LEBANON, Mo. -- First it was the rain. Then it was freezing temperatures. Hopefully the third time will be a charm for the Lebanon I-44 Speedway's 2007 season opener, set to run this Saturday, April 14, with races starting at 7:30 p.m.

The build-up of excitement for the 2007 racing season at the Lebanon I-44 Speedway is felt by drivers and fans alike after the start of the season has been twice postponed now. Rain storms prevented the scheduled opener back on March 31. The wet conditions would have likely caused damage to the high-banked dirt track, which benefited from the addition of red clay in the off-season to provide better racing action. Meanwhile, last Saturday's below freezing temperatures prevented racing since many of the cars would not have started in the cold conditions.

However, racing is set for this Saturday night beginning at 7:30, with drivers running hot laps at 6:45. Fans can see their favorite Late Model drivers like Brad Looney, Darryl Mooneyham and Brandon McCormick, as well as USRA Modified drivers Jimmy Willis, Jeff Cutshaw and Justin Newman, plus the fastest drivers in the Factory Stock, Bomber, B-Mod and Rookie divisions.

The 2007 season promises even faster racing with the new red clay put down over the off season. During the open practice held last month, the track provided fast side-by-side action, and that should only get more intense with the start of competition.
 
Weekly racing is every Saturday night at the Lebanon I-44 Speedway. Grandstand admission for adults is $10 and children 11 and under are free, while admission to the "Wild Side" is $12 for adults and children 11 and under are free.

Gates open at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 6:45 and racing starts at 7:30.