FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2011

Volunteer Speedway opens 2011 racing season Saturday, March 19 with running of $10,000-to-win 'Spring Thaw

BULLS GAP, Tenn. — After a long, cold and snowy winter around the East Tennessee region there is great anticipation to the arrival of the warmth of spring because race fans know the first green flag is almost ready to wave. NASCAR racing at nearby Bristol Motor Speedway isn't the only round-track racing scheduled in the East Tennessee region the third weekend in March.

Volunteer Speedway looks forward to an exciting racing season in 2011, which will mark the 38th year of dirt racing at the track.

The season-opener at "The Gap" is scheduled Saturday, March 19 with the running of $10,000-to-win Spring Thaw for Super Late Models. Making it an all-late model racing program, the Fastrak Racing Series-sanctioned Pro (Crate) Late Models will also be in action.

Many of the country's top Super Late Model drivers will be present to battle it out for the $10,000 Spring Thaw winner's prize. Some national touring Super Late Model drivers tentatively slated to compete include Jimmy Owens of Newport, Tenn.; Ray Cook of Brasstown, N.C.; Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga.; Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, Ill., Chris Madden of Gray Court, S.C., plus several always tough East Tennessee locals headed by five-time Volunteer Speedway track champion Vic Hill of Morristown, Knoxville's Mark Douglas, Tommy Kerr of Maryville, Greeneville's Jeff Maupin, Kerry Jones of Bristol, Crossville's Randy Weaver, Billy Ogle Jr. of Knoxville, Powell's Mark Vineyard, Chad Ogle of Sevierville, Powell's Steve Smith, Mike Weeks of Friendsville, Knoxville's Rick Rogers, along with others.

Super Late Model heat races, last chance B-mains and the $10,000-to-win, 60-lap Spring Thaw main event highlight the Saturday, March 19 racing program, along with a 25-lap Pro (Crate) Late Model feature that pays $700-to-win.

Adult grandstand admission on Saturday, March 19 is $25, youth (ages 9-15) $10, with 8-and-under admitted free in the grandstands. Pit passes and backside tier-parking $35, regardless of age.

The pit gate will open at 2 p.m., with the grandstands opening at 4:30 p.m. Hotlaps will get started around 6:30 p.m., to be followed by qualifying and then racing action.

Directions to Volunteer Speedway: South on Interstate 81 from Tennessee/Virginia state lines, take Exit 23 (Bulls Gap/Greeneville), then turn right onto Hwy. 11-E at bottom of the exit ramp. Look for track entrance approximately 200 yards on left.

North on Interstate 81 from I-81/I-40 split (East of Knoxville, TN), take Exit 23, then turn left onto Hwy. 11-E at bottom of the exit ramp. Continue underneath the interstate over-pass and track entrance approximately 300 yards ahead on left.