Published: July 24, 2008 11:22 pm         

Beckley Motor Speedway closed this weekend

This week’s scheduled races at Beckley Motor Speedway have been canceled, according to track operator Bruce James.

Wires for the transponders used in scoring the races are being dug up this week. James expects the track to reopen Friday, Aug. 1 for the Brandy Bragg Memorial race.

“The transponders haven’t been functioning,” said Bruce, who is also chief of the Bradley-Prosperity Fire Department, which manages the track. “They read only certain cars.”

New wires are being installed for the transponders. James also said other work is being done on the track.

“They’re working right now,” he said Thursday afternoon. “(The transponders) should not be a problem for next week.”

The facility will be open this weekend, however, for the Trinity Summer Shootout” featuring 1/8 scale remote-controlled cars.

BAD (Beckley Area Drivers) RC Club is hosting the event, sponsored by Trinity Racing, on an off-road track on the backside of the speedway.

“It’s motocross-style racing, with lots of jumps,” BADRC spokesman Casey Bias said. “There’s some big air at high speed.”

Two weeks ago, 47 RC cars were in action at the speedway.

The cars are gas-powered and nitro-methane powered. Bias’s car is 21 inches long.

An open practice is set for today. Qualifying races are Saturday and the main events are Sunday.

Trinity is offering a 50 percent sponsorship to winners in each class. Prizes and giveaways will be awarded to all competitors.

Anyone can enter a car in the event. Signup cost is $30 for 1st class cars and $15 for 2nd class cars.

Signups end at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Admission is free to fans. Refreshments will be sold.

BADRC is a volunteer organization promoting RC cars. Bias is a charter member along with Billy Austin, Jerry Acord and Jack Arthur.

More information, including videos and upcoming events, can be found on the club’s Web site, www.badrc.com.

— E-mail:

dstillwell@register-herald.com