Kraus Leads in Sunshine State 200 Practice
Derek Kraus secured the top spot in practice for the ASA STARS national Super Late Model tour, aiming for his second career victory at Five Flags Speedway during the Sunshine State 200.
Kraus attributes his performance to the improved speed of his VanDoorn Racing Development No. 9 car. “We have great speed, so I’m eager for the race tomorrow,” he told Short Track Scene after the session. “I believe we have established a solid baseline; we just need to qualify well to gain favorable track position.”
Drivers Close Behind
Other competitors showing promising speeds included Tristan McKee from Wauters Motorsports, Jade Avedisian of Wilson Motorsports, Jake Garcia from FR8 Racing, and George Phillips from Wilson.
Kraus expressed confidence that qualifying conditions would mirror the evening practice as he clocked his fastest lap. “There was considerable grip in the last session. The sun was setting, so the track temperatures should resemble those in the morning,” he noted.
McKee Seeks Improvements
Despite achieving the second-fastest lap, McKee is striving for better performance. “We’re experiencing some challenges with the tires, which feel different from our previous tests,” he explained. “Five Flags is particularly tricky. The lack of grip and abrasive surface make it tough, but we need to enhance our car’s handling for the race.”
Avedisian’s Momentum
Avedisian, who recently won a World Series of Asphalt race, feels that momentum has carried over to Pensacola. “We need to manage our race effectively. I’ve had little experience with day races, so positioning will be vital as passing here is a challenge,” she remarked.
Upcoming Racing Plans for Cleetus McFarland
Garrett Mitchell, known as Cleetus McFarland on YouTube, has joined Richard Childress Racing for an O’Reilly Series event at Rockingham Speedway next month. Additionally, he plans to invest in a new Port City Race Cars Pro/Super Late Model for the upcoming summer season.
Mitchell is customizing the car to accommodate his height and hopes to race it at the Freedom Factory, a track he owns, later this year. “I’m excited about the next steps in my racing career,” he added, expressing eagerness for upcoming Super Late Model races.
Nasse’s Return to Five Flags
Stephen Nasse returns to Five Flags Speedway after officially winning the Snowball Derby, reflecting on the feeling of accomplished success. “I expected to feel different, but I already felt victorious in 2019 when I was unfairly stripped of the win,” he stated. “Now, I aim for multiple wins in future Snowball Derbies.”
Davis’ Championship Aspirations
Spencer Davis ranks fourth in the ASA STARS championship standings as he heads into the weekend. He hopes that consistent performance will lead to a full-time ride with NEXUS Racing and GMS Race Cars next season. “We’re keen to stay competitive in the upcoming races,” he said, looking to replicate his previous successes.
The Sunshine State 200 is set to kick off at 1:05 p.m. Central Time, with qualifying scheduled for 11:00 a.m. The event will be streamed live on TRACKTV.
