Legendary promoter Donald “Whitey” Taylor, back at the helm of Franklin County Speedway, has announced an action-packed 15-event schedule for 2018 as “The World’s Fastest Three-Eighths Mile” prepares to celebrate its 50th year of entertaining race fans in southern Virginia.
“We’re going to get things kicked off Sunday, April 8, with a great night of racing and a special reunion honoring all of our former drivers, officials and track employees,” said Taylor, a Virginia native who purchased the high-banked asphalt track in 1978.
Taylor said the closing of Motor Mile Speedway and demise of many other tracks in the region “has left us as the last man standing so to speak. We want to invite all of the teams and fans in the region to come see why Franklin County Speedway is such an exciting place.”
A spectacular fireworks show and 100-lap Late Model race with a $10,000 first prize, set for July 4th, is the highlight of a 2018 schedule that features racing for the Late Model, Street Stock, Modified 4-Cylinder, U-Car and Any Car divisions. The July 3rd and 4th combination event will also include a 35-lap Modified 4-Cylinder race with a $3500 payday to the winner and a $1500 to win U-Car race.
Taylor announced the hiring of Winston-Salem native Randy Pettitt as General Manager of Franklin County Speedway. Pettitt was a part of the North Wilkesboro Speedway staff and is best known as “the Voice of Bowman Gray Stadium” for 11 seasons in his hometown.
“Randy has been in racing for a long time and he is one of the best short track announcers in the country,” said Taylor. “He and I are working together non-stop to make the 50th season at FCS something really special.”
Taylor said other special events will include a night honoring Military personnel and First Responders; a combination Mud Bog and Monster Truck show; and Ladies Night and Fan Appreciation Nights.
Rules packages are to be announced soon. Adult Admission will be $10 for the 2018 season. A special $5 ticket will be available for ages 11-17 with student ID and kids 10 and under will be admitted free with a paid adult. For more information, call 238-9955.
