Completely Unofficial Citrus 8/27/16 Expanded Recap

[OldSchool+]

Indeed, and am thankful for my experiences and memories, and to still be cranking out new ones and be a small part of the sport.

And you? You have plenty of years of driving to look forward to. You still have Florida tracks to race on ahead of you. Life is good!

[zerofor]

To John Berti

Mr.Berti,I caught a statement you made Saturday night about Jake Perkins and that he was "trying to get some experience on blacktop after racing dirt" Jake started running pavement late models shortly after I arrived here in southwest Florida and was extremely competitive at that time. A few years back the decision apparently was made to switch over to dirt.A more accurate statement may have been "gaining experience at CCS" since that possibly was his first start ever there.Since you are the track announcer you might ask him the next time he's there if that was indeed his first time there.Anyway I didn't know if you were aware of that fact or just made that statement off the cuff.

[zerofor]

Years ago several tracks in Ohio had covered stands, but by and large they were all wooden structures that were mainly fire hazards and that's how many met they're end.The rest rotted away from not being maintained. Anything built now day's would have to be all steel construction and it would be a very pricey addition beyond the means of most tracks.A higher end backstretch price may just have hit on something. Different color wristbands depending on spectator or pit pass.Easy enough to check right?They definitely are on to something there but there is tweaking that will need to be made,but I can be patient, I've waited a long while to see the place bounce back and its nice to see it finally happening.

[ancrdave]

Jake Perkins is like many young drivers who gained experience in the Bandolero and Legend Cars where he won regularly... He did run Legends at Citrus, so he has experience there... His first LM races were on asphalt but the move to dirt was primarily to allow him to race closer to home at Ocala (Bubba) as school was the primary part of Jake's life... I've been lucky to know Jake and his family since he started racing... He is a fine young man and hopefully he has a pretty decent gig hooking up with Wayne Anderson...

[ocalasp76]

Jake Perkins is like many young drivers who gained experience in the Bandolero and Legend Cars where he won regularly... He did run Legends at Citrus, so he has experience there... His first LM races were on asphalt but the move to dirt was primarily to allow him to race closer to home at Ocala (Bubba) as school was the primary part of Jake's life... I've been lucky to know Jake and his family since he started racing... He is a fine young man and hopefully he has a pretty decent gig hooking up with Wayne Anderson...

Jake drove Legends for a few years. About 6 years ago he raced Citrus on one weekend and A'Dale on alternate weekends. He won the points championship at both tracks that same year when in Junior High School. Now Jake is a second year Engineering student at UF in Gainesville.
A fine young man, as well as his sister Sarah who starts her first year at UF next month. Jakes' father, Carter Perkins, is a dentist and found the cancer in my neck during a visit 10 years ago. I owe Carter my life.
Keep an eye on this young man. Shawn Reutimann is the crew chief, and Wayne Anderson is the car builder.. I just turn a lugnut and very glad to do it.
-JIM-

[John Berti]

Mr.Berti,I caught a statement you made Saturday night about Jake Perkins and that he was "trying to get some experience on blacktop after racing dirt" Jake started running pavement late models shortly after I arrived here in southwest Florida and was extremely competitive at that time. A few years back the decision apparently was made to switch over to dirt.A more accurate statement may have been "gaining experience at CCS" since that possibly was his first start ever there.Since you are the track announcer you might ask him the next time he's there if that was indeed his first time there.Anyway I didn't know if you were aware of that fact or just made that statement off the cuff.

I appreciate the information you provided. My comment was based on the two most recent years when Jake Perkins Motorsports was showing a strong commitment to dirt track Late Model racing with the United Pro Challenge Series. It made me wonder if he was priming himself for a go at the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Now it seems Jake is striving for more of a balance between dirt track racing and asphalt track racing. Of course by doing this Jake will be gaining even more experience on asphalt not just putting all his eggs in one basket with the dirt track racing alone which seemed to be the recent direction he was heading.

Jake is only 20 years old so the more and more opportunities he can get to enhance his driving skills. whether it be on dirt or asphalt, the better.

I knew that Jake drove a Legend car from time to time at Citrus, but this was the first time he drove the track with a Super Late Model. There is a far cry difference in racing a Legend car as compared to a Super Late Model as I know you are already aware of. He is gaining more asphalt track experience as a result of this.

