Phenix City, AL - The RockAuto.com Winter Shootout for the NeSmith Dirt Late Model Series returns to action this Saturday February 4th for Round 5 with a $2,500 to win, 50 lap event at East Alabama Motor Speedway in Phenix City, Alabama as part of the 3rd Annual Groundhog Classic. A full slate of racing is on the schedule for the weekend including an open practice session on Friday night February 3rd ahead of Saturday's event. The 2016 season saw a new surface at the 3/8 mile speed plant that improved the racing at the already racy facility and many teams will take advantage of the practice time to get a handle on the changes.

The NeSmith Dirt Late Model Series joins the line-up for the Groundhog Classic for 2017 as part of the RockAuto.com Winter Shootout Series point's chase. Fans can tentatively look for drivers from across the Southeast such as:  current Winter Shootout points leader National Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer Ronnie Johnson; Katy, TX driver 14-year old Colton Horner; Evans, GA driver Ahnna Parkhurst; 2016 NeSmith Dirt Late Model Series National Champion Cory Hedgecock; and a host of many other talented drivers looking to take home the $2,500 payday.

Friday night February 3rd schedule calls for Gates to open at 4 P.M. Grandstand gates open at 5 P.M. with Practice set to begin at 6 P.M. On Saturday February 4th Pit Gates open for the Groundhog Classic at 9 AM and Grandstand Gates open at 12 Noon. Technical inspection will open at 10 AM with Driver's Meeting scheduled for 12:30. Hot Laps are set to roll off at 1 PM, followed by Qualifying Time Trials, B-Mains, and the 50-lap feature.

For up to date info regarding East Alabama Motor Speedway visit their official website at www.EAMSdirt.com. Fans can also follow them on Facebook at East Alabama Motor Speedway (@eamsdirt)  
For more information about the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series, visit the series website at www.nesmithracing.com. You can also follow the series by Liking the Facebook page at NeSmith Racing; following on Twitter @NeSmithRacing; and Instagram @nesmithracing.
NeSmith Chevrolet, Buick, GMC is the Official Title Sponsor of the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series. Chevrolet Performance is an Official Sponsor of the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series.
Hoosier Racing Tire is the Official Tire of the NeSmith Dirt Late Model Series. Sunoco Race Fuels is the Official Race Fuel of the Series. Cruise with the Champions is the Official Vacation and Rookie of the Year Sponsor for the Series.
RockAuto.com is an Associate Sponsor of the Series and Official Sponsor of the RockAuto.com Winter Shootout Series. David Smith Carburetors is the Official Carburetor of NeSmith Racing.
Contingency Sponsors Include: Out-Pace Performance, AR Bodies, Crate Insider.com, Gresham Racing Parts, Knowles Racing Parts and Bodies, and FreeStyle Graphix.
Chassis Sponsors are Trak-Star Race Cars, Warrior Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, GRT Race Cars, and CVR Race Cars.