Salem, Ind. (Feb. 17, 2003) - Scott Hantz won the "World Series" Florida Cracker 100 Saturday night, the final race of the 37th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. Hantz took the top spot on lap 60, passing stubborn second place finisher Louie Mechalides of Tyngsboro, Mass., who led from the opening lap until passed by Hantz, Mechalides was having his best run of the week.

Hantz led the rest of the event, but struggled at the end when his car lost a cylinder. Hantz was able to hold off Mechalides to claim the victory, his first ever at New Smyrna Speedway. Hantz's victory placed him second in Super Late Model Points for the 37th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, behind two time NASCAR All-Pro Champion Wayne Anderson who had claimed the championship on Friday.

Sunoco Super Series driver Junior Hanley claimed Super Late Model feature wins on Thursday and Friday nights at New Smyrna Speedway. Hanley got by Hantz late in the event on Friday to claim that victory. Hanley lost his power steering ending his night early in Saturday's Florida Cracker 100.

Eddie Van Meter and Jack Landis both ran strong through out the 37th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. Landis was forced to his back up car on the second night of racing after losing the motor in his primary car. Van Meter survived a scary crash during Saturday nights finally. Van Meter's car struck the outside wall coming out of turn four then rolled over on it's top and slid down across the track. Van Meter was not injured in the wreck. Landis plans on making several starts this season with the Sunoco Super Series driving for owner Jim Newman.

Indianapolis, Indiana's Steve Keller also made the trip to Florida for the 37th Annual World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing. Keller competed in his car on Monday night, but lost his motor in practice on Tuesday. Keller drove Van Meter's backup car on Thursday. Keller plans to compete for Rookie Of The Year Honors with the Sunoco Super Series this season.