Protect Your Melon - Buckle Up SpeedFest Features Moved to Friday, January 17

The 20th running of Protect Your Melon - Buckle Up SpeedFest at Cordele Motor Speedway has been moved to Friday, January 17 due to forecasted inclement weather this weekend in Cordele, Georgia.

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The marquee Late Model event was originally scheduled for qualifying on Friday with feature racing on Saturday, January 18. However, feature racing has now been moved up to Friday with significant rainfall in Saturday's forecast.

"Faced with a Saturday forecast calling for a 90% chance of all-day rain, series and track officials worked together on a decision to move the feature racing to Friday night or Sunday afternoon," states the announcement. "With Sunday's forecast showing a slight chance of rain and keeping teams, drivers, and fans in the area for an additional two days, it was decided to move the feature program to Friday night where the forecast is dry."

Practice will now begin at Noon ET on Friday, with qualifying at 4:30 p.m. ET. Opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m., with feature racing to follow.

Saturday's racing lineup remains the same, albeit with a slight shift in race order. Bandoleros will open proceedings with their 15-lap feature, followed by the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour 100-lapper for Pro Late Models. The Legends Car 25-lap feature follows the Pro Late Models, setting the stage for the 150-lap Super Late Model showcase co-sanctioned by the ASA/CRA Super Series and ASA Southern Super Series.

More than 45 Late Models are entered across the two divisions for SpeedFest. NASCAR Cup Series competitors Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain are scheduled to compete against Super Late Model stars such as Bubba Pollard, Stephen Nasse, Cole Butcher and more.

RELATED: First Look at Entry List for Protect Your Melon - Buckle Up SpeedFest

Pit gates open for an optional testing day on Thursday, January 16 at 10 a.m. ET, with on-track testing between Noon and 4 p.m.

Grandstand gates open at Noon on Friday. Advance sale tickets for the event are available at https://bit.ly/SpeedFest2025Tix. Tickets will also be available at the gate on race day. Pit passes are available on the Pit Pay app or at the gate upon arrival.

Fans can watch SpeedFest live with a subscription to RacingAmerica.TV. Click here to subscribe today and watch all of the action from SpeedFest on Friday.

-Photo credit: Will Bellamy

Protect Your Melon - Buckle Up SpeedFest Updated Schedule

Thursday, January 16 (Optional Testing Day)

Friday, January 17