ASL: Jarit Johnson, SS Racing enters new series

Jarit Johnson to compete in ASL Series with SS Racing

SS Racing team owner Ken Smith announced today that he will compete in the full schedule of the newly formed ASL Series with rookie driver Jarit Johnson. The ASL Series was started earlier this year by Gary Vercauteren and his group, who also operate the Mid-American Stock Car Series. The new series will use the former ASA cars and will operate with similar rules. "We're looking forward to the ASL Series. We are pleased with what Gary Vercauteren has done to provide us with a series for these great race cars!" said Smith. Ten races are scheduled for the ASL with the season opener April 30th at I70 Raceway, Odessa, MO.

Jarit Johnson will be competing for the Series Rookie of the Year Award. "I'm fired up about this series and our team's chances of doing well." said Johnson. SS Racing will be one of the favorites to hit the track. They racked up a history of wins and several top fives in the ASA Series. Much of that success is credited to three-time ASA Champion and short track hero, Butch Miller. Miller will also be aboard the SS Racing team as both part time driver and driver's coach to Johnson. "I'm very fortunate to have Butch coaching and guiding me. I know he'll be a big part of advancing my career and our team this season," said Johnson.

Johnson already has a bit of family history in these race cars. He enters a similar career path as his older brother Jimmie. NEXTEL Cup driver Jimmie Johnson began his stock car career in the same cars under the former ASA Series. He too competed for and won the 1998 ASA Rookie of the Year Award. "It was a great series for Jimmie and I hope to learn and grow as a driver in this series as he did," said Jarit.

SS Racing signed Jarit Johnson earlier this year after they took notice of him competing in stockcars at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Johnson was racing on a limited budget and still managed to claim three poles, three wins, and almost all top five finishes. He does get support and advice from his brother. But Johnson is determined to make his own career. "Jimmie gives me a lot of support and it's great to have him there to provide advice since he's been down this road already. But I have to become a driver on my own. I'm grateful SS Racing has given me that opportunity. I hope to go out and do well on the track for the SS Racing team, my sponsors and myself." concluded Jarit.

SS Racing will field Johnson in the ASL car for a full schedule. Butch Miller will run selected races along the schedule in his traditional number 52 car. Both Johnson and Miller also may run some limited Craftsman Truck races this year. Stay connected to www.ssracingonline.com and www.jaritjohnson.com for upcoming news and updates!

-www.ssracingonline.com