Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, September 22, 1995                   TAG: 9509220063
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BRUCE STANTON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

FCS ON SMART ROAD

That's why the Franklin County Speedway owner scheduled the Southern Modifieds Auto Racing Teams (SMART) tour for his track during the Winston Cup/SuperTruck weekend at Martinsville Speedway.

``That's what we're playing it off - Martinsville,'' Taylor said. ``It will give the real racing fans a buffet this weekend.''

Just call Saturday night's J-95/Miller Genuine Draft 350 the hors d'oeuvre for the Martinsville main course.

The 150-lap SMART race will headline the Callaway track's card. The 1995 traveling SMART tour is nearing the end of its 1995 season, with four races remaining.

The top four drivers in the points standings are from North Carolina, with Junior Miller of Winston-Salem in first, with 992 points. Fifth-place Jay Foley of Stuart is the top Virginia driver in the standings, with 875 points.

Another Virginian, Kenny Minter of Martinsville, also will compete in the FCS SMART race.

``This is the biggest race I've had here,'' Taylor said. ``It's going to be a top-notch show.''

Taylor has received 22 entries from the SMART circuit, and he expects as many as 30 will be at the track Saturday.

Unlike most divisions, the modifieds feature open-wheel cars, which have not run at FCS in more than 10 years. Besides the Southern Modifieds, the speedway will feature triple-points races in five classes.

The Pure Stocks feature the tightest points race. Jay Perry of Roanoke has a 32-point lead over Tommy Dooley of Troutville. The Mini Stocks are close, too, with Chris Martin of Bassett leading Rick Janney of Roanoke by 58 points.

Qualifying begins at 7 p.m., and racing starts at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $10. Tickets will be $15 at the gate.

Keywords:
AUTO RACING