By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Eight years ago Reading's Glenn Allen Jr. was the NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year. Today, he's managing another up-and-comer who is trying to follow Allen's path to NASCAR.

Allen is no longer racing at that level, but that's the eventual goal for Kris Stump, 24, of West Chester -based Kris Stump Racing, who is competing in tonight's BFGoodrich Tires 125 at Kentucky Speedway.

In his second season racing in the ASA Series, Stump will race on a superspeedway for the first time tonight after a disappointing rookie season in 2003 when he finished 22nd driving for a different team. Because of that, Allen will race with Stump, who posted the 10th-fastest practice time during an ASA practice at Kentucky Speedway in mid-April.

"You don't feel the speed as much on the big track," Stump said. "It's actually easier to drive than a shorter track."

Stump said he doesn't plan to race in ASA for more than a few years. Ideally he would like to move up to more advanced series and break into a NASCAR circuit.

By switching teams this year and aligning with Allen and crew chief Tommy Simpson, Stump has increased his racing ability, he said, because he only has to focus on driving. He said he knows NASCAR teams are watching the ASA races, where several current Nextel Cup drivers competed during the early part of their careers.

"I want to use the ASA as a stepping stone," said Stump who is involved in a three-year ASA plan with Allen. "I don't plan on being in ASA my whole life."

On-track success is the best way to get noticed, but the team still lacks a primary sponsor, which is a key part of having the resources to win.

Reciting a common racing phrase, Allen said, "Money buys speed. How fast do you want to go?"

E-mail ddow@enquirer.com