The green flag waves at area tracks this weekend to signal the start of the 2008 racing season.

Lernerville Speedway kicks off the season at 7:30 p.m. Friday with the Fab Four divisions: Sprints, Late Models, Modified and Street Stocks.

Mercer will begin it's 75th season Saturday. The FAST TRACK Steel-Block Late Models will make their debut, along with the E-Mod Series, Stock Cars and the Mini-Stocks, making up the Chiller Thriller. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with races to start at 7.

In other racing news:

• Lasky Motor Sports principals Stan Lasky Jr. and Ruth Ann Lasky announced they have completed an agreement with the Miley family to lease and operate Motordrome Speedway in 2008.

"After eight years away from race promotion, the itch got too strong not to scratch," said Stan, who, along with his family, operated Jennerstown Speedway for 32 years.

The lease agreement was the culmination of several months of work.

"I would really like to thank Ben Miley and his brother, Matt, for all their help in making this possible," said Stan.

With few exceptions, the 2008 rules and schedule will remain as previously released. There might be the addition of several $5 nights to the schedule, along with some additional firework nights.

The admission prices are currently under review and might be adjusted

"I am a race fan and I plan to keep all race fans No. 1 in future decision-making," said Lasky.

• Following the lead of NASCAR, which names grandstands and bleachers after legendary drivers, Roaring Knob Motor Sports Complex in Markleysburg, Fayette County, is the first Western Pennsylvania track to follow suit.

The newly constructed grandstands will be named the L.J. Dennis Grandstand, after the popular Late Model driver who piloted the Rainbow 7 at all area tracks during his phenomenal career.

Dennis was presented with a replica of the actual bronze nameplate that will be placed on the new bleachers.

• Which do fans prefer: winning races or the athletic charisma of the drivers?

That was the question on a recent marketing survey. Dale Earnhardt Jr. came in first, followed by Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton. Michael Waltrip was fourth and he has only four victories, which he earned between 2001-03. Kyle Petty, who earned fifth place, has eight victories but none since 1995.

• Congratulations to Modified driver Harry Hein, who will be inducted into the 43rd class of the Butler Area Sports Hall of Fame. His career began in 1950 and ended in 1966. He also was inducted into the Pittsburgh Circle Track Hall of Fame in 1980.

• World Racing Group announced that SPEED will be the exclusive television partner for World of Outlaws racing in 2008. Lernerville's World of Outlaws Late Model Firecracker 100 June 28 show will be televised July 13. Tri-City Speedway's Oil City Late Model 100 on Aug. 31 will be shown Sept. 7.

Carol Gamble is the racing columnist for the Butler Eagle.