DAYTONA BEACH, Fla
The premise of the show is simple – take people with absolutely no racing experience, put them through a series of tests and see who has the ability to race professionally. Out of more than 15,000 applications received, the 20 finalists will live in mobile homes on the racetrack property during the taping. The 13 episodes of “Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge” are scheduled to premiere on Spike TV on May 19, 2007 and run through August 18, 2007. Each 60-minute episode of the series will begin on Saturday mornings at 9:00 A.M. Eastern Time.
Mike Cope, owner of Bronson Motor Speedway, will play host to the production company as well as act as a consultant during the filming. Continuing the ties to ASA, former ASA National Tour drivers Glen Allen, Jr. and Jay Middleton are involved as driver coaches and consultants. The race cars used in the filming will be those which competed in the ASA National Tour.
Cope recently re-signed as a Level II participant in the ASA Member Track program for the 2007 season which, officially will run from March through June. The filming of the television program will help the track during a time it would normally be shuttered, and according to Cope, could help renew interest in short track racing.
“The idea behind the program is that ‘you can do this too.’ I think that it could help to inspire people to get off the sofa and build a car and come to the racetrack. The idea that ‘if they can do it then I can do it too’ is what I hope will help to rejuvenate short track racing,” Cope explained.
“This is a great boost for Bronson (Motor Speedway) and it is exciting to see an ASA racetrack be part of a unique television concept,” said Dennis Huth, president of the ASA Member Track program. “The ties to ASA are amazing with so many of the National Tour drivers and cars involved. Like Mike, I also think that this television show could help to inspire people who want to race by getting them out of the living room and into the garage. I hope that those people head over to Bronson or any of the ASA Member Tracks where they will be welcomed with open arms and can learn about short track racing in a fun and competitive environment.”
Bronson Motor Speedway remains part of the ASA Member Track program, continuing an involvement which first started in 2004. Tracks and regional touring series that join the ASA Racing Member Track Level II program are eligible to receive marketing assistance, enhanced participant accident insurance, and will be the spot for today’s fans to watch the stars of tomorrow learn the trade.
To learn more of the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based ASA Racing Member Track program, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and regional tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com
