Thing's are heating up for the inaugural Short Track Shootout, Jan. 19-22, at the Southern New Mexico Speedway in Las Cruces, N.M.

Originally, the Short Track Shootout weekend consisted of $75,000 in cash prizes, but now there is $85,000 in cash heading out the door thanks to Rancho Milagro.

Rancho Milagro has kicked in an extra $10,000 to the whole weekend, so the fire-breathing Super Late Models originally battling for $5,000 to win on Sunday will now race for a $10,000 top prize.

USRA Modified action is heating up too as they will now battle for $3,000 to win Friday, $4,000 to win Saturday and $5,000 to win on Sunday.

There's tons of money on the line, and it's going to call even more drivers to the Southern New Mexico Speedway for the inaugural Short Track Shootout presented by Shaw Trucking, S&S Fishing & Rental, Mesilla Valley Transportation, G3 Fitness, Barnett Harley-Davidson and Rancho Milagro.

In addition to the Super Late Models and USRA Modifieds, all three days will feature action in the Sun Valley Hardware USRA Stock Cars, Jack Key Auto Group X-Mods and Casa Nissan Legends Cars. Friday and Saturday’s feature winners get $500 each and a visit to victory lane on Sunday is worth $1,000 to the winner in each class.

An open practice will be held on Thursday, Jan. 19, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and practice from 6 to 10. Pit passes are $20 and admission to the grandstands is free.

Gates open at 5:30 Friday with qualifying beginning at 7 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, spectator gates open at 10 a.m. with the green flag being unfurled at 12 noon. General admission is $12 Friday. Tickets are just $15 Saturday and Sunday. Kids ages 10 and under get in for free every day. Pit passes are $35 each day.

The track is currently offering a special three-day Super Fan Pass for just $50 and includes general admission tickets for all three days plus a bonus pit pass for Sunday's finale (a $35 value). The Super Fan Pass is available through Saturday, Jan. 14, by calling (575) 524-7913 or online at www.snmspeedway.com. After the Jan. 14 deadline, tickets will be available at the track on race day only.

For those unable to attend the inaugural Short Track Shootout, all three nights will be carried live via pay-per-view at www.DirtonDirt.com.

The Southern New Mexico Speedway is a high-banked 3/8-mile clay oval located 11 miles west of Las Cruces at the Southern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. Take exit 132, go left and take the frontage road south of I-10 heading west.

For more information call 575-524-7913 or 505-524-7913 or visit www.SNMSpeedway.com online. You can also check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SouthernNewMexicoSpeedway and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SNMSpeedway.