ASAMT PR (Kari Shear-Carlson)
April 22, 2011 - Ross Kenseth is gearing up for his second “Joe Shear Classic 136” with the ASA Midwest Tour on Sunday, May 1st at Madison International Speedway (MIS), his “home” track.

Last year some of Kenseth’s best ASAMT finishes came at MIS. He started out his season looking great and feeling confident. Ross proved that he was the real deal and following in his dad’s footsteps when he finished second behind 2009 and 2010 ASAMT Champion, Steve Carlson in just his first ASAMT event.

When the ASAMT returned to MIS for the Swiss Colony All-Star Challenge 100, Ross once again came home with a podium finish, and once again behind Steve Carlson. This time however the victor was Ross’ dad, Matt Kenseth, who also got his start and had his share of victories at MIS.

One thing Kenseth is really looking forward to on May 1st is double-file restarts. He has been an advocate of them for a couple years now, after having experienced them in other racing venues. “First all the way through twentieth has a lot of talent, and with the big inversion it will give those faster cars a chance to get to the front, not to mention it will put on a great show for the fans” Kenseth said.

Ross raced in the Big 8 series as well as weekly for a while at MIS and wracked up a handful of victories. The fans may not agree, but Kenseth never really felt that he ran that great at the 1/2 mile oval. “I’d really like to get my car a little faster. I never really run that great at Madison,” said the youngster.

This year Kenseth wants to be there to challenge the likes of Steve Carlson and Chris Wimmer, have more than one victory and finish higher in the points.

The American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and GrandStay Hospitality will have an open practice on Saturday, April 30th for all three divisions with ASA Midwest SCAG Truck Tour qualifying at 5:00PM.

On Sunday, May 1st, practice begins at 11:30AM, qualifying at 12:45PM and racing starts at 2:00PM.

To learn more about the American Speed Association® Kwik Trip Midwest Tour presented by ECHO Outdoor Power Equipment and GrandStay Hospitality, log on to asamidwesttour.com. For questions 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.