Dateline: January 3, 2002, Sulphur, LA

Leesville 171 Speedway 2002 Race Schedule

Malena Browning, the Race Promoter of the Leesville 171 Speedway has announced the schedule of motorcycle events for 2002. At each event, classes will be available for youngsters (50cc, 60cc, 80cc), Amateur riders (up to 500cc), Pros (up to 500cc), and for riders of Vintage bikes. Malena is working to fulfill all of the risk management requirements necessary for AMA sanctioning. When sanctioned, the Leesville track would be a part of AMA's District 19, which includes the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. Race dates will always fall on a Saturday. They are as follows:

April 13th, 2002
May 18th, 2002
June 15th, 2002
July 20th, 2002
August 17th, 2002
September 14th, 2002
(All Scheduled Races Cancelled)

Gates open at 4:00 P.M. for racers and for spectators. General Admission is only $5.00 (Military and Senior Citizen discounts are available). Pit passes are $10.00. Heat races begin at 8:00 P.M. Cash prizes are awarded in each class. Tentative arrangements have been made for a representative of AMA to be on site for the April 13th event, to sign up new members.

Mike Hines of Sulphur, Louisiana purchased this facility in December of 1999, and with his daughter, Malena Browning, took on the challenge of making it something special. Dilapidated buildings have been demolished. A new, fully air-conditioned concession stand of concrete tilt panel construction is now operational on the premises. General Electric designed a modern track lighting system specifically for this track. Vision at any point on the track, or from the grandstands, is excellent. A double catch-fence capable of protecting spectators against even airborne sprint cars is in place.

Malena is a racer herself. She is committed to seeing to it hat her racing complex is racer-friendly. High on the list of is the quality of the roadway and pit area surfaces. Race transporters and trailers do not bottom out at 171 Speedway! The pit area offers ample room for bikes, transporters, trailers, RV's tents, and vendors of tires and fuel. The pit area even has its own concession stand. That same concession stand does double duty as a pay window after the evening of competition.

The racing surface is a one-quarter mile clay oval, with some banking. It is maintained by Shorty Denton, a professional that moved to horsepower tracks from horse racing tracks. Mike and Malena see to it that Shorty has all the equipment and support he needs to make the 1/4 mile circuit scary fast. Shorty has created in the infield area a short track for Speedway bikes. Riders of the motocross persuasion are watching with interest as the remainder of the infield is converted into dirt jumps and whoop de doos. There is something for everyone on two wheels at 171 Speedway.

Dateline: March 15, 2002
Sulphur, LA

Article and photos by Stephen "Stargazer" Turner

Malena Browning, General Manager of the Leesville 171 Speedway proudly announces that the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) has sanctioned her facility. The Speedway is now part of AMA's District 19, which is made up of Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Alabama. The AMA was founded in 1924, and has grown to more than 275,000 members and hundreds of affiliated clubs and sanctioned organizations. By virtue of being a sanctioned track, 171 Speedway can offer its amateur riders a chance to win points at every race. Also, the venue will attract Pro riders from all over the South.

With two AMA-sanctioned tracks in LA (the other is in Dubberly, LA), Pro and Amateur riders can ride a circuit through LA, TX, MS, ARK and AL to points-earning events.

Competitors and fans from out of state will find that the Speedway is easy to get to and that there are hotels and restaurants available in DeRidder and Leesville. The track was purchased by Mike Hines of Sulphur, LA in December of 1999. It is located just north of the Main Entrance to Fort Polk. Mike has been investing time and treasure in updating it to a truly modern racing facility. The track has a custom lighting system that is perfect for night racing. Spectators are kept safe with a double catch-fence meeting the standards of even the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars. There is an air-conditioned concession stand, a souvenir stand, comfortable grandstands, a media tower, and plenty of rest room accommodations. A first class public address system keeps the fans informed.

Racers appreciate the track surface of "Mother Earth" which is carefully groomed by "Shorty." Shorty is a true artist in dirt and clay who learned his trade tending horse racing surfaces. The pit area is large enough to accommodate the largest transporters, and the roadway into the pits is in good repair. A track photographer will usually be present to capture the excitement for media coverage.

Wayne "Crusty" Jones, Race Promoter for motorcycle events, has scheduled the first 2002 event for Saturday, April 13th. As a service to riders who are not currently members of AMA, there will be a representative onsite to sign them up. The Full membership is only $39.00 annually. Individuals who wish to compete in either AMA Amateur or Pro events must be enrolled in one of the special membership plans such as the "Extra Mile Membership" which is $49.00 annually. Enthusiasts planning on participating in AMA sanctioned amateur events might also want to consider the benefit of optional medical and disability insurance available with a membership.

"Crusty" will be conducting races in the following classes. In the Amateur classes there will be 50cc, 60cc, and 80cc events. Depending on the number of entries, the 50cc and 60cc classes may be combined. If a sufficient number of bikes with 125cc and 250cc engines register, there will be races just for them as well. The 500-600cc Amateur Open class is popular, and riders can anticipate sufficient entries to make the Heats and Mains exciting. Victors in the Amateur races will receive trophies and have their photos taken for the media. The Pros will have 2 classes: Pro Open (500-600cc) and Pro Vintage. There will be a cash payout for the Pro bashes.

Motorcycle events are scheduled one Saturday per month. They will be held on April 13th, May 18th, June 15th, July 20th, August 17th, and September 14th. Racing begins on each of these Saturdays at 8:00 P.M.

If you want more info, fire up your trusty PC and visit their website at www.Leesville171Speedway.com. If you are a competitor wanting more detailed info, or a potential sponsor, you can send Malena an e-mail at Leesville171Speedway@hotmail.com. Also, you can call the track phone at 337-238-5000, or call Malena Browning direct at 337-625-5476.