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2001
NEWS ARCHIVE
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| Florida Mini Stock Challenge - The Fastest Growing Series Around | by Jane Smith
When Todd and Debbie Hutto began the Florida Mini Stock
Challenge Series in 2001, no one knew it would grow so
fast.
At the end of the 2001 season, 13 members belonged
to the series. At the present time today, with two races
in the books and seven more to go, 44 members have put
their names on the member list.
In 2001, at the first race at Orlando SpeedWorld, 19 of
the best Mini Stockers in the state came to try their
luck. In 2002, the first race of the season at New Smyrna
Speedway drew 38 racers; the second race at Orlando
SpeedWorld drew 42.
What makes this series so popular??
Wayne Hidderbrand, Mini Stock Champion from Thunder-
cross, is a dirt mini stocker. But in race two of
the Florida Mini Stock Challenge, Hidderbrand was
in the pits for an asphalt race. "Why" I asked
him "did you come to this race?" "Because we
have heard about this series and it is the ONLY
series for all of us mini stockers" replied
Hidderbrand.
Eddie Lowery, from Hialeah Speedway, also had a friend
that was a dirt mini stocker but Lowery thought so much
of this series that he convinced his friend to build an
asphalt car just to run this series. Althought his
friend did not make the main race that night, I am sure
he will be back again.
When Super Late Model fans try and decide which big race
to go to this weekend May 25th, the "Powell Memorial
125" at Citrus County Speedway or the All American
Challenge Series at DeSoto Speedway, mini stock drivers,
crews, and fans will flock to New Smyrna Speedway for
the third race of the Florida Mini Stock Challenge
Series.
"Todd and Debbie Hutto have done a fabulous job with
this series," said Donna McPhail, wife of the #7 Mini
Stock driver Tim "Missileman" McPhail. Donna's senti-
ments seem to be the standard feeling that all the
competitors have in this year's FMSC series. There
seem to be no complaints on fairness, teching, or
costs.
Frank Welch, driver of the famous "mini" truck from
Charlotte County Speedway, was the 2001 FMSC Series
Champion. It was said last year that Welch was the
"Dick Anderson" of the Mini Stocks. If he was there,
chances were that he would dominate. Welch, even
though he has a new Late Model this year, is back
in the challenge and defending his 2001 Championship.
Although he is ninth in points after two races, you
will definitely see him in Victory Circle during
the 2002 season.
Matt Watts and Rick Sirmans have each won one race
but it is Watts's teammate Corbin Gibbs who leads
the points going into race three. Following Gibbs
is Matt Watts, Robbie Storer, Wes Pyburn, Rick
Sirmans, Jeff Davis, Joey Catarelli, Eddie Lowery,
Frank Welch, and Richie Acres representing DeSoto
Speedway, Charlotte County Speedway, Orlando Speed-
World, Hialeah Speedway and Auburndale Speedway and
that is just the top ten in points.
David Castello, driver of the USl Muffler #l Mini
Stock, is one of the drivers who can't wait until
September when the FMSC joins the Sunbelt Super Late
Model Series and the Goodyear Late Model Series for
Sebring and it's famous road course. "I have always
wanted to drive a road course and this year I get
the opportunity," said Castello. "Personally I think
it will be alot of fun and I hope we have a big
turnout that weekend".
Todd Hutto likes to call the series "more fun per dollar
series." "Debbie and I like to have fun and we want the
racers to have as much fun as we are having." And by
the way this series is growing, I do believe that Todd
and Debbie have a good thing going.
The schedule for the Mini Stock Challenge includes races at
New Smyrna Speedway on May 25, 2002, and Orlando Speedworld on June 14.
For more on the series check out their website at http://fmscracing.com.
Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board!
<news@karnac.org>or send a letter to the editor!
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