Saturday, October 18, 2003 USA International presents "Race for the Kids" October 18th by Jane Smith Lakeland, Fla (October 15, 2003) Racing fans will be in for a special treat this weekend at USA International Speedway in Lakeland as the Sunbelt Super Late Models go for 125 laps, Goodyear Challenge Late Models go for 100 laps, Pro Mods go for 50 laps and FASTRUCKS go for 50 laps of racing action. "Race for the Kids" formerly Octoberfest, will feature some of the state's finest Super Late Model drivers along with Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds and FASTRUCKS. Wayne Anderson leads the points in the Sunbelt Super Late Models and has built a good lead over second place Jay Middleton. Anderson stands at 922 points with Middleton at 696. Middleton, considered one of the "Young Lions" has had an exceptional year in both the Sunbelt Super Late Model Series and Florida Pro. Watch the No. 74J to be a front runner. James Powell comes in third and only 12 points behind Middleton so this will definitely be a close points battle with three remaining Sunbelt races after this weekend. Jonny Kay comes in fourth with 593 points followed by Barry Willoughby with 536. Completing the top ten in points are Michael Williams, the 2002 Sunbelt Super Late Model Champion, Fain Skinner, Jacob Warren, Eric Black. Mike Good and David Rogers are tied in tenth with 427 points each. Other expected drivers are B.J. McLeod, Brian Finney, Aric Almirola, David Froelich, Bruce Lawrence, Justin Drawdy, Chris Fontaine, Rich Pratt, Larry Osteen, and others. Jerry Artuso leads the Goodyear Challenge Late Models but right on Artuso's heels is Rich Clouser. Watch as these two drivers put on a great show for the fans. Also running strong in the Goodyear Challenge Series is Jason Boyd, Brad May, Joe Sumasky, Larry Osteen, Jimmy Castleberry, Sean Murphy, Dan Crowe and Jason Crossey. This series brings in some of the greatest Late Models in the state and also expected Saturday are Tony Amico, Steve Dorer, A.J. Currelli, Nolan Wilson, Jim Keating, and others. USA will bring in cars since this is "the" track that every Florida racer wants to race on. So look for big car counts in both Super Lates and Late Models. After being rained out twice at USA, the Pro Mods are ready for their 50 laps of action. It seems that this one series has had more rainouts than any other traveling series. Last weekend they qualified at New Smyrna Speedway for 50 laps of action but were rained out so they are definitely ready for Saturday night. Going into Saturday night's action is Jerry Symons who leads the Pro Mods in points. Watch Symons to be very strong along with Alan McCafferty, Skip Honaker, Jim "Hoot" Flynn, and Red Vann. Also expected are Rob Underwood, Jason Boyd, Lee Collins, Brad May, Alan Bruns, Bryan Campbell, and many more. These guys race hard and put on a excellent show especially at USA. Also on the program are the FASTRUCKS with Tommy King leading the points. Other drivers expected are Marty Wolf, Bobby Owens, James Wright III, and many more. Watch as these guys fight their way to the top to be "King" at USA International. Grandstands open at noon on Saturday, October 18th, with qualifying scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. On track autographs will be at 6 p.m. with racing at 7:30 p.m. Schedule Friday – October 17, 2003 3:00 PM .............. Registration and Pit Sign-in opens 3:30 PM .............. Early Hauler Parking 5:00 PM .............. Practice by division 9:30 PM .............. Practice Ends ........................... Pit Party at HOOTERS 10:00 PM ............ Pits Close Saturday – October 18, 2003 8:00 AM .............. Registration and Pit Sign-in Opens 8:30 AM .............. Late Hauler Parking (truck driver only into pits, no unloading) 9:00 AM .............. Pit Gates Opens 12:00 Noon .......... Front Gates Open ........................... Practice Begins 2:00 PM .............. Practice Ends 2:00 PM .............. Qualifying Time Trials 6:00 PM .............. Autograph Session on track 7:00 PM .............. Pre-Race Ceremonies 7:10 PM .............. Drivers Introduction 7:30 PM .............. Start Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! <news@karnac.org>or send a letter to the editor!