LM: J.D. Leonard set to run limited schedule

Young J.D. Leonard to run a partial schedule in ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts.

In a series filled with young, up and coming drivers, another teenager has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2005 season on a part-time basis. 16-year-old, J.D. Leonard has announced plans to run at least seven shows with the ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts.

"We don't have sponsor yet so were only planning to run some races but if we do get one we might run more." Said Leonard, when asked his plans for the 2005 season. "We'll also run some shows at Madison (WI) International Speedway as well and gain as much experience as possible." Continued the Brodhead WI pilot.

J.D.'s racing career started with go-kart racing at Sugar River (WI) Raceway in middle of the 2002 season. He won several races that season including the Don Fairman Memorial race as a rookie. In 2003, he raced go-karts again at Sugar River Raceway as well as a four-cylinder Dodge Neon at the dirt track of Lafayette County Speedway in Darlington WI. At the end of 2003, Leonard bought a Limited Late Model with a 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo body and was also asked to drive go karts for Team Swiss of New Glarus, WI. During 2004, he raced the Limited Late Model at Rockford (IL) Speedway as well as Lake Geneva (WI) Raceway. Leonard then sold his Limited Late Model and bought a Lefthander chassis, Chevrolet Monte Carlo car to compete in the sealed motor class at Madison (WI) International Speedway.

Also during the 2004 season, he was the points leader in the super stock go kart class at Sugar River Raceway. J.D. was the youngest driver in the class! Team Swiss decided to change tracks and started to race in the very competitive WKA Briggs Lite class at Badger Kart Club in Dousman WI. In only his third start J. D. became the only driver in 2004 to beat the current WKA Briggs Lite champion, Heidi Olson. At Black Hawk Farms Raceway near Beloit, WI, a four-mile road racetrack, J.D. raced in the WKA Briggs Lite class against drivers from all over the Midwest, expertly handling his kart at over 80 mph and finishing second.

The Nico Leonard owned and prepared Chevrolet Monte Carlo is actively seeking sponsorship for the 2005 season. For more information on J.D. Leonard and the upcoming 2005 campaign, click onto his website at www.jdleonard.com Also, for information on the upcoming 2005 season for the ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts, log onto: www.asalatemodels.com

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