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Speedweeks preview? Ask the panel of experts
February's Georgia-Florida Speedweeks are among the busiest ever with 18 races scheduled among six tracks, three in Georgia and three in Florida. DirtonDirt.com asked staffers and six panelists several questions previewing Feb. 10-25 Super Late Model action. The capsules are edited for clarity and length (Speedweeks preview index):
Dave Argabright
Renowned dirt racing author and broadcaster:
National series events conflict at Speedweeks for first time in seven years: unconscionable or no big deal?: Competition is good for everybody, even racetracks. That said, it's a very delicate matter when tracks go head-to-head because promoting profitable events is already a challenge. When we split the fan community and the competitors, it can be a tough financial scenario. We'll get through this year OK, but I hope that Speedweeks conflicts like this can be avoided next year and beyond.
Drivers most likely to win multiple races and/or at multiple tracks: Scott Bloomquist will win more than one; I think we'll see him roll out with even more fire in his belly than usual. Jimmy Owens likely still has it going on as well, so I look for him to score multiple wins. I also have a hunch that Tim McCreadie is going to have a strong start and will win more than once before Speedweeks has finished.
Name a potential first-time Speedweeks winner or breakout driver: Jared Landers is still in a learning mode with regards to things like pacing and patience, but I look for him to post a win before February is over.
Drivers desperately needing a successful Speedweeks: I wouldn't say "desperate" in this situation because it's such a subjective word. However, anyone who made significant changes in the off-season — Steve Francis, Jonathan Davenport, Tim McCreadie, Austin Hubbard, among others — will look at Speedweeks with an elevated degree of tension. When you've made a big change-new team, new chassis, whatever-there is a natural tendency to second-guess ourselves at the first hint of adversity. Running well right away helps avoid all that mental anguish.
World of Outlaws points leader after six races at three tracks: Josh Richards, who will be very motivated in 2012 because, (1) he experienced the painful disappointment of falling short last season, and (2) he'll be very focused on winning races as he hopes to progress toward a solid NASCAR program.
National tour (World of Outlaws or Lucas Oil Series) rookie candidates expected to perform best: The WoO rookie race will be fascinating, but I think we'll see a fairly quick shakeout among the contenders. Such a big field will likely be thinned a bit by the end of Speedweeks. On the Lucas Oil side, wow, wouldn't it be great to see a tight race between Jonathan Davenport and Austin Hubbard that lasted to the end of the season? Both are excellent racers capable of winning immediately, and both come into this season with a great deal of experience and race savvy. Davenport has the overall edge, but this one is too close to call.
Favorite Speedweeks memory: The thing that always sticks with me when I think of Speedweeks is the radical temperature swings you often encounter. I've seen afternoons in T-shirts and flip-flops, followed by a night of 30-degree temps, 20 mph winds and 80 percent humidity that sets new bounds of human discomfort. Part of the Speedweeks ritual is going back to the motel and cranking up the woefully inadequate heater as you count your fingers and toes to make sure they didn't freeze and break off back at the racetrack.
James Essex
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series announcer:
National series events conflict at Speedweeks for first time in seven years: unconscionable or no big deal?: It's happened before, and everyone I'm sure was hoping it wouldn't happen again. Everybody needs to get on the same page in this sport. If not, you will see more tracks closing.
Drivers most likely to win multiple races and/or at multiple tracks: Don O'Neal at East Bay and Volusia.
Name a potential first-time Speedweeks winner or breakout driver: Jared Landers.
Drivers desperately needing a successful Speedweeks: Steve Francis, who after going winless last season, is off to a good start with off-season victories in Australia.
World of Outlaws points leader after six races at three tracks: Darrell Lanigan.
National tour (World of Outlaws or Lucas Oil Series) rookie candidates expected to perform best: Jonathan Davenport on the Lucas Oil Series.
Favorite Speedweeks memory: Dave Tyrchniewicz — a.k.a. the Turk — at East Bay in 2008. I don't believe most people had ever heard of this guy, and he made two feature events — plus a great interview.
