By- Jimmy Rouse, Bubba Raceway Park Media

2-27-12 – It’s been 97 days since our last points race and everybody is getting anxious to rejoin the battles on the oldest, and as the owner claims, fastest, short track in Florida. RaceCar Engineering Late Models, Scorpion Performance Products UMP DirtCar Open-Wheel Modifieds, Barrett’s Race Cars And Components Of Daytona Beach Hobby Stocks, Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants V-8 Thunderstocks, and the Bubba Raceway Park Gladiators will open the season and set up what should be a fantastic first full season in the Bubba Clem Era. 

Ivedent Lloyd, Jr. has decided not to defend his title in the Late Model division which could allow some one else to win races as he went 7-for-15 and the championship. Dillon Wood had a season which most won’t remember as he didn’t win but he was the 2nd best in the consistency column. Wood was the only local driver to qualify for all 3 World Of Outlaws features in February which shows that he wants to take Lloyd’s spot as champion. Mark Whitener just got back in the race car last Sunday and guess what he did- qualified on pole. Whitener would love to take the title back but he’ll have to fend off hard chargers Christian Augspurger and Bo Allen. It could be the year of the youngster at Bubba Raceway Park! 

Last year’s top three in the Modifieds are famous local drivers who drive Late Models and Modifieds- “4-time” Jeff Mathews, Ivedent Lloyd, Jr., and Rich Pratt. Mathews and Pratt won twice; Lloyd once. They will be the favorites but you can’t count out Garret Stewart and Jim Passino, both top 5 finishers from last season. And, the Shaw by Landers 40B and 66H driven by Kyle Bronson and Wayne Hammond were mighty quick during SpeedWeeks as well. 

Many were surprised that Tim Powers, the defending champion, was absent from Hobby Stock action during their week with the 410 Sprints. Tim Gay, Grady Christian, and Devin Walker put a stranglehold on the week while of our top 5 from last season only Kevin Durden ran all 3 races. Buck Woodhouse, Joe Boyd, and Tommy Ausburn could break out and take some wins but can they be consistent enough to take the title? 

Retired. That’s what “Flyin” Brian Shea, the defending champion, declares to be. Runner-up Jason Gamble plans to go ‘old school” and race at different tracks so he can race for wins instead of points. Gordon Cade inherits the title of favorite for not only a win but also a title. Cade was close in 2011 and wants to improve. John Thorpe and Vaughn Woodall will both fight for wins and glory all while Woodall races for points as well. And, don’t forget Davey Kinsey who swept SpeedWeeks in his Big Frog Motorsports #58. 

The 3 car team of Steve Cox, Steve Johnson, and Casey Feaster is coming back for more and maybe even a 1-2-3! Reid Christensen has moved up to a Mini Stock and Brandon Haseleu is going to Late Models. Matt Kramer then receives the job of challenging S&S Roofing’s Mega Team. And, Jordan McMillan and the Little Silver Bullet #68 will do their best as well. Gladiator action is always intense and nothing less is expected. 

Who will open the season with glory and points on their side? Only time will tell who can hold it. Racing starts at 7 while gates open at 4. For more information visit www.bubbaracewaypark.com or call the Speedway at 352-622-9400.