As the dates for the Ocala Speedway Winternationals/Speedweek events draw closer, more top name sprint car drivers are committing to coming to Florida's oldest race track and challenging what is known as the toughest 3/8ths mile in the southeast.  The O'Reilly Auto Parts All Star Circuit of Champions is returning to Ocala after a very long absence, and will be joined by the UMP DirtCar Modifieds on January 29th, 30th, and 31st. 

     According to Guy Webb of the O'Reilly All Stars, the appearance at Ocala Speedway is a unique event in that it will feature racers from both the Circuit of Champions and the World of Outlaws, together in a rare appearance.  Webb spoke candidly with Joe Dirt and Billy the Kid, the hosts of Real Racin' USA's "Dirt World" on Wednesday evening, in regard to the upcoming events at Ocala Speedway. 

     Webb noted that drivers from these two series have rarely crossed over and raced in a sprint car series other than the one in which they are committed to competing, and Webb thinks that this could be the birth of something bigger and more common down the road.  But for now it is a unique first opportunity for fans to see racers from both top sprint car series together on the same track in open competition.  In addition, Ocala Speedway has added a Wednesday evening practice session for the sprint cars and the modifieds, which will allow fans to get a sneak preview of what is to come during the following three nights. 

     Pit admission for the practice session on Wednesday, January 28th, is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.  That practice will run from 5 until 8 PM, ands all attendees must sign a pit area access waiver in order to be admitted.  Fans may view the practice from the turn one bleachers, which are located within the pit enclosure.  There will be no grandstand seating for the practice session.

     Grandstand admission for racing on Thursday and Friday nights will be $25 for adults and $15 for children under 12, and $30 for adults for the Saturday night finale. 

     Ocala Speedway owner Mike Peters has been tracking the drivers who intend to appear with the O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions, and has posted another update to the list of racers who have confirmed that they will be there to race:

Terry McCarl
Danny Lasoski
Darryn Pittmann
Brooke Tatnell
Chad Layton
TJ Windgardner
Dale Blaney
Lance Dewaese
Fred Rahmer
Randy Hannagan
Cody Darrah
Stevie Smith
Danny Smith
Greg Wilson
Tim Shaffer
Pat Cannon
Doug Esh
Brian Ellenberger
Sam Hafertepe
Chad Hillier
Mike Erdley
Mark Smith
Greg Hodnett
Lucas Wolfe
Andy McKisson
Bob Felmlee
Tom Bush
Miranda Throckmorton (First female ever to win a 410 non wing feature)

We have received positive initial info from and are awaiting official confirmation from the following drivers.

Steve Kinser
Jason Solwold
Joey Saldana
Todd Shaffer
Brock Mayes
Chad Kemenah