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THE LATEST NEWS!
| Sunday, November 23, 2008 | |
| Thomas wins Southern Sportsman Shootout 75 and Championship at New Smyrna Speedway | by Jane Smith
Samsula, FL (November 23, 2008) Twenty five Sportsman came to New Smyrna Speedway Saturday for the 3 segment Southern Sportsman Shootout. Patrick Thomas of Oveido set fast time with a 19.295 followed by Wayne Morris of Mulberry with a 19.504, Steve Gainey of Bradenton with a 19.537, Josh Hermann of Lakeland with a 19.774 and Aaron Williamson of Mulberry with a 19.878.
In tech, Thomas and Hermann were both disqualified and sent to the very rear of the field for the start for being light. Thomas, who is the 2008 Southern Sportsman Champion, and Hermann, who raced Mini Stocks for two years at Orlando SpeedWorld, had both been so busy working on their cars that they forgot to add gas to them for qualifying. This set Wayne Morris as fast qualifier. The top ten pulled pills for the inversion with Mike Soukup of Deltona winning the pole position.
The first segment consisted of 40 green flag laps as Mike Soukup took the point on the green followed by Travis Roland, Wayne Jones, Richard Elkins, Jr., and Timmy Todd, Jr. Jones quickly put the heat on Roland and took over second as Todd followed Jones for third with Roland settling into fourth. By lap 10 it was Soukup, Jones, Todd, Steve Gainey, and Travis Roland leading the way.
Thr first caution came out on lap 11 for Jimmie Best who found himself done in segment 1. Jason Foster took advantage of the caution for a pit stop but his luck was no better than Best and he was out of the race. The race goes back green with Soukup leading the way over Gainey, Todd, Wayne Morris and Roland. Suddenly the 77 of Jones begins to go backwards as Gainey takes advantage and passes both Soukup and Todd and takes over the point. Now it is Gainey, Soukup, Todd, Morris, Roland, Williamson, Weatherford, Elkins and Donny Williams leading the way.
Lap 15 sees Jones retire to the pits after coming from Athens, GA just for this special race. Todd puts the heat on Soukup and takes over second. The caution comes out on lap 17 for Ed Michalak who seems to be sideways coming off 4 but does a great job of saving his car. Steve Redditt takes the opportunity while under caution to take a quick trip to pit road.
With Delaware restarts, the leader is alone on the pole with all other cars behind him doing a double file restart, Gainey has no problems taking the point over Morris, Todd, Williamson, and Soukup. Hermann challenges Roland and takes the position as Roland goes backwards. It is now Gainey, Morris, Todd, Williamson, Weatherford, Soukup, Williams, Thomas, Duane Best, and Hermann leading the way. Williams finds his mirror full of Thomas who takes over seventh as Williams goes to eighth. The caution comes out for Tom Raiser who has spun in the bottom of turn 4. On the restart, it is Gainey, Morris, Williamson, Todd, Weatherford, Soukup, Thomas, Williams, Best, Elkins and Hermann. Morris pulls to the back bumper of Gainey but Gainey has nothing to do with the challenge and holds his position. Segment 1 comes to an end with Gainey the winner.
The caution is thrown for a 10 minute pit stop where cars can do anything but change tires unless they have a flat. The number 2 pill is drawn for the inversion putting Aaron Williamson on the pole for the second part. Gainey wins the ARP Bodies $100.00 certificate towards a new Sportsman body.
Lap 40 sees Gainey once again quickly take the point over Aaron Williamson, Wayne Morris, Patrick Thomas, and Timmy Todd, Jr. Hermann puts the pressure on Williams and takes over eighth as Williams goes to ninth. The caution comes out on lap 46 for fluid on the track in turn 4 as Duane Best spins at the bottom of 4. On the restart it is Gainey, Williamson, Morris, Thomas and Weaterford and Todd who are doing some side-by-side action. Weatherford holds the position as he stays fifth followed by Todd, Roger Welch, Soukup, Williams and Hermann.
