Date: March 13, 2010

Track: Charlotte County Motorsports Park

Series: Checkered Flag Sprint Series

Admission: Pit Pass – $30

# of Sprint Cars: 16

Who Won: Feature – Jimmy Alvis Sr
Heat 1 – Keith Butler
Heat 2 – Scotty Adema

FSCF.com Driver of the Race: David Slawiak. David started the feature in the 11th spot and finished 4th. The feat herein was that David finished the feature with his rear brake caliper hanging off the back of the car – essentially giving him no rear brake. Not exactly an easy thing to deal with on a non wing pavement sprint car. And better yet, he didn’t have to use other cars to slow him down as was often the case with others. So our kudos and our Yuengling go out to you David Slawiak on a job well done. We must add that a big atta boy, or in this case an atta girl, goes out to Amanda Ferguson as our choice for runner up. Amanda was spun on lap 14, put to the end of the longest line on the restart, and charged her way back to a respectable 5th place finish. Sorry Amanda, no Yuengling for the runner up!

Series Grade: B+. The car count was a little low by our standards, but healthy by measure of the other classes at CCMP. The competition level with the CFSS has really stepped it up a notch since the last time we took in one of their races. There were probably 10 cars that could have won given their starting spot. We also noticed a lot of new sneakers mounted up, which also makes for good, competitive racing. And you can’t forget that when you go see the CFSS, part of the admission price is their own claim to fame, Florida’s favorite flaming flagman. The “Wild Child” was in the house! We sure miss seeing you furl your flags like only you can do!

Track Grade: C. CCMP has done a fairly decent job with what they have to work with. The pit area was fairly clean. Although they could use a few more strategically placed porta potties, or maybe even a restroom facility for the pit side patrons. The track itself seems very greasy. But that hasn’t changed any over the last eight years. It really makes the driver think about how to not only race their competitors, but the track too. Overall, the track crew did a good job preparing the facility.

Crowd Grade: C-. There were more warm bodies in the stands than I have seen at Desoto in a long time. I know that with a little more promotion, they could have the place packed. While sitting in the grandstands for the feature, I took time to talk to some people around me. They said they love going to CCMP on a regular basis. The racing is always good and exciting and the ticket price is reasonable. I really enjoyed talking to my new friend, Ralph, from Long Island. I didn’t know that LI was so big. We reminisced about the old days and the tracks up in his neck of the woods. Then he almost knocked me off the seat I was sitting on when he looks at me and says, “whatever happened to Doug Heveron?” I could have sat and talked to Ralph for hours. And I may just do that some day. I look forward to seeing you again Ralph, and I enjoy meeting people like him that share that passion for the sport we love.

Food Ordered: Rib Sandwich.

Food Grade: A+++. OMG!!! These were some of the best ribs that I think I’ve EVER had. Apparently this was their first night at the track. I hope it was a success, because I look forward to going back to CCMP just to try some more BBQ. But if you’re not going to be making the trip to Punta Gorda anytime soon, you can catch Smoking D’s BBQ at the corner of US HWY 301 and MLK in Tampa. The best BBQ this side of Dallas is only open Wed – Sat, and until they run out of meat. I highly suggest you check them out. I know I will! When I asked Smoking D about taking his smoker on the road to compete, his answer was classic; “I know it’s good, I don’t need no trophy!” Which was then followed with, “the electric company doesn’t take trophies, only Benjamins and Franklins!”

Drinks Ordered: Coca Cola (can)

Drinks Grade: A+. New Smyrna, you better get on your game! I wandered over to the grandstands, and what did I find ? Beer. And lots of it. They had Miller Lite and Coors Light on draft. And they had Coors, Coors Light, MGD, and Miller Lite in cans. They even had a special on their draft beer – you could buy a genuine CCMP collector cup and come back for refills. What a deal!

Other Notes:

- Jimmy Alvis Jr took the lead on lap 3 and was looking at picking up his first sprint car win of his career. Alvis and Keith Butler got together coming out of turn four on lap 21, taking both out along with one of our favorites, Double G, Gary Gimmler.

- Amanda Ferguson mowed some grass on lap 14, picked up the tail of the field, and somehow managed to charge her way back to 5th.

- Thanks to Dean for showing us at FSCF.com some love and actually putting a Double G on Gary Gimmler’s beautiful new ride.

-The TQ Midgets were in the house with 9 cars. Unfortunately Geoff Styner broke a driveline in practice and only 8 cars made the show. Ted Durfee was the class of the field and picked up the win. The immortal Jack Duffy finished 2nd, and Jay Stutz came home 3rd.

Race Reporter: Josh

NOTE: We have a few pictures from the pits that will be posted shortly.