick Johnson
86 – Jimmy Lang
88 – Justin Larson
93 – Brandon Johnson
127 – Kyle Maynard

[Racefan99]

The entry list is growing! Already this afternoon, two more entries have been added by ASA for this Saturday's race! It's now up to 25 cars!

3 – Blake Lehr
9 – Rob Partelo
9 – Kurt Jett
13 – Jr Garcia
15 – Colt James
16 – Patrick Mennenga
17 – AJ Fulgenzi
31 – Brian Blum
33 – Casey Caudill
34 – Blake Koch
36 – Ross Chastain
46 – Matt Kochen
51 – Stephen Nasse
57 – Chad Pierce
59 – Dustin Dunn
70 – Jeremy Gerstner
78 – GMR - TBA
75 0 David Odell
76 – Jerick Johnson
86 – Jimmy Lang
88 – Justin Larson
93 – Brandon Johnson
97 – Patrick Staropoli
100 – Dean Ferri
127 – Kyle Maynard

[Bobby Diehl]

Anyone herad from?

Has anyone heard on Jessica Murphy (as far as how is she feeling after the hard crash)? Also here are some others that were to race?

Jason Vail
George Crenshaw
Kevin Masey
Wayne Morris
Drew Brenon
Shawn Bass

[Racefan99]

Which Florida driver will you be rooting for this Saturday night? Here are three more drivers to keep an eye on!

Dustin Dunn - He has raced many, many laps around the tricky Punta Gorda track. Will he put that experience to good use this Saturday night, and pull off one of the biggest wins of his young career?

Stephen Nasse - Stephen shocked the ASA regulars by qualifying fifth at New Smyrna on September 27! Will Stephen continue his momentum at CCMP, where he has always ran well?

Justin Larson - Fast driver, fast equipment, and a 2008 ASA South Title Contender! Justin is always a factor for the win, any time he unloads.

[Racefan99]

Here's another Florida racer to cheer for on Saturday night! This story was released on the ASA website earlier today.

Rob Partelo makes his return to ASA racing at Charlotte County Motorsports Park in Punta Gorda.Posted October 14th, 2008


It has been several months since Rob has raced after losing his ride in the #93, but through hundreds of E-mails and phone calls and less one RV (which was traded) he now has the equipment. “I can’t wait to get back in the seat. It has been a real struggle to get to here, but it proves that if you want something bad enough, that you have to find a way. My wife and kids have been very supportive of the situation. I just wish that days were more than 24 hours long. We might not be 100 percent prepared for Punta Gorda, and we might not win practice on old tires, but I think a top 5 is very possible on Saturday night.” Rob explained.

The newest addition to our race team is Karen Spearel, who has helped a lot of drivers achieve success in several types of cars.
“It has been a major learning experience working with Karen.” Rob said. “Karen knows a race car better than most people, and that’s what is most important to go fast.”

Spotting for Rob will be long time friend Dave Mayak who filled in last year from the infield when the spotter’s radios failed and did an excellent job.

This is the last race of the season for Partelo, but there are four appearances with the car already scheduled in the Tampa Bay area. “We are working on sponsorship for next year, so we will be quite busy showing the car.” Rob stated. “We hope to be able to race again next March and are also waiting to hear if my home track (Sunshine Speedway) will re-open in 09.”

Sponsors for the # 9 Chevy Impala SS will be Winner’s Circle Auto Sales, A&M Powder Coating, Imagine Pro Photography, bringbackthetrack.com, and Artistic Iron & Aluminum. To contact the RPR race team and for marketing opportunities send an E-mail to winnerscircle93@tampabay.rr.com

[Bobby Diehl]

Add one more to the ASA list!!!!

Jason Vail in the #407 Plumping Machine Ford. Wow!!!!! getting close to 30 Teams!!!!!
We are excited to have these fine Racers take it to our FANS!!!
Bobby Diehl

[Racefan99]

It's now less than four days away!!!

Here are two more Florida drivers to root for on Saturday night!

Chad Pierce - In 2008, Chad competes on the ASA South Series driving for Fountain Motorsports. Chad's teammate is Blake Lehr.

JR "The Machine" Garcia - After finishing a strong fifth in the United Dirt Late Model Challenge "Battle of the Blacktop" at CCMP a few weeks ago, JR returns to Punta Gorda this weekend, quietly confident that he can contend for the win!

[Racefan99]

The empty GMR late model seat has been filled for Saturday night's race, and CCMP fans may recognize the driver who has been picked!!!! It's Kevin Macy, who WON a late model race at CCMP earlier this year! AND.... Auburndale Speedway will sponsor the car in Saturday's race!


(Copied from ASA Website)
GMR ready for the ASA Late Model Series Southern Division Season Championships 125Posted October 15th, 2008

On October 18th the 2008 ASALMS Southern division comes to a close with the Championship 125 at Charlotte County Motorsports Park in Punta Gorda Florida. With the points chase on the line for most cars in the series this race will define the champion and the top 10 drivers in points as well as the owner points.

