June 20, 1999

  Getting to Know Volusia Speedway Park's Dirt Track

Last weekend, June l8 and l9, was to be a big weekend for Volusia
Speedway Park.  Not only was it their Bud Shootout for Late Models
but also their crowning of Ms. VSP who will not only present trophys
every weekend to track winners but represent the track at local functions.

Friday night, June l8, when Orlando SpeedWorld rainned out, we jumped
in our trusty old Pontiac and headed from Merritt Island to Volusia Speedway
Park.  I called, of course, before we left to make sure that they were still
racing.  I decided not to use any of my press credentials and to go into the
track just as an average fan which we did. 

We found the track employees all to be extremely friendly and the few fans
in the stands very helpful.  I was very impressed by the size of the dirt
track and how nice the stands were that stood proudly in front of the front stretch.
Also, they have hillside parking where you can stay in your vehicle or pitch
a tent or blanket and watch the races from the hill.  And many fans seem to
use this spot.  We also found the track food to be very good and nice, clean
restrooms.

Although the car count for the Bud Shootout was low mainly due to our
bad weather at this time, the 22 Late Models in the field were more than
enough to keep me busy.  Since I have only been to one other dirt track,
I found it fascinating to see how the Late Models went around the corners
and yet kept their cars underneath them.  All 22 qualified except for one
that broke down before qualifying and the track champion at the moment
had fast time - the #44 of Eric Platt.  We also saw heat races and a feature
race for Mini-Stocks and Pure Stocks.  And just as it concluded, rain began
to fall.

Saturday night in spite of the threatening skies, Volusia Speedway Park was
packed.  The stands were almost full, the hillside was full and a very good
field of all their racing divisions was in the pits.  They used all their
race cars and wreckers to dry the track because even a dirt track can be too wet.  And they did this but just as the driver's meeting was called, a soft rain began
which went into a hard rain and eventually the races were called.  Even if it
stopped rainning, which it really didn't, the track announcer said it would take to
midnight to get the track in shape to race.  But they did not fool around and announced that the race would be held on July l0 and rain checks would be good that night.

I would also like to add that Volusia Speedway Park had their safety
personnel in firesuits with well equipped fire safety trucks, an ambulance
and EMT's, wreckers to take care of cars.  They do not fool around and
programs run very smoothly there.  A most impressive race track.

If you have never been to a dirt race like me, try and find a local dirt track
and visit one.  I think you will totally fall in love with dirt racing.  And I
would highly recommend a visit to Volusia Speedway Park if you love racing
and well run tracks.

                                                           -Jane Smith