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ASA: Johnny Spaw to Compete for 2001 ASA Rookie Honors

17 January 2001

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Cedar Rapids Veteran Gets First Full-Time Shot in ASA

Des Moines, Iowa--John Lundberg, owner of SouthWest MotorSports, recently announced the he has tabbed Johnny Spaw to drive the teams number 38 American Speed Association car for the entire 2001 season. Spaw will compete for th e 2001 Pat Schauer Memorial Rookie of the Year award.

Spaw, a six-time track champion at Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, (1992-1996, 1998) has made 17 ASA starts in the past several seasons, finishing in the top-10 twice. He made two starts in the 2000 season, with his best finish coming at Hawk eye Downs in the June event, where he came home 15th.

"Im looking forward to Johnny driving for me and this team in 2001," said Lundberg. "I was very pleased with Johnnys effort in the last ASA race of 2000 at Gateway International Raceway (Madison, Ill.), where we made the show and were running 13th before mechanical problems dropped us to a 24th place finish. I know Johnny can drive with some of the best short track racers that make this series so competitive."

The last two years Spaw, 38, has competed in the Remax Challenge Series, where he finished 11th in points during the 2000 season. Spaw began racing dirt bikes at the age of eight, where he was a six-time Amateur Iowa State Champion in motorcross. After a b rief career in dirt cars, Spaw moved to the asphalt tracks at Hawkeye Downs Speedway and LaCrosse Speedway.

"I feel like it has been a long time coming," said Spaw. "I known we can do this, but it is going to take a total team effort. It is totally different thing in a traveling series compared to a weekly program or even the Remax Series. I am really looking forward to the season though.

"I dont feel like a total rookie, which should help me out," said Spaw. "I have raced with these guys some over the years, so that should help my confidence level and help the veterans and some of the others feel much more comfortable around me.

The team has already signed McLeod USA Publishing and Rapid Safety Apparel to serve as associate sponsors.

Text Provided By Jeremy Troiano

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