by BJ Cavin- Ocala Speedway Media
The Top Gun Sprint Car Series has brought the best of the region’s 360 sprinters to Ocala Speedway earlier in 2010 as 16 year old Amanda Ferguson spanked the field and grabbed a convincing first win on dirt at the region’s toughest racetrack. But according to Amanda’s website, she has opted to climb into a super late model this weekend and will not defend her win at Florida’s oldest speedway, thus opening the door for someone else to overcome the competition and Ocala’s odd layout. But while Ferguson will not be back, Rich Pratt will be racing at Ocala this time after missing the earlier event this season. Meanwhile Ryan Partin has taken control of the Top Gun Sprints points battle and leads Tim George by a mere two point margin, and with the survivors from Ocala venturing eastward through the forest and racing on Saturday night as well, this could be a make or break weekend for several competitors.
The Florida Mini Sprints have had an even longer absence from Ocala, last challenging the tough 3/8ths mile during Ocala Speedway’s Winternational schedule at the end of January. Since then the FMSA has raced everywhere but Ocala, and is jumping at the chance to return to one of their favorite and most challenging circuits. Brett O’Donnell holds the current points lead and has established himself as the man to beat as Eddie Moss Jr. gives chase. But Ocala fans will be pleasantly surprised to find that Rhea Lynn Moss has matured since those first awkward races in January, and is now third in the 2010 points battle and a force to contend with.
The Tee Pee Tire Hobby Stock points race is still dominated by two racers as points leader Dean Jarvis, and second place contender Heath Walker, bring their battle back to Ocala Speedway for the first time since June 25th. But five racers are within striking distance of the top two, with Gainesville’s William Edwards lurking only 37 points behind Walker while Walker trails Jarvis by 12. Meanwhile, “The Outlaw” Jody Wells reigned supreme at Ocala the last time out, and will have his 11 machine ready to defend his win this Friday night.
And a lot of questions will be answered on Friday night as Ocala’s closely contested Gladiator Division hits the clay, such as can Steven Johnson continue to hang on to first place, or can Matt Shea win two in a row? How about, can Casey Feaster show up on time, not be relegated to the rear to start the feature, and therefore chase down Steven Johnson? Johnson’s points lead jumped to 14 over Feaster after last Friday’s frantic night that saw Feaster doing a lot of chasing, catching, but failing to pass the front two cars. And meanwhile Lasoski Racing’s Devin Walker remains just 5 points behind Feaster in third place, so Feaster might want to do some “mirror driving” even though his car has none.
Ocala Speedway will open the grandstand gates for the winged sprint Special Event at 5PM this Friday, with racing action beginning with heats at 8PM. For information on Special Event prices, or to see more info on upcoming events, be sure to visit www.OcalaSpeedway.com.