A lack of dirt racing events throughout the region has left drivers and fans chomping at the bit to hit the track for a night of competition. However, this will change on Friday when the Fountain City comes to life with the roar of race engines as Tompkins Industries presents the season opener at the Lakeside Speedway.

Last week, 60 drivers hit the track for a rare mid-week practice session. Many of those same drivers will begin their 2018 race campaigns in six racing divisions, including USRA Modifieds, Holley USRA Stock Cars and Out-Pace USRA B-Mods, plus Grand Nationals, Factory Stocks and E-Mods on a night of racing that will also serve as Cancer Awareness Night.

Friday admission prices are general admission $12, seniors (65+) and military $10, kids (ages 7-12) $6, children (ages 6 & under) free. Suites adult $20, Kids (ages 2-12) $10. Pit pass $30, kids (ages 6 & under) pit pass $10. When at the track, tune your radio dial to 87.7 FM for a radio broadcast of all the action. Pits open at 4:30, spectator gates at 5, drivers meeting at 6:30, hot laps 6:45 p.m., and racing at 7:30 p.m.

Prime Racing Products recently made an exciting announcement by providing an incentive for drivers to perform at the top of their game in heat-race action. Prime Racing Products will award each heat winner with $50 cash. The incentive will be awarded Friday, July 20, for Out-Pace USRA B-Mods; Friday, Aug. 24 for Holley USRA Stock Cars; and Friday, Sept. 7 for USRA Modifieds.

Complete schedule information, track details, car class rules and regulations and news is available on the track’s website at www.lakesidespeedway.net. Contact the track at (913) 299-9206. The track location is 5615 Wolcott Dr., Kansas City, Kansas 66109, one mile west of I-435 (exit 18) on SR 5 (northwest of Kansas City. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lakesidespeedway.kansascity. You may also email the track at lakesidespeedwaykc@gmail.com.

The 2018 sponsor list includes Valvoline Premium Branded Industrial Lubricants and Automotive Chemicals, Baker's Recovery & Tow, Budweiser, Casey’s General Stores, Central Auto Racing Boosters (C.A.R.B.), Christy's Tasty Queen, Courtyard Kansas City Airport, Crystal Trenching, Health & Wellmobile, Johnson County Key Service, Joslin Jewelry, KAW Valley Companies, Inc., Kling Auto & Diesel Repair, Metro Pawn, Mission Painting & Home Improvements, National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum, RockAuto.com, Seeburg Mufflers, Sutera’s Shawnee, Tompkins Industries, Toners Jewelers, Ussery Auto Body and Victory Trophies & Plaques.