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Carlson; Among ASALMS Preseason Favorites In 2006
By: ASA Late Model Series Staff
Lexington, Michigan (02/13/2006): The ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM
Performance Parts enjoyed unparalleled success during the 2005 season.
The 2005 Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the Year title contenders were the
strongest of any other freshman class of drivers in the country! One of those
Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookies in 2005 was also a feature winner during his
maiden voyage with the ASALMS; Ryan Carlson.
Now that the 26-year-old is about to begin his second season with the ASALMS,
the Kar Korner Motorsports team has set the bar a little higher for
themselves. That hasn’t gone unnoticed by on lookers and the media, all of
whom have taken notice!
For the 2006 season, Carlson is expected to challenge for both the ASALMS
Challenge Division and Northern Division Championships and is widely
considered one of the preseason favorites for both championships!
“We’re getting pretty excited about this year. We are getting ready for
Bronson (Bronson (FL) Motor Speedway on March 3-4 for the ASALMS Southern
Division) for the South opener.” Stated Carlson. “This has been the
shortest off season I’ve ever had, but it feels like the longest. I can't
wait to get back in the seat.” Added Carlson as he discussed his plans for
2006.
“This year begins with a lot of anticipation.” Continued Carlson. “The
ASALMS has taken great strides in the past year, and I believe the level of
competition will be one of the largest. There are a lot of solid, experienced,
new teams coming in. And the returning ones will only be tougher.” Carlson
added.
As for the 2006 season, Carlson looks to be a top contender in both the ASALMS
Challenge and Northern Divisions. “The competition took a step up, but I
think we have too.” The Loves Park, Illinois driver added. “We have a new
full time crew chief, Jon Reynolds Jr., who is coming from the NASCAR Midwest
Elite Division. We’ve worked so very hard all winter to bring the best
possible cars to the openers. This is definitely the best team I have ever had
surrounding me.” He ended.
During the 2005 season, Carlson finished solidly in the top five overall with
a strong fifth place in the season long points chase. In addition, Carlson
finished in the third spot in the Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the Year
Points Standings. Only 2005 Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the Year, Brian
Campbell and Kris Stump finished ahead of the 26-year-old Prairie State pilot.
Carlson accumulated one win to go with five Top Five finishes and eight Top
10s over the coarse of the 2005 season while Ryan and fellow rookie, Jason
Dietsch were the only freshman drivers with feature wins in 2005 in ASALMS
competition! Carlson took the win in the Barron Motor Supply 100 at the
Hawkeye Downs (IA) Speedway on September 1, 2005.
Carlson also won two features during regular Saturday night Late Models
competition at the Rockford (IL) Speedway on the 1/4 mile high-banked paved
oval on ASALMS off weekends. Despite missing several events at Rockford due to
his ASALMS schedule, Carlson still managed to finish 10th in the final
Rockford Late Model points!
Also during the 2005 season, Carlson picked up a third win at Rockford in the
prestigious National Short Track Championships during the NASCAR Northern
Division 150-lap feature.
Ryan won the rookie of the year title in the Late Models division at Rockford
in 2002 and in 2003, he picked up the Most Improved Driver award. During his
career prior to ASALMS competition, Carlson has picked up multiple feature
wins on the rugged 1/4 mile. In 2004 he finished a career high fourth in the
final points chase at Rockford in the Late Model division and his team won the
tracks Team Player of the Year Award.
For the upcoming season, Carlson will carry sponsorship on the side of his
2006 Chevrolet Monte Carlo from Kar Korner Motorsports as well as Race Car
Help.com, Auto Meter, and M.P.H. Promotions, which all will adorn the side of
his Lefthander Chassis!
The Kar Korner Motorsports team is actively seeking additional sponsorship for
a full run for the ASALMS Championships in the Challenge Division as well as a
full slate of events with the ASALMS Northern Division and select shows within
the ASALMS Southern Division beginning with the March 3-4 Southern Division
opener in Bronson, Florida.
To cap off his busy 2006, Carlson will also run some Big 8 Series events as
well as some events at Madison, Rockford, and Slinger. The Kar Korner
Motorsports crew consists of: Mark and Debbie Numbers, Jon Reynolds Jr., Pete
Gwizdala, Kristin Numbers, and Jackie Swanson
To learn more about Ryan Carlson and the Kar Korner Motorsports team, log onto
their brand new website at: www.ryancarlson.net
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