Correspondent

Rodney Parks, superintendent of the tand Dirt Bike Races, has never run such an event before. But after years of participating in like events around the state and at other fairs, Parks said it was time to bring the racing to Morgan County.

“Most of the other county fairs run this already,” Parks said. “We go to all the other events and thought this would work here.”

The races will be held in the Grandstand at 7 p.m. on Friday. Currently, there are several classes set to race for both the dirt bike and ATV/4-Wheel races that will allow participants from a range of different ages and vehicle styles to take part. Both events will run qualifying heats, last chance qualifying races and a final race to determine winners.

However, Parks said the number of races that will be held ultimately depends on the number of participants.

Either way, Parks said he thinks the event will draw substantial interest from fair-goers.

“I think it will be packed,” Parks said. “The other (fairs) are packed and word gets around at the other fairs.”

Parks said he has heard interest already from potential participants and fans and is hopeful that the fair’s first race will turn into a success. The superintendant said he believes the new addition is far different from anything else at the fair.

“It is a different experience,” Parks said. “There will definitely be some crashes and hopefully everyone will be safe, but everyone is trying to get to that finish line first.”

Race winners will take home plaques for their efforts and prize money is also set to be delivered to those finishing first, though specific amounts have not been set.