(LEBANON, MO.) – Mother Nature has put in her best effort to delay the 2013 opening night at Lebanon I-44 Speedway, but Missouri’s only asphalt oval begins a new era under the NASCAR banner this weekend. While weather pushed back the debut of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at I-44, all five weekly classes will take the green flag and start their season off on Saturday, May 4, headlined by the O’Reilly Auto Parts NASCAR Pro Late Models.
“Spring weather is always hit or miss it seems, but the track’s ready to go as of now,” Lebanon I-44 Speedway promoter Kevin Greven said. “The weather may be a bit cool this weekend, but our on-track action will be pretty heated. Drivers in all five classes really want to be the first to win under the new NASCAR sanctioning body at I-44.”
Also on the docket for Saturday night are the Budweiser Modifieds, Monster Sportsman, Hoosier Tire Road Warriors and Coca-Cola Chargers, and Greven expects the pit area to be full for opening night and throughout the season. Fans will finally be able to try out the new Budweiser Party Deck on the main concourse midway as well as the new concession stands under revamped lighting on and off the track. Hot laps begin at 5 p.m. with the first green flag of the 2013 season scheduled to wave at a special early time of 6:30 p.m. sharp.
Season passes for both the Budweiser Wild Side and the Monster Grandstands are still on sale at the track. Single race tickets are also on sale for both seating sections. Adults (ages 16 & up) can get into the Monster Grandstands for just $10, while Seniors and Military members receive admission for only $7. Juniors between the ages of 11-15 are only $4 at the gate while kids under the age of 11 get in for FREE. The backstretch party that is the Budweiser Wild Side costs just $15 for Adults while Seniors and Military members can watch the action for only $11. Juniors get in for only $7 and kids under the age of 11 get in for FREE.
“We’ve kept our prices the same so that fans can continue to enjoy the great family entertainment at the best value around,” Greven said. “The staff here works hard to put on a great show along with the drivers and we feel that this is the best bang-for-your-buck in Mid-Missouri entertainment.”
Lebanon I-44 Speedway is located four miles east of the Lebanon city limits on Historic Route 66 and Missouri’s only NASCAR sanctioned facility. Patrons using Interstate 44 may take Exit 135 and then drive approximately one mile east on Route 66 to the track’s main entrance. Additional information about this event, including a full schedule of events, the rules being enforced, and a purse distribution, will be released on the facility’s official website, www.i44speedway.net in the coming weeks. Keep up with news about Lebanon I-44 Speedway on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lebanon-I-44-Speedway, and on Twitter (@i44Speedway).