NEW AUTO RACING PARK SLATED TO OPEN NEAR BENTON IN MAY

BENTON -- The first phase of construction on the Missouri International Race Park motor speedway complex near here is almost complete.

"We're about 90 percent complete on the three-eighth mile dirt oval track," said track spokesman Keith Simpson during a new conference here Friday.

"We'll hold our first race May 11," he added. "The structural steel is up for the stands and ticket booths, and they will be ready by that date."

The second phase of the complex, which is located just off Route 77, about two miles east of the Interstate 55/Benton interchange, will eventually include a one-eighth mile straight-a-way strip. Also included in the plans is a recreation park, with small lake and camping facilities.

"The track should be completely finished later this summer," said Simpson. "A lot of planning has gone into this project. We'll be running each weekend, using local drivers for the round track."

A special driver's meeting will be held May 3 at the track at 8 p.m.

"We're expecting from 80 to 100 drivers for this first weekend of racing," said Simpson. "Cars will be running in four classes. The gates will open at the track May 11, at 6 p.m., with first race at 8 p.m.

The classes will include:

Street Stock: Engines must be stock, but some safety modifications permitted on chassis.

Modified Stock: Engine modification allowed but chassis must keep the same appearance.

Late Model: Complete body and chassis modifications permitted.

Sprint Cars: Small racers with any type modifications.

The track project is being constructed by the A.E. Simpson Construction Co. of Scott City.

Original plans for the track facility were announced early in 1990.

Simpson is eager to get the track going.

"The next closest track south is at Memphis," he said. "And, to the north, the closest track is probably Pevely.

Eric Wood of Jackson, Tenn. will serve as a track consultant.

Wood is a former race driver, and has managed motor tracks at Jackson, Tenn., and Memphis, Tenn.

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

"We'll run our drags Sunday afternoons," 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.

During the final race at the Cape facility, on Labor Day weekend of 1969, 40 drivers were on hand for races in two divisions modified and super modified.

"That would have been a good turnout for 1969," said Simpson. "But, now, tracks are drawing up to 100 cars a night for oval racing.

"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."