Paul Fletcher
Associate editor for Late Model Illustrated:
With unlimited budget and clear calendar, briefly plot a fan's ideal Speedweeks schedule: A likely schedule for a traveling fan with plenty of money and time would be to hit Screven Motor Speedway on Feb. 10-11, then Golden Isles Speedway on Feb. 12. After that, drive southwest to East Bay Raceway Park in Florida for the first four nights, then go back north to attend the final two nights at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala. When that's over, finish up the southern swing with six nights at Volusia Speedway Park.
National series events conflict at Speedweeks for first time in seven years: unconscionable or no big deal?: The two national series' conflicting dates, to me, is horrid. With the amount of available time, there's no reason to divide up drivers and fans and make them choose where to go during this particular point in the season. But that's a selfish race fan's opinion. Other fans might like the idea of having a choice. As far as drivers, it does offer a lot more money up for grabs. Spreading the wealth, so to speak. There's a few different ways to look at it.
Drivers most likely to win multiple races and/or at multiple tracks: It's hard to bet against recent history. Names like Bloomquist, Richards and O'Neal likely will be in the headlines. Maybe Owens and Davenport as well. Billy Moyer if he shows.
Name a potential first-time Speedweeks winner or breakout driver: Just remember this name — Brandon Sheppard.
Drivers desperately needing a successful Speedweeks: Focusing mainly on national touring drivers, Chub Frank, Clint Smith, Shane Clanton, Earl Pearson Jr. and Tim McCreadie could use a few victories and some momentum going into the regular season.
World of Outlaws points leader after six races at three tracks: Darrell Lanigan.
National tour (World of Outlaws or Lucas Oil Series) rookie candidates expected to perform best: It's hard to define him as a Late Model rookie, but Jonathan Davenport with Lucas Oil.
Favorite Speedweeks memory: It's difficult to pinpoint a specific memory, but perhaps an important one would be from 1997 when Earl Pearson Jr. won what was then the biggest race of his 4-year-old Late Model career. In the Speedweeks finale at Volusia Speedway Park, Pearson held off some of the best in the business to win a $15,000 Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Racing Series event. It was a telling sign for the future multi-time national series champ and World 100 winner.
Dustin Jarrett
Track announcer at Ohio's Eldora Speedway and DirtonDirt.com contributor:
With unlimited budget and clear calendar, briefly plot a fan's ideal Speedweeks schedule: Hit East Bay to kick things off. With no competing races, fans may actually see higher car counts in Tampa the first three nights. From there, I'd make the two-hour drive north to Ocala to catch three nights of action at Bubba Raceway Park. The following week, it's off to Volusia for a week's worth of Late Model racing. Capping things off, a trip to the Daytona 500 ... just to say I've been there and done that.
National series events conflict at Speedweeks for first time in seven years: unconscionable or no big deal?: Pitting the nation's top two touring series against each other at tracks less than two hours apart at the start of the season is huge. Drivers will be forced to choose their series allegiance immediately, and it will split cars and fans, which is never a plus. The only positive? Each track will work harder on track prep to provide the best possible show.
Drivers most likely to win multiple races and/or at multiple tracks: Billy Moyer is always good opening the season wherever he races. He has nearly twice as many victories as anyone else at East Bay's Winternationals, and he's solid at Volusia. Josh Richards has an impressive history at both tracks, too, and won't have a problem adapting to Ocala. Another driver to watch is Don O'Neal.
Name a potential first-time Speedweeks winner or breakout driver: I have a feeling Jared Hawkins will carry his 2011 momentum into 2012 after a season of decent travel under his belt. Jonathan Davenport will be hard to discount, especially considering his epic finish to the 2011 season. Finally, if his success at Arizona's USA Raceway is any indication at how this season is shaping up, Billy Moyer Jr. looks ready to score his first major victory.
Drivers desperately needing a successful Speedweeks: Earl Pearson Jr. really needs to find his groove if he's going to challenge Owens and Bloomquist for the Lucas Oil championship — and to solidify his faith in Bobby Labonte Motorsports' in-house Longhorn Chassis. While EPJ has never been particularly strong in Florida, a slow start in 2012 could doom his chances before the season gets underway. Also, Terry Casey is at a make-it-or-break-it point in his career. Once considered a favorite to win any race at East Bay, his last few outings at the "Clay By The Bay" have been anything but memorable. Let's hope his reunion with Arnie Ranta isn't over before it fully starts.
