Mahoning Valley Speedway, the paved ¼-mile oval in Lehighton, will kickoff their 2023 Opening Night today.

This will mark the 37th consecutive year since the track re-opened in 1987, and the 44th dating back to 1970 when asphalt was first laid down on what was originally a dirt surface. For the real record keepers, it’s the 52nd time the gates will swing open for the presentation of professional stock car racing.

It will not only be the lid-lifter for Mahoning but likewise for the Race of Champions Modified Series, which will be contesting in a 75-lap main event.

With this being the first point race of the season for the RoC, as well as the stars of Mahoning Valley, indications point to a great field of Modifieds coming in from around the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

It also serves as a tune-up to the granddaddy of all Modified stock car races with the 72nd Annual Lucas Oil Race of Champions 250, which will take place April 22 at Lake Erie Speedway in North East, Pennsylvania. That event is a holdover from last year after weather postponed it.

Joining the night’s card will be the Street Stocks, Dirt Mods, Pro 4s, Harry’s U-Pull-It Hobby Stocks, Futures and the JuiceBox Division. The JuiceBox Division will be held during intermission.

Racing is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. with heats. Before that will be a session of warm-ups that will start at 1 p.m. Pit gates will open at 8:30 a.m. Driver sign-ins will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Pit admission is $50. Grandstand gates will open at 1 p.m. Admission is $25, while kids 10 and under are free.