ASA: Clanton Hopes To Become First Two-Time Winner At Memphis

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

September 7, 2001

Series Makes Third Trip to State-of-the-Art .75-mile

PENDLETON, Indiana - The American Speed Association ACDelco Series will makes its third-trip to one of the newest short tracks in the country, the .75-mile Memphis Motorsports Park on Sunday, September 9, for the Rev Up Sports Drink 200 . And the defending winner, 2000 Rookie of the Year Joey Clanton, will be looking to become the first repeat winner at the track.

Memphis Motorsports Park fans were treated to one of the most exciting races of the year when ASA visited the track last season, as Atlanta’s Clanton and three-time ASA National Champion Butch Miller banged fenders over the race’s final five laps. Clanton was one of seven different leaders who swapped the lead on nine occasions, with three- and sometimes four-wide racing going all day long. In the end, Clanton led Miller to the line by only 0.210 second to record his first career ASA victory. Since that tim e, Clanton has gone on to win two more ASA National events, both coming in the 2001 season.

Activities for the 2001 version of the Rev Up Sports Drink 200 begin on Saturday, September 8, with practice and spectator gates both opening at 1 p.m. (local). Following three 50-minute practice session, ASA qualifications will take place at 6. Race day a ctivities begin with spectator gates opening at 10 a.m., followed by ASA’s exclusive on-track autograph session at 11. Pre-race ceremonies and driver introductions will begin at 12:15 p.m., with the Rev Up Sports Drink 200 taking the green at 1.

“It’s a track you have to save your tires on,” said Indianapolis’ Tim Taylor, one of only 10 different drivers who have led laps at the facility. “And it’s a place that takes a lot of patience. It is not too long of a race, but long enough that you really need to save the car for the end. If you can get set up for both corners, you are going to have a real good car.”

“Memphis is a nice race track, a really beautiful facility,” said 2001 ASA Rookie of the Year candidate and Tampa, Florida native Mike Cope, who has also led laps in ASA competition at the facility. “It is the type of racetrack that goes really well with t hese cars. The series runs really well out there and puts on a good show every time. There is a lot of room to pass and a lot of room to move around and find a good racing line. Just don’t overdrive the racetrack. You have to keep the car free and keep it rolling. You can’t overdrive the car or you will find yourself moving toward the back.”

The track has been a place for career firsts for the drivers involved. With the victory in 2000, Clanton joined former ASA Rookie of the Year Jimmie Johnson as victors at the facility, both of which served as career firsts for the respective drivers. David Stremme picked up the pole position in 2000, joining Eddie Hoffman as the only two to earn poles at Memphis, both of which were also career firsts for the rookies.

Of the 14 drivers who have competed at both events at Memphis Motorsports Park, defending ASA National Champion Gary St. Amant is the only driver to have captured top-five finishes in each outing. Rick Beebe and Russ Tuttle join St. Amant as the only drive rs to secure two top-10 runs at the oval.

Tickets for the 200-lap event are $25 each for reserved seats and $20 each for general admission tickets. For additional information, contact the ASA ticket line, (765) 778-2105 or toll-free, 1-888-ASA-1020. VISA and MasterCard are accepted for ticket orde rs.

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.