Race fans will see some schedule and division changes when Western Pennsylvania tracks open for the 2007 season.

The most noticeable change is in the Late Model division. Some tracks have opted to go to crate engines to offer a more competitive race program.

Crate engines are exactly what the name implies. All engines are manufactured the same, producing an equal amount of horsepower. It would compare to Nextel Cup putting restrictor plates on cars for the bigger track race programs.

Lernerville Speedway could be the only track in the area to offer a full-powered Late Model division on a weekly basis.

Owners Mike Graham and Roger Crick have announced a few changes for the 2007 season, which begins April 29. Two of the lower divisions of racecars have been dropped for lack of interest. Tri-City will present a full five-card program every Sunday evening at 6.The Super Sprints, DIRT Modifieds, E-Mods, Pro Stocks and Thundercars should provide fans with action-packed nights.A total of 22 events are scheduled, including the All-Star Super Sprints and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.The All-Star Sprints will appear July 3, with the World of Outlaws Late Models penciled in for a two-day show Sept. 1 and 2.The DIRT Modified division will hold two special shows. The fourth Annual Dick Rankin Memorial is scheduled for May 27 and the 15th Annual Kodiak Memorial program is slated for July 15.Ticket prices for the regular Sunday evening shows remain the same as last year: $11 for the grandstands and $22 for a pit pass.

Vickie Emig, owner-promoter of Mercer Raceway Park, continues to present a very ambitious race program every Saturday evening. Racing starts at 7 p.m., gates open at 4:30.The curtain goes up on the 2007 season March 31 with the ULMS Super Late Models and E-Mods on the card.The regular Saturday program includes Super Sprints, 358 Modifieds, Stock Cars and Strictly Stocks.The Mercer race cards are likened to a cornucopia: they're always full.Emig has scheduled he E-Mods, Micro Sprints, Wingless Sprints, Figure 8 racing and an ATPA-sponsored World Championship Tractor Pull throughout the summer months.For a complete schedule and other track information, visit www.mercerracewaypark.com

The Miley family will offer a full program of racing every Saturday night. Six divisions of cars are featured: Late Models, Crate Late Models, E-Mods, Pure Stocks, Amateur Stocks and Young Guns.Special shows for the Late Model division dot the schedule, highlighted by the Annual Penn Nationals set for July 14, the Garin Memorial on Aug. 11. and the 19th Annual Pittsburgher 100 on Sept. 20 and 21.Jim Lokhaiser is the racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.