| Category | Dirt track racing |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Region | Midwestern |
| Inaugural season | 1985 |
| Folded | 2002 |
TheBusch All-Star Tour was aNASCAR-sanctioneddirt tracklate model racing series. The series, based in theMidwestern United States, started in 1985 and folded in 2002, and was NASCAR's only national dirt racing series.[1]
The series held its first race atAdams County Speedway inCorning, Iowa, and was won bySteve Kosiski. Kosiski became the most successful driver in series history with 50 victories and seven championships; his brotherJoe was the second most successful driver, with 45 wins and five championships. Although the tour was primarily situated in the Midwest, the series also expanded to tracks outside the region. Among the tracks that played host to Busch All-Star Tour races includedLakeside Speedway,I-80 Speedway, Eagle Raceway,I-70 Speedway,Hawkeye Downs Speedway andIowa State Fair Speedway[1] The series was eventually renamed theO'Reilly Auto Parts All-Star Series, and the tour was discontinued after 2002 by NASCAR, as it decided to shift its focus to its Weekly Racing Series (now theWhelen All-American Series).[2] NASCAR's top national series didn't return to dirt until theCamping World Truck Series ran the2013 Mudsummer Classic atEldora Speedway.[1]
Notable personnel who worked with the tour includedJohn Darby, the currentSprint Cup Series director, who worked as chief technical inspector for the tour, along withMotor Racing Network writerPete Pistone, who served as public relations director for approximately four seasons.[1] The Series Director, throughout the entire 17-year run of the series, was Jim Wilson, a 23-year NASCAR veteran, who later went on to found the WORLD Dirt Racing League. Among the noted winners in the series included 2000 Weekly Racing Series national championGary Webb,[3]Xfinity Series driverMike Wallace and former Cup Series driverKen Schrader.[1]
| Year | Champion | Points (Margin) |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Roger Dolan | 960 (1) |
| 1986 | Joe Kosiski | 2239 (47) |
| 1987 | Steve Kosiski | 2311 (10) |
| 1988 | Joe Kosiski | 2339 (56) |
| 1989 | Joe Kosiski | 2345 (38) |
| 1990 | Steve Kosiski | 2492 (135) |
| 1991 | Steve Kosiski | 2639 (138) |
| 1992 | Steve Kosiski | 2927 (89) |
| 1993 | Bob Hill | 2460 (86) |
| 1994 | Steve Kosiski | 3149 (124) |
| 1995 | Steve Kosiski | 2656 (49) |
| 1996 | Joe Kosiski | 2586 (19) |
| 1997 | Joe Kosiski | 2334 (8) |
| 1998 | Steve Kosiski | 2950 (14) |
| 1999 | Ray Guss, Jr. | 2497 (57) |
| 2000 | Steve Boley | 3062 (209) |
| 2001 | Kyle Berck | 2436 (11) |