BRITT, Iowa -- The only April fools this Friday are the ones who miss out on the hottest ticket in Northern Iowa.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series teams continue their early-season juggernaut as Mid-America's Premier Modified Series steamrolls into Britt, Iowa this Friday and Saturday (April 1-2) with a doubleheader event at the Hancock County Speedway.

While most racing series are still planning their 2005 schedule, the O’Reilly USMTS season is in full swing with the fifth and sixth events of this year's 58-race slate set for this weekend.

Despite several inches of snow that fell last in Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota last week, officials have been busy around the clock preparing the Hancock County Speedway for this weekend's big event.

"We did get some great work done on the racetrack on Wednesday and it is in very good shape. We could actually use some rain to help with the packing," said O’Reilly USMTS race organizer Todd Staley. "You should see some great racing action with the new shape the track has taken on. Some of the banking has been taken out of the corners and the track has some great shape to it."

After picking up two wins in two nights two weeks ago at Thunderhill Speedway in Mayetta, Kan., defending O’Reilly USMTS titleist Kelly Shryock of Fertile, Iowa returns to his home state in hopes of padding his points lead in the O’Reilly National Driver Standings.

Looking to get back into victory lane after capturing the season-opening event at the Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Neb. earlier this month, Corey Dripps of Waterloo, Iowa hopes to chip away at the six-time O’Reilly USMTS National Champion's points lead.

In addition to Shryock and Dripps, a huge field of cars and drivers are expected for this event, including last year's winner of this event, Jon Tesch. Other National hotshoes expected are Jason Hughes, Brad McEwan, Mike Sorensen, Tommy Myer, Dustin Boney, Julie McDermid, Ryan Ruter, Zack VanderBeek, Jeremy Payne, Roger Hadan, Greg Metz, Mark Noble, Al Hejna, Mike Wedelstadt, Jason Krohn, Jeff James, Jake Neal, Lynn Nillson, Mike Hejna, Steve Wetzstein, Bob Timm, Jesse Frericks, Mike Chasteen, Bub Lerette, Gary March, Tim Vogt, Dean Mahlstedt, Danny Concelman, Bruce Hanford, Scott Mullen, David Murray, Dan Daniels, Nate Wasmund, Brad Bakken, Matt Gilbertson, Danny McKeighan, Jordy Nelson and Neil Eckhart.

This weekend's "USMTS.com Iowa Spring Challenge" will be the fifth and sixth races of the season for the O’Reilly USMTS -- part of 10 events comprising Swing #1 on the 2005 slate. Friday's Holley "A" Main winner will pocket $2,000 while Saturday's winner will take home $3,000.

Hobby Stocks, Stock Cars and B-Mods will also be on the racing card both days (no entry fee - pit pass only). The Hobby Stock winner will earn $200 on Friday and $300 on Saturday. Stock Cars will pay $300 to win on Friday and $400 on Saturday. The B-Mod feature winner will earn $250 on Friday and $350 on Saturday.

Gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday with hot laps at 6:30 and racing to follow. Grandstand general admission is $12 for adults and $4 for kids. On Saturday, gates open at 12 noon, with hot laps at 3:30 and racing at 4 p.m. Grandstand general admission is $15 for adults and $5 for kids. Pit passes are $25 each day.

Hancock County Speedway is located 1.3 miles south of U.S. Hwy. 18 on James St. (turns into Main Ave. and Diagonal and 1st), then 0.5 mile east on 220th Ave., then 0.1 mile north on Jewel Ave., then east (at the Hancock County Fairgrounds).

For more information, contact the USMTS office by calling 515-832-7944 or email Race Director Todd Staley at <a href="mailto:todd@usmts.com">todd@usmts.com</a>. The O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series is online at <a href="http://www.usmts.com">www.USMTS.com</a>.

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O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series

National Driver Standings (top 10) as of March 30, 2005:

1. Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa .... 412

2. Corey Dripps, Waterloo, Iowa .... 360

3. Jason Hughes, Colcord, Okla. .... 359

4. Brad McEwan, Storm Lake, Iowa .... 342

5. Mike Sorensen, Rochester, Minn. .... 328

6. Tommy Myer, Blooming Prairie, Minn. .... 298

7. Dustin Boney, De Soto, Kan. .... 290

8. Jon Tesch, Watertown, S.D. .... 283

9. Julie McDermid, Fremont, Wis. .... 282

10. Ryan Ruter, Kanawha, Iowa .... 279