Looking at the weather Friday at mid day most race fans and drivers were betting that there would be no racing at Ocala Speedway this weekend. After all, torrential downpours dropped almost 4 inches of rain on Ocala before lunchtime. But by 1 PM the sky began to clear, the sun peeked out, and conditions were deemed acceptable for racing to go on as planned.
And by the time the grandstand gates opened at 5 PM, there was a sizable crowd ready for a exciting night of racing in almost perfect conditions. The Sportsman and Late Model divisions had the night off while the TBARA Winged Sprints were in town, and the assembled crowd got a thrilling show.
The V8 Thunderstocks were the first feature race of the evening, and Cody Albright wasted no time in showing that he had the car to beat. Although Josh Brown and Chris Oliver gave him a challenge, Albright went on to win with Brown and Oliver finishing in order behind him.
Jeff Stalnaker Jr. took the pole for the Street Stock feature and drove away from the field early, but a caution on lap 16 bunched things up and made sure that Stalnaker did not steal the show. Several very fast cars ended up starting at the rear, such as last week's winner, Pete Close, and the very fast #22 of Dan Trembley.
They made a hard charge from the rear with Pete Close winding up in third place at the checkers. Shane Nichols wound up in second and Stalnaker took the win.
The V8 Pure Stock division featured some of the most aggressive racing of the night, with Harold Erickson starting on the pole. But it was his son, James Erickson who charged from deep in the field to claim the win, followed by Brent Cooper in second who started dead last after his win last week. Jessie Corbett rounded out the top three in a race that saw cautions that put front some running machines to the rear and allowed others to move up.
The Open Wheel Modifieds began the night with a bang thanks to a blown engine in the first heat race that oiled the track in turn one, and sent one car careening into the wall. Once the cleanup was complete three modifieds went to the pits for repairs, but two of those managed to make it out for the feature event.
David Costello started on the pole only to quickly be passed by three cars the opening laps. Troy Robinson took over from there and demonstrated why he was the division champion from last year, driving away from the field. Robbie Cooper finished a distant second and was followed by Mike Stalnaker for third place.
The 4 Cylinder Stocks began their feature with Shaun Evans on the pole, but on lap 16 Justin Elwood made his move and took the win from there. Evens took second place and Melissa Hunley captured third place for the second consecutive week.
The main event for the evening were the TBARA Winged Sprints, which as usual did not disappoint the fans. Ben Fritz captured the pole but could hold the lead for only 3 laps before a hard charging Stan Butler took control and drove away.
Keith Butler challenged Fritz for second in the last laps but did not have time to catch up and pass him. The unsponsored car of Stan Butler was the winner, followed by Fritz and Keith Butler for second and third.
The Sportsman and Late Model divisions will return to Ocala Speedway on March 23rd, along with the 4 Cylinder Stocks, Thunderstocks, V8 Pure Stocks, and Street Stocks. Also scheduled are the first Figure 8 division race and the first Street Car Challenge race of 2007.