HOUSTON, Texas -- Officials from the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series have announced the formation of a new Southern Series beginning this season. The USMTS Southern Series will give top drivers from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and surrounding areas a minimum ten-race series that pits the best of the best in Modified racing under the banner of America's top Modified touring series.

The USMTS Southern Series is tentatively set to kick off with the first-ever visit to the Enid (Okla.) Speedway Park for a doubleheader event, March 30-31. The race will feature some of the top Modified drivers from throughout the United States, and will also serve as an O'Reilly USMTS national tour points race.

Friday's main event winner will earn $2,000 while Saturday's top dog will pocket $3,000.

Each night, race fans will be treated to some great Modified racing with heat races, consolations and a feature event, along with local support classes.

"We've had tons of interest for this new series and we are looking forward to getting the season started," said O'Reilly USMTS president Todd Staley. "This new series is completely separate from the well-established O'Reilly USMTS national tour, but drivers in the USMTS Southern Series will also qualify for 'The Hunt' and a cance at the O'Reilly National Championship."

The USMTS Southern Series is currently in negotiations with several top-notch facilities throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas, and plans are to host 10 to 12 events during the 2007 season.

All of the races for the USMTS Southern Series will pay a minimum of $2,000 to win and $200 to start, and will utilize the official USMTS rules.

For more information, call the USMTS offices at 515-832-7944 or log on to www.usmts.com.