Cole Butcher Expected to Miss the Next 2 ASA STARS Tour Races
#28 Cole Butcher celebrating his first win at Five Flags Speedway - Courtesy of Liberty Racing Review
[This is an update from later in the day, a few hours after posting this article - Cole Butcher has said that he is well - the operation went well]
July 30th, 2024
Cole Butcher is a prominent figure in the ASA STARS National Tour, going into last year's finale with a narrow point gap behind eventual championship winner #91 Ty Majeski, and currently sitting a mere 2 points [Author note: that is according to my own point update calculation, but it should be very close, if not exact] behind #26 Casey Roderick for the lead this year, after 6 of 10 races. While he has faced bad luck several times on the track this year, he has also had an unexpected challenge off of the racetrack. Recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (afib), Butcher is due for an operation today (July 30th, 2024), and is expected to miss the next 2 races, as per a 2-month projected recovery period.
Having missed one race already, and having a bigger points gap behind leader Casey Roderick in the regional ASA Southern Super Series further along in that series schedule, this news may not have quite as much of an impact in that series, but Butcher was also a top contender there, too. His first race back is expected to be September 28’s Five Flags Speedway ASA SSS race.
Unfortunately on the Canadian side of the border, this also means he will not be able to make his return to the Summer Clash 250 at Scotia Speedworld, for the ECI Pro Stock Tour.
Season Overview:
Before this health setback, Butcher was a strong contender in the ASA STARS National Tour, sitting as the points runner-up, and leading for much of the season, as well as leading laps in all but 1 race so far. Despite some bad luck, his consistent performances, driving, and team/strategy had made him a favourite for the title this season.
Impact on the Team and Championship:
Butcher's absence will undoubtedly affect his team and the overall standings of the ASA STARS National Tour, and likely the dynamics of the championship crowning race. The most important thing to consider right now is his wellbeing, of course, as that overshadows his championship pursuits. It is still worth noting the news, though. While it will take quite the series of events for Butcher to be able to contend for the championship by the end of this season in the individual driver standings, his Donnie Wilson Motorsports #28 has been positioned very strongly for a run at the car owner standings/championship. The team must adapt to his temporary replacement(s), meanwhile, competitors who were trailing Butcher in the standings might see this as an opportunity to improve their positions, altering the competitive landscape of the series.
Looking Ahead:
As Butcher focuses on recovery, his return behind the wheel will be eagerly anticipated. After multiple notable achievements in the Pro Late Model/Pro Stock ranks, and consistent outstanding performances in the Snowball Derby every year, last year Butcher really showed the Super Late Model world what he is capable of - running with the best of the best, consistently.
If things go as expected, after his return to Five Flags Speedway for the Southern Super Series, he will be back in time for 'Big Race Season' - the Winchester 400, and the All American 400 for ASA STARS National Tour Races #9 & 10, and then the Snowball Derby in December. Butcher's unexpected health setback is a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the challenges that athletes can face outside of their professional arenas. While his immediate focus is on recovery, the racing community will be awaiting his return.
