Nextel Cup stars Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Dave Blaney will compete Tuesday in the inaugural Lou Blaney Memorial Classic at Sharon Speedway in nearby Hartford, Ohio.

Lou Blaney, one of the area's finest drivers, died in January after battling Alzheimer's disease.

Blaney won sprint car titles at Lernerville Speedway in 1972-75 and in 1977-78. After leaving the sprint car seat to oldest son Dave, Lou went on to steer a Big Block Modified to Lernerville track titles in 1980, '91 and '95. The elder Blaney is second in Lernerville feature career wins with 118.

Stewart, Kahne and Dave Blaney will compete in the 30-lap, $3,000-to-win 410 Sprint Car feature along with reigning All-Star Circuit of Champions title holder Dale Blaney.

Also on the card will be a 30-lap, $3,000-to-win event for the Modifieds along with an autograph session determined via a lottery and fireworks. Sharon Speedway will not be racing tomorrow in preparation for the Lou Blaney Memorial Classic.

Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., battled from the rear of the pack after suffering a flat tire on lap 27 to win the $30,000 first-place prize in Saturday's Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway.

Mars took the lead on lap 94 from Darrell Lanigan, who led 82 of the 100-lap feature. Lanigan, of Florence, Ky., finished second, becoming a two-time runner-up of the Firecracker 100.

Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., who started 20th, made a late charge to finish third, with Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., placing fourth and Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky. fifth. Matt Lux of Franklin completed all 100 laps for 13th place and was the highest-finishing local competitor. Robbie Blair of Titusville won the 30-lap Uncle Sam feature, collecting $3,000.

Lernerville Speedway has four divisions in action today along with $1 hot dogs. ... Dog Hollow Speedway in Strongstown has all divisions participating plus bike races for kids. ... Motordrome Speedway in Smithton has announced that due to the lack of sponsorship the MSA Supermodifieds scheduled for today and the Main Event Outlaw Late Model event July 17 have been canceled. Motordrome will have all NASCAR divisions in action today with $6 admission and fireworks. ... Pittsburgh's Pa. Motor Speedway near Imperial is offering free admission tomorrow to residents outside Allegheny, Beaver and Washington counties. ... Mercer Raceway Park will have all six divisions on the card tomorrow plus a 100-lap Enduro. ...The Nitrous Outlaws return to Pittsburgh Raceway Park in New Alexandria tomorrow. ... Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex has five divisions in action tomorrow. ... Tri-City Speedway in Franklin has the BRP Mod Tour $2,000-to-win Kodiak Memorial Sunday.