By Jane Smith
With the Orange Blossom l00 this Saturday at New Smyrna Speedway, racing returns full-time to Florida tracks. For some fans, it has been a long dry spell except for some racing at Hileah and the Red Eye at New Smyrna, not much action has taken place. But after this Saturday, fans should start to feel better.

Lakeland's USA International will open it's gates to their first Speedfest next Thursday, Febuary l. For four days, fans will be treated to non-stop racing action with some of Florida's best Super Late Models, Late Models and Modifieds. And with the Florida boys will be some Northern boys and you never know who you will see.

The drivers and crews will have four days to fix, repair, revamp, etc. their cars for The World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. Ted Christopher will return again this year along with Jamie Tomaino and Charlie Pasteryak in the ever popular Featherlite Modifieds. This year's line-up in the Featherlite and S/K Mods is bigger and better than ever and won't leave any one disappointed.

This year will also have Ted Christopher in a Super Late Model along with Junior Hanley, Gary Balough, Jason Schuler, Steve Carlson to name but a few of the outstanding drivers here. Nine nights of non-stop action will keep even the hardest to please fan happy.

For dirt fans, action will be plentiful also. East Bay and Volusia Speedway Park will provide some of the best dirt action of the year. Last year fans at Volusia Speedway Park were surpised by Tony Stewart's appearance in two of the shows. This only proves that no one can ever say for sure who will and won't be on the racing surface.

And Florida Speed Park will host the first ASA race of the year on February 17 with quite a few Florida drivers on hand. Mike Cope, Travis Kittleson, Ricky Carlton just to name a few. Also on the list will be Chris Wimmer, younger brother of Scott who was in ASA last year and Hooter's Pro Cup before that. You should see the best of the best for this first race.

Also, the asphalt at Volusia Speedway Park will be open this year. You will see the Classic cars, Legends, Baby Grands, Pro Challenge and Modified lites. These will run Febrary 8 thru 14.

And we cannot forget all the racing activity at Daytona International with the 500 being the cream of the crop. What more could any race fan ask for than non-stop, bumping, grinding, squealing action of asphalt and dirt racing. So fans, if you are traveling here, be sure to bring warm clothes since it is always cold as heck during SpeedWeeks and your favorite race hat and t-shirt and it is finally time TO GO RACING. And Florida Stock Car Racing is ready to keep fans updated on all the action to the best of our ability.

HAPPY RACING ALL

Jane Smith

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