HUNTSVILLE, AL - Huntsville Speedway is once again officially for sale.

Speedway owner Martin Pierce announced to his drivers that the legendary quarter-mile asphalt track is officially for sale, but he doesn't plan on shutting down the track.

Pierce hasn't officially given anyone a price for the track.

"I have a number in my head and I don't think I would take much less than what it has sold for in the past," Pierce said. "I just want our drivers and our fans to know that I'm NOT shutting down the track this year or next year. If I  don't sell the track, we will continue racing next year."

Huntsville Speedway has run into the same problems that other short tracks have suffered - empty grandstands. Birmingham International Raceway was torn down several years ago and the famous Nashville Fairgrounds Raceway may face the same fate next year.

"It's the economy," Pierce said. "NASCAR is having the same trouble. Look at the grandstand at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis last Sunday, it was only half full. The problem started in 2007 with the high gas prices and then the economy dropped in 2008 and 2009. We are starting to see a little improvement, but we need more."

Pierce has already made several changes in his schedule for the remainder of the season, dropping several races over the next two months. Pierce will skip Aug. 21, which conflicts with the Bristol Sprint Cup race, and he is considering not running on Aug. 28.

He had planned to run several weekly shows in September, but they have been dropped. He is still planning to hold the Southern Superstars Late Model race on Aug. 7 and Sept. 5 and the Tom Lynch Super Modified race on Sept. 24, which will include NASCAR star Bobby Allison.

"I just want to make sure everyone knows that I'm not quitting and I'm not shutting down the track," Pierce said. "I don't owe anyone any money and I don't plan on taking on any more debit."

Pierce has already scheduled 18 races for next season, including five Southern Superstars Late Model features and seven Tom Lynch shows throughout the year.

The Speedway will return to action Saturday night, featuring a 50-lap Super Truck feature. Time trials will being at 7 p.m., followed by the first race at 8. - by ronnie white - www.al.com