Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (March 22, 2011) – For the past twelve years, Tommie Estes, Jr., has played a significant role in the direction of Sprint Car racing as the competition director of the American Sprint Car Series, garnering the universal respect of drivers and car owners alike throughout the nation in the process.
That is a stretch of duty that will come to a close after this weekend’s 38th Annual Devil’s Bowl Spring Nationals in Mesquite, TX, as it was announced today that Estes has elected to step down from his position with the American Sprint Car Series after this weekend’s Spring Nationals.
“It’s just time for a change,” Estes commented. “After racing for 23 years and then another 12 years working with ASCS, I’m ready to do something different for a while.”
Following a successful racing career in Sprint Cars, Estes went to work with Emmett Hahn’s American Sprint Car Series in 1999 and has guided the National series along with overseeing the development and maintenance of the Regional tours as well since that time.
“I appreciate all the opportunities that Emmett Hahn and his family have given me over the years, being a part of ASCS has been a great experience all around,” Estes explained. “It’s kind of sad to see it end, but I’m ready for something else.”
Hahn, who founded the American Sprint Car Series in 1992 and remains actively involved in the series operations as company President, spoke highly of Estes’ contributions to the series and the sport in general.
“Tommie has been an invaluable asset, the American Sprint Car Series wouldn’t be what it is today without all his hard work and dedication over the years,” Hahn explained. “Tommie has set the bar at his position, the respect he has from every driver and car owner in the pit area is proof of that.”
Hahn went on to say, “We appreciate everything Tommie has done for ASCS. While we regret that he’s leaving, we respect his decision and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
No immediate replacement has been announced at this time.
Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.