39th ANNUAL MILLER 100 NEXT FRIDAY AT HAWKEYE DOWNS

ASA MIDWEST TOUR LATE MODELS, ASA SPORTSMEN, ASA TRUCKS ON THE CARD ALONG WITH SUNLINE HORNETS

By Brad Grupe

(Cedar Rapids, IA August, 4, 2011)—The 39th edition of the famed “Miller 100 presented by McGrath Powersports” rolls out of the gates at Hawkeye Downs Speedway next Friday night, August 12th. The Miller 100 is Iowa’s longest continuous running racing event and the 2011 version features the ASA Midwest Tour Late Models, ASA Midwest Sportsman Tour, the ASA Midwest Truck Tour and the Hawkeye Downs Sunline Hornets.

Perhaps the biggest question coming into the race is: Can anyone stop Steve Carlson’s win streak in the Miller 100? While Carlson hasn’t been dominating on the ASA Midwest Tour this season, he always remains a force to be reckoned with whenever he pulls into the pits at Hawkeye Downs Speedway. Carlson is riding a streak of 4 consecutive Miller 100 wins and has won seven overall.

Miller 100 organizers are welcoming back past winners and competitors and several are expected to be on hand to meet and greet fans and sign autographs. Verlin Eaker, Ken Walton, Bill Beckman and Mike Frieden have already indicated they will attend with several others expected as well.

NASCAR-bound Ross Kenseth of Cambrdge, WI will likely be making his last visit to Hawkeye Downs and will join weekly Hawkeye Downs Performance Concepts Late Model drivers such as Brad Osborn, Tim Plummer, Thor Anderson, Mason Mitchell, Griffin McGrath and others along and a full field of Touring Stars of the ASA Midwest Tour to battle for 100 laps on the Hawkeye Downs half-mile.

Andrew Morrisey leads the way in ASA Midwest Tour points as of the last race with Ross Kenseth and Jacob Goede close behind.

One notable change fans should take note of in ASA Midwest Tour Late Model rules for 2011 is a switch to exciting “Double-File Restarts.” Fans can count on tight racing throughout the 100 lap Miller 100 as a results of this change.

In addition, some Hawkeye Downs Coca-Cola Sportsmen drivers are expected to compete with the regular drivers in the ASA Midwest Sportsman Tour in a 35 lap event. The current point leader is shown as Chris Marek and he has two wins to his credit.

The ASA Midwest Truck Tour also returns for a 40-lap feature. As of July 29, Austin Luedtke leads the points followed by Jerry Wood and Rick Corso.

The always exciting Hawkeye Downs Sunline Hornets are also slated for action and will battle on the quarter-mile.

Qualifying is set for 5pm with an autograph session set for 6pm under the Main Grandstand. Opening ceremonies kick off at 6:45pm and the first race is set for 7pm.

Adult Admission (ages 13 and up) is $15 and ages 12 and under are FREE. Discounted Advance Tickets are available at McGrath Powersports in Cedar Rapids.