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Thursday, January 3, 2002
FLORIDA'S WAYNE ANDERSON WINS SECOND GATORADE ALL PRO SERIES, NASCAR TOURING CHAMPIONSHIP
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The Gatorade All Pro Series concluded their 16-event 2001 schedule at the new Nashville SuperSpeedway on November 25 with another million dollar season.
Part of the million dollar year was the MBNA All American Thanksgiving Classic at Nashville Superspeedway where competitors competed for posted awards that exceeded $143,000, the largest in the 17-year history of this NASCAR Division. The sta...
Thursday, December 27, 2001
Winter Spectacular II Paying $5,000 To Win
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Winter Spectacular II Race Course Being Reconfigured
By Larry MacMillan
Promoters Billy Hooker and Jimmy Wear announced that they were increasing the payoff for the January 19th Winter Spectacular II, with the winner taking home $5,000.00 and runner up picking up $2,200.00. See the complete payoff attached. Bonuses remain intact.
Race drivers who felt they had learned their way around the new banking and pavement during Citrus County Speedways Winter Spectacu...
Sunday, December 16, 2001
Bresnahan Wins Winter Spectacular Late Model 100
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by Larry MacMillan
(Inverness, Fl. 12/15/01) Twenty six of Florida's best came to take on the new configuration at Citrus County Speedway in the Winter Spectacular I and twenty three of the quick super late models were able to take the green flag for the 100 lap, all green flag special mid winter race.
Mike Bresnahan coming off his Rookie of the Year season in the Florida Pro and ...
Friday, December 14, 2001
By Robin Smith Miller
For 13 straight years, Rick Bristol has been a man on a mission. Every December he puts together the NASCAR Nana Memorial Race to benefit the Central Florida and New Life Children's Homes. For the past two years, I have been lucky enough to be part of this wonderful event but I never knew until December 8 why it means so much to Rick.
Rick spent three of the formative ...
Monday, December 10, 2001
VALVOLINE ANNOUNCES SWEEPING GRASSROOTS RACING AWARDS
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Valvoline has announced a sweeping commitment to American grassroots racing that includes a national driver points championship beginning in 2002.
The Valvoline Cup will be contested by virtually all drivers in all types and classes of wheel to wheel competition in all sanctioned racing or track sponsored weekly racing programs throughout the U.S. Every driver will be awarded p...
Monday, December 3, 2001
Sirmans Wins Race, Welch takes Championship in Florida Mini-Stock Challenge
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By Jane Smith
Mini-stocks seldom get to see a 100 lap race or a mandatory pit stop but last Saturday night at New Smyrna Speedway, fifty one Mini-Stocks filled the pits with forty eight going out to qualify. Trish Gray, David Castello and Lee Davis all had engine problems before qualifying. Gray and Castello were out but Lee Davis used Bo Davis's #67 and soon it was the #77 for Lee. ...
Sunday, December 2, 2001
What Does John Barker Have Against Auburndale?
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by Jack Smith
"John Barker is simply a paid hack who has no clue about the sport he has been covering for the last few centuries." Someone told me that recently. I could have said it but I didn't and I'm not telling who did say it. In a recent little ditty from John "the old codger" Barker which he laughingly titles "Highs and Lows at the Local Tracks in 2001", published by that tremendoulsy well known rag called the Lakeland Ledger, he rambles on about the greatness of USA Interna...
Sunday, December 2, 2001
by Robin Smith Miller
On the night that NASCAR Winston Cup stars donned their tuxedoes for the annual points banquet and a tribute to racing's lost hero, Dale Earnhardt, Sr., the Southwest Florida racing community set their VCR's to view it later.
They came in droves to the Wal-mart Super Centre of Lehigh Acres parking lot to take part in the First Annual Noise for Toys Car Show to ben...
Sunday, November 25, 2001
Barkis Wins LLM 6-Pack Race, Fox Wins Championship at Charlotte
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by Danny Snow
The Collier Electric Limited Late Models lined up for the Six Pack #6 one hundred lap race with #88 Randy Fox on the pole. At the drop of the green #29 Mike Hovis shot out to take the lead. #10 Brad Barkis started the race back in ninth position and by lap eighteen had made his way up to fourth. A man with a mission, Barkis dropped down low to get under Hovis a...
Sunday, November 25, 2001
BOBBY GILL WINS ALAN KULWICKI MEMORIAL 300, THIRD STRAIGHT HOOTERS TITLE
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by THOM WATSON
(KNS)LAKELAND, FL- The #5, Triple Diamond Products, pit crew had already won the Goodyear Pit Crew Challenge and its $3,000 prize. Now the question was could Bobby Gill finish far enough ahead of Hal Goodson to take his third straight USAR Hooters Procup series title. Gill took the cue from his pit crew and not only won the Alan Kulwicki Memorial 300 ...
Tuesday, November 20, 2001
Champions Crowned at Auburndale
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by Bille May
Richard Elkins Jr.- Winner of the Limited Late Model event.
Last night of the season, and the Champions were crowned. The special events of the night were, Racing for Kids Club, Dwarf cars,& Dwarf Powder Puff.
The Kids Club were the first race of the night, with the Seniors & Juniors taking to the track. Seniors raced first of th...
Monday, November 19, 2001
Late Model’s Will Wear Goodyear in Citrus Winter Spectaculars
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by Larry MacMillan
(Inverness, Fl. 11/19/01) Winter racing is at the top of the get ready list for local as well as the best of the best Late Model pilots and owners in and around the state of Florida. Citrus County Speedway is getting set for Winter Spectacular I and Winter Spectacular II, December 15th 2001 and January 19th 2002.
Format for the race will be practice sessions o...
Sunday, November 18, 2001
WHEN YOU DO GOOD, GOOD THINGS HAPPEN
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By Robin Smith Miller
My favorite saying in life is "When you do good things, you get good back." I have seen this come true many times in life, most especially in the stock car racing world. It seems that good karma seems to follow stock car drivers when they unselfishly give of their time and resources to those who are less fortunate than they are. I also believe that the r...
Sunday, November 18, 2001
Paul George Wins National Late Model Series at Volusia
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It was an Amazing Race Day at Volusia Speedway Park. The crowd was on their feet for an unbelievable finish as VSP Points Champion #88 Paul George from Astor, FL took the lead from #54 Tuck Trentham (DeLand, FL) on the last lap and became the 55th different winner in 133 shows in the National Late Model series. Trentham led every lap until lap 99 when he was held up by lap traffic and George w...
Saturday, November 17, 2001
SYMONS TOPS PRO MODIFIED FIELD AT ORLANDO SPEEDWORLD
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by Dave Westerman
The final race of the FASCAR Pro Modified Tour turned out to be a good one Friday night at Orlando Speedworld with Jerry "the Hammer" Symons making a late-race move to secure the victory in his Kelly Roofing special. Twenty-three modifieds were on hand for the event with Tampa's Aric Almirola setting fast time and earning the pole for the 35-lapper.
Almirola...
Sunday, November 11, 2001
Anderson Goes Flag To Flag In Triple Crown Win At Charlotte County Speedway
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Travis Kittleson Overall Triple Crown Winner
By Rick Anges
(KNS)When qualifying began for the third leg of the Triple Crown at Charlotte County Speedway it was easy to see that this was going to be a tough track to get hold of. Several drivers slipped and lost precious tenths of a second. But experience on the 1/3 mile speedway was the name of...
Sunday, November 11, 2001
MATT MERCER MARCHES TO FIRST EVER TBARA WIN AT CHARLOTTE COUNTY SPEEDWAY
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By Larry Lype
This was the season ending event on the 2001 Tampa Bay Area Racing Association Winged Sprint Series tour. The points battles in the Driver, Owner, and Rookie of the Year were all very tight, and this would be the night to decide the season champions.
Three fast heat races were won by Matt Mercer, Kevin Cahill, and 1999 TBARA Champ Dude Teate. This made these three drivers eligi...
Sunday, November 11, 2001
David Rogers Wins Second Leg of the Triple Crown at Orlando SpeedWorld
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by Jane Smith
Twenty four cars came to try their luck and skill on this high banked 3/8's mile track. Travis Kittleson in the Bob Steele Chevy took the pole with a 13.448 lap. Mario Gosselin, Jason Boyd, David Rogers and James Powell rounded out the top five in qualifying.