World of Outlaws points leader after six races at three tracks: After his success in Tucson, I'll go with Tim McCreadie. It seems like we have a rejuvenated T-Mac as it appears he's found a chassis to his liking with Warrior. If his Arizona success is any indication, he'll make a run at the WoO title.
National tour (World of Outlaws or Lucas Oil Series) rookie candidates expected to perform best: With Lucas Oil, it's hard to bet against Jonathan Davenport after his late-season resurgence. Austin Hubbard will perform well, but Davenport looks too strong.
Favorite Speedweeks memory: I'll never forget my first-ever trip to East Bay in 2005 when Lucas Oil (running under the NARA banner) sanctioned races that drew well over 100 cars. The racing was off the hook and Michael "Spanky" Despain and I had the pleasure of providing audio netcasts for. With time trials in the afternoon, the track was torn up and reworked for the actual racing. Drivers rallied in seemingly every race as the high side of the track wasn't "plateaued" like it is now, providing memorable high-groove vs. low-groove battles. The single race I remember is the Friday night show in '06. Steve Francis made a banzai last-lap, last-turn pass on the far outside to win. In describing the pass to the fans listening at home, Spanky said: "Francis drove that car off into turn three like he didn't have no family!"
Joshua Joiner
Staff writer for DirtonDirt.com:
With unlimited budget and clear calendar, briefly plot a fan's ideal Speedweeks schedule: I'm disappointed Waycross didn't hold on to the Friday race they originally planned. I would have suggested for fans to start Speedweeks there Friday, then travel back to Screven on Saturday. But without that race, I would have to stick with Screven the first two nights. Maybe if the racing is subpar Friday night, then head down to Waycross Saturday, but it's hard to pass up watching a $20,000-to-win WoO race. Golden Isles is right on the way to Florida, so it only makes sense to stop in Sunday. And I would split East Bay and Ocala down the middle, spending Monday-Wednesday in Tampa then heading back up to Ocala for the Thursday-Saturday. And of course close it all out with a week's worth of racing at Volusia.
National series events conflict at Speedweeks for first time in seven years: unconscionable or no big deal?: It's not the best-case scenario by any means, but I don't believe it's a huge deal. It'll be interesting to see if any lesser-known of mid-level drivers are able to capitalize on the split fields to post some good runs or maybe even score a surprise victory.
Drivers most likely to win multiple races and/or at multiple tracks: Scott Bloomquist has done it two years in a row, and no telling how many times in all throughout his career. Billy Moyer, like Bloomquist, wins at multiple Speedweeks tracks quite often, last year included. Josh Richards will come out firing this year after going winless during Speedweeks last season.
Name a potential first-time Speedweeks winner or breakout driver: I really believe Jared Hawkins could have a solid season on the Outlaws if he does follow the whole tour. It won't surprise me at all to see him win a race during Speedweeks. While I don't expect Brandon Sheppard to run up front consistently during Speedweeks, but I do think he's more prepared to contend for the victory if he finds himself starting on the front row of a feature at some point again this year.
Drivers desperately needing a successful Speedweeks: Shane Clanton was solid with his new team in Arizona until wrecking hard while leading. He needs to bounce back from that setback and get off to a solid start to what he hopes will be a turnaround year on the WoO tour. Also, after Earl Pearson Jr.'s winless season in 2011, the last thing he needs is a disappointing start to 2012.
World of Outlaws points leader after six races at three tracks: Billy Moyer. Is there any chance he joins Billy Jr. in following the whole tour this season? Doubtful, but you never know.
National tour (World of Outlaws or Lucas Oil Series) rookie candidates expected to perform best: Jonathan Davenport with Lucas Oil, although I'm still not sure how he's even considered a rookie. But since he is, he easily tops this list in my opinion. With WoO, I like Jared Hawkins. Again, it wouldn't surprise me at all if he makes some noise during Speedweeks.
