Kris Stump joins 2003 rookie class

Ohio hotshot Kris Stump joins ASA Rookie class.

DAYTON, OH (February 27, 2003) - Noah Yoder and Yoder Racing Team has announced that two-time Kil-Kare (OH) Speedway Late Model Track champion Kris Stump has been signed to drive for the full 2003 ASA Racing Series season.

Yoder, a 15-year veteran team owner finished eighth in points with driver Kyle Busch in 2002. Busch, who finished third in the ASA Rookie standings, left Yoder Racing and is expected to compete in the Busch Series with Hendrick Motorsports this season.

"I'm especially anticipating the upcoming ASA Racing season," said Yoder. "There are so many new things about ASA this year. There are new sponsors, tracks and new ownership with Steve Dale! With Steve having been a team owner, I believe it can only mean positive things for ASA as you have someone in charge who understands both sides of the coin so well."

Stump has had 134 top-five finishes including 33 wins in 177 career late model starts. His Late Model championships came in consecutive seasons, initially as a rookie at the .375-mile oval near Xenia, Ohio.

"This is a tough series, especially for a rookie," said Yoder. "Kris will have his work cut out for him in ASA, but I'm certain we'll be headed in the right direction by working together."

Stump is another in a growing list of stock car drivers with engineering credentials. The 22-year old Tipp City (OH) native holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from ITT Technical Institute of Indianapolis. He was the valedictorian with a cumulative 4.0 GPA.

"I think this is one of the best opportunities I'll ever get in my life," said Stump. "Noah's reputation, knowledge and experience are key ingredients of a successful car owner and with his leadership that can only translate into a successful team. I'm anxious to follow up on Kyle's performance last year and I have every intention of winning the $50,000 Rookie of the Year Award in 2003."

The 2003 ASA Racing Series season begins on March 22 at USA International Speedway in Lakeland (FL). The Jani-King 200 will be telecast live on Speed Channel starting at 9 p.m. (Eastern).

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