Flying around the half-mile track at 160 mph, weighing a mere 1,300 pounds, these winged machines are unlike anything I had seen before.

The cars are so light and fast the tires become almost molten and "stick to the pavement like glue", said crew member Billy Hovey. This makes tires a major concern for every race; so much so, the right-rear tire is stamped before and measured after the race by officials.

An opportunity arose for me to spend a grueling and exhilarating week-end with top-notch sprint car racing team out of Tampa, Miller Motor Sports.

The experience was punctuated by Joey "the Ace" Aquilar taking the checker flag at Five-Flags Speedway, Friday night. A first for the team.

Although Team Miller has been together only a year, the crew are all connected to one another as family or childhood friends. Cumulatively, they have almost two centuries of experience and passion in the sport.

"When we first started racing the Sprints, Tre and I would save $100 from every pay check just for tires," Hovey said.

Totally designed for speed, there are no transmissions, gears or starters. The cars must be push started; its go or stop, there are no in-betweens.

Shane Miller, owner of team Miller sponsored three vehicles for the Pensacola,Fla., and Mobile Ala., races. One of which was driven by Johnny Newsome, who normally competes in open-wheel modified division, and had never driven a sprint car before.

"I’m a little nervous," Miller said, unable to sit still before the race.

All of the team work regular jobs then head to the shop in the evenings said Mike Alvis, the team's newest member.

"This is the best of habits," Alvis said. "We all get to live our dream."

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Check out photos and video on the blog http://hobbsonconvergence.blogspot.com/