WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (April 29, 2001) - The United States Modified Touring Series will kick off the first two races in the east region this Thursday and Friday.

Thursday night the series will make the first ever visit to the Spoon River Speedway in Canton, IL. This race will be the first of two races at the speedway in 2001 and a very good car count is expected for this race. The racing at the Spoon will begin with hot laps at 6:45 and racing to follow.

Drivers will be able to run either Hoosier tires or American Racer as this is one of the tracks that allow either.

Also running will be the Late Models, Streets and Trucks.

Some of the expected drivers for this race are: Kelly Shryock, Tim Folkerts, Brad McEwan, Corey Dripps, Dan Daniels. Tim Donlinger, Mark Noble, Jason Hughes, Kevin Peters, Mike Chasteen, Bob Dominacki, Mike Delozier, Tommy Myer plus many, many more. Drivers from more than ten states expected for these two races. This will be your chance to witness some of America’s best modified drivers do battle with all the local favorites. So far in 2001 the USMTS is off to a very competitive start as six winners in six events.

Both of these races will pay $2,000 to win and $200 to start the A-main. Drivers are all guaranteed $75 tow money.

On Friday the series will make a return visit to Quincy Raceway. In two visits to the speedway for the series the racing has been awesome. The local drivers at Quincy both times have been very tough to beat and put on a great show. Gary Wilson should have won both of these races, but has had the bad luck bug on his shoulder both times. In 2000 Mike Chasteen picked up the win as he passed Wilson on the last corner coming for the checkered flag.

A very good field of cars is expected for this race and fans will see some exciting modified racing. USMTS drivers will be on hand early to sign autographs and talk to fans. This will be the first visit of two to the speedway in 2001.

Also running will be the bombers and the 2-man cruisers.

Hot laps will begin at 7 with racing starting at 7:30.

For more information on the USMTS or either of these races call the USMTS office at 515-832-7944.