IT'S TIME TO RACE!!

February 5, 2008 Orlando Speedworld 2008 Winternationals Begin by Dave Westerman All systems are go at Orlando Speedworld as the 2008 version of the Winternationals kicks off with three nights of racing this week. The opening series will consist of a variety of classes and will include, for the first time, the popular Outlaw Four Cylinder Modifieds. The group, led by 2007 Champion Doug Hopper of New Port Richey, FL, will be running non-points events and may be joined by a similar group that runs in the Carolinas. Also on tap are the popular Mini Cup cars, the Pro Challenge machines, Open Wheel Lite cars and the ABC Towing Strictly Stock/Hurricanes. An open practice for all divisions competing during week one of the Winternationals is slated for Wednesday, February 6th starting at 4PM with racing action the following three nights. The first race gets under way each night at 7:30PM. Although not required this year, pre-entries for the INEX/600 Series portion of the 2008 Winternationals continue to come in with 67 drivers now officially entered representing 19 States and two Canadian Provinces. North Carolina already has over 16 drivers pre-entered leading all States. Two-time Winternationals champion Nick Pistone plans to again be on hand and he is bringing a virtual “army” of racers with him. Track General Manager Rusty Marcus expects the number of entries to more than double by the first race day on February 12th. Action will actually begin on Monday, the 11th, as haulers will be allowed in at 9AM with an all-day practice session running until dusk. For the second year, all racing will be run in the daytime from Tuesday, Feb 12 through Saturday, Feb 16th. Marcus says there are two reasons for doing this. “First, if there is any cold or inclement weather, it should be more pleasant during the day than at night and it gives us extra time to get each show in if need be. Also, the teams have the opportunity to visit other tracks like New Smyrna Speedway each night and enjoy those racing programs as well,” he said. Competitors who have raced at Orlando SpeedWorld before in previous Winternationals will see quite a few changes. Foremost is the new pit concession area located in the back portion of the pit area complete with picnic tables and an expanded menu. --Advertisement-- Racing action during the second week of the Winternationals will begin each day at 1:30PM. This will allow fans of having the opportunity to catch the action at Orlando Speedworld, then make the quick drive to New Smyrna Speedway for each evening of racing during the 42nd Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. INEX/600 SERIES ENTRIES AS OF 2/1/08: LEGEND MASTERS: Mark Esposito, Easton, CT Spike Shultze, Missoula, MT Larry Friddle, Greenville, SC Scotty Edwards, Richmond, VA Carlos “Mercury” Moore, Concord, NC Roger Austin, Nokesville, VA Bob Petry, Kent, OH Doug Dugger, Greenfield, IN Wendell Napper, Norton, OH Dennis Knox, Talmadge, OH Dave Simile, Harmony, PA Tony Bonavia, Pompano Beach, FL Cy Harvey, Emsdale, NS Doug Hall, St. Petersburg Beach, FL Gary Bursey, Moncton, NB Darrell Vance, Lexington Park, MD Stephen Mitcham, Magnolia, OH Rodney Pucak, Wasilla, AK LEGEND PROS: Mitchell Coble, Mt. Airy, NC John Hilliker, Sheridan, MT Chris Lemmonds, Daniel Hemric, Kannapolis, NC James Edsall III, Fishers, IN Rette Causey, Seaford, VA Chelsea Schillig, Apopka, FL Jesse Bunnell, Monroe, NC Kyle Beattie, Locust, NC Nick Pistone, Mooresville, NC LEGEND SEMI-PROS: Chris Weddle, Indianapolis, IN Travis Braden, Wheeling, WV Jimmy Norman, Lake Mary, FL Justin Boston, Ronnie Bassett, Jr., Winston-Salem, NC Gene Kirila, Transfer, PA Scott Hensley, Olive Branch. MS Sloan Henderson, Camden, OH Chad Hackenbracht, New Philadelphia, OH Mike Alcaro, Newton, NJ Corey Weaver, Imler, PA Kristen Keys, Preston, MD Paul Blenkenhorn, Truro, NS Currie Pierce, Griffin, GA Tanner Berryhill, Tulsa, OK Kara Clarke, Charlotte, NC Landon Bullock, Denver, NC Devin Jones, Mooresville, NC Ryan Moore, Moss Point, MS Justin Grimes, Dylan Presnell, Sevierville, TN Zach Zimmerly, Davidson, NC Bryce Walker, Weatherford, TX THUNDER ROADSTERS: Al Renner, Indianapolis, IN James Edsall III, Fishers, IN Tom Clarke, Palm Beach Gardens, FL Steve Carter, Matthews, NC BANDOLERO BANDITS: Kyle Weatherman, Wentzville, MO Michael Hilliker, Sheridan, MT T.J. Michael, Plano, TX Clayton Weatherman, Wentzville, MO Rodney Halverson, Concord, NC Dillon Bassett, Winston-Salem, NC Kyle Benjamin, Easley, SC Blake Jones, Sieverville, TN BANDOLERO YOUNG GUNS: Donovan Ponder, Orlando, FL Sean Shalvoy, Mooresville, NC Jesse Kirila, Transfer, PA BANDOLERO OUTLAWS: Kendall Sellers, Kannapolis Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on The Real Racin USA Florida Fan Message Board! or Email KARNACto send a letter to the editor!