The Roanoke Times I File 2009

Philip Morris and the drivers at Motor Mile Speedway are gearing up for a new season of racing.

For some people, opening day has nothing to do with the crack of a bat.

More like the revving of engines.

And luckily for them, local tracks are opening up all across the area.

Motor Mile Speedway and Franklin County Speedway both open their gates for the first races of the season today and the optimism is high at both tracks as things get underway.

For Motor Mile, general manager Al Shelor says fans should expect more of the same action that the track is known for, but with the additions of quite a few new drivers.

"We actually expect an increase in car counts this year." Shelor said. "I think based on the drivers that have come up to test already and the information packs that we've gotten back on drivers, we look to have a lot of new talent.

"And ... any time you can have new talent in today's world, we're happy."

That new talent will be competing against MMS stalwarts like three-time NASCAR Whelen All-American Series champion Philip Morris.

And he's just one of the contenders returning from a group that includes Tommy Lemons Jr., Brandon Dean, Mike Looney and a number of other drivers capable of winning on any given night.

They will all get their first chance at doing that today.

"Basically it's just status quo of moving forward and welcoming everybody back and we're looking forward to a great, great season," Shelor said.

And while Shelor may have mentioned new talent when talking about the upcoming season, the track will also be welcoming back a familiar face.

Former Late Model Stocks driver Jason Lawrence is set to become a current driver once again at Motor Mile Speedway.

Lawrence has been reinstated by NASCAR and MMS after being suspended for wrecking Morris in September of 2006.

Lawrence has hooked up with fellow driver Derrick Lancaster and is working on funding to get him on the track for at least a few Late Model races this season.

"[Lawrence] wants to run five, six races. He probably won't start running anything until June or July," Lancaster said.

"But we're just gonna see what happens from there and how everything pans out."

Franklin County ready as well

Franklin County Speedway is making a change to better accommodate it's drivers this season.

The schedule for its Late Model Stocks division now alternates with Motor Mile Speedway's schedule to enable drivers to race for points championships at both tracks, according to track manager Flip Carico.

The Franklin County Late Models run in the Limited Sportsman division at Motor Mile Speedway.

One thing that won't change at the track, however, was last season's results and three 2009 division champs are back to try and repeat this season.

Eddie Young (Late Model), Terry Mitchell (Rocky Mount) and Chad Hudson (Pure Stock) will all be fending off challengers in the 2010 season.

Promoter Whitey Taylor was also excited about the Kids U-Car division at the track.

"One of the hottest things that we have is our kids class ... and it brings out mom, dad and the neighborhood," he said.