Nashville: Last Stop to Crowning First ASA Champ of this Generation (Butcher Interview)
Photo Courtesy of: Koty Geyer
November 1st, 2023
Close Battle to Seal the Deal: Big Race Season Continues On
Coming off of a spicy Winchester 400 (unrelated reasons) that saw a record number of lead changes for that race, #91 Ty Majeski of Wisconsin’s late season bad luck woes not only continued, but worsened. Though Ty, who had built nearly a perfect-race (100 points) gap prior to the last 2 races, maintains the points lead going into the final race, to Cole Butcher's credit, he capitalized on Majeski's lack of fortune with two near-perfect races, closing what once seemed like an insurmountable points gap, into an 8 point swing. This weekend, Sunday November 5th, 2023, will see it all come to finality.
Race Origins
Since its inception in 1981, the All American 400 race has become a melting pot of talent, bringing together the best drivers from the North and the South to compete in a thrilling head-to-head showdown at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. The brainchild of American Speed Association (ASA) President Rex Robbins and All Pro Series President (APS) Bob Harmon, the All American 400 quickly became a marquee event in the short track racing calendar. The inaugural race set the tone for the fierce North vs South rivalry, with the All Pro Series, representing the South, clinching the win. Butch Lindley's victory, driving a car from the North, showcased the blended nature of the competition. However, the Northerners quickly found their footing in the subsequent years. The 1982 race saw ASA stars dominate the top positions, a trend that continued into 1983. But the pendulum swung back in favor of the All Pro Series in 1984 and 1985, with Gary Balough and Rusty Wallace securing wins.
The event's sanctioning saw a shift in 1987, with the American-Canadian Tour (ACT) stepping in to replace the All Pro Series. This change brought about one of the most memorable moments in the race's history. Mark Martin, seemingly on his way to a comfortable win, was outclassed by Darrell Waltrip in the dying frames, showcasing an unlikely win, along with the unpredictable nature of the race. 1988 marked the return of the All Pro Series, and the race reached new heights in terms of competitiveness. Butch Miller's back-to-back wins in 1989 and 1990 showcased his tenacity and skill, as he overcame significant challenges to clinch victory. The 1990s saw the race undergo further changes. ASA's departure in 1991 meant the race was solely an All Pro Series event. Jeff Purvis's consecutive wins in 1991 and 1992 showed his dominance, while Mike Garvey's win in 1993 added to the event's storied history.
As the race evolved, so did its sponsors and media coverage. TNN's sponsorship in 1990 and the subsequent involvement of Manheim Auctions in 1994 added a new dimension to the race, giving it a broader reach and appeal. Jeff Purvis would pick up another win in 1995, Wayne Anderson would pick up 2 on the decade, and Freddie Query would do the same, winning twice. Transitioning from its storied past, the All American 400 entered a new era in recent years, still consistently attracting the best of the best, despite not running in 2001, 2002, 2009, or 2011. The 2010s saw some of the best Late Model Aces in Bubba Pollard & Donnie Wilson capture checkered flags, along with future NASCAR stars Chase Elliot & John Hunter Nemechek. The most recent seasons saw Casey Roderick break through on his own team, followed by Matt Craig spreading his wings out of the Carolinas and winning a major feature, and last year Stephen Nasse backed up his Winchester 400 win with the win at Nashville
Butcher & Majeski's All American Track Record
Sanctioned by the now named ASA/CRA Super Series Powered by JEGS, and this year co-sanctioned by the ASA STARS National Tour, the stakes are as high as they've ever been, going into this crown jewel race - the last major race of the year, before the Snowball Derby, the biggest of all.
After a long hiatus, The All American 400 will once again serve as the ASA National Points Finale race. For Cole Butcher, his limited All-American 400 starts have been filled with highs and lows. From qualifying second in 2018 on his first try, beside fellow Canadian Raphael Lessard for an All Canadian All American front row, and experiencing rain postponement until the following Spring, which ultimately was cancelled by rain, to capturing the pole in Fall 2019 only to have a strong start end with a wrecked car in the wall on lap 14. After 2 years away due to COVID, Cole would suffer mechanical issues in 2021. His 2022 race tugged at the heartstrings of several drivers, and was his closest shot. Either a strong finish, or possibly even a victory was within grasp, as he dove deep into a dramatic 3-wide battle on the last lap ended in a wreck, dashing the hopes of all involved in a split second as everyone was vying for the win, and nearly resulting in a literal blow-over of Austin Nason’s #14 machine.
