Madison International Speedway officials haveannounced that NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion Travis Kvapil will competein the ASA Late Model Series season opener on Saturday, May 8 in the Blain's Farm &Fleet/DeWalt/Carhartt 100.
Kvapil became the youngest Late Model champion in the history of Madison Int'lSpeedway during the 1996 season. Last year, the Janesville, Wis., competitor earnedthe 2003 Craftsman Truck Series title, producing one victory, 13 top-five finishes and 22top 10s en route to the crown
Track officials also indicated the event winner's purse has risen to $3,000 for the ASALate Model Series opener and the starting lineup has been expanded to 32 cars.
"The addition of Travis (Kvapil) and Matt (Kenseth) along with the historic debut of theASA Late Model Series at Madison guarantees that evening as one to remember," saidJoe Balash, ASA vice-president, race operations. "Increasing the winner's purse isabsolutely appropriate for an event of this stature."
It was previously announced the defending Nextel Cup Series titlist Matt Kenseth wouldmake his ASA Late Model Series debut. Kenseth made 16 starts in the ASA NationalTour, recording a best finish of second at the 1997 season-opening race at SouthernNational Speedway. Kenseth also earned the 1994 Madison International Speedwaytrack championship.
"It's a great opportunity to bring back two former Madison track champions that havegone on to success at the highest levels of stock car racing," said Roy Kenseth. "TheASA Late Model Series will receive significant exposure with Matt (Kenseth) and Travis(Kvapil) returning. It's going to be a highlight of the season."
Labeled as the fastest half-mile oval in Wisconsin, Madison International Speedway isone of the premier short tracks in the Badger State with a full array of suites in turn 1and seating capacity for more than 10,000. ASA National Tour car owner and Chicago-businessman Terry Kunes purchased the track in November of 2002. Kunes appointedRoy Kenseth, father of NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion Matt Kenseth, to promote andmanage Madison.
The American Speed Association is based in Pendleton, Ind., and has offered stock carracing programs since 1968, including the ASA National Tour, ASA Late Model Seriesand ASA Member Track programs.
