Season goes green Saturday at Lucas Oil Speedway


After a successful Saturday of test and tune, it's time to go racing for real at Lucas Oil Speedway.

The 2017 season goes green this Saturday with the Big Adventure RV Weekly Racing Series opener. KOLR-10 and Z27 Presents the opening-night program which includes the Warsaw Auto Marine & RV ULMA Late Models, the Pitts Homes USRA Modifieds, the Big O Tires Street Stocks and the Ozark Golf Cars USRA B-Mods.

The Warsaw Auto Marine & RV ULMA Late Models will be running a special 25-lap, $1,000-to-win feature courtesy of ALPS Food Store in Pittsburg, Mo., as the featured class.

Gates open at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:35 for the first of 13 Weekly Racing Series events, culminating with track champions in the four divisions crowned on Aug. 26.

"It's been a terrific offseason, but we're excited to get another season going," Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager Dan Robinson said. "It's great to have Big Adventure RV as our new Weekly Racing Series title sponsor and the weather forecast is tremendous for Saturday. It's going to be a fabulous opening night."

The National Weather Service forecast for Saturday is for mostly sunny skies and a high of 73 with an overnight low of 58.

Bolivar's Jeff Cutshaw will begin pursuit of his fourth straight USRA Modified title. Springfield's J.C. Morton (Out-Pace USRA B-Mod) is a reigning track champ.

Gates open at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:30.

For more information on KOLR-10 and KOZL 27, go to OzarksFirst.com. The sports staff will recap each week's Lucas Oil Speedway feature winners on the Sunday-night newscasts.

Tickets:
Adults (16 and up) $12
Seniors (62 and up)/Military $9
Youth (6-15) $5
Kids (5 and under) FREE
Family Pass $25
Pit Pass $30

Camping:
Reserved with Electric and Water- $35/Night (Limited Availability)
Reserved Dry Spots- $20/Night (Limited Availability)
Dry Camping- $10/Night

On the Slick Track: The Southwest Missouri Quarter Midget Association holds its first race on the Lucas Oil Speedway "Slick Track" - home for go-karts and located behind the main grandstands - earlier on Saturday.

Practice is at 11 a.m. and racing at noon. Entry is $25 for driver and car with handlers, family and fans admitted free. For more information, visit Facebook.com/SMQMA.

On deck: Coming up on April 14-15 is the first special event of the season, the 4th annual MLRA Spring Nationals Presented by RacingJunk.com. The USRA Modifieds and Street Stocks will join the MLRA Late Models both nights.

For complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived stories, ticket info and the 2017 racing schedule, visit LucasOilSpeedway.com. Three-day passes for the 25th annual Show-Me 100 Presented by ProtecttheHarvest.com are now on sale. Only about 500 of the three-day passes remain. Call admission director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or email Nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com for more information.

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.