IT'S TIME TO RACE!!

August 21, 2007 Bert Ashelman Passes; Former Promoter Succumbs from Stroke KARNAC Staff Report Bert Ashelman, one of Florida's most loved promoters over the last two decades died today in a Jacksonville hospital. The former owner of Columbia Motorsport Park and the Florida Pro Series, was airlifted to a Jacksonville hospital Saturday night after collapsing in the pits during Saturday nights racing. Ashelman was visiting the speedway he owned from 1990 to 2005, eventually selling it to FASCAR. He also operated the state's most successful Super Late Model Series for many years, traveling all across the state and into Georgia. Many drivers got their start in the Florida Pro Series, Rich Pratt and Jay Middleton being among them. Sadness prevails in the Florida racing community, and these are some of the thoughts and prayers that have been posted on message boards: I can remember working for him in the Florida Pro Days,he took me under his wing and showed be the wrong things and the right things and we had many of laughs in between.He was allways calm and always got it done.Even when I told him I wanted to buy a race track he was there for me,and kept on saying are you sure you want to do this.I can still see him shaking his head.He was a great promoter and friend and will never be forgotten. In his honor Desoto Super Speedway will host a Florida Pro Race sometime this year.Leila & Kyle our thoughts and Prayers are with you. John & Camille Sarppraicone --------- Bert and I were friends for 35 years and it's going to be very strange not to have him around. I'll never forget the Sunday he asked me to meet him at a Waffle House in Ft Lauderdale and it was there that he laid out his plans to give up a 23 year career with Florida Power & Light and buy a speedway in Lake City. Having his own track had been a dream for years and he was finally going to take the plunge and do it. He and Leila lived it every day for 15 years and he never had to look back say "what if?" He had a dream and made it come true. RIP Buddy. You have no idea how much you'll be missed. Marty --------- Uncle Bert taught me many things in the six years I worked for, with and along side him. He was a gentle big man ! Rick Bristol -------- We are sad to hear of Burt's passing, he was a very kind hearted person and will be missed by so many, our thoughts and prayers are with Burt's family and the racing community! Cindy Lee ------- Bert Ashleman was a special person to racing and he will be sorely missed by the Middleton family.He was instrumental to Jay staying in racing when, at times,it would have been easier to quit.Our thoughts and prayers are with Leila and family at this sad time. We are heavyhearted tonight at the Middleton home. The Middleton Family More coverage of this very sad story for Florida racing will be forthcoming. Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on The Real Racin USA Florida Fan Message Board! or Email KARNACto send a letter to the editor!