Jim Rouse, BRP Media, 9-3-12 Ocala, FL – As we begin the 7th month of our 9 month points-paying season at Bubba Raceway Park we have a spectacular show in store. The Hobby Stocks, 1-800-ASK GARY Thunder Stocks, and Rent-N-Roll Gladiators will not only run their regular events but they will make up the rained-out features from mid-July. These races will be run in the sequence of Feature-Heat-Feature. Joining these 3 exciting divisions will be the Powder Puff Derby and the Demolition Derby!
So, after 6 months of racing Rodney Wright has a 32 point advantage over Trevor Gamble. They’ve had 16 features; how much closer can you get? Mike Stalnaker has been masterful with his under-powered equipment and a win is just around the corner and no one will be surprised. In 4th is Mark Maresca who, up until his last race, had been flying under the radar. Last time he was flying up front until he barrel-rolled the 77M. In 5th is Hunter Gustafson who has shown determination and improvement in his #15. Though the title contenders are very strong, he could find Coors Light Winner’s Circle and will be a massive threat for the title in 2013.
In 23 features the 1-800-ASK GARY Thunder Stocks have had 13 feature winners and over 30 heat race winners! In fact, we’ve had 7 consecutive different feature winners and #8 and #9 are likely. “Hothead” Brian Mullins nearly has a 2 race lead over “Flash” Jonathan Appleby as both chase a title. Both can break into Coors Light Winner’s Circle and start the final run the right way. In a distant 3rd is the 2009 champ and last year’s runner-up Jason Gamble. Gamble hasn’t won since early April but the #21 has been fast all seaon; consistency has been the trouble. The T&T Automotive crew has it worked out and driver #21 will be back to top form soon. Florida State Thunder Stock Champion Bubba Durbin is 4th but is over 4 races behind the leader! Durbin is always fast but will have to work to hold off young Brandon Elwood. Many in the paddock say Elwood will be the next to get that first win (on dirt) and join Mark Trexler, Mullins, and Appleby as a “first-timer.” It’s been a fantastic season and it may come down to who gets hot and who does not.
The fight is on in the Rent-N-Roll Gladiators as “Terrific” Tony LaPorta makes his return from his visit up North. Steve Johnson is trying to defend S&S Roofing’s title and he holds a 71 point lead over Jordan McMillon in his quest. McMillon joins Brandon Haseleu as part of a “Youth Movement” in the division while LaPorta is more of the “Old Dog.” LaPorta can win 15-lappers no question and Johnson can as well. Haseleu, though, seems to have his car hooked up and McMillon has been consistent as he racks up top-5s and top-3s every week. Those 4 will steal the spotlight but Kody Fisher has a nice fight for 5th brewing. It’s anyone’s game and the question is- Youth or Experience?
Bubba opens up the Pit Stop at 1, pit gates at 4, and grandstands at 5. Racing starts at 7. For more information you can go to www.bubbaracewaypark.com or call the Speedway at 352-622-9400! See you at the track!