ASAMT TOURING STAR HAS GOOD SHOWING AT BRISTOL

ASAMT PR (Kari Shear-Carlson)
March 25, 2011 - The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and GrandStay Hospitality is full of top-notch drivers. ASA Midwest Tour Swiss Colony Touring Star, Tim Schendel is taking some of his talent to the NASCAR Nationwide series.

This past weekend Schendel had the opportunity to be a part of one of the most exciting races and tracks on NASCAR’s circuit. Schendel qualified 28th at Bristol Motor Speedway. While that may not sound very good to the average person, for anyone trying to make it in the NASCAR ranks, it is a great day.

This was Schendel’s first visit to the high-banked oval. Jimmy Means had given Tim an opportunity to race in a couple events last year and they have the same relationship this year. So he hit the track for the first time in a brand new car. He finished 146 out of 300 laps and overall the weekend went very good.

Schendel and Means‘ relationship actually started with the ASAMT. Kurt Smith of Rising Star Driver Development rented one of Schendel’s cars for a young Cameron Dodson to run at Oktoberfest a few years ago. As they began talking, they decided to put Tim in a Nationwide car for a few events.

The underfunded team, like many in NASCAR, are doing whatever it takes to keep going week to week. So Schendel was more than thankful for the opportunity to run at Bristol. While there are no further races scheduled at this point, both Means and Schendel are going to take it week by week and see what the future holds.

Schendel’s ultimate goal running in Nationwide series races is to gain the experience and eventually be approved to run at all of the tracks on the Nationwide schedule. In addition, it keeps his name out there and gives him great exposure. “Brad Keselowski went through the same process. For him all the stars in the sky lined up. But either way, at least I’m out there in front of all the right people. So it can’t hurt,” said an optimistic Schendel.

Racing in the ASAMT has helped prepare Schendel for the competitiveness of the Nationwide series. The drivers in both series are undoubtedly the most competitive in racing. “I think we take for granted the caliber of drivers when we are racing in the ASAMT. When you step back and look at it, the ASAMT has a lot of really tough drivers! It reminds you that you always have to be on top of your game,” said Schendel.

In addition to his own racing, Schendel is also working as a mentor for 14-year-old, Matt Tifft from Hankley, OH. Tifft is another driver through the relationship of Kurt Smith and Rising Star Development. Schendel prepares Tifft’s Hamke car over the winter and provides mentoring throughout the season. This year Tifft will be running some weekly shows at select tracks throughout WI, including Marshfield, Wausau, Plover and the Dells.

Towards the end of the season, Tifft may even be seen in one or two ASAMT events. According to Schendel, Tifft has a possible future as a full-time driver in the ASAMT. With a mentor like Tim Schendel, one can probably count on it.

To learn more about the American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and GrandStay Residential Suites Hotels and Crossings by GrandStay Inn & Suites, log on to www.asamidwesttour.com or call the ASA Midwest Tour office at (630) 212-6022 or Tim Olson at (612) 327-5831 or e-mail Tim Olson at tim@asamidwesttour.com or Steve Einhaus at steve@asamidwesttour.com.

To learn more about the Daytona Beach, Florida-based Racing Speed Associates or the American Speed Association® Racing Member Track program, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from racetracks and regional tours involved in the American Speed Association®, visit www.asaracing.com.