The ASA is on the prowl

[Joe Fan]

I recently read several things about the American Speed Association (ASA) that I thought were great moves. First, they are doing away with V6 engines and will use V8 engines beginning next year. This was done for several reasons, one being that V8 engines are more cost effective believe it or not and two, the ASA wants their series to be a better stepladder series to NASCAR Winston Cup. **Hooray** V6 engines were the only thing I had against ASA as it is a great stock car series otherwise. Now the cars will sound better as the V8 engines will produce more thunder and faster speeds.

The next shocker, is that ASA cars will be used in the new British NASCAR-sytle series that is starting up at the new Rockingham in the UK. You can read more about this at www.autosport.com under the International news section. It is titled "NASCAR-style series set for UK" (December 19th).



[This message has been edited by Joe Fan (edited 13 January 2000).]

[KC]

I do believe that the ASA formula is better than NASCARs. The use of fiberglass/composite bodies is a lot cheaper than hand building steel ones. Also, the car performance is better due to a lighter car. Lots of great racers have cut their teeth in the ASA and there are quite a few good ones there.

[Joe Fan]

KC, I like the ASA series but I never really cared for those V6 engines. I think they sounded sick compared to V8 engines. Now, it will be an even better series that will be a better training ground for NASCAR Winston Cup too. The ASA has a good record of producing NASCAR Winston Cup drivers as they have produced Mark Martin, Rusty Wallace, Alan Kulwicki, Johnny Benson, Ted Musgrave to name a few.

[This message has been edited by Joe Fan (edited 13 January 2000).]