UPLAND, California -- Amidst the flurry of paperwork, phone calls and negotiating with television broadcasters in the corporate offices of ASA Speed Truck Challenge this week, president Jay Rutherford was all smiles as he talked about the series’ next race at the already famous track of the “Bullring” at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. “Sure, we are always pleased to race in Las Vegas,” he exclaimed. “Our first race of the season was a complete crowd-pleaser and saw another dramatic finish and we expect this race to be no different.”
Out of the 65 racing teams in Speed Truck Challenge, Rutherford expects to have a full-house of qualifiers on April 29th as there are already 28 teams registered. “Everyone loves the 3/8’s mile Las Vegas Bullring track and they know that it will take a great driving effort to win there in 101 grueling laps,” Rutherford continued. The season opener race at the ASA track of Orange Show Speedway in San Bernardino saw some more excellent driving from numerous racers, which is fast becoming the standard trademark of this dramatic, hard-charging and very competitive Speed Truck Challenge series.
Between the 1st and the 26th qualifier at the Orange Show Speedway, only 7/10 of a second difference existed and the “B” show trucks had less than 3/10 of a second difference which put a real flurry of trucks on the ¼ mile, tough to pass track, trying to transfer into the main event. Four of the competitors not transferring were put back in their trailers. The on board cameras captured very exciting footage as Darren Young’s reverse mounted camera was on Scott Dodd and Bobby McGowan (both with forward facing cameras) as they swapped 2nd and 3rd positions back and forth with Dodd coming out on top at lap 100.
Although a rare red flag came out in the finishing laps of a hard fought race because of excessive transmission fluid in both grooves completely around the track, the crowd was once again impressed to an exciting 1-2-3 finish of Darren Young #18, Scott Dodd #9 and Bobby McGowan #5, all finishing in that same order for the start of what will prove to be a tough fight for top standings in the points championship for 2006.
“The April 29th race will see new sponsors highlighting the 101 lap race in appreciation for 101foto.com and United Nissan stepping to the plate for this race and the June 17th race with the new fees associated with business model changes at the Bullring. We can’t thank them enough for their help and support. Chek ‘em out at 101foto.com and United Nissan.com.” Rutherford concluded.
The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is one of the premier short track racing facilities in the United States. NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series races are held nearly every Saturday night throughout the season. In 2005, besides the always popular Speed Trucks, ten short track divisions competed at the Bullring, including Super Late Models, Late Models, Chargers, Legends Cars, Bandoleros, Thunder Roadsters, IMCA Modifieds and 7-Eleven Bullring Bombers. This year, ASA Speed Truck Challenge will visit the site two times; again on June 17th, turning the halfway point in the 2006 schedule.
Spectator gates will open at 5 p.m. Qualifying is scheduled for 6 p.m. with racing at 7:30 p.m. General adult admission is $10 with a valid Nevada driver's license for adults. Admission for senior citizens and military personnel with ID is $8. Children 6-12 are $5. Children five and under are free. A Family Four Pack may be purchased for $26.
