Southern Nationals kicks of 2020 tour at Smoky Mountain this Friday

Schaeffer’s Southern Nationals kicks off 2020 tour at Smoky Mountain Speedway on Friday, July 10
July 6, 2020
For immediate release

Maryville, Tennessee – The Schaeffer’s Southern Nationals will kick off their 2020 campaign at Smoky Mountain Speedway on Friday, July 10. The 12-race in 16-night tour is in its 16th season and this is the first time Smoky Mountain Speedway has played host to the opening race.

Late model drivers from across the region will be on hand competing for the $10,053 first place prize. Brandon Overton, Kyle Strickler, Donald McIntosh, Cla Knight, Ross Bailes, Jake Knowles, and Pearson Lee Williams are just some of the drivers expected for the 2020 Southern Nationals tour. They will go against other drivers such as Cory Hedge(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word), Vic Hill, David Crabtree, Ryan King, Tommy Kerr, Robby Moses, and many more.

Friday’s format will consist of time trails, heat races, last chance B-mains, and the 53-lap feature event.

Also racing on July 10 will be the limited late models for $1,200 to win and the sportsman late models for $800 to win. It will point races for both divisions.

During the intermission, there will be a coin and candy toss for the kids 11 and under. There will also be some surprises mixed in with the coins and candy.

Pit gates open at 3:00. Grandstand and tier parking gates open at 4:00. The drivers meeting is scheduled for 6:45 with hot laps to follow at 7:00.

Grandstand ticket prices are $25 for adults, kids 11 and under are free. Tier parking tickets are $30 for adults, kids 11 and under are free. Pit passes are $40 for adults, kids 11 and under are $20. Minors 18 and under must submit a Minor Release and Waiver of Liability form signed by parent/legal guardian. If form is not signed in the presence of a Smoky Mountain Speedway official, it must be notarized. Forms can be downloaded from the track's web site.

All grandstand seating is first-come, first-served. Chairs will only be allowed on the concrete areas of the grandstands. Small seatbacks and cushions are permitted elsewhere. Fans that are using large chairs are asked to use the top rows to prevent blocking others view. Anyone wanting a seat on the concrete bleachers are asked to get to the track early. The grandstands can withhold large crowds, however, seating may become limited. There is no cap on the number of fans that can attend.

There will be no personal vehicles allowed to park inside the pit gates due to the number of racers expected for this event. Only select track personnel will be allowed to park in the pit area, no exceptions.

The deadline for media credential requests is Wednesday, July 8. No walk-up credentials will be issued. All credential requests will be made through the speedway. Credentials will not be issued to individuals. Credentials must be made by a recognized media organization. Anyone that has covered a prior event this season must submit a new request as credentials do not carry over from event to event. The request form and guidelines for credentials can be found on the track's web site on the contact page.

Smoky Mountain Speedway is located 12 miles south of Maryville, Tennessee. From Maryville, take Highway 411 south for 10 miles and turn left onto Brick Mill Road. Follow Brick Mill Road for approximately 2 miles, the racetrack is on the right. The first entrance is for grandstand parking. The second entrance is for tier parking and campground access. The pit entrance is the next right on Crye Road.

For additional information, contact the speedway at 865-856-8989 or visit www.SmokyMountainSpeedway.com.

Smoky Mountain Speedway is sponsored by East Tennessee Auto Outlet, Food City, Rural King, Phoenix Conversions, Tate’s Hardware in Vonore, Smoky View NAPA Auto Parts, Stanley Best Heating and Air, GW Towing & Recovery, Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson, Air Med Care, Matco Tools by Ronnie Dunlap, InsideDirtRacing.com, and DBE Excavating.