McCOOL JUNCTION, Neb. -- It will have been 118 long and cold days since the last checkered flag waved, but the wait is nearly over for thousands of race fans and drivers throughout America’s heartland as the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series is set kick off a thrilling 2007 season with the 4th Annual Nebraska Spring Thaw at the Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Neb., on Friday and Saturday, March 9-10.

This will be the first race of the season for the O’Reilly USMTS, and the first pair of points races for drivers seeking the Western Region title. Last year’s event saw more than 70 drivers sign in to do battle, and even more are expected for this year’s clash as area racers look to score some early-season points in the Western Region.

Last season, local favorite Jason Friesen of Sutton, Neb., shocked the touring titans with a win on opening night at JMS. Although it was his only win in 37 starts during the 2007 campaign, Friesen remained a force to be reckoned with and wound up third in ‘The Hunt’ for the O’Reilly USMTS National Championship final points standings.

On Saturday night last year, Jon Tesch of Watertown, S.D., captured his first of four main event wins during the season -- his first ever at Junction Motor Speedway -- as he sped on to a fifth place finish in the season's final rankings.

Some of the other O’Reilly USMTS road warriors expected include eight-time defending O’Reilly USMTS National Champion Kelly Shryock, last year’s title runner-up Zack VanderBeek, Tommy Myer, Al and Mike Hejna, Brad McEwan, Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar Rookie of the Year Jay Poidinger, Dean Mahlstedt, Mark Noble, Jason Hughes, Randy Timms, Steve Arpin, Jay Noteboom, Mike Wedelstadt, Corey Dripps, Mike Spaulding, Willy Kraft, Jim Horejsi and many more.

Local hotshoes expected to contend for this year’s title include Kevin Larkins, Matt Richards, Jeremy Tibben, Jake Neal, David Murray Jr., Chevy Hadan, Jon Thompson, Tim Echevarria, Wade Cross, Chad Dolan, Kurt Johnson, Danny McKeighan, Darrick Klima, John Allen, Ricky Stephan, Johnny Saathoff, Dirk Kirk and many more.

Located five miles south of I-80 (York exit) on U.S. Hwy. 81, Junction Motor Speedway is a state-of-the-art facility entering it's fourth year of operation. The track is a super-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 a $3,000 top prize. Gates will open at noon on Saturday with hot laps slated for 3:30 p.m. and racing to follow. If needed, Sunday will be used as a raindate with a noon start time.

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

This is a race you won’t want to miss! For more information, contact Junction Motor Speedway by calling (402) 773-5538 or online 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.