Southern Sportsman Series Returns In 2013!!!

[scottgarrity07]

How about this to make the racers a little less fickle about redrawing all 18 transfer spots? Pay points to 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each heat and maybe some extra cash too for the winner (just not too much so that you don't turn the heat into a wreckfest). Have the redraw start with the winner of the first heat, then the winner of the second heat and down the line. That way the guys who finish up front in the heats will have the greatest shot at getting a good starting spot because those low numbers will all be in the hat at the start of the draw. Also you could make the races "cone" races. If your not familiar with this concept, you put a cone at the start/finish line during yellows. The leader goes by the cone then the next guy can choose to line up behind him or take the outside of the front row. This continues all the way through the field. Take the inside or move up on the outside. If you're fast and have the b*alls, go to the outside and make up the spots. As long as everyone "plays nice" you can make this be a winner for the racers and create even more excitement for the fans. This can get out of control if people don't respect each other, however. Whatcha think?

[Winger]

I think you're headed in the right direction. I sent you a PM with some thoughts. Florida really needs to try something different if racing is to survive here. I and many fans like inverts. Lots of good ideas floating around. I hope a bunch of these ideas are implemented and show how successful they can be. Once the success is shown, maybe some of the ideas can transfer to and revive some other classes.

[scottgarrity07]

Everybody has a lot of good ideas here. We have GOTTA shake things up with some innovative thinking to make a deal like this attractive to the FANS, RACERS and TRACKS. The status quo is just not working anymore. If the people that will run this thing use some of these fresh ideas we can have an exciting series with a lot of cars and not have to tear up equipment in the name of making it exciting. Let's do it!

[scottgarrity07]

So, Sportsman drivers (and Sportsman drivers only). What do you think of the ideas presented in the previous few posts? Do you like them? Do you hate them? What do you think? This is your forum to be heard (all the players involved read it) . Because this thing is being put together "behind the scenes", this may be your only chance to speak up about what you'd like to see. Let's hear it!

[Racing 1617]

Hey just make it fair and put a little money in our pockets to help make it to the next race.
I like the cone idea, think I've seen that in the mods at bowman gray.
I like making the heat races mean something. And not having the sandbaggers for a better starting spot.
Don't like the weekday race idea I think someone put out.
Get it done we are in!

[scottgarrity07]

Thanks Rainey! I agree 100%. Midweek shows are tough on us working-class guys. Cone races would be good, but you gotta pull the cone up if it becomes a wreckfest. I think that you gotta run heats to keep the racing interesting for the fans, but have a big redraw to discourage sandbagging and keep the heats clean. Points and money would make the heats mean enough, just not too much!

[snotragracin68]

hay scott has there been any more talk on this series?

[scottgarrity07]

Yeah, it appears to be in the works. FUPS director Rick Williams and old Southern Sportsman Series director Scott Jackman have something going on behind the scenes. There is supposed to be an announcement of a "Series Preview" race soon. Not sure where it will take place. Rumors are that it will be at Desoto or Auburndale. Nothing confirmed yet (that I know of). Maybe Scott Jackman or Rick Williams would want to make an announcement here as to what may be going on. C'mon guys, throw us a bone! With over 4,400 hits for this thread alone there's no doubt that the interest is there. Next big Sportsman race on the schedule is Orlando Speedworld on Oct. 19th. 50 Laps $1000 to win. Maybe one or both of these guys will show up there.

[snotragracin68]

thanks scott for that info and as far as orlando goes i personally called 3 times trying to make something work to go to that race they have not even called back to say no so i have removed that thought from my head so again low car count due to owners and promotors making up rules that suit theselves not the sport itself!!!I feel for the fans!!!!!

[scottgarrity07]

Why don't you call the track and talk to Barbara Pierce? She worked hard to make this event happen. I'm sure she could get some answers for you. Give it a shot Gary. What's one more phone call? You know you wanna run...

[snotragracin68]

i did!!!!that was the 3rd call!!!!!

[snotragracin68]

Just to let everyone know I received a call from Orlando and have now put the thought back in my little pea brain!!!! I'm sure glad they called and am trying to pave the way so of they worked with me and you have a sportsmen call them they want cars and a good race!!!!hope to see everyone there!!!!

[scottgarrity07]

Sportsman Finish from Orlando Speedworld on 10/19/12:

Sportsman - Features
Finish Start Car Driver Hometown Points
1 12 66 Andrew Nicholls , Fl 50.00
2 1 09E John Emerson , Fl 48.00
3 19 17 Blaise Hetznecker , Fl 47.00
4 13 9R Martin Pierce , Fl 46.00
5 14 8X Brandon Duchscherer Auburndale , Fl 45.00
6 9 33 Derrick (ricky) Wood , Fl 44.00
7 18 51 Chris Harvey - 43.00
8 15 3 James Frisbie , Fl 42.00
9 4 49 Jason Foster - 41.00
10 10 25 Patrick Thomas Oviedo , Fl 40.00
11 11 57 Chad Pierce Orlando , Fl 39.00
12 21 03 A. J. Parker - 38.00
13 24 95 Glenn Garcia - 37.00
14 23 98 Ron Gustafson - 36.00
15 2 68 Gary Mcfall , Fl 35.00
16 20 50 Jeffrey Wright , Fl 34.00
17 16 211 Jack Lenzen - 33.00
18 26 60 Richard Fiore , Fl 32.00
19 6 10 Derrick Wood , Fl 31.00
20 7 10X George Gorham, Jr, , Fl 30.00
21 8 56 Brandon Morris , Fl 29.00
22 27 30 Dale Clouser - 28.00
23 5 8 Austin Carr , Fl 27.00
24 3 13 Aaron Williamson - 26.00
25 25 81 Larry Braswell - 25.00
26 28 13B Mike Barr , Fl 24.00
27 22 61 Bobby Simcox , Fl 23.00
28 17 125 Timothy Todd, Jr. , Fl 22.00

Anyone still doubt that a Series would work?

[scottgarrity07]

Check out this link to see awesome in-car action from the Sportsman 50 at Orlando Speedworld!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a3ZojerZBQ

[scottgarrity07]

OK, so now the ball is in the Sportsman Racer and Sportsman Fans court. Saturday December 8th FUPS Sportsman Series "Preview" race at Auburndale Speedway for $1000 to win. If we can show up in forces (like at Orlando a few weeks back) the Series will become a reality. The thread from the people putting this together say that the promoters from "all" the tracks will be there to witness what kind of turnout occurs. It's put up or shut up time. I know it's late in the year and funds may be low, but at the minimum put on your best set of used tires and come out and support this show. If we all do, we get a Sportsman Series for real in 2013 (not just some yahoo dreaming about it on KARNAC).