| 201 Speedway prepares for 19th season, under direction of new owners 3/25/02 |
| By Chris Belcher: |
1983 marked the 1st full season of dirt track action at the historic 201 speedway, and as has been the case
for the past 18 years,, 201 will drop the green flag on another season, on April 6th, with the annual "Test T
une,, & Tech day Sat. starting at 1:00..
Over the past 18 years,, the 1/4 mile has seen many changes and improvements under the direction of
three owners,, David Stambaugh,, Bill McCloud, and recently, William Barker... This season racers and
fans will be introduced to Bill Mike "Meatman" Vaughn, and Johnny Salyers, who recently acquired the
track.. Vaughn and Salyers will be familiar faces to the red clay of 201,, and most drivers in the eastern
KY area. Vaughn having competed in the Late Model division and capturing the division Championship
in 1999, and Salyers, who has been a track official, and reponsible for the surface preparation at 201
for the past several years.. "M & J" Racing has already begun work at 201.. As fans line the roadway
leading to the top of the track this season,, nearly 85 to 100 spectators will have the option of turning
right into a newly constructed parking area near to the grandstands and before getting to the top ticket
booth, making for a short walk to the spacious grandstands or terrace style seating.. All of the material
removed from the parking area was used to expand the outside pits just off turns three and four, making
it possible for an additional 30 rigs and haulers to park.. Just as the fans will have a short walk to
their seating location,, drivers and crews will be only a short distance from the pitside grandstands...
Recently nearly 10 inches of "Red" clay was added to the racing surface of 201, making 201 the only
red clay track in eastern Ky.. 201 also has taken a piece of eastern Ky history and incorporated it into
the historic racing facility.. The old concrete bleechers from Prestonsburg Highschool's football stadium
were purchased and relocated on the backstretch, high above the track,, giving fans a unique view of
action all around the 1/4 mile racing surface, as well as being placed around turns one and two, giving
fans several options from which to catch all the action.. Or as has been a favorite for fans for several
years, spectators can simply park around the top of the track and enjoy racing from the tailgates of their
pickups or in lawn chairs.. The roadway leading to to the top of the hill has recently been regraveled,
as well as much of the pit area.. Also new lighting has been installed around the racing surface, as
well as in the seating areas, adding security for fans, and a clearer view of racing... The addition of more
red clay assures that on racenight, fans won't be faced with dust in their face, and will add traction to
the surface making for faster laptimes, with virtually no dust to obstruct the view for fans.. 201 will again
host six exciting classes of racing this season including Late Models,, U.M.P. sanctioned Open wheel
Modifieds,, Super Bombers,, Bombers,,, Road Hogs and the popular road Hogs.. It will be important for
drivers to attend the practice day on April 6th, "Weather permitting" as several rule changes will be
discussed with the different classes running at 201, including an effort to make some of the entry level
divisions more affordable to enter for newcommers, such as four cylinders being a strictly stock class,
as well as Road Hogs.. There will be added emphasis this season to safety for drivers, with routine
safety inspections of racing harnesses, and fire extinquishers.. As the 2002 season nears, all the staff
of 201 invites all fans, drivers and families to visit 201.
April 6th,Practice day will begin at 1:00,, and the 1st race of the season is slated for the following Sat.
night, with gates to open at 4:00 and racing at 8:00.. For more information about the upcomming season
call and leave a message on the track phone at 606-265-3201....