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| Vann Still Winning As Ocala Speedway Opens 2001 Season | By Diana Brake
Tonight was opening night at Ocala Speedway for the 2001 season. The stands were packed to capacity, and the drivers were rearing to go. All features were 25 laps with an extra B Main for the Outlaw Winged Sprints.
The Junior Cup Cars were first up tonight. Victoria Gentry drove her number 60 car into the winner's circle, followed by her sister, Elizabeth Gentry in the 39 car.
The Coca-Cola Four Cylinder Bombers came out in force to start the season off with a bang. Chris Richardson (11) started on the pole. Richardson took the early lead but he soon gave it up to Robert Oxendine (24). Oxendine seemed to break, giving the lead back to Richardson. Chris Richardson took the win followed by Pete Close and Bobby Valeo in this caution-free feature.
The WTRS Pure Stocks roared out of the pits. Paul Gladin (9) sat on the pole and held the early lead. A few laps into the feature, Gladin got loose and spun. Joel Watkins (08) took the point which he held to the checkered flag. Several yellow flags slowed the action, but only momentarily. Edward England (00) finished second and Moose Alderman (7) came in third. All three were very close for most of the feature.
The Steven A. Bagen Sportsmen filled the track. Glenn Baum (23) had the pole, but Tommy Roberts (44) took the early lead from the outside. Roberts, Baum, Mike Wilson (79) and Tom Posavec (01) all kept a tight formation throughout the feature. The yellow cautions that were thrown never affected the leaders. Tommy Roberts drove a tough race to take the checkered flag. Glenn Baum overcame Mike Wilson at the very end to take second leaving Wilson to finish third.
The Budweiser Modifieds filled the track tonight. Red Vann (32), last season's champ, sat on the pole. Johnny Newsome (31) sat outside and rode in second for several laps. Eddie Kilbury (71), making his debut in Modifieds held third until Newsome spun coming through turn four. Kilbury moved up, but he was also the victim of loose traction and later, he spun down the front stretch. Vann continued to lead, and now David Baxley (64), who is always a contender, moved up into second. Red Vann remained true to form and took the checkered flag. David Baxley ran a great race and finished a very close second. Raymond Vann finished third.
The Outlaw Winged Sprints came to Ocala in force. After three heats, 24 cars started in the main feature and another nearly full field raced in the B Main. Ernie Teed (68) took the early lead in the main feature. Jim Childers was able to take the lead after several yellow cautions. Several drivers pulled out as the race continued, but Jim Childers was able to hang on until the checkered flag. Ernie Teed finished second and Wayne Reutimann came in third.
The Ocala Speedway 2001 season will continue with weekly racing. Next week will feature all the regular divisions plus a Powder Puff race. Come out every Saturday night during the regular season for the many exciting features. This is high-action racing fun for the whole family.
by Diana Brake
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