McCOOL JUNCTION, Neb. -- The O'Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series will kick off a full season of racing at Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Neb., March 11-12. This will be the second year in a row USMTS has kicked off their season at JMS.

Last season the USTMS held events in Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, Illinois, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, traveling over 25,000 miles and thrilling more than 200,000 fans. The 2004 race at JMS saw over 60 USMTS drivers put on an excellent show in front of a large crowd. In 2005 the USMTS will showcase an expanded lineup of modified teams who are anxious to kick off the season showing their talents at Junction Motor Speedway.

Drivers expected at this year's event are 2004 series champion Kelly Shyrock, Mark Noble, Mike Chasteen, Johnny Saathoff, Jason Friesen, Wade Cross, Jonathan Thompson, Greg Metz and more of the nation's top modified drivers.

Open stock cars will be on the card both nights as the support class to the USMTS. Each night will be a separate show for the open stock class with the only rules being any one carburetor and any eight-inch tire. First place will pay $300 to the winner both Friday and Saturday.

Pit passes are $25 per person each night for both classes. Grandstand ticket prices for Friday night are $10 for adults, $4 for kids 6-12, with children five and under free. Adult ticket price for Saturday night will be $12, and childrens’ prices will be the same as the Friday night show.

Friday gates will open at 4 p.m. with hot laps beginning at 6:30 and racing action to start at 7. Saturday pit gates will open at 12 Noon, hot laps at 3:30 and racing will start at 4. Rain out date is Sunday, March 13, with a starting time slated for 2 p.m.

For an entry form or rules information about the USMTS go to www.USMTS.com or contact Todd Staley at 515-832-7944. For information about the open stock car class, contact Steve Hansen at 402-773-5538 ext 9.