With Kittleson drawing the number 2 pill, Jason Boyd became the pole sitter since Mario Gosselin, #10x, had ...
Sunday, November 4, 2001
Powell takes first leg of Triple Crown
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UPDATE: TRIPLE CROWN RACE ONE WAS RUN AT NEW SMYRNA SATURDAY NIGHT. RACE TWO WILL BE FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9 AT ORLANDO SPEEDWORLD. RACE THREE WILL BE AT CHARLOTTE COUNTY SPEEDWAY SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10.
by Jane Smith
In spite of the mud from the downpour that pounded New Smyrna Speedway in mid-afternoon, there were 30 of the best Super Late Models that the state of Florida has to offer. Fast time was set by Michael Williams in the #40 South Forty Pontiac with an 18.351. James Powell, ...
Tuesday, October 30, 2001
Race Car Engineering Sunbelt Series Triple Crown
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By Rick Anges
The final races of the season for the Race Car Engineering Sunbelt Super Late are set for this weekend November 2nd, 3rd and 4th. The three race series is in its nineteenth season and has been run by several sanctioning bodies over the years but the success of the FASCAR Sunbelt series will make this one to remember. Over 75 drivers have competed in the series this yea...
Tuesday, October 30, 2001
SOUTHERN THUNDER HOSTS TRICK OR TREAT THE DRIVERS
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By Robin Smith Miller
On the first chilly race night of the fall season, the annual tradition of Trick or Treat the Drivers at Charlotte County Speedway took place on Saturday, October 27. Hundreds of children waited for the front gate to open so that they could get treats from their favorite drivers.
It is difficult to say who enjoys the event more,...
Monday, October 29, 2001
Sport Allen wins Goodson Farms USCS Florida State Championship event
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Barberville, Florida - Sport Allen from Pinellas Park, Florida, repeated as the United Sprint Car Series finale winner by besting the stellar 30 car field from 10 states and pocketed the $2600 top prize in the 30 lap Goodson Farms Florida State Championship Race at Volusia Speedway Park on Sunday night driving Taylor Andrews, Dayton Andrews Dodge sponsored #88. Blue Ribbon Farms ...
Sunday, October 28, 2001
Butler Tops Sprints At Charlotte County Speedway
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In the second of three visits to the Charlotte County Speedway this season for the TBARA Winged Sprint Series, the fans were treated so great racing action all around the speedway, as the feature ran green to checker. When the checkered flag flew, Keith Buler had charged up from his 12th place starting position to win. Along with winning the feature, Keith also won the E...
Sunday, October 28, 2001
McCarl wins USCS Sunshine State Shootout at Volusia
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Barberville, Florida - Knoxville Raceway track champion, Terry McCarl from Pleasant Hill, Iowa, won Saturday night's star studded thirty-five car field in the United Sprint Car Series "Sunshine State Shootout" presented by Goodson Farms, Inc., of Balm, Florida. McCarl started outside row four and made his move to the front early and streaked to second place on lap three, behind 2000 USCS ...
Sunday, October 28, 2001
Citrus Winter Spectacular Spices Up Off Season Racing
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Citrus County Speedway will close out 2001 and kick off 2002 with special off-season racing at this fast quarter mile. In preparation for the Winter Spectacular, promoters Billy Hooker and Jimmy Wear will make some new alterations to the track with additional paving in the three and four turn, increasing the banking another six degrees in the third groove which should allow for three wide racing. Also the first phase of paving in the pits will be underway.
The Winter Spectacular will con...
Thursday, October 25, 2001
Citrus Action Heats Up - Two Special Races Announced
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by Larry MacMillan
Its kids night at Citrus County Speedway this weekend with the celebration of Halloween featuring a costume contest for three age groups and the drivers providing the goodies for Trick or Treat on the front straight during intermission. Race drivers continue to scramble for good starting positions and even better finishes in their quest to win division titles or ...
Sunday, October 21, 2001
Triple Header at USA Speedway
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HOBGOODS’ DOMINATE GOODYS DASH SERIES AT USA INTERNATIONAL
by Thom Watson
LAKELAND, FL: Jake Hobgood led the final 42 laps to win the Discount Auto Parts 150 Presented by Mobil 1. Younger brother, Justin Hobgood, dominated the race before giving up the lead on lap 108 to Jake. Justin led 96 of the first 107 laps as he looked to be the easy winner, often having lea...
Sunday, October 21, 2001
Wild Fla Pro Race at Ocala Won by Anderson
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by Marty Little
OCALA, Fla. - As he has done most of the season, veteran Dick Anderson proved his superiority in winning the Florida Pro Series event Saturday night at Ocala Speedway. Scheduled for 100 laps around the D-shaped oval, the event was called complete after 68 laps when Scott Grossenbacher crashed hard in turn four.
Running second at the time, Grossenbacher's car suffered apparent bra...
Thursday, October 18, 2001
Third Leg of Florida Triple Crown Set For Charlotte County Speedway
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Mark your calendars, the date is now set, Sunday November 4th the third leg of the prestigious Triple Crown will be run at Charlotte County Speedway's Southern Thunder. Last year over 30 of the finest Super Late Model racers raced in the Triple Crown, which runs on Friday at Orlando Speedworld and Saturday at New Smyrna Speedway and Sunday afternoon at Charlotte County!
The Thunder will return t...
Tuesday, October 16, 2001
NASCAR Goodys Dash Series This Saturday At Lakeland's USA International Speedway
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by Gene Crane
The fifth annual Discount Auto Parts 150 presented by Mobil 1 roars to the green flag Saturday night October 20th. Featuring NASCAR's touring sub-compact sedan division, the Goodys Dash Series has proved its smaller sized cars still pack jumbo sized excitement at any venue they visit. Competing on nearly every type of track seen by any NASCAR touring series, the ...
Sunday, October 14, 2001
James Powell III holds off Anderson and Rogers to take 36th Annual Governor's Cup
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By Rick Anges
The atmosphere at New Smyrna Speedway was thick with anticipation before the start of the 36th annual Governors Cup. Governor Jeb Bush arrived to cheers and applause of the 6,500 plus fans who filled the speedways grandstands. A chill went through the fans as everyone joined in with the Presidents brother when the national anthem was sung and everyone waved ...
Tuesday, October 9, 2001
Time is Ticking, Racers Setting Up For Governor's Cup
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By Jane Smith
As the excitement builds for this weekend's upcoming Governor's Cup race at New Smyrna Speedway for the fans, it is also building for the drivers who will come to try and get their name engraved on a golden plate for the prestigious Cup trophy. Long late night hours will go into setting up the car and checking every inch of her so she can be the best that ...
Sunday, October 7, 2001
Florida Mini-Stock Challenge Roars into Auburndale
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By Rick Anges
Twenty-nine high-powered mini-stocks lined the whole front stretch of Auburndale Speedway Saturday night for the drivers introduction portion of the Florida Mini-Stock Challenge Series fifth race of the six-race deal.
Some of the top names in the class were on the track to compete for the fifty-lap feature event. But on the front row were two familia...
Sunday, October 7, 2001
BOYD TOPS PETE ORR BENEFIT ON WILD NIGHT AT ORLANDO SPEEDWORLD
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by Dave Westerman
Orlando's Jason Boyd took the checkered flag first Friday night in the 50-lap Super Late Model feature at Orlando Speedworld, but the real winner was veteran racer Pete Orr and his family. The race was run as a benefit for the Orr family to help meet mounting bills and expenses while Pete undergoes treatment for cancer and is unable to operate his business....
Friday, October 5, 2001
BRONSON MOTOR SPEEDWAY & ORLANDO SPEEDWORLD HOLD PETE ORR NIGHT
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BRONSON ON SATURDAY---ORLANDO TONIGHT
Pete Orr is a southern short track racing legend with over 300 wins under his belt. He has worked with some of the best over the years, including Winston Cup great Darrell Waltrip, Gary Balough, race car builder Junior Hanley, and more recently ASA rookie Travis Kittleson. Pete Orr has won almost every major short track stock car event in the southeast including the Florida Governor's Cup which he has won twice.
Pete is still regarde...
