Florida Dirt Track News to Cover Volusia Speedway Park Racing Action Jan. 23 and 24th

FDTN MEDIA

Barberville, FL (January 23, 2010)   This weekend Volusia Speedway Park will host January Jump-Start tonight and tomorrow afternoon.  The weekend will be full of Sportsman, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks, Thunder Stocks and 4 Cylinder Challengers. 

 Just in case you cannot make the yearly event, updates will be posted on www.floridadirttracknews.com on the Bulletin Board. 
Tonight will see the DIRTcar Sportsman, DIRTcar Modifieds, and DIRTcar Street Stocks in heat races for their big events on Sunday afternoon.  Mini Stocks and 4 Cylinder Challengers will run both heats and feature.
 
On Sunday afternoon, DIRTcar Sportsman, DIRTcar Modifieds, and DIRTcar Street Stocks will run consi races and their feature plus a full show of heats and feature for the Thunder Stocks.
“This is our warm-up weekend before the DIRTcar Nationals start,” said General Manager Tonya Moschell.  “Racers can test and tune their cars for the upcoming DIRTcar Nationals plus make sure they are ready for the 2010 race season.  Last night we had a full field of cars for open practice and tonight and tomorrow afternoon should be just as good.”
 
“The weather is perfect for racing and we hope to see alot of cars and fans both at Volusia.  And a Sunday afternoon race does not happen often and everyone has said they would love to see a Sunday afternoon race so tomorrow is the day that their wish comes true.”
 
Tonight racing starts at 7:30 pm and at 2 pm tomorrow.  Be sure to check www.floridadirttracknews.com for racing updates if you can’t make the show in person.
 
www.floridadirttracknews.com is Florida’s newest dirt website that covers all eight dirt tracks in the state of Florida.   There you will find race results, race stories, profiles on Florida’s dirt track racers and profiles on Florida’s dirt track officials.  Our goal is to let the racing world get to know the stars and officials and staff of Florida’s dirt tracks. 
 
Florida Dirt Track News covers Eastbay Raceway Park, North Florida Speedway, Volusia Speedway Park, Putnam County Speedway, Hendry County Motorsports Park, Ocala Speedway, Southern Raceway, and Northwest Florida Speedway.
 
 For information on advertising with www.floridadirttracknews.com please go to racingjls@aol.com for information
By |2010-01-23T15:32:50-05:00January 23rd, 2010|Upcoming Events|Comments Off on Florida Dirt Track News to Cover Volusia Speedway Park Racing Action Jan. 23 and 24th

Full Pits for Open Practice Add to Excitement for January Jump-Start at Volusia Speedway Park

VSP MEDIA

Barberville, FL (January 22, 2010)    Volusia Speedway Park opened it’s January Jump-Start on Friday night with a full pits for open practice.
“We have a lot of cars down there,” said General Manager Tonya Moschell.  “We have well over 70 for practice so hopefully that is a very good sign how the weekend’s racing will turn out.”
All divisions were invited to open practice with Late Models, Modifieds, Sportsman, Street Stocks, Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks and 4 Cylinder Stocks practicing.  But also in the pits were two Top Gun Sprint cars plus eight Florida Mini Sprints.  The Florida Mini Sprints will be running next weekend at Ocala Speedway and alittle extra practice never hurt anyone.
Tomorrow, January 23rd, the pit gate will open at 4:00 with grandstands opening at 5:30. Sportsman and Street Stocks will be working on starting positions for the Sunday 40-lap Main Events paying $2500 each to win. Modifieds will be setting the slate for a 30 lap main event on Sunday paying $1500 to win.
 
The Mini Stocks and 4 Cylinder Challengers will see a full show with heats and feature and will race for $500 to win.   Grandstand admission on Saturday night is just $12.00 with students 11 -15 $6.00.  Children 10 and under are FREE. 
 
