MUSKOGEE, Okla. -- USRA RHS Modifieds will hit the historic Muskogee Fairgrounds this year as promoter Stanley Slader has announced that the Thunderbird Speedway will be a part of the USRA Weekly Racing Series in 2012.

Weekly Friday night action will feature the USRA RHS Modifieds along with Late Models, Sports Mods, Street Stocks and 360 Mods.

The legendary half-mile dirt oval has been around for more than 100 years, and 2012 will mark the third season in charge for Slader and his son, Dennis, who handles the day-to-day track management duties and has breathed new life into the facility.

Drivers in the USRA RHS Modified division at the Thunderbird Speedway will compete for a points fund worth up to $1,500 at season’s end to the track champion plus multiple contingency awards and a $10,000 top prize for the USRA RHS Modified national champion in the American Racer USRA Weekly Racing Series.

With Tri-State Speedway in Pocola, Okla., racing on Saturdays, just an hour away and also a USRA Member Track this season, the staff at both racetracks are hopeful that one of their drivers can make some noise in this year’s national points battle.

Kyle Slader is the defending Modified track champion at Thunderbird.

They’ll break the ice on the 2012 campaign with a car show, tailgate party and practice on March 17, with another open practice to follow on March 24 with the USRA RHS Modifieds making their debut on March 30 for the season opener.

Another practice session is slated for April 5 on the eve of the Charlie Fulton Memorial featuring the MARS Late Model Series on Saturday, April 6. The USRA RHS Modifieds will be a part of that show with Modified drivers racing for $1,055.55 to win the main event plus $5.55 per lap.

The Thunderbird Speedway is located 2.1 miles east of US 69 on Okmulgee St. to B St., then 0.9 mi. south. For more information, call 918-869-6883 or check them out at www.thunderbirdspeedwaymuskogee.com online.

To learn more about the USRA, visit www.usraracing.com or call 515-832-6000. You can also like us on Facebook, join us on MySpace or follow us on Twitter.

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