Amid Renovations Charlotte Prepares For A Wild New Year's Eve
PUNTA GORDA, Fla. -- Charlotte County Speedway will continue its tradition of ringing in the new year with stock car racing, as programs are scheduled for both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Pits are being moved out of the infield and the inside walls are being removed
The big race on New Year’s Day will be the Hangover Enduro 250, which will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
The night before, Tuesday, Dec. 31, will be the Eve of Destruction. This will entail seven races that are out of the ordinary. Activities will include a 50-lap men’s/women’s switch-off enduro, a one-hour women’s enduro, a blindfold race, Paul Revere’s midnight ride, 4-car eliminator drags, reverse race and train race. Points will be awarded for each race with a $1,000 bonus for the overall winner. There will also be a best-looking car contest and fireworks show at midnight.
Tuesday’s races will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for children ages 6-11.
On Wednesday, the Hangover Enduro 250 will begin at 2 p.m. This race will pay $2,000 to win and $1,000 for second through 10th places. There will be no yellow flags during this mad dash to the checkered. Cars are strictly stock with safety modifications only. Admission to the Hangover Enduro 250 is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for children ages 6-11.
Charlotte County Speedway is located off Exit 161 (formerly 28) of I-75 on Piper Road in the Airport Industrial Park.
Charlotte County Speedway will honor its 2002 season points champions with its drivers award banquet on Saturday night, Jan. 4, at the Italian-American Club on Airport Road in Punta Gorda. The banquet will begin at 5 p.m. and run up to midnight. There will be a buffet dinner and music and dancing after the awards are handed out.
Total payout to points winners for the last half of the racing season will be $20,000.00, according to track operator LeRoy Davidson.
Tickets, $30 apiece, can be reserved by calling the speedway office at 575-7223.
The top 10 drivers in each of the eight car divisions will receive cash bonuses for their work on the Punta Gorda 3/8-mile paved oval.
The 2002 champions include Randy Fox (limited late model), Chris Turner (open wheel modified), Scott Kleiber (sportsman), Terry Price (street stock), Scott McDaniel (pure stock), Dale Dean III (mini stock), Clete Trimmer (road warrior) and Cheryl Weaver (thunder trucks).
Charlotte County Speedway is currently undergoing some much needed renovations, with the backstraight and corner walls already removed. The pits are being moved out of the infield to accomodate figure eight's and other activities while increasing the fan's visibility.
