ONAWA, Iowa -- O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series officials announced today that the rugged modified road warriors have added an exciting doubleheader to the 2006 schedule ... and we bet you're gonna love it!

On Friday and Saturday, April 14-15, the stars and cars of the O’Reilly USMTS will invade the Blackbird Bend Speedway in Onawa, Iowa, for the inaugural CasinOmaha “Double Down” Showdown. The two-day spectacular will be the first-ever appearance by the O’Reilly USMTS at the popular 5/16-mile clay oval.

“Fans and drivers alike have been asking ‘When will the USMTS be there?’ ever since Blackbird Bend Speedway was built a few years ago,” said series promoter Todd Staley. “Thanks to the efforts of Brad Appleton and his staff, along with support from CasinOmaha, we can now finally give a definitive answer.”

A two-day total purse of more than $25,000 is up for grabs, with $2,000 earmarked for Friday's main event winner and a $3,000 top prize awaiting the driver standing in victory lane on Saturday night. A huge field of modifieds is expected to be on hand for this historic event.

The addition of Blackbird Bend Speedway brings the total number of events on the 2006 O’Reilly USMTS schedule to 68, which includes dates at 34 different racetracks in 10 states.

Seven-time defending O’Reilly USMTS champion Kelly Shryock will lead the charge of touring aces into Blackbird Bend Speedway, along with other top pilots such as Tommy Myer, Brad McEwan, Al Hejna, Corey Dripps, Zack VanderBeek, Ryan Ruter, Jon Tesch, Jason Hughes, Mark Noble and Dean Mahlstedt.

Blackbird Bend Speedway regulars such as Jay Goosmann, Ricky Stephan, Mike Hansen, Matt Bonine, Clint Homan, Roger Hadan Jr., Jeff Jones, Dirk Kirk and Jay Noteboom will also be expected to take part in the battle to protect their home turf from the O’Reilly USMTS invaders.

While the CasinOmaha “Double Down” Showdown will feature the best of the best on the track, several drivers will be leaving their helmets in the trailer and strapping on their ‘poker face’ as CasinOmaha hosts the “USMTS All Star Poker Challenge” on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Ten drivers and two special guests will “shuffle up and deal” at CasinOmaha for a No Limit Hold 'Em poker tournament. The tournament winner will pocket $500 from a $1,000 prize pool sponsored by CasinOmaha.

The “USMTS All Star Poker Challenge” will feature the current top-5 drivers in the O’Reilly USMTS points standings following the main event on Friday night. Five additional drivers will earn seats at the poker table by a random draw of all drivers competing in Friday night's races. The final two seats will be awarded to one special guest and one lucky fan whose name will be drawn during Friday night's racing program.

Gate open 5:30 p.m., with hot laps at 6:45 and racing at 7:30 p.m. on both nights. Hobby Stocks and 360 SportMods will join the racing card each night.

Several O’Reilly USMTS cars will be on display near the entrance of CasinOmaha on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with drivers on hand to sign autographs for the fans.

For more information about Blackbird Bend Speedway, call (712) 423-3700 or visit www.BlackBirdSpeedway.com online. Blackbird Bend Speedway is located 35 miles south of Sioux City, Iowa, or 60 miles north of Omaha, Neb., on the Omaha Indian Reservation next to CasinOmaha. From the north, take I-29 south to exit 120, turn right (west) on to K25 for 0.3 mile, then turn left on K42 for 5.5 miles. From the south, take I-29 north to exit 112, turn left (west) to SR-175 for 1 mile, then turn right onto Dogwood Ave. for 1.5 miles, then turn left on K42 for 2.5 miles.

CasinOmaha is a Native American casino in Onawa, Iowa, and is open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. The 30,000 square foot casino features more than 450 slots, video poker and several table games such as craps, roulette, blackjack and poker. For more information, call toll-free 1-800-858-UBET.

To learn more about the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series, call the headquarters office at (515) 832-7944 or visit www.USMTS.com online.

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USMTS TITLE SPONSOR: O’Reilly Auto Parts.

USMTS OFFICIAL SPONSORS: American Race Tires, Holley Performance Products, Marsh Racing Wheels, R.A. Benson Motorsports, Real Racing Wheels, Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar.

USMTS CONTINGENCY SPONSORS: Belleville Motorsports, Bert Transmission, Boyer’s Engine Development, Edelbrock, GRT Race Cars, Hyperco, Isky Racing Cams, KSE Racing Products, Larson Racing Specialists, Quarter Master, QuickTime Performance Race Parts, Racequest, US Brake.