Celebrating 30 Years
 

2011 is the 30th Year that All Star Racing Association (ASRA)has run stock/superstock events in the northeast. That alone has made me step back and think about what is good in our sport.

The first and actually most recent thing that comes to mind is the promotion and organization of independent stk/ss races. Look at the list of associations that seems to grow regularly and the separate races like the one Lee and Brian are running and those that Mark puts on out west. These events offer so much and they keep our sport going.

These events promote our sport on all levels. I will be the first to admit that I love going to the National events,points races and opens, but there are many dedicated racers that need to work, spend time with family or just don't like to travel to big events. For 30 years now they have been keeping stk/ss alive at ASRA events.

When New England Dragway decided to stop racing a track run stk/ss eliminator 30 years ago our association was born, New England had called it All Star Eliminator and that is where the name came from. Joel McMahon spear headed a group to run the eliminator independently at New England. A few years after that a move was made to race at 4 tracks in the Northeast, 2 races each at, New England, Lebanon, Connecticut and Cicero. Today we run 6 races, 3 each at New England Dragway and Lebanon Valley Dragway. Our races are always run on dates that don't conflict with other races in our region. So much for the history

The good times that have come from these 30 years are endless, and the created interest in stock and super stock is certainly cherished by many of us. Those of you that are working on races , hats off to you, keep going and they will get better and there will be more fun. To those that are thinking about attending one of the many independent races across this country, don't hesitate, you will race with and meet some of the best people and racers at these events. There is nothing like getting up at 5 am, traveling to race, racing a stk/ss event and then getting home at midnight. Hey you'll sleep good, go for it.

If you are in the Northeast, look us up, if not ,look at Nitro Joe's schedule and hit an event in your area.

Re: Celebrating 30 Years
 

I'm proud to be part of one of these organizations. I've competed in a few of them, and the atmosphere is always great. Like Dave said, waking up on a Sunday, driving just a few hours if any, paying a $50-$60 entry with a possible $1500 return, and going home, is tough to beat. I only wish there were more.

Joe Santangelo
(5 year ASRA member)

Re: Celebrating 30 Years
 

There are a lot of good drawing points to these events, as Dave and Joe pointed out. Thirty years, that's amazing. This is the 15th year for our Association. And, as Dave said, racers in areas that have these types of races definately need to support them. Especially if, heaven forbid, down the road NHRA and IHRA drop S/SS racing all together.

Re: Celebrating 30 Years
 

Dave - Much of the credit for the success of the association goes to you and the other board members who maintain a high level of enthusiasm and a genuine interest is what's best for the racers. I remember doing an article on Joel and original association for Super Stock magazine back in '82. The All Star Racing Association has flourished tremendously since its inception and has become a model for similar programs. Kudos to you and all members past and present.

Re: Celebrating 30 Years
 

Well said Dave,
The only thing I would like to add on a personal note is the fact that going to an ASRA event was actually FUN! something that had been lacking the past few years.
Should have joined years earlier.
Looking forward to a great year this time around,can't wait to get started, see everyone on the 15th of May!
Dan.

Re: Celebrating 30 Years
 

The Ontario, Canada based CAN AM Stk/SS Series is also celebrating its 15th year of offering class racers an alternative to the traditional format. 2011 will see the schedule expand to include two 1/8th mile events at historic St. Thomas Dragway, near London. Our venues are close to Canada-US border points and feature many double weekends.

C,mon up!!

Re: Celebrating 30 Years
 

Well said Dave, Ultimate Converters is proud to be associated with a great group of S/SS racers, always a good time and great racing

Re: Celebrating 30 Years
 

Its a great organization and im very proud to me a member for the 3rd year

Happy 30th!!