LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Sherman Barnett seems to be ageless in the world of dirt track racing, spending most of his Friday and Saturday nights bouncing between two and sometimes three classes of cars per night; and usually winning two or three A-Mains per night.

He's even been known to race two different tracks, in two different classes, and win both A-Mains in the same night ... if a rain delay allows it.

With a true love for the sport of dirt track racing, the owner of Barnett Harley-Davidson in El Paso and Las Cruces is always finding ways to support his hobby in the desert southwest.

From his Motorcycle raffles to boost drivers points funds, which also gives back to the Children's Miracle Network, to being part owner in the El Paso Speedway Park, the man known as “The Shermanator” has now set his sights on improving the flow of cash at the 2011 USRA Modified Winter Meltdown and Chub Daniels Memorial.

After reviewing the payout for Sunday's $6,000-to-win A-Main, Barnett decided that the top end looked good but the bottom end needed a boost. And so, with a simple flick of the pen, Barnett has made it possible for the Southern New Mexico Speedway to offer a $6,000-to-win, $500-to-start A-Main (up from $300 to start).

With payouts each night of the 2011 USRA Modified Winter Meltdown & Chub Daniels Memorial, this only makes making the big dance all the sweeter for the best drivers in the world.

“As always, Sherman Barnett comes through for racing in the Southwest.” Commented Royal Jones, co-owner and promoter of the Southern New Mexico Speedway. “Sherman and his family have been racing on dirt in the El Paso and Las Cruces areas for over 30 years and always seems to be available when the insatiable need for racing monies reaches out towards him.

“This year he will be sponsoring both the Chub Daniels Winter Meltdown and the Fall Nationals among other things; we appreciate this and look forward to a great season.”

Catch the USRA Modified Winter Meltdown happening February 25th, 26th, and 27th at the Southern New Mexico Speedway. Friday, Feb. 25, gates to the Speedway will open at 5 p.m. with racing getting underway at 6:30. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 26-27, gates to the Speedway will open at Noon with racing getting underway at 2 p.m. For questions regarding advance ticket sales or to enter your car please call the Speedway at 575-524-7913 or toll free at 800-658-9650.

2011 marks the 16th running of the USRA Winter Meltdown and fifth year for the Chub Daniels Memorial. The USRA Winter Meltdown & Chub Daniels Memorial is presented by Mesilla Valley Transportation, Border International Trucks Sales and Barnett Harley-Davidson of El Paso and Las Cruces.

Previous champions include Don Veal (1995), Eddie Martin (1996), Danny Bradford (1997), Monte Bolton (1998), Ron Jones (1999-2001, 2003, 2007), Terry Tipton (2002), George White (2004), Johnny Scott (2006), Terry Phillips (2009) and Jason Hughes (2005, 2008, 2010).

The Southern New Mexico Speedway is located 11 miles west of Las Cruces at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. Take exit 132 off I-10 to the South Frontage Road (Robert Larson Blvd.) then head west. For turn by turn directions, log onto www.snmspeedway.com/maps.php.

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