Favorite Speedweeks memory: Watching Josh Richards and Austin Hubbard duke it out on a rough and hammer-down track last year at Ocala, only to see Don O'Neal come back from an early flat tire to win after both Richards and Hubbard suffered flat tires of their own.
Kevin Kovac
Publicist for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series:
With unlimited budget and clear calendar, briefly plot a fan's ideal Speedweeks schedule: Of course, I'm a World of Outlaws and DIRTcar guy, so I'd be remiss if I plotted a fan's Speedweeks schedule without telling them to visit Screven, Bubba Raceway Park and Volusia. But if that Super Fan is looking to get in as many races as possible during a two-week Speedweeks trip, I'd also tell them to fit in a visit to Golden Isles and to hit up the early-week shows at East Bay. Then Feb. 19 — the one day where there's no Late Model racing — they need to see the WoO sprints at Volusia before the Late Models take over there. Heck, as a short-track fan, I'd even suggest visiting New Smyrna Speedway and check out some asphalt modified and Late Model racing — maybe event a New Smyrna-Volusia doubleheader? And if this fan has one more race in them after this two-week odyssey, they might want to attend the Daytona 500 — if they happen to land a free ticket! This is a short-track fan, right?
National series events conflict at Speedweeks for first time in seven years: unconscionable or no big deal?: It's never ideal to have conflicting races, but I don't think this year's competing national-tour shows at Bubba Raceway Park and East Bay will spell the end of the world as we know it. The obvious benefit of the additional races is that more drivers will start features and make some money down South.
Drivers most likely to win multiple races and/or at multiple tracks: Josh Richards. He's won at Screven, he's virtually an annual winner at Volusia, and he's been a contender for victory in his three previous starts at Bubba Raceway Park. Scott Bloomquist has won at East Bay and swept two World of Outlaws features at Volusia last year, so he's well positioned as a man to beat. And Billy Moyer, who's making the trip to Georgia and Florida again — and no one would be surprised if he won at Screven, BRP and Volusia.
Name a potential first-time Speedweeks winner or breakout driver: Vic Coffey. I just have a feeling that he might be in the mix for his first big Late Model win sometime over the next couple weeks.
Drivers desperately needing a successful Speedweeks: New York driver Tim Fuller. He has a second car now, thanks to help from Dale Beitler, but he doesn't have the BPG Inc. sponsorship he carried last year, so he's still in a very precarious financial position. He can't struggle out of the starting gate or he could find himself in a hole he can't dig out of. Also Shane Clanton, who after his disastrous debut with Kennedy Motorsports in Arizona, must regroup quickly.
World of Outlaws points leader after six races at three tracks: Josh Richards. His track record at Screven, BRP and Volusia is pretty strong, and, with his concentration once again on the WoO LMS after his hoped-for NASCAR Truck ride didn't materialize, Josh and his team will be focused on avenging last year's heartbreaking championship defeat.
National tour (World of Outlaws or Lucas Oil Series) rookie candidates expected to perform best: This year's group of WoO contenders provide an interesting mix. Yeah, there's some pretty experienced veterans who have never raced a full-time national schedule like Greg Johnson, Dan Stone and Jack Sullivan, then there's true up-and-coming young guys like Billy Moyer Jr., Jared Hawkins, Kent Robinson and Brandon Sheppard. There's also Bub McCool, who after a long layoff has hit the road the last couple years. I'm not sure if I can single one guy out as a favorite.
Favorite Speedweeks memory: It's tough for me to say I have one, single favorite memory. To tell you the truth, Speedweeks tends to feel so much like Groundhog Day for me — the same track, over and over, to the point where everything seems to blend together. But if I have to come up with something, maybe I'll say 2005 at Volusia, when Tim McCreadie won three of the six Late Model features. I grew up a big-block modified fan and at that time the division was still my main focus while writing for Area Auto Racing News, so to see a big-block guy really break onto the Dirt Late Model scene was pretty cool.
