In just a few short hours our lives change once again with the welcoming of a new year and new resolutions for the new year. But to go ahead we must look back at the year 2002.
Justin Drawdy welcomed in the new year with a win in the Red Eye 100 at New Smyrna Speedway. The third Annual Race for Kids Sake sponsored by Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Volusia County saw Mark Martin, Kyle Petty, Johnny Benson, John Andretti, Buckshot Jones, Hut Strickland and Casey Attwood take to the high banks of New Smyrna Speedway and sign hundreds of autographs for fans.
Daniel Keene, Jr. won the Citrus County Winter Spectacular II race for $5,000 but Mike Bresnahan was the big winner in Late Model racing at Citrus County Speedway winning almost $40,000 over the year. Travis Kittleson won the Orange Blossom 100 at NSS which was renamed the Pete Orr Memorial 125 in 2003 as Pete won that race four times.
Action now heated up with the Winternationals at East Bay, Speedfest at USA International, World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna, SpeedWeeks at Volusia Speedway Park, Putnam County, and DeSoto Speedway. The tracks were full of stars and you never knew just who you might see in action.
Tragedy struck as Ronald Laney, a 360 Sprint driver, lost his life at East Bay Raceway and the racing world was saddened. Laney, who was a regular competitor at East Bay Winternationals King of the Road, will be sadly missed in 2003.
Jason Boyd won every Speedfest Late Model race only to continue his winning streak at New Smyrna Speedway in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. The #15 Late Model seemed to be unbeat- able as he won the opening Goodyear Challenge Late Model Series race.
For the first time in over ten years, Midgets returned to Orlando, Florida for their 2002 Winternationals. Some of the very best in Midget drivers made their way to the not-so-sunny Sunshine state only to see their Winternational hopes washed away by rain.
During the off season Mike Cope, new owner of Bronson Motor Speedway, overhauled Bronson to open his new season to a new look and feel at Bronson. New stands, track improvements was only the beginning for Bronson but rain dampened the Opening Day ceremonies.
We were off and running now when the rain permitted racing. From Hileah to Five Flags racers were in their glory as they challenged each other every weekend for that one goal of all, "Victory Lane".
Leroy Davidson reclaimed his Charlotte County Speedway, Ocala was sold and reopened, Jimmy Parker took over Lake City Speedway, Thundercross saw Michael Spotts as the new owner, it was changing everywhere. It was a soap opera with rumors and facts for the racing fans and drivers of Florida tracks.
New stars were born, old stars faded away. Jason Boyd went ASA racing along with Ed Brown and Travis Kittleson. New Smyrna Speedway welcomed back the USAR Hooter's ProCup Series as Bobby Gill thrilled the crowd with his win.
Sebring added the Florida Mini Stock Challenge to the road course event with the Sunbelt Super Late Models, Goodyear Challenge Late Models, and the FASTRUCKS. Florida Pro, Sunbelt Super Late Model Series, Citrus County, Bronson and All American Challenge Series would all bump heads at times during the year as they ran races on the same nights dividing the Florida Super Late Model drivers at all tracks. It was a year when fans asked "why"?
As we prayed for Steve Griffin's recovery from his auto accident, it was clear that we were a family that deeply cared for one another in spite of any differences. Each time one of our family was hit by tragedy or unexpected illness, we were there.
When we lost Pete Orr unexpectedly in November, our hearts were deeply saddened. Pete was a friend to so many, a legend in his time. Pete was a true gentleman both on and off the track. Pete was laid to rest in the shade of a tree covered with spanish moss surrounded by hundreds of family and friends. Gone but never forgotten.
Tracks concluded their 2002 racing seasons, banquets were held, and fans took a break. Christmas came and went and now it is New Year's Eve.
As we close 2002 and welcome 2003, we remember those we have lost, those we have welcomed in and the love that we share for one another. Racing is a sport, friendships and family are forever. May God bless this family we love, keep them safe, and watch over them.
