CRANDALL, Texas -- The building excitement of the upcoming David Pope Memorial event at RPM Speedway in Crandall, Texas, on Sept. 7, has grown even further as three purse increases have been announced.

First off, Utility Trailer of Dallas, Inc., has increased their sponsorship level for the $540-to-win Utility Trailer of Dallas Dash for Cash. The event will consist of the top six in USRA Modified points at the conclusion of the heat races on Sept. 7. In addition to the $540 winners share, all remaining Dash for Cash starters will now receive $54. The finishing order of the Utility Trailer of Dallas Dash for Cash will make up the first three rows of the 35-lap, $3,000-to-win David Pope Memorial championship feature to be held later that evening.

This past Friday at RPM's O'Reilly Summer Slam 2, great fields of cars in each RPM points division were on hand. Due to the tremendous driver and fan support for the event, the Street Stock and Factory Stock purses have been raised for the David Pope Memorial.

These changes bring the total purse of the David Pope Memorial event to in excess of $26,000.

In other event news, the start times have been changed. By Sept. 7, the sun starts to set quite a bit earlier (7:45 to be exact). And the FAA requires any type of skydiving event to be underway by sundown. So here are the new times:

- Pits open by 3 p.m.
- Grandstands open at 5 p.m.
- Draw Cut-off/Hot Laps at 6:30 sharp!
- Opening ceremonies and racing at 7 p.m.

There are no competitor entry fees or registration fees for new drivers. Pit passes are $30 and adult grandstand ticket prices are the regular price of just $12. Kids 6-12 are $5; and ages 5 and under are free with adult admittance.

Small drink coolers are allowed in the main grandstand area, however, they must fit under your legs and not take up a seat in the grandstand area. No glass containers allowed through the grandstand gates. Coolers will be searched and restricted in size. Please be respectful of this track policy, and to other fans that want a seat to watch the event.

In addition to the skydivers during the national anthem and the big fireworks display during intermission, there are also some unadvertised surprises for the fans in attendance...so make plans now to be a part of this exciting event!

Please click www.RPMSpeedwayTX.com to view the $26,000 David Pope Memorial event flyer, complete purse breakdown and special event web page ... and stay tuned for the latest event updates!