Lots of noise, mud, excitement and money are available at thisweekend’s 2002 Mega Bucks ATV Drag Race. Scheduled for Mark’sTrack, located in the Enterprise community of southeastern LincolnCounty, the Mega Bucks will feature a $10,000 Open ET Race Saturdaynight. The weekend of racing is sponsored by Stan KingChevrolet.

The track, a 300-foot dirt drag strip, is owned and operated byJerolyn McCullough. It has been in operation for five years.

Among the area ATV racers competing for prize money are CodyJordan, Grant Spencer, Ryan Burt, Sawyer Smith, Adam Lee, StevenGates, David Bryant, Craig Kimble, Jamie Anding, Steve Barber, JonThames and Brad Waldrop.

“We are expecting a real big crowd,” said McCullough. “They hadone (ATV race) about two months ago up near the the Tennessee lineand it drew from 5-600 people per day.”

McCullough said interest has been high. Inquiries have been madeby several racers outside the Magnolia State.

“We have been getting calls from North Carolina, Florida andeven 200 miles out in the gulf, from a (oil) rig. It has gotten alot of advertisement.”

For the Open ET race Saturday night, McCullough said 150entrants are expected.

“We are hoping for good weather this weekend,” said McCullough.”We don’t mind racing on a damp track.”

The track is complimented by an irrigation system to keepsurface moist in dry weather.

“We are going to have some very fast bikes,” said McCullough.”They go faster than your cars and trucks.”

McCullough said the alcohol fuel racers run about 80 miles perhour.

Prize money in the Saturday night ET race, will award $3,000 forfirst place, $2,000 for second, $1,500 for third and $1,000 forfourth. The payoff continues through 16 places and prize money isbased on 150 entries.

Gates open Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. Practice starts at 4p.m. on Friday and 6 p.m. Saturday. Races begin at 8 p.m.