Tampa, FL 1/29/08 – The entries continued to pour in for the 32nd Annual Winternationals at East Bay Raceway Park. Top names in the O?Reilly American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) will kick off 17 nights of racing starting with their three-night series starting January 31 through February 2, 2008. Saturday night?s 7th Annual Ronald Laney Memorial pays $10,000 and the winner will be crowned ?King of the 360?s?. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the event with Gary Wright of Hooks, TX being the only repeat winner taking the inaugural event in 1999 and winning last years event. In addition, a field of approximately 50 FL Mini Sprints will be on hand each night.
The Lucas Oil Late Model DIRT Series invades East Bay?s clay on Monday February 4 through February 9 with a complete show nightly for all cars. Each year nearly 90 cars have thrilled fans with two and three wide racing. Last year Jacksonville?s Earl Pearson drove his Bobby Labonte owned car to his first-ever win at East Bay, while Scott Bloomquist ended a 17 year drought by capturing the 75-lap finale worth $12,000.
On Sunday, February 10, from 1pm ? until 5pm Vintage Cars will have the spotlight. Vintage cars will get track time and there will be a Vintage style swap meet/flea market.
The 410 Sprint Cars see a change for 2008 as they will gear up for their 2-day event starting Monday February 11. Previous Pennsylvania Posse drivers Lance DeWease and Fred Rahmer will have to battle Indiana?s Danny Smith and others both nights. The FL Mini Sprints will also be back in action with the 410?s.
Open Wheel Modifieds get their chance to compete on East Bay?s 1/3 mile clay beginning Thursday February 14, 15, and 16. This division brings the highest car counts to the Winternationals with an all-time record of 126 set in 2005. Although there have been no repeat winners in their $8,000 finale, Ray Guss, Jr. from Peoria, IL is entered as defending champion hoping to become the first two-time winner.
A fast growing class will wind up the Winternationals on Thursday February 21, 22, and 23. The NeSmith Crate Late Models will be in town to show the world how they do it ?Crate Style?. This will be their third appearance during the Winternationals and each year shows a steady growth in car counts. They will be joined by the Delaware based Team Mod-Lite Racing Series.
East Bay Raceway Park is located off I-75 at Exit 250. Take Gibsonton Drive west to Highway 41 North and follow the signs to the track. For ticket information call toll free 1-877-457-5611.
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