February 16

FSCR

USA Sprints Announce The 2005 Southern Thunder Tour

By R.C. Roper

Going into their Fourth Season the USA Sprints have over 60 drivers on thier mailing list and are well on thier way to many more. Due to the destructive Hurricane season,a sluggish economy and very unfortunate circumstances three Florida area Race Tracks closed thier doors. After much consideration and debate the decision was made to race this year on both dirt and pavement. Fans from all over the State are excited about the opportunity to watch the dirt cars go both ways.

The Florida Sprints Starwars Challenge Race is the first race of its kind that is known to happen in Florida. Dirt Winged Limited Sprints racing side by side against Pavement Non Wing 360 cars. The FAST Sprints have USAC style lowered and very high powered Offset chassis with coil over design suspension systems and lighter overall weight. USA Sprints weigh in at 1600 lbs with drivers and less powerful motors. The FAST Sprints weigh in at 1400 lbs with drivers. Both camps are very anxious awaiting the February 27th Sunday afternoon date at Charlotte County Speedway.

There will be 22-25 events planned at 7 Florida Area Race Tracks as well as a couple Non Points USA Races. In addition a North /South Challenge Series is in the works for the Florida Triple Crown with the Florida Sprint Car Association for Summer. There is also Tentative plans in the Fall to race with a major Touring Series in October which will be Championship caliber type racing. The pavement tracks included so far are Citrus County Speedway,Charlotte County Speedway and Hialeah Speedway. Other tracks are expected to join in soon as the details can be arranged.

The Sand Mountain Speedway is expected to be a part of the tour by Spring or sooner. Also Putnam County Speedway will host many races for the Florida area Sprints during the year. Details are still being worked out so stay tuned. The Volusia County Speedpark and Putnam County Speedway will host the Florida Triple Crown on July 2nd, July 3rd and finish at Putnam with a Big Championship Show on October 15th.

The USA Sprints are excited about the bright future as the organization continues to grow and expand in 2005. The USA Sprints are currently working with many National Companies to form a cooperative Contingency Sponsorship arrangement and the results have been outstanding. All the details are now being sorted out as the USA Sprints expect to announce the full package for the 2005 "Southern Thunder Tour" very soon. Many other Florida area Tracks have also shown interest and plans are already in place for several additional races to be added throughout the Year.

Please visit the USA Sprints website at www.usasprints.com and check out the schedule and other news items as well. Also please feel free to join the all new message board! There is a section there for the Florida Starwars Challenge Race and the FAST Sprints too. Also if anyone has any questions tips and or advice please feel free to post away.

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