Tim Sozio Secures First Career UARA Sportsman Win at Auburndale

The UARA Sportsman Series added a new winner to its history books on Saturday night at Auburndale Speedway.

Tim Sozio, a longtime competitor who made his first start with the series in 2016, scored his elusive first career UARA Sportsman win Saturday. The win came in his 31st start with the series.

It's also Sozio's first win since the birth of his newborn son. While the family couldn't make the trip and watched at home, there was no doubt it added to the joy of the triumph

"I really wish my wife and son could have been here, but she's at home taking care of him," said Sozio in victory lane. "I'm sure they were watching on TV."

Previously, Sozio had 12 top-five finishes in 30 UARA Sportsman Series starts, including three runner-up finishes. Most recently, Sozio finished second at Citrus County Speedway and Auburndale Speedway in 2022, finishing third in points that season.

That changed on Saturday, as Sozio finished ahead of 2022 UARA Sportsman champion Brandon Morris for the victory.

"Man, this has been a long time coming. We've been working on this thing for years trying to get one of these wins. I can't thank everyone enough, Daniel Webster, Craig Cuzzone, mom, dad, wife, every single person that has put a part in this. Hopefully, this is the first of many.

"Brandon is one of the best out here. If you can beat him here, you're definitely doing something. I was getting nervous with all those restarts. He got around me one time. The next time, I was able to keep my cool and drive back around him. He was putting the pressure on me, but finally I was able to save my tires and drive away."

Morris congratulated Sozio on his victory after finishing second in the race.

"I want to say congrats to Sozio, man," said Morris. "We had a hell of a time racing side-by-side. I know I got him on the top once. That time it turned, the rest of the time it didn't. I'm so happy for him. He deserves this. It's been a long one coming, and I'm extremely happy he won this race."

Adam Briggs finished third, followed by Joe Winchell and Jimmy Frazier III.

The next stop for the UARA Sportsman Series is Cordele Motor Speedway on May 25. That race marks just the second trip to Cordele in series history, and the first since 2019.

-Photo credit: UARA Sportsman Series

UARA SPORTSMAN SERIES AT AUBURNDALE - APRIL 6, 2024
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS