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Lake Geneva To Host ASALMS Northern Division, May 20th
By ASA Late Model Series Staff
February 21st, 2006
Lexington, Michigan (02/21/2006): The ASA Late Model Series Presented by GM
Performance Parts have five events scheduled between the Challenge and
Northern Divisions in the auto racing mad state of Wisconsin for the 2006
season!
When the ASALMS Northern Division tour settles down for their event at Lake
Geneva (WI) Raceway for Round Two on May 20th, it will mark the first and last
appearance by the series at the tricky 1/3 mile progressively banked speed
plant.
This is because at the Raceway’s recent banquet, it was announced by track
owner and promoter Kevin Dawson, that this would be the final season for
competition after over 40 years of successful and continuous operation.
The Lake Geneva 100 for the ASALMS Northern Division will be the second stop
on the 2006 tour on Saturday May 20th. “We want to end this season on a high
note,” Dawson noted. “Right now, the best traveling show in the country is
the ASA Late Model Series. We want them to help us give all of our great fans
a great event and add another small piece of history to the legacy that we all
will leave behind.” Dawson added.
“I believe that this event at LGR could break our record car count at
MIS!” Added ASALMS Northern Division Director, Steve Einhaus, also the
promoter of the Madison (WI) International Speedway. “LGR puts on some of
the best two wide racing in the country and it will be an honor to be part of
their last historic year racing at the speedway.” Einhaus continued. “LGR
was one of the first tracks on my mind to book a race at because the show is
fantastic!
Lake Geneva Raceway opened it front gates in 1962 as a 1/4 mile
state-of-the-art drag strip. It operated that way until 1966 when the
promoters of the time decided to broaden the scope of their operation with a
1/4 mile paved oval.
On the first night of operation on the new surface, the fans we treated to a
thrill as Wisconsin legend, Pedro Roehl captured the final that evening. The
trophy that was awarded that night was returned to the current owners in 1990
and will be awarded to the Super Late Model champion at the end of the
season.
“It is a piece of history that we would love to pass along to the next
generation. I’m sure that no matter which of the drivers takes it away from
the last season, they will cherish it as we have. It is truly a piece of short
track racing history,” added Mary Lynn Dawson, co-owner at the Lake Geneva
Raceway.
History turned to change as in 1984 as Kevin Dawson purchased the aging
facility. A number of improvements and reparations took place at the track,
which culminated in the extensive modification to the surface in 1990.
The old 1/4 mile was lengthened to a true 1/3 mile facility. Combining portion
of the old pavement and all new progressively banked corners has made for
great finishes and great races.
In respect to those changes made in 1990, Dawson shared a little insight as to
the creation of the updated track. “The new layout was specifically designed
to improve side-by-side racing here. And I think that we were able to do just
that.” Dawson continued.
“The progressive banking is different at both ends of the track and is
different from the front straight and the back as well.” Offered Dawson.
“It was really made for close racing in a Late Model-style car such as the
ASA Late Model Series. The fans will see one heck of a race on May 20th.”
One of the favorites going into the event will have to be former track
champion Rick Corso of nearby Johnsburg, Illinois. “We are really looking
forward to racing at our home track. We know what we have to do and are going
to give it our best shot. Everything that we have worked towards should come
together for the Adam’s Auto Body/Haney Construction Monte Carlo at home.”
Said Corso during a recent conversation.
Dawson added to the comments made by Corso, “That is what the ASA Late Model
Series is about. It is the new ARTGO Challenge (the old Midwestern series of
the 70s, 80s, and early 90s run by promoter John McKarns) for a new generation
of racers. It is your local hot shoes against the traveling pros. It should be
the first of what we hope is a season of highlights.” Dawson ended.
For further information, a complete schedule, or current rules for Lake Geneva
Raceway, you can check their website at www.lakegenevaraceway.com
or for ticket information for the upcoming ASA Late Model Series North event,
please call the track office at: 1 (262) 248-8566.
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