North Florida Speedway Welcomes Kenny Schrader November 14
Lake City, FL. November 12, 2009: Much of the Dirt Racing world turned its attention to North Florida Speedway this Saturday, as some rather formidable opponents came together in what was being billed as a rare competitive opportunity. NASCAR racing veteran, Kenny Schrader made an unscheduled stop at North Florida Speedway and the big dawgs of the Open Wheeled Modifieds swarmed in to swap paint with one of the most versatile racers on the circuit today.
One-by-one, massive big-rigs filed in carrying high-end racers, with drivers anxious for a chance to pit their skills against a NASCAR thoroughbred. By the time the drivers meeting rolled around, it was apparent the night would yield some on-your-feet dirt racing excitement. In the end, that’s exactly what the fans got, although the source of this elation came from an entirely different, if not unexpected direction.
As expected, NASCAR experience and state-of-the-art equipment blasted Ken Schrader’s #9, Open Wheeled Modified, well out ahead of the pack during the heats. Although the track had only recently applied additional clay, which was still being packed, his driving prowess provided him the skills needed to maneuver his swift, blue chariot through areas of loose dirt and uneven stretches. He wowed the crowd with power and precision-driving as the track was beaten into shape and the other drivers warmed up their machines, setting their collective focus to the challenge at hand.
During intermission, the first six positions were determined by the luck of a draw. Six randomly-selected boys and girls were given ball caps with concealed numbers and then afforded the thrill of allowing the six heat-leaders to pick one boy or girl, and receive the position their hat awarded. The driver would then sign their selectee’s hat and returned it to the lucky child. Afterward, Ken Schrader submitted to an anxious crowd, spending nearly an hour signing autographs, shaking hands and having pictures taken. He was a true sportsman and without question, gained many more loyal fans that night.
In the feature event, however, Mr. Schrader found himself in the fourth starting position, with considerable talent and quite a gaggle of competitors positioned in front of him. As the race progressed, Jeff Mathews driving the #33 emerged as the leader, determined to keep the hounds at bay and clinch the checkered flag and the $1500.00 check for himself. The race evolved into a few cautions, a couple altercations and 25 laps of mostly Mathews leading, with a pack of savage predators close behind. At the end, it was Mathews holding off the horde and taking the checkered, with Schrader hot on his tail, followed by Donnie Hall in the #31, Ronnie Chance in the #7s and Ricky White in the #5. It was a race to behold.
With all things being equal, however, the true Clash of the Titans came as the Pure Stocks took to the tracks. This local division attracts quite a following, with many local personalities and their families faithfully attending their Saturday night ritual of good racing, good people and good times. Timmy Odom, currently in the 8th position for the points standing, leaped ahead and mostly dominated the race. Less than two car lengths behind, however, a mob of no less than five other local favorites, battled for second. Chris Rowe brought the stands to their feet with every pass, as Rick Reed, Dave Hess and Shane Taylor jostled for position, and looked for the right moment, which rarely presents itself in the fierce battles often played out in the world of dirt racing.
During the final 5 laps of extremely competitive racing, Shane Taylor was dealt a normally crippling blow as his hood flared up on the right side, partially blocking his vision and greatly diminishing the aerodynamics of his car. Undeterred, he pushed ahead, never easing up on the accelerator or backing off his competitors in the slightest. Soon, he was running neck-and-neck with the leader, when during the last two laps of the race, the unthinkable happened; his hood folded up over the front, onto the roof, completely obscuring his vision!
Without a doubt, a lesser driver would have pulled over, but extreme conditions can at times, give way to extraordinary performances. Shane Taylor, peering through the two inch gap left by the bottom of his hood and the top of his firewall, maneuvered his car into the lead, finished the final two laps and stormed across the finish line in first place! It is doubtful anything like this has ever happened, at least in recent history, and was a driving feat worthy of a standing ovation. That’s exactly what he received. November 14, 2009 will definitely go down in dirt racing archives as one night not soon forgotten, and least by racing fans at North Florida Speedway!
On Saturday, November 27 and 28, North Florida Speedway will also host the 2009 Turkey Trot, which without question, will be one of the most popular racing events in the nation. View their website at www.northfloridaspeedway.com for details and more information about this event and make plans to attend. Dirt Racing does not get any more exciting than this!
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