Altamont Raceway joins Track Member program

More Changes at Altamont Raceway as it Signs With The ASA Racing Member Track Program

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2004) -- In a year already filled with changes, Altamont Raceway and Arena adds one more to the list as they officially become members in the ASA Racing Member Track Program for the 2005 season.

Located in Tracy, Calif., the facility has both a new name and ownership as a group of four investors, led by Chris Oar, recently took possession of the historical racetrack.

"This has been a year of changes for Altamont Raceway Park and Arena already, and their joining the ASA Racing Member Track program proves that the new owners are stepping up their efforts to take the facility in new directions and to new levels of popularity," explained Dennis Huth, president of Racing Speed Associates which now owns and operates the ASA Racing Member Track program. "Fans returning to the racetrack in 2005 are going to be pleasantly surprised with what has been done during the off-season, and the competitors are going to be thrilled with the programs that are being put into place on their behalf. To use an old cliche, it sounds like a 'win-win' situation for everyone."

Altamont Raceway and Arena is a multi-purpose facility that is comprised of three racetracks; there are half-mile and quarter-mile ovals, as well as a 0.75-mile road course. The track first opened in the 1930s and has hosted many of the most famous names in racing -- such as Foyt, Andretti and Unser -- competing in a spectacular backdrop of California's San Joaquin Valley and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The regular weekly schedule includes nine divisions of cars which include the ACDelco Late Models, Spec Motor Modifieds, Altamont Pro Trucks and Super Stocks. Fans will have plenty of opportunities to "See It Live in 2005" as the track plans more than 30 dates of regular racing and special events. For information and ticket purchases, log onto www.AltamontRaceway.com or call the track information line (925) 373-RACE.

According to the track's general manager Dennis Ortolan, one of the most visible changes will be the addition of a new landmark sign positioned at the I-580/205 highway interchange where more than 300,000 commuters pass each day. This sign will highlight the track's new name, as well as incorporate a gigantic video screen to promote upcoming events, advertisers, and public service announcements.

Continuing with efforts to provide fans with every opportunity to "See It Live in 2005," plans are being made for both cable television broadcasts and live Internet Webcasts of the races. To assist with production of these broadcasts, and to improve the facility for both the fans and competitors, the track lighting is also being upgraded.

"Our ASA Racing Member Track sanction will allow the drivers at Altamont Raceway and Arena to receive the national exposure that they cannot get from any other sanctioning body," Ortolan claimed. "Our STARS (Short Track Auto Racing Series) racing program will continue with great technical and organizational support from ASA officials."

Ortolan stated that he has already seen the benefits of joining the ASA Racing Member Track program.

"Our affiliation with the ASA Racing Member Track program the last few weeks has already allowed us to upgrade our scoring system with benefits that we could not get without the association. We look forward to working with ASA officials this year on our new contingency program and national sponsors, and our track officials are excited and will proudly wear their new ASA uniforms on Opening Day, April 2, 2005."

Tracks and regional touring series that join the ASA Racing Member Track Level I program are eligible to receive contributions to their year-end point fund, marketing assistance, enhanced participant accident insurance, and will be the spot for today's fans to watch the stars of tomorrow learn the trade. Huth indicated that he has other exciting ideas and plans to help take the local racing programs to new levels and to further enhance the coverage of the tracks and series competitors.

To learn more of the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based Racing Speed Associates or the ASA Racing Member Track program, call (386) 383-0368 or send an e-mail to asaracingmt@earthlink.net. A new Web site is currently under development and should be live early in 2005.

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