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Bubba Winslow has no reason for regret.

Chuck Corder

News Journal correspondent

Bubba Winslow has no reason for regret.

Winning has a funny way of erasing all doubt.

Some wondered if the Cantonment native would rethink his jump from Sportsman to Super Stocks this year.

After a runner-up finish in 2010, could Winslow have used another year of seasoning against Sportsman drivers, historically one of the more competitive classes at Five Flags Speedway?

With two races under his firesuit, Winslow’s answer has been a resounding “no.�

When the Super Stocks compete in their 50-lap feature tonight, Winslow will take to the half-mile asphalt oval atop the series points standings.

The Sportsmen, Bombers and Pro Challenge cars also will race with a special admission price to the grandstands being two-for-one. Admission to the grandstands is as follows: $15 Adults; $14 Seniors/Military; $12 Students; $5 Child (6-11); Under 6 is Free. Gates open at 5 p.m. Pit passes are $25.

If there’s one thing Winslow quickly learned driving stock cars, no matter the division, it’s that missing just a little bit can spell disaster in a hurry.

“You gotta be on top of everything, not just the feature,� said Winslow, who holds a slim 97-89 margin against Shannon Jackson. “Qualifying and heat races, you have to take full advantage of every opportunity to create as many points as you can.�

Just ask Randy Thompson.

Another driver from Cantonment, Thompson currently sits ninth in points. The defending track champion knows how to win.

After winning three consecutive Sportsman titles from 2007-09, Thompson added the Super Stocks crown to his mantle last year.

But with only four races remaining in the season after tonight, that streak is in serious jeopardy.

“Just to win one championship was hard to do,� Thompson said. “Two was even harder. Everything just fell together. To win all three, that’s a big accomplishment. It’ll be hard to beat.�

But protecting an historic string of championships is the least of Thompson’s worry these day. Winslow has his full attention.

The 21 year old won the season opener at Five Flags in a photo finish, edging Jessie Reid at the line.

It was one of the most exciting finishes at a track that has witnessed some of stock-car racing’s greats idle through the pits.

“We had a pretty good car the whole night,� Winslow said. “We got schooled on the restarts against veterans like Jesse and Shannon Jackson. Luckily, we’re able to catch back up.�

Winslow then added to his collection of checkered flags with a victory at Mobile International Speedway on April 30.

“It means a lot to us, not just me, but my whole team,� he said. “I think it means just as much to me as to them and my dad (Aubrey).�

No one doubts whether Bubba Winslow belongs these days.

 

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