Tuesday, October 2, 2001
Krieder & Powell Visit Winner's Circle at Sebring International Raceway
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by Jane Smith and Rick Anges
Sebring International Raceway celebrates its 50th annual 12 Hours of Sebring in March when some of the top names in all of motor sports will once again journey to the famous road course in the middle of the state of Florida. Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Benny Parsons, Bobby Rahal are just some of the drivers who have run here. But this past weekend on a be...
Saturday, September 29, 2001
Sonny Hartley Holds On For Sunshine TBARA Win
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By Rick Anges
St.Petersburg,Fl. (KNS) Twenty-one cars lined up for the feature race of the Winged Out-Law T.B.A.R.A. Sprint cars on a chilly night at Sunshine Speedway. Jimmy Alvis #21 jumped out to the early lead with Robert Yoho #00y following close in second.
But on the backstretch Yoho tangled with #87 of Kevin Cahill sending Yoho slamming into the wall and bending up the "Showtime" ride, ending both drivers night. On the restart Alvis again jumped out quick and pulled ...
Saturday, September 29, 2001
Pete Orr Benefits at Orlando SpeedWorld and Bronson Speedway
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by Jane Smith
In my son's bedroom hangs an old racecar poster. On that poster is David Russell and Pete Orr, the "Horsen Around" mighty duo. When they brought out their respective number 30 and 36 Late Models, guys and Granny better watch out, because they were the best. Pete Orr was a well known name and still is in the world of stockcar racing. At one time, Pete spent a year ...
Sunday, September 23, 2001
BEAUCHEMIN DOMINATES SARA 100 AT DESOTO
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by Terry Clem
BRADENTON, FL: Rain washed out qualifying for the SARA series at Desoto Saturday night. The starting line-up was based on the point’s standings with Bobby Beauchemin getting to start on the pole position and led wire-to-wire for the win. Starting in the front is always nice, on this night it was downright necessary as incidents took out or damaged at least eight car...
Saturday, September 22, 2001
2001 - Whose Name Will Be on the Cup?
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By Jane Smith
Florida has two prestigious races each year, the first is the Governor's Cup held at New Smyrna Speedway, the second is the Snowball Derby held at Five Flags in Pensacola, Florida. On October 13, drivers from all over the state and possibly out-of-state will come and unite at New Smyrna Speedway with one goal in mind, to have their name engraved on the Cup trophy for all ...
Wednesday, September 12, 2001
If it's got Wheels.......
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by Sharon Fancher
I had the opportunity to talk to a very talented Modified driver by the name of Robbie Hagar, along with his wife Cindy at Putnam County Speedway in Satsuma, Florida. Robbie was born Dec. 28, 1964 in Uniontown, Pa., and has a very outstanding and unique racing history. Robbie's family history in racing dates all the way back to the 1920s with his Grandfather's racing. ...
Tuesday, September 11, 2001
David Pletcher won the USAR Hooters Procup 250 lap event at Chemung Speeedrome in New York. Pletcher, who is sponsored by Akita Copiers and Buckeye Office Furniture, led the last 80 laps enroute to his first ProCup victory. Earlier this year the Pinellas Park, Florida racer moved to North Carolina. David brought h...
Tuesday, September 11, 2001
By Sharon Fancher
The term "aggressive driving" isn't new to the racing world and bespeaks an explosive, behind-the-wheel ugliness that sometimes can end in tragedy. It stems from a combination of ignorance, bad manners and at the time not realizing the potential risk or outcome of such actions. When racers get behind the wheel of a car, sometimes a demon takes over in certain...
Monday, September 3, 2001
By Robin Smith Meiser
I started out in this sport as a racing widow. It grew on me as it has thousands of other women throughout the country. It became a way of life; it actually becomes your life. One of my daughters carried on the tradition and married into a racing family, what was that song in the Lion King, 'The Circle of Life'?
What is strange is that sometimes when the ...
Sunday, September 2, 2001
Hooters and SARA at Lakeland
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Bobby Gill Dominates Jackaroo 200
by Thom Watson
LAKELAND, FL: Bobby Gill came into the Jackaroo Sauces 200 with the points lead in the South Division of the Hooters ProCup Series. The only way to guarantee the regular season points championship was to win the final race of the regular season. Gill did just that as he built a seven car length lead for the win over...
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Charlotte County Speedway Changes Hands
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After several months of negotiations and meetings a group of four entrepreneurs from Naples, Florida have taken over as new owners of Charlotte County Speedway. The change of ownership occurred Tuesday afternoon and the new owners named John Hall as the new General Manager of the operation.
Christian B. Felden, Peter J. Drinkwater, Victoria E. Felden and Simon Vainer are the principal owners in the new venture. Though this is their first time operating a racing facility, they are a group ...
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
Sometimes Big Things Do Come In Small Packages
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'The Little Track that Could'
(KNS)Approximately one thousand race fans saw the Auburndale Street Stock feature begin with a full field of 21 cars on the 1/4 mile track, with Bob Gorsuch on the pole. Gorsuch came into the race still looking for his first trip to the Winner's Circle. Before the final checkered flag of the night he would take home two first place trophies and $800...
Monday, August 27, 2001
A Young LLM Driver, With A Promising Future
by Sharon Fancher
From Nahunta, Georgia a 23 yr. old young man named J.O. ( Joel O.) Nobles, has become a vastly popular known top young Limited Late Model driver at Putnam County Speedway. J.O. has won several heat and feature races at Putnam County Speedway in the #18 Snow Bros. car, since the beginning of the 2001 season. H...
Friday, August 24, 2001
"Racing Widows?" Not Anymore!
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By Luann Nieborg
A very wise woman I know recently said, "Love and marriage is about sharing and compromising. He should not have to give up racing and his spouse should not have to be a racing widow". That got me thinking how many women do I know who feel like they're racing widows? With all of the different tracks that Hans & I travel to, I have seen a lot of women sitting in the stands and mos...
Thursday, August 23, 2001
NEW OWNERS AND BIG CHANGES FOR BRONSON MOTOR SPEEDWAY
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by Dave Westerman
As of Tuesday, August 21st, Florida's Bronson Motor Speedway is under the new ownership of Mike and Jane Cope. The former NASCAR All-Pro Champion, Busch Grand National, Craftsman Truck Series, and current ASA Series driver and his wife have purchased the quarter-mile Bronson Motor Speedway located 35 miles west of Gainesville. Cope has big plans for the future of the trac...
Thursday, August 23, 2001
"Safety," Is It Not Important?
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by Sharon Fancher
Safety issue's in racing has created a disturbing question, in which I've wondered about for quite some time now. Safety in racing, "Just what does that mean to a driver?" Especially after carefully listening to the Karnac staff and Craig Clarke on the Karnac Real Racin Talk Radio Show, discuss the cost of having an ambulance and emergency personnel present at the track.
Why would a driver not want an ambulance or at least some sort of emergency transporta...
Wednesday, August 22, 2001
FIELD OF DREAMS, A DECADE LATER
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By Robin Smith Meiser
My career in stock car racing officially began on December 15, 1991. It is hard to believe that it has almost been a decade since we officially opened the pit gate at Charlotte County Speedway and held the first late model race at the 3/8th mile banked oval. My first job there was as a trainee scorer, and I had no idea what that entailed or as I have said in the past I would have been the 50/50 girl instead. The word scorer had a nice ring to it but I re...
Monday, August 20, 2001
BEAUCHEMIN AND DEMPSEY LEAD WIRE-TO-WIRE FOR SARA WINS AT SOUTH ALABAMA
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By Thom Watson
OPP, AL: Leading the first lap proved to be very beneficial in the SARA Late Model Sportsman 125 and the SARA Modified 75 at the South Alabama Speedway in Opp, Alabama. Opp, known for their annual Rattlesnake Festival and South Alabama Speedway, known for the Rattler race in March of each year, is a long haul for most of the SARA regulars. Twenty late models started the race, while 15 Modifieds took the green flag.
Bobby Beauchemin, form Davie, Florida, ...
Tuesday, August 14, 2001
Auburndale is AWESOMEDALE!
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By Rick Anges and Hans Nieborg
Dash For Cash Winner Sam Cressman
When Rick Anges took the microphone Saturday Night at Auburndale Speedway and announced that KARNAC.com and East Bay Raceway were sponsoring a six lap $1100 purse with $500 to win Dash for Cash for the top six cars in points for the Street Stock class the reaction from the crowd was mixed.
