The end of July, August and September have been really busy months for me, with a lot happening. I will try to remember most of it on this update, and you find a few photos from the A1GP test and ASA truck races in the updated photo section.

Early August I went to Roush’s Gong Show, and it was a great experience. From the 1,700 applicants, I was one of 25 called in for a few days of testing an actual NCTS (NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) truck, all while they produced a 13-part documentary for Discovery Channel. My lap times in Martinsville held up very well, and I “survived” to the last week/cut, when they narrowed the selection down to 12 guys. Most of the chosen were “veterans” of the Gong Show, and I am looking forward to have another go next year. I need to try and win the title on the ASA Speed Trucks this year, and get some more experience under my belt. I have been really enjoying my oval racing.

Then, at the end of the month, I tested with the A1GP Team USA in Paul Ricard, France. That was another great experience, an incredible track – and the ‘We the People’ car was awesome, all 550hp of it. Team USA is a 1st Class operation, representing our racing nation very well in this competitive new series, and it has been great to follow their progress. Mr. Weidinger, the team owner, said they were “proud” to have me test their car; I felt honored to be one of the USA drivers in France, and I would love to drive that car again. I think I “left” some time to be had in it, although my times and lines were pretty decent, all taken into consideration. It was simply awesome to be with Team USA there, and Mr. Weidinger completed that “It was clear to us that Matt loves his country and we hope that he can become part of our A1 Team USA driver development program as soon as we begin it later this season if and when the A1 GP Series provides additional testing sessions.” That made me feel very good, and I look forward to being involved with them again.

Back to USA, in early September I was off to Arizona for the St. John’s road race of the ASA Speed Trucks. Off course, we had a lot of confidence in me being the road course “guy”. Maybe to much, as with the truck being built for ovals, it was difficult getting the brakes to work and the motor to cool off on the road course. Still, what really got us there was the transmission. In ASA Speed Trucks we run a 2-speed transmission, high and low. On the ovals, when we get up to speed we shift to the high gear and leave it there for most of the race. The St. John’s road circuit, though, requires a lot of shifting. About 5 laps into the 30 lap race I lost first gear, forcing me to stay in 2 (High) gear the remainder of the race making it nearly impossible to challenge for the lead. I still finished a fighting 2nd, somehow.

The following weekend (staying true to my roots) I did the Stars of Karting pro Icc 125 race at Infineon Raceway. Just a great weekend, racing in karting’s most competitive series in North America. I had no testing, but it was just for fun, and I still came out on the podium, with a 3rd place ahead of Jason Bowles (currently second place in end-of-the-year points).

Then it was mid-September, and at my home track, the Vegas ASA Speed Trucks race at the Bullring. I was the favorite going in, with a healthy 28 point lead in points. Qualified on pole by over a tenth, but we had a little electrical issue. In racing that can be the worst situation: with not enough time to change the electrical system before the main event we had to run it as it was. Seven laps into the seventy-five lap feature, the motor simply shut-off on the track, giving us a 27th place finish. We lost the points lead, trailing 22 points back now. Not a good night, but that’s racing.

Finally, October 1st, the ASA Speed Truck race at the high-speed, half-mile Irwindale oval. Knowing we needed a good finish to be still in contention for the Championship, I qualified 5th and went an exciting 3 car wide across the finish line to take 3rd place. I regained the points lead, now 20 points ahead of 2nd, with only 2 races left – everything is possible, so I must remain focused.

Next ASA Truck race is October 15 at the Orange Show Speedway, in San Bernardino. Finally, I have to thank Puma for coming onboard with me, for all that you have read up here and from now on – their stuff is really good, and cool! Before my season is over, I still have karting SuperNats, the ASA Trucks final, and more… Keep tuned to www.mattjaskol.com for more news.