Ocala Speedway Ends Asphalt Era; Returns To Dirt Roots
By Jack Smith
"The big question is, what will be the direction for Ocala Speedway next year?"
That was the question Ocala Speedway owner Mike Peters posed to his drivers Friday night. And then he answered, "We have made a final decision, we have given it much consideration, nearly a years worth. A lot of homework, a lot of time and a lot of preparation. Next year Ocala Speedway will be a dirt track."
There was clapping of approval, but it appeared that a large number of the assembled Ocala Speedway drivers were slightly stunned that it had actually happened.
Peters' partner in the Ocala Speedway adventure, Angie Clifton, announced the changes for 2008 to the fans in the grandstands at intermission. In a prepared statement she thanked the fans for their support of the track and then, "There seems to be a little bit of a mystery out there as to whether Ocala will be dirt, or asphalt next year. After much consideration Michael and I have decided Ocala Speedway, the oldest track in Florida, will return back to its roots. Join us and our staff for the 2008 racing season on dirt."
Drivers we spoke to afterwards were for the most part supportive of the decision, especially the younger drivers. Fourteen year old Guy Bacelo Jr., 2007 Champion in the V-8 Thunderstocks, along with his friend Brian Brogan (#63 Thunderstock) expressed excitement about the move to dirt. Though Bacelo has never raced on dirt, he felt it would be a challenge.
Donnie Buckner, winner of the feature and second in points, along with his crew chief Greg Pohler both looked forward to the dirt adventure. Buckner, who missed a couple of races early in the year, took home the satisfaction of winning the last race of the year in Thunderstocks.
The 4 Cylinder Stock raced their feature with 17 cars, several new drivers came from across the state to show their support for the pending decision of the speedway's transition to dirt.
The young lady who won that race, Melissa Hunley in her first feature win, said that she had "raced 8 years on dirt in go-karts in North Carolina and Georgia and I just love it."
Of course not all of the drivers are happy with the move to dirt. Several veteran drivers expressed displeasure, having never raced dirt, and not sure about the new rules and other issues. One driver said, "When will we know about the rules."
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We asked Mike Peters about the new rules and he said they would be ready around the time of the banquet, December 12. We asked Mike if he was relived after finally making the decision to go ahead with the dirt plans. "I am absolutely very excited and looking forward to next year's racing season", he said.
We spoke with many fans about the decision and all that we talked with thought it would improve the racing. One fan, who lives a 100 miles away on the East Coast, comes to Ocala a dozen times a year, applauded the decision, "dirt racing is very exciting, I like it".
The only negative we heard form fans was that fact that the TBARA won't be able to race on the new dirt. Local racer ben Fritz thrilled the crowd with his first ever win in the TBARA Winged Sprints.
Announcer BJ Cavin interviews Ben Fritz, Wild Child, the TBARA Flagman is standing by.
What was the main, number one, over riding reason Peters and Clifton decided to take the track in a new direction? Peters responded simply, "the show."
Mike concluded, "We are looking to evolve here at Ocala Speedway and get back to basics, get back to it's roots."
Mike Peters will be a guest on Real Racin' USA's Monday night "Inside Florida Racing" Internet broadcast this week and fans will be able to ask questions ahead of time by using the Fan Forum at www.realracinusa.com/forums. The show airs 7-9 PM and may run until 10 PM this week.
Drivers we spoke to afterwards were for the most part supportive of the decision, especially the younger drivers. Fourteen year old Guy Bacelo Jr., 2007 Champion in the V-8 Thunderstocks, along with his friend Brian Brogan (#63 Thunderstock) expressed excitement about the move to dirt. Though Bacelo has never raced on dirt, he felt it would be a challenge.
