FASCAR Acquires Three Major Touring Series in Florida
By Jack Smith
In a surprise move last week, FASCAR purchased Todd Hutto's three traveling series,the Mini Stock Stock Challenge, Southern Sportsman Series and Gulfcoast Modifieds.
Hutto, co-owner of East Bay Raceway Park, created and built up the Mini Stock and Sportsman series over the last several years, and acquired the Modifieds series from Gary Robertson just two years ago.
The change of ownership was announced by FASCAR General Manager Don Nerone at the annual promoters scheduling workshop, held yesterday at East Bay Raceway Park.
"I would expect no change in the operation at all, they are very viable series that have worked well for a while and I don't plan on changing anything, Nerone said Sunday night." The three series will be running at all the Florida asphalt tracks except for Charlotte County Speedway, Auburndale Speedway and Five Flags Speedway in the Panhandle. Charlotte and Auburndale were not represented at the owners meeting.
FASCAR's acquisition of the three series gives then six of the major traveling series in Florida. The FASCAR organization already owns the Sunbelt Super Late Model Series, Goodyear Challenge Late Model Series and the FASCAR Pro Truck Series.
Todd Hutto said of the sale of the series, "It will free me a up a little bit, it will allow me to concentrate a little bit more on East Bay." Hutto is also involved in the dirt racing industry outside of Florida and in a recent interview he expressed interest in expanding his interests in that direction.
The weekly "Real Racin' USA" Internet broadcast will have some of the promoters who were in attendance as featured guests this Tuesday night during the 7-9 PM airing. John Sarppraicone (DeSoto Speedway) and Don Nerone (FASCAR) are scheduled along with several other promoters, who will be announced Monday evening.
The show will focus on the sale of the series and details of the owners meeting. Driver, fans and others are encouraged to attend the broadcast in person at the Snook River Grill in Bradenton, Fl. Interested parties can submit questions during the show by e-mail, through the Florida fan forum or by phone at 941-748-3490.
To listen to the show, go to www.realracinusa.com and click on the "Listen Live" or "On Air" flashing links beginning at 6:30 PM Tuesday.
