Published: July 17, 2008 11:39 pm         

Speedway hopes third time’s a charm for Thurman Memorial

After two postponements for rain, Beckley Motor Speedway hopes today will be “third time lucky” for the fourth annual Randy Thurman Memorial 40 presented by Little General.

“Yeah, third time is the charm this week,” Speedway co-promoter David Creed said. “It looks like the weather is going to cooperate for us.”

Rain washed out the event June 27 and July 4.

Thurman, who lost his battle with cancer in 2003, was a popular competitor at Beckley Motor Speedway in the Late Model class. He began racing in the 1970s and competed weekly at the track during his career.

Drivers competing in the event will receive No. 3 decals to place on their cars in memory of Thurman.

In the headline event, Late Model drivers will be racing for $3,000 to win and an $8,900 race purse.

They will also challenge for the K.G. Thurman Dash-4-Cash, a 10-lap sprint 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.

Six lucky fans will be paired with a driver in the dash with a chance to win $100 if their driver wins.

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.

“Hopefully, we’ll get all the big names that we had back,” Creed said. “We’re expecting a big crowd. We’re all excited and ready to go racing finally.”

Tim Dohm, the 2007 winner, is expected to be on hand along with ’06 winner Rick Williams and ’05 winner Steve Lucas. Williams has had a strong season at Beckley, winning the last three 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 expected to show up looking to score a big payday include Steve Blackburn, Chuck Harper, Butch McGill, Rod Evans and Jared Hawkins.

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

Track officials have been hard at work this week preparing the track for the event.

“We’ve busted our butts,” Creed said. “I’ve been out there every day this week, cutting grass and cleaning up.

Creed conceded the biggest headache has been the concessions.

“It’s probably one of the hardest things when it comes down to rainouts and you’re expecting a big show,” he said. “That’s the worst headache that you’ve got, is your food because you can take a big loss. You never know when it’s going to rain, but you have to plan for it anyway. You have to order up double on your food for a big event like this.”

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. Rain checks from June 27 and July 4 will be honored. Gates will open at 4 p.m.

— E-mail:

rjett@register-herald.com