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2001
NEWS ARCHIVE
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Visit Florida Stock Car Racing Sponsors!
| Thursday, February 1, 2001 | |
by Bill Green
As I arrived at East Bay Raceway to visit with the 360 drivers gathering for the 25TH Anniversary WINTERNATIONALS, I was surprised to see over 70 motorhomes in the parking area. This may not be the best way to judge an event, but motorhomes bring people, and people make these big shows exciting.  The track itself was a sight to behold. New paint, new concrete, and subtle changes in location or design allowing for faster ticket sales and pit entrance were everywhere.
As I neared the pit gate for parking, I could see scores of big rigs and haulers lining the pit rows, readying for practice. I visited with several of the drivers from last years event.
One of the first rigs I spotted in the distance was Ronald Laneys. Last years King of the 360s came to Florida "loaded for bear", as he put it. And you guys have some big ones down here this time of year, he added, with that famous Texas grin.
He was right. There were going to be some big bears out for the special 25th Anniversary purses and contingency money. Bears like, 'Superman' Sport Allen, last years Mr. Budweiser, Kenny Adams, the winningest USCS driver last year and current track record holder at East Bay. Gary Wright was pre-registered but oddly enough, not present for the first night of open practice. More fast flying locals were present than ever before, Paulie Millim was back on the dirt in a new 2001 chassis, Greg Leonard had the new UPS sponsored #94 on-hand, and the Mulligan crew made there presence known as well.
So will out-of-towners wrenched on the beginnings of season long efforts, the local boys seemed to have unconsciously banded together and quietly promised that if Laney, Wright, or anyone else was going to win the money, they would darn sure have to work very hard for it.
Practice began at about 6PM with a few limited sprints and sprints taking to the track. The new layer of clay laid down was noticeably lighter. Appearing to be somewhat sandier, with lime and or calcium mixed in. It was slick at first, but began to dry and tighten up throughout the night.
The few laps that I could get times on, when people were not in traffic, lend me to the feeling that a new track record is in order for Thursdays opening night. The current track record as of this writing, is 13.417, and three cars broke into the 12s as the night progressed
So keep on top of the racing at the 25TH Anniversary Winternationals at East Bay Raceway as we take you from opening day, to the final checkered flag on the 410 Nationals, February 17th. And all the racing in between, including the UDTRA & STARS Late Model action, Feb 5-10, the Open Wheel Modified battles of Feb 10-13, and the fan favorite ALL STAR Circuit of Champions Sprints, Feb 14-17.
We'll see you at the races!!!
By Bill Green
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