LEBANON, Mo. -- Saturday nights will once again be filled with the roar of engines, the smell of funnel cakes and the sight of checkered flags as racing resumes at the Lebanon I-44 Speedway this Saturday night.

After a six-month off season, drivers and crews will be hitting the high banks of the 3/8 mile dirt oval to compete for various 2006 season titles.

Now beginning its 24th season in racing, track promoter Randy Mooneyham said the track is in fabulous condition after seeing about 60 cars practice last Saturday night.

"The track was just perfect," Mooneyham said, "I couldn't ask for a better surface. It was almost as smooth as the highway."

The first night of racing will feature six classes: Late Models, Modifieds, Super Stock, Factory Stock, Bombers, Rookie and Mini Stocks. Mooneyham anticipates over 100 cars to be in attendance for the season opener.

"In addition to the opening night factor, the weather's supposed to be good and I definitely think our car count will reflect that," he said.

Also factor in the new sanctions for two of the classes, UMP for the Late Models and USRA for the Modifieds, and Mooneyham sees no reason to expect any less than 20 cars for each of those classes.

Sadly, the 2006 season will begin as no other season in track history has. Long-time track employee Bob Woody died earlier this year. Woody was with the track at its start in 1983, working in pit lane organizing the cars in their line-ups.

"Bob was a great man," Mooneyham said. "He was an excellent employee and very loyal to the speedway. He is going to be missed by everyone"

Before racing begins Saturday night, there will be a memorial tribute in honor of Woody.

For one week only, racing will begin at 7 p.m. with gates opening at 5 p.m. Other nights will begin at 7:30 p.m. Grandstand adult prices will be $10 and adults in tier parking will be $12. All juniors are $5 and all children 12 and under are always free.