STEVE CARLSON TO RACE DEBUT ASA MIDWEST TOUR SEASON

Source: ASA Midwest Tour Media Relations
Date: 01/31/2007

Long known to fans and fellow racers as a proven winner, upon joining the new American Speed Association's traveling series, Carlson will immediately become one of the drivers to beat - each and every time out.

Following in the footsteps of his older brothers, Carlson took up the sport while still a teenager. Over the past three decades of racing, the 49-year-old veteran has honed his skills and proven himself as one of the Midwest's best late-model drivers and a threat to win every race he enters.

Having earned track Championships at both La Crosse and Wisconsin Dells, Carlson's career is best defined by his ability to win on the road. A regular in NASCAR's Midwest Series since the late 1980s, Carlson posted a 16-year span where he never finished worst than second in the series' championship chase.

Earning Rookie of the Year honors in 1988 (while the series was still known as ARTGO) Carlson won nine ARTGO/NASCAR Championships, including his last in 2003. He finished fourth in 1989 and third in 2006. Along the way he also collected an ASA National Tour, Rookie of the Year award in 1997, while racing in both the ASA National Tour Series and the NASCAR Midwest Series.

Former ARTGO promoter and now advisor to the ASA Midwest Tour, John McKarns recently said of Carlson, "When Steve Carlson competes in a special Super Late Model event, he is usually considered the man to beat. He arrives well prepared and is always strong in the last half of the race."

Carlson's success while racing away from home has not been limited to the NASCAR Midwest Series. The Wisconsin driver has won over a half-dozen National Short Track Championship events at Rockford, in addition to wins at Speed Weeks and Red, White & Blue Championships at the Wisconsin International Raceway (Kaukauna, Wis.). He has also claimed his share of big-purse events, with wins at the Colorado National Speedway (Erie, Co.) and the Madison International Speedway (Madison, Wis.).

Thrilled by Carlson's commitment to the series, American Speed Association Midwest Tour Vice-President, Steve Einhaus commented, "If the Midwest had a hall of fame there is no doubt that Steve Carlson would see his name on the list. He is one of the greatest short track racers in the country and he is always in place to win every race he enters."

"Our series is built around the involvement of the short track stars in today's world of stock car racing. Steve Carlson's name has come up in every conversation while booking our events at various racetracks across the Midwest."

"These tracks know it is important for their fans to see Carlson race at their facility," stated Einhaus, adding, "We are excited by the fact that Steve has committed to the series and he has certainly earned the right to be considered as one of our Touring Stars."

According to Carlson, the decision to commit to the new series was an easy one. "With the people involved with this series, it was not hard. John McKarns' being involved, will make this a good deal. These guys are working hard to have an even playing field and exciting events."

Having already enjoyed success at many of the tracks on the inaugural schedule, Carlson is excited about returning to them as part of the American Speed Association Midwest Tour. "There are a lot of good tracks on the schedule. I am glad to being going back to them and look forward to the start of the season."

As for his goals for 2007 in the American Speed Association's Midwest Tour, Carlson said, "I have always enjoyed racing, it is like going to school - every race you learn something new. Over the years I have always drove as hard as I could and the Championships just came with it. There will be plenty of talent in this series and I certainly look forward to racing these events, trying to win."

Wilson Oil Company of Red Wing, Minnesota will be the primary sponsor of Carlson's No.66 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, promoting their Wilson Race Fuels and Extreme Performance Plus Lubricants.

The inaugural race for the American Speed Association's 2007 Midwest Tour is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, at Minnesota's Elko Speedway. For more on the series or to see their 2007 schedule, visit them online at www.asamidwesttour. com

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