MARYSVILLE, Washington — The 2008 American Speed Association Aero Exhaust Northwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment season concludes at the speedway where the 24-year old series got its start in 1985. Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Washington has hosted more Northwest Tour races than any other track in the region. It is fitting that season’s champion will crowned at the Super Speedway of the West.
Saturday September 20, 2008 the ASANWT will take to the longest track that the series races on bringing a strong season to a close. All that is needed for Brad Stanwood (Portland, OR) to win his first championship is to take the green flag for the start of the 125-lap main. Stanwood, making every race this season, will also be the rookie of the year. His name will stand along with many of the greats in the northwest that have won NWT championships.
Evergreen Speedway’s Dino Rossi for Governor Big Track Championship has the NASCAR Speedway Chevrolet Super Stocks and the ASA Aero Exhaust Northwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment each with separate 125-lap mains to decide their respective champions. Fans will see the best late model racers from the Northwest challenge the big .667 mile oval.
The 2008 season, the second under the American Speed Association umbrella, has been a success with an average of 18 cars. There has been one repeat winner in the six previous stops for the traveling series.
Gary Lewis of Bothell, WA won on the road course of Pacific Raceway in Kent, WA and the last time the series stopped at Evergreen in July.
Lewis started his racing career at Evergreen and knows the track well.
Three other winners this season will be vying to repeat, Travis Bennett">Travis Bennett (Ellensburg, WA) winner at Meridian Speedway in Meridian, ID, Kelly Mann (Monroe, WA) at South Sound Speedway in Rochester, WA and Jason Fraser (Snohomish, WA) winner at the series last stop at Yakima Speedway, Yakima, WA.
Former champions of Evergreen’s NASCAR Super Stock Division Shane Harding (Langley, B.C. Canada) will make his second appearance with the ASANWT in 2008. His previous race was at Evergreen in July with a disappointing 16th falling out of the 150-lap main with mechanical trouble. Also having an early exit in July John Zaretzke (Monroe, WA) will be racing for the track championship and then the ASANWT win.
Nine of the top ten in the point standings are expected. In order of point standings Stanwood, Harold Racynski (Duvall, WA), Lewis, Allen Jewett (Longview, WA), Fraser, Bennett, Darin Stordahl (Marysville, WA), Mann and Ron Eaton (Lakewood, WA).
Being the fastest qualifier for the 2008 tour races has become highly coveted by the competitors. ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment presents the fastest with a new chain saw and a kit from Oregon Saw.
With 19-cars already expected and more to show on race day this could be the biggest showing of racers in 2008 for the ASANWT. In addition with a large field expected for the NASCAR Super Stock Championship race the night has become the place to be if you are a late model stock car racing aficionado.
Who: ASA Aero Exhaust Northwest tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and NASCAR Speedway Chevrolet Super Stocks
What: Dino Rossi for Governor Big Track Championships
Where: Evergreen Speedway – Monroe, WA (.667-mile oval) 125-laps for each series’ championship
When: Saturday September 20, 2008. Back gates open at 12:00pm. Front gates open at 5:00pm. Alternating practices start at 2:30pm. Qualifying ay 5:30. The super Stock 125-lap championship main starts at 7:00pm followed by the NWT 125-lap championship main.
Early expected driver list:
Ron Eaton
Gary Lewis
Shane Harding
Brad Stanwood
Harold Racynski
Allen Jewett
Kelly Mann
Jason Fraser
Darin Stordahl
John Zaretzke
Travis Bennett
Doug Davidson
Chris Preston
Korbin Thomas
Rick Hager
Don Cralle
James Spiering
