by BJ Cavin

Many of the nation’s top sprint car teams have begun arriving in Ocala to prepare for this weekend’s running of the 2010 Ocala Speedway Winternationals.  This year’s event features the O’Reilly Auto Parts All Star Circuit of Champions, plus the popular Florida Mini Sprint Association, with racing on this coming Friday and Saturday night, and is attracting a virtual “who’s who” of names to Florida’s oldest speedway.

As the teams begin arriving many fans have reported seeing team haulers parked at local hotels, or exiting the freeway to come to Ocala.  As was the case last year, some fans have made it a point to see which team haulers that they can spot and report it to their friends, and this year the Ocala Speedway Facebook group has provided a space of fans to post those reports.  In addition, internet postings indicate that many teams are already on the road and heading south toward the area, and should be arriving soon.

Some teams made plans to be at the practice session scheduled for this afternoon at the speedway at 4PM, while others are content to get in their practice laps at the Thursday practice.  Both practices are open to the public, and the $15 admission is also a pit pass giving fans full access.  Children 12 and under will be admitted free to the practice sessions, and everyone must sign a pit waiver in order to enter.

Reports also indicate that many fans from across America have traveled to Ocala in order to watch their favorite sprint car teams compete, or are in route.  While some have chosen to camp in RV’s at the speedway, many have reservations in local hotels and motels, thus bringing a significant amount of money into the local economy.  Those numbers will increase dramatically through Wednesday and Thursday as the bulk of the fans begin arriving.

As of Tuesday evening the final preparations were being applied to the facilities at Ocala Speedway ahead of the arrival of the fans and race teams.  Final coats of paint were being applied to everything, and crews were busy stocking the concessions stands.  In addition, the track crew was working the clay surface on the speedway, getting it into shape for Wednesday practice.  New top quality Florida gumbo clay was brought in during the down time after Christmas, again originating from the same “secret” clay pits as previous applications. 

Fans that need more information about the schedule of events or admission prices for this week should call the speedway at 352-622-9400, or visit www.OcalaSpeedway.com and click on the 2010 schedule icon.  Plenty of camping space is available at the speedway on the famous “south 40” area for $10 per night.