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 CORBY,
NORTHHAMPSHIRE (May 11) -- The UK's ASCAR Series held their first Days
of Thunder contest of 2003 over the weekend marking the first time the
series has competed using Hoosier tires. The radial tires were shipped
overseas months ago to Hoosier Tire UK in Wallington, Surrey well in
advance of the May 11th race date. The inaugural event at the 1.5-mile
Rockingham Motor Speedway featured a two-race program with each race
60 laps in length. In the first race, former ARCA Series competitor,
Michael Vergers was the winner, while Roland Rehfeld claimed the win
in the final race of the day. The event was attended by Hoosier Vice
President of Sales Dennis Sherman and Hoosier Track Service Manager
Mike Kraemer. The two made the eight hour flight to England on
Thursday to observe the inaugural race in the series on Hoosier racing
radial tires. Hoosier Tire UK's Andy and Looby Postance, along with
partner Martin Lamb and crew, serviced the race on behalf of Hoosier
Racing Tire Corp.
The first 60-lap race featured 21 starters from six
different countries including England, Holland, Sweden, Germany,
Columbia and the United States. In the end, the race ended under
yellow with Michael Vergers the winner followed by Stevie Hodgson in
second. Eighteen-year-old Oliver Playle finished in third for the
final podium spot. Payle is the youngest driver in the ASCAR Series.
Also competing in the race was former NASCAR driver Steve Grissom.
Grissom finished 17th.
In the second 60-lapper, 18 of the 21 first race
starters took the green flag. In the end, Roland Rehfeld took the win
followed by Ben Collins, who had established a new track record in
qualifying on his Hoosier radials. Collins was followed to the finish
line by Michael Vergers, winner of the first race of the day.
Hoosier Track Service Manager Mike Kraemer commented
about the event, "It was really a fabulous day overall. The ASCAR
Series has done extremely well making their event(s) one for the
entire family." Kraemer continued, "There was something for
everyone during the entire race. If you wanted to watch the race, you
could do that. If you wanted to ride on an amusement ride, you could
do that. If you wanted to listen to a rock concert, that was available
as well. All at a price an entire family could afford--about $US 36.00
for a family of four.
Overall, the day was a huge success as 40,000
spectators got a chance to witness the 2003 ASCAR Season opener. The
ASCAR Series features a 14-round schedule with two races being
contested on each of the seven race dates. The ASCAR Series is
sponsoring a one-million dollar prize fund. Races will be held at the
1.5-mile Rockingham Motor Speedway in the UK and at Germany's 2.0-mile
Eurospeedway Lausitz. The next race is scheduled for June 8th again at
Rockingham before traveling to Germany on July 5-6.
Mike Kraemer and Dennis Sherman also took the
opportunity to visit with Speedworth promoters Mark and Roy Eaton and
INCARACE promoter Phil Bond. Sherman commented, "The Rockingham
facility is one of the best I have ever had the privilege of
visiting." Sherman added, "The owners of the complex spared
no expense in making sure all the teams had everything they possibly
could require. I was amazed that every pit stall not only had hot and
cold running water, but air hook-ups and every type electrical receptacle
you could possibly imagine." Sherman concluded, "We really
enjoyed our experience in the UK and most of all appreciated meeting
everyone associated with the event. It really was a spectacular
day."
Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. and Hoosier Tire UK are
proud to have partnered with the ASCAR Series to be the exclusive tire
supplier of the series in 2003.
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