201 Speedway located at Sitka Kentucky is in the process of preparing for the 2016 DIrt Racing season. Coming off what was considered a challenging year with numerous weather and mechanical issues that plagued East Ky’s longest running dirt track, changes are well underway to make the future of 201 Speedway bigger and better than ever before.One of the most significant changes is the hiring of the new Track Manager Steve Howard. Howard and his crew will take over the track prep responsibilities, as well as manage the racing events on race night. Steve Howard is Superintendent for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in Magoffin County, where he has lived his entire life. Steve will be bringing along his brother Stan, who also works for the Transportation Department. Steve and Stan are no strangers to the dirt racing scene. Both have worked at several tracks and were two of the main reasons for the success of Half Mountain Speedway several seasons ago. Steve and Stan not only have the experience as track officials, both are well known and respected in the East KY Racing Community. They come from a racing family where they grew up around dirt tracks all over the Eastern United States and understand and respect the history that 201 Speedway and East Ky Dirt Racing has to many of it’s fans.After many conversations between Track Manager Howard and Owner Jarrod Breeding, many decisions have been made with many more expected to come.1st - The decision has been made that the rules for the 2016 racing season will remain the same as 2015. A complete list of rules can be found at http://www.201speedway.net/rules.html2nd - A complete revamped program is being planned to make the racing experience better for the fans and the drivers. This includes a more standardized starting time, a specific time set for the drivers meeting, the use of transponders for the Late Models and Modifieds, along with group qualifying, and shorter intermissions, just to name a few of the changes.3rd - Former racer and highly respected mechanic, Demmie Marshall has been hired as Techman and is part of the new crew that will patrol the pits, making sure all drivers and cars are teched and abide by the rules. Safety will be a high priority with safety equipment required to compete during all racing events.4th - A new Scale man, Steve Cole will be stationed at the scales as the cars come off the track from qualifying, heats, and features. Steve will work alongside Demmy in tech, as well.5th - You can keep up with all the latest news and information from 201 Speedway via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. Drivers and fans can also sign up for text reminders by texting the phrase @201race to 81010.6th - Many considerations had to be taken into account when planning the 2016 race schedule. While dirt racing is a sport, it is also a business and must be able to fund itself. Eastern KY has the highest unemployment rate in the nation. Recent natural disasters in the area over the past few years such as the tornado and flooding that caused millions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses, as well as the effects of a slow economy due to the loss of coal jobs and how those coal jobs have affected other businesses in the area make if difficult for families to survive. Fans and racers, as well as potential sponsors for tracks and drivers, have to spend their money wisely in order to make sure 201 Speedway is a successful race track that friends and families can enjoy for years to come. Jarrod Breeding, Owner of 201 Speedway,thinks it will be in the track’s best interest to run a limited six race schedule, spread out over six months in 2016. 201 Speedway will take time this season to work on improvements during the downtime between races, including a complete resurfacing, as well as other improvements. 201 Speedway plans to relaunch a complete full season in 2017 and are hopeful the Eastern KY economy can rebound, allowing race fans and drivers a more enjoyable experience in the near future.201 Speedway hopes to bring a bigger and better racing season in 2016! Even with the limited schedule, plans are being made to give race fans and drivers six high quality special events. This will include the return of national touring series Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series competing in the inaugural running of “The Bob Miller Memorial” paying $10,000 to the winner on July 1st along with a $3,000 to win Open Wheel Modified special that same weekend. This season the “Bob Miller Memorial” has the potential to be the biggest race ever held at 201 Speedway and one of the biggest events in the history of East Ky Dirt Racing. Last season the “Bob Miller Memorial” was, without question, the most anticipated race of the season; not only for the fans but also the drivers, both locally and nationally because of his involvement with many racers, but unfortunately was rained out. Special events for families and children are being planned and will be announced as information becomes available.201 Speedway 2016 Race ScheduleMarch 26thTest-N-Tune----- (Weather Permitting)April 2ndJohnny Salyer/Roger Breeding memorial 50 laps$3,000 to win LatesWith Racing in all divisionsMay 7thMoonshine Runners 50$3,000 to win LatesRumble in the mountains 4cyl $800 to winRacing in all divisionsJune 18thWalter "Peg" Combs Memorial50 laps$3,000 to win LatesBill McCloud memorial Bomber $1,000 to winRacing in all divisionsJuly 1st FRIDAYLucas Oil Bob Miller Memorial$10,000 to win Lates 50 lapsThunder in the Mountains Open Wheel Modifieds $3,000 to win 40 lapsNo racing in bomber or 4cylFireworks display at intermissionAugust 6thHatfield/McCoy Feuding 50$5,000 to win LatesRacing in all divisionsOctober 1stHalloween 50$3,000 to win LatesRacing in all divisionsCome dressed up in Halloween costume201 Speedway racing schedule can also be found at http://www.201speedway.net/schedule.htmlSCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE