By Dennis Huth

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -December 29, 2006- The “Action Track of the South,” East Bay Raceway Park, is gearing up for their annual Winternationals, one of the biggest racing events in the country, and has announced that it has joined the ASA Member Track program for the first time in 2007.

The season-opening Winternationals draws many of the biggest names in dirt track racing to the 0.33-mile clay oval. Racing at the Tampa, Fla., facility begins on January 24 and runs nearly non-stop right through February 24. Fans of sprint cars and Late Models make this an annual pilgrimage to watch the likes of Danny Lasoski, Terry McCarl , Earl Pearson, Jr, Donnie Moran, Don O'Neal , Craig Dollansky and Jason Sides duel it out.

New this season is a substantial increase in the purse of the Fast Lane Triple Crown Challenge; any driver successful enough to capture the feature win in the 360 Sprints, Non-Wing Sprints, and the 410 Sprints will take home a check for $75,000. Thanks to Fast Lane Apparel, this is a tremendous increase over the $50,000 which was offered this past year for the same feat, but went un-awarded due to the fierce competition in the sprint car ranks.

The complete schedule of Winternational events, or any information about East Bay Raceway Park such as track location or directions, can be found online at www.EastBayRacewayPark.com or telephone (877) 457-5611.

Looking ahead to the regular season of races, track president Al Varnadore said, “Things are going really well. Our car counts have been increasing and the action is always exciting. In 2007 we are going to try and keep expanding on what we have been doing for the past four-and-a-half years,” referencing the length of time he has overseen track operations.

The regular Saturday night program will resume the first weekend in March, and consist of 360 Sprints, Late Models, Limited Late Models, Mini Stocks and Street Stocks. Limited Sprints compete every other week. Other classes throughout the season are Open Wheel Modifieds, Pure Stocks and Antique Race Cars. East Bay Motorsports Park runs a unique schedule which takes a partial hiatus during Summer rainy months of July & August.

As for the ASA Member Track program, Varnadore sees only positives to joining as a Level I member.

“I can see the potential of getting all short track racing in America on the same page as a coalition to be stronger and to be in a position to compete with the bigger sanctioning body for sponsorships and in the advertising areas to attract more new fans and competitors. It will allow us more leverage to approach sponsors and increase our clout as a buying group,” Varnadore said.

“The value in what Dennis (Huth) is trying to do is very beneficial to all the short tracks that sign up and it is an extremely good value for what is received. The ASA Member Track program is quite affordable and we do not have enough of these type things that will help the racer have more security while enjoying and competing in their favorite hobby.”

As a Level I participant in the ASA Member Track program East Bay Raceway Park is entitled to contributions to their year-end point fund, marketing assistance, and enhanced participant accident insurance, an issue that Varnadore claimed key to his decision to join the program.

“The insurance portion for the drivers played a large role in the decision to join the ASA Member Track program,” Varnadore explained. “The price is quite reasonable, and worth much more that what they are paying. It will give drivers more protection and security for their normal day-to-day lives as well as protect them while racing.”

The ASA insurance program, always noted for its excellence, has been further enhanced by the recently announced partnership with TOPIC Motorsports Insurance (TMI). ASA Member Track operators are able to purchase general and excess liability, automobile, an expanded ASA-exclusive $500,000 participant accident medical, workers compensation and health insurance directly from TMI. Details are available online at www.TOPICinsurance.com.

“East Bay Raceway Park has a lot of eyes watching each year during the Winternationals, not just from those fans in the stands but all around the country interested in the drama and fierce action that unfolds there,” said Dennis Huth, president of the ASA Member Track program. “As one of the first events of each year East Bay helps to set the tone for dirt sprint car and Late Model racing for the entire season. We are thrilled that this huge event, as well as the entire racing season, will be part of the ASA Member Track family this year and welcome all the racers and fans of East Bay Motorsports Park to our group. Like East Bay, ASA has been known for close, thrilling short track racing and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship. It’s a perfect fit.”

To learn more of the Daytona Beach, Fla.-based ASA Racing Member Track program, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and regional tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com.

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