A new era began at DeSoto Speedway Saturday night as John Sarppraicone took the helm of the "South's Fastest Short Track." The enthusiasm was evident in the driver's meeting before the races, driver's, crew chief's car owner's and the just the curious on lookers were there just to take a look at the man who will guide DeSoto into the 21st century. Changes were already in place and one of them is the placement of a new Track Director Dick Proulx also Burt Thomas returns to the DeSoto flag stand to wave the flags and make the on track calls. Other things that have changed is the allowance of kids in the pits, parents must make sure to keep their children under close supervision so no one is injured and drivers must make sure to keep their machines under control even in the heat of the moment.

Another change that is sure a crowd favorite is the winners being brought back on the front stretch for interviews, family and friends are also allowed on the track for winners circle pictures. As many questions were being asked in the drivers meeting one in particular caught my attention, an open wheel modified driver asked what would happen at the awards banquet since DeSoto had quit counting points for them. Mr Sarppraicone answered with " The class will be recognized at the banquet even if it has to come out my own pocket." New hope for the speedway seemed evident as everyone I saw walking away from the driver's meeting had what I would call a bit more confidence in the "High Banks" future.

As promised Sarppraicone was hands on all night, from throwing the first green flag of the night to being on the track after each race to congratulate the winners, wearing a head set and keeping track of what was going on.

The first green flag flew for the Street Stock feature and after some hard close racing Sue Purington emerged the winner for her first feature win in the class with Mark Chapman placing second, Cliff Roberts charged across the line for third spot.

The Mini-Stocks were up next and Jesse Dutilly took his second feature win of the season holding off a hard charging Clay Joseph who made some gallant moves through the field to take the second spot. Syndee Brown brought her car home in third.

Doug Longwell who had a terrifying fiery crash here earlier in the year won the legends feature taking the lead from Jason Reisman near the end of the race. Reisman was second and Duane Briant was third. Chip Gaines drove a smooth race winning the Mod-Mini feature race. Mike Mitrisin battled his way up through the field to finish second and Ronnie Heard Jr rounded out the top three.

Teddy Nelson won the Open Wheel Modified 50 lap feature race on the track but while in tech Steve Hauser jr used the claim rule and tried to buy Nelson's motor for $650, Nelson refused to sell and an altercation insued with Nelson being escorted away by the local Sheriff's department. With Nelson refusing to sell his motor Jimmy Alvis who finished second on the track was declared the winner Hauser "claimed" the second spot and John Grimm held on for third.

Veteran Clyde Cole brought the sleek looking number 17 home the winners trophy in the Sportsman division holding off the charge of a very fast Bill Close. James Knight who led part of the race took the third spot.

Another first time winner came in the last race of the evening as Gary McFall won the Pure Stock feature race. "Cowboy" Howard Higgins was second and Peggy Hurst was third.

With all the changes that were made since the last time the track was ran the show went smooth and the last checkered fell at about 10:30. Even with the front stretch interviews it was a really good paced show that kept the fans in the stands. John Sarppraicone and his family are off to a good start as new owners of the track and seem to have brought the "family" atmosphere back to the speedway that has been missing for so long. With some good hard work and some good promotions DeSoto Speedway will once again shine as the premere Florida Short Track!

Rick Anges
Editor
Florida Stock Car Racing
KARNAC.com



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