Elkins Raceway in Kerens, West Virginia celebrates its 65th anniversary this racing season. The season opens on May 5 with its Friday Night Thunder event.

The track, which hosted its first race in 1952, will continue its Friday-night racing tradition. Updates to the facility include new fencing among other improvements. A “test-n-tune” night will also be offered for all drivers on Fridays.

One new event will honor the memory of long-time racer Ivan “Red” Frederick with a 52-lap memorial set for June 30 with a $5,200 payout for Super Late Models. That event will also feature the state’s largest planned fireworks display for the Independence Day holiday.

The annual Skidmore Memorial weekend will be July14-15, with special events for all classes on both Friday and Saturday nights.

This season will also feature the annual Old-Timers’ Night, during which the latest additions to the track’s Hall of Fame wall will be announced.

Competing classes include Super Late Models, Fastrak Semi-Lates, AMRA Modifieds, Street Stocks and Mini-Mods for the 14 and younger drivers on the schedule weekly.

To view the Elkins Raceway 2017 Schedule, visit www.elkinsraceway.net/schedule.html.