Suddenly on lap 49 after a great run, Aaron Williamson's engine goes up in smoke. Williamson, who is a regular Sportsman driver at Auburndale Speedway, sees his night end early. Gainey once again holds the point on the restart followed by Thomas, Morris, Weatherford, and Todd.
Ed Michalak of Titusville brings out the caution on lap 55 as he spins coming off 4 with fire under the hood. The track is quickly red flagged as the fire is put out and Michalak towed into the pits.
The race goes back green as Gainey leads the way over Thomas, Morris, Weatherford, and Soukup.
The caution comes out again on lap 61 for Josh Hermann who has spun. Gainey holds the point on the restart followed by Weatherford, Thomas, Soukup and Todd. But it is a short green as Morris brings out the yellow as he has stopped high in turn 4 with a flat tire. Morris brings the car to pit road and is allowed to change the tire because the official deemed it definitely flat. With segement 2 laps coming quickly to an end, Gainey wins segement 2 and a $250.00 gift certificate from ARP Bodies.
For segment 3 and the final 10 laps, the lead lap cars are inverted from rear to front putting Wayne Morris on the pole followed by Phillip Bessett, Donny Williams, Timmy Todd, Jr., Mike Soukup, Patrick Thomas, Bart Weatherford, Steve Gainey, James Wright, III., and Josh Hermann.
On the green, it is Morris, Bessett, Williams and Todd doing some side-by-side, and Soukup. With no caution in segement 3, Morris leads the way to the checkers followed by Patrick Thomas, Steve Gainey, Timmy Todd, Jr., and Mike Soukup. With one lap to go, Thomas gives it his best shot to pass Morris but Morris holds.
The top 3 cars are teched and the 56 of Morris is dq'd giving the win to Patrick Thomas who wins the $500.00 gift certificate from ARP Bodies. After tech, the top five are Patrick Thomas, Steve Gainey, Timmy Todd, Jr., Mike Soukup, and Bart Weatherford.
OFFICIAL RESULTS
SOUTHERN SPORTSMAN SHOOTOUT 75
NEW SMYRNA SPEEDWAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2008
SOUTHERN SPORTSMAN SHOOTOUT 75
1. #25 Patrick Thomas, Oveido
2. #79x Steve Gainey, Bradenton
3. #25x Timmy Todd, Jr., St. Cloud
4. #45 Mike Soukup, Deltona
5. #1 Bart Weatherford, Lakeland
6. #111 Donny Williams, Mt. Dora
7. #98x Josh Hermann, Lakeland
8. #17 Phillip Bessett, Samsula
9. #156 James Wright, III, Auburndale
10. #16 Patrick Mennenga, Bellview
11. #69 Don Milam, Bellview
12. #98 Roger Welch, St. Petersburg
13. #30 Richie Sheppard, St. Petersburg
14. #3 Duane Best, Sarasota
15. #01 Travis Roland, Lake Alfred
16. #44 Ed Michalak, Titusville
17. #13 Aaron Williamson, Mulberry
18. #55 Richard Elkins, Jr., Auburndale
19. #05 Steve Redditt, Orlando
20. #7 Tom Raiser, Naples
21. #35 Rick Kase, Odessa
22. #77 Wayne Jones, Athens, GA.
23. #49 Jason Foster, Melbourne
24. #67 Jimmie Best, Sarasota
25. #56 Wayne Morris, Mulberry DQ'D
| Tuesday, November 18, 2008 | |
| Southern Sportsman Shootout 75 Gearing Up For November 22 at New Smyrna Speedway | by Jane Smith
Samsula, FL. (November 18, 2008) The Southern Sportsman Shootout 75 on November 22nd is gearing up to be one of the best Sportsman races of the year. The Shootout will follow the 43rd Annual Governor's Cup 200 at New Smyrna Speedway and will be run in three segments this year.
Segment 1 will see 40 green flag laps. The caution will be thrown at lap 40. The first car one lap down will earn a free pass onto the lead lap for the next segment. You may fuel your car, make any adjustments you like except you may NOT change tires. After scoring completes their finish, one fan will draw a pill from the number of cars on the lead lap for the inversion. Lap cars will line up after lead lap cars for the second segment.
