SONTAG ANNOUNCES ASA NATIONAL TOUR PLANS
PENDLETON, Ind. (February 25, 2004) -- After a successful part-time 2003 season with Terry Kunes and Terry's Motorsports, Chicagoland Late Model standout Brett Sontag has announced plans to compete in the 2004 ASA National Tour campaign, gunning for the prestigious $50,000 Rookie Prize. "With the experience this team gained in 2003, I believe we can be consistent and challenge for the rookie title," said Sontag. "The television exposure available when battling for the rookie title is outstanding. Last year, we proved capable of racing with the best of the best in ASA. In '04, we need a good start to the season and continue to build upon our success." Just prior to the 2003 ASA National Tour season-opening event at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Fla., car owner Terry Kunes started the race team, hiring Sontag to drive the No. 71 Terry's Automotive Group car. Kunes also purchased Wisconsin's Madison International Speedway. "The hardest part of our '03 program was the late start we got. We put the team together right before Lakeland. We didn't' even have a chance to practice pit stops. Our main goal was to just make the race. This year we have three cars ready to go and a great plan for the complete season. "Terry (Kunes) was new to the racing business last year when he hired me to drive. Being involved with Terry and the entire team is a dream come true. He is a great car owner that provides all the resources we should need to be successful. I couldn't ask for a better car owner." Sontag of Joliet, Ill., made eight appearances last season, recording one top-five finish and two top-10s. His season highlight took place at Toledo Speedway, crossing the finish line in fourth position. Sontag led 30 circuits in the 300-lap event, in his first appearance at the Ohio track. He also posted an eighth place run at Lanier National Speedway. "Last year was a learning experience. The only tracks I had previously competed at were Illiana and Madison. We were top-three cars at those two events. This year having the knowledge from '03 will be a huge advantage. Also, the test sessions the day prior will be equally positive." 2002 ASA National Tour Champion Joey Clanton made two appearances in the Terry's Automotive Group car in 2003, scoring a victory at Nashville in the season finale. Clanton will make select starts in 2004, driving a team car to Sontag. "Joey is a fountain of knowledge with the ASA cars. He really knows these cars pretty good and is a great driver. I tried to soak up everything possible when he was involved with the team at Elko and Nashville in 2003." Sontag is a long-time competitor around Chicago area tracks such as Grundy County Speedway and Illiana Motor Speedway. He boasts a nearly 16-year career. After competing with the Mid-American Stock Cars, Sontag moved into Late Models at his home track in Morris, Ill., and won the 2001 and 2002 Late Model championships at Grundy County Speedway. He also competed part-time in the NASCAR Midwest Series before teaming with car owner Kunes prior to the 2003 season. The ASA National Tour begins its 37th season of competition on Saturday, March 27 at the .75-mile oval of USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Fla. The SK Hand Tool 200 will be televised on PEE Channel. The American Speed Association is based in Pendleton, Ind., and has offered stock car racing programs since 1968, including the ASA National Tour, ASA Late Model Series and ASA Member Track programs. For additional information, visit asaracing.com.