Backstretch Motorsports

  Lexington, Michigan (07/18/2007): The ASA Late Model Series presented by GM Performance Parts prepares for an event of great importance; The Radfest/Race Against Drugs 200. The Radfest/Race Against Drugs 200 is a joint effort between the ASA Late Model Series and the Race Against Drugs organization to encourage our teams, fans, family and neighbors to find alternative ways to have fun and say no to drug use.

A big part of the series is today’s younger generation, as a series we focus on the driver development of tomorrow’s stars. We have a large market of youth based fans as well as many families that are a part of the series.

The Radfest (Race Against Drugs) will promote these efforts as well as work with the community of Radford, Virginia in their fight against drugs. ASALMS and the Radford Police Department have joined forces to engage the community in this significant event.

The Radford Police Department is in need of a new drug dog to help keep their community drug free. For the past five years the department was fortunate to have Dusty work in their K-9 Unit. Dusty is a nine year old Belgian Shepherd, imported to the United States from Germany.

Dusty and Master Police Officer, Chris Caldwell started the K9 unit for the Radford City Police in 2002. Since then they have made more than 100 drug arrests, located over 20 fugitives, and searched all the area schools in an effort to keep the community drug free!

On May 31, 2007 Dusty retired due to an on duty injury to his eye, a tumor on his leg, and development of arthritis. The Police Department does not have the funds in its budget to replace Dusty, and therefore the City Police is without a Police K9. To purchase and train a new dog will cost approximately $10,000.00.

The ASA Late Model Series will donate a percentage of our ticket proceeds to the Radford Police Department to help the community get a new K-9. We will also be conducting a Helmet Pass through the grandstands after the on-track Autograph Session in an effort to raise money for the Radford Police Department.

This event will showcase the commitment and dedication our teams have to this program and the fight against drugs with three of our top teams participating in a program that will encourage the youth to become more involved in racing.

Three RAD young people will get a chance to be an “Honorary Pit Person” during the day’s event. Travis Dassow, #89 from the TD Racing Development team, Michael Annett, #12 from TMC Racing, and Derek Thorn, #5 from 5K Motorsports.

During the Autograph session we will be drawing three names from the participating youth in the community and each one will get to be a part of the pit crew during the Radfest/Race Against Drugs 200. This is a great way for these kids to see first hand how much fun racing is and that there are plenty of ways to participate in racing.

Travis, Michael and Derek will give these kids hands on experience that will have a far greater impact than just words. These three teams have stepped over and above their call of duty and are all natural role models for this campaign.

Travis Dassow has stepped up a bit higher with his commitment and dedication; he has become a national spokesperson for the Race Against Drugs Organization. Travis, the current ASALMS Challenge Division Points Leader, will be speaking at the Pre-Race Ceremonies about his experiences and why this program is so important.

The event has also caught the attention of a number of local youth groups and youth ministries in the community and we are pleased to have their participation. The Series has provided a pledge form to many of the local churches, schools and businesses that will allow the kids in free by signing a pledge form with their commitment to ‘Say No!’ to drugs.