UPLAND, California — For most aspiring racing series, the start of a new season holds with it a keen sense of anticipation to see what talent lies behind the wheel of the participating vehicles. In the 2009 season start for the ASA Speed Truck Challenge, the premier traveling series in the American Speed Association (ASA) opening this season Saturday, March 7th at I-10 Speedway – Blythe, CA, it couldn’t be anymore exciting.
"This new season is special for several reasons."— Jay Rutherford
Series owner and director, Jay Rutherford, entering his 13th season, knows perfectly well that the opener is a time where everyone will show their cards about how well they will perform during the season. Said Rutherford, “This new season is special for several reasons. First, is our new and returning marketing partners that make this a reality. We are once again thrilled to bring back VERVE! the “Insanely Healthy Energy Drink” as our season Title partner to provide us a great product, as well as an excellent opportunity for our drivers, teams and fans to subsidize their budgets within its marketing program. Second, is our agreement with the ION Network to be shown on national television as well as streaming Internet, reaching an extraordinary number of viewers/listeners well over 200 million. With the help of Dave Behar, president of ION Network, STC will be viewed by more fans than any other racing broadcast. Third, is our tremendous turnout of new, upcoming, excellent driving talent into this season’s lineup. We are once again going to give fans the kind of edge-of-your-seat driving action that they want in a dynamic series,” concluded Rutherford.
Within this new driver roster that Rutherford referred to are seven checker-hungry teams vying for the coveted “Rookie of the Year” honors. Such well-known names in the tri-state area are: Josh Goshen in the #4 – Brea, CA; Taylor Cuzick in the #51 – Peoria, AZ; Chris Snyder in the #0 – Surprize, AZ; Chris Birdsong in the #46 – Las Vegas, NV; Jeremiah Wagner in the #77 – Las Vegas, NV; Cole Cabrera in the #53 – Exeter, CA; Jack Madrid in the #29 – Las Vegas, NV and returning driver Branden Underwood in the #28 – Henderson, NV.
Some of these drivers have tested their skills behind the powerful Van Gordon Racing V-8’s in the 2008 season, but several will see actual STC racing action for the first time. Said veteran and 2008 Second place finisher, Todd McLauchlan (2nd), “You bet I’m nervous! Many of these younger drivers have no fear and can take over a race early if you’re not at your best. I plan to make a good showing in this first race.” Also returning this season are smooth contenders such as: Jason Black (4th) in the #9 – Glendale, AZ; Jeff Catlin (6th) in the #1 – Mesa, AZ; Donny St. Ours (7th) in the #16 – Upland, CA; Joey Licata (10th) in the #71 – Lake Balboa, CA and making a surprise start this week on the fast track at I-10 is 2008 STC Champion – Darren Young (1st) in a new #18 Chevy Colorado with a new sponsor. “I may not be able to make them all this year,” stated Young, “but I had to run the first race to mix it up with all the new drivers!”
ASA Speed Truck Challenge rolls out of I-10 Speedway into two back-to-back road course races the last weekend in March at the tough Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, AZ and then right over to a charity race at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) benefiting the Phoenix Children’s Hospital the same weekend. Watch for more incredible driving talent, on-track excitement and more news about 2009 season broadcasts in this spectacular series in 2009.
For more information about the ASA STC, contact Jay Rutherford at 909-949-4780 or at jay@speedtruck.com.
