Lakeland Dragstrip is under new management and this weekend marks the Inaugural Lakeland Summer Kickoff Race featuring X275 and Unlimited Doorslammers along with their regular bracket program. Event coverage is sponsored by Duck X Productions andThe September to Remember – No Mercy III

There has been a lot of trash talk since Troy Pirez Sr. has won the last two events with the Duck in his corner. Will he be able to claim the crown a third time? Walt Drakeford is also a multiple winner this year and he has a different outcome planned, with the Real Speed Mustang taking home the trophy. Keep it locked here for news through out the day from the pits and on the track. Gates are at 2 PM. Gotta give a shout out to Adam Vetter for the ride over.

Joe Miller with Holeshot Wheels is here coming out to support the new track owners as well as the racers using his product.

Big Country and crew are putting in some “Pirez Killer” special fuel in the turbo charged small block Ford which will have none other that Kevin Fiscus behind the wheel today. They are currently running 10.5 x 28′s and will change over after a couple of hits and see what works best here at Lakeland ” Win or loose we are here to do the best we can and knock the fenders off Troy Sr’s Camaro” – Big Country.

From left to right, Adam Vetter, Adams girlfriend Nicholl, Father Al Vetter and Troy Pirez Jr. They had a late thrash session to replace the transmission yesterday and an addition of some new sponsors on board, All American Street Car Performance in Largo and Innovative Racecraft, Induction Performance and Fast Forward Race Engines.

Real Speed racing in the house here today with the Mike Burkhart owned Mustang hatchback. They fired the car up last night and have two Induction Solution Foggers and a plate as well this weekend just for Pirez. Everyone is looking to knock off the two time repeat winner here this weekend with Drakeford at the top of the list.

Greg Hampton from right here in Lakeland is out to have some fun at the local track with a little 391SBF on the bottle. maybe not a contender but you never know what’s gonna happen on race day. From left to right BJ Kell, Greg Hampton, John Brackett and son Dylan. Crew chief Rebel Kid not pictured.

This 4th gen YSI blown Camaro belongs to Chris Smith and he will be running Ultimate Outlaw today.

Dennis Lugo is happy so far testing with a 5.4x. He had it soft down low and the mile per hour is fine so they are ready for qualifying. Some of the other cars in X275 are struggling getting their cars hooked up. Kevin Fiscus had both valve steams tear in the slicks and an interesting ride getting it stopped. They have switched to the radials for qualifying. One interesting note is troy Pirez has not made even one hit today.

Adam Vetter earned the second spot so far with a 5.25 @143 in a tight match with Kevin Fiscus driving the Fat Boy Racing entry. Dennis Lugo and Corey Berry was the next pair out. Lugo with a 5.46, a 5.43 for Berry.