USAC: Ave to unleash his assault on the pavement at 'Copper World Classic'
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
March 16, 2001
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (March 16, 2001) - USAC Midget standout, Tony Ave and Greg Steele Racing announced earlier today that they will join forces to compete in all eleven USAC WorldCom Midget Car pavement events during the 2001 season.
"I'm very excited to be driving for Greg Steele," said Ave. "He has a great reputation in the industry and knows what it will take to be successful."
Ave, of Indianapolis, Indiana will begin his assault on the pavement at this weekends Indy 200 Copper World Classic in Phoenix, Arizona, piloting the #21 Century 21/Beast/World Wheels/Red Line Oil machine.
First competing in the midget ranks in 1998, Ave's inaugural feature race was at the Copper World Classic where he finished an impressive eighth.
"Phoenix is one of my favorite tracks," said Ave. "I enjoy the high speeds and look forward to this weekends event. The IRL owners will all be present this weekend and who knows if I do well I may get the opportunity to test one of their machines."
Ave spent several days testing at Phoenix International Raceway during the off season but not in a midget car. He also has a fulltime ride in the Toyota Atlantic Series, driving for P1 Racing. The Southern California based team has been involved with the Atlantic Series for several years, winning Championships with both Mark Dismore and Jovy Marcello. Former Swift Engineering chassis designer, David Bruns will perform the Engineering duties on the #20 Swift .008 chassis.
In his spare time, the competitive Ave will also campaign his own car in eight USAC National Sprint Car events driving for Frontier Motorsports in the Mid West.
Practice for the USAC Midgets begins Thursday, March 15 at 3:00 p.m. with qualifying set for Friday afternoon. The USAC Midget feature is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. start Saturday.
Text provided by Al Larsen
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