Landon Cassill
Nationwide Series
Landon Cassill has evolved from a standout driver in go karts to a real threat in stock cars. The youngster must be doing something right as he was picked up by NASCAR powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports.
Cassill is aggressive and at a young age, he has the knowledge of when to push the car and when not to. He will be making a jump this year into some ARCA as well as a few Grand National East races where he will be tested.
A few years from now, many will know his name as well as his competitors do already.
Now another driver who’s established his roots firmly within the ASALMS, is taking the next step of his aspiring racing career; 17-year-old Landon Cassill has signed with NASCAR powerhouse, Hendrick Motorsports and will join the likes of 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Champion, Jimmie Johnson as well as Four-Time Cup Champion, Jeff Gordon, plus Kyle Busch and Casey Mears in one of the most potent teams in NASCAR today.
“I feel really, really honored to be part of this organization,” Cassill stated. “I’m honored to be in such an elite group and I’m looking forward to moving forward with my racing career!” He added. Cassill’s 2007 plans with Hendrick Motorsports call for the Fairfax, Iowa pilot to go through several phases of testing and then later in the season, Cassill will debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks Series and later the NASCAR Busch Series.
“Landon grew up with us, he started his ASALMS career when he was just 14 years old. He’s 17 now and has just completed his third full season with us!” Co-Founder/President of the ASALMS, Ron Varney Jr., stated. “We are so proud of Landon for this opportunity and Hendrick is very fortunate to have someone of Landon’s caliber in their stables. We wish him the very best of luck and I know he’ll make us proud.” Varney Jr., continued.
Since Cassill cannot compete in NASCAR sanctioned events until he turns 18 on July 7, 2007, his time spent in the ASALMS isn’t quite over yet! Tentative plans call for Cassill to run with the ASALMS Challenge Division as well as select events in both the ASALMS Northern and Southern Divisions.
The 17-year-old has completed his third full season of ASALMS competition, highlighted by becoming the first driver in ASALMS history to win a Feature in all three divisions. The first win occurred in an ASALMS Northern Division event and was also Cassill’s first career ASALMS Feature Win when Cassill won the Erie 100 at the Lake Erie (PA) Speedway on June 9, 2006.
The second victory and first in the ASALMS Southern Division came on July 3, 2006 during the Firecracker 125 at the South Georgia (GA) Motorsports Park. Then just five days later and a day after his 17th birthday, the Fairfax, Iowa teenager made history and completed the ASALMS Hat Trick to became the first driver in ASALMS history to win a Feature in all three divisions when he won the Missouri 150 Presented by Odessa Pool and Spa at the I-70 (MO) Speedway on July 8, 2006.
Cassill’s lone win at I-70 in Challenge Division competition was combined with Five Top Five finishes and Seven Top 10 showings for the 2006 season to finish in the runner-up spot behind 2006 ASALMS Challenge Division Champion, Kelly Bires. In addition, Cassill also racked up Two Fast Qualifier Awards at the Oswego (NY) Speedway and again at the Berlin (MI) Raceway.
In ASALMS Northern Division competition, he grabbed Two Feature wins including the first career triumph at Lake Erie. Cassill’s second and final North victory came in one of the most thrilling ASALMS events in series history. The Fairfax, Iowa teenager passed Eddie Hoffman on the last lap to win the 37th annual Oktoberfest 100 Presented by Peterbuilt of LaCrosse at the LaCrosse (WI) Fairgrounds Speedway on October 7, 2006.
Overall in the ASALMS Northern Division, Cassill picked up Four Top Fives and Top 10s and One Fast Qualifier Award at the O’Reilly (IN) Raceway Park at Indianapolis to finish a solid 11th place in the points despite only competing in half the ASALMS Northern Division season!
Finally in ASALMS Southern Division competition, Cassill would sweep the AT&T Texas All-Star Shootout Twin 75s Presented by Mercedes Homes on October 21, 2006 at the San Antonio (TX) Speedway to add to his Feature win at South Georgia earlier in the year.
The Fairfax, Iowa driver also recorded three Fast Qualifier Awards with those coming at the Hickory (NC) Motor Speedway on May 20, 2006 and would also set fast time at South Georgia and San Antonio in sweeping both of those programs. Overall in 2006 and between all three divisions in the ASALMS, Cassill collected an impressive Six Feature Wins!
Cassill began his racing career in the two wheeled variety in motocross at just three years old in quads! When he was eight, Cassill advanced to Go-Karts and also gained experience in Midgets and Legends. Landon scored five championships in the Go-Karts and one title in the Dirt Midgets. He has notched a Legends track championship at his home track of the Hawkeye Downs (IA) Speedway in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Cassill is also the youngest driver in Hawkeye Downs history to win a feature on the tracks ½ mile as that Feature win came in his Modified.
The Hawkeye State pilot began his ASALMS career in 2004 and was the winner of the Hard-Luck Award. He recorded two top fives with a season high fifth on two occasions. Landon also picked up four top 10s during his rookie season to finish11th Overall and seventh in the Pat Bourdow Memorial Rookie of the Year title chase. Cassill also became the youngest driver ever to start the Snowball Derby down at Five Flags (FL) Speedway in Pensacola FL.
Cassill came into his own during the 2005 season. In his second year of ASA Late Model Series competition, Cassill recorded four Top five finishes including third place finishes on three occasions! Overall Cassill also mustered up six Top 10 finishes and one Motive Gear Fast Qualifier award at Madison.
In addition to his ASALMS schedule in 2005, Cassill also competed in the CRA Super Series on a part-time basis and still finished 14th in the final points standings as well as finishing ninth in now defunct ASL Series points chase. Cassill ended the 2005 season by finishing second in the Snowflake 100 down at the Five Flags.
During the 2006 season, Cassill carried sponsorship from; Finish Line Paintless Dent Removal, Puma Sports Wear, Port City Race Cars, ARP Bodies/Aluminum Racing Products, Cassill Motors, Performance Concepts, M.P.H. Promotions, Advance Millwork, Wright Way Trailers, Climate Control Storage, Naylor Speed, Gee Asphalt Systems, 180 Sports Drink, Atkins Savings Bank and Trust, Universal Warranties, Innovative Signs, and Cassill Motorsports
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