This weekend’s sprint car races – 06.15.12.
The Top Gun Sprint Series pulls into Bubba Raceway Park Saturday night.
There is a full complement of sprint car racing this weekend, headlined by the Top Gun Sprint Series putting the wings back on and pulling into Bubba Raceway Park on Saturday night. The points battle is shaping to be an epic one this year as after four events, “The Peruvian Outlaw” Mark Ruel Jr. and Danny “The Hammer” Martin Jr. are tied for first place, trailed by only two points by the man with hot hand as of late “The Jacksonville Jet” Matt Kurtz, who in turn has our Factory Driver Flyin’ Ryan Partin only 12 points out of the lead.
Seriously, how much more out of a sprint car series could you possibly ask for? After a couple of races of wings and non-wings, this is a serious battle for supremacy in dirt sprint car racing. I would dare say there is not another dirt sprint car series in this country with a tighter points battle in the top five at the moment, so don’t be cutting our state short in the performance department.
Other drivers trying to move up in the points are Andrew Griffin, A.J. Maddox, Capt. Tony Agin, Rich Alexander, Brandon Lineberger, Terry Witherspoon, Mean Gene Lasker, Robbie Smith, Haulin’ Collin Cabre, Shawn Murray, Tim and Brandon Grubaugh, “The Ladies Choice” Kerry Gilbert, Coty Smith and Scott Alexander. Also of note is that “The Bloodhound” Brett O’Donnell returns to action, so keep an eye on him as he was very fast last time out.
In mini sprint action, the FMSA returns to North Florida Speedway (Lake City to you and me) and Eddie Moss Jr. and Gavin Thomas will resume their title fight. Gavin moves over to the Jesse Teed Demolition Triple X Chassis entry after piloting the Todd’s Tomatoes entry most of the season. Dirk Miller and Rhea Lynn Moss (who has been strong as of late) are also lurking in the points battle. And always, if Harold Matthews is in the house, don’t count him out as he is always strong at Lake City.
Down Punta Gorda way, the TQs are back in action and Jamie Barnum will be looking to hold on to his slim points lead over Rob Kohler (last event’s winner) and Chris Gimmler. As always, get there early as Punta Gorda is generally packed.
And don’t forget – the previously scheduled TBARA event at Desoto Speedway is canceled. Though if you’re at Citrus County Speedway this weekend, look for “The Bushnell Bullet” Shane Butler, who is making his super late model debut. Travelin’ Troy DeCaire will also be in AVSS action at Toledo Speedway this evening, as will our Canadian snowbird friend Ryan Litt. Troy is currently second in points.
Here are some videos to get you in the mood for this weekend.
Our Factory Driver at work in hot laps at Bubba Raceway Park.
Some vintage footage of Brett O’Donnell tearing it up at North Florida Speedway in his mini sprint.
And finally some TQ in-car footage from Punta Gorda Speedway from April, courtesy of Steven Maier.
