Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Myles Michehl of Fort Dodge was a 2022 Marsh Concrete USRA stock car season champion at Sports Park Raceway.

Drivers will hit the local race track for the first time on Friday night.

The Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Sports Park Raceway will open the season with the USRA Tuner Challenge this evening.

The winner will receive $500 in the Tuner Main Event.

This week’s action will be in conjunction with the Mason City Motor Speedway, which will also be hosting a Tuner Challenge on Sunday.

“As we look ahead to the season opener, we extend our invitation to all drivers to take a look at what we have to offer,” said Sports Park Raceway general manager Ryne Staley in a press release.

Drivers will be racing for a shot at the “King of the Park” in 2023. One driver will take home a $1,000 paycheck at the year-end banquet for their efforts.

Nightly payouts will be similar to last year, in addition to every class having at least a one-night special.

“The track looks phenomenal right now, and we’re very excited for our drivers to hit the Sports Park Raceway come Friday,” said owner Jeff Frevert. “You have to give a pat on the back to our great help that is making the place look great. Lance Deal and Glen Roest are smoothing out the big half-mile, the grandstands are ready for some spectators, and the grass is looking finley cut courtesy of Leroy’s Auto Sales’ Glen Roest and Johnson Bros Snow & Mow.”

For more than two decades, the USRA has attracted more race tracks and dirt track racers through fair, logical and cost-effective rules accompanied by an organization that puts the racers, race tracks and their fans first.

On race nights, the pits will open at 5 p.m.; the grandstands at 5:30; the driver’s meeting are at 6:45 p.m. and hot laps at 7 p.m.Racing to start at 7:15 p.m.

General admission for adults 17-and-older is $12. Seniors/military/juniors is $10. Kids 11-and-under are free.

Pit passes are $30 for adults and $20 for youth. Kids 17-and-under must have signed a minor release to enter pits.