Sunday, January 24th, the pit gate and grandstands will open at 12 noon.  The DIRTcar Sportsman, DIRTcar  Modifieds, and DIRTcar Street Stocks will be in action with consi races and features.  Thunder Stocks will also race both heats and a 20 lap feature for $500 to win.  Racing action will start promptly at 2 pm.  General admission on Sunday will be $12.00 with students 11 – 15 $6.00.  Children 10 and under are FREE.
Drive-in parking is $10 per car with a special two day drive-in parking pass for only $15.00.
Volusia Speedway Park is located 15 miles west of Ormond Beach, FL on State Road 40. Additional information and updates will be available on the website – www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com, or call 386-985-4402.
 
By |2010-01-23T05:00:01-05:00January 23rd, 2010|Upcoming Events|Comments Off on Full Pits for Open Practice Add to Excitement for January Jump-Start at Volusia Speedway Park

O’Reilly All Stars Reveal Official Hotels of 2010 Nationals

Camargo, IL (1-21-10) by Kelly Brown – Public Relations Director – As the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions hits the road and travel to the Sunshine state for the 27th annual Florida Winter Nationals, the question of where to stay will come across the minds of racers and fans alike. This year the All Stars have made deals with hotels at each track along the way and they will be offering both teams and fans a special racers rates.

Ocala Speedway

As the All Stars invade Ocala Speedway for two practice nights on January 27th and 28th, and two thrilling nights of race action that will see the winner walk away with $3,000 on Friday night, January 29th and $5,000 on Saturday night January, 30th the Travelodge of Ocala answers the question of where to stay. They will be offering a special racers rate to those who ask for it.

Travelodge of Ocala
4040 West Silver Springs Boulevard
Ocala, FL 34482
(352) 629-8850
*Ask for the racers rate*

Volusia Speedway

When the All Stars take on Volusia Speedway on February 3rd with $5,000 on the line and February 4th with $7,000 up for grabs, the Extended Stay Deluxe is the place to stay. To get the special racers rate all fans and racers a like need to do is use the company code STR.

Extended Stay Deluxe
255 Bill France Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 257-4311
*Use Company Code STR*

East Bay Raceway Park

Last up on the 2010 Florida Winter Nationals line-up is East Bay Raceway Park. The All Stars will be hitting the track there on Thursday, February 11th with $3,000 up for grabs, Friday February 12th with $5,000 on the line, and on Saturday February 13 with $7,000 being awarded to the winner. Do not forget that one lucky fan will win $1,000 each night just for attending.

Open to both fans and racers the Days Inn Tampa North will be offering a racer special which is $45.00 a night and a free hot breakfast will be included.

Days Inn Tampa North
701 East Fletcher Ave
I-275 & Fletcher Ave Exit 52
Tampa, FL 33612
For Reservations Call (813) 977-1550 or (866) 895-6584 or
Email Daysinn05280@aol.com
*Racer Fan Special $45.00 (1-2 people)*

For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions and the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.

Winter Nationals Technical Bulletin

Camargo, IL (1-21-10) by Kelly Brown – Public Relations Director – With the clock ticking down to the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, the O’Reilly All Stars have released muffler rules for the seven sizzling nights of racing.

At both Ocala Speedway and Volusia Speedway mufflers will not be required, but when the All Stars move to East Bay the rules will change. At East Bay Raceway Park a Schoenfeld 112535 muffler will be required for all competitors.

For the most up to date information on the All Star Circuit of Champions and the 2010 edition of Winter Nationals, bookmark www.allstarsprint.com on your computer.

By |2010-01-23T03:30:19-05:00January 23rd, 2010|Upcoming Events|Comments Off on O’Reilly All Stars Reveal Official Hotels of 2010 Nationals

Consistency Is The Key for Tim O’Donnell

by BJ Cavin

As the few remaining days before the Ocala Speedway Winternationals count down, so does the anticipation of race fans from all over the country. Many will travel to Florida to be on hand this Friday and Saturday to witness the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions, plus many more top sprint car teams from other series, gather at Florida’s oldest speedway for two days of thundering action.

But while the All Stars are headlining the event, another group of dedicated sprint car racers is gearing up for their big event, known as the Winter Shootout.  The Florida Mini Sprint Association will be hitting the track opposite the All Stars as part of the Winternationals events, and will thrill the out of town crowd with the same action packed racing that has entertained Florida fans for years.  And leading the pack will be 2009 Florida Mini Sprint Champion, Tim O’Donnell.

