COAL GROVE — The Rocky Top Raceway is preparing for it’s biggest race of 2009, the “3rd Annual Engines Inc. 50” on Friday.

Many of the regions best dirt Late Model drivers are expected to be in attendance to go after the $5,000 top prize and prestige of being an “Engines Inc. 50” winner.

Over the past two seasons, many of the best Dirt Late Model drivers in the country have competed for the Engines Inc. 50 win. Those drivers include Eddie Carrier Jr., Steve Francis, Ray Cook, Steve Shaver, Rick Aukland, Wayne Chinn, Josh McGuire, Jackie Boggs, all three Conley’s, Wayne Chinn, Chuck Harper, Ryan Markham, John Blankenship, Tim Dohm, and Dave Hess Jr. among others.

The two previous Engines Inc. 50’s at Rocky Top Raceway have produced two of the most exciting nights of racing in the track’s history. The first Engines Inc. 50 was held on July 13, 2007, and was sanctioned by the Independent Racing Series.

In a great race, former World of Outlaws champion Steve Francis passed Tim Dohm with four laps to go to become the inaugural winner.

The following season, Eddie Carrier Jr. passed Josh McGuire after 20 laps of side-by-side racing for the lead to win the second Engines Inc. 50.

This will be the third attempt at getting in the “Engines Inc. 50” this season. The race was originally scheduled on it’s traditional mid-month date on July 17. Rains that day postponed the race to July 31.

However, heavy rains once again hit RTR, pushing the race now to Labor Day weekend. This will add an interesting twist to the “Engines Inc. 50” as it now becomes the first ever Labor Day weekend special at RTR.

“I think the fans are really going to be treated to some show on September 4,” said RTR promoter T. J. Layne.

“It’s a shame that the weather didn’t cooperate when we wanted to run the race in mid-July, but having the race on Labor Day weekend is definitely the next best date as many of the countries best drivers are going to be in the area for the big weekend.

“Plus we have our track surface in awesome shape right now so if the past three races are any indication, we should be in store for the most exciting Engines Inc. 50 yet.”

General admission is $20 for adults, $5 for youths ages 7-12 and anyone 6-and under are free. Pit passes are $30.

In addition to the big Late Model special, Modifieds, Bombers, and Mod Lites will also be racing for regular purses. Bombers will be running under “Fall Classic” rules. Gates will open at 4 p.m. with Hot Laps at 7:30. For more information visit www.rockytopraceway.net