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Texas drivers set to invade Five Flags

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared in June 9 editions of the Pensacola News Journal.

Chuck Corder

Five Flags Speedway will get a bit bigger Friday night.

Settle down race fans, there are no plans for the famed half-mile asphalt oval to increase in size.

But the pro late model series is in for a 12-gallon-hat size ballooning when a handful of Texas drivers invade Five Flags for the Allen Turner Sonata 100 on Friday.

“It’s an animal that’s for sure,� said Mason Mitchell, an 18-year-old Houstonian who finished 10th on his first trip to Five Flags for the pro late model season opener April 22.

“You have to go all out. I like racing like that. You have to be on the wheel. It’s a great place to race at.�

It’s the second of five 100-lap pro late model races this season, a twist from last year’s collection of nine 40 lappers.

That’s the biggest draw for Lone Star State drivers, such as 21-year-old Kyle Sirizzotti from Helotes, Texas, a suburb just north of San Antonio.

“It makes the travel a lot more worthwhile,� said Sirizzotti, who at 19 finished seventh in the Snowflake 100 in 2009. “Everyone in Texas loves running at Five Flags. It’s a great place to experience and you get your shot to race good drivers on the East Coast.�

The Sonata 100 already promised to be intriguing with the commitments of late model stalwarts Bubba Pollard and Augie Grill headlining a deep field that also includes Hunter Robbins, the April winner, and defending track champion D.J. VanderLey.

Super stocks, sportsmen and bombers also continue their intriguing seasons when the gates open at 5 p.m. Friday. Hotshoes as young as 4 will get a chance to race, as well, with the annual kids bike races. There will be four age groups — 5-under, 6-10, 11-12 and 13-older. Children are invited to bring a bike and helmet with all receiving a trophy and a special treat following the races.

Grandstands admission is as follows: $15 Adults; $14 Seniors/Military; $12 Students; $5 Child (6-11); Under 6 is Free. Pit passes are $25.

“There’s some good drivers at home, but nowhere to speak of Bubba Pollard and Augie Grill,� said Sirizzotti, who finished 21st at the first 100- lap race this season. “Racing people like that only makes you better. You’re only as good as your competition.�

The Texas contingent that will join Sirizzotti and Mitchell includes Brandon Bendele (La Vernia), Joe Aramendia (Sequin). A fifth driver, Chris Davidson (Friendswood) was also scheduled to race, but recent motor problems have shelved him until the Blizzard Series returns June 24.

This group of Texans typically competes at Houston Motorsports Park, a 3/8 mile oval that has both asphalt and concrete surfaces.

In seven pro late model races this season, Mitchell has won five times and finished second twice. The fourth-generation driver believes his next logical step is running a full schedule Five Flags.

“The first time we raced here, we wanted to make a solid top 10 showing and gain knowledge for the next time,� Mitchell said. “We did that. Now I want to shoot for top fives and hopefully get some wins. It’s all about track positioning and conserving the car, especially the tires.�

The kid is a quick learner.

Apparently, Five Flags’ abrasive surface is a harsh reality that knows no boundaries, even when it comes to state lines.

 

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