FORT PAYNE MOTOR SPEEDWAY BEGINS ON-TRACK ACTIVITIES TONIGHT WITH OPEN PRACTICE

               FORT PAYNE, AL – The flagship track for the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series, Fort Payne Motor Speedway will begin its on-track activities tonight with an Open Practice for the six weekly divisions that will compete on the refurbished 3/8-mile clay oval during the 2008 racing season on Friday nights each week through August, and then every other Sunday through October.

               The gates open at 5 p.m. and the practice will begin at 7 p.m. for the Super/Limited Late Model, NeSmith Chevrolet Weekly Racing Series Late Model, A Hobby, B Hobby, 4-Cylinder Pony, and Cruiser Divisions.  Pit Admission is $10 and the Grandstand is Free. 

               Fort Payne Motor Speedway begins a new era after being known as Thunder Mountain Speedway for many years.  The track has been shortened from one-half mile in length to 3/8-mile.  The track is 65-feet wide and the turns are banked 12 to 15 degrees.

               The track will be operated and promoted by Marvin Ford and Mike Vaughn of the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series, along with David Turner of Dawsonville, GA with Turner Excavating.

               Fort Payne Motor Speedway will be a part of the NeSmith Chevrolet Weekly Racing Series East Region.  Fort Payne Motor Speedway will also host two NeSmith Chevrolet DLMS National Touring events on July 3-4, and September 21.

               “Marvin Ford, David Turner and their crew have been working almost around the clock to get the track ready for action, and we think the fans and competitors will be happy with the new configuration that will lend itself to better racing,” Vaughn said.  “We’re ready to see some action tonight with practice, and we’re inviting the fans to come out and take a look free of charge.  We’ll have the concession stand open.”

               Fort Payne Motor Speedway is located just west of Rainsville , AL off State Road 75 on County Road 72.  For more information and rules call 256-623-7223, or visit the track web site at www.fortpaynemotorspeedway.com.