Segment 2 will be 25 green flag laps. Double file restart with two (2) Delaware restarts. At the completion of segment 2, the procedures will be the same as for segment 1. First car one lap down will get a free pass back on the lead lap with one fan drawing for the inversion.
Segment 3 will be 10 green flag laps. Lead lap cars ONLY will complete in the final segment. All other cars will be scored how they crossed the line after segment 2. Double file restarts and any subsequent restarts.
The race will pay $1200.00 to win.
"We really wanted to put some excitement back into Sportsman racing," said Race Director Scott Jackman. "I got the okay to do this and I think the fans will love it and it will make for a great, exciting race. Registration fee for this race will be $75.00 non Southern Sportsman drivers and $50.00 for Southern Sportsman members. We will be paying $100.00 to start along with bonuses for Fast Time Qualifier and Hard Luck driver of the race."
Tires for the Southern Sportsman Shootout must be 8 inch tires - Goodyear Treaded Tire, FASCAR Hoosier Tire or the American Racer EC85.
"I can't tell you how excited I am about this race," concluded Jackman. "This is something the fans will remember for a long time. We are inviting all Sportsman and we are expecting one really good turnout."
Jackman announced today a few more particulars needed for the race for the Sportsman cars.
Each driver should have his/her engine size on the hood.
Each driver needs to mark on the upper right corner of the windshield their track affiliation, i.e. - A-Auburndale, CCMP - Charlotte County, C-Citrus , D - Desoto Super Speedway, CMP - Columbia Motorsports Park, B - Bronson Motor Speedway, S-Southern Sportsman, F-Fascar.
At this time here is where we need everyone to be.
Auburndale/CCMP 3100lbs. 56% left
Citrus Co. 3100lbs. 56% left
Fascar sportsman 3000lbs./55% left
SSS -50lbs. 56% left.
100lb weight break for crate motor.
All lead painted white with car#.
Friday night practice at New Smyrna Speedway will be from 6 to 9 pm with pit gate opening at 8 am on Saturday, November 22nd. Practice on Friday night will be $10.00 per person.
We look forward to seeing a lot of Sportsman this Saturday at New Smyrna Speedway.
| Sunday, November 16, 2008 | |
| Schedule for Southern Sportsman Shootout 75 November 21-22 New Smyrna Speedway | NEW SMYRNA SPEEDWAY
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
11/21 – 11/22/08
FRIDAY, 11/21/08
Pit Gate Opens 5:00 PM
Practice 6:00 – 9:00 PM
SATURDAY, 11/22/08
Pit Gate Open 8:00 A.M.
Tech and Registration 9:00 - 12:00 PM
Super Late Model Practice 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Sportsman Practice 1:45 - 2:20 PM
Super Late Model Qualifying 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Sportsman Qualifying 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Autograph Session 6:30 – 7:15 PM
Noritz/Tempaco Sunbelt Race 7:30 PM
Southern Sportsman after Late Models
| Thursday, November 13, 2008 | |
| Southern Sportsman Shootout 75 Coming Up November 22nd at New Smyrna Speedway | by Jane Smith
Samsula, FL (November 13, 2008) In just 8 days, the 43th running of the Florida Governor's Cup will take place at New Smyrna Speedway. Besides the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida, the Governor's Cup has been one of Florida's most prestigious events each year.
This year it will also include the third leg of the Triple Crown and fans will not only see the crowning of the Governor's Cup winner but also the 2008 Noritz/Tempaco Sunbelt Super Late Model Champion and the 2008 Triple Crown Champion.
This year the Southern Sportsman Shootout 75 will support the Governor's Cup with an exciting format for next Saturday. The 75 lap race will be broken down into three segments.
Segment 1 will see 40 green flag laps. The caution will be thrown at lap 40. The first car one lap down will earn a free pass onto the lead lap for the next segment. You may fuel your car, make any adjustments you like except you may NOT change tires. After scoring completes their finish, one fan will draw a pill from the number of cars on the lead lap for the inversion. Lap cars will line up after lead lap cars for the second segment.
