April 27, 2004 97 Country WPCV and USA International present Sunbelt, Pro Mods, and Mini Stocks on May 1 by Jane Smith -KARNAC.com Samsula, Fla. (April 27, 2004) 97 Country WPCV and USA International host Team FASCAR Sunbelt Super Late Models, Penske Racing Shocks United Pro Modifieds, and Florida Mini Stock Challenge this Saturday for a night full of racing. This will mark the first appearance ever for the Florida Mini Stock Challenge Series at USA International. The Florida Mini Stock Challenge will qualify on Friday night, April 30 at 7:30 and race on Saturday, May 1, at 4:30. Leading the points going into the Lakeland event will be Darren Jackson followed by Chris Thornton, Rick Sirmans, Robbie Storer, Dustin Deschamps, Robbie Yoakam, Mark Monz, Alan Buker, Marty Neikens and Clint Foley. All Mini Stock racers have to have run the first two races in 2004 Florida Mini Stock Challenge to be eligible to run the USA race. Lee Collins of Felda leads the Penske Racing Shocks United Pro Modifieds with 336 points. Collins, who is looking for a sponsor, has been a rocketship this year also winning the IMCA/FLA Modified Championship at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. Kevin Durden of Archer has driven almost everything there is that comes with four wheels from asphalt to dirt. Durden is sponsored by Damron Auto Parts and stands second in points with 324 points. Alan McCafferty of Clermont comes in third with 287 points. McCafferty is sponsored by Central Florida Machines. J.F. McClelland of Starke and sponsored by Wynn's Welding comes in fourth in points with 265 with John Gerstner of Tamps only five points behind McClelland with 260. Wayne Jefferson of St. Pete who is sponsored by DT Racing is always strong wherever he goes. Jefferson stands sixth in points with 241 points. New Smyrna driver Jerry Symons stands seventh in points with 208 points followed by Mike Johnson of Tallahasse in eighth with 178 points. Johnson is sponsored by Dacar Fire Protection. Alan Bruns of Clermont comes home ninth with 163 points. Brun's Inc. Gen. Cont. sponsors the number 4B of Bruns. Completing the top ten is Jeremy Gerstner of Tampa who is sponsored by All Season AC. These drivers will go for 50 laps of non-stop Open Wheel Modified action on Saturday. Expect a large field for this event since every Modified drivers wants to run USA. He has done it all, seen it all and is the "King of the Short Tracks". Dick Anderson of Wildwood leads the points for the Team FASCAR Sunbelt Super Late Model Series. Anderson said, "done it, seen it, won it" and if anyone knows his way around a racetrack it is Dick Anderson. Anderson goes into Saturday's event with a 4 point lead over Ocala's Sunbelt winner Fain Skinner. Skinner was the 2003 Rookie of the Year for the Sunbelt Series and is sponsored by Skinner Body and Paint. Skinner comes from Live Oaks. Scotty Crockett of Land O' Lakes is only one point behind Skinner in third. Crockett, sponsored by Crocketts Tire and Wheel, is running for Rookie of the Year since he has not raced more than six times in the Sunbelt Series. Crockett is a welcome addition to the Sunbelt rooster. Daniel Keene Jr. from Weeki Wachee was taught by one of the best, his dad, Daniel Keene. Keene is sponsored by Keene Brothers Construction and stands fourth in points with 150 points. But Jonny Kay of Deerfield Beach is not giving Keene much room to goof since Kay is only 2 points behind Keene with 148 points. Kay is sponsored by A Best Forkilift. Completing the top ten for the Sunbelt Super Late Model Series in points is Mike Bresnahan of Inverness with 123 points, Ricky Carlton of Homosassa with 122 points, 2002 Sunbelt Super Late Model Champion Michael Williams of Mims in eighth with 120 points, Wayne Anderson, 2003 Sunbelt Super Late Model Champion, of Wildwood with 110 points and Jay Middleton of Lake City with 101 points. Middleton, who is trying to also run ASA this season full-time, will not be at Lakeland due to the ASA race this weekend. Schedule for April 30, May 1 - USA International FRIDAY - APRIL 30, 2004 2:00 PM - Pit Gate Opens 3:30 PM - Front Gate Opens 4:00 - 7:00 PM Practice all Divisions 7:30 PM - Qualifying Mini Stocks SATURDAY - MAY 1, 2004 8:30 AM Registration and Pit-Sign In 9:00 AM Pit Gate Opens - Hauler Parking 12:00 Noon Practice by DIVISIONS 2:00 PM Practice Ends 3:00 PM Qualifying - Super Late Models and Pro Modifieds 4:30 PM Qualifying Ends 4:30 PM Florida Mini Stock Challenge Race - 25 laps 6:00 PM Autograph Session on Track 7:00 PM Pre-Race Ceremonies 7:10 PM Driver Introduction 7:30 PM SUNBELT SUPER LATE MODEL SERIES - 125 LAPS To Follow: PENSKE RACING SHOCKS UNITED PRO MODIFIEDS Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! <news@karnac.org>or send a letter to the editor!