FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2011
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22nd Annual Magnolia State 100 Rapidly Approaching

by Ben Shelton
Columbus, Mississippi (9/7/11) - With cooler weather now upon us and Fall just around the corner all indications point to the rapid approach of the 22nd Annual Magnolia State 100 at Columbus Speedway in Columbus, Mississippi on Thursday-Saturday, September 22nd-24th.

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 $20,011 winner's share of over $70,000 in Super Late Model purse money on the line in the 100-lap affair. Last year's event drew almost 200 race teams including over 60 Super Late Models to Columbus Speedway plus another huge crowd to the popular event.

The early entry deadline for the Super Late Model division is rapidly approaching. The pre-entry deadline is Sunday, September 18th. The pre-entry fee is $50, but becomes $125 after that time. Drivers may pre-enter by calling Dewitt Singleton at 601-917-1500 or Ben Shelton at 901-335-3037.

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.

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, Mike Marlar from Winfield, Tennessee headlines a list of winners in Mississippi’s biggest short track event that includes Shane Clanton, Chris Wall, Don O’Neal, Anthony Rushing, Wendell Wallace, Ronnie Johnson, Terry English, Rex Richey, Johnny Virden, and of course, the events' 7-time champion "Mr. Smooth" Billy Moyer.

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 $20,011-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 $20,011 to win/$1,000 to start, 100-lap battle royal at "The Bullring" - the 22nd 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, for 2011 the Open Wheel Modified division has been added back to the program and will battle in a $2,000-to-win/$125-to-start event.

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 22nd-24th for the 22ndt 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 eligible for rental at the track.

Additional Magnolia State 100 information is available by the Columbus Speedway event hotline at 662-241-5004, Dewitt Singleton at 601-917-11500 or Ben Shelton at 901-335-3037. Columbus Speedway and complete Magnolia State 100 information can be found on the Columbus Speedway website hosted at www.columbusspeedway.net .

22nd Annual Magnolia State 100 Event Facts:
EVENT FORMAT

Pit gates open at 2pm each day!

Thursday, September 22nd * 7pm
Open Practice
Practice from 7pm till 10pm
Grand Stand Admission: FREE
Pit admission: Adults-$15. Children 12 & under free
Three Day Advanced Pit Pass: $75

Friday, September 23rd 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 24th 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
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.