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Countdown to the Powell Memorial
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Location: Blogs Running Wide Open |
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| Posted by: Joe VanHoose |
6/8/2007 5:04 AM |
Tragedy has a way of bringing out the best in people, and the Powell Memorial race at Ocala Speedway is a living and growing example.
Once a year, the biggest names in the state come to the Ocala track not just to race but also to remember. They remember the Powell family that went down in a plane crash 13 years ago. They support James Powell III, who went through hell but kept on going.
He's one of the nicest, strongest people in the business, and the overwhelming crowd of drivers and fans that will flood the Ocala Speedway Friday night shows how loved he and his family is.
And several storylines make the race even sweeter this year. For one, Powell will become a father next week when his wife gives birth to a baby girl. As for the race itself, the long list of drivers entered is longer than it's been in the past few years. This race could be back to is stature as the third most-prestigious race in the state -- behind the Snowball Derby and Governor’s Cup -- if not already the most special.
We're upping our coverage at the Star-Banner as well. You can get live updates and interviews from the race Friday on blogs.myspaceocala.com.
Number Crunching
28 – Number of cars scheduled to start the Powell Memorial.
4 – Drivers in the field who’ve won the Powell Memorial: Wayne Anderson, James Powell III, Mike Franklin and Patrick Williams.
5 – Times Wayne Anderson has won the Powell Memorial.
1990 – Blake Lehr’s year of birth. At 16, he would be the youngest to win the Powell Memorial.
14.33 – The late model lap record at Ocala Speedway expected to fall Friday night. Kurt Jett unofficially recorded a time of 14.38 in Wednesday’s practice session.
Powell Memorial Power Rankings
1. Wayne Anderson – The son of the king of the Florida short tracks is the king of Ocala Speedway. He’s the only driver to win the Powell more than once.
2. Patrick Williams – Last year’s winner, he should be in an Anderson car.
3. Kurt Jett – One of the fastest in practice this week, plus won last race at Ocala.
4. Scott Grosenbacher – Always near the front and tough to pass.
5. Rich Pratt – Has a car just for Ocala, but has been racing and winning on dirt this year.
6. James Powell – Car knows the way and it’s his race. Always a threat at his home track.
7. Daniel Webster – Perennial frontrunner, but has a tendency to fade on long runs.
8. Brian Finney – Has won everything at Ocala except for the Powell.
9. Mike Franklin – Has a great car and a winning history. One of four previous winners in the field.
10. Scott Milar – Has a new car and steady confidence. Always riding in the top 10.
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