With the GMR team running two cars in the 2008 season they have placed both cars in the top 10 in driver and owner points. With Jeremy Gerstner behind the wheel of the 70 car he has himself in seventh in the points and after starting the season with a third place finish at Bronson and a strong year of top 10 finishes Gerstner is looking for a solid run this weekend to advance himself in the points as the season ends.

Gerstner has more on his mind the just himself and the 70 car as GMR’s second car driven by bother John Gerstner who is in the 10th place in driver points. John has another racing commitment this weekend and is unable to race the teams 78 car. With this car in the top 10 in owner points the GMR team has turned to former ASALMS racer Kevin Macy to wheel the 78 car for the final race of the year.

Macy having won earlier in the year at CCMP in the late models and seams to always be a strong contender at the Florida track and every track and race he goes to Macy was the right driver for the GMR team. With Gerstner and Macy having raced against each other throughout Florida and in the ASALMS a common sponsor has brought the drivers together for the final ASALMS race of 2008. With two of the top late model drivers in the state of Florida now on the GMR team this race should prove to be a good one for the team.

With GMR and Florida Short Track Report.com bringing the drivers together they have also brought on board a new sponsor in, Auburndale Speedway for the season finale. While both drivers have raced many times at Auburndale Speedway it is also Macy’s home track and is at the top of the asphalt tracks in the state. With the sponsorship of the Florida Short Track Report.com and Auburndale Speedway along with C&R Shock Services, Racecar Engineering, United Speed World of Tampa and Lefthander Chassis the GMR team is ready for the ASA Late Model Series Southern Division Season Championships 125.

Please visit Jeremy’s web site for more updates at http://www.jeremygerstner.com

[Racefan99]

Here are two more Florida drivers to watch Saturday night, that are very well known to CCMP fans!

Patrick Staropoli - Patrick is a Harvard University freshman, who is returning to Punta Gorda this weekend to race with the ASA series!

Ross Chastain - If you are looking for a darkhorse pick, this may be your guy.... Although (I believe) this will be Ross's very first ASA start, young Ross has been successful, if not dominant, in every division that he's competed in. How will he measure up to the ASA heavyweights this Saturday night?

[Racefan99]

More News Releases from the ASA Website! This was posted on the front page of Karnac, but I'm also copying it below. (Heh, wait a minute.... some of the wording they used in this press release looks VERY familiar to me...... I'm flattered!!!!) Can't wait to see those ASA cars lined up on the frontstretch, and hear the favorite words for every race fan.... "Ladies and Gentlemen.....Start Your Engines!"

http://www.asalatemodelssouth.com/?p=1235

(Copied from ASA Website Link Above)
A Championship up for GrabsPosted October 15th, 2008

The ASA Late Model Series presented by GM Performance Parts will be at Charlotte County Motorsports Park, October 18th. The ASA Late Model Series South Division will hold the season championship at this .375 mile oval track located in Punta Gorda, Florida

Charlotte County is know for its fan friendly, driver friendly atmosphere and will be an awesome place to complete our final event of the season. The fans can look forward to plenty of Sunshine State teams mixing it up with the ASA Late Model Series regulars.

Which Florida driver will you be rooting for this Saturday night?

Dustin Dunn - He has raced many, many laps around the tricky Punta Gorda track. Will he put that experience to good use this Saturday night, and pull off one of the biggest wins of his young career?

Stephen Nasse - Stephen shocked the ASALMS regulars by qualifying fifth at New Smyrna on September 27! Will Stephen continue his momentum at CCMP, where he has always ran well?

Justin Larson - Fast driver, fast equipment, and a 2008 ASALMS South Title Contender! Justin is always a factor for the win, any time he unloads.

Chad Pierce - In 2008, Chad competes on the ASA South Series driving for Fountain Motorsports. Chad’s teammate is Blake Lehr.

JR “The Machine” Garcia - After finishing a strong fifth in the United Dirt Late Model Challenge “Battle of the Blacktop” at CCMP a few weeks ago, JR returns to Punta Gorda this weekend, quietly confident that he can contend for the win!

Rob Partelo makes his return to ASA racing at Charlotte County Motorsports
“I can’t wait to get back in the seat. It has been a real struggle to get to here, but it proves that if you want something bad enough, that you have to find a way.

With the GMR team running two cars in the 2008 season they have placed both cars in the top 10 in driver and owner points. Jeremy Gerstner behind the wheel of the 70 car and Kevin Macy fielding the 78 car.

Don’t forget the southern warriors of Jimmy Lang of Bluffton, SC and Colt James of Troutman, NC. These Carolina teams have taken the southern division to new levels. These two bring you ‘on your feet and knuckle chewing action’. The Championship of the division hinges on their performance this weekend at Charlotte County.

The ASA Late Model series is proud to present Florida fans with the best short track racing in the country. Come out and meet some of the teams at the ASALMS Autograph Session in the Grandstand at 7pm just before the main event.

