Kentucky Speedway open test notes

Thirty-Four ASA Teams Storm Kentucky Speedway for Open Test

Teams Prepare For May 7 Debut

SPARTA, KY. - Thirty-four American Speed Association (ASA) National Tour drivers stormed Kentucky Speedway's 1.5-mile tri-oval at speeds up to 167 mph today in preparation for the May 7 running of "The BFGoodrich 125" on hhgregg Pole Night Presented by Coca-Cola.

Two-time and defending National Tour Champion Kevin Cywinski, three-time champion Butch Miller and 2003 Rookie-of-the-Year Reed Sorenson were among the drivers fine tuning their ASA machines. All predicted fans will see close, side-by-side racing when the series returns to the 1.5-mile tri-oval in 21 days.

"I've been looking forward to coming to these tracks, mainly just for the speed," the 18-year-old Sorenson said. "I think it's good everyone is here testing so we can get used to running out there with each other at these speeds. The track seems to be smooth and everything is working well. It's going to be hard for one car to pull away, so I think it will be exciting for everybody."

Cywinski stands 31 points behind tour leader Travis Kittleson after driving to a seventh-place finish in the season opening race at Lakeland, Fla. Cywinski encountered mechanical problems in the morning session, but was impressed with the facility during his limited practice laps.

"I think the cars are acting really well," Cywsinski said. "I think the track is beautiful, the cars look stable on it and we're going to have a great race here. Our cars are conducive to side-by-side racing and we won't have to lift (from the throttle) much. It will be a little bit nerve wracking, but we'll see good side-by-side racing."

Miller, who has made two NASCAR Busch Series starts at Kentucky Speedway, was on hand to turn laps, mentor rookie teammates John Dalziel and Kyle Kriskoff, and get their cars ready for the move from short track to superspeedway racing.

"I've run a couple of Busch races here, so I have some experience on the track," Miller said. "My main job here today is work with John and Kyle and take their cars out and get them balanced so they can have a good, safe run.

"So far the cars are pretty good. The biggest thing I noticed was the rack-and-pinion steering in these cars. They don't steer like a Busch car, these are very positive, kind of like an Indy car."

Miller said "The BFGoodrich 125" may remind Kentucky Speedway fans of past NASCAR Busch Series at the track.

"The race will look very similar to the Busch race here," Miller added. "This is a great, great racetrack where you feel comfortable and can run side by side. I remember that from the Busch race and I see no reason why we won't have side-by-side racing in ASA. Just looking at the times today, I'd say there are 20 cars that can win this race."

Tickets for all 2004 Kentucky Speedway events are on sale now and can be purchased in four easy ways:

* By phone at 1-888-652- 888-652-RACE,

* On the World Wide Web at www.kentuckyspeedway.com,

* In person at either the speedway's Ft. Mitchell ticket office or at the Kentucky Speedway Fan Center off Ky. Hwy. 35 in Sparta, Ky.,

* At Tickets.com and all Greater Cincinnati Tickets.com retail outlets including all Meijer stores.

-ks-