From the Chris Wimmer Pits... Wimmer Returns From South African Adventure; Quick car, but bad luck overseas

Wausau, WI February, 7th 2010 - Chris Wimmer returns from South Africa and the ASA Transcontinental Free State 500k with a laundry list of experiences. “The whole deal was really neat,” says Wimmer, “We obviously spend a bunch of time at the racetrack, but then got a chance to see some of the culture there before we left. It was definitely an experience I will always remember.”

Wimmer’s #52 Chevy was fast during all three practice sessions at the Phakisa Speedway in Welkom, South Africa. Wimmer then qualified 3rd for the first ever oval track race at Phakisa. “After the first practice we had some changes to make, but after that it was pretty good,” says Wimmer, “I was pleased with my qualifying effort. It was neat because they brought the top three qualifiers on to the front stretch and we got the chance to meet some fans. They were all so excited we were there and it was neat to see.”

Wimmer began the ASA Transcontinental Free State 500k from the third position and by lap 20 worked his way in to the lead. However, just two laps in to the race Wimmer felt something break in his car and on the first round of pit stops around lap 25, the crew found a broken left front shock mount. Wimmer tried to keep going without a shock on his left front, but was unable to make it work and was forced to retire from the race. “It was a huge disappointment,” says Wimmer, “You travel all that way for a race and something like that happens. I thought I had a really good car and was hoping to contend for a win, but that’s just not the way it worked out.”

While Wimmer’s race experience was disappointing, the rest of it was anything but. “The two days before we left we got to go on a Safari type thing and see a bunch of animals,” says Wimmer, “It was really cool to see giraffe’s and zebras and those types of animals so close. We also got to experience some of the native Zulu culture and go to a local market. The people from ASA, especially Dennis Huth, did such an awesome job putting the trip together and it was a great experience. The owners and people of The Savannah, where we got to go on a safari and spend some time were so welcoming and took such good
care of us. It’s something I will never forget.”

Wimmer now begins work on his super late model car, which he intends to race in the ASA Midwest Tour again in 2010. “It took a few days to get back to reality here,” says Wimmer, “But I’m looking forward to starting the ASAMT season, it’s just about three months away.”