I-77 Speedway Readies For New Era Of Racing

Matthew Chalfant (AMRAMODIFIED.COM)

(Fairplain, West Virginia) The beginning of the 2017 racing season will have much more significance than just the flip of the calendar for the I-77 Speedway located in Fairplain West Virginia, as the track ushers in a new era of racing at the long popular West Virginia facility. Operating under the leadership of area native and racer Todd Jones along with the tracks new supporting staff, I-77 Speedway is preparing to notch up the excitement as they embark on a full season of racing at the facility that will take place mainly on Saturday nights and feature all 3 AMRA national divisions on a weekly basis throughout the season.

It was announced in late October (2016) that the track which only held a handful of events in 2016 and was non-AMRA sanctioned would return to operate on a full-time basis in 2017 and change hands in management. Since the announcement, the newly announced track promoter Todd Jones and numerous members of the tracks staff, have spent the winter and early spring months making facility improvements and preparing the track to usher in a new era of racing which will kick off on Saturday March 25th. As previously noted, the track will host all 3 AMRA National divisions in 2017, with the AMRA Late Models, Modifieds and Sport Mods. In addition, the track will also host the Steel Block Late Model division and each program will kick off with the WRA Mini Wedges for the racing stars of tomorrow.

For many, I-77 is considered to be located in a hot bed of dirt racing talents. Just an hour drive between Parkersburg and Charleston West Virginia, I-77 Speedway has played host to numerous special events over the years and attracted some of the AMRA’s most notable talents in recent years. With Late Model standouts such as Chris Garnes, Tyler Carpenter, Travis Brookover, Zach Milbee and more plus Modified talents such as Robert Garnes, James Dennis, Kyle Bond and more, plus the sure to be exciting AMRA Sport Mod class expected to be on hand throughout the season, fans are sure to see their share of racing excitement.

With most aspects of the tracks operations changing in 2017, including new start times, fan amenities and of course track management, the fan experience is sure to be different than years past. Promoter Todd Jones stresses that in 2017, the track is working to ensure that racing programs run quick and efficiently for an improved fan experience in addition to the track soon to be released electronic scoring system known as Race Monitor, which will allow fans to view lineups, live scoring and results online when released, as the track looks to better accommodate fans with internet access at the track. As promised, the track also strives to offer competitive payouts and a solid racing experience for all competitors on hand each week. In addition, the track also looks forward to welcoming a new track photographer in Zach Yost whose work is sure to be popular with both fans and teams!

Notable dates for I-77 Speedway include: Season Opening Spring Fling, March 25th. Jim Dunn Memorial Qualifier ($2,000 to win Late Models) April 29th. AMRA Sport Mod Rally ($800 to win) May 13th. Kenny Carr Memorial ($1,200 to win Modifieds) June 17th. Monday night 4th of July special ($2,000 to win Late Models) July 3rd. Hillbilly 100 Qualifier ($2,000 to win Late Models) August 5th.

Those looking for more information can stay connected with I-77 Speedway on I-77speedway.com or the track’s various social media sites, along with AMRAMODIFIED.COM. AMRA officials wish the I-77 Speedway staff and competitors the best of luck in 2017, and we look forward to seeing you at the track in the coming weeks!