by BJ Cavin- Ocala Speedway Media
Photo Courtesy of rewingphotos.com
OCALA, FL- Ask almost any late model racer in the region what would they want to be on their personal list of accomplishments when they retire from the sport, and most of them will say that having a win in the Annual Powell Memorial is a must. That is because out of the myriad of special events and memorial races held annually across the southeast, the Powell Memorial has become the best known and most prestigious of them all during its decade and a half of existence, and the 15th annual race should be no different.
The 15th Annual Powell Memorial is a tribute to the Powell family who owned Ocala Speedway from 1982 until 1993. James Powell III will be in attendance at the event this year as he always is, in remembrance of his twin daughters, mother, father, plus an aunt and uncle, who died tragically in a plane crash outside of Gainesville 16 years ago. The covered play area behind the main grandstand is dedicated to the memory of Powell’s daughters, and the Powell family remains close to the staff, racers, and fans, at Florida’s oldest speedway.
This Friday, June 4th, the best of the best in dirt late model racing from the southeast region will gather at the historic Ocala Speedway to honor the Powell family again with the traditional race, which is a points event for the Sunoco United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series. The 75 lap race will pay $5000 to the winner, but the true prize for the racers is to be added to that exclusive list of drivers who have won the event.
In addition to the 15th Annual Powell Memorial and the Sunoco United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series, fans will get to see racing action from the most competitive and aggressive division at Ocala Speedway, the Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants V8 Thunder Stocks, as well as action from Ocala’s own Mini Stocks, the only Mini Stock division in Florida that races on clay. And just for the fans, Colortyme Rent-To-Own will raffle off a plasma flat screen TV to a lucky race attendee, plus there will be other prizes and activities as well.
The speedway grandstand gates will open at 5PM and fans are urged to come early, as seating will be first come and first served. Heat races are scheduled to begin at 8PM, with qualifying preceding the heats and B mains. Special event pricing will be in effect, and fans are urged to visit www.OcalaSpeedway.com for info on admission prices, directions to the track, and more.