UPLAND, California --While only starting its12th season, the ASA Speed Truck Challenge may sound fairly young, but as national racing series go, it is considered anything but new, especially to the seasoned group of drivers that will climb into their trucks in this season’s dynamic opener at Havasu 95 Speedway on March 8th.

Under the direction and ownership of long-time racing professional Jay Rutherford, this large and fast-growing traveling truck series with a full thirteen races in 2008 on eight different oval race tracks and a road course race at the famed Firebird International 1.7 mile road course. These incredibly fast trucks have set a new standard of racing on the West Coast and the series is attracting drivers from all over the country as far away as North Carolina and Washington. “We knew that it would be just a matter of time before the word would get out about what we have developed here,” said Rutherford. “With the incredible parity that has been established, drivers come to us from all over knowing that the multi-track experience will give them the kind of training that they need to go to the next step in racing and they don’t worry about being beat by a checkbook.”

Moving on to Super Late Models and Grand National West in 2008, last year’s winner, Victor Pfluger, only 16, made a statement throughout the season that he was the one to beat and proved it in dramatic fashion by outlasting a two-time ASA Speed Truck Challenge champion, Darren Young (43) in the very last race of the season. The exciting season finale proved that this series will continue to produce some great drivers and has what it takes to make it “all about the driver behind the wheel for young and old.” Victor Pfluger at only age 14 won an ASA Speed Truck Challenge event in 2006.

The 2008 season is already shaping up to be no different. “With over 20 new drivers, many of which are seasoned veterans, the level of competition and on-track excitement will certainly not be scarce. One such newcomer to the ASA Speed Truck Challenge is three-time 1980’s NASCAR champion, Jimmy Neal. “I knew if I was going to climb back into a vehicle after 20-years, I wanted it to be in a series that would recall and once again hone my true driving abilities,” said Neal. “Rutherford and his staff have been a tremendous help in getting me back into racing in a big way. I’ve already tested a couple of times and I am ready to make my presence known,” laughed Neal.

“Our long-time Corporate Partners continue to make our series great too,” said National Marketing Director, Bill McCloud. “Without super support by companies such as Mr. Gasket’s Mallory Ignition and ACCEL, Hoosier Race Tires, E-3 Spark Plugs, EZ UP, Torco Race Fuels, Frank’s Radio Service, Delson Products, Garrett Custom Trailers, TVT 24-7, DJ Safety, King Taco, Allied Racing Wheels, RB3 Stagger Pro, Randy LaJoie’s - Joie of Seating, TOYOTA and Mechanix Wear; this series wouldn’t be growing like it is.

For the eighth year in a row, the ASA Speed Truck Challenge will be nationally televised in an exciting, new Saturday afternoon time-slot,” continued McCloud. “If anyone doubted the series before now, they will surely become fans this year, as we crank up the edge-of-your-seat oval track and road course racing. For more information about how you can still be involved in our national television, call me at 866-873-7615.”

Rutherford continued, “Just like last season, we open and close our races in 2008 at Havasu 95 Speedway. Our drivers love the ASA sanctioned track, especially since its new upgrades in 2007. It is a fast and multi-grooved track that makes for great strategy from our teams. Come Saturday night, all the anticipation and practice becomes real as the Speed Trucks take the track for the kick-off of another great season. Call 866-873-7615 for more information.

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