Two drivers nominated to AARWBA All-American

Kinser, Lasoski Aiming for All-America Status

Colorado Spring, CO -- December 3, 2004 -- Steve Kinser and Danny Lasoski tore up dirt tracks in 2004 from coast to coast with the World of Outlaws Sprint Series. Now come the spoils.

Kinser, the "King of the Outlaws," just wrapped up an unparalleled 19th series championship. Lasoski, better known as "the Dude," owns the prestigious Knoxville Nationals. He won the famed event in 2004 for the second year in a row and the fourth time in his career.

Now, the two veterans of the world's top sprint-car racing series are among 44 finalists vying for a spot on the coveted 2004 Auto Racing All-America Team. Two drivers from each of seven categories will comprise the team. The racers voted the best-of-the-best are chosen from votes by nearly 300 members of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association. The winners will be revealed Jan. 15 at the AARWBA banquet in Pomona, Calif.

Kinser, of Bloominton, Ind., is unrivaled when it comes to winning this honor. With a series-high 17 feature wins and 47 top-five finishes in his No. 11 Quaker State Maxim, he is seeking an unbelievable 22nd selection to the team.

"It's a great thing [to be nominated]," said Kinser, who begins his quest for 20 series titles in January with the Outlaws Down Under. "Every time I get voted onto the team I have to go to Australia [to race]. But because the banquet [is in California], I never get to go! Still, it's an honor to be nominated." Former Outlaws champion Lasoski, of Dover, Mo., is chasing his second selection to the All-America Team. He boasts nine wins in his Tony Stewart Motorsports No. 20 J.D. Byrider/Home Depot/Eagle, but the $125,000 payday for winning in Knoxville was "totally awesome." Lasoski's 37 top-five and 50 top-10 runs ranks him second to Kinser in the standings.

Also up for All-America Team consideration is Chad Kemenah, of Findlay, Ohio. Kemenah had six top-five finishes and 12 top-10s with the Outlaws in 2004, including a second-place run in the Knoxville Nationals.

Kinser, Lasoski and the rest of the World of Outlaws Sprint Series' Mean 15 drop the flag on the 2005 season Jan. 13 at Parramatta City Raceway in New South Wales, Australia. The series returns to stateside dirt tracks in February.

The banquet, which also kicks off AARWBA's 50th anniversary, is open to the public. Ticket information is available from AARWBA, 922 N. Pass Ave., Burbank, Calif. 91505, or call 818-842-7005.

-bmsr/woo-