The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

ASA: Bissell enters into ASA with Gainey Motorsports

31 March 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Team Will Compete for Pat Schauer Memorial Rookie of the Year Honors

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- With the 2000 American Speed Association (ASA) ACDelco Series just underway, officials of Bissell Inc. have announced a one-year agreement that will make the cleaning products manufacturer an associate sponsor of Buddy Gaineys Gainey Motorsports ASA team. Gainey, who raced a limited schedule of ASA races in 1999, will run the full schedule in 2000, vying for Pat Schauer Memorial Rookie of the Year honors.

Based in Grand Rapids, Mich.., Bissell Inc. is a 124-year-old privately held, international manufacturer of home- and floor-care cleaning products including sweepers, vacuums, deep cleaning machines and cleaning formulas sold at retail locations nationwide. Founded by the inventor of the carpet sweeper, Bissell continues to be an industry pioneer, bringing innovative home- and floor-care products to market, including the PowerSteamer ProHeat the industrys first continually heated, upright deep cleaner.

"We have been watching this industry (racing) and were really excited to make our rookie appearance in racing," said Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Bissell Jim Krzeminski. "We hope Buddy has a great year and competes for Rookie of the Year honors and hope Bissell creates a name with the ASA fan base."

Gainey, a 30-year-old from Grand Rapids, started seven ASA events in 1999, with his best finish coming in the seasons finale in North Carolina. Gainey has previously driven with the Skip Barber Formula Dodge Series, where his best finish was a fourth. He works full-time for the family trucking business, Gainey Transportation, where he serves as Executive Administrator.

"Everyone on this team is very excited about the upcoming season and having Bissell as a sponsor has been a big boost for the whole team," said Gainey. "Bissell is a well known and well respected company with a nationwide presence and we hope to do all we can to help Bissell in their marketing area.

"After my limited involvement in ASA in 1999, I am very excited about running a full schedule in 2000," said Gainey. "Everyone in this series is very helpful but I also know that the competition is extremely tough. We will try everything in our power to make each race and run competitively."

ASA veteran crewman Jeff Richardson will serve as crew chief for the team, whose shops are based out of Anderson, Ind. The number 53 Gainey Transportation/Bissell Racing Team will utilize the new 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix body style for the entire season, which kicked of March 26 with the BFGoodrich Tires 200 at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Fla., where Gainey finished 26th.

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.