BY Rick Warren

The Fascar Sunbelt Super Late Models were in town for 125 laps of Racing on the high banks of Bronson Motor Speedway. Every one in attendance was waiting in anticipation of some fast qualifying times, and some good racing action.

During practice on Friday evening, and again on Saturday afternoon, many drivers were posting practice laps in the 12.80 12.90 second range.

When qualifying time arrived, apparently the track had cooled down enough to affect the times that were posted. Dick Anderson, driving the 86 car, ended up on top of the list with a time of 13.166 seconds on his second lap. Wayne Anderson, driving the #84 Airframe International entry, was second fastest with a time of 13.211 seconds.

After qualifying tech, Dick Anderson drew a #5 for the inversion, assigning the pole position to Middleton. As the 16 Super Lates lined up for the feature event, Middleton had Ricky Carlton beside him on the front row, with the second row being held by Mike Bresnahan and Wayne Anderson, followed by Dick Anderson and Fain Skinner.

When the green flag waved for the start, Middleton powered his North Florida Medical entry to the front, followed by Carlton, Bresnahan, and both Andersons. Danny Johnson was forced to retire from the race early with mechanical problems, but was able to exit the track without bringing out the caution flag. Lap 25 saw local racer Gary Southard retire with mechanical woes as well.

Lap 28 action saw Wayne Anderson work by Mike Bresnahan to take third place, while Middleton continued to hold a comfortable lead. The first of 6 cautions, for 21 laps, came out on lap 49, as Mac Johnson looped his Mac Johnson Roofing entry in turn 4.

When the race restarted, the order was Middleton, Carlton, W.Anderson, Bresnahan, D.Anderson, Crockett, Kay, Skinner, M.Williams, D.Keene Jr., and Kiki Thomas. Lap 60 action had Dick Anderson battling with Mike Bresnahan for position, when both cars got loose off turn 4.

As they fought to control their racercars, Scotty Crockett took advantage of the situation and drove by both cars to take over 4th place. Caution again was out on lap 66 as Wayne Anderson and Ricky Carlton made contact while racing for second place. Carlton spun into the infield in turn 2, and both cars were forced to restart at the end of the lead lap.

At the restart, Middleton to keep his hold on first place, followed by Crockett, D.Anderson, and Bresnahan. Caution again was displayed on lap 80 as Fain Skinner spun his Skinners Paint and Body racer in turn 4. Lap 99 saw the caution flag once again as Kiki Thomas spun the Pioneer Land Developing entry exiting turn 4.

The restart saw Middleton settling in for the run to the checkered flag, with Crockett, D.Anderson, Bresnahan and Jonny Kay right behind. Lap 105 saw a quick caution as Ricky Carlton spun in turn 2, and another quick caution on lap 112 for Daniel Keene Jr. , spinning in turn 4. Lap 116 saw Wayne Anderson and Michael Williams tied up on the back straight, but were both able to continue, without bring out a caution.

The race ended with Middleton taking the first Sunbelt Win of the 2004 season, followed by Crockett, D.Anderson, Bresnahan, and Kay.

OFFICIAL RESULTS, APRIL 3
BRONSON MOTOR SPEEDWAY

1. #74 Jay Middleton, Lake City, Fla.
2. #28 Scoty Crockett, Land O'Lakes, Fla.
3. #86 Dick Anderson, Wildwood, Fla.
4. #57 Mike Bresnahan, Inverness, Fla.
5. #48 Jonny Kay, Deerfield Beach, Fla.
6. #1 Fain Skinner, Live Oaks, Fla.
7. #3 Ricky Carlton, Homosassa, Fla.
8. #5 Daniel Keene, Weeki Wachee, Fla.
9. #84 Wayne Anderson, Wildwood, Fla.
10. #40 Michael Williams, Mims, Fla.
11. #19 Kiki Thomas, Tampa, Fla.
12. #6 Mac Johnson, Gainesville, Fla.
13. #74 Barry Willoughby, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
14. #39 Gary Southard, Bronson, Fla.
15. #51 Jacob Warren, Orlando, Fla.
16. #96 Danny Johnson, Crystal River, Fla.

Fast Qualifier: Dick Anderson 13.166