Susquehanna Speedway Park is providing additional time for drivers to get on the track this season with its test and tune-up nights.

According to track owner/promoter Todd Fisher, the event has gone well.

The sessions, like the one Wednesday, have been open to any type of dirt track car, and the vehicles are put together in classifications depending on how many participants show up for the 6 to 9 p.m. practice.

The cost is $12 per person and $20 for each race car, with each class getting six to eight laps.

Fisher said it has been a good way for drivers -- especially younger ones -- to spend valuable time on the track.

"We are getting new guys out to the track who haven't been there before," he said. "It is inexpensive. It is something you don't get to do around here. It goes fairly quick.

"It is almost like a heat race, and they can test things with their cars."

One week featured 25-30 vehicles, including mini-vans, 305 sprints, classic cars and street stocks.

As long as drivers come out, the sessions will continue all season, which could come in handy later in the summer when cars break down and new parts need to be tested.

Spectators can watch the practice for free, and the track's main concession stand is usually open for fans. Fisher said the track "probably gets 100 people in the grandstand."

Of course, Fisher is hoping the exposure to dirt-track racing will pay some dividends down the road.

"My goal is if they come out

and try it out they make us the home track for one of the divisions, we race," he said.

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Mother's Day eve at SSP: Moms will be honored during Saturday night's racing at Susquehanna as the track will host Mother's Appreciation Night.

Each mom in attendance will receive a special gift, and part of the scheduled action includes the Women on Wheels stock cars, along with the Speedway Auto Sales women's mini-van race.

The night will also include the completion of the late model feature that was postponed after eight laps last Saturday because of rain, as well as a make-up feature for street stocks from April 26.

News from Williams Grove: Weather permitting, Saturday's schedule at Williams Grove will include two different open cockpit cars.

The super sportsmen will be the featured attraction, and the Grove is hoping for the season's first 40-car field.

Also on hand will be the 305 sprint car series, which will make its only schedule appearance of the 2008 season.

Track promoters are hoping for good weather, since last Saturday's action got wiped out because of rain. The postponed autograph and camera night has been rescheduled for May 31.

Schatz breaks mark in Iowa: Two-time defending World of Outlaw Sprint Car Series champ Donny Schatz set a record at the famed 1/2-mile at Knoxville Raceway last Saturday.

Schatz completed the 25-lap feature in just 7:14 for his first feature win of the season and closed the gap in the 2008 points standings.

Craig Dollansky is still first with 1,032, but Jason Meyers (1,020) and Schatz (1,12) are close behind.
snavaroli@ydr.com; 771-2060