McCOOL JUNCTION, Neb. -- It's been 138 long days since the last checkered flag waved to drop the curtain on the 2005 season for the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series, but the wait is nearly over for thousands of race fans and drivers throughout the Midwest.

The O’Reilly USMTS is set kick off a thrilling 74-race season at the Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Neb., this Friday and Saturday, March 10-11, for the 3rd Annual Nebraska Spring Thaw.

With warm weather and no significant chance of rain in the forecast, race fans hungry for the site of mud-slinging Modifieds with an attitude are filling their gas tanks and loading up their coolers as they embark on a joyous journey to "The Junction."

Not only will this will be the first race of the 2006 season for the eager O’Reilly USMTS road warriors, but also the first pair of points races for the newly-created Western Region. Last year's event saw more than 60 drivers sign in to do battle, and many more are expected for this year's clash as area racers look to score some early-season points in the Western Region.

In 2005, Corey Dripps of Waterloo, Iowa, captured the opening night checkered flag while Beatrice, Neb., veteran Johnny "The Jet" Saathoff won Saturday's $3,000-to-win finale.

Drivers from 10 States are pre-entered for this year's classic.

Local and regional hotshoes expected to contend for this year's title include Matt Richards, Jason Friesen, Jay Noteboom, Reese Coffee, Ricky Stephan, Jon Thompson, Greg Metz, Wade Cross, Danny McKeighan, Darrick Klima, Timmy Current, Travis Mack, Dave Hardesty, Jim Horejsi, Scott Ward, Mike Lineberry, Mike Johnson, Chris Oertel, Mookie Cunningham, Jordy Nelson, Jake Neal and many more.

Some of the expected O’Reilly USMTS national touring road warriors expected include Seven-time defending O’Reilly USMTS National Champion Kelly Shryock, Dustin Boney, Roger Hadan, Clayton Christensen, Dean Mahlstedt, Al Hejna, Jason Hughes, Ryan Ruter, Tommy Myer, Brad McEwan, Zack VanderBeek, Jeff Schluetter, Alan Mondus, Jay Poidinger, Randy Timms, Joshua Vinnedge, Brett La Follette, Mike Chasteen, Mark Noble, Gary Clark, Scott Drake, Jon Tesch, Lynn Nillson, Scott Mullen, Jeremy Tibben, Justin Cooper, Steve Arpin and Johnny Allen.

Located five miles south of I-80 (York exit) on U.S. Highway 81, Junction Motor Speedway is a state-of-the-art facility entering it's third year of operation. The track is a fast, 3/8-mile clay oval boasting 80-foot-wide straight-aways, making for a lot of racing room for the drivers and a lot of wheel-to-wheel action for fans.

Gates will open at 4 p.m. on Friday with hot laps slated for 6:30 and racing action to follow. Friday night's O’Reilly USMTS feature winner will pocket a $2,000 paycheck. On Saturday, the O’Reilly USMTS stars and cars will take to the track again, with the winner of the "A" main taking home the $3,000 top prize. Gates will open at noon on Saturday with hot laps slated for 3:30 p.m. and racing to follow.

Open stock cars will also be on the racing card both nights, racing for $250 and $300 to win, respectively.

If needed, Sunday will be used as a raindate with a noon start time.

Located just 4 miles north of the racetrack, the York Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center is the Official Host Hotel for the 3td Annual Nebraska Spring Thaw. The toll free reservation line is 800-934-5495 or call the local front desk at 402-362-6661. When calling, ask for the USMTS Racers Rate. More information is available online at www.ichotels.com.

This is a race you won’t want to miss! For more information, contact Junction Motor Speedway by calling 402-773-5538 (ext. 9) or email info@junctionmotorspeedway.com. Junction Motor Speedway's website is located at www.junctionmotorspeedway.com.

To learn more about the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series, call (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, Home Pride Companies, Intercomp, Marsh Racing Wheels, Olympic Fire Protection, R.A. Benson Motorsports, Real Racing Wheels, Reich Concrete, Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar, SpeedNet Direct, UNIJIG, Yeager Machine.

USMTS CONTINGENCY SPONSORS: AFCO Racing Products, Bassett Racing Wheel, Bell Racing, Belleville Motorsports, Bert Transmission, Boyer’s Engine Development, Dynatech Racing Exhaust, Edelbrock, Fast Shafts, GRT Race Cars, Hyperco, Intensitee Custom Clothing, Isky Racing Cams, KEVKO Oil Pans & Components, KSE Racing Products, Larson Racing Specialists, Quarter Master, QuickTime Performance Race Parts, RaceQuest, T.A.R. Race Car Bodies, US Brake.