Let's talk Florida in February
 

Goodbye winter and hello spring (I hope) for nine days. I'm flying down on the 13th for the All-Stars, next three nights with the Outlaws, a couple races at New Smyrna, maybe a night of taxi-cabs back at Volusia and then the first two nights of USAC at Ocala. Never done a pure racing trip this long before and have never been to Volusia. Saw an All-Star race at Ocala 20 years ago when it was still a road course. Who else is heading south? :8:

Tom we are doing..Feb. 8th Screven Georgia 10,000 to win Open Late Model Show(WoO) cancelled because of tire rule, 9th Northern Florida Speedway Late Model Show, 10-15th Lucas Oil Late Models at East Bay, 16th-18th Visiting friend in New Smyrna (golfing, beach, beer), USAC at Bubba's 19th-22nd.

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Hey, Pine, that sounds like a nice trip. I'll see you at Ocala for sure. Let me know if you want some excellent laid back seafood/beer places as my wife and I have vacationed for years at Madeira Beach and know of some great places along the coast at St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Indian Rocks Beach, etc. Myself and two friends are staying at the Holiday Beach Resort Motel at Daytona Shores for a week and then I'll do a solo trip to Ocala. Planning on going to New Smyrna Speedway on the 17th and 19th for mods and super late models. Give me your cell phone number if you want and maybe we can meet at a joint and you can buy me a beer! HA HA

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

I'm hitting at least the first part of Volusia for sure. Not sure what I will do the latter part of the week between Volusia, Daytona, New Smyrna & East Bay. Looking forward to some mighty fine eating in Tampa also. All of USAC at Ocala and then head home.

Flying down on the 20th for the Duels(Thur) Trucks(Fri) and late models(sat)at Volusia. Guys I'm going down with have never been to Daytona so I'm gonna suffer thru it I guess.I would rather play in the dirt but I probably shouldn't complain.Upside is four days of golf. Everyone travel safely.

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

just doing latemodels at east bay this year and look for place to live down there over this weather up here

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

If you go south don't forget Tom & Kelly Bayless live down there and loves seeing old friends from the frozen tundra.

Jerry #66j
stida.com/HalfMoon Resturant & Brewery
www.joshspencer.com

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

You're cheating by taking a full month, Wayne. Shame on you.

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

First six nights at Volusia is on tap again. We usually stay in Deland at the Clarion. Chow at the Brickhouse downtown - killer wings.

I also took the liberty of bumping another thread of the list I made of the Winter events down that way. Please add/subtract from it if you have more info.

I'd love to buy you a drink Tom. Give me a call and we'll meet somewhere for some seafood and some drinks. 717-881-0971 PS..Schedule subject to change !!!

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Going for my 1st time to Florida. Arrive on the 18th and fly home on the 23rd. Bubba's here we come!

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Thursday less have an IOW meet and greet at my campsite Bubbas 2/20

LIKE if you can make it:6:

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Depending on what time.

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

say between 1-3

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

AM or PM??

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Making my first trip for the usac show in ocala. Can not wait. The mailman and the crew will hope to meet some iow fans at the race track.

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Thanks for your number, Pine. And I always call collect. HA HA

Tom, where's a nice, reasonably priced place to stay while at East Bay. St. Pete area? Tampa? Or somewhere closer to the track ?? PS. Or anyone who has suggestions! Thanks

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

I like the idea of an IOW meet. How do we identify you?

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Does anyone know of a good place to eat in Ocala. I have been there three times and the only place I liked (I prefer locally owned establishments to chains) was a little Mexican place with really good food. Sonny's BBQ is good also. Anyway, surely there is a local jewel there somewhere. Any help appreciated.

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Last year we stayed at the Best Western Brandon Hotel (motel) on Adamo Drive (Highway 60). It is on the corner of Ware Blvd., a little southwest of the I-4/I-75 interchange. There is a Beef O'Brady's sports bar/restaurant out front of it and the place was crawling with Late Model fans there for the Lucas Oil Late Model events at East Bay. The track is about a ten minute drive from there - tops. You are not going to go outside and go for a walk, for it is a highway, but if I remember, the prices were not bad at all for that week.

It worked out quite well for us and it is also pet friendly.

Don't laugh. I've held some great conversations over the years with my cat.

Ocala. I like the Wing House and The Tilted Kilt. :-)

I'll look it up. Thanks Mike !! Late Model fans and a Sports Bar. Sounds interesting...

Cant wait to see you there. Dont forget to pick me up at the airport on wed.

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Pine, we stay at the same place for the last 20 years on the coast at Madeira Beach so I don't really know of hotels in Tampa but there are tons around there. Go to Travelocity or a site like that and a whole bunch of places will pop up and you can pick one. We like the restaurants near the coast -- PJ's, Crabby Bill's, Blue Parrot, etc. and we like the beach so that's where we go in Oct. I wish you good luck, sir.

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Pine, maybe check out East Bay's site and they might have motels with a "racers rate".

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Pine that's the place I stayed at when we were down last.

I knew you were in Brandon somewhere. Just called them, their booked. The search continues for a non roach-coach Motel. The reviews I read from the hotels in the price range I want to pay, sound like they're roach invested filth. So I guess Ill spend a couple extra bucks a night for a better hotel. Especially if we are going to be in the same place for 6 nights. Going to check out LaQuinta..

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Cody's Roadhouse. Excellent

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Harry's on the square in downtown Ocala is a great place to eat or have a drink.

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

The "2014 Florida Speedweeks Preview" article is posted:

http://www.hoseheads.com/richard.html

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

2 weeks folks! :8:

Re: Let's talk Florida in February
 

Larry, you were certainly right about Harry's. I just got back from an excellent eggplant and crab Napolian and seared Ahi tuna. Great stuff. Many other good-looking things on the menu also. I plan to go back tonight if the rain continues. Thanks a lot for the recommendation.