Cutting into the competition

Young drivers D.J. Macklin and Daniel Webster are among the top of their divisions.

By KELLIE DIXON
Published June 1, 2007

DJ Macklin, 17, and Daniel Webster, 20, repair a Super Late Model on Thursday afternoon that Webster races at Citrus Speedway.
	[Times photo: Danny Ghitis]

BROOKSVILLE - Sparks disappeared around Daniel Webster and D.J. Macklin as they lay on their backs and tried to fix the bumper to Macklin's No. 14 car.

Macklin can be a little rough when he races. He tends to use his bumper quite a bit. But with the help of Webster on Thursday, he was trying to get the car ready for Saturday's race at Citrus County Speedway.

Then, the duo paused. Macklin pushed long blond strands out of his face and remarked he wanted a hair cut.

"You need one; it's shoulder length," Webster said.

"I know, but I gotta win," Macklin replied.

Actually they both do. And not just for the purse, though that helps makes a dent in the amount of money they spend each week in maintenance - repairing the body, replacing the tires and so on.

Webster and Macklin made a pact with two other friends that no one can get a haircut until each driver gets a win. No win, no haircut.

Webster and Macklin each have wins this season, but those don't count because the pact was made shortly after, in mid March.

A first-place finish might not be far off for either driver. Webster, who recorded a win in Ocala, ranks second in points in Super Late Models at Citrus County Speedway. The 20-year-old Brooksville resident is two points behind leader Herb Neumann.

Macklin, 17, started racing three years ago. He had a rocky rookie season last year in the Sportsman division. The one thing he does remember is the difference in speed from the Thunderstocks. Simply put, the car got better and the race got faster.

"I went from racing a 17-second lap to a 15-second lap," Macklin said. "Things happen a lot faster."

This season, Macklin has come on strong in Sportsman. He trails points leader Mike Veltman by 51 points and ranks fourth in points.

Macklin and Webster became friends two years ago when Webster did the body decals on Macklin's car. The friendship even extends on the track where Macklin stands nearby in Webster's pit when Webster races. Webster does the same for Macklin.

In the shop, however, there's almost as much jawing as drilling. Wisecracks and jokes fly as the two work in the shop Webster's dad owns. Macklin, who will be a senior at Wharton High in Tampa, plans to spend the summer with his uncle in Brooksville so he can work at Webster Race Cars and learn more about cars from Webster and his dad.

One day the knowledge might help Macklin pursue a career in Nascar. But now the ultimate goal is just getting ready for race day.

The duo stepped back to inspect their work. Webster lifted his hat and dark curls popped out. He has found himself picking metal pieces from his locks on Saturday nights, but he honors the pact he made with his friends.

"I don't know how much longer I can stand it," Webster said.

"Me neither," Macklin replied.

Kellie Dixon can be reached at kdixon@sptimes.com or 352 544-9480.

Citrus County Speedway

When: Saturday. Pit gates open at 2 p.m., grandstand gates open at 4. The first heat happens at 5:30.

Where: 3600 S. Florida Ave., Inverness (near the fairgrounds)

Cost: Adults $13, students/seniors $9, children 11 and under $7, children under 42 inches $4. Pit passes are $25 for adults and $20 for children 11 and under.

Racing this week: Super Late Model, Sportsman, Mini Stock, Pure Stock, V8 Thunder Stock, 4-Cylinder Bombers, FOWL

Points leaders: Herb Neumann, Super Late Models; Teddy Nelson, Open Wheeled Modifieds; Mike Veltman, Sportsman; Richie Smith, Street Stocks; Bill Ryan, Pure Stocks; Travis Hoefler, 4-Cylinder Bombers; Steve Griffin, Mini Stocks; John Thomas, Figure Eights.

For more information: Call (352) 726-9339 or visit www.citruscountyspeedway.com

[Last modified May 31, 2007, 22:36:36]