MINERAL WELLS -A motorsports promotions company has reached a lease agreement to reopen the West Virginia Motor Speedway.

Mountain State Motorsports (MSM) Promotions signed a three-year lease last fall with the PMC Company on the dormant Mineral Wells dirt track.

MSM plans to reopen the track with a number of special events this year, including the Hillbilly Hundred. Brian Ferrell, co-promoter with MSM, said officials were looking at a six-race schedule beginning in May.

"We are looking at one a month through October," he said.

A World of Outlaw late model race has been scheduled for the last weekend in May.

The Hillbilly 100 is slated for the weekend of Sept 5.

Officials said they will post additional information on the 2010 race schedule at www.wvspeedway.com.

The Hillbilly Hundred started at the Pennsboro Speedway in 1967. It moved to the Tyler County Speedway in 1998 where it continued to grow. In 2009, Hillbilly 100 boasted a winner's purse of $41,000.

However, MSM promoter Carl Short said the race has outgrown the Tyler County facilities.

"We have witnessed tremendous growth in competitors and spectators in the last two years," Short said in a press release. "And it became obvious to us that we needed to find a facility capable of accommodating everyone's needs."

Ferrell said attempts to increase and upgrade the Tyler County Speedway was "frustrating." It forced promoters to seek another venue, leading them to Mineral Wells.

In addition to the five-eighth-mile dirt track, spacious grounds and ample seating, officials were also attracted by the nearby restaurant and hotels, as well as its proximity to Interstate 77.

Officials plan to begin renovations immediately to prepare for the upcoming schedule.

"The biggest thing is getting the surface ready," Ferrell said. "In addition to some paint and cleaning, we should be ready to roll by May."