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Carting title eludes Carter Lee

The 9-year-old racer, who held the points lead for most of the 2007 season, ended up missing the title by 1 point.

By DEREK J. LaRIVIERE, Times Correspondent
Published December 28, 2007

Carter Lee, a Weeki Wachee native, wrapped up his 2007 go-cart schedule on Dec. 8 with a pair of races. Lee came up short in his goal for the points championship.

Competing in the Novice Division at Dirt Devil Speedway in Land O'Lakes, the 9-year- old led the chase for much of the season.

Austin Ramsey edged out Lee in the end after moving up a class at midseason, finishing with 17 points to Lee's 16.

In the final doubleheader race of the year, Lee finished second in the first race and fourth in the last race.

Next season, Lee plans to move up to the Junior Sportsman Purple Class at Dirt Devil. Thanks to sponsorship, the team is equipped with a new cart for next season and several new motors.

He also plans on competing in the Florida Divisional Dirt Series, a traveling racing league.

Awards: Dirt Devil Speedway will be holding its 2007 Awards Banquet on Sunday, Jan. 6 at Sam Seltzer's Steakhouse on Dale Mabry in Tampa.

NFL Punt, Pass & Kick: Spencer Valdespino, an eighth-grader at Notre Dame Catholic, qualified for the regional competition of the NFL Pepsi Punt, Pass & Kick contest a couple of months ago.

Last week, Valdespino was informed that she would be traveling to either Indianapolis or Foxboro, Mass., for an AFC playoff game and the national finals of the competition.

According to NFL.com, the annual competition involves boys and girls between 8 and 15.

Each youth competes separately against their peers in the events judging punting, passing and placekicking.

Valdespino is a finalist in the Girls 12/13 Group.

Softball: The Spring Hill Dixie Softball League has announced its registration dates for the Spring 2008 season.

At the Anderson Snow Field pavilions, signups will be the weekends of Jan. 11 and 12 and Jan. 18 and 19.

On those Fridays, parents can register their children from 6 to 8 p.m. On those Saturdays, entries will be taken from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost is $120 for the first child in each family and $115 for the second child and any additional children.

A photocopy of the child's birth certificate will be required and will not be returned. Originals will not be accepted.

For more information, contact Spring Hill Dixie Softball by visiting www.shdixiesoftball.com or e-mailing shdixiesoftball@earthlink.net or calling 352 688-5570.

Submit information to kdixon@sptimes.com or call (352) 544-9480.

[Last modified December 27, 2007, 20:27:42]