(File photo) The Clay County Fairgrounds will host the "Firecracker 50" race on July 4 featuring the World Dirt Racing League's (WDRL) Late Model Series and 360 Sprints race.

As part of the annual July 4th Celebration, the racetrack at the Clay County Fairgrounds will host a "Firecracker 50" race featuring the World Dirt Racing League's (WDRL) Late Model Series and 360 Sprints race. The evenings events will began at 5:15 p.m. with practice laps, group qualifying at 5:45 p.m. and the race at 6 p.m.

As part of the celebration, a new flagpole will be dedicated on the northeast corner of the fairgrounds at the intersection of Fourth Avenue West and West 18th Street after the races. Fireworks will follow the dedication, with gates opening at 9:30 p.m. or at the conclusion of the races, depending on what comes first.

The WDRL Late Model Series will mark the first race of its kind appearing at the racetrack in Spencer. With the new dirt track and the excitement of Late Models and 360 Sprints, the race is sure to please fans of all ages. WDRL Late Model Series favorites, including two-time WDRL champion Denny Eckrich, 2007 Chase Graphics Rookie of the Year John Kaanta, and 2008 Chase Graphics Rookie of the Year contenders Jeremy Grady and Frank Heckenast Jr. are all scheduled to appear.

The purse for the WDRL race is $5,000 for first place, $2,700 for second place, $1,700 for third place, $1,200 for fourth place and $1,150 for fifth place.

In addition to the WDRL race, there will also be a 360 Sprints race. The race is part of a first annual tour known as the Jackson Speedway Touring Series. The 360 Sprints race is $1,200 to win and $200 to start. The sprint cars are based on motor size, 360 representing the motor size of the cars appearing at the race. Racers are expected from North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa as well as cars from Knoxville, with an estimate of over 30 cars appearing.

Local racers, Russell Wiese and Chad Meyer - both of Spencer; Mark Toewes and Jason Ekert - both of Spirit Lake; and Bill Boles of Harris are scheduled to appear. The July 4th race in Spencer will mark the first race away from Jackson, Minn., on the Jackson Speedway Touring Series.

The renovated dirt track at the Clay County Fairgrounds consists of a 3/8 mile loop. The new seats will hold over 6,300 fans and the addition of the Musco lighting system will make the race visible from all angles.

Tickets will be general admission, adults, 16 and older, $22; juniors, 15 and under $10; and children 5 and under are free.

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Muni Band, watermelon, fireworks part of free July 4 Celebration

The Spencer Municipal Band will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, July 4 at the Clay County Fairgrounds near the Sundholm Environmental Center as part of the Fourth of July Celebration. The celebration will include the annual free watermelon feed and seed spitting contest-with prizes-beginning at 7 p.m. Gates for the free fireworks show in the Grandstand will open at 9:30 p.m. Following the flag procession, and dedication of the new flagpole at 9:50 p.m., fireworks should get underway at 10 p.m.