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ASA: Tecumseh 300 sees biggest purse in Salem Speedway history

19 July 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

With Contingency Money, Tecumseh Ups Purse to $239,050

PENDLETON, Ind. --Thanks to Tecumseh, the worlds largest manufacturer of small engines and drivetrane components, the July 22 ASA ACDelco Series Tecumseh 300 at Salem (Ind.) Speedway will once again feature the largest purse in the 50-plus year history of the track, up $60,000 for the previous record set last year. In addition to the regular purse, Tecumseh has added a number of contingency awards, including an extra $5,000 for the winner.

The Tecumseh 300 will mark ASAs 36th visit to the high-banked, lightning-fast .555-mile oval. One year ago, eventual National Champion Tim Sauter overcame extreme heat and humidity to take the victory. ASAs history at Salem Speedway dates back to 1972, when the series held its first national race, eventually won by Darrell Waltrip.

Five former winners at Salem will return to compete for another win, including Mike Eddy, Scott Hansen, Butch Miller, Mike Miller and Sauter. Current National Points leader Gary St. Amant will be looking for his first win at the track, as will ASA veterans Mike Garvey, Kevin Cywinski and Rick Beebe. Several of the top rookies in 2000 will see their first ASA action at Salem, including rookie points leader Scott Wimmer, Larry Foyt, Mark Dismore, Robbie Pyle and Joey Clanton.

Officials recently announced that tickets for seats in the reserved sections are completely sold-out. Officials are expecting the event to be a complete sell-out by race day. Fans interested in attending the event are encouraged to buy their tickets for the event in advance. With the tradition of the Salem track and the presence event sponsor Tecumseh is bringing to the race, tickets are selling at a record rate, with general admission seats still available for $20. Tickets for the 8 p.m. (Central) race can be purchased through the ASA Ticket Office by calling 1-888-ASA-1020.

Tecumseh will retain the naming entitlement rights to the Tecumseh 300 event through the 2002 season, beginning with this event at the historic high-banked, half-mile oval.

The 2000 version of the Tecumseh 300 will begin Friday, July 21 with practice (11:30 a.m.), qualifying (4 p.m.) and a 100-lap qualifying race (8 p.m.). The Tecumseh 300 will take the green flag at 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, and will be televised live on TNN Sports.

Text provided by ASA

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.