South Boston Spring Fling preview

South Boston Spring Fling draws a late wodel "who's who".

SOUTH BOSTON, VA (MARCH 12, 2003)-- The 2003 racing season at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway cranks up this Saturday, March 15, with the Sheetz Spring Fling 300, featuring twin 150 laps for the NASCAR Late Models. Both races pay $5,000 to win, with a $5,000 "Grand Slam Bonus" available to any driver who sweeps both races. The first race awards double points, and the second race awards regular points.

The race has already drawn some impressive entrants, with more expected to enter before practice begins on March 14. Among those entered are South Boston regulars Dean Ward and Scott Worley, with regional Late Model greats James Ramsey, Wayne Grubb, Jimmy Mullins and Deac McCaskill planning to compete. The Sheetz Spring Fling 300 will be a race of champions, as 2000 South Boston Champion Nick Woodward, 2002 Southampton Motor Speedway Champion Woody Howard and 2002 Orange County Speedway Champion Timothy Peters are all entered. The 2002 NASCAR Weekly Racing Series presented by Dodge Atlantic Region Champion Wade Day will also make an appearance at the Sheetz Spring Fling 300.

South Boston has a reputation of drawing a "Who's Who" of drivers, proven March 8 in the track's pre-season open practice session. Philip Morris, Mark McFarland, Peyton Sellers, Eric Sartin and Denny Hamlin all attended the practice session. According to track timing and scoring, Jimmy Mullins led the day's cumulative practice speeds, turning a lap of 15.954 sec. (90.259 mph). Dean Ward, driver of South Boston-based Fallen Racing, was second fastest at 15.962 sec. (90.214 mph). Philip Morris completed the top three, posting a speed of 15.972 sec. (90.158 mph).

Grandstand gates for the Sheetz Spring Fling 300 open at 9 a.m., in time for 10 a.m., qualifying. The first heat race starts at noon, and the first race in the Sheetz Spring Fling 300 is at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adult general admission and $25 for reserved seating. Youth age 10 to 15 pay only $10, and children nine and under are free.

In 2003, Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway celebrates 46 years of racing excitement. To learn more about Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway or to order tickets, call the Speedway toll-free at 1-877-440-1540, or log on to www.southbostonspeedway.com. Tickets are also available via www.tickets.com.

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