Originally from Ohio, and coming from a background that included harness racing rather than the sort of horsepower featured at Ocala Speedway, O’Donnell began racing dirt bikes before discovering the thrill of racing on four wheels instead of two.  But as O’Donnell puts it, when the bikes begin to beat you up, it is time to find something else, and in 1998 Tim O’Donnell began racing with the Florida Mini Sprints.

As the 2009 racing season got underway, O’Donnell set a goal of finishing every race and achieved it in grand fashion.  Not only did he never score a DNF, but every finish was inside the top five with the exception of one sixth place finish.  That consistency earned him the 2009 championship, and sets the bar very high as he prepares to race in the Winter Shootout at Ocala.

And while Tim O’Donnell was busy demonstrating consistency last year, his son, Brett, was doing something that his dad could not accomplish during the 2009 season.  Brett O’Donnell managed to score a victory in his rookie season with the Florida Mini Sprints, and finished seventh in the final point standings, which earned him Rookie of the Year honors.  Brett will begin his second season at Ocala, and would like nothing more than to beat his dad yet again.

When asked about appearing opposite the best in sprint car racing, Tim O’Donnell shrugs it off.  After all, he is not racing against those guys, and as he sees it, their presence only matters in that the big wheeled, alcohol fueled powerhouses will provide the mini sprints with a very fast and smooth surface.  Tim O’Donnell’s team is focused on two nights of tough racing action versus the rest of the Florida Mini Sprints, but admits that he will probably watch the O’Reilly All Stars as much as he can.

So as the top teams in sprint car racing exit the track and go to work in their pit areas January 29th and 30th, Ocala Speedway’s fans will be thrilled by Tim O’Donnell and the rest of the Florida Mini Sprint Association.  Gates will open on Friday and Saturday at 5PM with racing at 8PM, and a complete schedule of events and prices can be found at www.OcalaSpeedway.com, listed under the 2010 schedule.

By |2010-01-23T03:26:48-05:00January 23rd, 2010|Upcoming Events|Comments Off on Consistency Is The Key for Tim O’Donnell

Desoto Super Speedway Returns as an ASA Member Track in 2010

American Speed Association PR
DAYTONA BEACH, FL (Thursday, January 14, 2010) – John Sarppriacone says he isn’t 100% yet but from the sound of his voice, he is ready to get his 2010 season ready at Desoto Super Speedway. This includes renewing his track as an ASA Member Track for the 2010 season.

Sarppriacone, Desoto Super Speedway Promoter, is still recovering from a recent quadruple bypass surgery and he says that he is feeling better every day and he is keeping himself busy planning for the 2010. One of the things he had to do was renew his ASA Member Track membership. When asked if this was a tough answer, he gave a quick and pointed answer, “No, it was very easy.”

He cited many different reasons to renew, “ASA works very well with us and the insurance they provide is great,” Sarppriacone said. “Dennis Huth (ASA President) gets on board and helps out where ever he can with the tracks. This was one of my easiest decisions to make.”

Like any other short track in the country, Desoto Super Speedway, an 3/8-mile asphalt oval, is doing what they can to make through each season, “2008 and 2009 were very tough for us, so our goal for this season is to survive make it through and hope things get stronger,” Sarppriacone explained.

Desoto will have some big events coming up this season including their Icebreaker on February 20th, Crash & Bash on July 4th, Seafest on October 16th, and the New Years Eve Crash & Bash on December 31st.

“John and his group at Desoto Super Speedway are great to work with and we are proud to have them as an ASA Member Track,” Dennis Huth, ASA President said. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with the management, competitors and fans.”

For more information on Desoto Super Speedway, please visit their website at www.desotosuperspeedway.com.

ASA members in good standing are eligible for a $500,000 Excess Medical Benefit as well as a $20,000 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefit. Coverage for the member begins while traveling to a location promoting an ASA-sanctioned event and continues until arrival home again. The American Speed Association, in conjunction with WSIB Motorsports Insurance, is the only sanctioning body to offer insurance coverage which extends beyond the boundary of the racetrack itself (complete details are available online at www.ASA-Racing.com).

