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ASA: Kemp Named ASA Member Track Program Manager

23 January 2001

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

PENDLETON, Ind.--Larry Kemp, a veteran award-winning short track racing promoter, has been named as the American Speed Association Member Track Program Manager. He will spearhead the program recently introduced by ASA officials. Kemp comes to ASA after spending the last several years as president of Raceway Management Services. He starts his duties with ASA effective immediately.

"I see this as an opportunity to be a more integral part of the most successful short track stock car racing series in the country," said Kemp, who also spent six years serving as the promoter of Hawkeye Downs Speedway. "This also gives me the opportunity to remain in close contact with all the people at Hawkeye Downs Speedway, I feel one of the greatest short tracks in the entire country and with some of the most loyal fans anywhere.

Kemp will help in overseeing the development of the new ASA Member Track Program, which was announced at the Hawkeye Downs Speedway banquet in mid-December. He will serve as a direct liaison between ASA and Hawkeye Downs Speedway, the pilot track of the new program.

"I feel that the new ASA Member Track Program is one of the greatest things that has ever happened for the sport of short track stock car racing. I feel very lucky to have an important role in this new program, one that will help benefit both ASA and manyof the racers out in Iowa. I am excited to be a part of this and grateful that ASA has given me this opportunity."

Kemp has a vast background in the motorsports community. He spent 15 years early in his career serving various positions, including announcer and flagman at several Iowa short tracks. In 1979, Kemp promoted and operated the IMCA Florida Series for IMCA modifieds at various Florida speedways. Soon after, he turned to operating and promoting 34 Raceway (Burlington, Iowa) and Lee County Speedway (Donnellson, Iowa).

In 1995, he became the president of Raceway Management Services. He began his association with Hawkeye Downs Speedway in 1988 when he helped oversee the paving of the half-mile track. He then became the promoter of the track in 1989, where he served until 1998.

Kemp is also a two-time winner of the ASA Promoter of the Year Award, presented annually at the National Awards Banquet. He took the honors with him in 1996 and again in 1998. He also was given the 1998 R.P.M. Promoters Workshop Promoter of the Year Award.

Kemp helped originate and develop two series for dirt late models, including the Busch All Star Tour and the IMCA Late Model Summer Series. From 1997-1999, he operated the McLeod USA Gold Star Series for asphalt late models.

Kemp will relocate in the next few months from Iowa to central Indiana. He and his wife Kathleen have four adult children.

Text Provided By Jeremy Troianos

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