By Frank Vehorn

HAMPTON, VA -December 1, 2005- Veteran race car driver Chris Florian of Norfolk finds himself locked in a battle with three of Virginia’s top young drivers as the Arena Racing USA indoor circuit moves back into the Hampton Coliseum for its third event of the season on Saturday night.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. and fans are invited to visit the pits before the 7 p.m. start of the Interstate Batteries 200 event.

Kids 14 years old and younger will be admitted free if they bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Toys for Tots program. Active military personnel and family will be admitted for $5 each. Regular admission is $12 adults, $5 kids.

Florian, a former karting champion, has been a major competitor since ARUSA established itself in the area four years ago but is he still looking for his first title.

This could be the year for the popular driver of the No. 8 Budweiser car if he can overcome a trio of talented teenagers.

C.E. Falk, despite heart-breaking problems in last week’s Top Dog race, retained his lead in the championship standings but he has only a one point lead over two other teenage rivals, brothers Travis and Derek Miller, and Florian, who are locked in a tie for second place.

Derek Miller, voted the circuit’s most improved driver last season, held off his older brother to win last Saturday’s Top Dog race in Norfolk’s Scope. Falk dominated before his front hood section broke loose and flew up to block his view.

Ken Simmons, who won the season-opening Top Dog event, is fifth in the standings, five points back.

Following Saturday’s race, drivers and crews will take a break for the Christmas holidays before resuming the season on Jan. 7 in the Hampton Coliseum.

ARUSA is off to its best start ever at the gate with enthusiastic crowds of more than 3,000 fans witnessing each of the first two events.


Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on the Message Board! or send a letter to the editor!