The world of NASCAR grassroots racing is no stranger to its challenges. Especially when it comes to keeping talent on the track and teams financially afloat. ASA STARS, a national Super Late Model tour, made its debut in 2023 with high hopes of reviving and elevating the asphalt racing scene. However, the journey hasn’t been without bumps in the road. One of its early setbacks? Losing a stalwart of late model racing, Stephen Nasse, after the second event.

But now, the tide seems to be turning. With a game-changing loyalty program worth $655,000, ASA STARS aims to rewrite the rules of engagement for racers and teams alike. NASCAR certainly needs more financial support in its grassroots program, and this change looks to do just that.

The Platinum Program: A financial lifeline for NASCAR aspirants

ASA STARS has unveiled the Platinum Program presented by Rackley Roofing, an initiative valued at $655,000 that promises to reshape the financial landscape for Super Late Model racing teams. Starting February 10, 2025, team owners who commit to running full-time will receive a host of benefits aimed at reducing operational costs and boosting their chances of success.

The Platinum Program includes $1,500 in bonus money per event, bringing the total minimum payout to $3,000 just for starting a race. Teams will also enjoy free entry to all 12 events on the schedule—a $200 savings per race—along with four complimentary pit passes per event, two free Track TV annual subscriptions, and one free 30-second commercial on Track TV (provided by the team).

Additional perks include guaranteed provisional starting spots for every race, monthly social media promotions featuring the team, and a free vendor location for selling merchandise at each event. The payouts will be distributed via ACH, ensuring swift and secure transactions. Together, these benefits make the Platinum Program the largest full-time team bonus program in asphalt Super Late Model history.

ASA STARS National Tour Director of Operations and Sales, Marty Melo, emphasized the program’s transformative potential:
“It’s our goal to see asphalt Super Late Model team owners and drivers succeed so they can provide our fans and partners with exciting racing every time they unload at the racetrack, and the best way to do that is by supporting them as much as we can.”

The program is part of a broader effort to elevate the tour’s appeal, which now boasts a $100,000 championship purse and over $1 million in total race purses for the 2025 season. By removing financial barriers and offering meaningful incentives, ASA STARS aims to attract and retain a robust field of competitors while ensuring fans are treated to the best racing action possible.

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Lessons learned: The Nasse episode

The Platinum Program was born out of necessity. In its early days, ASA STARS faced growing pains, including the loss of Stephen Nasse after he failed to qualify for the main event in their second race at Madison International Speedway in Wisconsin.

Nasse, a seasoned late-model racer, had every intention of running the full season. However, the lack of incentives in the winner’s circle program made it impractical for him to continue after falling out of championship contention. This setback was a wake-up call for ASA STARS, sparking the overhaul that led to the creation of the Platinum Program.

ASA STARS CEO Bob Sargent reflected on the effort that has gone into making this transformation a reality: “Everyone has been working hard for two years to get to this point. We are all in this together—our teams, partners, and my staff—and our goal is to continue to grow our national touring platform along with the ASA brand. This is a huge step.”

With the Platinum Program in place, ASA STARS is set to offer the largest full-time team bonus program in asphalt Super Late Model racing history. Add to this a $100,000 championship purse and over $1 million in race purses, and the stakes for the 2025 season couldn’t be higher.

The season will kick off on February 11, 2025, at the World Series of Asphalt at New Smyrna Speedway, featuring the 26th running of the Clyde Hart Memorial. For fans unable to attend in person, all 12 events on the calendar will be streamed live on Track TV, with re-broadcasts available on MAVTV.

For teams and aspiring NASCAR drivers, the Platinum Program represents a lifeline—financial security that allows them to focus on competing rather than merely surviving. And for fans, it’s a promise of bigger, better, and more thrilling racing action with racers going flat out to win the prize money.

In the words of Sargent: “This is a program built for the future of asphalt racing, designed to make the sport more accessible, competitive, and exciting for everyone involved. It’s a win-win for drivers, teams, and fans.”