MT: Rod Wheeler to compete in 2007

Wheeler Throws His Hat in the ASA Midwest Tour Ring

Veteran driver Rod Wheeler of Hortonville , Wisconsin , recently became the first driver to declare his intentions of running the inaugural season of the ASA Midwest Tour in 2007.

Wheeler is no stranger to Midwestern short track racing as he's been a long time competitor at Wisconsin International Raceway in Kaukauna , Wisconsin , where he has a 2005 super late model track championship to his credit. In addition to his track championship, Wheeler also Red, White, and Blue Series championships to his credit with those coming in 1998 and 2000.

"My plan for 2007 is to run the ASA Midwest tour and possibly the Red, White, and Blue Series," said Wheeler. There are a lot of things Wheeler likes about the ASA Midwest Tour. "For one, it's a very friendly schedule where you won't have to deal with the wear and tear on your car when you run every week I am really looking forward to being able to travel around to race--ARTGO was like that and it's fun to race at other places," he said.

It's the schedule that really makes the ASA Midwest Tour so attractive to a driver like Wheeler. "I like how they have a nice variety of tracks and you only go to each place once. There's not really going to be any one driver who has home track advantage for more than one race. It's tough to beat the local guy at his own track, but this schedule really evens the playing field."

"We're very excited to have Rod committing to the ASA Midwest Tour. He is a great driver and what's most important is he's excited about the direction we are taking this series," said ASA Midwest Tour Vice President Steve Einhaus. "It's going to be a highly competitive series with many very talented drivers such as Rod Wheeler."

The first event on the ASA Midwest Tour is scheduled for April 28th when the series travels to the Elko Speedway in Elko , Minnesota , to take on the 3/8 mile, high banked oval. For more information on the ASA Midwest Tour check out the website at www.asamidwesttour.com.

-credit: asamt