ASA: ACDelco Series Returns to I-70 Speedway with ASARacing.com 300
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
June 6, 2001
O’Neal, Beebe Will Return To ASA At I-70
Pendleton, Ind. - The ASA ACDelco Series made its inaugural visit to I-70 Speedway in Odessa (MO) on March 20, 1977, when Joe Ruttman captured the 100-lap feature. ASA has been a regular visitor to the steeply banked oval since 1991 and make s its 26th appearance on Saturday, June 16, in the ASARacing.com 300.
“The ASA event at I-70 has been the premier stock car event in Kansas City for a number of years,” said Brad McDonald, one of the track owners who recently took over management of the historic speedway along with Scott Pennington. “I grew up watching ASA a nd it’s a thrill to be a part of a great short track series that puts on a very professional show. The television coverage with TNN Sports along with the General Motors engine program has added even more attention to the series.”
In this year’s event, the local fans will have a lot to cheer about, as John O’Neal and Rick Beebe will attempt to make the starting field for the ASARacing.com 300 at I-70 Speedway. Both Kansas City-area natives have experienced a tremendous amount of suc cess in the late model division at the track.
O’Neal, who will pilot a John Silverthorne-owned Chevrolet with backing from Price Chopper and Hormel Chili, will make his first ASA start since competing in the 2000 event. Rick Beebe, a regular fixture in ASA since 1995, has made 116 starts and captured two victories. The “Rocket Man” has decided to compete part-time in 2001, while working hard to put a deal together for the 2002 season. Beebe will have sponsorship from Lennox Heating and Air Conditioning on the Don Fanetti Ford he will be driving.
“I’m extremely excited to return to ASA at I-70 and to have sponsorship from Lennox is a great opportunity,” said Beebe. One ASA start this year sums up his racing to this point of the season, which means Beebe will tune up his skills by competing in the t wo modified events at the high-banked track prior to the ASA event.
The previous 25 ASA events held at I-70 Speedway have produced 16 different winners with Dick Trickle atop the victory charts with five. Mike Eddy has recorded four victories, while Bob Senneker and Mike Miller each have two wins to their credit.
On Friday, June 15, ASA practice begins at 1 p.m. (local), with qualifications taking center stage at 6. The 100-lap qualifier race goes green at 8. On Saturday, ASA’s exclusive on-track autograph session is scheduled for 6 p.m., with pre-race ceremonies s tarting at 7:15. The ASARacing.com 300 goes green at 8 p.m.
Tickets for the ASARacing.com 300 are available through the ASA office and are $25 for reserved sections and $20 for general admission. Additional information is available through the ASA ticket line, 1-888-ASA-1020. VISA, MasterCard and Discover are accep ted for ticket orders.
Text provided by Jeremy Troiano
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