Sure there were ...
Wednesday, August 8, 2001
MESSAGE BOARDS AND OTHER 'DEVICES'
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The second half of the 2001 racing season is underway and though the weather (lots of rain outs) has been a big item on everyone's mind, there are some really good things coming down the front straight and across the finish line for Florida Race Fans.
Recently several track owners got together to discuss some common issues facing stock car racing in Florida. Though KARNAC.com was instrumental in arranging the meeting we had nothing to do with the agenda or the content of the owners meetin...
Tuesday, August 7, 2001
HAMPTON TAKES MR. BUDWEISER MINI STOCK TITLE AND MONEY
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by Thom Watson
GIBSONTON, FL - Jamie Burrows was all set to take the $2,500 winners share of the Mr. Budweiser, but on lap 23, of the 25 lap Mini Stock Mr. Budweiser main, he slipped out of the low groove and that allowed William Hampton to sneak by. Hampton went by on the low side on the backstretch to take the lead. Burrows tried valiantly to get the lead back, but it wasn't to be as ...
Tuesday, August 7, 2001
FISHING AT THE OLE RACE HOLE
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By Jane Smith
Hopefully, this is pure fiction but if the rain does not slow down over Florida, IT COULD BECOME REAL.
"Hey David" shouted Jack, "want to go fishing tonight at the Orlando race pond?" "Sure", David answered. "Let me make a few calls and the more the merrier. If nothing else, we can fish competitively. I heard they are catching some big ones at that hole...
Sunday, July 29, 2001
ANDERSON TAKES DOUBLE WIN AT FLORIDA STATE LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIPS
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By Thom Watson
LAKELAND, FL: Dick Anderson had to wait an extra week, then had to endure another two hour plus rain delay, but he was able to overcome both and take the Fourth Annual Florida State Late Model Championship Sunbelt Super Late Model Series 125. Then Anderson jumped in another car and won the SARA Late Model Series 100 without being seriously challenged. Jamie Burrows led wire-to-wir...
Friday, July 27, 2001
July 26th 2001, Remember that Date
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KARNAC.com Gets Track Owners Together
By Rick Anges
KARNAC.com has come along way in just a few short years not only in racing coverage but changes on the face of Florida Stock Car Racing. We helped make safety a bigger and more paid attention to issue than it has been in the history of racing in this state. We answered when a track called and said they nee...
Wednesday, July 25, 2001
By Robin Smith Meiser
In 1970, a crazy 19 year old started his stock car career in the Figure Eight class at long gone but not forgotten Hollywood Speedway Park in Broward County. I was a mere child, only 12 and didn't know what a stock car was but several years later actually ended up going to the dragstrip next door on one occasion which was my first exposure to motors...
Wednesday, July 25, 2001
Double Header Weekend: A Great One For The Fans
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(Part One of Three Part Series) 
Despite the rainy weather both nights at East Bay Raceway this past weekend were a smashing success with fans from all over the state making the trip to South Tampa for the Friday night affair. Announcer Dave Westerman from Orlando finally got a break from the microphone to catch some of the sprint car action he loves. Fans and drivers from ...
Monday, July 23, 2001
Bronson Adds Outside Walls - Arthur Conquest Recovering
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Trust Fund In Place For Injured Driver
Bronson Motor Speedway has recently added outside retaining walls to the 1/4 banked oval located in Bronson, Florida. According to owner Dean Pruitt the plan to add the outside walls in the turns was in progress before the accident that injured driver Arthur Conquest last month.
Conquest's car left the track during a practice session ...
Friday, July 13, 2001
EXCUSES AND OTHER RAMBLINGS
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By Robin Smith Meiser
Last week I had the pleasure of going to Daytona International Speedway to see the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series race. That's old news, I told you all about it last week. If you missed it, the story is called "Don't Drive Faster Than Your Angels Can Fly". What I didn't tell you though was a great problem I had while trying to write that story.
I told you all about Dash Series drivers like Doc Brewer, Tim Nichols, Robert Huffman, Kelly Sutton, A...
Monday, July 9, 2001
By Rick Anges
Sport Allen Celebrates Sprint Victory on Budweiser Night
The light rain fell right before the evenings racing started, but with over one hundred and fifty cars in the pits and over a thousand rabid stock car fans who hadnt seen any racing for the last two weeks due mother natures moisture, Rain Out was not a word in anyones vocabulary this night. Although the U.S.C...
Saturday, July 7, 2001
NEVER DRIVE FASTER THAN YOUR ANGELS CAN FLY
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By Robin Smith Meiser
(KNS)- Last month I got an email from my racing buddy, Ken Catlette, of the Pabst Brewing Company asking if I would be interested in coming back to Daytona International Speedway for the newly added Daytona USA.com 150 NASCAR Goody's Dash series race on July 6. I jumped on the opportunity because I became a big fan of this traveling ...
Saturday, July 7, 2001
Kenny Adams In USCS Winner's Circle at Putnam County Speedway
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Satsuma, Fl. - 2000 USCS National champion, Kenny Adams from Malabar, Florida, driving his familiar Got Milk?/ Putnam County Speedway Shaw car # 2a took home the trophy and the $2500 paycheck to go with it in Friday night's 40 lap United Sprint Car Series Summer Nationals main event at Putnam County Speedway.Adams started from the pole position via his win in the 6 lap Airflow Research "P...
Monday, July 2, 2001
A Commentary By Jane Smith
There are many different views of kids in the pits but for some, growing up in the pits have made them what they are today - some of the best kids around. These kids know how to act in the pits because they were raised in the pits. This is where their love for racing was born and this is why more than likely their kids will have that same love.
There are a group of boys, now young men, that grew up together at Orlando SpeedWo...
Sunday, July 1, 2001
Sherwood Takes DeSoto Street Stocks
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by Ken Willis
Wedding bells and fireworks highlighted a damp evening of racing at DeSoto Speedway last Saturday. During the early evening the Independence Day celebration included Bradenton's Bill Newer and Lori Roach becoming joined as man and wife in front an an entourage of more than 30 well-wishers.
During a window of opportunity in the inclimate weather and racing action got under way. Four ...
Sunday, June 24, 2001
BILLY BIGLEY TAKES ARCA/REMAX MEMPHIS 150
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by Thom Watson
(KNS)MEMPHIS, TN: What does .115 of a second mean to Billy Bigley Jr.? The margin of victory after 200 laps around the .75-mile oval at Memphis Motorsports Park in the ARCA/Remax Memphis 150.
After spinning on lap 170, Bigley was able to work his way back up to the front and finally make the pass by sentimental favorite Rick Carelli, for the win on the last turn of the last l...
Wednesday, June 20, 2001
Integrity, A Fading Value
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By Jane Smith
Integrity, according to Webster's Dictionary, means "a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values." Something that everyone thinks they have but often throw away when money comes into the picture.
About two weeks ago, I was pleasantly surprised to see that this once gallant value thrown out the door for many still does exit in a few. A young man, someone I like to think of as a friend, had a great opportunity to drive in a door openin...
Monday, June 18, 2001
Sizemore Hits Exacta While Putnam Misses Rain
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by Jon Harney
Despite threatening weather, Putnam County Speedway stayed dry and ran a highly exciting night of racing. Over 150 cars jammed the pits as racers from rained-out neighboring tracks tried their hand on the 3/8-mile clay oval.
Joe Grubb took the initial lead over the 23-car Limited Late Model field. With a crowded track and many drivers making their Putnam debut, the yellow flag flew early and often. Grubb was holding his own against Marion Sizemore until he drifted h...
Thursday, June 14, 2001
by Jim King
The story of Lester Slone is far more personal and dear to my heart than you may have expected. You see, Lester is a childhood hero of mine.
In 1970 I was a 12 year-old boy sitting in the stands at Islip Speedway, rooting real hard for Lester the day he won the World Figure 8 Championship. It's a day I'll never forget! My grandparents retired and moved to Florida in 1970, and I spent my summer vacation visiting them. When I arrived, my Grandpa showed me a newspaper ad for ...
Monday, June 11, 2001
IT REALLY IS A SMALL WORLD
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By Robin Smith Meiser
Revisiting DeSoto Speedway
Almost a quarter of century ago a group of stock car fans took a drive up U.S. 41 to Bradenton. This was long before I-75 came anywhere south of Tampa and the ride took close to two hours to get where they were going. This group of fans had heard rumors of a new racetrack being built in Manatee Cou...
