July 30, 2004 USA Gets Ready for Florida State Late Model Championship Race on August 7th by Jane Smith Samsula, Fla. (July 28, 2004) As I prepare for my daughter's wedding next Saturday, Super Late Models, Pro Modifieds and FASTRUCKIS will be doing some last minute tuning and testing on their cars as the Sixth Annual Florida State Late Model Championship presented by WPCV 97 Country gets ready for racing action on Friday and Saturday, August 6 and 7 . On August 6, USA International will get ready for Saturday's big event with practice for all divisions and qualifying for the FASTRUCK Series race. After FASTRUCKS finish their qualifying, a one hour practice session will run until 9 p.m. Jimmy Cope, Dick Anderson, Jacob Warren all have a Florida State Late Model Champion ring designed by Midas Jewelers. "This annual event has gone over well with the drivers and the ring that Midas Jewelers has designed is one of a kind, something to be treasured by anyone," said Billy Martino, President of USA International Speedway. "The drivers seem to be very happy with the extra 75 laps added to this race and pit stops keep getting better and better each year. I think the guys must practice some like the NASCAR teams do to prepare for a race." Martino added with a twinkle in his eye. There will be an on the track autograph session at 6:15 where fans can get up close and personal with the drivers, get their autographs and photos made with their favorite driver or drivers. Wayne Anderson of Wildwood leads the points for the Sunbelt Super Late Model Series but only holds a 44 points lead over Fain Skinner of Live Oaks. Skinner, who was the 2003 Rookie of the Year in the Sunbelt Super Late Model Series, has done an excellent job this year and at one point, had the points lead. May 1st saw Scotty Crockett of Land O'Lake on the pole for the 125 lap feature at USA but on lap 14, Crockett was involved in a caution and had to rejoin the field in the rear. Crockett comes into Saturday's night race third in points and only 11 points behind Skinner. Rounding out the top ten in points for the Sunbelt Super Late Models is Jonny Kay of Deerfield Beach, Dick Anderson of Wildwoood, Daniel Keene Jr. of Weekiwachee, Mike Bresnahan of Inverness, Barry Willoughby of Port St. Lucie, Jay Middleton of Lake City and Michael Williams of Mims. Jay Middleton will be absent on Saturday as he will be at Indianapolis Raceway Park for the ASA Series. Just as the Pro Mods were getting ready to come out for their 50 lap event on May 1, the bottom dropped out and all hope was gone for their race. Setting fast time for the event that night was Dwayne Dempsey of St. Pete with a 21.335. But after the pill draw, it was J.F. McClelland of Starke on the pole. But at last, no one saw any action but huge drops of water falling on their windshields. Twenty six of Florida's finest Modifieds came for the May 1 race, expect to see that many again. Leading the points in the Penske Racing Shocks United Pro Modifieds is Kevin Durden of Archer. Durden has a few wins under his belt and stands at 480 points but not far behind Durden is Lee Collins of Felda who has had one heck of a 2004. Collins stands only 46 points behind Durden and could make that up easily with double points at Lakeland. Alan McCafferty of Clermont comes in third followed by John Gerstner of Tampa and J. F. McClelland of Starke. Wayne Jefferson of St. Pete, Alan Bruns of Clermont, Jerry Symons of New Smyrna, Kevyn Terry of Citra and Jeremy Gerstner of Tampa complete the top ten. Tommy King leads the points in the FASTRUCK Series. But not far behind King is Tim Shaffner hot on his heels. James Wright III stands third followed by Sean Bass and George Morales. Jimmy Gill comes home in sixth with 589 points but only 7 points behind Gill is Jeff Firestine. Young David Pollen Jr. stands seventh followed by Brandon Anderson in eighth. Marty Zehr and Dustin Skinner are tied in tenth. The FASTRUCKS will go for 50 laps on Saturday. Grandstands will open at noon on Saturday, August 7 with practice for all divisions from 1 to 3 p.m. Qualifying for the Sunbelt Super Late Models and Penske Racing Shocks United Pro Modifieds will begin at 4 p.m. Racing starts at 7:30 p.m. Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! <news@karnac.org>or send a letter to the editor!