Columbus Speedway will begin a new era this weekend as it celebrates its grand re-opening with the $5,000-to-win, 17th Annual James King Memorial at the 1/3 mile oval.
The 17th Annual James King Memorial is back for 2012, and the 50 lap race will pay $5,000-to-win and $300-to-start Saturday night. The event also marks the return of the Mississippi State Championship Challenge Series (MSCCS) to the oval for the first time in more than five years.
“This race was once one of the most prestigious events in the South, and while it won’t happen overnight, we hope to return this race to its previous status over the next few years,” promoter Mike Mauldin said.
Many new facility improvements will greet fans at Columbus Speedway. There are new bleachers boards throughout the grandstand area and four rows of tiered, lawn-chair seating has been added to the grandstands. There also are other improvements that will be made in the future.
Fans are reminded lawn chairs and coolers are still welcome.
Pictures of the many improvements in process can be seen on the Columbus Speedway Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/columbusspeedway .
Racers also will see a freshened racing surface. The Nickoles family and promoters Mauldin and Jeff Greer worked with sponsors that include Cattleman’s Steak & Fish, Nickoles Dirt Construction, J&C Auto Parts and Wrecker Service, Muffler Magic and the Barton family, which is sponsoring a $100 fast-time award for the Super Late Model division and a $100 fast-time award for the NeSmith Late Model division.
Rod’s Auto Sales is sponsoring a $200 Hard Charger Award for the driver who passes the most cars in the Super Late Model feature.
A friend of Columbus Speedway added money for the Street Stock event, which will pay $500 to win.
Added money also will be up for grabs for drivers competing in the NeSmith Dirt Late Models. Participants will compete in the $700-to-win/$50-to-start event. Street Stocks will be in action for $500-to-win, Mini stocks will battle for $300-to-win, and Pure Stocks will race for $200-to-win.
There will be an open practice session from 7-9 p.m. Friday. Gates will open at 4 p.m. Gates will open at 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be a driver’s meeting at 5:30 p.m. Racing action is slated for 7 p.m.
On Friday night, pit admission is $15. Grandstand admission is free.
On Saturday, grandstand admission is $20 for adults, with kids 11-18 years old and seniors/active military just $10. Children 10 and under will be admitted free. Pit admission is $30 with new discounted student pit pass pricing. Students 7-18 years old will be admitted for $15. Children 6 and under will be admitted free.
The 2012 Columbus Speedway schedule can be found on the track’s website at www.ColumbusSpeedway.net .
For more information, visit www.ColumbusSpeedway.net, or call Mauldin at 662-213-3047 or Greer at 256-349-4328. Those wishing to assist with event and class sponsorship also can call Mauldin or Greer.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 43 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.