By Ocala Speedway Media
OCALA, FL- This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the historic Ocala Speedway will again resume 2011 Winternationals events with the highly anticipated “Bubba Army Sprint Car Nationals” featuring the exploits of the USAC Amsoil National Sprint Car Series.
This week’s events will mark the first ever visit to Ocala by the series and the non winged sprinters, and will provide a totally different atmosphere and style of racing than local and regional fans may be used to seeing. Also on tap will be high energy excitement from the UMP Open Wheel Modifieds, as they make the trip west from the other end of the National Forest to take on the southeast’s toughest 3/8ths mile.
Ocala fans are used to seeing winged sprint cars flying around the track’s confines, and the recent visit by the All Star Circuit of Champions is a prime example. Such racing series feature sprint cars which rely on downforce created by the huge wing on top for control and the ability to adhere to the clay. The sprinters from the USAC ranks that will be at Ocala for the “Bubba Army Sprint Car Nationals” have no wings to assist them in their endeavors. The absence of the wing means that control is totally in the hands of the racer, and calamity is always just around the corner as they battle for position each night. Meanwhile the non winged cars are every bit as fast and powerful as the winged cars, and are capable of equal speeds and more excitement.
And Ocala’s reputation as a tough track to tame will certainly be a factor for the USAC teams, as they attempt to figure out the tricky turn 4 layout that robs unfamiliar racers of real estate and gives them a concrete wall instead. A Wednesday night practice session will begin at 5PM and run until 8PM, giving the racers time to familiarize themselves with Ocala’s layout, and allowing fans to see the racers and their machines up close before actual competition begins. Admission is $15 for the practice, and fans will be required to sign a pit waiver in order to enter. The grandstands will not be open, so fans can view the on track action from the turn 1 bleachers.
The UMP Modifieds last took on Florida’s oldest race track two years ago during Winternationals, with Kenny Wallace claiming a victory to the delight of local fans. The UMP Modifieds will be racing on the same nights as the USAC “Bubba Army Sprint Car Nationals” and will again draw racers from across the country as well as some local stars, providing the same sort of competitive racing seen during their last visit to Ocala. The UMP Mods will also have track time during Wednesday’s practice session.
Ocala Speedway will open the grandstand gates at 4PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, with heat racing scheduled for 7:30PM. For updates on scheduled events, ticket prices, and other related information, please be sure to visit www.OcalaSpeedway.com and click the 2011 schedule page, or phone Ocala Speedway at 352-622-9400.