If you’re a fan of dirt sprint car racing, Mike Peters may just be your best friend. To kick off 2011, Mike has booked the USAC wingless sprints to come to town, along with the All Stars to get SpeedWeeks going. Throw in the usual Top Gun Sprint Series dates and a first class operation and you can see why we’re so fond of Ocala Speedway.

This week the Top Gun Sprint Series pulls into town for their penultimate race of the season, so we know where you will be Friday night. Without further adieu, the man with the plan at Ocala Speedway…Mike Peters!

First off thank you for bringing us USAC wingless sprints to kick off 2011! You are both a scholar and a gentleman. How did that deal come to life?

Well, USAC actually called me. We put together a good plan and look forward to building a long term relationship going forward. And don’t forget the that in addition to USAC, the All Stars will also be coming the first weekend in February. It’s a pretty solid SpeedWeeks.

Looking back on 2010, what was your sprint car racing highlight at Ocala Speedway? Amanda Ferguson winning earlier this year was pretty special, but the All Stars race where Cale Conley and Brad Sweet ran into each other for the win was pretty spectacular too.

Amanda Ferguson winning with the Top Gun Sprint Series was awesome, no doubt. But my favorite dirt sprint car race at Ocala was watching Gene Lasker with the Top Gun Sprint Series. He had a problem during the heats then started the feature in last and passed everyone (23 cars) for the win. During the driver interview after the race he was asked “You started last, when did you think you could actually pull off the win?” Gene said, “As soon as my engine started.” That’s a promoters dream!

Amanda Ferguson was the popular winner earlier this year at Ocala Speedway.

When you decided to switch to becoming a dirt track, did you say to yourself, “well dammit, if I can’t pack this place for pavement racing with a picture of Ben Fritz on my billboards, nothing will work. Dirt it is.”

Umm…Sure! I also told Ben he needed to get some dirt tires. He hasn’t obliged as of yet though.

How did you get your start in the business of owning a race track?

I raced at Ocala Speedway and wanted to see the track stick around for a while, so I figured I would give it a go.

We at this website always say “sprint cars put butts in seats.” Comparing the sprint cars to other series like late models, how do we stack up with paying fans coming through the gates?

Promoters put butts in the seats – period.

We always see good crowds at Ocala Speedway, so obviously you know what you are doing when it comes to promoting. What do you think the other track owners could learn from you? There are quite a few pavement tracks that are pitifully empty when we go to see a sprint car race.

I don’t think I have the answer, just opinions. I try to stick to the basics, don’t live out of the drivers wallets,  and try my best to keep racing affordable. I’m also sure to continuously focus on getting one more guest coming in our grandstands each and every week.

Who are some of your favorite sprint car drivers to watch – both here locally and when you open the joint up in February to all of the big dogs?

Ben Fritz, Amanda Ferguson, Gene Lasker and Danny “The Dude” Lasoski.

Tell us about your racing surface. Where did you have it trucked in from and are there plans to do anything different to it?

It has probably the highest concentration of clay in the state. That at times is both good and bad. When it’s on it’s ON BIG, stays smooth, tacky and doesn’t wear out tires. When it rains a lot it’s harder to dry out, and when there’s too much moisture in it we get a bumpy track. The clay pushes out and makes ruts. Put a piece of play dough in your hand and try it out. It’s the same thing.

This is going to be a huge SpeedWeeks for you, how much extra manpower and planning does it take to pull off an event like SpeedWeeks?

It usually takes a few months of planning for SpeedWeeks. Then when everyone’s here it’s critical to me that everyone has a good experience, so during the shows there’s a lot of attention to detail. A lot.

That crockpot housing the chili at your concession stand that makes for the best chili cheese dogs in the state – you have some sort of secret ingredient that makes it addictive, right?

SHHHH! It actually starts with the tube. The 1/3 lb all beef Zuber dog.

Don’t forget kids – this Friday night at Ocala Speedway, Top Gun Sprints!