ASA Prepares to Visit Indianapolis Raceway Park This Month

14 September 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Race pivotal to National Championship and Rookie points battles

PENDLETON, Ind - The American Speed Association is set to return to Indianapolis Raceway Park for the 21st visit to the .686-mile in the 33-year history of the series. The 18th race on the 2000 ASA ACDelco Series schedule is set to begin at 8 p.m. (Central) on September 23, the same weekend that Formula One will visit the Motorsports Capital of the World for the first time at the newly completed road course inside Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The ASA 200 will not have a repeat winner, as last years victor, Derrick Gilchrist, will not be among the entrants ready to capture the crown.

The visit might be a key in determining the 2000 ASA National Championship. Gary St. Amant has held the point lead since the seasons first race at Lakeland (FL), and will be fending off the likes of Kevin Cywinski, Mike Garvey and Tim Sauter, in effort to collect his second ASA National Championship. St. Amant won his first title in 1998. After 17 races, St Amant needs to only finish in the top-20 in each of the final three races to clinch the championship.

The ASA 200 could also be a pivotal event in the race for the $50,000 Pat Schauer Memorial Rookie of the Year award. Rookie surprise Joey Clanton has had a significant late-season charge, including his first win at Memphis Motorsports Park, to take a lead in the rookie point chase. Coupled with rookie sensation Scott Wimmers late-season troubles, Clanton leads second-place and pre-season favorite Rookie Pyle by 128 points and Wimmer by 176.

The list of previous winners at Indianapolis Raceway Park reads as a whos who of legendary short track stock car racing greats. Previous winners include Bob Senneker, Dick Trickle, Mike Eddy, Butch Miller, Scott Hansen, Ted Musgrave and St. Amant.

Several Indiana drivers have made their mark on the series in 2000, including rookie candidate Mark Dismore, son of IRL star Mark Dismore. Also from Indianapolis, Deputy Chief of Investigations for Marion County Russ Tuttle has run strong in his second year with the series, driving for Carmel-based Conseco. Second-year driver Tim The Tool Man Taylor also is an Indy native.

In 1999, rookie sensation Gilchrist captured his second career victory, one of three he would have in 1999, by dominating the late stages of the Greased Lightning 200. Gilchrist made one pit stop, took the lead from pole-sitter Mike Garvey and led the final 73 laps en route to the win. Gilchrist led Gary St. Amant by more than 3 seconds at the line.

Tickets are still available for the race and can be ordered through the ASA ticket line, 1-888-ASA-1020. Tickets are $25 for reserved seats, $20 for general admission, with children 12 and younger admitted free with a paying adult in the general admission area. MasterCard, VISA and Discover are accepted.

Text provided by Jeremy Troiano

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.