Jim Rouse, BRP Media (7-30-12) Ocala, FL – Final decisions have been made and this Saturday will be a repeat from last week. That means that the Twisted Tea Top Gun Sprint Cars, Hobby Stocks, 1-800-ASK GARY Thunder Stocks, and Rent-N-Roll Gladiators will go for the points while the RaceCar Engineering Late Models will battle all for glory.
The Twisted Tea Top Gun Sprint Cars will race with a great story on their season. “The Hammer” Danny Martin, Jr. has some work to do but the #82 is always fast. In 3rd, however, the 2010 champion, “Flyin” Ryan Partin, is helping the youngsters out. Partin knows how to win a title; 2nd place Matt Kurtz and leader Mark Ruel, Jr. must learn and we hope it’s not the hard way. Ruel and Partin aren’t the best of friends and these final 4 months will be spectacular as 2 young drivers go for a title and 1 former champion watches and will strike at the first mistake.
Well, with a United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series race elsewhere our very own RaceCar Engineering Late Models will have a no points all glory shootout! Mark Whitener and Christian Augspurger are at the top of both points standings so they will most likely battle elsewhere; however, JO Nobles, “4-Time” Jeff Mathews and Ivedent Lloyd, Jr. aren’t at the top in either meaning they could fight for that glory! Of course, Ivedent does want to show that the new car can win at the track in his backyard. With no points you could see the best finish for many drivers and it could be just the spark they need.
By far the best points battle of 2012 has been this Hobby Stock fight. “Sheriff” Trevor Gamble has the fastest car but the Rick Friend #12 is unreliable at times which has led to 3 DNFs on 2012. The Sheffield Motorsports #99 has just 1 DNF but the DQ has put them behind the 8 ball. In 3rd is Mike Stalnaker in his own equipment. Stalnaker is fighting the big operations- underpowered, underfunded, and under the radar. Who will take this one home and be crowned champion in the best 3-way title fight in years?
Brian Mullins, Jonathan Appleby, and Jason Gamble have pulled away from the rest of the Thunder Stock pack. Appleby has 5 wins, more than anybody not named Chad Scranton. Gamble has just 1 win in 2012 but has started over 35-consecutive features and has 5 wins in that time. Mullins has 5 runner-up finishes but no wins and he’s tired of it. Will he become Mr. August?
Tony LaPorta is visiting his mother in the Northeast region so he is hoping the others can’t catch him. Steve Johnson and Jordan McMillon lead an assault and hope they can beat him. Almost reminds you of the race for dinner at Thankksgiving- Grandpa, Dad, and Son. A division where the older drivers can train the youth it really is entertainment for everyone.
Bubba’s Pit Stop opens at 1, pits at 4, and grandstands at 5. Racing is scheduled for 7. For more info please go to www.bubbaracewaypark.com or call the Speedway at 352-622-9400!