WEST SILOAM SPRINGS, Okla. -- The new USMTS Southern Series will kick off the 2007 season in style next month as the West Siloam Speedway near West Siloam Springs, Okla., will play host to the first-ever event for the newly-formed USMTS Southern Series with a dynamic double-bill doubleheader on Friday and Saturday, March 16-17.

As if that weren't enough, the two-day lidlifter at Rick and Julie Magnuson's 3/8-mile high-banked oval will also be the second O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series National Event of the season -- the only combination event on this year's calendar. O’Reilly USMTS drivers will also earns points in the Southern Region as they fight for a spot in ‘The Hunt’ for the O’Reilly USMTS National Championship season-ending title chase.

Friday's main event carries a top prize of $2,000 while the winner of Saturday's "A" main will pocket $3,000.

Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday. Hot laps are slated for 6 with races at 7. On Saturday, gates open at 3 p.m. and hot laps will begin at 6. The green flag is scheduled to wave at 6:30. Grandstand tickets are $13 on Friday and $15 on Saturday. Senior citizens get in for $10 on Friday and $12 on Saturday. Pit passes are $30 both nights.

Joining the card on Friday will be West Siloam Speedway's Pure Stock, Limited Late Model and E-Mod divisions. On Saturday, the event will feature Pure Stock, Factory Stock and E-Mod classes in support of the O’Reilly USMTS Modifieds. Saturday will be the Jeff Rowlan Season Opener -- a Factory Stock special paying $500 to win.

Like each of the four regions comprising the O'Reilly USMTS National Events schedule, the USMTS Southern Series will boast a separate points fund and drivers competing in the USMTS Southern Series will have the opportunity to qualify to compete in 'The Hunt' for the O'Reilly USMTS National Championship. The top 10 in USMTS Southern Series points at the start of 'The Hunt' will qualify, as well as all other drivers with perfect attendance at USMTS Southern Series events up to that date.

The American Racer KK704 is the Official Tire of the USMTS Southern Series, but drivers not wishing to compete for points and/or points funds have the option to utilize the Hoosier G60 tire. There is no requirement that a driver purchase a USMTS license to compete in any USMTS event. However, benefits enjoyed by licensed drivers includes bonus payouts, increased tow money, contingency awards, points funds eligibility, provisional starting spots, increased media recognition, a personalized driver profile page at www.usmts.com and more.

The USMTS Southern Series will give top drivers from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and surrounding areas a series that pits the best of the best in Modified racing under the banner of America's top Modified touring series. 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. Additional information is available from West Siloam Speedway by calling (479) 871-1946 or on the Web at www.freewebs.com/westsiloam.