HUMBOLDT — Following a one-week delay because of bad weather, all systems are go for the King of America III Modified Nationals Thursday-Saturday at the Humboldt Speedway.
Festivities kick off Wednesday with an open practice from 6 to 9 p.m., before the racing begins in earnest Thursday night.
The crown jewel is Saturday’s 100-lap main event with USMTS modifieds that pays $10,000 to win and $1,000 just to start.
Last season’s USMTS rookie of the year Stormy Scott of Las Cruces, N.M., is the defending race champion and is one of 126 racers already registered for this year’s event.
Nine-time USMTS national champion Kelly Shryock won the inaugural race in 2011.
Each driver will race in a pair of qualifying races on Thursday and Friday, using various starting points, to determine who gets to start at the front of Saturday’s main event.
In addition, there will be two special events on each night of qualifying.
On Thursday, the top 12 in passing points from 12 different states will have the opportunity to compete in a 12-lap Race of States. Friday night will feature the USRA Race of Champions — open to all USRA Modified track champions from the 2012 season and past USRA Modified national champions.
To top it off, the Iron Man Challenge for USRA B-Mods will join the party with a complete program of heat races and feature events all three nights. USRA B-Mod drivers will race for $500 to win Thursday, $2,000 for Friday and $1,000 on Saturday.
Wednesday’s “test ‘n’ tune” session will be the only night for hot laps for the USMTS Modifieds. Admission to the grandstands is free. Pit passes are $20. Pit gates will open at 3 p.m.
On Thursday and Friday, pit gates will open at 3 p.m., grandstands open at 5. Hot laps for USRA B-Mods is at 6:45 and the first heat race will follow. All times are one hour earlier on Saturday.
Three-day reserved seat tickets are on sale for $50 for adults, $30 for youth ages 13-16 and $15 for kids 6-12. Single-day tickets for grown-ups are $20 on Thursday and Friday, $25 on Saturday. Youth get in for $10 each day and kids are just $5. Children ages 5 and under get in for free every day. Call (515) 832-7944 to order tickets.
The races also will be broadcast live by XSAN via pay-per-view webcast. Go to www.xsan.tv/register to register and get access to the entire week of racing.
For drivers still wanting to join the party, the entry fee is $250 if received by the end of practice on Wednesday, March 27. The entry fee is $300 on race day. Drivers can download an entry form at www.usmts.com/downloads or call 515-832-7944.
King of America races return