Segment 2 will be 25 green flag laps. Double file restart with two (2) Delaware restarts. At the completion of segment 2, the procedures will be the same as for segment 1. First car one lap down will get a free pass back on the lead lap with one fan drawing for the inversion.
Segment 3 will be 10 green flag laps. Lead lap cars ONLY will complete in the final segment. All other cars will be scored how they crossed the line after segment 2. Double file restarts and any subsequent restarts.
The race will pay $1200.00 to win.
"We really wanted to put some excitement back into Sportsman racing," said Race Director Scott Jackman. "I got the okay to do this and I think the fans will love it and it will make for a great, exciting race. Registration fee for this race will be $75.00 non Southern Sportsman drivers and $50.00 for Southern Sportsman members. We will be paying $100.00 to start along with bonuses for Fast Time Qualifier and Hard Luck driver of the race."
Tires for the Southern Sportsman Shootout must be 8 inch tires - Goodyear Treaded Tire, FASCAR Hoosier Tire or the American Racer EC85.
"I can't tell you how excited I am about this race," concluded Jackman. "This is something the fans will remember for a long time. We are inviting all Sportsman and we are expecting one really good turnout."
With the closing of USA International in Lakeland, the third leg of the Triple Crown will run along with the 43th Annual Governor's Cup. Leading the points for the Triple Crown is Jeremy Colangelo but only one point behind him is the winner of the first leg of the Triple Crown Brian Finney. Matt Bowers, Billy Mowery, and Corey Freed round out the top five. David Rogers, Wayne Anderson, Dwayne Dempsey, Daniel Webster and Dusty Cornelius complete the top ten. Most of these drivers are expected on Saturday.
Going into the last race for the Noritz/Tempaco Sunbelt Super Late Model Series is Jeremy Colangelo leading the points only by 43 over the 2007 Champion Tim Russell. Matt Bowers, Brian Finney, and Wayne Anderson complete the top five. David Rogers, Corey Freed, Daniel Webster, Dusty Cornelius and Travis Towell complete the top ten.
Thirty three cars were at New Smyrna Speedway for the 42nd Annual Governor's Cup in 2007 where Jeff Choquette topped the field followed by Travis Cope, Tim Russell, Wayne Anderson, and Dwayne Dempsey. Choquette, who was in the No. 92 Super Late Model owned by Dick Anderson, proved that night what a great team they made. In Victory Lane, Choquette had this to say, "He knows what its like to win this race, he's done it twice and I just feel honored to tie him and to do it in his car is an honor."
The Florida Governor's Cup was commissioned by then Governor Haydon Burns and was first awarded to Wayne Reutimann in 1965. The Cup was created to pay tribute to Al Keller, long time promoter of Florida stock car tracks. The Cup continues to be the premier race of the season through all these years in spite of set backs and the immense changes our state has gone through.
The race was originally run at Golden Gate Speedway in Tampa until environmental issues forced the temporary closing of the track in 1979. Sunshine Speedway hosted the race in 1979, with the race moving back to Golden Gate for the next three years, under the direction of Don Nerone. The DeSoto Speedway hosted the race until 1987, though the Cup was not officially competed for.
It was at that time that Clyde Hart, the builder and owner of New Smyrna Speedway stepped forward and revived both the race and it's history. The race has been run at New Smyrna's half-mile ever since. In 1998 the Governor's Cup was promoted for television by Terry Wall and Jack Smith, and was shown for the first time to fans all through the South via FOX and Sunshine Networks.
In 2001 Governor Jeb Bush was the Grand Marshall and in the wake of the September 11 attacks his appearance was both inspiring for the fans and gave a much needed lift for all in attendance. In 2002, Patrick D. Smith, who was personally asked by Governor Bush to stand in for him as the Grand Marshall gave the fans quite a treat being the most beloved writer in Floirda. Since then, the list has grown to Florida dignitaries who have come each year to be Grand Marshall for this very special race.
This year's Governor's Cup promises to be yet again one of the most prestigious races of the year in Florida. For more information on New Smyrna Speedway, go to www.newsmyrnaspeedway.org. For information on the Noritz/Tempaco Sunbelt Super Late Model Series and Southern Sportsman Series go to www.fascartours.com.
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