The Classic Auto Racing Series gets back in gear this Saturday night 8/19 at Ocala Speedway and point leader Rodney Eary of Orlando can't wait. Eary has taken both events held so far this year at the Ocala speedplant and has a total of six wins. But Eary hasn't won since June 3rd at Thundercross in Okeechobee and desperately wants to return to victory lane at a track that has been very good to him in recent races.

Orlando's Ed Yates, who picked up the win in the latest C.A.R.S. event at Columbia Motorsports Park, is still second in points but has been cutting into Eary's lead in recent weeks. It looks like the points race will come down to a two-man fight between Eary and Yates. Both drivers have consistency on their side, each finishing in the top five in all 12 events contested so far this year. Ocala Speedway provided three new winners in the 1999 season as Bud Spencer, Eddie Thornton, and David Nunes all scored their first series wins last year. However, including Speedweeks 2000, Eary has four straight wins at Ocala and hopes to continue the streak Saturday night.

Although several cars are still on the shelf including John Prekup's (he crashed while testing at Thundercross), a good field is expected. Among the drivers who haven't won this year are Thornton and Clermont's Dan Hammerbeck as well as Bud Spencer of Palm Harbor. Thornton has been running better and always is tough at Ocala while Spencer hopes to turn around some recent bad luck at one of his favorite tracks. Hammerbeck has two seconds, a third, and three fourth place finishes in his last six races and appears ready to venture into victory lane soon.

For drivers interested in the Classic Auto Racing Series, the Series will have two cars at the track that will be racing and are for sale for a very reasonable price. If you're interested in getting into Florida's most unique and low-cost travelling series, stop by the Classic Auto Racing Series trailer and get all the information. We still race and have fun too!!
Dave Westerman




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