SPRING VALLEY, Minn. -- The Deer Creek Speedway will open their gates for the first practice of the season this Saturday, April 2, from 4-8 p.m.

Pit passes are $15 and admission to the grandstands is free of charge.

A big field of drivers is expected as they get their first and only tune-up on the high-banked 3/8-mile oval before next weekend's USMTS-sanctioned $20,000-to-win World Modified Dirt Track Championship, Wednesday through Satruday, April 6-9.

USRA Weekly Racing Series featuring USRA RHS Modifieds and USRA Karl Performance Parts B-Mods will begin the following Saturday, April 16.

The Queensland family began operating the Deer Creek Speedway in 2002 and thus began the transformation of the 3/8-mile clay oval situated among the rolling hills of Spring Valley, Minn., into one of the most popular dirt track racing venues in the United States.

They were awarded the highest honor in dirt track racing last month when they were selected by their peers in the motorsports promotions industry as the Auto Racing Promoter of the Year at the annual RPM Promoters Workshops in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Tickets for all 2011 race events at the Deer Creek Speedway are available online. Race fans can save money by purchasing a book of 20 tickets good for all regular USRA Weekly Racing Series events.

Jason Cummins is the defending track and national champion in the USRA RHS Modified division while 2010 USRA Karl Performance Parts B-Mod national champion Brandon Hare was last year's track champ.

The Deer Creek Speedway is located 11.3 miles south of I-90 (exit 209) on US 63 (0.7 mile north of SR 16) in Spring Valley, Minn. For more info, call toll-free 877-DCS-RACE or 507-346-2342 on raceday or visit www.deercreekspeedway.com online.