It's a big race, definitely one of the bigger ones. Next to the Snowball Derby, and the Winchester 400. It's one we look forward to all year. Nashville is a fun place to go to, regardless of if you're at the race track or downtown. Anytime you can have fun, and be with your friends and family, that's what it's all about.
It's very racey (Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway), it has multiple grooves. I love the character, very rough. It's definitely one of my favourites. - Cole Butcher
But such setbacks have clearly only fueled Cole's determination. Each year, he returns with renewed vigor, showcasing his skill, passion, and unwavering commitment to the sport.
You just put your head down, and fight through it. When you have a good car and a good team, everything really becomes quite easy. Once you get into that race car, that stuff doesn't really get to ya, there's so much else going on that you don't have time to focus on anything bad - that really helps. - Cole Butcher
Ty Majeski is a driver who you would find many to agree with you, if you were to declare the current greatest Asphalt, Template-Bodied Super Late Model Driver there is, taking the throne at some point from #26 Bubba Pollard, one of the very best to ever do it. He on the other hand has only made the attempt in 2016, and 2019. In both cases, Majeski would be forced to retire by around the quarter-race mark. Coming off of back-to-back DNFs which, along with great points days in both races for Cole, is what allowed such a large points gap to be closed so quickly leading into the finale in the first place. With past disappointments looming in his rear-view mirror, Ty will be determined to rewrite his short All American 400 narrative, and recent ASA results.
Beyond the thrilling on-track action, off-the-track discussions have brought another dimension to the All American 400 - note that 2020 was the first year in recent running’s that the length of the race was shortened from 400 laps to 300. Still called the All American 400, the event does feature an unrelated 100 lap Pro Late Model feature, in addition to the Super Late Model 300 lapper. The ongoing debate about the race's length, whether 400 or the recent 300 laps, adds another layer of intrigue. Some traditionalists argue for the historic 400-lap format, such as Chandler Smith who passionately believes that the race should return to its original format to truly showcase the best drivers and toughest cars. Others, such as Bob Sargent see the shorter version as a more practical (both financial & entertainment wise) and equally challenging alternative. Amidst these discussions, racers like Cole and Ty remain focused on the ultimate prize: victory at one of the most prestigious races in America.
Asked about strategy, Cole expressed: “With the F50 (tire) you definitely wear the right sides out faster, and it feels sort of like you're driving on ice. You have to manage the right front, because you go long stints without putting tires on. So, just managing your tires, and being there for the final restart with however many laps to go.”
Understanding the ASA STARS National Tour Championship Scenario
The ASA STARS National Tour Championship is coming to an exhilarating climax with two drivers, with 8 points separating them. One of Ty Majeski or Cole Butcher will be walking away from Nashville with the ASA Championship, along with of course, a possible Guitar Trophy.
Ty Majeski:
Wins: Leads with three wins, they took place at the 3 tracks/races in Wisconsin (he would win a hypothetical points tie breaker, due to more wins).
Other Achievements: Leads in stage wins, stage points, and laps led.
Cole Butcher:
Wins: Has one win at Anderson Speedway.
Other Achievements: Leads in top-10 finishes, race points, and hard charger standings (positions earned).
Asked about the 3 Stage Format used in the ASA National races, Cole said: “It's been pretty good, I kind of like the breaks, because it gives you a chance to breath. And the extra points and money is always nice, too, for a stage.”
Both drivers have six top-five finishes, which further emphasizes their consistency and competitive spirit. A maximum of 100 points can be awarded per race.
Final Thoughts
The championship is finely poised, and the All American 400 race promises to be a nail-biter. Both drivers have a good chance, and it will be one or the other; the bonus points, stage points, and other variables mean that predicting the champion will be tough, though. Fans and enthusiasts will be eagerly waiting for the culmination of this thrilling competition.
[Cole Butcher - about whether or not some of his recent achievements have fully set in]
I guess not really, nothing’s really set in. I'm always just looking to get better, never content, you could say. Whatever happens, happens. You can't really control it - well - you can, but can't, at the same time. But we're looking forward to getting this ASA Championship hopefully, Ty is going to be really good, along with the rest of the competition. We'll just put our head down and fight. If we win, we win, if we don't, we don't. We know we worked our butts off.Then we'll focus on the Derby, and 2024.
[I suggested it will probably be something he will feel set in years down the road]
Oh for sure, you know, winning the Oxford 250 is a big thing. I probably just haven't really sat down long enough to think about it. One day, I will when looking back, 50 years old, sitting in a rocking chair.