Saturday October 18th
8:00 a.m. - ASALMS Officials to track
8:45 a.m. - Registration opens
9:00 a.m. - Pit gates open/Rig parking
9:30 a.m. - ASALMS practice tech opens
9:30 a.m. – Local Practice Rotating (80 Minutes)
10:00 a.m. - Drivers/Crew Chief/Spotters meeting
11:00 a.m. - ASALMS practice (60 minutes)
12:00 p.m. - Local Practice Rotating (60 minutes)
1:00 p.m. - ASALMS practice (60 minutes)
2:00 p.m. - Local Practice Rotating (60 minutes)
2:30 p.m. - ASALMS qualifying tech opens
3:45 p.m. - ASALMS qualifying (2 laps)
4:00 p.m. - Fan Admission Gates Open
4:45 p.m. - Local qualifying
5:50 p.m. - National Anthem
6:00 p.m. – 8:45 pm – Local Features
FASTRUCK Pro’s & Fastkids, Road Warrior, 4 Cylinder Shootout, Sportsman
7:00 p.m. – ASALM Autograph Session – Grandstand Autograph Area – (45 Min.)
8:30 p.m. - ASALMS cars to grid – Line up Behind Main Grandstand
8:45 p.m. - Pre-Race Ceremonies/Driver Introductions – Front Stretch
9:00 p.m. - ASALMS Championship 125
10:30 p.m. – Figure 8 (If time permits)

For ticket and event information call Charlotte County at Motorsports Park: Track Phone: 941-575-7223 or visit their website at www.charlottecountyracing.com. For more information about the ASA Late Model Series and our teams, visit one of our three websites at www.asalatemodels.com, www.asalatemodelssouth.com or www.asalatemodelsnorth.com. ‘America’s Premier Short Track Series’

[Racefan99]

The excitement for the ASA race keeps building! The article below says that if Colt James can finish three spots ahead of Jimmy Lang, and collect the bonus points, he will steal the ASALMS title away from him!!!

(Copied from ASA Website)

It all comes down to one race for Colt James in his quest for the 2008 ASA Late Model Series Southern Division title.Posted October 16th, 2008

Colt James hopes to bring home the 2008 ASA Late Model Series Southern Division Championship at the conclusion of the ASALMS South Season Championships 100 this Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Charlotte County Motorsports Park in Punta Gorda, Florida. (Chuck Gonzalez Photo)

By Colt James Motorsports / M.P.H. Promotions

Troutman, North Carolina (Thursday, October 16, 2008): After finishing second in the weather shortened Cotton Picken 100 to race winner, David Odell this past Saturday, October 11th at New Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia, Colt James’ task this upcoming weekend is very simple.

Earn all the bonus points that he can and finish at least three spots ahead of ASA Late Model Series Southern Division Points Leader, Jimmy Lang, and the 2008 ASALMS Southern Division Championship will come back to Troutman, North Carolina with James and his Colt James Motorsports Team!

The 2008 ASALMS Southern Division Season Championships 100 is this Saturday, October 18, 2008 at Charlotte County Motorsports Park in Punta Gorda, Florida and the season long battle between James and Lang will come to an end and only one will walk away with the title.

“I’m looking forward to Charlotte County. I really don’t know a lot about the track but hopefully we can get the car dialed in Friday night and have a shot for the win come race time,” The transplanted Texas said.

Going into the last event of the year for the South contingent, James trails Lang by just 16 points (1450-1434). “Hopefully we can have a good enough race to jump ahead of Jimmy in points,” The 25-year-old continued. “I feel like people have thought of us as the underdog so hopefully we can pull it off, but whatever happens it has been a great season for the team.”

As for the last ASALMS South race, James garnered a solid runner-up showing as weather played a role in the outcome of the race, which was reduced to only 50 laps.

“Senoia was a good race, the crew gave me a really good car and I felt like we had a shot at the win but you can’t control the weather,” James remarked. “Congrats to David (Odell) and his team they really deserved to win a race before the season ended.

“I just need to thank my sponsors Magnum Trailers, Umsheid Race Services, Hamke Race Cars, M.P.H. Promotions, Day Motorsports and Aero Race Wheels. Also have to thank my Mom and Dad for their support as well as my wife, Elisha, plus Jamie Hazelwood, Jason Lascky, Jason Harvell, and David Umscheid.” He ended.

With the exception of one race, James has not finished worse than fourth and that includes Two Feature wins with the latest coming at New Smyrna Speedway on September 28th. His other Feature Win occurred at Concord Motorsport Park back on July 12th.

His non-wins include; two runner-up showings, one third place showing, and two fourth places. The lone finish outside the Top 10 occurred at Orange County Speedway back in August and after the lengthy battle with Lang, who won.

James continues to wheel his familiar Black #15 Ford Fusion with sponsorship from; Magnum Trailers, as well as Wells Cargo, Day Motorsports, Umsheid Race Services, Aero Race Wheels, Robert Hamke Race Cars, M.P.H. Promotions, and of course, Colt James Motorsports.

To learn more about Colt James Motorsports and to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the remainder of the 2008 racing season as well as the fast approaching 2009 campaign, e-mail the team at: Colt James Motorsports E-Mail

You can also long onto the teams’ website by going to: Colt James Motorsports