By Larry Jewett
TAMPA, FL…..2/19/11 – The final night of the Florida Mini Sprint competition in the 35th annual East Bay Winter Nationals saw the third winner in as many nights when 2010 Florida Mini Sprint Association champion Brett O’Donnell covered the field in the 25-lap feature.
O’Donnell, who has his championship ride for sale in hopes of pursuing a 360 Sprint career, moved into the lead on lap 6 and was never headed. In order to get the top spot, O’Donnell had to move past early race leader Luke Thomas. Thomas, the 2010 Florida Winter Nationals champion, had the series going into the night’s running. His second place finish behind O’Donnell was enough to make him a reigning two time champion.
The race started poorly for Thursday night winner Nick Sapp, who could not take the initial; green. On the start, Luke Thomas too the lead, pursued by O’Donnell, Friday night winner Tim Buckwalter, Gavin Thomas and Harold Matthews. The top five stayed in much the same order throughout the early stages. The only caution in the event waved on lap 5 when Rick Goss spun in the front straightaway. His car was collected by David Pleaugh and Billy Murphy and the three drivers spun to a stop. The track was cleared and the field resumed the action non-stop.
Buckwalter kept third with Matthews claiming fourth. Tyler Ross moved up to claim fifth.
Pleaugh and Chris Pacetti moved up to the A main after top finishes in the B main. Heat races were won by Matthews, Gavin Thomas, Sapp and O’Donnell.