This weekend’s sprint car races – 07.30.10

This weekend welcomes the return of the TBARA Central Florida Double Header that was always a summer highlight for those of us living in the middle of the state that was sadly missing from last year’s schedule. And those are the only sprint car races this weekend, so that’s where you are going.

First up is the always tricky Orlando Speed World. We highly recommend you make this one because OSW has been a ghost town lately. On one hand, they need the money. And on the other hand, if they don’t answer the bell next year, you’ll be kicking yourself for not going this year.

We also hear you might be able to get one of these at the Ben Fritz Racing hauler:

That’s right! If you were at Desoto Speedway for the last TBARA race, you know what a hot commodity this limited edition flashlight really is. It was such a hot item that the womenfolk got into a fight over it! So if you’ve ever wanted to send signals to your driver, or merely blind your driver’s competitors, look no further than the Ben Fritz Signature Model Flashlight!

We would say car count should be about what the TBARA has been seeing these days, with a few extras possibly showing up. Brian Riddle looks to be making the trip and our Editor at Speed “The Hot Foot” Brian Penrose drove past the establishment that houses Sonny O’Sullivan’s car and Penrose saw a wing sitting out there, so you might see Sonny O at one of (our both) of the races this weekend.

Then it’s over to the high banks of New Smyrna Speedway on Saturday, for the lone track where Yuengling is a viable (and highly recommended) choice of adult beverage. NSS always provides big speed and big fun. You should go.

So who do we like this weekend? The first name that jumps out as being overdue for a win is Larry Brazil Jr. Also, flashlight jokes aside, Ben Fritz has showed serious speed lately. Then there’s “Hollywood” Bo Hartley who ran very well earlier this year at NSS. You could also argue that points leader Shane Butler is overdue for a win. And on top of all of that, Travelin’ Troy DeCaire has flown in from Indiana to race this weekend, and he’s been killing it at NSS lately.

UPDATE – “The Smooth Operator” Mickey Kempgens is confirmed to run both the races in the DeCaire Motorsports #41 this weekend as well. Don’t count him out at OSW either.

So when I place my wagers tonight with Mr. Penrose in the bleachers at OSW, I’m going with Ben Fritz at OSW and Troy DeCaire at NSS.

Speaking of Travelin’ Troy, check out this excellent short documentary of Shane Hmiel and Troy at the last USAC Silver Crown race.

But when you are driving down Highway 50 to get to OSW, you should take in the historical significance of that road and how you could make your way over to the Econlockhatchee Trail to the Eddie Graham Sports Complex, the long time home of Florida Championship Wrestling.