AUTO RACING PARK NEAR BENTON GEARS UP FOR SATURDAY OPENING

BENTON -- The "testing and tuning" is over, and when stock car drivers gather at the new Missouri International Racepark near here Saturday, the racing will be for real.

"We're ready," said Keith Simpson, spokesman for the new three-eighths mile clay oval track just off Highway 77, east of the Interstate 55 Benton interchange. "We're expecting from 80 to 100 drivers for this first weekend of racing."

Some sprint cars are expected from the Memphis, Tenn., area, and several late-model cars are expected from Kentucky and Tennessee.

"We'll have some Southeast Missouri racers, too," said Simpson. "The pit gates open at 4 p.m., and spectator gates will open at 6 p.m.

Race time is 7 p.m. A special drivers' meeting will be held at 8 tonight at the track.

Simpson is looking for a big turnout for the Saturday action.

"We have seating capacity for more than 4,000 spectators," said Simpson. "Our large, lighted parking area will handle about 4,000 vehicles."

On hand for the opening heat race will be Eric Wood of Jackson, Tenn., who will serve as consultant for the new facility.

Wood, a former racer, has more than 20 years experience in the racing industry, and most recently served as director of operations at the Memphis Motorsports Park.

"I'm excited to be involved here," said Wood. "The Simpsons Keith, Earl, Jean, and Jeff have spent a lot of time and money developing this track. It'll rank with the nicest dirt-racing facilities in the country."

"Cars will be running in four classes Saturday," said Simpson. "Heat runs will determine positions for the feature race in each event."

The heat run consists of 10 laps, with the feature race a 20-lap event.

The classes will include:

Street Stock: Drivers can make some safety modification, but the engine has to be stock.

Modified Stock: Drivers can do engine modification but chassis may keep same appearance.

Late Model: Complete body and chassis modifications permitted. This class will be sanctioned by the United Mid-Western Promoters (UMP).

Sprint Cars: Small racers with any type modifications.

The oval track is only the first phase of construction on the Missouri International Racepark motor speedway complex.

The second phase of the complex will include a one-eighth mile straight-a-way strip. Also included in the plans is a recreation park, with a small lake and camping facilities.

"The track, being constructed by the A.E. Simpson Construction Co. of Scott City, should be completely finished later this summer," said Simpson. "A lot of planning has gone into the track."

Plans for the eighth-mile drag strip call for `Christmas Tree' starting lights, which will conform to American Hot Rod Association (AHRA) rules.

"When the straight-a-way is finished, we'll run our drags Sunday afternoon," said Simpson. "All of our equipment will be state-of-the-art."

Stock car racing has been missing in the immediate area for the past two decades. During the mid- to late-1960s, racers and fans from five states converged on Arena Park in Cape Girardeau for weekly races during the summer season.

"We feel the interest is here," said Simpson. "We've talked with a lot of people, and many of them are looking forward to a new racing facility."