OCALA, FL- As is usually the case during August in central Florida, the rainy season has reached its peak and can make racing on clay a very iffy proposition. And that is a major reason why Ocala Speedway’s owners choose this time of the year stop fighting nature, take some time off, and get some work done. That means Florida’s oldest speedway will be empty of fans and race cars for the next three Fridays, but will reopen on September 3rd to finish out the 2010 racing season.
And September 3rd will be a special night for the Colortyme Open Wheel Modifieds, as they will be competing in a $1000 to win event. In addition to the $1000 payday, Ocala Speedway has placed a $500 bounty on Jeff Mathews, which will pay that $500 bonus to the racer who beats Mathews to the checkered flags. The Amsoil V8 Thunder Stocks, the Mini Stocks, and the Gladiators, will all be competing for double points on the night, making their races extra exciting as well.
911 Heroes Night will be back this season on September 10th, with all active military, law enforcement, and emergency first responders, admitted free of charge with proper ID. It will be a night of remembrance, but also a chance to thank all of those who protect our rights and freedoms as Americans, plus the kids will be able to compete in bicycle racing on Ocala’s front stretch at intermission. The Late Models will headline the night’s action, plus there will be exciting racing from the Tee Pee Tire Hobby Stocks, Amsoil V8 Thunder Stocks, and the Gladiators.
And September 17th will mark the return of the always popular Church Night and Faster Pastor Racing at Ocala Speedway, as clergy from all over our area climb into race cars and battle each other to help raise funds and awareness for their ministries and churches. Church Night is always an alcohol free night at the track, and church members are encouraged to come out and cheer on their clergy. And while the Preacher Feature might be a big draw, fans will also see action from the Colortyme Modifieds, the Tee Pee Tire Hobby Stocks, the Amsoil V8 Thunder Stocks, the Mini Stocks, and the Gladiators.
During the three week summer break, Ocala Speedway owner Mike Peters will be working to finalize plans for upcoming events, as well as do some needed maintenance on the facilities. While some upcoming events are already set, others are still in the negotiating and planning stage, and will be added to the 2010 schedule as soon as details are worked out. One such event is the first appearance of Car Wars on dirt at Ocala Speedway, tentatively scheduled for September 24th. Formerly known as Crash-A-Rama, Car Wars will feature wacky races, demo derbies, and even the first figure 8 race on dirt at Ocala.
Until September 3rd marks the reopening of the southeast’s toughest 3/8ths mile, fans can keep look for schedule updates by going to www.OcalaSpeedway.com and clicking on the 2010 schedule tab. Fans are also reminded that they can register to receive updates via RainedOut.com, a spam free service that sends a email and/or text to your cell phone in case Ocala Speedway cancels racing due to weather. Simply click on the link provided at the bottom of the front page at www.OcalaSpeedway.com, and follow the instructions.