by BJ Cavin
Ocala Speedway owner Michael Peters has always strived to make his race track the best in Florida, and part of that mission has been to provide the best show possible to Florida race fans. And when it comes to dirt track racing, the World of Outlaws series is synonymous with the best of the best, and therefore as natural fit into Mike Peters’ historic race track. This Friday night, March 19th, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series will invade the clay at Ocala Speedway, with the winner collecting a whopping $10,000 along with the first place trophy.
The World of Outlaws have been circulating within the fan rumor mill around Ocala ever since the old asphalt track was declared dead and buried under Florida gumbo. Even Mike Peters had mentioned bringing the World of Outlaws to Ocala early on, but yet hesitated as the dirt racing scene developed thick and healthy roots in the clay. And just as Ocala Speedway has established itself as one of the top dirt tracks in the region, the time and opportunity for the World of Outlaws to race Ocala has come.
What the World of Outlaws Late Model Series will find at Florida’s oldest track is an odd shaped layout that is never kind to newcomers. As those who race late models at the venerable old track can attest, Ocala’s tricky shape takes time to master, and those who think that they have it figured out sometimes don’t. The question might be which best of the best racers can figure Ocala out first on Friday night, and can they do it before one of the locals uses their experience with the track to their advantage?
What fans will find when the Outlaws come to town is admission prices for the show that are far less than what many tracks have charged for the opportunity to see the World of Outlaws in action. As is the case with the January Winternationals shows, Mike Peters believes in making the best shows as affordable as possible to the fans, and the $25 adult admission ticket to this event is evidence of that. Kids aged 6 to 16 will be admitted for just $12, and kids under 6 will get in at no charge.
In addition to the World of Outlaws Late Models, fans will get to see Ocala’s Hobby Stock Division hit the clay for the first time in 2010 after their debut event was rained out this past Friday. The Hobby Stocks will be fighting for a $1000 payout for the winner, and no doubt will provide quite a show. Also running on this Friday evening will be Ocala’s Mini Stocks.
The pit gate will open on Friday afternoon at 1PM, while the grandstands will open at 5PM with first come, first served seating. Qualifying will follow, with heat races set to begin at 8PM. A complete schedule of events can be accessed at www.OcalaSpeedway.com, and RV parking will be available.