PENDLETON, Indiana -- The American Speed Association has announced the ASA Late Model Series will begin its 2004 season at the .50-mile Madison International Speedway in Oregon, Wis. on Saturday, May 8. Matt Kenseth, the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Champion and former ASA competitor, will compete in the season-opening event.
"We feel privileged to be able to launch the ASA Late Model Series at Madison and to have someone the caliber of Matt Kenseth in the event," said Joe Balash, ASA vice- president, race operations. "The solid fan base that has long been established deserves this quality of entertainment. It will be a great set-up for the ASA National Tour when they visit this facility later in the summer."
Labeled as the fastest half-mile oval in Wisconsin, Madison International Speedway is one of the premier short tracks in the Badger State with a full array of suites in turn 1 and seating capacity for more than 10,000. ASA National Tour car owner and Chicago- businessman Terry Kunes purchased the track in November, 2002. Kunes appointed Roy Kenseth, father of NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Matt Kenseth, to promote and manage Madison.
"I can't think of a better start of the ASA Late Model Series season than at Madison in 2004," said Roy Kenseth. "The series will receive significant exposure with Matt (Kenseth) returning to the speedway. It's going to be a highlight of the season."
Matt Kenseth, of Cambridge, Wis., made 16 starts in the ASA National Tour, recording a best finish of second at the 1997 season-opening race at Southern National Speedway. He produced three top-five finishes and nine top-10s. Kenseth earned the 1994 Madison International Speedway track championship.
The entire 2004 ASA Late Model Series schedule continues to be formulated with a total of 14 events expected to make up the final slate. This announcement marks the 12th date formalized by ASA officials.
Officials are planning for 100-lap green flag races with a preference to not have competitors changing tires, adding fuel or needing pit stops during the events. The cars will include makes from three major manufacturers - General Motors, Ford and Dodge. They will utilize template bodies and engines from all three.
Rules for the 2004 ASA Late Model Series are available by contacting the ASA office at (765) 778-8088 or www.asaracing.com.
The American Speed Association is based in Pendleton, Ind., and has offered stock car
racing programs since 1968, including the ASA National Tour, ASA Late Model Series
and ASA Member Track programs. For additional information, visit www.asaracing.com.
