From Tim Bryant

The 2011 racing season got off to a tremendous start here at 5 Flags Speedway on March, 25^th , and we’re thinking that it just might indicate a re-birth of racing excitement along the Gulf Coast. That excitement will without a doubt continue on April, 8^th, as we play host to a night of Modified Madness. This very special event will put the Modified Division on center stage. Also on the program will be Sportsman, Bombers, and for the first time ever, the Pro Challenge cars will grace the high banks of Five Flags Speedway. But it’s the Modifieds who will run the night’s biggest event. After a round of Time Trials, the Mighty Mods will line up for a 50 Lap, $1,200.00 to win dash to the checkers. New for 2011, are inverted starts, (6, 8, or 10 cars), and double file restarts.

America’s Favorite Home Track is set for it’s season opener this Friday Night, and we would like to invite you to be a part of it. For the first time in many years, 5 Flags Speedway will drop the inaugural Green Flag for the new season on the Buddy’s Home Furnishings Blizzard Series for Super Late Models, with the running of the Pepsi Max 100. Many of the finest drivers in the region, representing at least 9 states will be on hand. In addition to Friday’s 100 Green Flag Lap extravaganza, the Super Stock, the West Florida Coatings Sportsman, and the Butler’s U Pull It Bomber Divisions will also begin new seasons.

A rematch of the most recent Snowball Derby may very well be in the making Friday Night, as 1^st and 2^nd place finishers Johanna Long and Donnie Wilson will lead a super strong field of competitors, including recent Rattler 250 Winner Grant Enfinger, 2 time Derby Champ Augie Grill, Georgia hotshoe Bubba Pollard, and last year’s 5 Flags Pro Late Model Champion D.J. VanderLey, making his 5 Flags Super Late Model debut behind the wheel of Eddie Craig’s potent #4. Additionally, Friday Night will mark the return of Pensacola Driver Jeremy Pate, returning after a after a lengthy absence. Last year’s Champ Chase Elliott will be making his NASCAR K & N Series debut this weekend, but plans on returning to the Gulf Coast for Blizzard Series Race # 2 on May 27^th.

Randy Thompson will return this week to begin defense of his Super Stock Championship, with Mike Moore, John Schuffler, Bubba Winslow, Shannon Jackson and a host of others out to dethrone the King of Super Stocks.

Thompson himself, and the strongest field ever predicted, of Sportsman Drivers will be on hand to try to stop the long winning streak of Steve Buttrick, last year’s Champion. Buttrick will only be running in the Sportsman Division part time this year, with a part of his schedule being devoted to his new Modified ride. Last year’s Bomber Division Champion Mike Goream will wheel the # 33 on Buttrick’s night off. And speaking of Bomber’s, there is definitely going to be a changing of the guard, with Goream out of the picture.

Inverted starting lineups, double file restarts and a faster running program are just a few of the things awaiting Fans at 5 Flags this year. Additionally on Friday Night, there will be an autograph session for the Super Late Model Drivers prior to the Night’s races. Plan to come early, where at the conclusion of Time Trials, the Fans will be allowed down on the front straightaway to meet and greet their favorite driver. The Steel Drum Band will be providing live music during this part of the activities.

We hope you will like the changes in store for 2011. We think you will. It is our intention to entertain you this year better than ever. Come on out and bring your friends and neighbors. We’re gonna have a blast.

That’s right. Spring is here and so is the 2011 Racing Season. The off season, though seemingly long in some respect, doesn’t really last all that long. This winter has been one of the busiest we’ve ever had, and it went by in a hurry. Building preparations took a little longer than expected, but our new administrative office building should be underway by opening night, with a 60 day completion date targeted.

We took time to go to the RPM Workshops in February during Daytona Speedweeks, where The Snowball Derby was recognized as the” Nation’s Best Annual Short Track Race.” You Race Fans made that award possible, along with a dedicated group of Racers in 6 different divisions. We Thank You all.

Some changes are in store for 2011, and next week we will elaborate on these changes and how we feel they will make the races much more exciting this year. We will also preview next week’s Pepsi Max100. This will be race #1 in the all new Buddy’s Home Furnishing Blizzard Series. Off track changes taking place this winter include the launching of a totally redesigned web site. www.5flagsspeedway.com remains as the site address, but a new look will greet you there. You can now follow 5 Flags on our Twitter and Facebook pages. A carousal of stories can be found on the homepage, as well as an opportunity to be on our text messaging list. (Instant notification on rainouts, etc.) By the way, no charge for this. Drivers are encouraged to submit driver profiles to the website as well, a great opportunity to let the Fans get to know you, and to court potential sponsors.

There is plenty of excitement looming for 2011. The entire Gulf Coast Racing scene will receive a breath of fresh air with a familiar face taking over the reins at nearby Mobile International Speedway. Stay tuned to the news this week for this long awaited announcement.

March 25^th is rapidly approaching and we can’t wait. A good field of cars will be hand and the racing will keep you on the edge of your seat. We promise. After all, 5 Flags Speedway is “America’s Favorite Home Track”.