PINELLAS PARK, FL (January 20, 2012) – 2012 is going to be a big year for Stephen Nasse. The 16-year-old from Pinellas Park, Florida made some big noise in 2011 in the Super Late Model world, not only competing in some the biggest races in the country, but showing strength and going to victory lane on four occasions in what he called a "learning season."

Big wins were scored in the early part of the year at Hickory Motor Speedway (NC), Gresham Motorsports Park (GA) and New Smyrna Speedway (FL). Those were followed by solid runs capping off the season that have paved the way for his first start of 2012, SpeedFest 2102 at Watermelon Capital Speedway (GA) on January 29th.

"Just talking about getting back in a race car is exciting," said Nasse. "We had a good year in 2011. Of course, we wanted to win more races, but we were looking for experience and we found that with the races we ran. Now we are back and we are comfortable with the crew, Buggy Pletcher my crew chief, and we are ready for 2012."

2012 will start at Watermelon Capital, the site for the 2012 SpeedFest, a 200-lap Super Late Model event. Nasse led more than 40 laps in his most recent start at the Cordele, Georgia facility. Now, armed with much more success underneath him, the 2011 Easter Bunny 150 winner is looking to be a tough one to beat come race day.

"It’s a tough place to get around," said Nasse. "We were planning for Lanier (the original location of SpeedFest 2012 before being moved in recent days), but this is a little closer to home, so we like that. This will be another test for us to make sure we are up to speed and ready for the season."

Nasse will do battle in SpeedFest 2012 against a tough field of some of the best Super Late Model talents, NASCAR stars and other short track champions. But there’s one NASCAR heavy-hitter that Nasse is most excited to rub fenders with.

"I got really excited when I found out Kyle Busch is going to be running the race," said Nasse. "I have battles with my dad and the crew guys about who the best driver is and I always say Kyle Busch. He has the most talent and it’s cool to be racing with him.

"Hopefully I can beat him," said Nasse. "That would go a long way for getting noticed."

Nasse’s weekend will start on Friday, January 27^th with a full day of practice. Saturday will bring more on-track action before qualifying takes place for Sunday’s feature events.