The ASA Member Track program is comprised of more than 35 short tracks around the United States, as well as a variety of regional and national touring series. For more information, call (386) 258-2221 or send an e-mail to info@asa-racing.com. For news and information from all the racetracks and tours involved in the ASA, visit www.ASA-Racing.com.

ASA®, ASA Racing®, and American Speed Association® are registered trademarks of Racing Speed Associates, LLC. ASA International, LLC and Racing Speed Associates, LLC are not related to or affiliated with ASA Late Model Series, LLC.

By |2010-01-21T02:27:32-05:00January 21st, 2010|Upcoming Events|Comments Off on Desoto Super Speedway Returns as an ASA Member Track in 2010

Jones Eyes USAC National Sprint Title #4 as 2010 Season Opens In Tampa February 8-10

 Levi Jones of Olney, Ill. hopes to add his name to a short list of drivers who have won four championships in a single USAC National racing series. The 2010 Amsoil USAC Sprint Car season opens February 8-10 with the “Bubba Army Sprint Nationals” at East Bay Raceway Park in Gibsonton, Fla., a Tampa suburb.

 The three-night racing program showcases USAC’s spectacular open-wheel competition on one of America’s most exciting short dirt ovals where wheelstands, bicycling and wheel-to-wheel competition are all part of the game, producing more passing in one night than many racing series provide in an entire season!

  Jones earned his third USAC National Sprint car title last year and would become only the sixth driver to reach four titles in a single National series, joining A.J. Foyt (7 Championship Cars), Mel Kenyon (7 Midgets), Butch Hartman (5 Stock cars), Steve Butler (4 Sprints) and Rich Vogler (4 Midgets).

 Jones will pilot the Bass Pro Shops/Chevy Tony Stewart Racing entry in the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night portions of East Bay’s 34th Winternationals, marking USAC’s first dirt-track Sprint races in the Sunshine state since Vogler’s victory at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa in 1987.

The 2005, 2007 and 2009 champion also finished second in the 2006 standings behind Josh Wise and his four wins last year brought his career total of USAC Sprint feature triumphs to 16. He also earned his second Indiana Sprint Week title last year, edging Bryan Clauson by a single point!

 “It’s always nice to get out of Indiana in the winter time and enjoy the sunshine,” says Levi, who won a non-winged feature at East Bay three years ago. “It’s a racy track but it can change from one night to the next so you have to be at the top of your game to adjust to the conditions. I’m anxious to get back in the swing of things and it would be nice to get that fourth title.” He’ll be in a brand-new Maxim chassis to start the 2010 campaign.

 Jones will face a formidable field in the three Florida events. Expected to compete are 2008 Sprint Champ Jerry Coons Jr., 2006 Champ Wise, 2002 Champ Tracy Hines and 1999 Champ Dave Darland. Hines won USAC’s last race in Florida, a Silver Crown event at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2007.

 Other former USAC Sprint winners in Florida include Larry Dickson (two in 1970), and Bob Sweikert, Chuck Weyant and Pat O’Connor in USAC’s initial year, 1956. Sweikert’s win came in the first USAC Sprint race ever held, at Southland Speedway in West Palm Beach.

By |2010-01-21T01:04:20-05:00January 21st, 2010|Upcoming Events|Comments Off on Jones Eyes USAC National Sprint Title #4 as 2010 Season Opens In Tampa February 8-10

Volusia Speedway Park Returns to Racing Action this Coming Weekend, Janaury 22 thru 24th

VSP MEDIA

Barberville, FL (January 19, 2010) Are you ready for some good dirt racing?? If you are, check out Volusia Speedway Park this weekend. There will be plenty of good old fashion dirt track racing for everyone with the “January Jump-Start” on Saturday, January 23rd and Sunday afternoon, January 24th.

“January Jump-Start” starts out Friday night, January 22nd, with open practice for all divisions. That night pit admission is only $15.00 with the grandstands open to the public for free. Practice will run from 6 pm to 9 pm. Pit gate will open at 5 pm.

