Huge trucks will converge on Marion Saturday, with straight pipes, stiff springs and big tires spinning. The Rock Corps is hosting the first ever visit to McDowell by the ECORS (East Coast Offroad Racing Series).
The Rock Corps is a local group of four-wheel-drive enthusiasts which has made a name for itself through high-energy spectacles and charitable giving. Jason Floyd, part of the group, said Saturday's event will feature all-day thrills as competitors from "as far away as Texas" take on the hills -- and potential spills -- at "The Flats," the group's Rutherford Road site.
"They'll run in three classes," said Floyd, "stock, modified and unlimited. They'll run about 10 races per class."
After the races, he said, competitors will be invited to participate in the winner-take-all Bounty Hill Challenge.
"That's a hill nobody has climbed -- yet," said Floyd. "We'll pay a $400 purse to whoever can make it up."
The Flats site is located at 3780, U.S. 221 South in Marion, between the entrance to the Hampton Inn and the McDowell Industrial Park, just off I-40. The gate will open and 7 a.m. Admission is $10 for adults, with kids 12 and under admitted free.
Concessions will be available at the track.
Spectators are invited to camp out Friday and Saturday night. There will be plenty of qualifying action to attract spectators Friday, when gates will open to spectators at noon. Inspection and pre-running of the track begins at 1 p.m. and can continue through 9 p.m.
Racing action will kick off early on Saturday. Class A racing begins at 9 a.m., Class B around 11:30 and Class C at 1 p.m. The Bounty Hill Challenge will commence at 5 p.m.
On Sunday morning the track will be open to spectators who'd like to try their hand at driving a professional off-road course.
The ECORS website describes the series as "the Southeast's answer to the newest trend in 4x4 offroad racing." Races have a staggered start to minimize traffic jams and encourage "true endurance-type racing."
The Rock Corps has made a number of improvements to The Flats, including an access road to give spectators easy access to the view above the track and several of the course's most challenging obstacles.
ECORS is seeking vendors and sponsors for the Saturday event. Space is available for vendor tents. For more information, visit the ECORS website at www.ecors.com.
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