ROUGEMONT, NC :: Saturday, March 16th saw a beautiful Saturday afternoon and the first practice at Orange County Speedway for 2013.  A good turnout of Late Model Stock Cars and Limited Late Models were on hand for the track’s media day.

Biggest news of the session was the return of two time LMSC track champ Terry Dease.  Dease indicated he will run for the track point title this year after missing all of 2012 and most of 2011. A return to the traditional NASCAR type late model stock rules was the reason most given for the return. Dease turned in the fastest laps of the late models.

Other Late Models on hand included those of Mason Hudson and Mike Chambers. Each stated that he would run the entire slate at the three-eighths mile speed plant. Though their cars weren’t there, defending track champ Chuck Lawson, 2012 rookie star Daniel Moss, multi-time race winner Craig Moore and 2012 title runner-up Tripp Massengill will all reportedly run the full schedule.  Among those planning for a partial schedule are Tracey Chambers, Justin Newlin and Bobby Griffin.

Limiteds on the track were the cars of Daniel Moss, Dennis Sargent Jr., Thomas Chappell, Lee Wyatt, Roger Ellis, Casey Pope, Chris Carroll and Michael Smith.  The efforts of Carroll will be bolstered by help from former limited ace Joey Throckmorton and pure stock four stalwart Joey Conner. Though not there, 2010 limited champion Justin Newlin has announced he will run for the 2013 limited title to go with his partial LMSC slate.

In the day’s most notable incident, Moss was a victim of a broken driveshaft and subsequent spin in his brand new LLM.

Among those not firm on their 2013 plans is Brian Cole. Cole is likely to make a decision soon on whether to run late model stock or limited. In all likelihood, his team will run every race in whatever division they go with.

Orange County Speedway will open the 2013 season on Saturday night April 13.  Joining the Late Models and Limiteds on the docket will be races for Street Stocks, Pure Stock Fours, and Mini-Trucks.  All signs are pointing to a great 2013 season at the fast little asphalt oval in Rougemont, N.C.

VIDEO: Orange County Speedway Interviews (via Orange County Speedway)

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