Saturday, January 23rd, will see the DIRTcar Sportsman, DIRTcar Modifieds, DIRTcar Street Stocks, 4 Cylinder Challengers and Mini Stocks in action. The DIRTcar Sportsman, DIRTcar Modifieds and DIRTcar Street Stocks will run heat races for Sunday’s afternoon racing. The Mini Stocks and 4 Cylinder Challengers will run a full program with heats and feature. Each class will go for $500 to win.

Sunday afternoon fans will see the DIRTcar Sportsman, DIRTcar Modifieds, and DIRTcar Street Stocks run consi races and full features. DIRTcar Modifieds will run a 30 lap feature for $1500 to win with the DIRTcar Sportsman and DIRTcar Street Stocks going for 40 laps and $2500 to win. Thunder Stocks will see heats and a 20 lap feature with $500 on the line for the winner. Pit gate and the grandstands will open at 12 noon with racing action at 2 pm.

DIRTcar members will see no entry fee for the “January Jump-Start” events. All participants must have purchased their 2010 DIRTcar license to receive payout. DIRTcar licenses are mandatory in 2010 at Volusia Speedway Park.

General admission is $12.00 each night/day of racing. Students 11-15 will be $6 each night/day with children 10 and under FREE. Drive-in parking is $10 per car with a 2 day parking pass for $15.

Join us for “January Jump-Start” at Volusia Speedway Park as we welcome in 2010 and say goodbye to 2009.

Volusia Speedway Park is located 15 miles west of Ormond Beach, FL. on State Road 40. For additional information go to www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com or call 386-985-4402.

By |2010-01-20T15:51:51-05:00January 20th, 2010|Upcoming Events|Comments Off on Volusia Speedway Park Returns to Racing Action this Coming Weekend, Janaury 22 thru 24th

Winter Test and Tune Series

 by: Chuck Green, Cg Photography

(Winter Haven, Fl.) Despite darkening skies, and a forecast of rain, over twenty teams from the Florida Legends Cars took to the pavement at Auburndale Speedway for this first winter test and tune series.

This series was collaboration between Rex Guy, Promoter, and owner of the speedway, and Russ Thompson of the legends cars of Florida.

“We wanted the teams, and drivers to have ample time to prepare for the upcoming winter nationals to be held in Orlando”, said Thompson.

Of course we would like to see one of our Florida teams bring home the winter nationals crown this year, he added.

The series was scheduled for three consecutive week-ends, but mother nature stepped in and promptly shortened the series to two week-ends by bringing record breaking cold weather, and even a snow flurry or two.

Action would begin with the track opening for practice, with plans to run a few heats, and a feature so the teams could actually simulate real race conditions.

Rex Guy commented, he was surprised to see the teams sharing information concerning their individual set ups. It is well know that the set up for Auburndale, and Orlando are very similar. “ You don’t find racers sharing information too often, I believe these guys are thinking about the big picture, and bringing the title home to Florida.

The action on the track was very competitive and all the drivers were giving each other the needed respect to insure no one went home with a damaged car. All three heats were run without incident, and the feature saw Jake Perkins, from nearby Ocala, Florida take the victory by a half a car length over friend, and teammate Tyler Smith.

I think we are really close, Perkins said in victory lane. We will come back here next week and try a few things to find a little more speed. We know when we get to Orlando that those guys will be tough.

The last week-end for the Winter Series is scheduled for January 23rd. All legends teams are invited, and encouraged to attend. For additional information, see www.auburndaleracing.com or www.legendscarsofflorida.com

By |2010-01-18T22:02:00-05:00January 18th, 2010|Upcoming Events|Comments Off on Winter Test and Tune Series

Multi-Time Champs Team Up For PASS National Race

Multi-Time Champs Team Up For PASS National Race
          
          
          FARMINGDALE, Maine — With 10 championships between them,
          Maine racers Ben Rowe and Johnny Clark are teaming up for a
          winter road trip.
          
          A long winter road trip — to Florida.
          
