Columbus Speedway
March 13, 2012
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Columbus Speedway Grand Reopening This Saturday
$5,000 To Win MSCCS James King Memorial Up Next at Columbus Speedway on March 17th



by Ben Shelton
Columbus, Mississippi (03/13/12) - Columbus Speedway will begin a new era this weekend as it celebrates its grand reopening with the $5,000-to-win, 17th Annual James King Memorial at the 1/3 mile oval.

The 17th Annual James King Memorial is back for 2012, and the 50 lap race will pay $5,000-to-win and $300-to-start this Saturday night. The event also marks the return of the Mississippi State Championship Challenge Series (MSCCS) to the oval for the first time in more than five years.

Promoter Mike Mauldin notes, "This race was once one of the most prestigious events in the South, and while it won't happen overnight, we hope to return this race to its previous status over the next few years."

Many new facility improvements will greet fans at Columbus Speedway with new bleachers boards throughout the entire grandstand area plus the addition of 4 rows of tiered lawn chair seating in the grandstands as well plus other and continuous improvements that will continue going forward. As always, lawn chairs and coolers welcome.

Racers will also see a freshened racing surface as well. The Nickoles family and promoters Mike Mauldin and Jeff Greer are demonstrating their commitment to having a great 2012 racing season.

Several sponsors are stepping up to support this event including Cattleman's Steak & Fish, Nickoles Dirt Construction, J&C Auto Parts and Wrecker Service plus Muffler Magic and the Barton family, who are sponsoring a $100 fast-time award for the Super Late Model division and a $100 fast-time award for the NeSmith Late Model division. Hard Charger Award from Rod's Auto Sales.

A friend of Columbus Speedway added money for the Street Stock event which now pays $500 to win.

Rod's Auto Sales is sponsoring a $200 Hard Charger Award for the driver, who passes the most cars in the Super Late Model feature.

For those wishing to assist with event and class sponsorship please call Mike Mauldin at 662-213-3047 or Jeff Greer at 256-349-4328.

Added money will also be in effect for the NeSmith Dirt Late Models as they compete in a $700-to-win/$50-to-start event. Street Stocks will be in action for $500-to-win, Mini stocks will battle for $300-to-win, and Pure Stocks will race for $200-to-win.

An open practice session will be held on Friday, March 16th from 7pm-9pm with gates opening at 4pm. On Saturday, March 17th gates open at 3pm with the driver's meeting at 5:30pm. Racing action is slated for 7pm.

On Friday night, pit admission is $15 with grandstand admission free.

On Saturday, grandstand admission is $20 for adults with kids 11-18 years-of age and seniors/active military just $10, while children 10 & under are free. Pit admission is $30 with new discounted student pit pass pricing with students 7-18 years of age admitted for only $15, and children 6 and under free.

The 2012 Columbus Speedway schedule can be found on the track's website at www.ColumbusSpeedway.net .

For more information, please visit www.ColumbusSpeedway.net or call Mike Mauldin at 662-213-3047 or Jeff Greer at 256-349-4328.

Follow Columbus Speedway on Twitter at twitter.com/baddestbullring and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/columbusspeedway .

Upcoming Columbus Speedway schedule:
March 16th - Practice 7pm until 9pm
March 17th - James King Memorial 7pm
March 31st - Weekly Racing Series plus STREET STOCK Showdown $400 to win prep race April 7th - $2,000 to win Southern STREET STOCK Showdown plus Weekly Racing Series