For Immediate Release
Contact: Ben Shelton (901) 335-3037
September 22, 2010

21st Annual Magnolia State 100 at Columbus Speedway Has Arrived

Columbus, Mississippi (9/22/10) The wait is now over as in less than 24 hours the 21st Annual Premier Ford Magnolia State 100 comes to life at Columbus Speedway in Columbus, Mississippi on Thursday-Saturday, September 23rd-25th.

The top Super Late Model drivers in the region as well as many of the best in the nation will once again fill the pits at "The Baddest Bullring in the South" to do wage an all-out war for a record purse including a $25,010 winner's share of over $75,000 in Super Late Model purse money on the line in the 100-lap affair. Last years event drew almost 200 race teams including 70 Super Late Models to Columbus Speedway plus another huge crowd to the popular event.

The event is one of the biggest Short Track Racing events in America and easily the biggest race in Mississippi based on number of participants and attendance. For 2010, the winner’s share has been increased to a massive $25,010, which is $5,000 more than 2009.

The names that adorn the Magnolia State 100 prestigious champion’s list illustrates that adding a Magnolia State 100 win to a driver's resume is no easy task. Two-time and defending Champion, Shane Clanton from Locust Grove, Georgia headlines a list of winners in Mississippi’s biggest short track event that includes Chris Wall, Don O’Neal, Mike Marlar, Anthony Rushing, Wendell Wallace, Ronnie Johnson, Terry English, Rex Richey, Johnny Virden, and of course, the events' 7-time champion "Mr. Smooth" Billy Moyer.

As usual, a host of the nation's top competitors have indicated that they plan to attempt to add their name to the list this weekend. Needless to say, a stellar field of many of the nation’s premier drivers is expected to be in attendance for the event. Former event champions including Billy Moyer, Mike Marlar, Wendell Wallace, and Anthony Rushing are expected along with a talented list of over 80 pre-entries that already includes Steve Francis, Shane Clanton, Clint Smith, Bub McCool, Freddy Smith, Chris Madden, David Breazeale, Billy Moyer Jr., Kyle Beard, Jonathan Davenport, Dane Dacus, Tony Knowles, Tim Busha, and many more.

The highly entertaining format for the event is in place for the fans. Drivers will compete in Pepsi Pole Qualifying on Friday night that is always a spectacle at "The Bullring" as it is man versus machine in a battle to see which driver can tame Johnny Stokes' high banks.

Saturday night’s line up features 140 laps of Super Late Model racing action. The event employs a very unique format as those competitors who did not make the $25,010-to-win, main event through heat races on Friday night get not one, but two chances to get make the 26-car starting field. Drivers unable to transfer through one of the three frantic 10-lap B-mains will have a final opportunity to make the big show in the 10-lap Last Chance Dash. And then, finally, the big one - the $25,010 to win/$1,000 to start, 100-lap battle royal at "The Bullring" - the 20th running of the Magnolia State 100.

The Magnolia State Championships showcase talent outside of the Super Late Model division. A spectacular field of Street Stocks will compete for $1,000 to win/$100 to start, Magnolia State Street Stock Championship and Crates Late Models will compete for a record $2,500 to win/$150 to start prize for the Magnolia State Crate Late Model Championship that should draw a huge field of cars. In addition, the Open Wheel Modified division will compete in a $700 to win/$50 to start event on Saturday night only.

Open practice begins Thursday night, September 23rd at 7:00 PM for all divisions. Friday night is Pepsi Pole Night, as the Magnolia State 100 Super Late Models qualify and run heat races as they attempt to make the feature field. Local division heats are also run on Friday night. Saturday night is "the big show", the Magnolia State 100, along with B-Mains and local division Magnolia State Championships. Full event information is listed below.

Coolers and lawn chairs are always welcome and radios can be tuned to 88.1 FM to hear the Columbus Speedway area broadcast from the tower. Fans should also note there will be a driver’s autograph session from 5:00 until 5:30pm on Saturday as well.

Join the crowd at "The Bullring" and find out what hardcore dirt track racing is all about. Experience the all-out, no guts, and no glory action at one of the South's most exciting racetracks. Join us September 23rd-25th for the 21st running of the Magnolia State 100 at "The Baddest Bullring in the South"!

Drivers please note that transponders and Raceceivers are required for all divisions, with the exception of the Open Wheel Modifieds, which will only be required to have Raceceivers. Transponsders and Raceceivers will be available for rental at the track.

Additional Magnolia State 100 information is available by the Columbus Speedway event hotline at 662-241-5004. Columbus Speedway and complete Magnolia State 100 information can be found on the Columbus Speedway website hosted at www.columbusspeedway.net .

21st Annual Magnolia State 100 Event Facts:
EVENT FORMAT

Pit gates open at 2pm each day!

Thursday, September 23rd * 7pm
Open Practice
Practice from 7pm till 10pm
Grand Stand Admission: FREE
Pit admission: Adults-$15. Children 12 & under free
Three Day Pit Pass: $75

Friday, September 24th Schedule:
2:00pm: Pit gates open
4:00pm: Grandstands open
6:30: Driver’s meeting
7:15: Hot Laps
8:00pm: Pepsi Pole Night

Super Late Model Pole Qualifying and Qualifying Races plus
Local Division Qualifying Races
Stands: Adults $20. Children 12 and under free

Pit admission: Adults $30. Children 7-12 $10. Children 6 & under free.

Saturday, September 25th Schedule:
2:00pm: Pit gates open
3:00pm: Grandstands open
4:00pm: Autograph session on souvenir row
5:00pm Driver’s meeting
6:00pm: Hot Laps
7:00pm: Racing
Magnolia State 100 Main Event Night
Open Wheel Modifieds Complete Program.
B-Mains plus Magnolia State Main Events
Stands: Adults $25. Children 7-12 $10. Children 6 & under free.
Pit admission: Adults $35. Children 7-12 $15. Children 6 & under free.

For event information please call 601-917-1500 or 662-574-2572. You can also visit www.columbusspeedway.net or call the track event hotline at 662-241-5004.