Michael Rigsby
Co-founder, CEO and videographer for DirtonDirt.com:
With unlimited budget and clear calendar, briefly plot a fan's ideal Speedweeks schedule: Variety is the spice of life. I'd hit Screven because it's such a unique event, and hit what's probably the best food for a dirt track on the planet. You have to hit Golden Isles, for me, what could be the "hidden gem" event of Speedweeks, with tons of cars planning on either passing through, or starting their Speedweeks there. Then a few days at East Bay to pay respect to the institution of Speedweeks, and enjoy the warmest weather of the entire trip. I'd move to Ocala for a few days after that: A) It's a brand-new event on a wild racetrack; B) With Bubba running the show, you have no idea what wildness could come of it, and it'll be something to see. I'd then take a few days off to recover, hit Disney World and Universal Studios, and then close things out with a few nights at Volusia. Sounds good to me, does someone out there want to trade me, and I'll do this schedule?
National series events conflict at Speedweeks for first time in seven years: unconscionable or no big deal?: Honestly, I've never been less concerned about races overlapping in my entire life. Perhaps it's because I'm focused on covering them all, but I think all tracks will be fine. To me, no big deal, and I think it will hash out that way. Do I think it's a perfect scenario? No. Do I think it's huge? No way.
Drivers most likely to win multiple races/tracks: Obviously Billy Moyer is the answer to this question right off the bat in any situation, but I really don't know how many Speedweeks races he is going to run. Even with that, I'll still say Moyer, with Bloomquist the second choice. I also see Josh Richards winning more than one.
Name a potential first-time Speedweeks winner or breakout driver: First-time Speedweeks winners are always the most fun to predict, and not that this is an off-the-wall pick, but I have a hard time believing Jonathan Davenport will not leave with at least one win. He finished last year white-hot, and a lot of these tracks are taylor-made for his driving style. So he'll win one. But the darkhorse? I'll say Brandon Sheppard. He was good at Volusia last year, and if the lineups fall right, he could sneak one out.
Drivers desperately needing a successful Speedweeks: How about Chub Frank here. This is a driver who you could really tell feels confident that he's going to have a good season, and I think it's important for him to start off feeling good about the year in Florida, after the past couple of years. If Chub runs well during Speedweeks, I think he'll be a factor the entire year.
World of Outlaws points leader after six races at three tracks: Josh Richards.
National tour (World of Outlaws or Lucas Oil Series) rookie candidates expected to perform best: This is tough to say because there are so few Lucas rookies, and so many Outlaws rookies. I'll say obviously Davenport on the Lucas side, and Jared Hawkins on the Outlaws side.
Favorite Speedweeks memory: The Terry Casey-Josh Richards episodes from 2009 are ones that I think the entire Dirt Late Model world will never forget. Not only did it culminate with Casey ramming Josh on the frontstretch, but there were a few moments that week that led up to the crescendo if you will. The entire crowd could feel that buzz coming, and, outside of Eldora, it's one of the few times that you could really "feel" the energy at the track. That's a moment I'll never forget.
Ben Shelton
Founder of Mid-South Racing and DirtonDirt.com contributor:
With unlimited budget and clear calendar, briefly plot a fan's ideal Speedweeks schedule: When I go into things with the mindset of the fan angle, I'm all about hitting as many tracks and events as possible. With that said I would enjoy the total Speedweeks experience and take in the practice night and preliminary night at Screven for the World of Outlaws event. On Saturday night I would slide over to Waycross before concluding the opening weekend at Golden Isles. Next up would be three nights apiece at East Bay and then Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala. Finally, I would wrap everything up with a six-day stand at Volusia. Sixteen nights of racing in 17 days at six tracks — could life get any better?
National series events conflict at Speedweeks for first time in seven years: unconscionable or no big deal?: Obviously it's not ideal. It's not good for the fans, and in the grand scheme it's a tough situation for some of the drivers as they have to determine immediately which sanction they plan to run. That said, as in any business, competition can be good and can create a drive for better products from all parties involved. I don't think the head-to-head battle will be as big a deal as some think, but it will make a noticeable impact on car counts and fan counts for these events.
Drivers most likely to win multiple races and/or at multiple tracks: Josh Richards' driving style favors the lightning fast ovals that begin Speedweeks with Screven and Golden Isles. He's also strong at Ocala and even though he's had bad luck at Volusia last year, he's obviously good there. I could easily see Richards winning four races overall. Scott Bloomquist is another favorite to win multiple times as he's finally figured out East Bay, he's always fast at Volusia, and Team Zero cars have been dominant at Golden Isles. Four victories are possible for him, as well. Outside those two, guys like Billy Moyer and Jimmy Owens could definitely stir the pot.
