Thursday marked the unofficial start to the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway, with open practice for teams across all divisions. For those drivers, there are many different motivations entering nine nights of racing.
Cory Hall has made the trip from New Brunswick, Canada to New Smyrna Beach, Florida to compete in the Pro Late Model division at this year's World Series.
“We’ll see where we end up. We’re just trying to work through some things. It’s my first attempt myself, so we’re trying to learn the track and learn what the car wants.”
For Hall, the week will be a chance to learn and get plenty of seat time ... and escape colder climates up north.
“I’m very excited to keep learning and keep getting better as a driver and team. I’m mostly happy to not be in the snow back home. To everyone back home, I’m sorry, but we’re having a good time down here.”
For Dan Fredrickson, the World Series is a brief detour. He will not be partaking in the entire week-plus of racing, instead running a couple of nights for a "honeymoon" in Hawaii.
“I’m finally going on my honeymoon after 22 years of marriage. I’m only going to race here two nights, and then I’m jetsetting off to Hawaii with my beautiful wife.”
Racing begins Friday night at New Smyrna Speedway. Opening night includes 35-lap features for the Sportsman, Super Late Models, Pro Late Models and Florida Modifieds, with a 20-lap Bomber feature to close out the night.