Sunday, June 10, 2001
Stepping Back and Stepping Forward.
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by Lori Walters
Racing is a series of give and takes. Nothing could have been more true for Gary Fultz as he pondered how to make a name for himself in racing at the beginning of the 2001 racing season.
In his third season as crew chief and secondary driver for a two-car modified team, Gary saw the writing on the wall after a race at St. Augustine Speedway. "I'll tell ya, ...
Sunday, June 3, 2001
Watching Dreams Come True
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Last night and a few weeks ago, I had the priviledge of watching two young men open the door to their futures. One is 21 years old, the other is 17. One has a extensive background in racing, the other had none really. But both are determined and both have shared one heck of a teacher in Pete Orr.
If you were around New Smyrna Speedway back in the early 90's, you will recall a ...
Sunday, June 3, 2001
Stoner Scores in American Freightways L.M. 30
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by Larry MacMillan
One hundred seventeen race cars took on Citrus County Speedway Saturday night and it was survival of the fittest in the Demo Derby. Fred Stoner won the outside pole position for the American Freightways Late Model 30 and went on to take a flag to flag win over a 22-car field. Mason Love put the pressure on Stoner from start to finish, taking a solid second in the run for the $1300 win purse. Dale Sanders started 10th and managed to come through the heavy traffic to p...
Thursday, May 31, 2001
A ROLE MODEL FOR GOOD DECISIONS
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By Robin Smith Meiser
Last week, I lost someone very important in my life in a most tragic way. I don't have a son so several of us "son-less" girlfriends kind of adopted a very special young man. His name was Daniel Miller and he was just 16 years old.
He was our only boy between at least four women who are closer than blood relatives. Between us, we have eight girl...
Thursday, May 31, 2001
B.J. McLeod Returns To Nashville and the ASA
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On October 18th ,1997 he became the youngest driver ever to qualify for a major sanctioned race. He finished 18th in the ASA race at Kinley , North Carolina out of a field of 32 cars. One month before his 14th birthday. This weekend
B.J. McLeod returns to the ASA and Nashville Speedway USA where he finished 7th in July 1999 in the 125 lap Southern All-Stars event.
McLeod will be racing for the Herzog Motorsports team in a number 22 race car inste...
Sunday, May 27, 2001
Bresnahan Takes Lake City Fla Pro Race
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by Marty Little
LAKE CITY, Fla. - Rookie Mike Bresnahan scored one for the new guys Saturday night as he led the final three laps to capture the Florida Pro Series 125 late model event at Columbia Motorsports Park.
With only a handful of laps remaining it appeared that points leader Dick Anderson would register his fourth win this season but it was not to be. Challenger Mac Johnson made contact with Anderson's mount with Johnson's No. 6 entry flipping and sliding down the front...
Tuesday, May 22, 2001
David 'Buggy' Pletcher Makes Big Move
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Florida Racer Moves Team to Heart
of NASCAR in Bid to Run in Big Leagues
by Tom LaPointe
For all the millions of people who picture themselves behind the wheel of a Winston Cup stock car, there are thousands who grab hold of that dream and drag their iron to the track on Friday or Saturday night each week. And among those small track racer...
Monday, May 21, 2001
It Was A Jason Boyd Night
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By Jane Smith
May 18 will be a night to remember not only because it was the tenth annual Dick Joslin Memorial race but because the same driver won both the Dick Joslin and Jerry Joslin Memorial 50 lap race.
Jason Boyd, driving the #15 Racecar Engineering Super Late Model car gave Eddie King definitely one night to remember. King in his black #16 Super Late took the...
Monday, May 21, 2001
TIMING IS EVERYTHING FOR BIGLEY
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By Robin Smith Meiser
They say timing is everything and no one in local stock car racing in Florida knows that better than 2000 NASCAR Gatorade All Pro Series Champion Billy Bigley, Jr. A combination of good timing and great driving ability helped get the Naples native a ride in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this year. For Bigley this break was a long time coming but we...
Sunday, May 20, 2001
Anderson Breaks, McLeod Dominates DeSoto Pro-Lates
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by Rick Anges
The Pro-Late models rolled into DeSoto Speedways high banks for a 125 laps of high powered fender to fender action and it started early in qualifying with most of the field under the 15 second barrier the track was definitely a fast one. Jeff Dufresne smacked the wall hard after loosing it on his qualifying attempt, slapping the turn one wall on the drivers side ending his bid ear...
Monday, May 14, 2001
DeSoto Speedway Puts On The "Real Deal" For Race Fans !
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By Rick Anges
(KNS)
Racing fans came from far and wide to pack the stands of DeSoto Speedway, "The South's Fastest Short Track", to watch one of the biggest draws in the state "School Bus Figure 8's". This awesome but odd spectacle draws crowds at every track they are run at. Tonite's action included a whole card of wild door-to-door sheet metal trading action as upwards of 4,0...
Monday, May 14, 2001
ANDERSON DOMINATES SUNBELT SERIES AT LAKELAND
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By Thom Watson
Dickie Anderson, in the familiar #00 took the lead on lap 15 and went on to win the Sunbelt Super Series 125 at the USA International Speedway on Saturday night. Anderson started in sixth place and moved to fourth place on the first lap, by lap 11 he was in second. After that it was a race to see who would finish second.
James Powell started second and was able to lead the fi...
Sunday, May 13, 2001
School Bus Figure Eights At DeSoto Speedway
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by Ken Willis
Jimmy Gill of Sarasota won his first ever School Bus Figure 8 race before a crowd of more than 3500 race fans at DeSoto Speedway Saturday night. "I'm ready for another 20 laps," said an elated Gill. "What a ride! This guy drove me hard. He nearly put me in the parked bus three times. It was tough. I moved back to third and then I came back up. The high line was working for me...
Monday, May 7, 2001
PERSISTENCE WINS OUT FOR WELCH
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By Robin Smith Meiser
As many of his fellow drivers already know, North Fort Myers modified mini stock driver Frank Welch is a very persistent man. The 2000 Big Wheels Mini Stock champion at Charlotte County Speedway waited four years to earn that title after being points leader for three years in a row going into the last race of season and seeing those championships g...
Sunday, May 6, 2001
CLASSIC CARS INVADE SUNSHINE SPEEDWAY ON KARNAC.COM NIGHT
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by Thom Watson
The Classic Auto Racing Series made an appearance at Sunshine Speedway on Saturday night, along with KARNAC.COM. The series put on a quite a show with lots of fender banging and more than a few spins.
Turn one seemed to be the designated spin corner as no less than four separate cars picked that corner to spin, with most of them able to remain in the race. Danny ...
Wednesday, May 2, 2001
TURNER CELEBRATES HIS BIRTHDAY EARLY
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By Robin Smith Meiser
Chris "Big Fish" Turner gave himself several early birthday presents on April 28 in the second segment of the Budweiser Open Wheel Modified Six Pack Series at Charlotte County Speedway. Turner of Naples turned 36 on April 30 and the first present he gave himself was taking the fastest qualifying time of 15.33, at CCS for the 50-lap race. After splitting a ...
Monday, April 30, 2001
Survivors of the Short Track
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By Rick Anges
East Bay Raceway has been drawing up to fifty Street Stocks a week for the past few years, so owner Stan Kolan and his crew came up with an innovative way to make sure they all got to race. It was called "Double Trouble" night.
They would run double features for double the money and double the points. Even numbers in the points ran in one feature and the odd num...
Sunday, April 29, 2001
By Dave Westerman
For several years, Orlando Speedworld was the home track of veteran racer Lee Faulk and he has many wins to his credit here. Friday night, Lee played the role of crew chief and watched as his son Michael Faulk rode to victory in the Executive Racing School SARA Late Model 100 lapper in impressive style. It looked as though Faulk would have to play second f...
Sunday, April 29, 2001
By Jane Smith
As I sit here and watch the Winston Cup race in a state that I spent thirteen years in, things have surely changed. There was no California Speedway, in fact, there were mostly dirt tracks where I lived. Some were sprint car racing but mostly good ole dirt racing.
It was the kind of tracks that you sit on a hill or you took a chair but very few blechers. I th...
