Jeremy Colangelo Gears Up for 2009 Edition of SpeedFest

Floridian Super Late Model Competitor Will Head to Georgia for 200-Lap Race

The year was 2006 and Jeremy Colangelo was going to be working in the pits for Mike Fritts during the annual SpeedFest event at the now defunct USA International Speedway (FL).  Prior to the race weekend, Colangelo had his wisdom teeth removed and could not be in the pits on raceday.  So instead, he watched from the stands as Fritts held off Clay Rodgers to win the 200-lap Super Late Model Event.  Did Colangelo miss his chance to go to victory lane at SpeedFest?

Maybe not. 

If you fast-forward a few years, Colangelo might get his redemption from behind the wheel of his Mark Martin Performance Chevrolet Super Late Model.  The best of the best in the Super Late Model racing world are now flocking to a new venue, the Lanier National Speedway (GA), and Colangelo will be looking for his chance to stand in victory lane as a driver.

“We’re really looking forward to SpeedFest at Lanier,” said Colangelo.  “We were disappointed when they closed down the Lakeland track, but at the same time this gives us an opportunity to run a track that we don’t normally race at.”

Jeremy Colangelo will be racing at Lanier National Speedway in Georgia for the first time.  (51 Sports)

For Colangelo, this will be an anniversary weekend, as it was the 2008 edition of SpeedFest where Colangelo ran his first-ever Super Late Model race.  Since then, he has scored several wins and logged countless top-fives and top-10 runs. 

“We’re in the shop and preparing our ‘A’ game for SpeedFest,” said Colangelo.  “I have spent my time talking to drivers about Lanier, and we think we have a pretty good baseline setup that will make us competitive when we roll out onto the track.”

Colangelo will be racing at Lanier for the first time in his career.  While some drivers might be intimidated by a new track, Colangelo likes his chances.  

“Another one of our great assets is our car builder,” added Colangelo.  “We get our racecars from Augie Grill, and he has really helped us get steered into the right direction on tracks we have not raced at.”  

SpeedFest will be a three-day event consisting of CRA Super Late Models and Georgia Asphalt Series Pro Late Models.  The festivities start on Friday, January 23rd, with practice and qualifying on Saturday, January 24th, and racing action on Sunday, January 25th.