Although some chilly World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing-type weather is
on tap for Saturday night, expect plenty of red-hot racing for week number
three of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Racing Series at New Smyrna Speedway.
The Super Late Models will be in action for 50 laps and $1200 to win along
with the Super Stocks, Sunshine Seamless Gutters Mini Stocks and the Bombers.
One driver looking to turn his luck around in the Super Late Model division
will be veteran David Rogers of Orlando as he begins his 42nd year behind the
wheel of a stock car. For the first time in recent memory, Rogers was winless
in 2014 and he wants to end that streak as quickly as possible this season.
As usual, Rogers will have a talent-laden roster to contend with including the
likes of Daniel Keene, Jr., Brad May and possibly Tim Russell who is putting
the finishing touches on a new “hot rod.”
Merritt Island driver Justin Reynolds topped the field of Super Stocks on
opening night to keep a win streak alive in that class that dates back some
time. Although he has competed mostly in 50 lap races over the past couple of
seasons, winning most of them by the way, Reynolds hopes to race more often
this year, maybe even chase the point championship, thanks to his new sponsor
Hot Colors Powder Coating. Two-time defending Super Stock champion Shannon
Kelly will have plenty to say about that, though, along with a host of top
drivers including Bobby Holley, Jeff Colburn, Preston Hunt, Gino Tuminello, J.
T. Tippins, Becca Samsoe and many others that include a number of brand-new
race teams this year.
The big question in the Sunshine Seamless Gutters Mini Stock class is “Who can
catch Ted Vulpius?” “Mr. Mini Stock,” as he’s known, simply dominated the
first race for the four-bangers two weeks ago. Vulpius is driving a car this
year that is owned by Guy Callon and wants to win as many races as he can for
Callon who is currently battling cancer. If Vulpius decides to go after the
point title, it could be a long year for his competitors. Interestingly
enough, one of Vulpius’ top challengers, Brad Blanton, was practicing last
Saturday night with none other than Vulpius himself helping with the set-up on
the car. Other drivers like David Russell and Jamie Dixson have been tweaking
on their racers trying to find more speed as well and several other cars are
expected to be ready for this week’s action.
Pit gates open Saturday afternoon at 2 pm with practice slated from 3:30-6:15
pm. Grandstand gates open at 6 pm with Super Late Model qualifying at 6:15 pm
and racing getting under way at 7:30 pm starting with 8-lap heat races for the
Super Stocks, Mini Stocks and Bombers.
Following intermission the Super Stocks will be first up for 25 laps followed
by the 50-lap contest for the Super Late Models, 25 laps for the Sunshine
Seamless Gutters Mini Stocks and the Bombers round out the evening of racing
with a 20 lap event.
Adult admission is $15 with all seniors (65+) and military with ID being
admitted for $13. All kids 11 and under get in free.