LEBANON, Mo. -- The 2006 Lebanon I-44 Speedway racing season is fast approaching with exciting events lined up.

"Any time you go to I-44 Speedway, you are going to have good racing," track promoter Randy Mooneyham said, "and I think that's what fans come to see."

A play date is scheduled for 6 p.m., Saturday, March 25. Drivers who plan on racing with the speedway are encourage to participate to test out their cars and the track. Fans are also encouraged to come. A car show will be held earlier in the day, noon to 3 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Lebanon.

"All cars interested in racing at I-44 Speedway can bring their cars and put them on display," Mooneyham said.

The season officially begins 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 1. "The track is ready to go," Mooneyham said. "We did a lot of dirt work to it last year. The grandstands are also ready for fans."

Mooneyham anticipates one of the largest car counts on record for the 2006 season, based on the opportunities for the drivers. The open Late Models have been UMP sanctioned and can compete to win on track, state, regional and national levels, possibly winning over $20,000.

Modifieds have also been sanctioned by USRA, and would be eligible to compete for a $10,000 national prize.

Central Bank of Lebanon will once again be the main points fund sponsor. Late Models, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Factory Stocks and Bombers will all be back as regular night classes. Legends, Ministocks and Pro-4's will also be making scheduled appearances. The speedway has also added the Rookie class as a regular night division.

"I think the Rookie class will be exciting for the entry level racer, the new guy on the block," Mooneyham said.

Several specials have been scheduled for the season, including a MARS/UMP Challenge, the WOW Sprint series and the popular World of Outlaws Late Models. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, July 25, allows NASCAR driver Ken Schrader to compete. The fourth Larry Phillips Memorial race is also scheduled for Sept. 22 and 23, with a $10,000 top Late Model prize.

Lebanon I-44 Speedway 2006 Racing Schedule

(sponsor listed below event):

March 17-19: Battlefield Mall Car Show

March 25: Practices All Classes

April 1: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, Ministock

Starnes Auto Body & Glass

April 8: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, DLRA Legends

Tim Parson's Auto Sales

April 15: MARS UMP Challenge Series - Modified, Factory Stock, Bomber, Ministock

Hardees- Super 8

April 22: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, Ministock

Henderson Heating & Air

April 29: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, DLRA Legends

Steel City Racing- All State

May 6: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, Ministock

Outlaw Racing Engines- D&B Rentals

May 13: USMTS Racing Series- Late Model, Factory Stock, Bomber, Pro-4

NAPA Auto Parts- McDonalds

May 20: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, Ministock

Nature's Best Pet Store

May 27: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, DLRA Legends

All-State - Greenlawn Funeral Homes

June 3: WOW Sprints - Modified, Factory Stock, Bomber, Pro-4

Al's Liquor

June 10: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, Ministock

Fohn's Furniture

June 17: USMTS Racing Series - Late Model, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie

Page Printing

June 24: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, Ministock

Dowd's Catfish House

July 1: Fireworks- Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Bomber, Rookie

Quality Heating & Air

July 8: MARS Racing Series- Modified, Factory Stock, Bomber, Pro-4, Ministock

Lindsey Auto Group- Wyota Inn

July 15: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, DLRA Legends

Ruble Racing Engines- All State

July 22: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, Ministock

American Auto Parts

July 25: World of Outlaws Late Model- Factory Stock

Special Appearance by Nextel Cup Driver Ken Schrader

Super 8 - Wyota Inn

July 29: WOW Sprints- 305 Sprints, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, Ministock

CMT Trans. - Results Advertising

August 5: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, DLRA Legends

Commerce Bank - All State

August 12: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, Ministock

Lebanon Kawasaki-Suzuki - United Insurers

August 18 &19: Factory Stock Nationals - Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Bomber, Rookie

Golden Corral - Richmont Racing Engines

August 26: MARS Racing Series- Modified, Factory Stock, Bomber, Pro-4, Ministock

Super 8 - Hatfield Racing Engines

Sept.2: Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, DLRA Legends

J's Family Dining

Sept. 8&9: Modified Fall Nationals- Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie, Pro-4, Ministock

Value Tire

Sept. 16: Season Championship- Late Model, Modified, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bomber, Rookie

Lindsey Auto Group

Sept.22: 4th Annual Larry Phillips Memorial MARS - UMP Challenge

Sept.23: 4th Annual Larry Phillips Memorial MARS - UMP Challenge

Energy Companies, Heartland Antique Mall, Wyota Inn and Super 8