Benton track re-opens with Friday event

The Auto Tire and Parts RacePark in Benton will see its first event in nearly three years when the facility hosts racing on Friday night.

"The main goal is for racers and fans to come to the track to see extreme dirt track action," said Billy Clayton, a Sikeston resident who along with Kevin Armstrong of Jackson formed Racetrack Promotions earlier this year. "We have renovated the dirt work on the racetrack, and we look forward to presenting many spectacular events throughout the year."

The RacePark last hosted racing in May of 2004, when the previous promotions group that was leasing the track stopped sponsoring cards.

Clayton, who owns C&C Motorsports in Sikeston, has plans for 27 weekends of racing with sprint cars, modifieds, pure street cars and cruisers. The facility also will host 10 Saturday night cards with ATV and motorcycle racing.

"When in full operation, the racepark can accommodate 5,000 fans and drivers from a number of states," Clayton said. "We have spent a lot of time in renovating the racepark. On our 100-acre facility, we have plenty of bathroom space, modern and spacious concession areas, and we have a safe and comfortable grandstand. We want the fans to have an enjoyable experience while at the Auto Tire and Parts Racepark, and we think they will."

Clayton and Armstrong bring decades of experience in the racing game.

Clayton has been promoting racing events for 15 years. He has promoted ATV and motorcycle races at the Sikeston Racepark since 1997. Clayton also has promoted events at the Semo Raceway; the Paducah International Raceway, owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kenny Schrader; as well as winter races at the Flickerwood Arena and monster truck events at the Show Me Center.

The track will be a family business for the Claytons. Oldest daughter Beth Clayton, who has won many racing awards, will be the head scorekeeper at the racepark.

"One of our goals is to make sure the park meets the needs of every racing event we hold," Clayton said. "I believe with our updated facilities and quality track conditions, we have one of the finest raceparks in the area."

Brochures can be picked up at C&C Motorsports and Racing in Sikeston or at local Auto Tire and Parts stores. Information also can be obtained at the track's Web site, www.autotireandpartsracepark.net.

Some information for this story provided by Chris Moore of the Sikeston Standard-Democrat.