Jacob Dahle was the 2006 Modified track champion at Chateau Raceway.

LANSING, Minn. -- Officials at Chateau Raceway in Lansing, Minn., have announced that they will sanction their Modified class with the United States Racing Association in 2007. In addition to a hearty track points fund, drivers will also have the opportunity to chase the USRA Casey’s General Stores Weekly Racing Series national championship.

"We here at the Chateau Raceway feel that it is in our racers' best interest -- and ours -- to join USRA," said co-promoter Darin Toot. "We have talked to some of the racers, and for the most part this is what they want."

Racing will kick off on Friday, April 6, at 1/3-mile semi-banked clay/black gumbo dirt oval. In addition to the USRA Modifieds, the weekly lineup will include WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds, WISSOTA Street Stocks, Classic Dwarf Cars, Chateau Pure Stocks and Hornets.

In order to share in points fund, contingency awards and other benefits, USRA Modified drivers will need to possess a USRA license and compete on the American Racer KK704 racing tire. Neither item, however, is required to compete at Chateau Raceway. Drivers may also utilize the Hooser G60 tire but, again, will not be eligible for points funds and other benefits from the USRA.

Prior to the season opener, the 8th Annual Chateau Raceway Car Show will be held at the Oak Park Mall March 24-25. Chateau Raceway will have new shirts and hats on sale at the car show. The track will also host an open practice test ‘n’ tune on march 31.

Early track registration at the car show or earlier will only be $30 while the at-the-track price will be $35. To receive last year's pit stall, drivers must have it paid for by the first day of the car show. All unpaid pit stalls will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning the first day of the car show. Discounted punch cards are also available now by calling (507) 373-1293 and asking for Monica.

For more information regarding Chateau Raceway, call the business office at (507) 391-2486. Race day information is available by calling the track hotline at (507) 438-4578 or at www.chateauraceway.com. Chateau Raceway is located five miles north of Austin on U.S. Hwy. 218 to the Lansing Exit, then 1.3 miles east on C.R. 2, then 0.4 mile south on C.R. 25, then 0.3 mile east.

For more information regarding the United States Racing Association and the USRA Casey’s General Stores Weekly Racing Series, call the USRA headquarters at (515) 832-6000 or visit the USRA online at www.usraracing.com.