LM: 2005 rookie contenders profile

A capsule look at the top contenders for the 2005 Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the year title chase.

Brian Campbell: Considered by many observers as the pre-season favorite to win the Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the year title. The Allendale MI pilot made three appearances with the series in 2004, finishing fourth at Baer Field (IN) Speedway while setting fast time and finishing second at Berlin (MI) Raceway. The son of Michigan Motorsports Hall of famer, Fred Campbell, Brian is a former Rookie of the Year in 2000 at Berlin in the Super Stocks division. He has been racing for five seasons, mostly in Outlaw Super Late Models competition and has also participated in select races with the CRA Super Series. In 2005 Brian will be running a 2005 Port City Racing Chevy Monte Carlo.

Brent Downey: A former competitor with the now defunct ASA National tour, The Avon IN driver boasts a career high seventh at Lake Erie (PA) Speedway in 2004 on the National tour in limited appearances. A former Legend Cars National Points Champion, Brent was the Kendall Indiana Late Models Sportsman of the Year in 2000. Finished eighth in 2001. Brent will be running a 2005 Lefthander Chassis Chevy Monte Carlo.

Travis Dassow: Was the Fast Qualifier at Rockford (IL) Speedway during the last race of the 2004 season where he finished 12th in the 2004 door closer. He also ran at the fast quarter-mile Slinger Super Speedway and scored a top 10 points finish in 2004. The West Bend WI driver will be competitive in the series all season long and is considered a top rookie contender for the 2005 season.

Dan Jung: Ran a limited schedule in 2004 and retains his rookie eligibility for the 2005 season. Picked up one top five, which was a fourth place showing at Lake Erie (PA) Speedway while finishing in sixth at Grundy County (IL) Speedway. The Hurbertus WI pilot will benefit from his previous experience in the series and challenge for the top freshman honors.

Brett Piontek: Ran two races with the series in 2004, scoring a seventh place showing at Mansfield (OH) Motorsports Speedway and a 14th place finish at Indianapolis (IN) Raceway Park. Also in 2004, Brett raced the full schedule of events for the Mid America Stock Car series and his accomplishments during the season included a fifth place finish in overall points. The Green Bay WI driver picked up one win on the road coarse at Road America (WI), three fast times, and 10 top 10 finishes in the Mid-Am series. Another freshman driver to watch out for all season long.

Scott Leach: The 2004 Sportsman Track Champion at Columbus (OH) Motor Speedway, in only his second full season, making him the youngest driver to ever win a championship at Columbus. The Zanesville OH driver also placed seventh in NASCAR Heartland Region Short Track Division Standings for 2004.

Chase Austin, The 15-year-old Hendricks Motorsports Development driver for SS Racing who has already got his 2005 season started with appearances during Speedweeks down at New Smyrna (FL) Speedway. In 2005 the Eudora KS freshman will have the opportunity to work with legendary Michigan driver, Butch Miller as well as crew chief Deon Deneau as part of the SS Racing team.

Other drivers looking to contend for the Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the year title include: Garrett Stonum: The 2004 Late Model Rookie of the Year at I-70 (MO) Speedway. The Lawson MO freshman finished fourth overall in the final points standings at the high-banked 1/2 mile.

Josh Krug: The youngest driver since NASCAR Nextel Cup legend, Mark Martin to win features in Late Models at I-70 (MO) Speedway. The Omaha NE driver was also a finalist and youngest to test for Jack Roush at Darlington (SC) Raceway for a ride in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck.

Joey Dennewitz: Ran Mansfield (OH) Motorsports Speedway in 2004, where the Akron OH pilot finished third in the final Late Model points standings.

Rod Cordon, The Independance MO driver finished 11th in Late Models at I-70 (MO) Speedway in the final points standings.

Ryan Carlson: The Loves Park IL rookie was a former Rookie of the year at Rockford Speedway in the Late Models division.

Dusty Woodie: A former Midvale (OH) Speedway Modifieds track champion. The Coshocton OH freshman was also a former Micro Sprint champion.

Keeton Hanks: The 14-year-old had a very successful career in the Legends car as the Auburn KY youngster won the 2004 National Pro Legends Asphalt Points Championship.

Also drivers to keep an eye out for include, St. Louis MO driver, Jesse Smith, Loves Park IL Pilot, Steve Vaughn, Green Bay, Wisconsin's Nick Mahlik, brother of current ASA Late Model series driver, Doug Mahlik. Port Huron, Michigan's, Joe Massaria and Jacksonville FL driver, Chris Fowler.

For information on the upcoming 2005 season for the ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts, point your browser and log on at: www.asalatemodels.com

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