by Jimmy Rouse- Ocala Speedway Media
Ocala Speedway has the Top Gun Sprint Car Series for the final time in 2010. The Mini Stocks and Amsoil V-8 Thunderstocks run their final points paying events and the Gladiators also run on this great upcoming night.
When the Top Gun Sprint Cars were at Ocala last, it was summer and the racing was just like the weather- HOT! The racing will be the same, even if the weather isn’t. Danny Martin won the last time at Ocala, putting the #24 in victory circle. Rich Pratt, Ryan Partin, Gene Lasker, and Tim George followed Martin across the line.
In the Mini Stocks, the points belong to Kerr. And Kerr. Yes, Nick Kerr leads Dan Kerr by 9 points going into the final night. Dan certainly doesn’t want to let his son beat him at his own game and will do his best to win his heat and feature to gain maximum points. Johnny Zackery is 136 behind Dan Kerr, meaning Zackery will play all defense in the points. Buddy Pope is only 14 behind Zackery and would love to take 3rd in the 2010 points standings. Keith Briggs is 5th, 41 behind Buddy Pope. A Kerr will go home champion; a Kerr will go home runner-up.
In the Amsoil V-8 Thunderstocks we have seen almost everything- first-time winners, dominating runs, last-lap passes, worst-to-first runs. Their points championship ends on Friday, ending 1 of the best points battles of the season. Mike Stalnaker holds a slim 32 points over Scott Mooers after Mooers took a huge win and Stalnaker had some misfortunes. Chris Shea is 47 points behind Stalnaker which does leave him in a mathematical 3-way battle. Vaughn Woodall is the meat in a Shea sandwich as he’s 49 points behind Chris Shea, and 24 ahead of Brian Shea. As the 2010 season has shown us so far, anything and everything can and will happen in the Amsoil V-8 Thunderstocks.
With 2 races left in the Gladiators, no one can tell what the battle will look like on the final night. We do know, however, that Matt Shea leads Devin Walker by a mere 27 points. Steve Johnson can mathematically only hold 3rd now, but he has been a key player at the front of the field. Johnson holds 30 points over Casey Feaster and wants to beat Feaster, a man with 7 more wins than him. Kyle Morse is 110 points behind Feaster and will do his best to take 4th in the points. The men -and women- of the Gladiators have put on some great battles this season and nothing less is expected.
Another great event at Ocala Speedway is the Powder Puff race. The women come out and race and put on a great show that is enjoyed by all. Last year’s winner was Marian Berry in the #17. Last year’s 2nd place finisher, Kathie Fisher, has a lot more experience after running much of the Gladiators season. Jessica Zackery, Romaine Hake, and Melony Shea rounded out the top 5.
Ocala Speedway opens the gates at 5PM with racing at 8. This event is a special event meaning ticket prices are as according. For more information you may call the Speedway or visit www.ocalaspeedway.com.