California here they come...

PENDLETON, Ind. (February 26, 2001) -- The American Speed Association heads into its second event of the 2001 season, the first trip for the series to the nation's West Coast, when the state-of-the-art Irwindale Speedway hosts ASA for the first time on March 9-10 for the tires.com 300 Presented by BFGoodrich Tires. Over 40 cars are already entered for the event, which will be the second richest race in the history of the American Speed Association, with total posted awards of $274,810.

"I personally think it is a great venue to expand our fan base in," said LaFavre Racing Teams driver Kevin Cywinski. "From all I have heard and seen, it is a beautiful facility with a loyal fan following and a great racers track. There are three distinct r acing groves, which will make the race a pretty exciting and competitive one."

ASA Racing Series second-year driver Joey Clanton, of Stockbridge, Ga., captured his second career victory in the season-opening event at St. Augustine (Fla.) Speedway. Clanton took the point from rookie pole-sitter Johnny Sauter on lap 121 and was never bested en route to the checkers. The 2000 ASA Rookie of the Year took home the lion's share of a $186,810 purse and leads the series points standings for the first time in his career.

Scott Hansen finished second and Mike Garvey third in front of a standing room only crowd. The race saw 16 cautions for 107 laps, yet 26 of 34 starters finished the race. It was ASA's first appearance at the Florida half-mile oval.

<pre> ASA Point Standings After 1 of 20 events:

Pos. Driver, Points 1. Joey Clanton, 204 2. Scott Hansen, 185 3. (R) Johnny Sauter, 185 4. Mike Garvey, 180 5. Kevin Cywinski, 172 6. Tristan Dupuis, 165 7. Mark Dismore Jr., 160 8. Tim Taylor, 155 9. Butch Miller, 150 10. Toby Porter, 145

-ASA-