Contributed Story
BETHEL — With spring quickly approaching, drivers and fans at Bethel Motor Speedway (BMS) are becoming increasingly excited in anticipation of the 2012 racing season.
The speedway recently released the schedule for the season, which is set to kick off with a practice day on Saturday, April 21 and Opening Night on Saturday, April 28. It was also announced that both of those dates will have Sunday rain dates.
The gates are set to swing open on the 2012 season with open practice for all divisions on April 21. Pit gates will open at 2:30 p.m., with cars taking to the track at 5 p.m.
INEX Legends and Bandoleros will have the opportunity to take part in feature races for national points and BMS plans to split divisions for the event.
Pit entry for the day will be $15 and the grandstands will be open for spectators to get a free glimpse of the drivers and cars that will pack the track all season long. 
In the event of rain, the practice will take place on Sunday afternoon, April 22, with pit gates opening at noon and practice beginning at 2 p.m.
The track’s 52nd anniversary season is set to begin on Saturday, April 28, with an action-packed slate that includes the Sportsman, Legends, Bandolero, Pro Stock, Street Stock, BMS Modified and 4-Cylinder classes.
As will be the case for all regular Saturday shows in the 2012 season at BMS, the pit gates will open at 2:30 p.m., with hot laps taking to the track at 5 p.m.
Grandstand admission is $6 for all 2012 shows at the speedway, with children age 5 and under admitted free.
If the season opener is rained out on Saturday, April 28, the entire program will shift to Sunday, April 29.
Pit gates will open at noon and hot laps will begin at 2 p.m. All Saturday race events will continue to have an 11 p.m. curfew, while Sunday events will have an 8 p.m. curfew.
The 2012 season is shaping up to be an exciting one on the quarter-mile asphalt oval that was resurfaced prior to the 2011 season. The schedule boasts 26 race dates, beginning April 28 and wrapping up with the two-day season finale Oct. 6-7.
For the fifth consecutive year, BMS will play host to LegendStock, an event that has gained notoriety nationwide. This year’s LegendStock event – slated for Saturday, Aug. 4 – will serve as an INEX Asphalt Nationals qualifier as well as an INEX Bandolero Nationals qualifier.
More information on the complete 2012 schedule can be obtained online at www.bethelmotorspeedway.com or by calling 319-7908.