by BJ CavinWith time winding down until Friday night’s debut of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series at Ocala Speedway, the final confirmations are coming in from the race teams which plan to challenge each other and Florida’s oldest speedway. As the list grows so does the celebrity of the names that it contains, and the list of local racers who plan to take on the top names in dirt late model racing continues to expand as well. And with $10,000 going to the winner of the 50 lap main event, both lists could balloon even more by race time.
As of Wednesday night, World of Outlaws Late Model Series regulars planning to be at Ocala Speedway include Steve Francis, Darrell Lanigan, Chub Frank, Tim McCreadie, Josh Richards, Tim Fuller, and many others. Other racers are expected, and some have indicated their intentions to race at Ocala via their websites, but officials have yet to receive their commitment announcements by press time. It is the policy of Ocala Speedway not to publish the names of any racers that have not officially committed to appearing.
Ocala Speedway owner Mike Peters says that he has been contacted by at least 10 racers who are more familiar to the local crowd, including Ocala’s own Ivedent Lloyd Jr. Local fans know that the late model racers form the Florida and south Georgia area are tough, and will enjoy seeing them match up against the best of the best from the World of Outlaws. It all adds up to somewhere between 30 and 40 cars vying for 24 starting positions in the feature event.
In addition to the World of Outlaws Late Models, fans will get to see the Ocala Speedway Hobby Stock Division make their first laps on the clay with $1000 going to the winner. First time Hobby Stock contenders are slated to do battle with divisional veterans, and some who normally race elsewhere will be tempted to go for the money at Ocala on Friday.
Ocala’s Mini Stocks also will be racing, making Friday their second outing in 2010. After a surprising outcome on opening night where race leader Keith Briggs pulled out in the final laps, another tough field of contenders will be out to challenge the 2009 Division Champion, Paul Combast, for this year’s title.
The pit gate will open at 1PM and the grandstand gates will open at 5. There is no reserved seating so fans are urged to come early for the best seats and enjoy the pre race festivities, including qualifying. Heat races will begin at 8PM, followed by B mains and feature events. For more information, go to www.OcalaSpeedway.com, or phone the track at 352-622-9400.