IT ALL STARTED
three years ago when two former world champions got together to talk about promoting a race. A race they both hoped would bring back the excitement of the winter series bracket races begun over 30 years ago by the late Dick Moroso. Certainly there were big bracket races prior to then, but there’s little doubt that Moroso made the November trip south to Florida an annual affair. Couple high dollar bracket racing with a chance for many to escape the cold weather along with numerous other Florida vacation highlights, and it became an annual pilgrimage. Scott Richardson and Scott Weney knew all too well of the lure of the Florida winter series.
Both racers have won winter series events but in recent years, the proliferation of other big dollar races somewhat placed the winter series in their shadows and it slowly perished into history. During its heyday, there would be several four and five day races held in Florida, making the trip worthwhile. Blame the economy, other races, whatever; but it was always in the minds of both Richardson and Weney to bring back that “Florida feeling.” “Fun In The Sun” was the byproduct of their talks and this year’s version marked the third such event in their series, with presenting sponsor Lucas Oil. Illinois’ Nick Folk will always be known as the very first winner back in 2014, but that year’s race will also be known for something not as joyous.
Co-promoter Scott Weney had just completed his fourth day of race promoting when he unexpectedly collapsed and passed away. For that reason alone, the event will always be a tribute to the man who did so much for the sport, not only in racing but with his company, S&W Race Cars, as well. Co-promoter Scott Richardson stepped up to plate big time and for the past two years has had the help and support from Jeff Stange and his Strange Engineering company. “We are very supportive of the backbone of the sport and there is no better example of that than the many bracket racers across the country,” said Stange. “We had a great relationship with Scott Weney and with his passing, we wanted to make sure his legacy lived on.”
