Leonard Uses Lakeland Test To Prepare For Short Track Assaults In 2005

Leonard Uses Lakeland Test To Prepare For
Short Track Assaults In 2005
 
Cape Coral, Florida - - It’s been nearly two years since ARCA RE/MAX Series 
driver Johnny Leonard has endured a short track event. However, that will 
change this season as Leonard along with his Florida Motorsports Group have made it 
very clear they will run for the RE/MAX title this season.  This past 
Thursday, the FMG team participated in a closed private test session from USA 
International Speedway in Lakeland, Florida to shake down their short track car in 
preparation for the third installment of the RE/MAX Series schedule next weekend 
at Salem.
 
In the seven-hour test session, Leonard ran approximately 125 laps around the 
flat ¾ mile facility posting very competitive and consistent lap times.
 
“The test went good,�?? said the driver of the No. 13 Boca Bay Builders 
Chevrolet Monte Carlo.  “I’ve never seen this track prior to Thursday.  It’s a very 
different, and slick track.  We just wanted to come down here and shake our 
short track car down and get ready for Salem next weekend.�??
 
Leonard, who has been titled as a championship contender by the SPEED channel 
this season also mentioned “I’ve only have a couple of short track races 
under my belt.  We ran well in all of them despite some of the finishes.  The 
ARCA RE/MAX Series has a very diverse schedule and we just hope that the short 
tracks are good to us this year.�??
 
Leonard wasn’t the only driver behind the wheel of the No. 13 machine 
Thursday afternoon. Florida Motorsports Group partner Rick Woodard buckled in just 
after 4:00pm EST.  Taking about 15 markers around the track, Woodard posted very 
respectable lap times.  While Thursday’s thrill ride was a first for Woodard 
at Lakeland, it wasn’t his first experience in the fast lane.  
 
Besides having experience as a hydroplane driver, Woodard has also 
participated in several of the racing schools, which include the Richard Petty Driving 
Experience, and the Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure.  Rick has also tested at 
some of the highest quality tracks on both the RE/MAX circuit and Nextel Cup 
Circuit including Talladega Superspeedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway.
 
“That was cool,�?? he said exiting from the car.  “It was really great to get 
back inside a racecar and have a little fun.  I took it easy, I didn’t want to 
go out there and wreck the car and especially didn’t want to go out there and 
run faster than Johnny,�?? he said jokingly.  
 
For Leonard, having partner Rick Woodard test on Thursday was special.  “Not 
too many of the partners actually are able to crank the engine and go out and 
run a couple laps.  For me, I just wanted Rick to have a good time and feel 
the car.  He did just that, I wouldn’t be surprised if he entered an ARCA race 
or two this season,�?? Leonard smiled.
 
The Florida Motorsports Group team returned to the shop early Friday morning 
and begun making the final changes to the 2002 Chevrolet Monte Carlo purchased 
from Nextel Cup driver Hermie Sadler for the first of two events from Indiana’
s Salem Speedway next weekend.