DATE: Friday, July 4, 1997                  TAG: 9707040942

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C1   EDITION: FINAL 

SERIES: Fast Times Under the Lights

                                            LENGTH:   32 lines

THE WHEEL DEAL

Three tracks within an hour's drive of South Hampton Roads give

stock-car fans a choice of flavors: Langley, the area's oldest and

most popular track; Southampton, which has changed surfaces and

nights; and Dixieland, now the area's only dirt track.

Color photos

JOHN SHEALLY II, The Virginian-Pilot

After floundering as a dirt track, Southampton Speedway has

switched to asphalt and Friday night action. But the verdict is

still out on whether racing can succeed at the Capron track.

MIKE HEFFNER, The Virginian-Pilot

Dixieland Speedway is doing all it can to keep its country-track

roots. Located just south of the North Carolina line, Dixieland

still runs on dirt - just like the good ol' days.

MIKE HEFFNER, The Virginian-Pilot

Langley Speedway in Hampton is the area's only NASCAR-sanctioned

track. And while it no longer gets the Pettys and Pearsons, Langley

still packs in the fans on Saturday nights.

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