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The need for speed brings in the "big bucks" to Gainesville

One of the winners in the 2012 Gatornationals (photo by Jillian de Montluzin)
One of the winners in the 2012 Gatornationals (photo by Jillian de Montluzin)

Rain or shine drag racing fans from all over traveled to Gaineville this weekend for the Gatornationals. As Florida's 89.1 WUFT-FM's Jillian de Montluzin reports, fan's just couldn't resist their need for speed.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/webGatorNationalsLocalBoostdepth.mp3

Gatornationals attracts fans from across the country. Aaron Weber from Micanopy at one time lived in South Carolina and says regardless of the distance, he'd never miss a single race.  Weber bhas attended the high-powered drag races for 20 years. He says this years event has met all of his expectations.

The semi-finals were postponed by a day due to rainy weather over the weekend. Alachua County Resident Andrew Avery says he noticed fans' moods were a lot more upbeat at the track when the sun came out.

The bad weather brought delays for race fans but profit for Gainesville businesses because tourists remained in town for another day. Director of the Alachua County Tourist Development Office Roland Loog says the delays worked out perfectly for Alachua County.  Loog says Gatornationals is the largest single event in Alachua County dumping millions into the local economy.

Jillian is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.