After four action-packed races in the 2023 Volusia Speedway Park season, the track is back in action with the annual Summer Sizzler.
A night featuring the Top Gun Sprint Car Series, 604 Late Models, DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, and the Thunder Stocks, the season is sure to ramp up when these cars hit “The World’s Fastest Half Mile” for the first time in over two months.
Top Gun Sprints
Throughout the Top Gun Sprint Car Series season, it has all been Apollo Beach, FL’s Steve Diamond Jr. at the top of the standings in 2023. Diamond has yet to win a Feature at Volusia, but this could be the year he earns that feat.
2022 Top Gun Sprint Car Series champion Brandon Grubaugh was close to winning at Volusia in 2022, including setting the 360 Sprint Car track record in December’s Battle in Barberville.
Sarasota, FL’s Danny Martin Jr was the king of Volusia in 2022, winning every Top Gun Sprint Car Series Feature held at the track. Will that feat be repeated in 2023?
604 Late Models
Defending his 2022 championship has gone well for Lake Helen, FL’s Joe Kump, leading the 604 Late Model points with 125 points. Though he has not won yet in 2023, Kump is knocking on the door of potential winners to come.
Close behind him is Bunnell, FL’s David Clegg, who follows behind Kump by 10 points. Third place in the standings is Dustin Carter, who picked up his first 604 Late Model Feature win at the 2023 season opener.
Many other drivers are on the hunt for their first win in 2023, including Deland, FL’s Tuck Trentham, Interlachen, FL’s Josh Sanford and Sonny Thompson, and Glen, St Mary, FL’s Brandon Wells.
DIRTcar UMP Modifieds
Though there has been only one Feature run for the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds this season, there is a lot to look forward to on Saturday for the division as this May’s Drifters Riverfront Bar & Grill Showdown and February’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals have shown off the stars of these powerful UMP Modifieds.
Current season points leader, Bunnell, FL’s Dalton Lanich, kicked off his season with a win at the May 20 Drifters Riverfront Bar & Grill Showdown. This Feature win was long-awaited for the driver of the #51 and could help shape up his chances to win the championship.
Other notable drivers to look out for this weekend include 2022 track champion, Buzzie Reutimann, Jacksonville, FL’s Dillon Buhr, Gibsonton, FL’s Seth Geary, and Panama City, FL’s Todd Neiheiser. All have won at Volusia Speedway Park in the past year and are hungry to collect more Feature wins.
Thunder Stocks
The 2023 season has been an eventful one for the Thunder Stocks, with three races full of new winners, and a wide-open championship fight.
Current points leader, Oviedo, FL’s Tanner Thomas, earned his first win at the Drifters Riverfront Bar & Grill Showdown, and the consistency he has shown through the early portion could spell trouble for those looking to battle the young hotshot.
Riding behind Thomas includes notable favorites such as Daytona Beach, FL’s Ron Adams, and 2022 Thunder Stocks champ, Shaun Daugharty. Both are placed second and third respectively, and both know how to win at Volusia.
Before Saturday night, Volusia Speedway Park is holding an open practice session for all six Volusia Speedway Park divisions on Wednesday, July 26. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. EST, with Practice running from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Don’t miss out!
Can’t make it to the track? Watch all the action live on DIRTVision – through your mobile phone or computer.
About Volusia Speedway Park
Volusia Speedway Park, The World’s Fastest Half Mile, is a 0.5-mile dirt track located in DeLeon Springs, Florida. VSP is home to the most prestigious dirt racing events, such as the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Germfree Southern Sprint Car Shootout, Sunshine Nationals, and the Emil & Dale Reutimann Memorial. The track hosts weekly races year-round with divisions of Dirt Late Models, Modifieds & Stock Cars. The track also hosts dirt-karting races at the facility. For more information, visit VolusiaSpeedwayPark.com.