Ocala Race Media
For the third year running, Florida’s oldest speedway, the historic Ocala Speedway located just off I-75 in Marion County, is hosting the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions 410 Sprint Cars to open the 2011 Winternationals events. And as sprint car enthusiasts have come to know, the events at Ocala Speedway will once again be the most affordable way for fans to see these alcohol fueled machines in action, with adult gate admission a mere $20 and $25 for each of the two scheduled nights of racing.
Action will begin on Thursday, February 3rd, as racers will take advantage of a 6PM practice session to test their prowess on Ocala’s tricky 3/8ths mile layout.
The old D-shaped track has a reputation for chewing up and spitting out racers who are unaccustomed to it’s tight turn 4, and spectators will be welcomed to come and watch as the sprinters attempt to acquaint themselves with the track. Joining the All Stars will be the Florida Mini Sprint Association who are far more familiar with Ocala’s quirks, and spectators can pay $15 admission, wander the pit area, and view the on track activities from the turn 1 bleacher area.
Racing action will begin the following evening as the O’Reilly All Stars and the Florida Mini Sprints will hit the clay at 8PM on Friday, February 4th. Adult admission for Friday night’s action is only $20, with the grandstand gate open at 5PM for early birds. Fans will also have the option of shopping at the souvenir trailers that will be located outside of the grandstand gate and next to the parking area, before entering the grandstand area and claiming prime viewing spots for the night’s action.
Saturday night will also include more alcohol fueled winged action as the O’Reilly All Stars return, and the Florida Mini Sprints will take a final shot at Ocala’s gumbo clay. Adult admission for the February 5th races is $25, and again the souvenir trailers will be present to outfit race fans in all of the latest fan gear.
An added bonus for sprint car fans is that the Ocala Winternational events draw racers not only from the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions, but also a list of teams from series like the World of Outlaws as well. Ocala offers one of the very few opportunities for these teams to get some competitive seat time before the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park the following week, so teams are usually anxious to take advantage of the situation.
For the Florida Mini Sprints, Ocala’s Winternationals will open their season by offering seat time on what is probably the most difficult circuit they will face in 2011. Last year’s Winternationals drew a long list of Florida racers, plus mini sprint teams from as far away as the Carolinas as well. These little winged machines are powered by 600 to 750 cc engines, weigh in at around 800 to 900 lbs, and can generate speeds of over 130 mph.
Fans traveling to Ocala Speedway for the Winternational events are reminded that plenty of accommodations are available in the area, and camping is available on site for $10. For directions to Ocala Speedway, or for more information on this and other Winternationals events, please visit us online at www.OcalaSpeedway.com, or call the track at 352-622-9400.?