BENTON -- A new owner, promoter and a stellar schedule of events will highlight the 1997 Missouri International Racepark campaign.

In February, Cape Girardeau businessman Richard Kirkpatrick purchased the Missouri International Racepark from the Simpson family. Since that time, Kirkpatrick and track promoter Terry Baker have put together what they feel will be the greatest year ever at the facility.

The racetrack will have the busiest year ever with 43 scheduled events on the dirt track and 25 events on the drag strip. On Friday nights the Super Pro, Pro Class, and ET Class will run for the first time under the lights on the drag strip.

Saturday night racing action will feature the Winged Outlaw Sprint cars, Limited Late Models, Super Street Stocks and Pure Street Stocks. For the first time in 4 1/2 years the U.M.P. Late Models will take to the track on various Sunday nights.

Racing action at the Missouri International Racepark will begin April 5 with the regular Saturday night classes. The drag season will begin on Friday, April 25. The U.M.P. Late Models will open their 1997 season on April 27. Test and Tune for the circle track will be on March 29 and for the drag racers April 6.

The World of Outlaws will invade the 3/8-mile oval on April 19. The WoO race will highlight a year of sprint car special events which include three $3,000 to win races and a $2,000 to win event. The ASCS limited sprints will visit the facility Aug. 9. Tickets for the WoO event will go on sale April 1.

Memorial Day and Labor Day will highlight special events for the undercard racers. The Limited Late Models, Super Street Stocks and Pure Street will run for an increased purse on each of these holidays.

Super Pro, Pro and ET drag racers will also race for an increased purse on various dates. On May 23, the Super Pro will run for $1,500 and the Pro Class will run for $1,000. Independence Day will light up on the drag strip with the $1,500 to win Super Pro, $1,000 to win Pro and $500 to win ET.

The U.M.P. Late Models will make their return to the track for the first time since 1992, along with U.M.P. Modifieds for 13 scheduled events on Sunday nights. The U.M.P. Summernationals will be the headliner for the 1997 season, paying the winner $5,000 on June 25.

For more information on the track or race date schedule, contact Terry Baker at (573)264-2808 or send an e-mail to JWTRACN