[zerofor]

I wasn't aware of his time in the legends as I don't believe I ever saw him race a legend car.I think most guys who have raced on blacktop have a desire to at least try dirt whether to make themselves a better all around driver or just for the experience of at least doing it.There was a time years ago when guys would run both as long as they paid enough. Nowadays the cars are to different and to specific to afford a lot of guys the opportunity. Either way it was good to see him back on blacktop. The last time I saw him race was earlier this year at Ocala.He may just have his strongest piece of equipment to date and will probably make his presence felt with that ride.

[OldSchool+]

The #51 of Michael Atwell "felt his presence"!

But stuff happens, good luck to Jake Perkins and his career. Those that are associated with the Andersons are always quick.

[ocalasp76]

I knew that Jake drove a Legend car from time to time at Citrus, but this was the first time he drove the track with a Super Late Model. There is a far cry difference in racing a Legend car as compared to a Super Late Model as I know you are already aware of. He is gaining more asphalt track experience as a result of this.

Jake drove SLM for about 3 years and had many a race around the state including Citrus. Hate to correct you John. I usually help(or stay out of the way) at these races when I'm off.
BTW, of the 4 Anderson cars in this race, Jakes' was the only one with a crate motor.
-JIM-

[John Berti]

Jake drove SLM for about 3 years and had many a race around the state including Citrus. Hate to correct you John. I usually help(or stay out of the way) at these races when I'm off.
BTW, of the 4 Anderson cars in this race, Jakes' was the only one with a crate motor.
-JIM-

Oh well, Jim, I never profess to be perfect. There was only one perfect being and that was Jesus Christ, our savior, who died on the cross for our salvation.

I have since found out from Shawn Reutimann, who was Jake Perkins crew chief, that there were actually five Anderson Racing Super Late Models at CCS Saturday night.

The #24 car which was driven by Kevyn Terry was the fifth Anderson Racing SLM car.

Least we forget that the #7 Open Wheel Modified driven by Josh Todd is owned by Dickie Anderson so all considered on the night there was a grand total of six Anderson cars in competition.

The Andersons sure were supportive of Citrus County Speedway Saturday night. A big thank you goes out.

[zerofor]

John Berti

Who was in the immaculate #47x latemodel that didn't qualify but did start (but not finish) the latemodel feature?

[ocalasp76]

Oh well, Jim, I never profess to be perfect. There was only one perfect being and that was Jesus Christ, our savior, who died on the cross for our salvation.

I have since found out from Shawn Reutimann, who was Jake Perkins crew chief, that there were actually five Anderson Racing Super Late Models at CCS Saturday night.

The #24 car which was driven by Kevyn Terry was the fifth Anderson Racing SLM car.

Least we forget that the #7 Open Wheel Modified driven by Josh Todd is owned by Dickie Anderson so all considered on the night there was a grand total of six Anderson cars in competition.

The Andersons sure were supportive of Citrus County Speedway Saturday night. A big thank you goes out.

The 24 of Kevyn Terry broke in practice and didn't make the race.
So 6 Anderson cars counting the 7 MOD. Great show of support for the new Citrus Speedway for sure.
-JIM-

PS. I'm far from perfect too... lol

[ancrdave]

That #47X is a name I haven't seen for awhile - Keith Zavrel - a local guy who is a pretty decent chauffeur when he can keep his car together... Been about 2-3 years since I've seen him in any results... The track shows him on the finish as Zaviel, but it's Zavrel...

Also a shout out to Paul White for a nice 5th place effort... Super nice guy who has been running LM just over a year after running the Pro Challenge cars for several years...

[zerofor]

Agreed on both points on Paul White

I've had the opportunity to talk to him a couple different times and indeed he is. It was a much deserved top five run for him.Thanks for the info on the 47x car.I hadn't ever seen it around but it sure was a good looking ride.

[John Berti]

Who was in the immaculate #47x latemodel that didn't qualify but did start (but not finish) the latemodel feature?

Keith Zavrel, who had the #47x car at CCS this past Saturday, is from Brooksville, FL and is a veteran racer with some 20 years experience as a race car driver. He's had several top five finishes in Super Late Model competition at the track over the years with no wins as of yet. His most recent race was on July 30, 2016 which was a Super Late Model event at DeSoto Speedway where he recorded an 11th place finish.

He showed up late to the track so he did not get an opportunity to get practice during the scheduled practice period, or participate in European style qualifying, but was given some track time at intermission as I remember and allowed to start shotgun on the feature field.