UNION, KY (March 1, 2011)-One of the best early season special events in dirt late model racing is set for Saturday, March 19th as the Florence Speedway in Union, KY hosts the 35th Annual “Spring 50” with a winners purse of $5,000 on the line.
The King Family, promoters of the historic half-mile facility are in the midst of a facelift as a new 2800 square-foot building located behind the main grandstand area is being constructed. The building will include a new concession area, main gate admission area, offices and men’s restrooms.
The late National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer Jack Boggs has the most wins in the event with five followed by fellow Hall of Famer Drivers, Billy Teegarden and Pat Patrick with four victories each. Last year’s winner, Don O’Neal of Martinsville, IN joined Teegarden and Patrick as a 4-time winner of the “Spring 50.”
The “Spring 50” also gives late model racers the opportunity to gain more track time leading up to the tracks two marquee events the 25th Ralph Latham Memorial on June 4th and the 29th Annual Sunoco Race Fuels North-South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil on August 12th and 13th. Both events will be sanctioned by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series with the Latham Memorial paying $10,000 to win and the Sunoco North-South paying $50,000 to win and $2,500 to start.
A stout field of late model competitors is expected to be on hand for the annual event, the kick-off to the 2011 season at Florence. Among the anticipated entrants includes 2010 Florence Speedway track champion, Jason Jameson of Lawrenceburg, IN.
Florence Speedway is located on U.S. 42 in Union, KY. The track is located nine miles west of KY Exit 180 off of I-75. Grandstand admission on March 19th will be $20 for adults with kids (ages 6-11) $3. Also on the race program will be Modifieds.
Pit gates will open at 4 PM with main and back grandstand gates opening at 5 PM. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 6 PM with time trials for the Late Models at 6:30 PM followed by racing at 7:30 PM.
For up to date information on the “Spring 50” and all events at Florence Speedway you can call (859) 485-7591 for a 24 hour recorded message. This message will give updates on weather conditions, opening times and admission prices. The track’s website is located at www.florencespeedway.com.
Previous “Spring 50” Winners
1977 – Billy Teegarden
1978 – Billy Teegarden
1979 – Billy Teegarden
1980 – Billy Teegarden
1981 – Vern LeFevers
1982 – Pat Patrick
1983 – Matt Gilardi
1984 – Chuck McWilliams
1985 – Pat Patrick
1986 – Pat Patrick
1987 – Pat Patrick
1988 – Jack Boggs
1989 – Scott Bloomquist
1990 – Jack Boggs
1991 – Gary Green
1992 – Bob Pierce
1993 – Jack Boggs
1994 – John Gill
1995 – Jack Boggs
1996 – Kevin Claycomb
1997 – Jack Boggs
1998 – Rained Out
1999 – Don O’Neal
2000 – Dan Schlieper
2001 – Darrell Lanigan
2002 – Don O’Neal
2003 – Steve Casebolt
2004 – Scott Bloomquist
2005 – Dan Schlieper
2006 – Don O’Neal
2007 – Scott James
2008 – Kevin Claycomb
2009 – Jeep VanWormer
2010 – Don O’Neal