Pensacola, Fla. – One of the premier early-season events in Super Late Model racing is set to take center stage as the Sunshine State 200 presented by Appalachian Sucker Punch returns to Five Flags Speedway. With a stacked field preparing to battle on the historic half-mile oval, anticipation continues to build for a marquee event on the ASA STARS National Tour schedule.
As teams prepare for race weekend, here’s a look at some of the key storylines to follow heading into the Sunshine State 200:
Butcher Eyes Three Straight
Cole Butcher returns to Pensacola as the two-time and defending winner of the Sunshine State 200 and one of the drivers to beat whenever the ASA STARS National Tour visits Five Flags Speedway. The defending ASA Southern Super Series Champion enjoyed a dominant season a year ago, collecting five victories including three at Five Flags Speedway. Now, the Nova Scotia native looks to make history by capturing a third consecutive Sunshine State 200 victory.
Avedisian’s Speedweeks Momentum
Jade Avedisian enters the weekend carrying momentum from a strong Speedweeks performance at New Smyrna Speedway. Avedisian scored a victory during the World Series of Asphalt and recorded top-10 finishes in all five Super Late Model events, ultimately finishing second in the overall standings. The rising star continues to gain confidence against elite competition and looks poised for another breakthrough performance.
Brown Building Early-Season Momentum
Carson Brown has already made noise early in 2026, opening the year with a victory in the Clyde Hart Memorial at New Smyrna Speedway. The 2024 Pro Late Model Track Champion at Five Flags Speedway also earned the pole position for the 2025 Sunshine State 200, proving his speed at the Pensacola oval. Brown enters the weekend looking to convert that speed into a signature Super Late Model victory.
Roderick Returns to Familiar Ground
Former ASA STARS National Tour Champion Casey Roderick returns to a race he knows well as the inaugural winner of the Sunshine State 200. A three-time Southern Super Series Champion with victories in prestigious events including the All American 400 and World Crown, Roderick’s experience and racecraft make him a perennial threat in any crown jewel event.
Garcia Adds National Spotlight
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Jake Garcia brings national-level experience to the Sunshine State 200 grid. A former Southern Super Series Champion and winner of both the All American 400 and World Crown, Garcia continues to balance national touring competition with major Super Late Model events and remains a strong contender whenever he straps into a Super Late Model.
McKee Emerging as a Contender
Tristan McKee continues to establish himself as one of the sport’s rising talents. McKee captured the Hamke Racecars Pole Award at New Smyrna Speedway earlier this season and finished third, while also earning a Super Late Model victory at Cordele Motor Speedway and a runner-up finish in the Red Eye 100. Momentum continues to build as he looks for a breakthrough performance on the national stage.
Craig and Steckly Lead the Next Wave
Matthew Craig and Kyle Steckly represent two drivers capable of making major impacts as the season unfolds. Craig’s consistency and experience in long-distance events make him a threat as races progress into the closing laps, while Canadian standout Steckly continues to gain valuable experience against top-tier competition as one of the sport’s promising young talents.
A Full Weekend of Racing
Sunshine State 200 weekend begins Friday with practice for the ASA STARS National Tour, followed by local racing featuring the Outlaws, Crown Stocks, and Legacy Series. Saturday’s action includes Hamke Pole Qualifying at 11:00 a.m., setting the field for the Sunshine State 200, with the green flag scheduled to wave at 1:05 p.m.
Fans unable to attend can watch every lap live on Track TV, the exclusive streaming home of the ASA STARS National Tour.
