Wednesday, October 23, 2002
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Wednesday, October 23, 2002 |
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Steve Dale Motorsports Captures 2002 ASA Championship
For the first time in American Speed Association history, a Georgia-based team has captured the coveted ASA National Championship. Georgia has long been a state synonymous with motorsports; however, the 35-year-old Midwest-based ASA series is traditionally dominated by teams located in Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana. This year, though, Steve Dale Motorsports, based in Fayetteville, won the championship over Ohio short track superstar Gary St. Amant. In the end, one point separated Steve Dale Motorsports' driver Joey Clanton from St. Amant, the slimmest margin of victory in ASA's history. While the points may show Steve Dale Motorsports winning the championship by the skin of its teeth, the No. 83 Chevy team dominated the 2002 ASA season. Over the 20-race schedule, Joey Clanton drove to victory nine times, sat on the pole on several occasions and led the most laps during the year. All of this success from a team who, unlike its Midwest-based counterparts, must travel a minimum of six hours attend the nearest ASA scheduled event. You might attribute the team's success to the southern upbringing of its members, many of whom are from Georgia towns such as Carrolton, Atlanta, Stockbridge and Woodstock. This theory rings true except owner Steve Dale hails from Michigan and crew chief Bond Suss claims Minnesota as his home state. Perhaps it's the camaraderie shared among the crew that helped the team survive the ups and downs of a season which almost slipped through their fingers. Steve Dale Motorsports achieved success off the track as well in 2002. This year the team partnered with Camp Fire USA Georgia Council displaying decals of the not-for-profit organization on the car for the entire year. Camp Fire USA Georgia Council, based in Atlanta, reaches out to children who would not normally have the opportunity to participate in structured educational club programs. The Georgia Council of Camp Fire USA makes a particular effort to reach children in Georgia who have special needs. Next month the team will travel to Indiana to celebrate its championship in style at the annual ASA banquet. The event, which allows team members the opportunity to get out of their racing uniforms and into black-tie attire, always supplies lasting memories for the year to come. The team has not yet committed to running in 2003, but either way, thanks to Steve Dale Motorsports, Georgia will forever be inked into the American Speed Association record books.
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