WHEATLAND, Mo.—It's time to go racing at Lucas Oil Speedway with green flag waving on the 2016 season this weekend.

Headlining a two-night season-opening program is the Lucas Oil MLRA Series with the 3rd annual Spring Nationals presented by RacingJunk.com. Also on Friday and Saturday, Pitts Homes USRA Modifieds and Carson's Corner NAPA Street Stocks will have full programs.

"We've made the MLRA Spring Nationals an annual kickoff to our season and the big-show, two-night format has proven a popular way to get things going," Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager Dan Robinson said.

"The weather forecast, while a little cool on Friday, has no mention of rain. Everything at the speedway is in place and ready to go. We can't wait to see all our great fans as we fire up another season."

NASCAR star and Missouri native Ken Schrader will be on hand both nights, competing in the USRA Modified division.

Gates open at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 7 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. both nights. The first 500 fans through the gates each night will receive a free 2016 Lucas Oil Speedway schedule magnet.

Saturday's USRA Modified feature winner will collect $750 courtesy of Clearlight Inn.

An open practice is set for 6-9 p.m. Thursday. USRA Modifieds are invited with pit passes $25. There will be limited concessions available and grandstand admission is free.

Friday also marks the first "Free Kids Friday" of the Lucas Oil Speedway season with kids ages 11 and under admitted free with a paid adult admission.

Ticket prices for the weekend:

Friday
Adults (16+) $15
Seniors (62+)/Military $12
Youth (12-15) $5
Kids (11 & under) FREE with paid adult
Family Pass $30
Pit Pass $35

Saturday
Adults (16+) $20
Seniors (62+)/Military $17
Youth (6-15) $5
Kids (5 & under) FREE
Family Pass $40
Pit Pass $35

A limited number of VIP suites are available for Saturday's event. Contact LaRay Hankins at (417) 282-5984 or via email at laray@lucasoilspeedway.com for more info.

Opening night for the Budweiser Weekly Championship Series, with racing in all four weekly divisions, is set for April 16.

Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With it's entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.

Click www.LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984. In addition, fans can get social with Lucas Oil Speedway by following @LucasSpeedway on Twitter, clicking "Like" at www.facebook.com/LucasOilSpeedway and on www.youtube.com/LucasOilSpeedway.