By Scott Wolfe

MT. ALTO, WV-The famed Jackson County Speedway, a fast quarter mile bullring off SR 35 in Jackson, Ohio has signed on with the American Motor Racing Association (AMRA) for the 2012 racing season. Jackson County Speedway enjoyed much success on its re-opening season in 2011 under the new ownership of former longtime racer Brad McCown.
McCown was touted by the AMRA in 2011, but indicated “I honored my first year commitment to stick with an open tire rule.”
“As the season progressed, I saw the value of the AMRA in our particular area and think it will be a great deal for our speedway, the AMRA, and our drivers competing for the AMRA championship. Most of all, I think it will stabilize our car counts for the quality of shows we want to put on for our fans.”
Saturday, the AMRA will pay out over $30,000 plus contingencies to the top 35 drivers in National Points, and nearly $12,000 in Late Model point’s money. It also will honor eleven track champions at participating tracks. In 19 seasons, the AMRA has distributed over $650,000 in points money to its drivers.
“It is a great honor to have Jackson County Speedway join the AMRA family,” said AMRA president Larry Keefer. “Brad went out on a limb to start a race track in tough economic times. I admire his determination, and want the AMRA to help him keep racing alive in Southern Ohio. I think this will be a great addition for our drivers, our organization, and Jackson County Speedway.”
“I would like to welcome Brad and Jackson County Speedway to the AMRA family,” said Director of Racing Operations Scott Wolfe. “Jackson County Speedway is a hidden gem. Brad and his team have done a lot of work there and are determined to make a positive impact in the racing community. Having brought the track back to life is a monumental accomplishment, and having Jackson County in the AMRA is a major anchoring point for both the speedway and the AMRA.”
The close proximity to Atomic Speedway now gives AMRA drivers at Atomic Speedway (formerly K-C Raceway) a place to race on Friday’s, thus giving AMRA driver’s there a better chance to compete for the National point money. Additionally, under the same rules package, Jackson County drivers have a Saturday night venue.
McCown added, “Obviously, I see a lot of value in having the AMRA at our speedway. Most of all, we can concentrate on one rules package and stay in line with the AMRA motto of ‘maintaining a level playing field’ for all of our drivers. I can’t wait for the 2012 racing season.”
Jackson County’s regular classes include Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, Mod Lites, Outlaw 4 Cylinders, and FWD stock 4 Cylinders with other special classes on the racing card throughout the season.
Pit Gates Open at 3:00 p.m. at Jackson Co. with hot laps at 6 and racing at 7. General Admission is $10 for Senior Citizens and $12 adult, kids 6-12 $5, and pit admission $30.
Ironically, both track records are held by the 2011 AMRA National Champions—Chris Garnes in the Late Models (13:51) and Kenny Johnson, Modifieds (14:53).
McCown’s Jackson County Speedway would like to thank their 2011 sponsors for there support: Thornsberry & Son Enterprises, Thomas Gas Service, AdverTax, Horsley’s All Star Heating & Cooling, Martin Roofing, AM Commodities LLC, Tim’s Tires & Accessories LLC, C&M Racing Equipment, Affordable Overhead Door, Wellston Complete Auto, Skinner Racing Transmissions, Mapes Towing, Carnes Realty - Isaac Ransdell, GEE Drafting Services, Graphic Creations Motorsports Graphics and Poske Performance Parts.
Malta Doors and Windows is the Title Sponsor of the AMRA Modifieds and Tru-Tech Automotive for the Late Models for 2011. Other fine sponsors of the MALTA AMRA Modified series are Dave Poske's Performance Parts, Wrisco, Hoosier/Hoosier Tire Ohio Valley, Carthage Auto Parts, PBM Performance Products, AERO Racing Wheels, Rocket Chassis, Bell Racing, Lincoln Welders, Racersmate, Hypercoils, Bazell Race Fuels, Alky Racing Alcohol, Kluhsman Racing Components (KRC), Evans Vinyl Signs, WV Tax & Bookkeeping, Winters Performance, Bilstein Shocks, PST Drive Shafts, Schoenfield, Killer Bee Race Bodies, The Bumper Man, and Pike Street Lanes. Join the AMRA now!-America's Open Wheeled Modifieds Most Competitive Series!
More details can be acquired by visiting http://www.jacksoncospeedway.com/, www.maltawindows.net on the web or by visiting << www.amramodified.com >>.