The Whynot Motorsports Park and surrounding property will become one of the most populated areas in Mississippi this weekend when the top dirt track racing drivers — along with their followers and fans — gather to race in The 23rd annual Fall Classic.

Organizers expect between 70 to 80 drivers representing 11 states or more to attempt to qualify for the Super Late Model race, which pays $15,000 to win.

“Some of the best drivers in the country will be here,” Whynot track owner Rodney Wing said. “They come in NASCAR-styled trailers. The engines cost $40,000 to $50,000, and some of the cars are worth that much. You are going to see the best of the best.”

Wing explained that several big-money races such as the Fall Classic are scheduled around the country for this time of year. Some drivers will load up their cars and campers and make the circuit. In fact, a California driver was at Whynot last year. The next week, he competed in a big race in North Carolina.

There are only 24 starting spots in Saturday’s Super Late Model race. Drivers will make practice rounds on Thursday. The qualifying races will run Friday night to determine the field for Saturday.

David Breazeale, who lives near Starkville, is the defending champion. While you might think starting in front of the field and holding the lead would be best strategy, Breazeale said that’s not necessarily so.

“I started fourth or fifth back last year,” Breazeale said. “There are a lot of 40- and 50-lap races. In a 100-lap race, you have to pace yourself. The grooves (in the track) change, and you can’t see it as much if you are in front.

“Whynot is a good-sized track, and you have plenty of room. You can start in the middle of the field, move around some and work your way up to the front,” Breazeale said.

In the past, when cars ran on an alcohol-based fuel, there was a break at 50 laps so cars could refuel. Now, they run on gas and there are no stops for fueling.

 

Other divisions …

The Super Late Models are just part of the show. Here is a list of the other racing divisions that will be competing, along with what they pay to win and who won last year:

•Crate Late Model: ($2,500 to win) 2016 winner — Eric Cooley

•Open Wheel Modifieds: ($2,000 to win) 2016 winner — Ashley Newman

•Street Stock: ($2,000 to win) 2016 winner — Spencer Hughes

•Factory Stocks ($1,000 to win) 2016 winner — Logan Lux

•Mini Stocks ($1,000 to win) 2016 — Eric Mazingo

             

A racing tradition …

Charles Thrash of Meridian and his family have been involved in dirt track racing in Mississippi for more than 40 years. The Fall Classic was established when Thrash was managing in the Whynot Speedway back in the early 1990s. They held it at other venues when the Whynot Speedway was closed for several years.

When Wing purchase the property and reopened the Whynot track 12 years ago, The Fall Classic returned to its home track.

“Rodney runs the track, and I control the racing environment,” Thrash said. “It’s a lot of work, but I have a good group of volunteers that help. We can’t help the weather. But once the races start, it runs itself.”

The racing action on Saturday will start around 7 p.m., with last-chance qualifying races as needed. Along with the six divisions of races, there will be a consolation race for those Super Late Model cars that did not get classified for the big race.