Anticipation is running high for the $25,000-to-win third annual Commonwealth 100 on April 13-14, which is scheduled to kick off the 2012 racing season at Virginia Motor Speedway, according to a release from the Middlesex County track.

"When you look at the car counts and the exciting racing being put on during Florida Speedweeks, it only gets you amped and excited to have the best dirt late model drivers in the country headed to Virginia for what we feel is going to be the best Commonwealth 100 yet," said manager Clarke Sawyer.

This year’s edition will have a new twist as the Lucas Oil Late Model series will now sanction the $25,000-to-win event. The weekend will also include a $3,000-to-win non-qualifiers race.

Two-day advance tickets ($30 for adults, $27 for senior citizens and the military, and $15 for students ages 7-17) are on sale through April 1. For more information, visit www.vamotorspeedway.com or call 758-1867.

The half-mile dirt oval is located on...