By- Jim Rouse, BRP Media
8-6-12 (Ocala, FL) – The Scorpion Racing Products Modifieds, Buddy’s Home Furnishings Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, 1-800-ASK GARY Thunder Stocks, and Rent-N-Roll Gladiators take to the clay for an all-out battle!
Kyle “The Killer” Bronson has dominated 2012 as he attempts to be the first champion of this division not named Jeff “4-Time” Mathews (who is actually up to 4th). Bronson is holding off more than “4-Time” as Rich Pratt is in 2nd! Pratt, part of a group worthy of the ‘Hard Luck’ Award, hasn’t won in nearly a year and it’s nearing Pratt-Time. In 3rd is Dalton Lanich who comes off a big win elsewhere a few weeks ago. Mathews just overtook Jim Passino who still holds 5th. He won’t be there long as he is on a sabbatical now meaning Tyler Clem will take 5th by merely starting the feature event.
JO Nobles is a points leader for the first time since 2009 when he won the Late Model title. Eddie Gainey has dropped out of the title chase but is still in 2nd place. Forrest Gough is 3rd with David Showers on his tail. These 2 have been fast all season and wins are in the future. In 5th is Christian McGillivray, the young driver making headlines with heat wins and top-5s in feature events. McGullivray is fast and he’ll look to beat the old dogs but experience wins in this division.
Hobby Stock drivers Rodney Wright and Trevor Gamble are battling in the Wild West and it’s getting better. “Ragin” Rodney leads the way now after a big win (his 4th of 2012) while “Sheriff” Gamble had an unfortunate DNF in a back-up car. “The Master” Mike Stalnaker had a rough night but still held onto 3rd as “Dedicated” Mark Maresca just couldn’t get off of work. Last year’s Thunder Stock champion, Brian Shea, is 5th after a few weeks off.
1-800-ASK GARY Thunder Stock driver Brian “Hothead” Mullins took that big first win last week and hopes to become the 2nd to go back-to-back. Jonathan Appleby, the driver to win 3-in-a-row, is chasing “Hothead” as he tries for that Championship. Jason Gamble is now 2 races back but holds onto 3rd as Bubba Durbin is 1 and a half races behind Gamble! Also, Brandon Elwood has built a lead over John Thorpe for 5th proving that every position matters to every driver.
In the Rent-N-Roll Gladiators it is Reid Christensen out front but he is ineligible for points (the same way as in NASCAR. Another driver also accepted these terms) leaving “Terrific” Tony LaPorta as the points leader by 21. Steve “Scooby-Doo” Johnson is the man chasing and if he starts the feature he will lead the standings. In 3rd (after Christensen is removed) is “Little Big Show” Jordan McMillon as he attempts to be the youngest champion in the 60-year history of the track. Brandon Haseleu and Kody Fisher are seasoned veterans who have yet to win a feature on the 1/3 mile or become eligible for their driver’s license. Very mature drivers have flourished from this class and it truly is a Youth Movement against LaPorta and Johnson.
Bubba’s Pit Stop opens at 1, pits at 4, grandstands at 5, and racing starts at 7. Do not miss the warm-up for the August 17-18 Florida State Thunder Stock Championship!!! For more info please go to www.bubbaracewaypark.com or call the Speedway at 352-622-9400!!!=