WORTHINGTON -- The third annual Worthington Nationals get under way Saturday night at the Nobles County Speedway Inc. (NCSI).
Racing action will continue Sunday night for the $20,000 purse. This year's nationals are sponsored by Jaycox Implement and Pepsi Cola Bottling Pipestone.
The qualifying race on Saturday is for the top eight positions in Sunday's race. There will be a requalifying race on Sunday for the last eight places in the A-main. On Saturday and Sunday the pits open at 4 p.m., hot laps are at 5:30 p.m. and racing begins at 6:30 p.m.
First-place payouts for each class are: A-modifieds, $1,500; stock cars, $1,000; B-modifieds, $700; hobby stock, $700; sportsmans, $400; and hornets, $200. Sixteen places will be paid out at the Nationals.
Those who attend the Worthington Nationals can look forward to fast-paced dirt track racing, door prizes and the delicious food served at NCSI.
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"A lot of people say we've got great food," said NCSI president Gary Prins. "And it's reasonably priced, too."
NCSI is in its fifth year of operation, and more fans are coming out to watch local racing each week.
"We really want to thank the people who come to the race track and the businesses for supporting the race track and making it work for the last five years," said Prins. "As long as we continue to get support from the community and businesses, the race track will continue."
Board member Dennis Luitjens and Prins agreed that making the race track a kid-friendly place has helped bring more fans to the track. Every week at NCSI, children 12 and younger enter the races for free.
"We really cater to the children," said Prins. "We give away a girls and a boys bike each week at the races."
Two bikes will be given away each night of the Nationals, and one lucky child will win a trophy and have his or her photo taken with the flagman and a car in victory lane on Sunday night. There will also be free hot dogs for children at the Nationals.
There will also be prizes for adults at the Worthington Nationals. NASCAR jackets and two 10-night season passes will be given away this weekend.
"People are invited to come out and see the improvements that have been done at Nobles County Speedway," said Luitjens. "A lot of hard work goes into this event."
