"I'm
noticing a turn of the tide on racing Web sites like Florida's
Karnac.com, the gathering place for the most dedicated race
fans in the state." -Orlando Sentinel
It was a festive scene at Bronson Motor Speedway Saturday Night as the speedway management celebrated Easter with an appearance by the Easter Bunny and its annual Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. A huge group of children turned out for the fun of searching for the eggs in the infield. The Easter Egg Hunt if just one of the many family oriented activities the speedway staff has planned for its “Grass Roots Racing Campaign” in 2008. Many drivers were as excited as the kids about their chances of winning once the features began.
The first feature of the night was the Thunder Stock 20 lap tilt. The two previous weeks had produced two different winners in their feature race. With both former winners absent, it was a guarantee that another first time winner would emerge. Larry Welter, Sr used his front tow starting position to take the top spot early. Welter was able to fend off many challenges in the early laps but on lap 7 Steve Hise put his racer on the point. Hise was able to hold the lead to win in only his second race at the fabled high banks. Welter would take home second, followed by James Sullivan.
Next it was the Super Stocks turn to race their feature 25 lap event. Again, this class was following the trend of no repeat winners. Matthew Bastow started on the pole and let the snarling pack of cars into turn one. His time at the front would be sort lived as Larry Welter, Jr. took the lead on lap 3. Welter was then able to escape the pack and cruise to his first win of 2008 at BMS. Richie Smith raced to second followed by David Foster of Wildwood.
Not to be outdone, the Sportsman Division, a full twelve cars strong, was unleashed for their 30 lap feature. The crowd rose to their feet many times as the action was furious all around the speedway. As had been the trend all night a car from the front row was able to lead the early stages of the event. This time it would be “Diamond” Jim Higginbotham assuming the point. After a caution on lap 5 Matt Blum had his Reno Plumbing # 1 machine poised to take the lead. On the restart, Blum passed Higginbotham down the back stretch to the delight of many fans. Blum was able to hold off a charging Tommy Conquest and Donnie Roberts to also capture his first win of 2008. In our three weeks of racing, three different winners have visited victory lane in the Sportsman Division also!
Next Saturday Night, March 29 the action really heats up as the Stars and Cars of the ASA Late Model Series Storms into Bronson! Flagship RV’s presents the ASA Late Model Series 100 Lap Special! There are over 35 cars preentered from all over the Eastern United States! Local favorites Travis Cope and Justin Larson, as well as several other Florida hot shoes, will challenge our Northern neighbors! Friday will be practice day for the ASA machines, at 2PM. The Grandstands will be open and will be free to race fans.
On Saturday, the Grandstands will Open at 4:30 PM and qualifying will be the first order of the day. There will be an autograph session, along with our Sportsman and Super Stocks (We’ll see if they can produce a fourth week of different winners!) and then the Flagship RV’s ASA 100 Lap Feature Event! Race Fans, Don’t miss Bronson Motor Speedway’s First Special Event of 2008! For more information call the speedway office at 352-486-2763.
