Published: July 04, 2008 12:25 am         

Thurman Memorial runs tonight

Racing and fireworks, a perfect combination for the fourth of July.

Beckley Motor Speedway hopes to sneak one by Mother Nature today as they try for the second week in a row to run the 4th annual Randy Thurman Memorial 40 presented by Little General.

While the Late Models will be racing for $3,000 to win and a $8,900 race purse, the speedway has added a second special event and fireworks to the night’s program as an added bonus for the fans.

“We’re just hoping for a good show to pay tribute to Randy,” Pro Power Performance’s Jimmy Williams, who put the event sponsorship deal together, said. “We’re looking for a good field of cars and our regulars are always strong.”

The KOM Pro Lates will compete for $1,000 to win in the Loaded Guns 30, which is being co-sanctioned by the AMRA King of the Mountain Weekly Racing Series and the Steel Block Mafia.

In the headlining event, Late Model drivers will also challenge for the K.G. Thurman Dash-4-Cash, a 10-lap event, which will pay out a $3,000 purse including $1,000 to win and the pole position for the feature event.

The top two finishers in each of the three Late Model heat races will advance to the dash event, which will decide the starting lineup for the first three rows of the feature event.

Drivers will be hunting some bonus money as well. The fast qualifier in time trials earns $200, while the halfway leader will add $200 to his night’s total and the hard charger, the driver who advances the most positions in the feature, will collect $250.

Rick Williams, the 2006 winner, is expected to be on hand along with ’05 winner Steve Lucas. Williams has had a strong season at Beckley winning the last two events.

Henry Hornsby Jr. and Chris Meadows are the only other Late Model drivers to visit victory lane at the 3/8-mile dirt oval this season.

Others who could show up looking to score a big payday include Steve Blackburn, Harold Redman Jr., Butch McGill, Chuck Harper, Tim Senic and C.A. Wentz.

Add regulars Wayne Hughes, Mike Faykus Jr. and Eslie Bills to the list of drivers capable of pulling off the win.

Keith Bills, Aaron Barley and Jeff Maxwell have been the cream of the Pro Late field at the speedway this season but expect some newcomers as well.

General admission is $12, with children 9-12 paying $5 and children 8 and under admitted free. All pit passes are $25, with a late model entry fee of $30. Gates will open at 4 p.m.