Young Gun Ready to Fire
05/11/07…NASR/ASCF Media Release
Victoria’s Ashley Bergmeier has very quickly established himself as one of Australia’s leading Super Sedan exponents. The 22-year-old Bergmeier represents the new breed of Super Sedan competitor, a fresh face in a category that has long been dominated by experienced veterans. Youth aside though, it is Bergmeier’s talent and professionalism that have secured him a place amongst the contracted drivers for the 2007/2008 National Super Sedan Series.
Bergmeier got his first taste of dirt track experience as a 14-year-old when invited to complete some laps aboard an XB Falcon Standard Saloon. After spending just one year competing in the Junior Sedan division, Bergmeier had dominated the category to such an extent that he made an early move into the Street Stock ranks. In three years of Street Stock competition, Bergmeier qualified into the final at every championship event he contested, upstaging some far more experienced drivers along the way.
The 2004/2005 season saw the youngster make his first tentative steps into Super Sedans with three meetings in preparation for his first season of competition the following year. In his rookie year competing in the Victorian Super Sedan Association Southern Nationals Series, Bergmeier secured podium finishes in three events at Horsham, Bacchus Marsh and Rushworth. He also qualified third in the Victorian Championship at Heartland Raceway and took part in three rounds of the NSSS. The opening round at Avalon Raceway saw him qualify 13th and run strongly inside the top ten before ultimately finishing on the infield, while round two resulted in a 14th-place finish after qualifying into the feature from the B Main. In the series final at Adelaide’s Speedway City circuit, Bergmeier failed to finish either of his qualifying heats but bounced back brilliantly in the feature, storming from the rear of the field to finish eighth overall.
Last season Bergmeier contested the entire NSSS schedule as a contracted driver, visiting many circuits for the first time and accumulating vital experience along the way to finishing 24th overall in the series standings. Following his NSSS campaign, Bergmeier contested several events in the highly competitive Super Sedan Association series in Queensland, securing a podium finish at Brisbane International Speedway to finish the season in style. Also last season, Bergmeier scored a top five finish in the Victorian Super Sedan Championship at Rushworth.
As one of Australia’s most promising young speedway talents, Ashley Bergmeier has quickly adapted to the demands of each category in which he has competed. Since joining the Super Sedan division, he has demonstrated considerable prowess behind the wheel and a level of professionalism that belies his inexperience. Subsequently, Speedway Sedans Australia (ASCF) and the National Association of Speedway Racing (NASR) are very pleased to confirm Ashley Bergmeier as a contracted driver in the 2007/2008 National Super Sedan Series. Other drivers confirmed for the series include Wayne Randall, Michael Gee, Brad Smith, Dave Gartner, Jamie McHugh, Paddy Ward, Darren Kane, Steve Jordan, Bill Miller, Tony Barklimore, Wayne Brims, Steve Vaughan and Keith Higgs, with more to come.
For the latest news and series information, visit the official series website at www.nationalsupersedanseries.com
Ashley Bergmeier – VIC #16 – Age: 22 – Resides: Huntly – Car Type: Pontiac Grand Prix Sponsors: Bergmeier Engineering, American Racer Tyres
The 2007/2008 SSA/NASR National Super Sedan Series is proudly supported by the following sponsors:
Custom Transporters and Trailers
Sport Engines
AFCO Shock Doctor
Art by Mickey
Oval Express Magazine
National Association of Speedway Racing (NASR)
Speedway Sedans Australia (ASCF)
www.tassiesupersedan.com