Two Day NSRA Show Announced!
15 Aug, by xingman - Just when the drivers, crews and fans thought the ASA/NSRA 2012 season couldn’t get any more exciting, the officials of ASA/NSRA and the Pacific Racing Association (PRA), have come together on an agreement to make the series finale a weekend of racing. The final race is still scheduled for September 15th, but in addition to the Saturday show there will be a Friday night show on September 14th. Over the past few years’ drivers have noted the distance of the tow to Douglas County Speedway for only one night of racing. With declining car counts dipping into low teens the last couple of seasons, the PRA has decided to give the two-night show a try in an effort to boost car count and add to their excitement of again hosting the championship weekend.
Defending 2011 Champion, Sierra Jackson will have a long tow from Idaho if she plans on a repeat. She is currently the first and only female driver to ever win an ASA/NSRA main event, plus a championship; she could rewrite the record books and be the first and only female to repeat a championship and win multiple championships. Roseburg has historically been a good track for Jackson, but she’ll have her work cut out for her as she currently sits third in the point standings, 42 points back. Johnny Giesler a.k.a. “The Jet” is also expected to make the long tow from Idaho, and currently sits second in the point standings after surrendering his lead at Evergreen Speedway, when he was collected in an accident during the main event. Giesler won his last trip to Douglas County Speedway in dominating fashion with a four second lead over the second place car. Giesler is a serious threat with an aggressive style that leads him to the front early and often. Sitting only 24 points back, Giesler would love another strong showing at Douglas County Speedway.
Perhaps the two drivers that will benefit the most from the two-day show are hometown drivers, Matt Hein and Andy Alberding. Both finished on the podium at Evergreen Speedway and both are looking for their third ASA/NSRA championship. Alberding overtook the point’s lead after avoiding the same accident that collected Jackson and Giesler at Evergreen Speedway, Alberding went on to finish third. Alberding has been one of ASA/NSRA’s top competitors for almost a decade now, but he has found himself winless for over three years. Could there be a more appropriate track for Alberding to end this draught and win another championship than the track where his racing career began? Matt Hein would like to see the draught continue; mathematically, with the addition of night two Hein is not out of the title hunt, but his margin for error is very slim and he must remain in front of Alberding, Jackson and Giesler on the track. Hein was absolutely dominate for the first time this season at Evergreen Speedway winning his third Rory Price Memorial. Hein is a driver that is expected to be up front every weekend, but has found himself on the wrong end of some bad breaks this season. Hein’s team appeared to figure out whatever it was that was plaguing them earlier in the season, and showed the 98H car can still get the job done.
Douglas County Speedway will host the two night series finale September 14th and 15th, in what is sure to be shoot out for the points battle, a mere 64 points separate first from fourth. South Sound Speedway will play host on August 25th and should set the stage for what could be one of the most exciting finishes in recent memory. The ASA/NSRA drivers, crews and officials will be there, will you?
