I have been to Florence twice before, both in August for the North/South 100. I have seen the track in it's well known "black ice" form, but this would be the first time I have ever seen the track hooked up, tacky, and wicked fast. I was absolutely ecstatic for hot laps to start, not only because it was the first time I seen Florence real tacky and fast, but because it would be the first time I have seen race cars on the track at speed since last October. To say it was a long winter was an understatement. The racing bug had bit me hard, and I was ready to get my fix of racing, from the sweet smell of fuel and dirt in the air, to the sounds of race motors at full song, to the various sights that racing has to offer.
My first impression of it was "HOLY SHIT THEY ARE FAST!!" It was absolutely awesome to see cars going that fast and still be in control at those speeds. When the cars were turning laps in the high 15 second range around the high banked half mile, it's eye opening. There were some signs as well that it was early. The hole that was digging out in turn 4 was one of great concern to myself, as I was worried it would just keep digging out and really put a damper on the racing action.
The modified heats started the racing action off. The first heat race featured some torn up sheet metal, and even a car flipping over in turn 4. This craziness had me thinking it could be a long night. There would be more insanity to be had. Multiple restarts in the following heats would be called back, but with no apparent reasoning to those of us in the stands. The late model heats would be where this really reared it's ugly head. Heat 1 went without incident in this area, but had a couple of mishaps. Heat 2 was where the shit hit the fan, so to speak. Jeep Van Wormer and Don O'Neal had the front row. Jeep fired in 4 and the first start he was leaning on O'Neal. It got called back, which wasn't too bad. The next start, there was a spin, so no shock. The third start was good, and got waved off for no apparent reason. Then Jeep, the polesitter, got put back a row, which made no sense to us. The decision was greeted with a chorus of boos from the crowd, myself included. Jeep's night got even worse as he would then blow a motor, and he decided his night was over.
The first feature would be the 35th Spring 50 for the Late Models. Up until that point, there had been some fantastic racing action, including a furious battle in the first Late Model heat between Scott James and Eddie Carrier Jr (who was fast qualifier but came up just short to Scott James in heat 1). The groundwork was put in place for a great race. The first start, also good looking to the eyes, was also called back, which again wasn't popular. On the next start, James got a jump, but it stuck and the race was on. It was evident that this one was going to be highly contested. Carrier Jr. showed early that he was going to be tough, as he rapidly went from 4th to 2nd, and was challenging for the lead when the first caution came out on lap 5. There was plenty of close slide jobs and some dooring from some drivers, but all in all early it was a relatively clean race. On the next start, it looked like Eric Wells jumped but Rod Conley hit the cone and was sent to the back. Some drivers had sneaked up through the field. There wasn't bad attrition based on track conditions really. Carrier Jr. before had company in the yellow 71 of Don O'Neal. He got out in front before halfway and started checking out from the rest of the field. It really looked like it might be his race to lose. The big mover was Scott James, who spun early by himself while running 4th with 36 to go. He would then proceed to rally through the field to the delight of the crowd. It was awesome watching him carefully yet swiftly move through traffic and march forward. O'Neal made what would be a fatal blunder on a lap 27 (after a couple of attempts, one ending with Eric Wells trying to go under O'Neal and O'Neal shutting the door and Wells hitting the turn 4 berm.). O'Neal was penalized a spot, giving the lead back to Carrier Jr. O'Neal drove like a madman to try and get back by, but Carrier Jr. withstood his barrage. The excitement with less than 10 to go was for 2nd as Scott James, quite possibly the fastest car on the track, had rallied to 2nd, and the crowd was going nuts. Carrier Jr. won, James rallied for 2nd, O'Neal was 3rd, with Rod Conley and Wisconsin driver Chad Simpson rounding out the top 5. The win was Carrier Jr's. first win at the Kentucky oval, much to his delight. Daryl Herbert would go on and win an absolutely thrilling Modified feature filled with 3 wide racing and a wild finish. It was a great show. The restart rule, I learned later, was that there are cones in turns 3 and 4. When the drivers reach the 1st cone, they can start. Jeep started before the first cone each time, hence his penalty. It is something the fans should be a little more well informed on. Overall, it was a great show and I was definitely glad I went. I would like to thank the King family for racing on a night where others would have called off. It was worth the drive. I will leave you with pictures from victory lane. Hallelujah, racing season is back again!!
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