Racetracks across Arkansas ready to start engines including Texarkana

Shelby Ward enters the final lap of heat No. 2 in the 305 stock series Aug. 15 at the Texarkana 67 Speedway. Ward would go on to win the series for the week.
Shelby Ward enters the final lap of heat No. 2 in the 305 stock series Aug. 15 at the Texarkana 67 Speedway. Ward would go on to win the series for the week.

Dirt track racing is set to return to Arkansas this weekend, and it's not a moment too soon for track promoters and staff members.

Texarkana 67 Speedway is on the list of tracks in the state set to reopen. However, with all of the recent rain, it will not get back to its routine until next week, according to its Facebook.

"We are pretty sure everyone can take a wild guess about this week's Friday night racing," the post stated. " ... We are rained out. Next weekend on the schedule is the Comp Cams Super Dirt Late Models!!! If mother nature will give us a break, we will plan on running the show."

The rest of Arkansas is ready to race as well.

"What else do we do? We don't know what to do," said Mooney Starr, the owner/promoter at Batesville Motor Speedway in Locust Grove. "I mean, I don't know anything other than to smell alcohol [fumes] and have dirt flung in my eyes. It's all I know."

Racing in the state has been shut down since early March because of coronavirus concerns. Several of the state's racing facilities had hoped to reopen last weekend after restrictions were partially lifted by the state health department. However, heavy rain forced most to postpone their openings. Only Tri-State Speedway -- located just across the Oklahoma border from Fort Smith -- was able to race Sunday.

Little Rock's I-30 Speedway is set to open its 66th season Saturday, albeit at a later date than ever. Track promoter Tracey Clay said restrictions required of fans are manageable.

"We have to hold to 33% capacity," said Clay, whose family has owned and operated the quarter-mile oval at the Pulaski-Saline county line since 1987. "Obviously, there will be social distancing. Every other row in the stands will be marked for no sitting, and no more than 10 [people] can sit together as a family. Masks are not required, but they are highly recommended."

Most of the state's dirt tracks plan to open their seasons this weekend, including Centerville Super Speedway; Crawford County Speedway in Van Buren; Crowley's Ridge Raceway in Paragould; Diamond Park Speedway in Murfreesboro; Old No. 1 Speedway in Harrisburg; Riverside International Speedway in West Memphis; and Texarkana 67 Speedway. Officials at North Central Arkansas Speedway in Flippin said they plan to open July 3.

As for drag-racing facilities in the state, Centerville Dragway will have a motorcycle special event tonight and regular racing on Saturday, while Prescott Raceway will host a Memphis Street Racer special event tonight and Saturday. George Ray's Wildcat Dragstrip in Paragould is scheduled to open its season Sunday.

Contact tracks or track websites for more information.

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