Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 2, 1994 TAG: 9404020115
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Staff report
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Bigger, better and more in '94 is the theme for the New River Valley Speedway racing season, which officially opens tonight.
There will be bigger races, better competition and more racing than ever before at the .416-mile NASCAR-sanctioned paved oval.
All five divisions of competition will be in action tonight, with the Late Model Stock Cars featured in a 100-lap event. The Limited drivers will race for 35 laps, and the Modified Mini, Mini and Pure Stock drivers will each see 25 laps of action.
There will be 25 regular events this season, with the second 250-lap Late Model Stock Car race closing the schedule.
For the first time, three regular-season races are scheduled on Sunday afternoons. They will follow Saturday night Winston Cup events at Charlotte, N.C.; Bristol, Tenn.; and Richmond.
The March 27 Enduro event that opened the track for the year will be followed by two more such races during the season.
One of the highlights of a season that includes four 200-lap races and twin 75s will be WDBJ's live telecast of the July 30 twin 100-lap events.
"To my knowledge, this is the first time a Late Model Stock Car race has ever been televised live on a major station in Virginia," said Ronnie Snoddy, the track's promoter.
Veteran driver Paul Radford of Ferrum, the track's 1993 LMSC champion, will not be returning on a regular basis this year, leaving the division title up for grabs. Kenny Montgomery of Parrott is the reigning Limited champion, and Charlie Smith of Dublin is the defending Modified Mini Stock titlist. Christiansburg's Tony Howell won the 1993 Mini Stock crown, and Tommy Allie of Christiansburg won the Pure Stock title.
A host of newcomers, including a number of dirt-track stars, have registered to race in 1994. Several of the Late Model drivers are planning to compete for the NASCAR/Winston Racing Series Mid-Atlantic title.
Admission has been increased from $8 to $10 for adults.
"We will be having more big races this season than ever. So instead of increasing the prices for special races, I decided on a slight increase for all events," Snoddy said.
Children 12 and younger still will be admitted for $1.
Gates open at 2 p.m., with practice at 4 p.m. Qualifying gets under way at 6:15 p.m., with the first green flag falling at 8 p.m.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB