USMTS SOUTHERN SERIES TO DEBUT MARCH 30-31 AT ENID SPEEDWAY PARK
by: Jeff Nun

HOUSTON, Texas (Jan. 22) -- United States Modified Touring Series officials have announced that the inaugural event for the newly-formed USMTS Southern Series will kick off with a doubleheader at the Enid (Okla.) Speedway Park, March 30-31.

The race will feature some of the top Modified drivers from throughout the United States, and will also serve as an O'Reilly USMTS national tour points race.

Friday's main event winner will earn $2,000 while Saturday's top dog will pocket $3,000. Each night, race fans will be treated to some great Modified racing with heat races, consolations and a feature event, along with local support classes.

Gates are slated to open both days at 3 p.m., with the first green flag waving at 7 p.m. Enid Speedway Park will also present Street Stocks and E-Mods on the racing card both nights.

The Garfield County Trust Authority awarded the contract for the 3/8-mile track to Lonnie Colville and James Longpine in November. Colville will serve as the promoter of the historic facility. Colville brings a wealth of knowledge to the venture. He raced for over two decades on the high banked oval reigning over the Street Stock, Pro Stock and Modified divisions. During the past few seasons Colville has worked on the other side of the fence, serving as the track's pit steward.

The USMTS Southern Series will give top drivers from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and surrounding areas a minimum ten-race series that pits the best of the best in Modified racing under the banner of America's top Modified touring series.

All of the races for the USMTS Southern Series will pay a minimum of $2,000 to win and $200 to start, and will utilize the official USMTS rules.

The USMTS Southern Series is currently in negotiations with several top-notch facilities throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas, and plans are to host 10 to 12 events during the 2007 season.

For more information, call the USMTS offices at 515-832-7944 or log on to www.usmts.com .