by VSP Media

BARBERVILLE, FL-  Volusia Speedway Park returns to action this Saturday night, September 4th, with the Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Labor Day Late Model Shootout, plus further excitement from the Taylor Racing Products Sportsman Division, the Budweiser Modifieds, and the Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants Thunder Stocks.  With two weeks spent away from the south’s fastest half mile, the racers are more than ready to feel the rush of dirt slinging, high speed action as the 2010 racing season officially moves into fall.

And while the racers may be more than ready to take on each other and Volusia’s high speed half mile, some may have a need to shake a few cobwebs loose and do some final tweaking on their machines before Saturday’s events.  Volusia Speedway Park will open for practice on this Friday, September 3rd, with hot laps by division from 6PM until 9PM, offering the racers that chance, plus giving them a shot at some seat time as well.

When the Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Late Models hit the clay for the Labor Day Late Model Shootout, they will be chasing a $2500 check made out to the winner in addition to the impressive first place trophy.  Money talks, and racers tend to crank it up a notch or two when the potential for a big payday comes their way.  Donnie Chappell has already cranked things up, grabbing a win on August 14th and narrowing the gap between himself and Joe Kump in the points race.  Kump’s less than stellar outing on that same night came in the form of debris on the front stretch that punctured a tire, so the Lake Helen racer will be looking for a measure of redemption while chasing the big payout.  But other racers will certainly be after the money as well, and may complicate the course to Victory Lane for Volusia’s points leaders.

Jamie Carter has seized control of the Budweiser Modifieds points race, and with the number of races left dwindling, Jeff Mathews finds himself in the role of second best this year.  While Carter may be just out of reach at this point, Mathews is not, as Kent Corbin holds down the third spot behind Mathews.  Jeff Mathews is one tough customer, and despite his role as second fiddle he certainly can play a mean solo or two in Victory Lane, and has done so.  Larry Burkins has also tasted victory, and the agony of a final turn defeat, and will also be a factor in the outcome of Saturday’s race.

The Taylor Racing Products Sportsman Division has seen Shaun Daugharty rise to the top, then take a tumble as misfortunes came his way midway through the season.  And yet as the season exits summer and heads into fall, points leader Aaron Barsness finds himself mirror driving as he leads the way and Daugharty fights to gain ground.  Barsness had a forgettable night on August 14th while Daugharty had a great one, and if that trend continues things will possibly get tighter at the top.

There is no disputing who is in control of the Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants Thunder Stock points battle, but Scott Mooers is no longer the dominant force when the division goes racing on Saturday nights.  Chad Scranton has found the secret to outrunning Mooers and has done so consistently, but Scranton has his own nemesis in the form of Philip Brown. Brown has climbed into the number 13 Thunder Stock when the Daytona Sportswear Street Stocks were not on the schedule, and habitually getting the better of Scranton.  No matter what Scranton and Brown do, Mooers will be the champion this season, but Mooers cannot help but worry that his domination of the division is coming to a close, as other racers continually raise the performance bar.

Volusia Speedway Park will open the grandstand gate and welcome back the fans at 5:30PM on Saturday evening, with heat races scheduled to begin at 7:30.  Fans are reminded that some rescheduling has resulted as weather delayed events are being made up, so please check the updated season schedule at www.VolusiaSpeedwayPark.net each week before coming to the races.