This summer will mark 12 years since Lucas Oil Speedway opened to rave reviews as Forrest Lucas' vision for a dirt-track racing showcase was realized.

Since that first event on the dirt oval, a drag boat facility and off-road track have been added to make Lucas Oil Speedway one of America's premier motorsports complexes.

So as Lucas Oil Speedway's 13th season is upon us, with Saturday's scheduled opener, here are some things to know about the 2018 season:

Weekly racing is alive and well
Lucas Oil Speedway averaged 105 cars and 2,400 fans for its Big Adventure RV Weekly Racing Series in 2017. Racing again will be held in four weekly divisions with the same sponsors returning as the Pitts Homes USRA Modifieds, Warsaw Auto Marine & RV ULMA Late Models, Ozark Golf Cars USRA B-Mods and Big O Tires Street Stocks compete. The top 10 in points will be honored and collect prize money and contingency awards at the post-season banquet. USRA Modifieds and Out-Pace USRA B-Mods are also competing for track points funds plus even more point fund money and contingency awards in the CP-Carrillo Central Region presented by MVT and Summit USRA Weekly Racing Series.

Show-Me 100 goes live, worldwide
For the first time in its 26-year history, the full final-night program of the Show-Me 100 Presented by ProtecttheHarvest.com will be televised live on MAVTV Motorsports Network along with LucasOilRacing.TV. The crown-jewel event, which pays $30,000 to win, was captured a year ago by young phenom Bobby Pierce who is now a regular on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. USRA Modifieds will also be on the card.

New voices join announcing team
As Lucas Oil Speedway continues to expand its national television profile, its announcing stable has grown as well. Ozarks-area radio and television announcers Corey Riggs and Shane Friebe have joined the speedway as play-by-play voices. Several times during the 2018 season, the Big Adventure RV Weekly Racing Series will be spotlighted on "Lucas Oil Speedway Saturday Nights" on MAVTV and LucasOilRacing.TV with Riggs and Friebe calling the action.

Cutshaw takes aim on fifth straight
Bolivar's Jeff Cutshaw will try to make it an unprecedented five straight track championships in the Pitts Homes USRA Modified division. Andy Bryant of Fort Scott, Kan., is the defending Out-Pace USRA B-Mod track champion.

Top Modifieds with a side of BBQ
The United States Modified Touring Series brings the nation's premier Modified drivers to Lucas Oil Speedway on Aug. 4 for the 9th Annual Slick Mist Show-Me Shootout presented by Foley Equipment. As an added highlight, the 2nd annual Red White Blue & Que will be going on with professional barbecue teams set up on the Lake Lucas midway. Some special events, including cooking demos with the Great American Cookout Tour, will be available to the race fans. The Out-Pace USRA B-Mods and Big O Tires Street Stocks will also be in action.

New sign/earlier starting times
Racing will begin earlier in 2018 for most programs with gates opening at 4 p.m., hot laps at 6:30 p.m. and opening ceremonies at 7. Visitors also will find a new sign at the entrance to the speedway—from Impact Signs Awnings and Wraps—off Highway 54, featuring a NextLED video board.

Opening night
This Saturday night, Lucas Oil Speedway again will try to open the 2018 Big Adventure RV Weekly Racing Series. It's $uper $aver $pecial Night Presented by OnMedia/Dish/DirectTV with discounted admission for action in all four divisions. The Out-Pace USRA B-Mods will be featured, running a special 25-lap, $750-to-win main event. Gates are set to open at 4 p.m. with hot laps at 6:30 and racing at 7:05. The first 500 fans also will receive a free 2018 Lucas Oil Speedway schedule magnet, courtesy of City Magnet.

Admission prices
(before 5:30 p.m.)
Four admissions plus four hot dogs and four 20-ounce soft drinks - $30
(after 5:30 p.m.)
Adults (16 and over) - $12
Seniors (62 and over) and Military - $9
Youth (ages 6-15) - $5
Kids (5 and under) - FREE
Family Pass - $25
Pit Pass - $30

For ticket information for any event in 2018, including general admission or three-day reserved seats for the 26th annual Show-Me 100 Presented by ProtecttheHarvest.com, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or via email at nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com.

Complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived stories, ticket information and 2018 schedule can be found by visiting www.lucasoilspeedway.com or call the track hotline at (417) 282-5984. Fans also can purchase general admission tickets for any 2018 event on the web. In addition, fans can get social with Lucas Oil Speedway by following @LucasSpeedway on Twitter, www.facebook.com/lucasoilspeedway and on www.youtube.com/lucasoilspeedway.

The Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With its entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.