Name a potential first-time Speedweeks winner or breakout driver: Kent Robinson is entering just his second full Late Model season, but the WoO rookie candidate could make some big noise. A victory might be out of reach, but he could notch a top-five finish or two.
Drivers desperately needing a successful Speedweeks: Even after a great start in Arizona, Tim McCreadie needs continue rebuilding his confidence, which has taken a beating over the past two seasons. A strong Florida outing could put T-Mac on track for a huge 2012. Austin Hubbard also needs a good start to the year in the Tim Logan ride. With their plans only firm through Speedweeks, a solid outcome is key for a team that could win some races in 2012.
World of Outlaws points leader after six races at three tracks: It has to be Josh Richards. His consistency over the course of the past two seasons has been unbelievable. With six chances to rack up points this year, Kid Rocket will lead the points when the Speedweeks mayhem is in the history books
National tour (World of Outlaws or Lucas Oil Series) rookie candidates expected to perform best: With WoO, Robinson and Jared Hawkins seem to be good picks. Bub McCool is excited about the tour, but he'll have to fight through early-season setup issues. Billy Moyer Jr. could be a factor, but he'll have to overcome last year's struggles at Volusia. With Lucas Oil, it's hard to bet against Jonathan Davenport after the stellar end of 2011. If new-team gremlins don't trip him up, Davenport could have a big year across the board.
Favorite Speedweeks memory: My Speedweeks experience has been limited, so my favorite memory is fairly fresh. It would have to be last year watching Tyler Reddick hold off Dan Schlieper and Scott Bloomquist to get his first Lucas Oil victory last year at East Bay. It's always good to see somebody new win, and it's even better to see fresh blood in the sport.
Todd Turner
Managing editor at DirtonDirt.com:
With unlimited budget and clear calendar, briefly plot a fan's ideal Speedweeks schedule: The more tracks the better. Take in the opening night at Screven, buzz down to Waycross and then across to Golden Isles. Split time between East Bay and Ocala with three races apiece before your single day off and six nights of action at Volusia.
National series events conflict at Speedweeks for first time in seven years: unconscionable or no big deal?: The East Bay-Ocala split isn't ideal, but not the travesty some suggest. Surely East Bay will lose a number of cars, but with drivers committed to Lucas Oil Series events, those last three races won't be hurting for heavy-hitters. Bubba Raceway Park benefits from a tire rule that's easier on the pocketbook and the chance to draw mid-range UMP-rules drivers who'd normally be heading to Volusia anyway.
Drivers most likely to win multiple races/tracks: Scott Bloomquist (his days of struggling at East Bay are behind him), Don O'Neal (East Bay and Volusia both fit his style) and Josh Richards (he might win at three tracks).
Name a potential first-time Speedweeks winner or breakout driver: Jonathan Davenport has to top this list, although he'll face high expectations in his debut with Clint Bowyer Racing.
Drivers desperately needing a successful Speedweeks: Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., needs a major turnaround after his winless 2011. He doesn't often get a chance to run at tracks where he grew up racing, or at home-state tracks, so there's no better time to break his skid.
World of Outlaws points leader after six races at three tracks: Josh Richards. With his asphalt aspirations apparently on hold, he'll take out any frustration on his dirt counterparts.
National tour (World of Outlaws or Lucas Oil Series) rookie candidates expected to perform best: While Lucas Oil might consider Davenport a rookie, I'll dig a little deeper among national rookies. I think Brandon Sheppard will find Screven to his liking, igniting a solid Speedweeks for the Illinois youngster who's considering a chase of the WoO rookie crown.
Favorite Speedweeks memory: Pulling off the rare same-day doubleheader in 1996 when Billy Moyer's UMP victory at Volusia victory wrapped up quickly enough to make the jaunt up Highway 17 to Putnam County Speedway to catch Kenny Merchant's first career Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Racing Series triumph.
