Cars were prepared for practice rounds on Friday and Saturday in anticipation of next week’s "Show Me the Money" series opener at the Montgomery Motorspeedway. (Staff Photo)

Staff Report
(March 13, 2010)

The next late-model race, “Show Me the Money” is about one week away at the Montgomery Motor Speedway.

But the officials on Friday were all about showing off the new improvements at the track.

New track owner Bobby Knox opened the doors to local media to provide a look at the improvements to the facility, which re-opened to racing last year after it had been used basically for a parking facility for the Hyundai plant for several years.

The track was repaved last September – a first since 1991 – and has received several other improvements to get ready for the new season, which begins Saturday, March 20.

“We feel good about everything here,” said Knox, who once raced late-models at the track and will now watch his son do so in the coming months.

“We knew there would be some difficulties but we have been pleased with everything so far. The drivers are very thankful. A lot of people in the community are backing what we do. It will be better than last year.”

A new group of racers will be on hand for the first of six races in the series. Included are 2009 track champion Augie Grille of Hayden, 18-year-old sensation Hunter Robbins and Chance Atkins.

The list of drivers is not limited to the men. Three young ladies are expected to compete including Kristen Wallace of Jasper, Ga., Brittney Finley of Huntsville and Kayla Robbins, cousin of Hunter.

The purse is $5,000 to the winner, which makes the series attractive to drivers from all over the southeast.

“They are expecting a lot of big names to come and race over the course of the season,” Hunter Robbins said. “The purse will be very competitive. Not very many tracks pay that much for a 125-lap late model race and that attracts a lot of big names.”

Improvements to the facility include better grandstands for fans. Rigs that transport cars will be parked outside the track instead of in the infield during the race. Entry from the track to pit row has also been redirected.

But the most important change is the resurfacing of the track, which will save money on tires.

“It’s huge,” said driver Marty Bean. “This is one of the nicest facilities in the southeast. Nothing compares to this. You can’t race anywhere where a track doesn’t eat up your tires so this will keep costs down.”

To make sure, officials with MMS will provide one set of tires to each race team plus the left and right scuff plates. The use of unapproved tires will cost a driver a two-lap penalty.

“It’s a safety issue,” said Bill Desmond, director of public relations for the speedway. “We are safety first and we have made a few more modifications to the track to keep our drivers and our fans safe during a race. We will do anything to prevent any problems.”

Tickets will be $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and Military with I.D. Children ages 6-12 will be $5 and those 5-under will be admitted free.

Call  (334) 262-6101 for more information.