LMS: Pre-season news 2007-02-13

1. The ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts goes International with the Canada 200 at the famed Cayuga (ON) International Speedway.

Lexington, Michigan (02/13/2007): When the ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts was known as the USPRO Cup Series in its' inaugural season in 2003, the now ASALMS traveled primarily in the Midwestern United States with shows in the series home base of Michigan as well as Indiana and Ohio.

In 2004, the USPRO Cup Series evolved into the ASA Late Model Series and the travel spectrum was broadened and over the next three years from 2004-2006, the ASALMS has traveled as far West as Texas, as Far East as New York, as far South as Florida, and as far North as Minnesota. So far in 75 total ASALMS/USPRO Cup overall events held since May 24, 2003, all of them have been held in the United States. That will change in late June of this year;

The cars and stars of the ASALMS Challenge Division will make history on Friday and Saturday June 29-30, 2007 as the crown jewel of the ASALMS will be going International with the first ever ASALMS event outside the United States in the running of the Canada 200 at the famed Cayuga (ON) International Speedway, located West of Buffalo, New York and Southeast of Brantford in Hagersville, Ontario Canada.

Joining the ASALMS Challenge Division in Canada will be the Outlaw Bodied Super Late Models of the Ontario Stock Car Association of Asphalt Racers (OSCAAR) Series as the Outlaw Bodied machines will be running the Don Biederman Memorial; One of the most premiere and coveted events to win in Canada, this event honors the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Famer who passed away in 1999.

"When the old ASA tour would go to Cayuga in the 80s and 90s, it was one of the biggest events of the season. We want to restore that great tradition with Cayuga now and in the future with our ASALMS Challenge Division." Stated ASALMS Co-Founder/President, Ron Varney. "This is going to be a landmark event in the five year history of the ASALMS. I can't wait to bring our cars to a track as steeped in such prestige and tradition as Cayuga International Speedway." Varney added.

2. Sign 1-1 is back on board as the "Official Sign Company of the ASA Late Model Series" for the Fifth Anniversary 2007 season.

Lexington, Michigan (02/13/2007): As the Fifth Anniversary 2007 Season approaches for all three divisions within the ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM Performance Parts. Contingency support within the ASALMS has approached record levels as inquiries continue to pour into home offices in Lexington, Michigan on a daily basis and even while Ron and Sandy Varney, Co-Founders/Presidents of the ASALMS are in Florida for Speedweeks.

Another sponsor is returning to the ASALMS in an official capacity as Sun Prairie, Wisconsin based Sign 1-1, with two locations in the great state of Wisconsin is back in the fold within the ASALMS and is once again the "Official Sign Company of the ASALMS" in the series "Where Champions Race".

"We're very happy to have Sign 1-1 back on board as the Official Sign Company of the ASALMS!" Stated ASALMS Founder/President, Ron Varney. "Darryl (Bomkamp) and all his great staff do excellent work and not just for the ASALMS either. They've taken care of our sponsors with great looking banners, decals, apparel, anything we need signage wise, Sign 1-1 is the place to go." Varney added.

"All of us at Sign 1-1 are extremely proud to come back on board with such a reputable company as the ASALMS." Added Darryl Bomkamp, President of Sign 1-1. "We look forward to continue to build relationships with the fine corporations and race teams that are affiliated with the ASALMS for years to come." Bomkamp added.

From concept to completion, Sign-1-1's attention to detail and commitment to quality will get your business noticed. Local and national companies know that SIGN-1-1's cutting edge technology and in-house production keep costs down and quality high. Sign 1-1 services many local TV and radio stations and such regional and national companies as Pepsi of Madison/Rockford, Trek Bicycle Corporation, Burger King, just to name a few.

3. Sean Murphy is ready for the 41st annual World Series Of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna (FL) Speedway.

Indianapolis, Indiana (02/13/2007): Sean Murphy is preparing for his first race of 2007 with his new SS Racing team. He will race in the final 3-nights of the World Series of Asphalt at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna, Florida. Murphy is no stranger to the track, which is about 2 hours from his home in Fort Lauderdale. He's won at the speedway in both Super and Limited Late Models. But this time Murphy will have a new team, car, crew chief, and sponsors. Even the track's surface is new.

Despite all the new surroundings Murphy's mindset is calm, cool and collected. But don't let his casual demeanor fool you. He is very focused on these races and has been doing his homework. "I've been paying attention to driver remarks on speed 51 (www.speed51.com) from the racing over the weekend," said Murphy. "It's given me a chance to think about how the track is different from my past races there." The annual World Series of Asphalt is 9 - nights of racing that began last Friday.

Even with the new team and track surface Murphy is confident but humble about his past success. "I've won there I think 4 or 5 times, I can't remember exactly how many wins," said Murphy. "But this is a new race so all that doesn't matter. I'm looking forward to racing with SS Racing and having Butch Miller as my crew chief."

For most drivers, if they have won at a track before they tend to express how much they love the track. But for Murphy he takes a different approach. He loves racing and welcomes any challenge from any track as if it were new each time he's there. "I like the track (New Smyrna Speedway). But as long as there are cars on a track racing I'm going to like it," expressed Murphy.

During the 2007 season, Murphy will run for the Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the Year title in the ASALMS Challenge Division as well as make select appearances in the ASALMS Northern and Southern Divisions.

4. Smith Family Racing names veteran Ervin Breiten as Crew Chief.

LaVernia, Texas (02/13/2007): The Smith Family Racing team announced the hiring of Ervin Breiten of San Antonio, Texas as the crew chief for 17-year-old Cody Smith for the 2007 season.

Ervin Breiten, the owner of Oval Components in San Antonio for 15 years, is a long-time veteran of auto racing in just about every aspect. As a driver, Breiten tallied over 100 wins and is a seven-time track champion at various tracks. He's been crew chief of several Texas drivers at various levels in local and regional racing.

"This is another building block for Smith Family Racing," said team owner Tom Smith. "We are both happy and proud to have a racing veteran such as Ervin Breiten take command as crew chief. We feel Ervin's the right man to not only guide Cody on and off the track this season but also build, and guide, a distinguished crew for the #18 team this season."

Breiten, whose company has been a major supplier for many tracks and touring series throughout Texas over the years, looks at his position with Smith Family Racing as an opportunity to not only help Cody but contribute to a family he respects.

"When Tom approached me, I knew it's be a great situation because I've always had a lot of respect for Tom and Cody," Breiten stated. "Tom's a great guy on and off the track; I respect him a lot. It's always great to be associated with people like him."

-credit: asa