Its official! The offseason is over. With the running of the Shootout tonight for the ASRS Truck Series we have embarked on another season.
Not much has changed during the offseason, the same officials will watch over each event and many of the same tracks and events return. Even the schedules are similar to 2007. However, the biggest change is the influx of new drivers. Moreover, while total membership may be down from 2007, the quality of competition is higher than ever. The addition of the USA Series to the American Sim Racing Series fold is just a part of the new identity for America’s #1 Online Short Track League and further strengthens that motto.
The future is bright for the ASRS and the numbers show that, not only did the series grow in 2007, but also the competition became closer. The last event of 2007 featured the first ever prize paying ASRS event, when the top 3 were awarded trophies. “We most certainly would like to continue that program in 2008, but it really depends on how our finances are in the fall” stated ASRS President, Jim Foose. “We had several race sponsorships lined up at this time last season, and right now we have zero. You can say it is a lack of performance by the league, but the facts are obvious the United States economy is in recession and businesses like individuals are cutting back on spending, especially on non-essential items, and that causes the advertising dollar to contract as people cut purchases out of their budget, but at the same time it adds value to advertising as product awareness is at a key point. We actually discounted our contingency award price to attract new sponsors, and so far it has had limited success.”
“Let’s just all focus on the good points and we will have a great year, it definitely is going to be an exciting season for all of us" continued Foose.
