Pontoon Beach, IL (September 17, 2007) One of the biggest racing events of 2007 in the St. Louis area will be at Tri-City Speedway this weekend. The 2nd Annual "FED EX 50" featuring UMP DIRTcar Late Models and the 3rd Annual Modified Mania featuring UMP DIRTcar Modifieds is expected to draw racers from all over the Midwest.
The action starts on Friday night with qualifying, heat races and King of the Hill dashes for the late models and modifieds. The Krieger's Sports Grill King of the Hill dashes will pay $1,000 to win for the late models and $500 to win for the modifieds. The top 18 drivers from qualifying will get the opportunity to compete in the King of the Hill dash. The Crate American Racing Series (CARS) Late Models will also be competing on Friday night as they will run a complete show paying $1,000 to the winner with $100 guaranteed to each car starting the main event.
The action heats up on Saturday as the late models and modifieds will run last chance qualifying races and their main events. The late model main event will pay $10,000 to the winner with $700 being paid just to start in the twenty-four car field. The modifieds will pay $5,000 to the winner with $200 being paid to start the forty lap event. The Street Stocks will also be racing a complete show paying $300 to win. If over 40 cars, a NON QUALIFIER race will be run with Modifieds paying $200 – $150 – $100 and then $75 to Start. Late Models will pay $300 – $250 – $200 – $150 and then $125 to start. This will allow more Drivers to earn UMP Points & More Money. NON-QUALIFIER Feature which will also earn UMP Feature Points.
Several top drivers will be doing double duty. Don O'Neal will be racing in the late model and modified division this weekend as he will try and capture both top prizes. Several drivers will also be competing in the CARS Late Model division as well as the super late model division.
Pit gates open at 3:00pm, grandstands open at 4:00pm with hotlaps at 6:30pm both days. Pill draw will close at 6:30pm on Friday and qualifying will be at 7:00pm on Friday. Pit passes will be $30 on Friday and $35 on Saturday. General admission will be $15 on Friday and $25 on Saturday. Kids 12 and under will get in free with a paying adult.
There will also be a driver's autograph session, along with Nikko Smith on Saturday from 5:30-6:00pm.
Nikko Smith will be the Master of Ceremonies and will sing the National Anthem.
There will be tons of activities for racefans and kids including the Donnie Moran Late Model Driving Experience Simulator, which will be operational both days. On Saturday, the FEDEX/Denny Hamlin show car will be on display. There will also be lots of prizes given away through drawings including a signed autograph helmet, a Dale Earnhardt, Jr./Budweiser BBQ grill, FedEx Diecast car, NASCAR jacket, Tri-City Speedway gift basket that includes jacket, hat and t-shirt, Krieger's of Granite City Family Discount Coupons, Carson & Barnes 3 Ring Circus tickets and more.
For Information call: 800-617-9077 or 618-931-7836 or visit the track's website at www.tricityspeedway.net.
Directions: Take I-270 to Exit 4 SR203 go left 1/2 mile or Hwy 55 to 255 east to 270 west to Exit 4 to race track or Hwy 55 to 255 east to 270 west to Exit 4.