COLUMBUS, MS-Tradition. Prestige. Two words that speak volumes. Two words that do not just attach themselves to an event overnight.
The James King Memorial, one of Columbus Speedway's signature events, is one such "tradition". To win this event is to earn "prestige". Area drivers have long ranked this race as their "Daytona 500". The Superstars of dirt racing have often made the pull to Mississippi in search of the money and glory that comes with winning this event. This weekend, it all happens again - and Columbus Speedway is ready.
This Friday and Saturday night, April 2nd and 3rd, Columbus Speedway will host the 12th Annual running of the James King Memorial. The 2004 edition, paying an event record $12,000 to the Super Late Model winner, is presented by Rinehart Trucking, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, and Larry Clark Chevrolet.
Past James King Memorial winners read like a veritable “who’s who” in Dirt Late Model racing including Wendell Wallace, Bill Frye, James Cline, Donnie Barnhart, Johnny Virden, Billy Moyer, Johnny Stokes, Mike Head, Robbie Starnes, Don O’Neal, and 2-time, defending, and only repeat James King Memorial champion Freddy Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Many of America’s top Super Late Model pilots are expected to be in action this weekend at Columbus Speedway laying the framework for a classic confrontation between America’s best, versus the home turf protectors. Even with all the talk of the stars of dirt moving in for this weekend's festivities, area fans know that this will be no cakewalk for the "best in the business". The "Mississippi Bad Boys" historically do not take too kindly to having their turf invaded, as local and area drivers are always serious threats to win no matter who shows up. Much-discussed area rivalries will also be closely watched - there is no way to predict what might happen at Columbus Speedway this weekend.
Pepsi Pole Qualifying and Qualifying Heat races will be run on Friday night to determine Saturday night lineups. Qualifying will be done in Columbus' popular "group" format. Saturday night will feature B-Main last chance action and the 64-lap James King Memorial feature race paying $12,000 to the winner. All local divisions will be in action with full shows on both nights. Late Model Stocks will also be appearing on Saturday evening.
Open Practice for the James King Memorial will be held Thursday night, April 1st from 7:00-10:00 PM. Pit passes are $10 for practice and all divisions are invited.
Columbus Speedway will welcome all drivers and fans to participate in one of the most spectacular events of the year. The tradition keeps growing each year - the James King Memorial is a true "event" that should not be missed. It all happens this weekend at Columbus Speedway, "The Baddest Bullring in the South"!
Event information for Friday night has grandstand gates opening at 5pm with action at 8:00pm. Adult grandstand admission is only $15 with children ages 10 and under admitted free. Event information for Saturday night has grandstand gates opening at 4pm with action at 7:00pm. Adult grandstand admission is only $20 with children ages 10 and under admitted free. Pit gates open at 2pm each day and pit admission is $25 each night. Further information can be obtained by calling Terry King at 662-327-4054 or Johnny Stokes at 662-574-2572 during the day or at 662-327-3047 in the evenings. Additional Columbus Speedway information can be found on the Columbus Speedway Internet home hosted at www.midsouthracing.com or by calling the Columbus Speedway event hotline at 662-241-5004.
The James King Memorial, one of Columbus Speedway's signature events, is one such "tradition". To win this event is to earn "prestige". Area drivers have long ranked this race as their "Daytona 500". The Superstars of dirt racing have often made the pull to Mississippi in search of the money and glory that comes with winning this event. This weekend, it all happens again - and Columbus Speedway is ready.
This Friday and Saturday night, April 2nd and 3rd, Columbus Speedway will host the 12th Annual running of the James King Memorial. The 2004 edition, paying an event record $12,000 to the Super Late Model winner, is presented by Rinehart Trucking, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, and Larry Clark Chevrolet.
Past James King Memorial winners read like a veritable “who’s who” in Dirt Late Model racing including Wendell Wallace, Bill Frye, James Cline, Donnie Barnhart, Johnny Virden, Billy Moyer, Johnny Stokes, Mike Head, Robbie Starnes, Don O’Neal, and 2-time, defending, and only repeat James King Memorial champion Freddy Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Many of America’s top Super Late Model pilots are expected to be in action this weekend at Columbus Speedway laying the framework for a classic confrontation between America’s best, versus the home turf protectors. Even with all the talk of the stars of dirt moving in for this weekend's festivities, area fans know that this will be no cakewalk for the "best in the business". The "Mississippi Bad Boys" historically do not take too kindly to having their turf invaded, as local and area drivers are always serious threats to win no matter who shows up. Much-discussed area rivalries will also be closely watched - there is no way to predict what might happen at Columbus Speedway this weekend.
Pepsi Pole Qualifying and Qualifying Heat races will be run on Friday night to determine Saturday night lineups. Qualifying will be done in Columbus' popular "group" format. Saturday night will feature B-Main last chance action and the 64-lap James King Memorial feature race paying $12,000 to the winner. All local divisions will be in action with full shows on both nights. Late Model Stocks will also be appearing on Saturday evening.
Open Practice for the James King Memorial will be held Thursday night, April 1st from 7:00-10:00 PM. Pit passes are $10 for practice and all divisions are invited.
Columbus Speedway will welcome all drivers and fans to participate in one of the most spectacular events of the year. The tradition keeps growing each year - the James King Memorial is a true "event" that should not be missed. It all happens this weekend at Columbus Speedway, "The Baddest Bullring in the South"!
Event information for Friday night has grandstand gates opening at 5pm with action at 8:00pm. Adult grandstand admission is only $15 with children ages 10 and under admitted free. Event information for Saturday night has grandstand gates opening at 4pm with action at 7:00pm. Adult grandstand admission is only $20 with children ages 10 and under admitted free. Pit gates open at 2pm each day and pit admission is $25 each night. Further information can be obtained by calling Terry King at 662-327-4054 or Johnny Stokes at 662-574-2572 during the day or at 662-327-3047 in the evenings. Additional Columbus Speedway information can be found on the Columbus Speedway Internet home hosted at www.midsouthracing.com or by calling the Columbus Speedway event hotline at 662-241-5004.
