From the oval tracks to the drag strips of the Tri-State area, promoters are looking for a break -- a break in the weather for Memorial Day weekend events.

Pittsburgh Raceway Park, the IHRA drag strip in New Alexandria, has lost nine of 13 races to the weather, according to track manager Frank Tedesco.

"The weather plays a big part now because of gasoline prices, but the forecast for the weekend looks great," he said.

The track's Memorial Day weekend kicks off at 8 p.m. today with grudge racing, music and a bikini contest. The Memorial Bash featuring Armed Forces Day (past and present military members admitted free with military identification) is scheduled tomorrow, along with Monster Truck rides for children. At 7 p.m., action turns to the Mid-America Funny Cars, a Jet Funny Car and fireworks. Gates open at 9 a.m. tomorrow and Sunday.

Lernerville Speedway general manager Gary Risch Jr. is looking forward to tonight when the weather isn't a threat and the Penguins aren't in action. "This will be the first night since opening night of the regular season that we haven't had an issue with the weather," he said.

Lernerville's four divisions will be in action for only the fourth time this season.

Stan Lasky, the new promoter at Motordrome Speedway in Smithton has fought the same battle as Lernerville. While Motordrome has had four rainouts in seven tries, the veteran promoter doesn't let it get him down.

"I've been doing this way too long," the former Jennerstown Speedway promoter said. "One thing I've learned is you don't worry about things you can't do anything about.

Motordrome will have a 40-lap feature at 7:30 p.m. today for the Super Late Models and children's bike races (helmets required). Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Mercer Raceway Park's Memorial Day weekend schedule always offers a variety of racing. Promoter Vickie Emig has changed the format for the eighth annual American Thunder Weekend. The All-American Spring Nationals truck and tractor pulls will change places with the regular racing program starting at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow. Sunday will be the rain date.

On Monday, there will be a benefit barbecue and auction for Ray Baselj from noon-3 p.m. and 3:30-6 p.m. Baselj, a former racer and president of the BRP Modified Tour is recovering from cancer treatments. The Steel Valley Memorial Day Classic will feature the FASTRAK Late Models, sprint cars, stock cars and modified lites.

Pittsburgh's Pennsylvania Motor Speedway will have six divisions in action at 7 p.m. tomorrow. Sharon Speedway will have racing tomorrow, and Tri-City Speedway will be the site Sunday of the fifth annual Dick Rankin Memorial for the Big Block Modifieds.