Orlando SpeedWorld returns to racing action this Friday night, April 5 for its 39th year of operation. The three-eighths-mile track located in Bithlo, FL between Orlando and the Cocoa/Titusville area on Florida’s East Coast began operation in April of 1974. SpeedWorld is now sanctioned for the first time since the mid-1970s by NASCAR as part of the Wheelen All American Series.
The facility is now being operated by Ozzy and Maria Moya who have been running the Lakeland Dragstrip for several years. This is their first venture into oval-track promotion and they recently also took over operation of the Orlando SpeedWorld Dragway as well. The drag strip located next door to the oval track has been in operation since late-1963.Wes Railing recently took over the chores of General Manager at the oval track and he has been aggressively working to get the facility in shape for the season opener.
Recently, Railing has been operating the Bithlo Mud Bog track located to the east of the SpeedWorld complex. Overall, SpeedWorld’s oval track has seen quite a few improvements made over recent weeks including new paint just about everywhere, a re-vamping and cleaning of the concession area, new fencing and much more. One area that needed attention was the entrance/exit from the track that now has a brand-new concrete surface.
In order to speed up the program, victory lane has been moved to the pit area where winning drivers will receive their trophies and have their pictures taken.
An open practice on Wednesday, March 27, drew around 40 cars, the most for a Wednesday practice in almost two years.
On the schedule for opening night are the Pro Late Models, E-Modifieds,
Sportsman Cars, Legend Cars, Super Stocks, Strictly Stocks and Bandoleros. Pit gates will open at 4 pm and grandstand gates open at 6 pm. Open practice for all divisions will be held from 5-7 pm with racing starting promptly at 8 pm. Adult admission to the grandstands is $12 and pit passes are $25.
A full schedule for the remainder of the year has just been finalized and will be posted in the next couple of days.