Tuesday, April 24, 2001
A 'Normal' Night at East Bay Raceway
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by Hans Nieborg
Saturday night at East Bay Raceway was truly a blast. Karnac.com was invited out to the track to see what a "normal" race night is like at East Bay. I personally wanted to visit the track in light of the new weight rule recently handed down for the sprint cars and see what some of the drivers thought about it.
When we arrived at the track, we took a casual stroll thr...
Monday, April 23, 2001
By Robin Smith Meiser
The morning of April 21 was one of those days you move to Florida for, at least I think so as I am a native and have always lived here. The temperature was in the mid-60s; the sky was clear and blue. What a day to spend at the races!!! Before this day was over I would put over 450 miles on my car and cover two nationally sanctioned motorsports events....
Sunday, April 22, 2001
LAPPED TRAFFIC PROVIDES ANDERSON BREAK IN GATORADE ALL PRO SERIES
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by Thom Watson
(KNS)LAKELAND, FL: Usually when the leader is lapping traffic it’s a good thing. It means the car is fast and the driver is doing all the right things. There is one instance when lapping traffic can be a bad thing. Saturday night late in the race, Billy Bigley, Jr. found out the hard way how it can be a bad thing to get into the lapped cars. After being dogged by Wildwood’s Wayne Anderson for 40 laps, Bigley went down low in turn one and got caught b...
Wednesday, April 18, 2001
KARNAC.com Slams Door on Message Board Abuse
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By Jack Smith
Friday April 13, 2001 was perhaps, at least in some race fans' minds, an appropriate day to make changes in the policies regarding anonymous posting of messages on our message boards. The emotions expressed from race fans have run the gamut from rages about Hitler and 'free speech', to enormous praise and happiness on the other. All the Internet experts have come out of the closet and warned us about our coming demise due to our simple demand for civil behavior in the ho...
Thursday, April 12, 2001
By Robin Smith Meiser
Last night, I had a really good time with my "family". No, I don't mean my blood family, although we always have fun together too. I mean my extended race "family" which has recently gotten even bigger than it used to be.
A group of us from the Charlotte County Speedway "family" made a trek to Brade...
Thursday, April 12, 2001
Visiting Citrus County Speedway
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By Jane Smith
Last Saturday night my daughter and I had the great
pleasure of making a somewhat long trip for us to
Citrus County Speedway.
The Racecar Engineering Sunbelt Super Late Model series had their first race there and their first race away. We knew this was the home track for Ricky Carlton and Jeff Sloan but as we learned, a number of other drivers that were in th...
Tuesday, April 10, 2001
DUFRESNE AND LAWTON MOTORSPORTS, A FAMILY AFFAIR
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By Robin Smith Meiser
Very few drivers know their way around the 3/8's mile oval of Charlotte County Speedway better than Fort Myers limited late model driver, Jeff Dufresne. He has been competing there since shortly after the gates were opened over a decade ago. He started in the pure stock division in 1992 and moved up to street stocks in 1993. He took the division champi...
Tuesday, April 10, 2001
By Robin Smith Meiser
Wayne "The Rocket Man" Jefferson hails from Pinellas Park, a couple of hours north of Punta Gorda. A year ago no one at Charlotte County Speedway knew who he was. By the end of 2000 year, everyone at CCS knew who he was and he has built a fan base that takes most drivers years to attain. He was the Budweiser Open Wheel Modified Six Pack Series Champion ...
Sunday, April 8, 2001
Jefferson, Dufresne Big Winners in Charlotte County Six-Pack Races
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by Rick Anges
Due to bad weather the prior week Charlotte County Speedway had to cancel its first 50-lap Open-Wheel Modified six-pack race of the year.
But to the delight of fans they rescheduled the race for this weeks action to be run with the 100-lap Limited Late Model six-pack. 150-laps and a 12-pack of racing brought the fans to their feet all night long.
Open Wheel Modifieds <...
Wednesday, April 4, 2001
Clyde Poole: Achieving Success is the Goal
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By Nadia Drury
There are at last count, and it's changing all the time, 22 short tracks in Florida. For fans of all ages, there is something to offer everyone. Each of these tracks have different classes of cars and different car counts, but the entertainment and excitement brings local fans back week after week to cheer on their favorite drivers.
Tucked off the main road...
Thursday, March 29, 2001
DeSoto Speedway: Its About Community
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by Jack Smith
When the announcement was made late last year that DeSoto Speedway had at long last been sold, a large part of the Sarasota-Manatee racing community said 'so what'. The track had been on the market for several years and many attempted sales had fallen apart. The local racing community had become somewhat steeled to the rumor mill and short term planning for race teams became the norm. Due in part to a long period of absentee ownership, lack of communication and other prob...
Wednesday, March 28, 2001
By Chief Craig C. Clarke
One of the most dangerous conditions for a race car driver besides fire, is a stuck throttle or an engine run-away condition. In the past, the driver did not have any option but to hang on and try and stop the car by slamming on the brakes or attempting to kill the ignition.
Reaching for the power switch in a panic situation is not an easy thing t...
Tuesday, March 27, 2001
Putnam County Gets Down To Business
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Celebrates Opening Weekend
by Hans Nieborg
KARNAC.com took a stroll over to Putnam County Speedway Saturday night, March 24th to see how the new racing facility is doing.
Since this was the second night of racing at Putnam, the KARNAC.com message boards were already alive with some observations and insights of the previous night's activities and as such, we were on ...
Sunday, March 25, 2001
GARVEY OUTLASTS MILLER IN ASA FLORIDA 200
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by Thom Watson
LAKELAND, FL - Mike Garvey outlasted pole sitter, Butch Miller, to take the ASA Florida 200 at USA International Speedway in Lakeland Saturday night. Garvey took the lead on lap 167 when leader Gary St. Amant and Kevin Cywinski tangled in turn one. Butch Miller stayed on Garvey's tail for the remaining laps, but could not pull out the victory.
The first two starters, Garvey ...
Friday, March 23, 2001
Ricky Carlton: A Man On A Mission
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by Nadia Drury
Opening the 2001 season as SpeedFest Champion at US International Raceway in Lakeland and finishing last year as the 2000 Florida Pro Series Champion are credits belonging to only one driver. When you consider that driver is only beginning his fourth full season and didn't enter a car until the age of 27,...
Friday, March 23, 2001
Gatornationals At Gainesville
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SPREADING MY WINGS
by Robin Smith Meiser
Like most "Roundy Rounds" (AKA oval track stock car racing) fans, I have always been a bit disdainful of drag racing. I am joined in this prejudice by many stock car racing fans. It's kind of like a Gators versus the Seminoles thing; if you like one you usually don't like the other, or so I thought until St. Pat...
Sunday, March 18, 2001
Opening Nights for Orlando Speedworld and New Smyrna Speedway
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by Jane Smith
Even the dark clouds in the sky around Orlando Speedworld could not stop the fans from returning to the short track in Central Florida. New drivers came with much anticipation of that "first" race rush and old drivers came to win if they could.
The new Pro Modified Series took to the track with twenty of the fastest open-wheel modifieds around. One very nice surprise was the #1B Modified driven by Andy Safiotti that used to be #74 Barry Willoughby. It has been ...
Tuesday, March 13, 2001
Racing In a Straight Line
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LOCAL DRAG RACING CREW AND KARNAC HEADS FOR THE GATORNATIONALS
By Robin Smith Meiser
Race engine builder Dan Miller loves racing, be it the oval track or the drag strip. At one time, he was the tech man at Charlotte County Speedway and had a reputation for being tough but fair. If you were running an illegal car, he disqualified you and that was the end of the story. 
Mill...
Tuesday, March 13, 2001
Bronson Motor Speedway is located 3 miles east of the one lonely stop light in Bronson, Florida. Bronson is one of those rural areas city folk like to call quaint. Maybe, but it's not how anyone would describe the competition at the Levy County stock car track.
No, there weren't a hundred and fifty cars there. Matter of fact, all four classes Saturday night sported a total of thirty or so racers strapping in. But, nearly a thousand race fans apparently enjoyed themselves, and they made i...
Sunday, March 11, 2001
Florida Pro Series Heats Up
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Anderson Takes Second Win in a Row
by Jane Smith
Rain washed out practice on Friday night for Columbia Motorsports Park and the Florida Pro racers. But, sun greeted them the next day. But it was blankets, lots of hot chocolate and gloves that greeted the fans of this Super Late Model series last night.
