THOUSAND OAKS, California -- Bright and early Monday morning one of those "jaw dropping" press releases arrived in the RacingWest email. ASA Racing was going International. It was sanctioning an event in Welkom, South Africa on the Phakisa Freeway Circuit 1.5-mile Super Speedway.
The release gave a lot of information on the agreement between the ASA and the Motorsport South Africa (MSA), which is the controlling body of all motorsports in South Africa. We gained a bit of knowledge about the track and we found out about some facts surrounding how it would come together, but still...not all of the "Who, What, Why, Where, When and How's were unanswered. So RacingWest's inquisitive nature led us to asking Dennis Huth, President of ASA Racing, the missing "Who" and "What" questions. We wanted to know who was racing and what they were racing. We also were curious about TV and finally, the "Why" question. Why Africa? Much to our delight he graciously answered all in as much detail as he could provide. But, Huth promised more information in the days to come.
I sort of think of this event as an advent Calendar. Slowly opening up surprises, one by one, until the day arrives. This is one race that anyone that can go, should go. It is history in the making! Now the 3 questions we asked the "History in the Making" maker.
RacingWest: Dennis, we here at RacingWest are very excited about the news of the ASA racing in Africa. This was a definite surprise to all of us. We know where and when you will be racing, but there are a lot of questions remaining. There is a lot of chatter about the event, but there are still a lot of questions that remain unanswered, such as who is going and what type of cars that will be racing. Can you provide us with some additional information?
Dennis Huth: Thanks for asking Janet. We are currently in the finalization stages of the Official Entry Blank for South Africa. We have been in discussions with many competitors who have expressed interest in competing in this event. Since it is an invitational only event we will release each competitor individually upon the official acceptance of the Entry form.I can tell you that this event has garnered more attention than I had anticipated from the competitor side. We are bound by contract to have a minimum of 24 cars on site, but we are seeing many more competitors than that interested in going. I mean, who wouldn’t want to go? South Africa is a beautiful country and the track is truly “First Class”.
Many people are staying longer or arriving early for a vacation, of sorts.
The cars are based around previously run Cup - Busch / Nationwide cars. Our technical staff is working diligently to make everything a level playing field when it comes to rules and as cost effective as humanly possible.
You see, we are looking at this event as a fun event. It is an opportunity to give back to teams by taking in a different county, with most expense paid for by ASA or the Free State government. There are no points awarded – it is by invitation only – a chance to help an emerging motorsports market and competitors in South Africa – prize money – an opportunity to help the future of the series by selling equipment, to state it simply, “It has it all.”
The concept of this is really based upon a couple of factors – but the most important was to get back to basics and have some fun with an event.
We’ve told the teams that if they are looking for a hassle, a non-friendly attitude, pressure , never-ending costs, rules upon rules, - then we don’t want them to go. Our mantra here is to get back to the basics of the foundation of what this sport was built upon.
The South African Free State Government is welcoming us with open arms and I truly believe that is why we have received so much interest.
RW: With an event of this magnitude, will there be TV coverage?
DH: Yes…ASA has exclusive rights of worldwide TV, except South Africa.; More exciting news on that to follow.
RW: What led to your decision for an ASA Sanctioned race in South Africa? Why not something closer such as Canada or Mexico, or if was going to be overseas, why not a country such as Japan or Australia where you already have experience?
DH: When we were approached regarding this project, I asked the same question. But, when I saw the race track – which is first class – I realized that we were on the ‘cutting edge’ of something. My background with the formation of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series afforded me the opportunity to be involved in ‘upstart’ ventures. This has all of the factors involved. We are able to help craft a future in motorsports in South Africa – with the help of the surrounding local race tracks and the MSA (Motorsport South Africa), who are solidly behind this project,
The people are willing to do what needs to be done to build – from scratch – a major series.
The country is fascinating; and a vacation Mecca.
There is tons of interest by local competitors to compete and buy American V-8 equipment.
The Drivetech driving school is going to be on site to train the local competitors that are so well versed in road course racing.
We have been thru the ‘movement of cars and people’ with our Japan races experience.
I can go on and on, but the bottom line is – so I ask, - “What was there not to like about this project?”
Information will be released on this project for months to come- you are not getting it all today!! We are thoroughly enjoying everything. This is an exciting project that is so much more than just a race; it’s a human experience and forging a future.
After all, we can’t ‘tell all’ today,
