ASA: Salem Speedway To Host ASA Tecumseh 300 this Weekend

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

July 19, 2001

Pendleton, IN - The ASA ACDelco Series travels to southern Indiana on July 20-21, for the Tecumseh 300 on the high banks of Salem (IN) Speedway. The 300-lap affair is the 37th appearance of ASA at the .54-mile oval. This is the first of thr ee events in the state of Indiana with the others coming at Winchester Speedway and Indianapolis Raceway Park, both in September.

Scott Hansen, the 2000 Tecumseh 300 race-winner, said he always enjoys visiting Salem Speedway and believes the improvements made the track in recent years have been beneficial to all involved.

“They’ve done a lot of work, but they don’t need to do much to the track itself. It’s so fast now that I’m afraid if they pave it, they might make it so fast that it hurts the racing.”

After missing the Tecumseh 300 in 1999, Hansen made his presence known in the 2000 edition by leading the final 80 laps and cruising to his first victory of the season. Hansen’s victory, worth $25,150, was the largest payday at an ASA short track event in nearly five years.

In that race, Mike Garvey, driving the Tecumseh Chevrolet, finished in the runner-up position followed by Gary St. Amant. Garvey’s LaFavre Racing Teams teammate, Kevin Cywinski, crossed the stripe in fourth slot, with ASA veteran Glenn Allen Jr. completing the top-five finishers.

In 2001, nearly 1,000 seats have been added to accommodate race fans for the Tecumseh 300.

“Tecumseh is a great partner for Salem Speedway to be involved with,” said Richard Deaton, general manager of Salem Speedway. “It’s a natural fit with Tecumseh having a plant in Salem. They are a huge supporter of the speedway all year by selling tickets a t their plant, as well as caring for the lawn.”

Activities for the Tecumseh 300 get under way on Friday, July 20, when ASA practice begins at 1 p.m., with qualifications taking center stage at 6 p.m. On Saturday, July 21, ASA’s exclusive on-track autograph session is scheduled for 6 p.m. The Tecumseh 3 00 is slated to go green at 8 p.m. The event will be telecast live on TNN Sports.

Tickets for the Tecumseh 300 are $25 for reserved sections and $20 for general admission. Qualifying day tickets are free. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. The toll free ASA ticket line is 1-888-ASA-1020.

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.