UPLAND, California — There was no doubt that after an incredible night of exciting driving at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale on Saturday that the American Speed Association (ASA) Speed Truck Challenge “big show” had come to town and brought with it, a phenomenal champion in Darren Young. In a fashion that only Young can pull off, after a few short laps, he took the lead and held it the entire 100-lap feature. Knowing that he had already clinched the series championship coming into the race, Young came out to “L.A.’s ½ mile Super Speedway” at Irwindale to put an exclamation mark onto the brilliant 2008 driving season and show the crowd why he is a three-time champion.
Said ASA STC owner and director, Jay Rutherford, “Darren has once again proved to everyone that putting excellent driving skills and on-track finesse together with an excellent team made up of professionals from the United Nissan crew – just equals success.” “It is my privilege to crown Darren Young, the 2008 ASA Speed Truck Challenge Champion, one of the finest drivers that our series has ever seen.”
At age 43, Young claims his third ASA STC championship in 2008 after being inched out for the championship in 2007 by the 16-year-old Victor Pfluger in the last race of the season. In 2008, Young wasted no time in making sure that his United Nissan / Sudden Impact / H&R Springs Chevy S-10 was in the running for this year’s championship by setting six fastest qualifying times, setting the track record at Orange Show Speedway, five race victories, winning five Trophy Dashes and was in the top five in every race this season. Despite sounding like it was a breeze for Young this season, he definitely had plenty of competition this year from at least six other teams that could have changed history, but the champ kept up his dynamic driving techniques despite what the field threw at him.
“This victory tonight makes up for last year,” exclaimed a beaming Young. “That was a tough loss, but now winning in such a decisive fashion in 2008, enjoying it with my fellow teammates and awesome crew, and doing it at one of my favorite tracks here at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale; makes it all worth the wait. My hat’s off to Todd McLauchlan, #38 finishing in second place to me this year. Todd is a true champion in his own right and I enjoyed racing him this year to the end. I’d also like to compliment two second year fantastic drivers that also gave us a lot to be worried about throughout the season in Dallas Colodny #08 and Jason Black #09. What can I say…this is just a fantastic win,” finished Young.
Rutherford also had kind words for the rest of the ASA Speed Truck Challenge field that gave the abundant crowd for his final race of the season quite a show by going the full 100-lap feature without a single caution flag. “This is the kind of driving that we have seen from our teams all year. I am so proud of each one of them, particularly all the rookies that we had with us this year for driving smart, safe and with respect for their fellow competitors. They are truly what make this series something special,” Rutherford concluded.
The spry and crafty driver, Paul Bonaccorsi #11, Bonaccorsi Racing / BHRM Chevy S-10 concluded his season with the coveted Rookie of the Year Award, but also was in the hunt clear to the end. ASA STC Race Director, Jeff Austine, gave a huge thanks in his final driver’s meeting before the race to the entire field of drivers, crews and especially his dedicated officials that make the whole series function. “I am proud to be a part of such a great series,” said Austine. “We are looking forward to a bigger and better year in 2009!” National ASA STC Marketing Director, Bill McCloud also had kind words for the entire “STC family” after the race by thanking Jay Rutherford, Jeff Austine and crew, and Don Tatman, STC Chaplain; for making 2008 the best season ever. “We couldn’t do what we do without our supportive partners. I would like to recognize and thank all our corporate partners. With us this year was: VERVE! Energy Drink, Hoosier Tires, Bushwacker Body Gear, DJ Safety, Delson Products, E3 Spark Plug, EZ Up Shelters, Mechanix Wear, Mr. Gasket/Mallory/ACCEL, Toyota, Toyota Racing Development (TRD), Frank’s Radio, Garrett Custom Trailers, King Taco, TVT 24/7, NRG Resources, Stagger Pro 1000, Motorsports Marketing, Champion Awards and Specialty, Oval Research, Speed Truck Ministries, Purcell Television Productions and the American Speed Association (ASA).”
Watch for the ASA Speed Truck Challenge series 2008 races to be nationally televised starting in the 1st quarter of 2009. Television Schedules, channel listings and 2009 race schedule will be posted soon at www.speedtruck.com. For more information about how your company can be involved in the largest and fastest growing professional racing series on the West Coast with national exposure, call 866-873-7615 or email at bill@speedtruck.com for a personal consultation and proposal.
