ASA All Stars dealing with growing pains during first season
Nov. 7—As with any new organization, the newly rebranded American Speed Association All Stars Tour experienced some growing pains in 2023.
To his credit, Bob Sargent took the proverbial bull by the horns and created a national touring series for Super Late Model competitors.
Ty Majeski, a regular in NASCAR, claimed the inaugural championship last weekend at the All American 400, which was won by William Sawalich.
There was obviously a major problem during a late-race restart which left a number of the competitors with legitimate complaints.
Series officials this week acknowledged it was not a satisfactory restart, and steps will be taken to correct the problem before the start of the 2024 season.
A problem I noticed during the Redbud 400 at Anderson Speedway was the series had too many officials voicing opinions about what was taking place on the track.
Having been around the original ASA, the Champion Racing Association, USAC and the Little 500 at Anderson Speedway, I got to witness how overseeing a race should be conducted.
All of those series utilized one race director who was responsible for all the decisions made concerning track activity.
Being in the control tower for these events, it was obvious there were times a race director would ask for some assistance by others watching the race.
But the final decision was left up to the race director.
Before the All Stars Tour begins the 2024 season, a full-time race director should be appointed and the number of people in the control tower should be strictly limited.
Too many cooks spoil the meal is an age-old adage that still carries a lot of credence to this day.
At the All American this past weekend, it was announced the 2024 season will probably once again be comprised of 10 races.
That's a smart move, and the number should remain the same until all the bugs are worked out.
Sargent should be commended for starting a series in which a national Super Late Model champion is crowned.
Knowing many of those involved in this start-up season, I'm optimistic improvements will be forthcoming.
OTHER RACING NEWS
Last week I labeled Ryan Blaney as a dark horse to win the NASCAR Chase Championship, and the Team Penske driver proved me to be correct.
Blaney was able to hold off Kyle Larson in the closing laps at Phoenix to secure his first championship.
It was announced the 500 Sprint Car Tour will compete at Salem Speedway on Sept. 7. The Kenyon Midget Series also will make its first trip to the southern Indiana facility.
Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.
