Thursday, September 25, 2003 Sunbelt Late Models Battle On the New Smyrna Half-Mile by Jane Smith B.J. McLeod with longtime crew and friend "Ace", will be gunning for the Winner's Circle Saturday. Saturday night (Sept 27) is going to be a "hoot-holler" night as the "Big Boys" take to the one half mile, high banked oval of New Smyrna Speedway as the Sunbelt Super Late Models highlight the show. Wayne Anderson of Wildwood leads the points with a hefty margin of 266 points over second place James Powell of Astor. But with four races remaining in the Sunbelt season, the points could still go in any of the top fives direction. Jay Middleton comes in third and only 6 points behind Powell. Middleton "one of our Young Lions" has proven his driving ability this year by also leading at one time the Florida Pro Series points and stands second in those points at this time. Middleton is ready for his first win and by the way he has been driving, he is sure to get it soon. Coming in fourth is Jonny Kay with 553 points followed by Barry Willoughby and the Pennzoil car with 503 points. Willoughby has already proven that he can be a champion from his SARA Open Wheel Modified Championship. Willoughby is also considered one of the "Young Lions". Michael Williams of Mims and driver of the South Forty Graphix Super Late has missed a few races from his accident in Lakeland in the beginning of the year but he still stands sixth in points and only 23 points behind Willoughby. Williams is fine now and back in his true racing form and is another driver due for a win. Fain Skinner is new to the Super Late Model division but has proven that he has the right stuff to be a "Young Lion". Skinner stands seventh in points with 471 followed closely by Jacob Warren with 449 points. Warren got his first Sunbelt win this year and is looking forward to his second. Eric Black of Vero Beach is our newest "married Young Lion" as he got hitched on September 6. Black stands ninth in points. Rounding out the top ten is Mike Good with 356 points. Other drivers expected are B.J. McLeod, David Rogers, David Froehlich, Justin Drawdy, Aric Almirola, Brian Finney, Chris Fontaine, Rich Pratt, Jimmy Cope and many more. Points are very tight and the next four races and Saturday night's action will tell who the Team FASCAR Sunbelt Super Late Model Champion is. Qualifying for the 125 lap event will be at 6:30 p.m. depending on car count. Also on the program Saturday night is the always popular Classic Auto Racing Series plus Open Wheel Modifieds, Sportsman, Super Stock and Strictly Stock. The Late Model and Mini Stock class have the night off. State Senator Bill Posey of Rockledge has been a main contender this year in the Classic Auto Racing Series. Posey, who must make time out of his very busy schedule, is an avid racer and fan. Hopefully Posey will finally get his first win if his car holds out for the race. The Classic Series expects a very good car count as the drivers love New Smyrna Speedway. Grandstands will open at 6 p.m. but you may come and watch hot laps free. Qualifying for the Sunbelt Super Late Model 125 will be at 6:30 p.m. depending on car count. Racing action starts at 7:30 p.m. Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! <news@karnac.org>or send a letter to the editor!