Jonny Kay set fast time with a 16.941 with Jam...
Wednesday, March 7, 2001
From Relic To Restoration
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Putnam County Speedway Is Back With A Vengeance
[Editors Note: Due to inclement weather PCS will not
debut as planned. The starting dates will now be March 23 - 24.]
by Jon Harney
While most tracks sat dormant over the winter recess, Putnam County Speedway has been abuzz with activity as the track is undergoing a thorough, first-class renovation.
The 42-year-old facility has a long and storied racing history, but fell into obscurity and disrepa...
Wednesday, March 7, 2001
SWAMP BUGGIES HIT MILE O' MUD
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By Robin Smith Meiser
I have lived in South Florida all of my life. When I was a small child, my grandfather took me on a trip to Naples for the first time. I remember we slept in the back of his station wagon in a parking lot on Radio Road. We were there for a relatively new event called swamp buggy racing. I didn't even know what a swamp buggy was.
I found out that Sunday morning...
Monday, March 5, 2001
SARA Late Models Roar into Sunshine "Action" Speedway
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By Rick Anges
Sunshine Speedway opened its 2001 season with a "Bang" as the SARA Late Model show came to town.
Before the SARA feature got underway, the Sunshine family got together for a tribute to fallen NASCAR champ, Dale Earnhardt. Drivers, crews and fans formed a 3 in the infield. As the lights dimmed, everyone was holding a candle illuminating the 3 while "Amazing Grace" was sung ove...
Monday, March 5, 2001
Bobby Beauchemin Wins SARA Opener at Sunshine
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by Jane Smith
Bobby Beauchemin was the 2000 SARA Late Model Sportsmen Champion, in 2001, he is the winner of the first race of the season. Thirty Late Models came to a very warm, windy Sunshine Speedway to try their hand at winning the first race of the year.
Scott Hawkins, the SARA announcer, said that out of the thirty cars there, twenty eight woul...
Sunday, March 4, 2001
SUNSHINE"ACTION" SPEEDWAY AND SARA LATE MODEL SERIES OPEN 2001 SEASON IN STYLE
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by Thom Watson
PINELLAS PARK, FL - Sunshine Action Speedway was ready for the 2001 points season to get underway. The stands were full as the racing action got underway with a full night of events. The main event of the evening was the Southern Automobile Racing Association season opening 100 lap feature. As good as that race was, the old saying "save the best for last" was definitely the theme of the night as the Q Auto & Injury Attorneys Figure 8 feature race was a race full of near ...
Tuesday, February 27, 2001
BITTERSWEET START TO SEASON AT CHARLOTTE COUNTY SPEEDWAY
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by Robin Smith Meiser
February 24 marked the beginning of a new season at Charlotte County Speedway. Race fans packed the stands on a beautiful Saturday evening with the flag flying at half mast for fallen race hero Dale Earnhardt, Sr. It was a bittersweet night for most of the drivers who were glad to be racing again but had sorrow in their hearts for more than one reason.
Thirty Lee's Auto Repair Road Warriors were ready to race so two qualifying races were held with 15 cars...
Monday, February 26, 2001
A New Era in Fire Protection
By Chief Craig C. Clarke
Yes, you can be equipped with one of the hottest products (sorry for the pun) available in the battle of fire protection. I am excited to talk about a new product, FIRE ADE 2000, the ultimate fire quencher. This product comes to you from the original inventor of a similar product back in 1986, Ron Thames. In side by side ...
Monday, February 26, 2001
HUNDREDS GATHER FOR EARNHARDT TRIBUTE
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By Robin Smith Meiser
The Southwest Florida stock car racing "family" came together on February 25 to pay tribute to arguably the best race driver of all time, Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Local short track driver, Randy Fox; his wife, Scarlet; and business partners Clayton and Linda Olding played host to crowd of several hundred race fans at the Tra-lin Motorsports shop on Construction Lane.
Earn...
Sunday, February 25, 2001
Florida Pro Series "Icebreaker" Win Goes To Anderson
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by Rick Anges
The who's who of Florida Late Model racing showed up for the Icebreaker 125 at Desoto Speedway for the opening round of the Florida Pro Series. Names like Orr, Bigley, Anderson, Carlton and Pletcher were there to make a bid at the opening race of the FPS on the high banks.
The day started out rough for the defending champion Ricky Carlton who broke a rear end in practic...
Wednesday, February 21, 2001
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA TO PAY TRIBUTE TO EARNHARDT
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By Robin Smith Meiser
All over America millions are mourning the death of the greatest stock car driver of all time, Dale Earnhardt, Sr., who was killed in a last lap crash during the February 18 Daytona 500.
Earlier this week in Tampa, it was estimated over 3000 people attended an Earnhardt Tribute at the foot of the Gandy Bridge in Tampa. Southwest Florida will get its opportunity to bid farewell to its fallen hero on Sunday, February 25.
Earnhardt fans are asked...
Monday, February 19, 2001
Tampa Bay Fans Bid Goodbye To Earnhardt With Candlelight Vigil
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By Hans Nieborg
Tampa, FL(KNS) - The message was broadcast far and wide throughout Tampa Bay today about an opportunity to pay homage to fallen Nascar driver, Dale Earnhardt, with a candlelight vigil.
The event was held this evening, February 19, 2001 near the Gandy Causeway boat ramp.
Although the affair was scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM...
Sunday, February 18, 2001
by Robin Smith Meiser
It can't be true, it just can't! But it is, the man who we all thought was invincible is gone. As Michael Waltrip was praising the Earnhardt family for their support of him after winning the Daytona 500, doctors at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona were pronouncing Dale Earnhardt, Sr. dead from head trauma he suffered in a last lap wreck during the February 18 race.
The one word that we have all heard in the dark hours since The Iron Man's death is "irony...
Sunday, February 18, 2001
Dale Earnhardt 1951-2001
The racing community is still in shock at the passing of the "Intimidator" Dale Earnhardt. Earnhardt was tragically killed on the last lap of NASCAR's Super Bowl the Daytona 500. Earnhardt was trying to hold off Sterling Marlin and was attempting to go low when he got tangled up with Kenny Schrader and went head on into the wall. Unofficial reports say "massive chest injuries" were the cause of death.
The untimely passing of "the Man in...
Sunday, February 18, 2001
Silver Anniversary is Gold for Race Fans at EastBay
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By Rick Anges
February rolls around and the race crowd is already in withdrawal from the months without the sounds and smells of the thing they love most; racing! This month is probably one of the most intense in racing around the state of Florida.
Tracks all over the state are firing up, getting ready for the upc...
Thursday, February 15, 2001
The Winged Late Model and The Fendered Sprint
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East Bay WinterNationals
By Bill Green
I have to go back a ways to give you some understanding as to what we are about to talk about. See a 'Run What Ya Brung' Race is just that; anything goes. Anything, as long as it fits two basic rules. Rule one; it must be able to start and drive under it's own power. Rule two; it must be a FENDERED vehicle. Now there are some other safety...
Sunday, February 11, 2001
UDTRA Late Models End Week Of East Bay Winternationals
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By Rick Anges
Six days of Late Model racing culminated Saturday night at East Bay Raceway with some action packed racing to a capacity crowd as the fans were treated to the UDTRA (former Hav-A-Tampa) show. After five days of all out racing these guys were still loaded for bear as number 30 Steve Shaver came out with a blistering qualifying run at 14.571 seconds to be the top dog for the night. Several ca...
Sunday, February 11, 2001
A TRIP BACK TO A BETTER TIME
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By Robin Smith Meiser
A four-wheeled Old Milwaukee Beer can and a purple Racing Bug with four arms, waving a checkered flag drew race fans to Pep Boys Auto Parts Store on International Speedway Drive in Daytona Beach, on February 9. Inside the store, long tables were set up with chairs behind them. Sitting in those chairs were the rising stars of Goody's Dash Series, one of NASCAR's growing touring ser...
Saturday, February 10, 2001
35th World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing
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By Jane Smith
Day one could have not been more perfect for the fans of short track racing at new Smyrna Speedway. Every where you looked were smiling faces and hard working crews. Drivers from Busch North, Re/Max Challenge, Florida Pro and Florida Sunbelt, ASA, and even Busch Grand National were in the pits. And, of course, the alltime favorite Featherlite Modifieds and S/K Mods were on hand. This division alone is worth the entrance fee for the night.
