Top 10 Exciting Storylines to Follow at the World Series of Asphalt Racing in New Smyrna Speedway – FloRacing

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Top 10 Exciting Storylines to Follow at the World Series of Asphalt Racing in New Smyrna Speedway – FloRacing

The 59th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing kicks off this Friday, February 7, at New Smyrna Speedway. Fans will be treated to nine nights of thrilling races featuring various divisions. Exciting storylines are sure to unfold, and we’ve highlighted some key points to watch for during this action-packed event.

First up is Matt Hirschman, known as “Big Money Matt.” He holds 20 career wins at New Smyrna, but surprisingly, most of those victories come from long-distance races. He has taken the checkered flag 12 times in races that are longer than usual, including seven wins in the Richie Evans Memorial 100. His performance has solidified his legacy at this track.

This year’s showcase will feature big events like the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and the ASA STARS National Tour. These races attract many drivers, creating a larger field throughout the week. Expect to see even more cars hitting the track as competitors aim for additional race opportunities.

The Pro Late Model division is buzzing with excitement as it seeks its 19th champion in just as many years. This class has consistently been the most competitive at the event, boasting 64 different winners from 22 states and three Canadian provinces. It’s a testament to the high level of talent in this series.

On opening night, fans will witness a milestone as Super Late Models partake in their 400th race at this event. With 97 different winners over the years, Junior Hanley leads with the most wins at 48. It’s an exciting time to celebrate this division’s history.

To claim the Speedweeks title, drivers need to navigate through numerous challenges. Along with fierce nightly competition, they’ll compete in the ASA Clyde Hart Memorial 200, which previously featured over 40 drivers, and the 100-lap Orange Blossom special. It takes skill and strategy to emerge as the champion over 429 laps.

This year, the event schedule has evolved to feature a maximum of four races per night. This change is beneficial for both drivers and fans, allowing for better pacing throughout the week. Historically, divisions ran all nine nights back in 2002, but adjustments have been made to enhance the experience for everyone involved.

In the Pro Late Models, if every race has a different winner, we could see the list grow to 70 unique drivers this year. While it’s unlikely given the presence of former winners, it’s remarkable that this division has had so many champions over its two-decade-long history.

Meanwhile, Super Late Models are chasing the milestone of 100 different winners. Currently, 97 drivers have reached victory lane, so new faces could make history at this year’s event.

The Tour-type Modifieds will also celebrate a milestone during their 350th race, taking place on the third night of the series. This week promises to be historic, with both the Super Late Models and Tour-type Mods reaching significant race counts.

Lastly, Canadian drivers are returning to the spotlight. Cole Butcher and Raphael Lessard are now contenders who could make a significant impact in their respective divisions. The potential for Canadian talent to shine again adds an exciting twist to the competition.



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