by Ben Shelton
Columbus, Mississippi (12/14/11) – After over ten years of promoting and running the “Baddest Bullring in the South,” Columbus Speedway (Columbus, Mississippi) Johnny Stokes has stepped down from the position for the 2012 season.

The Nichols family, who owns the facility and the racetrack, have retained ownership of the facility for the 2012 season. In regards to the move Stokes notes, “I’ve had a great time running the track over the past ten or so years. The Nichols family have been great to work with, and I know they will make every effort to keep the track in operation for 2012 and beyond. They love racing as much as I do, so it’s safe to say the track is in good hands.”

While at this time a schedule of events is not known for Columbus Speedway, the Nichols family has voiced an intent to run a handful of races at the famous, 1/3 mile oval in 2012.

Stokes will continue to run Magnolia Motor Speedway, also in Columbus, Mississippi, for the 2012 season. A schedule of events is soon to be released, which will again include the always popular Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series on July 5th-7th. The facilities schedule for 2012 will soon be posted at www.MagnoliaDirt.com .