by BJ Cavin

With the grand opening of Ocala Speedway’s 2010 racing season set for March 5th, fans will soon discover many new things at Florida’s oldest race track.  The United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series will return to Ocala to begin the year, featuring the top names in dirt late model racing running 50 laps for a $3000 payout to the winner.  The Amsoil V8 Thunder Stocks and Mini Stocks will also be on the schedule for the opening night.

And while opening night features more traditional fare for the fans, what’s new will come one week later as Ocala’s newest and most anticipated regular division makes their debut at America’s Dirt Track.  Ocala Speedway owner Michael Peters has been besieged by requests for a Sportsman division to become a regular part of the Ocala schedule, and in 2010 the Sportsman racers will get their chance.

The new Sportsman division will run twice monthly on the same rotating schedule with the Open Wheel Modified cars at Ocala, and could increase in frequency later on depending on participation.  Rules have been posted at www.OcalaSpeedway.com, and have been written to allow as many Sportsman racers as possible to participate in Friday night action on the clay. 
Another new feature at Ocala for 2010 is still being developed and planned, but will debut early in the new racing season.  On designated nights on the schedule Mike’s Wheel of Fortune will determine who gets a cash bonus tacked onto their night at the track.  A lucky fan will spin the wheel, which will determine which division running that night will get money added to their purses, and exactly how that money will be distributed.  The fans will also get to share in that bonus as part of it may go into the 50/50 till for the night, or possibly go directly to someone who least expects it.

Mike’s Wheel of Fortune has not been officially placed on the schedule as of yet but will be soon, as final details are being worked out.  Further details will be announced as soon as everything is finalized.

There is only one last chance to get in practice laps before the season officially opens March 5th, and that will be another open practice session this Saturday, February 27th.  Cars will practice by division from 2PM until 5PM, and admission will be $15 with kids 12 and under free.  Spectators are welcome, but must view the practice from the turn one bleachers and sign a pit waiver to enter.

Fans and racers who want more information on Ocala Speedway or upcoming events can phone the track at 352-622-9400, but the best source for info is found at www.OcalaSpeedway.com.  A full schedule is posted online for all events through early May, and all rules and regulations are now updated for 2010.