| Sunbelt Super Late Models, Goodyear Challenge Late Models and Florida Mini Stock Challenge take on USA International this Saturday, April 30th | by Jane Smith
Samsula, Fla. (April 25, 2005) Are you ready for the best Super Late and Late Model racing around?
Well, if you love Super Lates and Late Models and Mini Stocks you are in for a treat this weekend as the Sunbelt Super Late Models, Goodyear Challenge Late Models and Florida Mini Stock Challenge take on the "Daytona International" of the Florida boys at USA International in Lakeland.
Leading the way for the Goodyear Challenge Late Model points is Sam Watts. Watts, who came out of the RE/MAX Legends at Orlando SpeedWorld, has been racing Late Models since 2004. Watts has improved with each race and is very excited about his first trip to USA.
"I really want to do good and I will definitely be there for the Friday practice," said Watts.
Tied in points with Watts is the 2004 Rookie of the Year Bill Ostriker. Ostriker has proven that he can definitely handle a Late Model and has faired well in the past at USA.
Only three points behind Watts and Ostriker is A.J. Curreli who is having a very good year so far after having a bad year in 2005. Curreli is being chased by fourth place Joe Winchell who is only two points behind Curreli at 158. But Jerry Artuso is making sure that Curreli, Watts, Winchell and Ostriker know that he has there as he stands fifth in points and only 5 points behind Curreli.
Artuso was the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Late Model and Open Wheel Modified Champion this year and is always a very strong competitor in his Late Model.
Completing the top ten in points are Chuck Burkhalter, Charles Kopach, Greg Kaouk, Frank Welch and Jason Boyd. But it looks like Boyd is out of the running this year for the Goodyear as he has taken a ride in the Sunbelt Super Late Models.
Other Late Models expected at USA are Rich Clouser, Amanda Gogel, Tate Pierce, Craig Brown, Larry Osteen, Mike Murphy, Travis Cope, Brad May, Steve Smith just to name a few.
Wayne Anderson leads the Sunbelt Super Late Models in points but Rookie of the Year contender Jeff Choquette has been right on Anderson's tail most of the year.
Choquette is a 17 year old dirt Late Model driver who has proven that he can race asphalt as well as dirt. Watch these two at USA to put on a very good show. Choquette is second in points, only 33 points behind Anderson.
Daniel Webster, another Rookie, stands third in points with 228 but Rich Pratt is not giving Webster much room for mistakes as he stands fourth and only 4 points behind Webster. Jason Boyd, another Rookie, stands fifth in points and is only 12 points behind Pratt. This will be Boyd's first time at USA in a Super Late Model.
Completing the top ten in points for the Sunbelt are Scotty Crockett with 196, Fain Skinner with 188, Brock Oglesby with 165, Ryan Foster with 163, and Keith Zavrel with 159 points.
Other Super Late Model drivers expected are Justin Drawdy, Travis Kittleson, B.J. McLeod, Jeff Scofield, Patrick Conrad, Chris Fontaine, Michael Williams, Brian Finney and many more.
The schedule for USA International this weekend is:
Friday, April 29
4:00 p.m. Pit Gates Open
6:00 p.m. Front Gate Opens
Practice Begins
9:30 p.m. Practice Ends
10:00 p.m. Track Closes
Saturday, April 30
8:00 a.m. Registration and Pit Sign-In
8:30 a.m. Pit Gates Open - Hauler Parking
12:00 Noon Grandstand Gates Open
Practice Begins by Division
2:30 p.m. Practice Ends
3:00 p.m. Qualifying - FASCAR Super Late
Models
Goodyear Challenge Late Models
Florida Mini Stock Challenge
6:00 p.m. Autograph Session on Track
7:00 p.m. Pre-race Ceremonies
7:30 p.m. FASCAR Sunbelt Super Late Model Series MARK III Conversions 125 Series Mark III Conversions 125
To Follow FASCAR Goodyear Challenge Late
Model 100
Florida Mini Stock Challenge
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