By- Jim Rouse, Bubba Raceway Park Media
Bubba Raceway Park has just 1 more week left in the first 3-month points period of the 2012 season and also just 1 more race before the biggest race of the season- the Powell Memorial. The RaceCar Engineering Late Models will battle as will the Buddy’s Home Furnishings Limited Late Models and the Rent-N-Roll Gladiators. Of course, the hottest race, or races, will be the 2, yes, 2 features for the 1-800-ASK GARY Thunderstocks.
Ivedent Lloyd, Jr. may as well be the Dean because he nearly owns Bubba Raceway Park. He’s won from the front, mid-pack, and the final spot. Lloyd owns a 58 point lead over Mark Whitener meaning he could use the 25-lapper as a test and still keep the points lead with a start in the feature. Whitener is still seeking that elusive Powell Memorial victory so that begs the question- will the Big Frog Motorsports crew be testing for the June Spectacle or are points the way to go? Bo Allen and Richard Ferry sit within 70 but a race behind in points meaning they may have to choose- points or Powell. Both are capable of doing both, however, and a trip to victory lane could be in store. Christian Augspurger has made good use of his new chassis and with equipment nearly equal to “The Magic Man” he knows the time is now- 81 points is tough but the hard work the 35 team puts in could be rewarded with a win by the young Palm Beach Gardens driver and those bonus points are crucial.
Eddie Gainey has a comfortable 45 point lead over young Adam Higginbotham but pressure is coming. Gainey’s main rival for the victories has been 3rd place JO Nobles. Nobles sits just 58 back; no easy task but possible. Forrest Gough and David Showers have been consistent and could flash brilliance and steal a win from the top runners. Many others have been close such as Kevin Mills and Bubba Clem. First-timers could find victory lane but they’ll have some tough competition to beat.
Tony LaPorta leads a tight Rent-N-Roll Gladiators division by just 29 over Steve Johnson. As these 2 have fought during the season they’ve forgotten 2-time 2nd place finisher Reid Christensen. Christensen has not forgotten how to win but he needs points and wins help a lot. In 4th is “Rockin” Randy Harless. The rookie driver has been impressive but bad luck has struck since that first career win. As he tries to right the ship “Little Silver Bullet” looks to shoot in front of him and the rest. Jordan McMillon has been impressive, even missing a race, and still runs in the top 5. “IronMan” Brandon Haseleu, currently 6th and last of the Perfect Attendance drivers, has had a busy week and looks to get back on track and get that win on the Big Stage. Many of these drivers will battle at the Marion County Speedway (The Bullring) in a charity event for track owner Bill Cleary who has had a miraculous recovery meaning they also have a Double Feature on a Saturday night! Any driver running the Benefit may call Bubba Raceway Park at 352-622-9400 and ask for their pill to be drawn for heats if they feel they will be late.
We’ll be seeing double doses of the 1-800-ASK GARY Thunderstocks as they have been preparing for the Double Feature night. Early information states that it will be like 2 separate features- heats to determine Feature 1 and heats to determine Feature 2. This will be Race 11 and 12 of their 35 race season. Brian Mullins was literally handed the points lead after Jonathan Appleby’s unfortunate DQ after winning; the lead may only be by 5 over Appleby but it’s a lead. As these 2 continue to fight for a championship Shane Nichols has quietly climbed back into the picture and he sits just 12 out of 1st. Jason Gamble and Justin Durbin round out the top 5 and both are capable of seeing victory lane. In fact, 6 have so far, and any of the 24 lucky enough to start the feature have a shot at glory.
Racing is scheduled for 7 but pits open at 4 and grandstands at 5. You won’t want to miss The Warm-Up And Double as drivers battle for points, glory, and honor.