South Boston Speedway officials announced today that veteran NASCAR public relations representative Mike Smith and his company, Relevant Public Relations, have been hired to lead the track’s public relations efforts.

I’ve known Mike for many years and he is very passionate about short track racing. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with him here at South Boston Speedway and I know he will be an asset to our racing industry, said “Cathy Rice” General Manager.

Smith, who was the public relations director at Martinsville Speedway for 16 years before leaving to form his own company earlier this summer, says he feels right at home at the historic South Boston track.

“The first weekly racing series race I went to way back in 1977 was at South Boston. It’s where I developed a passion for weekly racing and such respect for the people who do it,” said Smith. “As far as I’m concerned there’s nothing more fun or exciting than a night at South Boston Speedway. It’s been the heart of weekly racing for more than 50 years.”

Smith and Relevant Public Relations will begin immediately.

There will be fireworks on and off the track when racing returns to South Boston Speedway Saturday, August 29with the Bojangles Presents Dr. and Mrs. Maresca of St. Lawrence Radiology and Thunder Road Harley Davidson NASCAR Late Model 200.

In addition to a 200-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model race, there will be a 100-lap Limited Sportsman race, a 50-lap Budweiser Pure Stock race, a 15-lap Budweiser Hornets race and a 20-lap Champ Kart event. The night will be capped with a spectacular fireworks display.

Grandstand gates will open at 4:30 p.m., qualifying will begin at 4:45 p.m. and a fan appreciation event will be held trackside at 5:45 p.m. The first of the night’s five races will get the green flag at 7 p.m.

Advance adult general admission tickets are $15 each and may be purchased at the speedway office until 5 p.m. onFriday, August 28. Adult admission on race day is $20, with admission for youth ages 7-12 being $10. Kids six and under are admitted free with a paying adult.

For additional information about the 2015 season schedule or any other events at South Boston Speedway, please telephone the speedway at 434-572-4947 or 1-877-440-1540.