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| Orlando Speedworld Back in Action | by Jane Smith
Even the dark clouds in the sky around Orlando Speedworld could not stop the fans from returning to the short track in Central Florida. New drivers came with much anticipation of that "first" race rush and old drivers came to win if they could.
The new Pro Modified Series took to the track with twenty of the fastest open-wheel modifieds around. One very nice surprise was the #1B Modified driven by Andy Safiotti that used to be #74 Barry Willoughby. It has been awhile since we last saw this black beauty race; but Friday night, she did her new owner and her old owner proud by finishing third in the Pro-Modified race. We also saw Ted Head behind the wheel of the #51 come in seventh. But Mike Fitch in his #1 Pro Mod never looked back from the lead and came home the first winner in this new exciting series. Frank Polly, Andy Sifiotti, Jerry Symons and Tank Tucker rounded out the top five.
With the first Sunbelt race the following night, only a few Super Lates came out to play, but they were good ones. B.J. McLeod led the race for a good portion, with Rusty Ebersole taking that top spot and putting McLeod into second. Eddie King, David Hart and first time Super Late driver Matt Griffin rounded out the top five.
The night was full of surprises with Bobby Orr, son of Pete Orr, behind the wheel of the Ugly Duckling #30 Mini-Stock for his very first race. Orr came in fifth. Also, Rae Williams and Patricia Gray made their first starts in Mini-Stocks, with Rae finishing 4th and Patricia finishing 8th. Rae is the mother of the former #l7 Mini-Stock driver Geoff Williams and Patricia comes from a very prestigious kart career. But, Rex Hollinger in his #85 Mini-Stock got the privilege of being the first Mini-Stock winner in 2001.
Tim Russell, son of David Russell, also made his debut in the Super Stock division coming in fifth. Carl Peters won in that division with Doug Samion taking the win for the Sportsman division and Donnie Smith in the Strictly Stocks.
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