ASA: GM To Enter Development Car in ASA Texas Roadhouse 300

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

August 1, 2001

Michigan State University Led Team Makes Fourth Appearance of Season

PONTIAC, Michigan – As part of the continued partnership between the American Speed Association and General Motors Corporation, GM has entered the GM Vortec Engines/Michigan State University Future Development Team in this weekend’s Texas R oadhouse 300 at Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the 14th of 20 events on the 2001 ASA ACDelco Series event. It will be the fourth running of the development car during the 2001 season. The team previously competed at Toledo (Ohio) Speedway, B erlin (Mich.) Raceway and Salem (Ind.) Speedway.

“We are pleased that General Motors has chosen to bring their progressive ASA development team to Cedar Rapids and Hawkeye Downs Speedway for the Texas Roadhouse 300,” said ASA Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mark Gundrum. “This track and this town have a relationship that runs deep with this series, from the initial testing of the current Vortec engine, to the announcement and implementation of the ASA Member Track Program.”

In a format similar to the 1999 testing of the “LS1 V8” car used to analyze the feasibility of the current ASA Vortec 5700 high-performance, factory produced engine for use in the competitive arena of stock car racing, and through the continuing effort to develop new technology, GM has assembled a team of Michigan State University engineering students to help field the development car.

In addition to getting information from several GM technicians, the team’s student members use knowledge they gained as Formula SAE veterans, where they showcased their engineering skills against other teams from top universities across the country.

As through the first three events, Evansville, Indiana’s Brandon Fagin will pilot the Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Fagin has raced since the age of 14, with starts in ARCA, NAMARS and the CARS Truck Series. Fagin will be led by crew chief Jon Eppler, a recent Mi chigan State graduate in mechanical engineering.

“This is a great opportunity to test and promote advanced technology, technology that will make our vehicles even more powerful and efficient, through our involvement in ASA stock car racing,” said Al Alvarez, Vortec Engines Brand Manager. “For General Mo tors, the ASA ACDelco Series is one of the fastest laboratories on wheels. We are very proud to be working with this exciting team of young engineers in such a dynamic venue.”

Activities for the Texas Roadhouse 300 begin on Friday, August 3, with spectator gates and ASA practice starting at noon (local). ASA two-lap qualifications begin at 5 p.m., with the 100-lap qualifying race going green at 7 and the Doug Stone concert begin ning at 9. Saturday, things get started with spectator gates opening at 4 p.m., with the exclusive ASA on-track autograph session beginning at 6. Pre-race activities for the Texas Roadhouse 300 begin at 7:15, with the race starting at 8pm.

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.