Ocala, FL- The Bubba Army Limited Sprints will open up October at Bubba Raceway Park, as will the Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, 1-800-ASK GARY Thunder Stocks, and TQ Late Models.
The Bubba Army Limited Sprints have had two events thus far, but both winners are stuck deep in the points chase. Robbie Smith, still winless at Ocala’s 3/8 mile track, is the points leader by 12 over Terry Witherspoon who is also winless in his career at Bubba Raceway Park. Otto Scrape rides third, but he’s 30 markers behind Smith. Tyler Clem, the eleven year old, sits fourth, but the winner last time out- Mark Ruel, Jr.- is right behind him. Ruel has taken the checkers twice but only has one trophy in his shop; Matt Kurtz has the other after Ruel fell foul of the heavily monitored series’ rules.
Tyler Clem would drive in all five divisions if he could, but he’ll most likely stop at double duty. Clem (who will also race in the Limited Sprints) is the 49 point leader of the Limited Late Models and fell one lap- and one cut tire- from making it three in a row last week. Chuck Jackson continues to lose touch in second, while Nevin Gainey closed his gap down to a massive 168 points with his second win on the season. Kevin Mills and Tim Powers, two-time winner on the year, round out the top five.
With a five race lead in the standings, Devin Walker sets his sight on wrapping this championship up soon. The Hobby Stock division has been the most diverse, but hasn’t had a tight title chase since the end of May as Walker has been incredible over the summer. Sean Monoghan is closing in on his first career win and with Walker looking at points, Monoghan’s best time to strike could be now. Brian Shea was able to return last week and was a joy to see once more. Hunter Gustafson made it a real sweet sixteen as he won the feature from the rear and also made his UMP Modified debut (and took home a top five). Mike Stalnaker completes the top five in the wildest division of the season.
It’s been a ‘give some take some’ last six races for the 1-800-ASK GARY Thunder Stocks as the gap has shifted by about ten points in those six weeks. William Gillam is the leader by just 18 over three-time winner Brandon Elwood and Elwood’s three to Gillam’s one could be very important as the season comes to a close. Sitting over 150 out is Melvin Fockler and a further nine behind him is Brandon Tillander. Those two are both still seeking their first career wins and they know that Elwood and Gillam can’t afford to press the issue with that championship hanging in the balance. Tony Campbell also knows what the front two have at stake and could strike at any time.
The TQ Late Models have been a thrill to watch and John Hopke- still winless- is the leader by two over the winner of the last outing, Terry Wright. Sean Babcock, the other driver with a win, rides third and is only eight back. Dalton Hopke and Kevin McKenzie complete the top five, but anybody could win in this highly thrilling division.
Pit gates open at four, grandstands open at 5, and racing is scheduled for 7. For more information, please visit www.bubbaracewaypark.com or call us at 352-622-9400.