So, DeSoto is claiming “the South’s fastest short track”.
New Smyrna is claiming “Florida’s fastest short track” - which, as we all (hope) know, is, in fact, in the “south”.
Sigh…yeah. I’m bored…LOL
What, exactly, is the CURRENT “Super Late Model” track record at each track? I know, years ago, Balough held the “all-time New Smyrna track record” (even faster than the NASCAR Tour-type Modifieds during Speedweeks) at 16.50 seconds. When I was last at the Governor’s Cup (2010), I think they were qualifying at 16.80’s.
When we were running the Triple Crown at Bradenton - again, years ago - I think LeRoy got the track record there at like a 14.60 (I think - at least, that’s what I remember).
So, keeping mind that (last I knew), DeSoto was claiming to be a 3/8ths mile. New Smyrna is a half-mile. Bradenton has hardly any banking (only 12 degrees in the corners), where New Smyrna has like, what, 18 degrees? I ain’t that great at math, so to compare a 1/2 mile (.5 mile) to a 3/8 mile (.325), what’s the math formula to determine which one is “faster”?
Told ya I was bored.
Then again, nearly every race track I’ve ever been to has some kind of claim to being the fastest “something” (like, “fastest 3/7ths mile with 8 degrees of banking and a popcorn stand”).
And to throw this into the mix. Orlando advertises it’s a 3/8 mile and so does Bradenton. But you run 2 different gear ratios at each (about 15-20 points higher at Bradenton). Splain that. Times are faster at orlando. Bored too (lunch break). So which is which?
Pete Orr has the track record at desoto as far as I know he went 1408 at a fl pro race back in late 90s.I was there.
If you go by how hard you hit and how much crash damage I think they are both bad fast.
Pete Orr also has the LM track record at OSW of 13.669 set just after the track was re-paved in 1998… Sprint Cars are, of course, much faster but (as far as I know) no records have been kept for any Sprint Car events at either track when they time-trialed… TBARA does not time trial, but if they did we’d see some incredible lap times…
Who really cares what the late model record is? Sprint cars hold the track record at every oval 1/4 mile or bigger in the state except Daytona and Homestead.
3/8 mile at 13.99 is about 96 mph avg
1/2 mile at 16.80 is about 107 mph avg
1/4 mile at 13.99 is about 64 mph avg
Go here to figure it yourself and I verified the math:
Fastest TBARA Sprint Car from practice during the 46th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing was a 15.675 which is 114.833 mph and was recorded by CRA Timing and Scoring, NOT a stopwatch.
Speed51.com reports Brian Gingras with a 15.459 in the same practice session which would be scary fast at 116.437mph. not sure if that is right or possibly a typo though as there is comse confusion in their follow up posts… either way those are some impressive lap times!
I believe it is Pete Orr at Orlando that went a 13.20 and currently holds the track record. I believe Mike Fritts went faster but was DQ for left side weight if I remember currectly but I’m getting older so who knows
What were the WOO sprints running at Volusia (1/2 mile) this year? Not to stir the pot but they were running in the mid 13 second range weren’t they? I believe Lasoski ran a 12.50 at Ocala (3/8 mile) in an Allstar sprint right.
Yea, the “title” is definitely in the eye of the beholder and promoter. I was at VSP when the record of somewhere around 145mph was set. So depending on who is measuring, where they are measuring etc, some people will get bent outta shape over it, but that was the fastest I have seen a car go around a half mile - period.
Saw them too, still think winged 410s are faster. Supermods were frighteningly quick though. They had active wings that would lay down and pop up in corners…crazy looking.
I remember in the 90’s. TBARA used to time trial at many tracks. I believe Gene Lasker got into the 13’s one night with his dirt car on the pavement at Volusia County Speedway.
Desoto is a fast track, but not the fastest in the SE…
In 1985 there was a gingle donr for a comerical at Desoto speed way and it said the souths fastest shirt track. The owner had a ad company and asked if she could make that clame…i told her that there was no faster short track south of her so go for it…
I was board also