          Rowe, who has four PASS North Series championships as well as
          PASS South and PASS National championships on his resume, and
          Clark will field a joint effort for the inaugural PASS
          Winterfest 150 at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway on Jan. 29-30.
          The event is the first of five PASS National Championship
          races scheduled for the 2010 season.
          
          “We wanted to go down and support this race, because we think
          it could grow into something really big in the future,” said
          Clark, a four-time PASS North champion, including the last
          two series titles. “If everything goes well, we should both
          have a chance to win this one.”
          
          Clark’s race hauler will carry both his familiar Clark’s Car
          Crushing No. 54 and Rowe’s new Community Pharmacies No. 48.
          The deal to pool the resources of Johnny Clark Motorsports
          and Mulkern Racing was finalized at last weekend’s Northeast
          Motorsports Expo held at the Augusta Civic Center.
          
          Rowe was named Touring Series Driver of the Year at the Expo.
         
          
          “I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Rowe, who will
          debut with his new team and new crew chief, Seth Holbrook, at
          New Smyrna. “Me and Johnny have never teamed up before, so
          it’s going to be a blast.”
          
          Of the two drivers, only Clark has New Smyrna experience,
          having competed on multiple occasions in the annual New
          Smyrna World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing held each
          February.
          
          He compared New Smyrna’s high-banked half-mile layout to
          Thompson (Conn.) International Speedway, a track familiar to
          PASS North Series competitors.
          
          “It’s a lot like Thompson,” Clark said. “It’s big and fast,
          and it’s definitely a fun and challenging track. It’s
          extremely hard on brakes, and you need one of the biggest
          motors you can find there.”
          
          Rowe said he’ll take Clark’s word for it, having never raced
          at New Smyrna himself. He has, however, watched a number of
          races there from the pit area.
          
          “It does race a lot like Thompson — at least that’s what
          Johnny tells me,” Rowe said. “Hopefully he’ll help me out
          when we get there and we can go from there.We’re going to
          take a bunch of guys from the north down there and see what
          we can do together.”
          
          Teams hit the track on Friday, Jan. 29 for an extended
          practice session. Qualifying and feature racing will be held
          on Saturday, Jan. 30. The Winterfest 150 is tentatively
          scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. green flag.

By |2010-01-18T16:21:59-05:00January 18th, 2010|Upcoming Events|Comments Off on Multi-Time Champs Team Up For PASS National Race

2nd Annual “Blast from the Past” Gaining Steam

BFTP MEDIA

Lake City, FL (January 14, 2010) The 2nd Annual Blast from the Past is coming along as March 7th gets closer and closer. Organizer Joyce Lankford has been working hard on finding sponsorship for the event and names and addresses for racers that need to be invited. But we still need the public’s help.

“Since I am more familiar with asphalt than dirt racing,” said Joyce “we really need people from the dirt tracks to help us with this. We need names and addresses for dirt racers, 60 and older, that need to be invited to our event. If there is anyone who can help us, please e-mail myself slankfordl@aol.com or Jane Smith at racingjls@aol.com. We would appreciate any help we can get.”

“We are still in need for some sponsors for this event. We could really use some money since it will cost about $10,000 to just put on the event. I have gotten some sponsorship money but need someone to step up and really donate towards the event. I am working daily on finding sponsorship money and names but the event is getting closer and closer and we need the money now.”

 You can send your donations or if you would like to help sponsor the event to:
Joyce Lankford
P.O.Box 77
Worthington Springs,Florida 32697
352-942-2369If you would like more information on the Blast from the Past, go to http://www.blast.karnac.com.

The 2nd Annual Blast from the Past is set for March 7th, 2010 at Citrus County Speedway. The Blast from the Past has chosen the Citrus United Basket as the chairty for this year’s event. The Citrus United Basket helps people down on their luck when there is not many places to turn with food and utility bills.

“I am so excited about this year’s event,” said Joyce. “We just really, really need some helping hands to make it work. I have gotten alot of good responses for the event and now we just want to make sure that both the dirt world and asphalt world know about our event.”

By |2010-01-18T01:53:50-05:00January 15th, 2010|Upcoming Events|Comments Off on 2nd Annual “Blast from the Past” Gaining Steam