FASCAR Sunbelt Super Late Model SeriesThere was a trend developing in Florida Super Late Model racing. It was a trend no one wanted, but a number of factors were contributing to it. Super Late Model racing was dwindling. It was good for Limited Late Models, who were flourishing, but there was a need for more opportunity to allow young racing talent to develop and veteran racers to shine.
Like many forms of racing, Super Late Models seem to go through cycles of feast or famine. With the coming of the 2000 racing season, Robert Hart of New Smyrna Speedway and Orlando Speed World wanted to reinvigorate Super Late Model racing. Hart chose Don Nerone as the right man for the job. Together, they launched the Sunbelt Super Late Model series under the banner of the FASCAR sanction. The series has reached its goals in a short period, with the third season continuing the growth of the two previous.
Nerone was involved with the USA series (which became the foundation for the current USAR Hooters ProCup Series) and was no stranger to Florida Super Late Model racing. "We had a good first year," Nerone recalled. "We had the cars and we had the races. The fan following was a little slow in coming."
The series stayed close to home in the first season, racing at New Smyrna, Orlando, and St. Augustine. The campaign started adding tracks like USA International Speedway in Lakeland, into south Georgia to race at Cordele Motor Speedway, and contesting the famed road course at Sebring International Raceway. The 2003 schedule brings the series to more new locations such as Ocala and Bronson.
2003 Growth Michael Williams will be the defending champion when the 2003 Sunbelt Super Late Model race goes green on January 18. The series crown is an extension of his goals.
"My goal in racing had been to run Super Late Models," said Williams. "This series gives me that chance. We race all around Florida, but not too far from home. I get to run with guys like Jimmy Cope, Dick Anderson, and David Rogers. It's a touring series that's perfect for me. We run with a lot of the same people, and you really get to know them through the course of a year. You know who you can run with."
James Powell III won two of the last three events and put on a charge into the Top 5 in the point standings. He sat on the pole for the final event, but was taken out in a multi-car crash after a pit stop put him back in the depths of the field. Powell said he feels this is about as good as it gets in racing. "Look around you," he said in the New Smyrna pit area. "You're racing with the best. This is just like a family. You race and you hang out. You look forward to the next time you race these guys."
Dick Anderson, "King of the Florida Short Tracks," literally won everything in sight in 2001, but couldn't repeat the magic in 2002. Nonetheless, Anderson was upbeat about the series and its future. "I race with the series because of the professionalism, mainly," he said. "This is like one big family. We're all out here trying to accomplish something for the sport. Everybody works together. This is one series where everybody tries to help you and you feel welcome. I praise the Lord they came along. The future for Super Late Model racing couldn't be brighter. The opportunities are there and all of us should be thankful for them."
The creation of the series brought veterans a new chance to race at the pinnacle of Late Models. It also opened the way for young drivers to set their sights on the next divisions.