Racine driver getting another shot in ASA Late Model Series

Ross Zumbach has gotten to know insomnia quite well over the past nine months or so.

The 20-year-old race car driver from Racine was living his dream last summer, finishing in the top 12 in both of his starts on the ASA North Late Model Series. He got to work with Rich Lushes, a veteran crew chief with whom he formed an instant bond.

But with the shaky state of the economy, Zumbach has found it difficult to secure much sleep or corporate sponsorship for his Late Model, an absolute must on the ASA series, which runs on asphalt tracks in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.

He'll be able to breathe a quick sigh of relief next Saturday, when he'll get in the seat of an ASA Late Model for TD Racing. He'll drive in the Iliana Derby "Run for the Roses" 100 at Illiana Motor Speedway in Schererville, Ind., about 35 miles south of Chicago.

It's a one-race deal for now, but Zumbach is hoping it will lead to more opportunities. If he drives well, he could catch the eye of potential backers.

"We got some good seat time (in the ASA series) last year, so hopefully we can make a big splash," Zumbach said. "With the economy the way it is, that's the best way to get back into it."

TD Racing is based out of West Bend, Wis., and includes brothers Travis and Trevor Dassow. Both have consistently raced in the ASA series, while Travis has also raced in the NASCAR Trucks Series. Zumbach said he is very appreciative of the chance to get back to what he loves most — driving a race car.

"(TD Racing) has been a mainstay in ASA racing for as long as I can remember," he said.

Zumbach said the experience he received last season in the ASA series will be beneficial at Schererville.

"Last year was cool, because we finally got to race in the ASA," said Zumbach, whose racing career started at age 5 by racing go-karts. "There have been a lot of ups and downs (since then), and I'm really looking forward to getting back in the seat."

Zumbach will also get to work with Howie Lettow, another top-notch veteran crew chief. Lettow has worked in the ASA series for nearly 30 years, working with a number of drivers who went on to race in various NASCAR series, including Jimmie Johnson and Kelly Bires.

Zumbach developed a strong rapport at the track and away from the track with Lushes last season. And while he said he'd love to work full-time with Lushes again, he's looking forward to working with Lettow.

"I know the car will be there," Zumbach said. "Howie is an awesome crew chief. He and Rich are the best I've worked with. I met Howie a while back and we hit it off right away."

Another factor in Zumbach's favor: The half-mile track at Illiana is similar to his two personal favorites — Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and LaCrosse (Wis.) Fairgrounds Speedway.

"I'm guessing it will be an awesome race," he said. "I haven't seen the track other than on YouTube, but it looks a lot like Hawkeye Downs. It's my style of track."