With a stout racecar, flawless driving and a little help from lapped traffic, Al Hejna picked up where he left off in 2006 with a victory in Friday night’s season opener for the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series in the 4th Annual Nebraska Spring Thaw at the Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Neb. …

With warm weather and no significant chance of rain in the forecast, race fans hungry for the site of mud-slinging Modifieds with bad attitudes are filling their gas tanks and loading up their coolers as they embark on a joyous journey to “The Junction” for their first encounter with the unique sights, sounds and smells that only an O’Reilly USMTS show can deliver. …

Brad McEwan made the long trip home lst week with his new car and trailer after three weeks at the BORCO Motorsports shop in Houston, Texas. McEwan is putting the final touches on the new Skyrocket Modified at his shop in Storm Lake, Iowa. …

Zack VanderBeek of New Sharon, Iowa, driver of the No. 33z Modified, has announced his schedule for the upcoming 2007 race season. The 22-year-old's plans include racing the O’Reilly USMTS national events slate, where he placed second in final points last year. …

Beginning March 9-10 at the Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Neb., Arpin will begin his quest for the O’Reilly USMTS national championship. …

Officials from the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series announced today that QuickTime Performance Race Parts of Oskaloosa, Iowa, will return for a third straight season as a contingency sponsor of the O’Reilly USMTS for the 2007 racing season. …

The O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series announced today that Isky Racing Cams will return for their third straight season as a contingency sponsor of America’s Premier Modified Series during the 2006 racing season. …

Poidinger Motorsports announces the launch of its new website at www.jaypoidinger.com. The website features a wide array of features, information and photos for visitors to quickly and easily gather information and follow the career of dirt Modified racer Jay Poidinger, his sponsors, crew and car. …

Corey Dripps Racing looks to start their 2007 season in the month of April. Once the team does get on the road, they plan to follow the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series trail. …

Officials from the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series announced today the addition of two more events to the most thrilling schedule ever for the nine-year-old series, bringing the total number of O’Reilly USMTS National Events this season to 60. …