by DICK JORDAN
BUBBA ARMY SPRINT NATIONALS RETURN TO THE SUNSHINE STATE!
The USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series opens the 2011 season February 16-19 at America’s Dirt Track – Ocala Speedway in Ocala, Florida. The 2nd Annual “Bubby Army Sprint Nationals” marks the debut of USAC racing at the 3/8-mile dirt oval and will be part of the grand week of racing leading up to the 2011 Daytona 500, scheduled February 20 at Daytona International Speedway.
“Florida is a great place to be in February and we are all looking forward to the 2nd Annual “Bubba Army Sprint Nationals,” says USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller. Last year’s events were extremely popular and the area obviously offers many tourist attractions and vacation destinations. We expect and encourage campers who plan to take in the entire week of activity.”
Ocala Speedway is Florida’s oldest race track and its D-shape gives it a unique quality. Drivers often relate: “If you can win a race at Ocala, you can win anywhere.”
A total of 59 USAC races have been held in the Sunshine State, dating all the way back to February of 1956 when defending Indianapolis 500 champion Bob Sweikert won a 20-lap Sprint car race at Southland Speedway in West Palm Beach.
Damion Gardner opened the 2009 series with victories at East Bay Raceway in Gibsonton, marking the first time USAC Sprint cars had raced on Florida dirt since Rich Vogler’s 1987 victory at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
Gardner is expected to be among top threats for the series championship in 2011, along with 2010 point leader and three-time series king Levi Jones who races for USAC Triple Crown Champion and NASCAR star Tony Stewart.
Special events throughout the four days at Ocala are scheduled for campers and families who will be attending.
More details will be released on this exciting week of racing as they become available.