ARCADIA, Wis. -- With the west central Wisconsin countryside laid out before them this Friday night, the people will sit back, relax and enjoy the sites and sounds which surround them.

Is it the rolling bluff lands that they’ll be viewing? Is it the natural beauty of the wetlands along the Trempealeau River that will catch their eyes?

Will it be the spectacular site lines to the early spring sun setting behind the ridge tops as the sky over head opens up to display her jewel be speckled view of the starry universe above that will catch their breath with shear delight? Or perhaps the sounds of nature will waft up and out of the valley below, riding a gentle breeze to reach the top of the ridge where they’re sitting to tickle their ears?

While these experiences and more will surely be available, it’ll be a completely different form of ‘wild life’ on display this Friday night for those gathered on the north side of Arcadia, Wis.

This Friday marks the 2006 season opener at Fox Ridge Speedway.

The talk and excitement has been building at a non-stop pace this past week as competitors and fans alike look forward to the chance of returning to one of the premier dirt track facilities in the upper midwest for a night of thunderous racing action.

The fans who make the trek to Fox Ridge Speedway will surely not be disappointed; their initial options will be to either visit the state of the art indoor restaurant-grade concession area, or venture straight out onto the spacious cement grandstands to grab their preferred seating location.

Or perhaps they’ll decide to make it a special evening by spending the night enjoying the action from one of the many decks of the second-floor V.I.P. area.

Once they’re settled in, the choices and options open further still. Which superstar driver will they be rooting for in the six different divisions that will be attacking the lightning fast big 3/8-mile on this particular evening?

The options are almost limitless for the race fan as their excitement will be brought to a crescendo by USRA Modifieds.

The bottom line is that the fans will have the opportunity to see the best of the best -- in both competition and facility -- this Friday night.

“We know that the drivers and the fans have a lot of choices for their entertainment,” commented track owners Dave and Judy Hesch, “so we’re trying to provide all of them with the best we can offer for their alternative options – whether it’s our concession and eating area, our clean facilities, our track surface, or our free admission for the kids; We’re really trying to provide a family-friendly environment for our customers to choose as an entertainment option on Friday nights throughout the summer.”

As a matter of fact, some may not even wait until Friday night. A special ‘test and tune’ session is being held (weather permitting) Thursday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. This event gives drivers an opportunity to get a feel for the track, dial-in their car’s setup and generally prepare for Friday night’s season opener. Race fans and even casual observers are welcome to attend. While the complete concession area may not be open for the ‘test and tune’ session, there’s no admission fee on Thursday night.

Friday night’s on-track action gets underway with hot laps at 7 p.m. and the green flag for the opening race of the season flying at 7:30. Adult admission is just $10 with all children 12 years of age and under admitted absolutely free.

So, pack the entire family into the family auto, and head on over to Fox Ridge Speedway to see the stars of dirt track racing on one of the fastest and most fan-friendly speedways in the upper Midwest.