| Florida Pro Super Lates Begin Busy May at Columbia Motorsports Park Saturday | by Dave Westerman
Originally, the 2003 Florida Pro Series Super Late Model Schedule called for just one race during the month of May, but Mother Nature had other ideas and, thanks to a pair of rainouts, there are now three FPS race dates this month beginning Saturday at Columbia Motorsports Park near Lake City.
This race was supposed to be the season opener back in March, but the only thing racing at CMP that day were ducks enjoying a day of heavy rain.
Just two weeks ago, a slow-moving front lingered over South Florida well into the evening, forcing postponement of the Florida Pro visit to Hialeah Speedway. That race has been reset for Memorial Day weekend, May 24th. Then, on May 31st, the Florida Pro drivers return to Columbia Motorsports Park for their regularly scheduled date.
So far, one race has been run on the 2003 schedule, at Charlotte County Speedway, with race winner Wayne Anderson also the current point leader going into this weekend.
Weather is not expected to be a factor, precipitation-wise, but a recent heat wave is not expected to let up and temperatures could still be in the upper 80's even by race time.
Anderson is expected to be on hand along with a host of other drivers when the green flag falls Saturday night including FPS regulars Jay Middleton, Fain Skinner, Doyle Boatwright, Mac Johnson, Michael Faulk and current rookie point leader Chris Turner.
Other drivers expected in the field include former FPS champion Jimmy Britts, David Browning, Kent Bissell, Joe Winchell, Kevin Dicks, Scot Walters, David Froelich, Rich Pratt, Georgia's David Hodges, Jr., and Chris Bowers out of North Carolina.
The Finney brothers, Brian and Kevin, will both get a chance to race against the field and each other for the first time this year. Kevin Finney, who now works full time for NASCAR, will be making his first start of the year in his SLM machine thanks to the NASCAR Winston Cup Series being off for Mother's Day weekend.
Practice is scheduled on Friday evening from 6-10 PM. Pit gates open Saturday afternoon at 4PM with FPS qualifying at 7PM followed by a full night of racing action starting at 7:30.
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