Local race group to hold big event Saturday night

The McMinnville-based Tennessee Mud Racing Organization takes its show on the road this weekend, presenting professional mud racing Saturday night in Murfreesboro.

A total of $8,000 in prize money will be up for grabs in three professional classes, with drivers from all over Tennessee, as well as 21 other states, competing side-by-side on a pair of 80-foot mud tracks at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum.

?We had such a good turnout at our outdoor races here, we thought this time of year would be great for an indoor event,? TMRO president Chris Terry said. ?The Miller Coliseum was a perfect spot for us, and we?re hoping for a good crowd Saturday night, and hoping fans that had a good time at our local races will be able to make the trip to Murfreesboro.?

While Modified and Pro Stock classes will be featured, just as they were at 2006?s TMRO events here in McMinnville, added to the mix for the Winter Nationals will be an additional modified class featuring ?blower? cars which can turn even faster times than some of the fastest nitrous-injected machines.

The addition of the blower class ? as well as the scheduling of the Winter Nationals during a normal ?down? time for mud racing ? has made interest in the February race almost overwhelming, with nearly 100 entrants registered to compete.

Gates open Saturday at 4:30 p.m., with the first race scheduled for 7 p.m. Admission is $15, with kids 6 and under admitted free. No outside food or drinks will be allowed, however concessions will be available.

The Miller Coliseum is located on Thompson Rd. in Murfreesboro, near Siegel High School. For more information on the race, log on to tmromudracing.com.