| Hopkins 200 Truck Race Coming Together | By Jack Smith
 Rick Bristol has been a very busy man lately. Of course many of you regular readers of this publication know he has been hard at work organizing the benefit race in December for young Tommy Hopkins. The event, billed as the Hopkins Family Truckers 200, is a two day affair scheduled for December 8 and 9th at Orlando Speedworld.
The event is for the purpose of helping the Hopkins family raise the necessary funds to get what could potentially be life saving funds for Tommy's medical treatment. You can read more about those details on the Latest News section for Rick Bristol's web site
Some of the best news from the Bristol this week was that the lap sponsor sales have soared, with a about the half of the 200 laps sold. A "Cool Move of the Race" award for $100 sponsored by Skip Honaker Racing has been added.
But more importantly for the drivers a new race director has been named, that being Brad Hockaday.
Brad has experience with USAC, NASCAR and most recently the ASA Late Model Series. He was a former Flagman at Orlando Speedworld 5 years ago. and is sure to bring a professional, well organized approach to this event. Rick Bristol said he is "very happy to be able to announce Brad Hockaday as my race director for this great event. I respect Brad's professional approach to the job. I have worked with him and race under his flags in the past. He will do a great job and I am excited the date opened up for him to be here."
In addition the tech team has been selected. Head of tech will be Ted Head, Assistant Tech will be Carl Green and Don Hellyer. All of these tech experts come with great experience and are sure to work hard to insure a level playing field for this event.
Bristol commented, "I am very happy to have these three guys to tech for this event. Ted has no ties to any truck series and will lead the team. I have always respected Carl and the job he does, and
Don is also a guy who likes to keep things fair for the teams. I am excited to have them."
One change of procedure for the race has been made in order to make the race safer. Rick Bristol explained, "In an effort to keep the costs down and in the best interest of safety we will not be doing the live pit stops for two tires. A 10 minute half time break will allow the teams to refuel, change two tires, clean windshield and get drink to the driver."
The drivers will be able to make air pressure adjustments only during the stop. The trucks will be stopped on the front stretch bandelero track and serviced there so fans can see the action.
Bristol says there are things being done to bring some NASCAR stars, Bristol feels he is very close to arrangements for two Nascar drivers to attend the event. "I can not fully announce them
yet as we have not gotten the final answer from there personal managers, Bristol said. "I have talked to one of the drivers personally and the other a connection of mine has and they both want to come and will as long as they have nothing pending with sponsors during that time."
Tickets go on sale October 1st and fans can call 407-497-0448 or 407-282-4705 anytime for ticket information. General Admission tickets are $20.00 in advance - good for both nights.
Two day pit passes are $45.00 they each will save you $5.00 off the regular pricing if paid those
nights. These tickets will be sold until December 1st, they will then only be sold from the gates.
There will be Free camping in the Speedworld parking lot for both nights.
Only trucks with race vehicles will be allowed in the pit parking area. Overnight camping for teams
will also be allowed in the pits and we will have security for the Friday night.
Bristol is very excited about the direction the race is going in,"I am really excited at the response thus far and the phone continues to ring like crazy. I am so happy that we will be able to help Tommy and his family and have a great event and time together. I want this to be a gathering of the racing community for fun and to help this family."
Bristol, who is obviously very passionate about the event, concluded, "The racing family has never let me down in the 20 plus years I have been involved here. They supported my 15 years of events for the Children's Homes and I know they will show up big at this event. Lets just keep praying for Tommy and his family and that this event gives them a wonderful blessing.
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