(KNS) School Bus Figure Eights qualifying is on the regular show card for this Saturday Night, October 21st, at Sunshine "ACTION" Speedway. Due to the remarkable number of pre-entry sign-ups, which number over 30, qualifying will be held on October 21st to set the field for the November 11th Main Event.

Sunshine announcer Bill Green said people can "use this opportunity to entertain business clients, employees, or have a family gathering, but don't miss a night of the racing "ACTION" when the School Buses take to the track." Sunshine Speedway, located in St. Petersburg features Hole Shot Engineering Night which includes an extra $100 to the winners in Late Models, Open Wheeled Modifieds, Figure 8's, Street Stocks and Mini-Stock classes. Those classes will also see $50 added to the runner-up spot, 2nd place. The St. Pete High School Marching Band will provide the National Anthem start to the racing evening, and will entertain at intermission.

Out towards the middle of the state fans can choose between close quarter short track racing at Auburndale Speedway or nearby USA International Speedway's 3/4 mile high banked monster.

Auburndale's new owners J.T. and Debi Beard present their very first show. The speedway has scheduled a six week series to get to know the drivers and get prepared for next season. The Auburndale race card features a full slate of racing with 4cyl and V-8 entry level classes, Street Stocks, Pro Trucks, Mini Stocks, Open Wheel Modifieds, and a 50 lap Limited Late Model race. The track is located at 5640 State Road 542 West in Winter Haven. Racing begins at 7 PM. For more information check out Auburndale Speedway's website.

Meanwhile about a 30 minute drive is the awesome USA International facility where fans will be treated to a night of high speed high horsepower racing including SARA Late Models, PARTS Pro Trucks, and the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series. Cale Yarborough will be on hand for autographs and you can watch him strap into a SARA Late Model and join the show, and expect more surprises in addition to the three big events.

East of Lakeland you can take in the big show at Orlando Speedworld's FASCAR sanctioned speedway in Bithlo with a 50 lap Modified Special with both heats and features in late models, sportsman, mini-stocks, super stocks, and strickly stock classes. FASCAR will also be in action at New Smyrna Speedway With a 50 lap Sportsman race. Plus it's kids night featuring bike races, race car rides, and a free hot dog and coke for every child. Also a special Strickly Stock race Mini-Stocks, Super Late Model, Late Model, Modified & Super Stock. Add a Spectator race guarantees a great night at the 18 degree banked half-mile track.

North of Tampa Citrus County Speedway features the frenzied excitement of Figure-8 racing, always guaranteed to get everyone's adrenaline going. Also regular Citrus classes plus the Mini-Cup cars, and a 40 lap 40 Lap Sportsman Race. With four weeks left in the points races it's crunch time as racers fight for Championships. For more on the points battles, click here!

Dirt racing at Thunder Cross at the northern tip of Lake Okeechobee features Free Style Motorcycle Jumping Show and all the regular classes from mini stocks to late models. Dirt racing at East Bay Raceway, located just south of Tampa, has a full card of racing plus a fan bar-b-que.

DeSoto Speedway, another one the tracks in the state with new ownership brings back the Open Wheel Modifieds, Sportsmans Shootout, Legends cars, Modified mini stocks, Street Stocks, Pure stocks and mini stocks. The real deal at DeSoto is that the fans can come by the carload for $20. Racing starts at 7, so be there early as it is sure to be a packed house. DeSoto Speedway is nine miles east of I-75 on State Road 64 near Bradenton.

Stay tuned in to KARNAC.com for much more on all the racing action that will be taking place this weekend, including some great interviews with NASCAR Goody's Dash drivers.

-Jack Smith

Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board!
or send a letter to the editor!