ASA AERO EXHAUST NORTHWEST TOUR 150 SOUTH SOUND SPEEDWAY WRAP-UP

May 10, 2007 – Yakima, WA  The first of the 8-race ASA Aero Exhaust Northwest Tour was held at South Sound Speedway on May 5. The winner of the 150-lap event on the very fast banked 3/8-mile oval was Tom Sweatman (Cosmopolis, WA). Taking the lead on lap thirty Sweatman headed off all challengers to win the first ever event.

The veteran of northwest racing Ron Eaton (Spanaway, WA) finished in second well ahead of the young Jay Sauls (Puyallup, WA).  

The first ever event under the ASA banner was considered a success even though the car count was lower than anticipated. The low count was attributed to prior commitments, car not ready or a wait and see.

In driver interviews after the race everyone had nothing but positive things to say about the new Northwest Tour. One of the most vocal was Kelly Tanner (Auburn, WA). Tanner back racing after a long layoff said “it was run very well”. The new Tour officials technical inspections where thorough and firm and the racing was great even though I wished there were more cautions than the one. I needed more after the long layoff, I was tired”. He also stated “the only con compared against many pros was the car count but that will grow”. Tanner went on, “the schedule is the best ever it gives us the needed time between races to spend at work, with family and not so much pressure of getting the car ready for the next race”.

Another of the many positive attitudes was held by Brandon Riehl. Riehl who was very instrumental in getting the new NWT started was upbeat after a disappointing eighth. “I was excited to be running second when a broken wheel sent me to pit road for repairs. All in all it was very well run from the new officials being very courteous to the camaraderie amongst teams on pit road”.  Riehl went on to say’ “We were helping each other the total atmosphere was very positive”. It was my second race ever at South Sound Speedway and it was great to hold our first ever ASA event there”.

B.J. Tidrick (Yakima, WA) was just as elated, “no one got tore up, the racing was clean and well officiated. When suggestions were made about scuffing and opening with a short hot lap session the officials were receptive to the input from us drivers”. Tidrick also said, “it was the most relaxed I have been in years and it was the most fun I have had at a race track that I was racing. We just need more cars and that will happen even as soon as the second race at Yakima”.

In only his second year of racing Tour style cars young Jay Sauls was very excited about the future of premier stock car racing in the Northwest. “It went so smooth with everyone ready and inspected on time giving us time to visit with the other race teams. The payout from the percentages of the front and back gates was good. Just more cars and as everyone agrees they will come”.

During the day on Saturday, Ron Eaton was saying, “the schedule fits my retirement well so I am comfortable to run all eight’.

Official Finish of ASA Aero Exhaust Northwest Tour 150 at South Sound Speedway May 5, 2007

Finish Position – Name – Hometown – Laps Completed – (Points)

1- Tom Sweatman, Cosmopolis, WA 150 (180); 2- Ron Eaton, Spanaway, WA 150 (170); 3- Jay Sauls, Puyallup, WA 150 (165); 4 – Jason Fraser, Snohomish, WA 150 (160); 5 – Matt Hall, Spokane, WA 149 (155); 6 – Jeff Barkshire, Auburn, WA 149 (150); 7 – Kelly Tanner, Auburn, WA 147 (146); 8 – Brandon Riehl, Boring, OR 146 (142); 9 – Travis Bennett, Ellensburg, WA 141 (138); 10 – B.J. Tidrick, Yakima, WA 133 (134 

Winners Choice Season Pole Award (end of season leader $1000.00): 1 - Jeff Barkshire (10 pts)

Scott Ellsworth

Sports Services