AKWESASNE -- Despite unrelenting rain that forced Mohawk International Raceway officials to cancel last weekend’s test and tuner day, the 2011 season will begin as scheduled Friday night.

C & B Enterprises will be presenting Twin 20 lap features for the Frenchie’s Chevrolet 358 Modifieds, plus a regular show for Frenchie’s Ford Sportsman, Bailey Motor Company Pro Stocks and CKON 97.3FM Bandits.

The raceway staff has been busy this week getting ready for opening night, and with all the rain earlier in the week the track crew will be working hard hours getting the track in racing shape for Friday night.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. Friday, with racing action set to begin at 7:45 p.m.

General admission for opening night is $13. Season passes are available and can be purchased at the track on opening night or by phoning the raceway office, now located at the track. For more information or to purchase tickets call 518-358-9017.

Racing will continue the following weekend as Frenchie’s Chevrolet presents the first round of the American Revolution series for the 358 Modifieds.

The already increased purse for the 358 Modified feature on Friday night will get even larger as they are offering a $1000 bonus to the race winner. In addition, the Sportsman feature winner will receive an extra $650 dollars, while the Bailey Motor Company Pro Stock feature winner and the CKON Bandit feature winner will have a winner’s bonus of $250 and $100 respectively.

The night of racing will also include a fireworks display at the start of the feature events to celebrate the Memorial Day Weekend.

The raceway is located midway between the Seaway International Bridge to Cornwall, Ont. and the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino. From Route 37, turn south onto Frogtown Road. Racing is held Friday nights at 7:45 p.m. from May through September, featuring the Frenchie's Chevrolet DIRTcar 358 Modifieds, Sportsman and Pro Stocks, as well as the Bandit division.

The website address is www.MohawkInternationalRaceway.com.