(Mineral Wells, WV) "Late Model Hall of Fame" promoter Carl Short and the highly successful BDS Promotional team are pleased to announce the 2010 version of the 'Hillbilly Hundred' will be moved to the West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, WV.
The nation's oldest dirt late model stock car major event saw it's inaugural race held at the Legendary Pennsboro (WV) Speedway on Labor Day of 1967. The race lost a little of it's national luster the last few years at Pennsboro but when the event moved to the Tyler County Speedway in 1998, the event once again started gaining a reputation as a 'must see' event.
The Tyler County Speedway, under the aggressive direction of BDS Promotions the last 6 seasons, has grown in reputation from a little known backwoods track to a nationally recognized and respected facility.
It is through the joint efforts of Short & BDS Promotions that the 'Hillbilly Hundred' has once again claimed it's rightful place as one of the nation's dirt late model crown jewel races.
Accurately billed as the richest one day race purse in the nation, the 2009 version of "the Hillbilly" was won by Brasstown, NC's Ray Cook, who cashed a $41,000 paycheck in the biggest win of his career.
"Quite honestly, the race has outgrown the facility" said Short. "We have witnessed tremendous growth in competitors and spectators in the last 2 years, and it became obvious to us that we needed to find a facility capable of accommodating everyone's needs".
"Every attempt has been made to increase and upgrade the facilities at Tyler County (Speedway), but those attempts have been frustrating, and unfortunately, to no avail" said BDS's Brian Ferrell.
Short's insistence that the race billed as "a West Virginia tradition" stay in the Mountain State led the group to it's new future home when the BDS Promotional group signed a long term lease to the 5/8 mile oval known as the West Virginia Motor Speedway.
Both Short and BDS have experience in operating the Mineral Wells facility, and realize that it's spacious grounds will provide a degree of comfort to competitors and race fans, alike. Additionally, nearby lodging and restaurants and the track's convenient location along Interstate 77 will appeal to those who travel from outside the area to attend, while also providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Inactive for over a year, the WVMS facility is about to see a concentrated effort to restore it's surface, buildings, and most importantly, it's reputation. "When this track is properly maintained, it's as beautiful as any in the nation" said BDS's Daniel Patterson.
BDS & Co. plans to begin renovation processes immediately in order to be prepared for an aggressive 2010 season schedule.
"Our plans include much of what we have learned over the last 6 years" said BDS's Scott Strode. "It will include events that area race fans have enjoyed and supported in the past".
Primary in those plans will be the 2010 Hillbilly Hundred, a race that fans are already penciling onto their calendars.
"We're grateful for the support this race has received, particularly the last 2 years. We've added to the purse, and were rewarded with record high car counts and attendance the last 2 seasons". said Short.
The Hall of Fame race promoter concluded "Race fans should take this latest move as a compliment to their past support. It's a move intended to increase their convenience and comfort, and from all the positive feedback, we're all looking forward to the Hillbilly Hundred's future at West Virginia Motor Speedway."
The West Virginia Motor Speedway, a 5/8 mile clay oval is located in Mineral Wells, WV take exit 170 off I-77, just south of Parkersburg, WV. Stay tuned for more exciting news regarding the premier motorsports venue in the state. Look for an all new West Virginia Motor Speedway website soon at www.wvspeedway.com and for more information call 304-758-2934 or 304-771-5661.
