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Goodyear Series brings new faces to Ocala Speedway
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Location: Blogs Running Wide Open |
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| Posted by: Joe VanHoose |
7/20/2007 8:16 AM |
Ocala Speedway has proven to be a nightmare for rookies over the years, sending drivers in everything from late models to mini stocks home with beat-up racecars. The track's egg shape and differently-banked corners can throw surprises at even the most seasoned veteran, but first-timers never forget their first spin in turn 2 or crash in turn 4.
Tonight, the track with the tire-marked walls welcomes a new series and a host of drivers who have never taken a lap around the 3/8-mile oval. Bursting at the seems with young talent, the Goodyear Challenge Late Model Series will race for 100 laps, more than enough time for the unexpected to happen.
"This will definitely be a challenge for our drivers since most have never run here," said series director Scott Jackman. "We're very excited to be here."
Excitement turned into uncertainty Thursday evening as a few crews unloaded their cars to get some practice laps. But late afternoon thunderstorms came through the area a few times and took away any chance of getting some laps in.
Justin Larson, 19, stood underneath an overhang and wondered about what the conditions will be like tonight. A winner at Orlando Speedworld earlier this year, Larson's only laps at Ocala Speedway has been in his team's golf cart.
"It looks like a tough place to get around," Larson said as the rain picked up even more. "I'll have to follow some of the veterans when we finally get out on the track and figure it out."
Larson may have to follow a 14-year-old around. Drew Brannon started racing go karts at age 4 and moved to the Fastruck series -- a series that runs a few times a year at Ocala -- when he was 12.
Brannon has won twice at New Smyrna this year and likes his chances this evening.
"Racing here before, I think it definitely gives me an advantage because I know what the track will do at night and how it will change," Brannon said. "But this place is tricky. There's still a lot to learn."
Everyone will be chasing series point leader Doug Moff, who won three races in a row earlier this year. Perennial frontrunners Rich Clouser and Joe Winchell should also make the trip to Ocala, as may a few ASA stock cars that have a similar rules package.
The Ocala Speedway weekly divisions -- including the pure stocks, street stocks, sportsmans and 4-cylinder stocks -- will also race their regular features. The grandstands open at 5 p.m. and racing starts at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, call the track at 622-9400 or visit www.ocalaspeedway.com.
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