TAMPA, FL (February 15, 2012) – Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC returned to victory lane at East Bay Raceway Park on Wednesday Night at East Bay Raceway Park. The win was his first in 12 years as he captured the $7,000 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event. Cook took the lead for good on lap 31 from Steve Francis of Ashland, KY to win the DART Winternationals event. Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, GA passed Francis on the final lap to finish second. Francis, who ran the last laps of the race with a flat right front tire barely edged out Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN for third. Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, IL rounded out the top five.

In a spirited race for the top spot, three drivers took turns at leading the event with Davenport leading the first four laps until Francis took over the lead. Francis held the point until Cook, who started fourth took the lead for the first time in the race on lap 15.  Cook and Francis then battled in traffic until Francis forged back ahead on lap 23. (more…)

TAMPA, FL (February 13, 2012) – Don O’Neal of Martinsville, IN took the lead on the ninth lap from Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN as he went on to score the opening night victory in the 36th Annual DART Winternationals at East Bay Raceway Park. O’Neal’s win was the 13th in his career at East Bay as he scored the win on Monday Night over Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL. Marlar finished third followed by Eric Jacobsen of Seacliffe Beach, CA and Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN.

Marlar set a rapid pace at the start of the race, leading the first eight circuits until he slipped slightly in turn two. O’Neal took advantage and passed him for the top spot and never relinquished. (more…)

Devin Dixon Wins Second Winternational Championship At East Bay Raceway Park February 11, 2012 – Tampa, FL – The final event for the UMP/EBRP Open Wheel Modififeds and the Team USA Mod Lites kicked off with heat races for the Modifieds. Four heat races with the winners advancing to the 75 Lap A-Main. Top six were locked in by virtue of points. Top six were Kenny Wallace, Rodney Wing, Bart Hartman, Devin Dixon, Kevin Adams and Wayne Hammond. First up were the heat races and heat race number one went to Kyle Bronson from Brandon, FL. Heat race number two went to Brad DeYoung out of Wheatfield, IN. Heat race number three’s winner was Matt Cooper from McKenzie, TN. (more…)

Photos Courtesy of Mike Horne

February 4, 2012 – Tampa, FL – The final night of action as night number three kicked off with 45 cars qualifying. Group one went to last night’s feature winner, Dennis “Rambo” Franklin as he qualified with a 15.708. Group two went to Chase Edge with a time of 16.110. Group three, Chris Cantrell qualified with 15.948 and Group four went to Steve Cooke on the last lap with a 16.116.

Next up was the World Street Stock heat races. 24 were cars on hand to win the $3,000 for the 50 Lap A-Main Feature Event. Top six were locked in by virtue of points accumulated over the past two nights. Ritchie “The Rocketman” Stephens edged out Tim Gay by just three points to earn the number one postion. (more…)

Feb. 2, 2012 – Tampa, FL. – The first night of the 36^th Annual Winternationals kicked off tonight with the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Models Series with 53 cars qualifying for the A-Main event. It was Chris Cantrell picking up the fast time of the night from group one with a time of 15.865. That time put him on the pole for the first of four heat race events. In Group #2 it was Doug Horton picking up fast time, Group 3 went to Walker Arther and Group 4 went to Doug Watson.

Next up was the 2^nd Annual World Street Stock Championship. Three heat races were ran with Ritchie Stephens, Donnie Reed and Brian Hansford all picking up the wins. (more…)