ASA STARS National Tour: Evaluating Year One and Preparing for the Future
The ASA STARS National Tour recently marked a year of competition, offering a reflective pause for teams and officials to evaluate performance and lay plans for the ensuing season. During their meeting following the All-American 400 practice, key insights were shared, looking far beyond race tracks and finish lines.
Eight points separate Ty Majeski and Cole Butcher in determining the inaugural champion who will take the crown at the All-American 400. Amidst this exhilarating clash, initiatives for the coming season form backstage.
Bob Sargent, Track Enterprises president, applauds the immense support from the three regional tours, namely Midwest Tour, CRA, and Southern Super Series, for their relentless input and tireless work on procedural aspects.
Introducing a favorable prognosis for 2024 and beyond, the series has published its 2024 rulebook instead of the upcoming Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show from December 7-9. ASA STARS National Tour officials also plan to use constructive feedback to improve season operations.
They emphasize forming an owner/driver committee, which will allow the top six owners in Sunday’s point standings to contribute input and unique perspectives. An “at-large” member will be elected from the remaining participant base, expanding representation.
ASA teams will get the nod for electing the “at-large” member, ensuring a democratic setup. The focus, as Mark Gundrum explains, will be to leverage this group to communicate cohesive ideas, suggestions, and feedback. The intention lies in acknowledging their experiences and giving them a voice in key decisions.
On a separate note, the 2024 season will witness the inception of a Rookie of the Year program. Intent on balancing the line between motivating fresh teams and accepting veterans, the finer details of this initiative will be announced closer to the start.
The 10-race schedule, along with the existing broadcast partnerships, will remain a staple. “Our TV partners, MAVTV for tape-delayed and live streaming through Racing America, MidwestTour.TV and TrackTV.com came through well,” commented Sargent with certainty for the following year’s broadcast schedule.
Acknowledging the teething troubles of the first season, Sargent emphasized the importance of learning from the instances to improve the delivery for the stakeholders involved.
Plans aim to target a more uniform Hoosier tire for the Late Model competition next year. Sargent thanked Hoosier for their proactive efforts, shaping the discussions for the right tire at the right price.
Saunders, on behalf of Hoosier, applauds the committee’s efforts to “sell the show” and offers a promising outlook for the tire distribution in the future.
Amidst the flurry of plans, the excitement boils back to the present – fans are waiting with bated breath for the crowning of this weekend’s All-American 400 champion at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. All eyes on the prize!
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The Short Track Girl
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