Heads are turning as our Ford F-150 SuperCrew truck is turning up at racetracks throughout the country. We've had the opportunity to meet plenty of race fans with great ideas, so we're all excited about the end result of this project.
When last we caught up with the Ford F-150 SuperCrew, it was sitting outside the high banks of Bristol, Tennessee, visiting with the fine folks who attend one of Winston Cup's premiere short-track events. We had so much fun with it there that we decided we needed more short tracks in the truck's future.
Our next stop brought us to a land of good racing weather and longer racing seasons. With plenty of weekly action already under way, there was a bountiful harvest of potential locations in Florida.
First, we found ourselves at the exciting quarter-mile at Sun-shine Speedway in Pinellas Park near Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida. This track has developed quite a following among the locals. Offering close-quarters racing action at high speeds (not to mention the twice-yearly School Bus Figure Eight events), Sunshine gives the drivers plenty of opportunities to test their skills while providing spectators with thrill-a-minute racing. Promoters Frank and Bonnie Hill welcomed our visit as Frank took time from his busy race day duties to make certain everything was going well. Our location gave us a chance to visit with many interesting race fans. Some offered suggestions for our truck's racing-inspired buildup.
While we were in the area, we also were able to showcase our F-150 SuperCrew at the USA International Speedway in Lakeland. Just how fast is this track? Well, it's a testing ground for many NASCAR Winston Cup teams that are looking to sort out their short-track packages. The NASCAR Slim Jim All Pro Series was making its only appearance in town at the 31/44-mile track the weekend we stopped by.
The next stop was Memphis, for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. Truck racing fans will get a chance to see this F-150 SuperCrew at least two more times over the summer as it continues its metamorphosis.
Remember, here's your chance to put your creativity to good use. What improvements would you like to see made to the truck? As long as it's street-legal, anything goes. Don't assume someone already took your idea, because every vote carries weight. Besides, wouldn't it be fun to see your suggestion brought to life on the truck when it attends a track near you?
Even if we don't make it to your neighborhood, we'd still love to hear from you. Send your suggestions to: Build-A-Truck, c/o Circle Track Magazine, 5555 Concord Pkwy. S., Ste. 329, Harrisburg, NC 28075.
Our HostsSunshine SpeedwayPinellas Park, FL11/44-mile paved ovalRacing on Saturday nightRegular shows include Late Models, Figure Eight, Modifieds, Mini-Stocks, andStreet StocksSpecial Events in 2000Sept. 16: 100-lap Late Model championshipSept. 30: Bathtub racesNov. 4: Leo Musgrave Memorial-100-lap Late Model championshipov. 11: School Bus Figure Eight
USA International SpeedwayLakeland, FL31/44-mile paved ovalSpecial Events in 2000Sept. 2: USAR Hooters ProCupOct. 21: NASCAR Goody's DashNov. 25: USAR Hooters ProCup