Jr. Hanley took ...
Friday, February 9, 2001
By Jane Smith
On Saturday, February 17, the first race of the 2001 season for the American Speed Association will be held at Florida Speed Park in St. Augustine. This year every ASA race will be live on TNN and this will definitely help build the series and introduce to racing fans the racers of the ASA.
Gary St. Amant, the 2000 champion, was also the 2000 Snowball Derby Super Late Model winner so some Florida fans already know this driver. Mike Garvey is also a ASA rac...
Tuesday, February 6, 2001
IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?
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By Robin Smith Meiser
Saturday, February 10 marks the official start to Speed Weeks 2001 at Daytona International Speedway. The traditional opener to the historic week for the 23rd year will be the Goody's Dash Discount Auto Parts 200. The series had its start in 1975 in North Wilkesboro North Carolina.
These compact versions of Winston Cup cars run 168 cubic inch, 134:1 compression four-cyclinder or 268 cubic...
Monday, February 5, 2001
NO ONE TAKES HOME THE BIG MONEY AT USA
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by Robin Meiser
Sunday, February 4 dawned dark and dreary like the day before at USA International Speedway in Lakeland. Before the day was over it would be even darker for Florida late model racing legend Dickie Anderson (Wildwood) and up-and coming racer Jason Boyd (Orlando).
Qualifying was scrapped for the Super Late Models due to the inclement weather. Randy "Hondo" Fox (Lehigh Acres) sat on the pole with Lake Monroe's Mike Good sitting alongside. As the field of 26 cars ...
Sunday, February 4, 2001
Shepard Thrills His Way To "KING" Of The 360s
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by Rick Anges
Night three turned into day three as the "King" of the 360 Sprint's at the 25th annual Winternationals at EastBay Raceway was called off by mother nature Saturday night and the final day was run on Sunday.
Jeff Shepard - 2001 'King' of the 360's Over 74 cars had signed in on the first night of action that was taken by 88h of Lance Dewease. Night two saw local favorite Kenny Adams...
Sunday, February 4, 2001
by Robin Meiser
You have to give it to USA International Speedway in Lakeland, they do everything within their power to put on a race. The State of Florida is under drought conditions and Central Florida finally gets a full day of rain on February 3. Great, right? Except for the drivers, teams, fans, officials and management who were trying to put on the first Springfest 2001 at the three quarter mile oval track.
With the first two days of racing under the Super Late Models, ...
Saturday, February 3, 2001
Kenny Adams Tops in Day Two At East Bay
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TAMPA, FL - The temperature dropped 15 degrees after an afternoon rain and cold front moved over East Bay Raceway during the afternoon free barbeque for drivers, owners, crews and families.
But the racing action couldn't have been hotter on the second preliminary night of the three-day 3rd Annual $64,000 King of 360's as a "Florida Boy," Kenny Adams won the $l,500 first place prize, plus the $500 ...
Friday, February 2, 2001
Day One - East Bay Raceway WinterNationals
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By Bill Green
Amazing! 
That's all there is to say about the Opening Day of the "King of the 360s WinterNationals." Seventy-three of the nations fastest and most talented drivers were on hand for what would be an amazing night of open wheeled action.
Qualifying set the pace for the evening when the old track record of 13.070 seconds, was eclipsed by 13 d...
Thursday, February 1, 2001
by Bill Green
As I arrived at East Bay Raceway to visit with the 360 drivers gathering for the 25TH Anniversary WINTERNATIONALS, I was surprised to see over 70 motorhomes in the parking area. This may not be the best way to judge an event, but motorhomes bring people, and people make these big shows exciting.
The track itself was a sight to behold. New paint, new concrete, and subtle change...
Tuesday, January 23, 2001
HAIL TO THE WEEKEND WARRIORS
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Robin Smith Meiser
I have spent most of the past decade as a Weekend Warrior at Charlotte County Speedway. My definition of a Weekend Warrior is a person who works another job during the week and then spends their Saturdays at a local short track as an official, public relations person, 50/50 person, concession help, or any of the myriad of jobs it takes to put on a race show.
Being a Weekend Warrior is mostly a...
Monday, January 22, 2001
Hialeah Speedway Heats Up South Florida
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Although the weather was bleak and chilling, it didn't stop the South Florida racing fans from coming out for the first 2001 night of action at Hialeah Speedway. Traffic was backed up on the Palmetto Expressway as they slowly made their way into the historic stock car facility.
They huddled under blankets and whatever they could find to keep themselves warm from the harsh conditions, but they came to see a sho...
Sunday, January 14, 2001
'Race For Kids Sake' Huge Success
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Last night at New Smyrna Speedway with packed pits and packed grandstands, the night air was filled with pure excitement. Track personnel all gave their time to the Second Annual Race for Kids Sake for Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Volusia County.
Everyone except Ward Burton, who had a crash during testing yesterday at Daytona and was in the hospital, made it to the event plus Benny Parsons joined the group which was a really nice surprise. Kyle Petty, John Andretti, Buckshot Jon...
Saturday, January 13, 2001
East Bay Celebrates 25th Anniversary
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East Bay Raceway is preparing to kick off it's Silver Anniversary Celebration for it's Winternationls 2001. This 25th year of dirt racing at the Gibsonton, Florida dirt speedway begins on February 1st with the 360 Sprints and ends on February 17 with All Star Sprints. In between is packaged some spectacular Late Model and Modified dirt racing with incredible purses. The events a...
Tuesday, January 9, 2001
Salute to Racing 2001 A Big Success
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The Annual Salute to Racing show was held at the Sarasota Fairgrounds this weekend with over 10,000 motorsports fans in attendance. 
Saturday's big attraction was Cale Yarborough and Sunday featured the auction to benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital. DeSoto Speedway, Charlotte County Speedway, East Bay Raceway, Daytona Antique Auto Racing Association, Racing For K...
Monday, January 8, 2001
Rogers Captures RedEye 100
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Bitter cold did not stop the running of the Red Eye 100, the first race of the new year, for fans at New Smyrna Speedway Saturday night. The temperature dropped a little more than expected leaving the fans to drink gallons of hot chocolate and hot coffee. Gloves, heavy coats, blankets, and ear muffs were worn by the majority of fans and drivers with propane heaters glowing in the pits.
Twenty three cars qualified for the Red Eye with Travis Kittleson in the #88 Bob Steele Chevrol...
Friday, January 5, 2001
Salute to Racing 2001 kicks off a big weekend at the Sarasota Fairgounds Saturday at 10 AM with the biggest show yet with over 15,000 race fans expected to visit the fairgrounds for this year's show. A huge Sports & Racing Memorabilia Auction benefiting the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will be one of the many highlights of the two day affair.
NASCAR simulator rides, Monster Tru...
Friday, January 5, 2001
A Cold Eve of Destruction
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There are few words I can think of to describe the Eve of Destruction. The one that immediately comes to mind is COLD! Call me crazy, but I thought Florida was all about palms trees, sandy beaches and warm evening breezes. When we got to the track, the mercury had dropped to a low 30-ish degrees and I could barely hear the roar of the cars on the track over the chattering of my tee...
Thursday, January 4, 2001
New Year's Eve of Destruction
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Punta Gorda, FL - The annual New Year's Eve of Destruction and Hangover Enduro 250 takes place at Charlotte County Speedway on December 31 and January 1. This family alternative to the usual New Year's reverie is a tradition with local race fans.
The New Year's Eve of Destruction takes place on December 31. Special racing events include a 50-lap Women's Enduro; a Men's/Women's Switch-off Enduro; 20-lap Reverse Race; 4-Car Elimination Drags and Fan Participation Oval Drags. A 10-lap...
Wednesday, January 3, 2001
Florida Driver of the Year 2000
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In a year that saw lots of exciting new talent emerge onto the Florida racing scene, particularly in the late model wars, and veterans such as Ricky Carlton, James Powell III, Jimmy Cope and Mike Franklin Jr. each having excellent seasons, an old timer stood out as the Florida Stock Car Racing Driver of the Year.
Dick Anderson, known around the state by v...
