Local residents are encouraged to help welcome the Sports Car Club of America to town tonight.
Drivers in this weekend's 2010 Southern States Championship will be at the Arkansas Aeroplex at 5 tonight. Residents will have an opportunity to meet the drivers and check out their rides.
The Blytheville Fire Department will fire up its grill and provide the SCCA participants with a complementary meal around 6 p.m.
The event will be held at 4701 Memorial Drive on the Aeroplex, near the Blytheville Fire Station.
According to Blytheville Mayor Barrett Harrison, around 350 participants plan to be at the SCCA event this weekend. Then, the following weekend, the SCCA will return with a Pro Solo event.
The SCCA also had events in Blytheville last year, including the big Eastern States Championship and a Pro Solo that allowed drivers to rack up points to qualify for the National Championship race.
Last year, SCCA vice president Howard Duncan said he was impressed with the outpouring of the community support.
"We have 304 registered for this event already and there will be more cars come in tomorrow," Duncan said. "That is a 20 percent increase from last year. Given this economic climate we are happy to be even with last year's numbers but here in Blytheville we are seeing an increase. We attribute that to two things, the amazing facility and the hospitality of the local community. Last year drivers and their families were really impressed by the support and hospitality of the community and they have come back this year."
"This is our second largest event ever," J. Jackson, regional executive for the Arkansas Region of SCCA, said. "The only event that we have had bigger than this one is Atlanta, Ga., and if we get 15 walk-ups here on Saturday this will become the largest event we've ever had. We have a bigger attendance here than in Los Angeles, San Diego and other large cities. We believe that is because of the wonderful time everyone had last year."
The SCCA demonstrated its gratitude by donating $4,000 to the 2009 Cars and Cycles Against Cancer, which raised $22,000 last year for the American Cancer Society.
Like last year, the 2010 Cars and Cycles Against Cancer will be held at the Arkansas Aeroplex on June 5, the same day as the SCCA Pro Solo event.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com
SCCA schedule
At the Arkansas Aeroplex
Today
4-7 p.m. Registration check-in
Tech Inspection
Course Open for Walking
5--7 p.m. Welcome Party
7 p.m. Chiefs Meeting
Saturday
6:30 a.m. Site Opens
7--8 a.m. Late Check-in/Tech
8:30 a.m. Mandatory Drivers Meeting
9:15 a.m.--4 p.m. Heat Competition
6-8 p.m. Course Open for Walking
Sunday
6:30 a.m. Site Opens
8 a.m.-4 p.m. Heat Competition
4 p.m. Trophy Presentation