Mid-American ARP Prototype Body Unveiled at 'Fest

Matt Panure
Mid American Stock Car Series
October 10, 2008

Fort Atkinson, WI (October 10, 2008) – With the curtain falling on the 2008 Mid-American Stock Car Series regular season at Oktoberfest this past Saturday, drivers were given a sneak peek of what is in store for 2009. Aluminum Racing Products showed off the “Next-Generation Body,” a work that had been in progress throughout the entire season.

“It really turned out nice. We’re really looking forward to bringing this out next year and I think everyone will want one right away,” said Dave Kamholtz of ARP Bodies, who was on hand, gleaming with pride in ARP’s creation.

Some exciting new features highlighted the body’s debut. The body styles of the NGB will be different than those of the typical late model body. A Pontiac G8 was unveiled in La Crosse with several other “non-traditional” body styles to be rolling out this winter. Those models include the Chevy Malibu, Cadillac CTS, Dodge Charger and Lincoln MKS. There are several other body styles in the works.

A “wing,” similar to that of an aftermarket accessory is also featured on the NGB. Controversial at first, the wing has begun to grow on drivers and officials and offers a more modern look in comparison to the typical flat spoiler. The wing will be adjustable, allowing teams to set it differently as they head from venue to venue.

Aside from the sleek new look, the body features a four piece plastic nose, plastic fenders and a plastic tail. In the past, the body has been completely fiberglass, which would be incredibly difficult to repair or even salvage after a “racing incident.” The plastic pieces will be much more durable and easier to maintain throughout the racing season.

ARP also kept the mounting process in mind when creating the new body. The body panels overlap and the roof, quarter panels, cowl and deck lid filler are all flange fit, simplifying the installation process.

The buzz was evident as soon as the body was rolled out on Saturday morning. “We’ve had all kinds of great feedback from day one,” said Kamholtz, “The drivers are really excited about it.”

“I liked the body; it was different from anything I have ever seen,” said series runner-up Kyle Shear who hopes to have an ARP body in action early in 2009.

Mid-American officials were also extremely satisfied with the results. “Overall, I really liked it,” said MASCS co-owner Doug Strasburg. "We did not want just another late model body. We wanted something different…something designed and built especially for the Mid-American racers.”

The process that led to the unveiling was a lengthy one. Strasburg and Mid-American officials were looking for a new-look body for the series since June of 2007. ARP owner Jerry Criswell, who is a founding member of the current ABC body program, and his team decided to take the task. After a brief feeling-out period, Strasburg and Criswell began to make progress on the body.

“After meeting with Jerry Criswell, I knew we could all draw from [ARP’s] aerodynamic experience to make sure whatever body design we came up with would look totally different, yet still be a well balanced, aerodynamically efficient body, which is important to all racers,” Strasburg added.

“Ideas and thoughts flowed back and forth between Tennessee and Wisconsin and the NGB evolution began. I can't imagine the hours ARP has in the development and creation of the new Mid-American body,” said Strasburg.

With the formation process now over, the body is set to hit the series next season. All bodies that were legal in Mid-American in previous years will continue to be legal in 2009.

The Mid-American Stock Car Series has one final race remaining in 2008. The 2nd Annual “Fight for the Cure” Fall Classic will take place in conjunction with the American Cancer Society Run/Walk at Road America on Saturday, October 25th. More details will be available shortly through www.midamericanracing.com

Aluminum Racing Products is based in Greenbrier, TN and has been manufacturing bodies specifically for use in short track racing since 1982. For more information please visit www.arpbodies.com

For more information about the Mid-American Series including results, the final 2008 standings and driver info please visit www.midamericanracing.com