by Sean Scampton

The Thrill Ride at Sunshine "Action" Speedway, driven by Billy Mowery, has been a favorite among spectators in the stands, especially those lucky enough to acquire a winning ticket. To some, it seems just as valuable as a winning lottery ticket. Numerous people have been winners and have experienced the sheer excitement of a typical driver's night at Sunshine.

Clara Mae, you all probably know her. If you've been to East Bay, Sunshine, or any of the other tracks in the county, you've probably bought a 50/50 ticket from her. She is one of Pinellas County's biggest race fans. She travels from track-to-track selling respective 50-50 tickets. She obviously loves selling tickets and watching the brave men battle each lap on the track. But unfortunately, Clara Mae has never been able to enjoy the raw adrenaline rush that all racers, no matter the age, feel on the track. She's been on the track before, in Thrill Rides, but not at Sunshine. And it was, needless to say, much different.

On August 26th, Marsha Moctezuma, Vice President of the S.S.R.A. and wife of Bobby "Zeebo" Moctezuma, won a ride on the Thrill Ride. However, she decided that the Thrill Ride didn't sound like a very good idea that night.

"I was hot, tired, and didn't feel like getting in a fire suit," said Marsha that night. But since Marsha didn't want the ticket, who would get it? Marsha decided that the best person to give the ticket to was Clara Mae.

Clara Mae would go out that night on the track for her Thrill Ride, driven by Billy "the Kid" Mowery. When asked how she felt before actually entering the track in the car, Clara Mae commented, "I felt kind of excited. There was a feeling sitting in the pits waiting to get on the track."

The crowd was cheering unsubmissivly for Clara Mae. "I enjoyed the ride very much. I highly recommend it! I was really disappointed when it was over. I didn't want it to end." Who would??

When she exited the vehicle, everyone, including the S.S.R.A. members who were working, applauded her. It's quite easy to see that not only the drivers are fan favorites at Sunshine!

-Sean Scampton

Related news: Mike Hinegardner's First Win!




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