World Figure 8? Racing Tour
Indianapolis, Indiana
January 12, 2009
The Florida Figure 8 Championship is a four-day series pitting the host Sunshine state racing stars against drivers from all over America. This Florida Figure 8 Championship is slated for Thursday February 12th to Sunday the 15th, 2009. These events, run under the World Figure 8? Racing Tour sanctioning banner, will be run at the Auburndale Speedway in Winter Haven, Florida (5640 State Road 542 West). Headlining the series will be the talented stars of Figure 8 racing from around the United States. But they are just the tip of the iceberg in these packed racing programs. V-8 Bombers, Mini Stocks, and Scramblers will compete for Florida championships while the Florida Open Wheel Lites have their own internal point?s battle on the agenda. The Sportsman cars will have a one night challenge on Saturday as well.
V-8 Bombers are the ?heavy metal? division of the series. The Detroit iron built in the late 1970?s and decade of the 80?s is giving most drivers their first taste of real stockcar racing. This very exciting class saw its 2008 Auburndale season championship play out with Jason Howell topping the V-8 Bomber Chase standings. Bill Konopa and Buddy Phillips Jr pushed him all year long in the title quest. Watch as these machines trade paint all the way to the winner?s circle each night.
Scramblers are the latest in entry-level action to short tracks across the country. Known at some places as Hornets or Front Wheel Drives, these small cars are becoming very prominent in the world of racing. Open to many four-cylinder strictly stock cars and trucks, it is a very diverse division. Mike Vaneepoel reigned supreme in 2008 in the Auburndale Speedway Scrambler championship. The pursuit of the runner-up spot was the one to watch as Matt McCrary held off the advance of Jessica Kelley by just 8 points at the finish.
Mini Stocks are a short track staple in the state of Florida. The class is more of an advanced version of the Scramblers. A segment of the stock equipped parts are open to a replacement upgrade to make this a more pure racing group. 2008 Auburndale Mini Stock champion Chris Spring comes off a strong season winning the Chase by 62 markers over tough point challenges from speedsters Donnie Guy and Fred Harrison Jr. This may be an all-star affair as Mini Stocks from other tracks join in before their home track season starts.
Florida Open Wheel Lites (FOWL) is an organization that sanctions a racing tour for these small, but mighty machines around sunshine state. Born as Dwarf Cars in an earlier life, they have evolved into a unique and entertaining roster of competitors. 2008 FOWL champion Jeff Ripley looks to defend his hard earned title. Podium point?s finishers John Bailey and Billy Gise will have to watch for home track champion Jon Guy in these races. These machines will impress the Figure 8 faithful.
Saturday February 14th will host an appearance from the Sportsman division. These high performance rides will cut the quickest laps of the weekend on the quarter-mile oval. David Williamson took home the Auburndale Sportsman title last season in one of the tightest races at the track. Runner-up Shawn Harper was in it down to the wire before finishing in a family sandwich with Aaron Williamson rounding out the top three. It will be a full night of participation for all fans in attendance.
The Florida Figure 8 Tour is sanctioned by the World Figure 8? Racing Tour. It has dates set for February 12th to the 15th, 2009 at the Auburndale Speedway. These events evolved from the legendary World Figure 8? Championship held each year at the EDCO Welding Indianapolis Speedrome?. The $20,000 to win, 33rd Annual World Figure 8? Championship is September 10th to 12th, 2009.
For more information:
WEB www.worldfigure8tour.com
WEB www.speedrome.com
PHONE (317) 353-8206
EMAIL indyspeedrome@comcast.net