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A Brief History of The Tampa Bay Area Racing Association The T.B.A.R.A. has been racing from 1973 through 2004 and is preparing for its 32nd season.The best available records reflect that the TBARA Series Point Champion was the late
Billy Yuma of Melbourne, FL in 1973.
This Association was formed for the betterment of Sprint Car racing in Florida and neighboring states. Most of the well-known speedways in the southeastern
U.S. have hosted TBARA series events. During the last 31 years, the TBARA has gone through several changes. Originally, the TBARA ran a pavement only series. Then, as time dictated, the TBARA went to
a dirt only series. Then as times changed, the TBARA raced on both dirt and pavement. Recent events, a decline in dirt speedways in Florida, fan approval and marketing demographics criteria have dictated the
change to a pavement only format, with the TBARA Winged Sprint Series. In the last few years, both promoters and fans alike are thrilled by the TBARA Winged Sprints on pavement. Over the 30 plus year history of
the TBARA, there have been several multi-time champions.
Well-known drivers such as Robert Smith, Robbie Smith, Joe Melnick, Dude Teate, Sam Rodrigues (3), Wayne Reutimann Sr. (3), and Taylor Andrews
(4).
During this time period, the TBARA Series has produced several winners of the prestigious Little 500, held every May in Anderson, Indiana.
TBARA Series drivers included are Wayne
Reutimann, Frank Riddle (2 wins), Dave Scarborough, Jim Childers (3 wins), and Dave Steele. The TBARA is also well represented in the Little 500 Hall of Fame, with TBARA stars Robert Smith, Frank Riddle, Stan
Butler and Jim Childers.
Racing into the next millennium, the TBARA has been the proving grounds for the young guns like Scott Adema, Ray Bragg, Keith and Shane Butler, Dude Teate, David Slawiak and Wayne
Reutimann Jr. to some day reach superstar status in Motorsports. |
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