Posted by Rockford Speedway on 9/18/2005, 11:41 pm
Board Administrator

IT?S ALL ABOUT SPEED AT NSTC 05 By: Kevin Ramsell Sunday, September 18, 2005(Loves Park, IL) - One of the more unique traditions at the National Short Track Championships is the "Faster Than a Speeding Bullet" qualifying on Saturday, September 24th at 2:30 p.m. The Fast Qualifier in the CRA Super Series, ASA Late Models, Northern Late Models, Mid-American Series and Mid-American Trucks will be presented with a special Bullet trophy for their efforts. Nason's Landscaping is the proud sponsor of this event. Last year, Nate Haseleu set a new track record in the CRA Super Series with a time of 13.115 seconds (68.624 mph). In fact, almost half of the starting field broke the 2003 track record. Haseleu is looking forward to returning to the 58 year old facility. "I think we will have a really good car on the Hoosiers (tires) down there." Haseleu recently stated. "I am really looking forward to getting down there and see what we got. I like the tradition about the Short Track Nationals. It?s a fun weekend, a real challenging place to pass." Haseleu is having one of his best seasons. Earlier this year, he captured the Slinger Nationals at the Slinger Super Speedway and recently captured the 2005 Wisconsin Challenge Series Championship. Travis Dassow paced around the quarter-mile high banked facility in his ASA Late Model with a time of 13.569 seconds (66.328 mph). Dassow is looking forward to returning to Rockford and capture another bullet. "I want another pole, that?s the greatest trophy I have ever gotten." Dassow proclaimed. "I think I have over 1,200 trophies at home and that is the greatest one I have ever gotten." The 18 year old pilot currently sits 8th in the ASA Late Model Series Point Standings with three top-five and four top-ten finishes. He recently started classes at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, working on a Mechanical Engineering degree. Tom Gille laid down a fast lap of 13.708 seconds (65.655 mph) in the Northern Late Model division. Defending champion, Jon Reynolds won't be able to defend his 2004 victory due to a back injury. Instead, seven-time Rockford Speedway Champion, Bobby Wilberg, will be piloting his car in the 150-lap event on Saturday, September 24th. Jeremy Miller will be making the 100 yard trek from his shop to the Rockford Speedway with the hopes of getting another bullet in his collection. Last year, Miller set a fast time of 14.064 seconds (63.993 mph) in his Mid-American stock car. Miller then went on to capture the 75-lap feature event. "It?s a two groove racetrack. Everybody always runs the high side so they leave the bottom open all the time, so if you can get your car to work, it?s pretty easy to pass around there. Sometimes you bang up your right side a little bit when you pass, but that?s racing." Miller recently stated in regards to his key to getting to the front. Miller will also be competing for a starting position in the CRA Super Series 250-lap main event as well. The 40th Annual National Short Track Championships presented by Chicago International Truck takes place on September 22-25, 2005 at the Rockford Speedway in Loves Park, IL. Advance tickets are on sale now at the track box office by calling (815) 633-1500 or visit the track's website at www.rockfordspeedway.com. It will be "One Great Racing Weekend."