RCR Racing Looks to the Future

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Oct 21, 2001

Richard Childress, well known for finding amazing talent, has once again found an outstanding new driver. Childress has signed Johnny Sauter, the 2001 ASA Champion, to co-drive the ACDelco No. 2 next season. Harvick will drive the Busch car on shared weekends when Winston Cup and Busch share the same track. Sauter will take over the 2 car when the Busch series splits off from WC and goes to different tracks.

As I’m sure you noticed, I’ve been very impressed with Johnny this season even though he’s only competed in two events. In his debut in the Busch Series he finished 5th and in his second showing he came in 13th. Granted that’s only two events, but wait till you see what he’s done in the ASA ACDelco Series!

Johnny Sauter re-wrote the ASA record books this season. The amazing part is that he did it as a rookie. That’s right, this was Sauter’s first season in the ASA. Not only did he win Rookie of the year, he won the Championship. Along the way he won 10 of 20 races, and is the first ASA driver to bank over $500,000. His stats read like this: 10 wins, 2030 laps led, four poles, 13 podium finishes, 14 top fives, 16 top tens, the Pat Schauer Memorial Rookie of the Year title, and the National Championship title.

"I just can’t believe this," screamed Johnny after the race at Indianapolis Raceway Park, the final race of the 2001 ASA season. "To win ten races, the Rookie title, and the championship in one season is just incredible. It just shows what a great team we have here at A.P. Performance Racing and what a great car owner we have in Alec Pinsonneault. This is truly awesome!"

While Johnny is only slated to run a few events next season, I predict he’ll end up driving more of the events, allowing Harvick to focus more on the Cup races. In fact, if Sauter can bring his success in the ASA to the Busch circuit, he may end next season as the full time driver. Keep a close eye on this phenomenal driver, it won’t take him long to become a superstar in the NASCAR ranks.