Orlando Speedworld was the place to be this past Friday night, as the Southern Sportsman Series rolled into town for 50 Green Flag Laps at the fast race track. 25 racers signed in to take a shot at the first prize.
Qualifying saw Derrik Heath take his Hartman Oil Co. entry to a quick time of 15.31 seconds. Second fastest was Craig Cuzzone in the Mike White Carpentry entry, with a time of 15.340 seconds. Third place was locked down at 15.370 seconds by Mark Peterson in the Digital Homes Chevrolet.
The top qualifiers cleared tech, and the draw for inversion was held, resulting in Mark Peterson starting on the pole position. The outside of the front row was staked out by Craig Cuzzone. The Second row was filled by Rikk McMehan and Richard Elkins Jr., followed by, Aaron Williamson, Derrik Heath, Tommy Conquest Jr., Wayne Morris, David Williamson, and Arthur Conquest rounding out the top ten. By rule, Steve Gainey, winner of the last race would start from 11th position.
The field lined up behind the pace truck, and after warm up laps were completed, came to the green flag for the start. Cuzzone powered to the early lead, followed by Elkins, Peterson, A. Williamson, and Morris grabbing the top 5 spots.
The Caution came out early as the cars of T. Conquest and Heath got together in turn 4,
Resulting in a flat tire for Conquest, and some hidden suspension damage for Heath, which would end his evening in a few short laps. Conquest was able to have his tire changed while the track was being cleared, and return to action without losing a lap.
The field came to the restart with no change in the top 5 running order. On the restart,
Elkins was able to drive by Cuzzone for the lead, and appeared to be pulling away from the field. Meanwhile, Morris had moved into third position, and was trying to reel in the 97 of Cuzzone. Caution again was on the speedway for the car of Arthur Conquest, spinning in turn 2. Running order for the restart had Elkins, Cuzzone, Morris, A.Williamson, and Gainey rounding out the top five. The field took the green flag, but not for long as the 32 of Ricky Hoffman bounced off the wall, bringing out the caution.
The field came for the green with Elkins still out front, while Morris had moved into second, followed by Cuzzone, Williamson and Gainey. On the restart, Williamson and Gainey were both able to get by Cuzzone for 3rd and 4th positions.
Just past the halfway point, Elkins slowed and pulled into the infield with mechanical problems, relinquishing the lead to Morris. As the race continued, the top 3 opened a slight lead over the rest of the field, but the battle from 5th on back was heated to say the least.
As the laps wound down, the race for the front became intense.
Williamson and Gainey put on a show that had the fans on their feet, with Cuzzone right on their bumpers waiting for an opportunity to capitalize on any mistake. The 13 and the 79x at various times in the last 5 laps had each other pushed way out of shape, with tires smoking and fenders wrinkling. Amazingly enough, neither car was wrecked, or spun out, and both finished right on Morris’s bumper. Once again, these drivers showed why they are such a popular series, with hard nosed, competitive racing.
Morris grabbed the win with a solid performance, followed by Gainey, and Williamson.
After the top finishers cleared post race technical inspection, the race was declared official.
You can see more of this exciting series this Saturday night, as the Southern Sportsman make their way to Citrus County Speedway. Come join us for some exciting short track racing. Hope to see you there !!
