> General Manager Eric Shannon said Clay has reduced his asking price four times from the original $3 million. Now Clay is seeking $1.8 million, including all equipment and furnishings on the 160 acre site.

Clay initially invested $5 million to build the track and three offers -- up to $1.5 million -- have been given to Coldwell Banker. The continued reduction in price reveals just how determined Clay is to get out of the racing business.

"I own Advance Roofing and my boy is 16 and racing. When you own a track, you're obligated 100 percent," Clay said. "He's coming along really good and I want to spend the next four or five years with him at different tracks. I'm 56 and I've things I want to do.

"I've got two guys trying to buy it now. It's a good offer, but I won't get a third of what I've got in it. One is from Eufaula and the other from Checotah. They want to own it and not run it. If they buy it, I'll stay a year and show them the ins and outs of what to do and not to do."

Now in its fifth season of operation, Outlaw Motor Speedway is running a Friday night program. A Saturday night program will return in August. Located on U.S. Highway 69 at the Wainwright exit eight miles south of Muskogee, the track has attracted Tulsa racers and fans over the years and hosted a World of Outlaws event in 2005.

"Gary said openly that if he doesn't sell it by the end of the season, he's tempted to let the bank take it back," said Shannon, who will stay on at the track if the proposed buyers follow through. "I don't see that as being a good deal for anybody. They would probably get a better deal buying it out right now."

Shannon said attendance and car count have remained high. He said attendance last season exceeded the opening 2003 campaign.

A July 6 show this year attracted more than 3,000 fans, but overall attendance has been down slightly due to rain. The track is running four classes of cars and Shannon said many fans want to see more late models and sprints join the program.

"If a new owner came in I think you see lots of changes in that direction," Shannon said. "I think more promoters would be willing to work with us. I'm surprised we haven't been contacted my more people, people with NASCAR ties around here.

"The track is making money and I think one thing people are scared of is the perception that this place doesn't make money. It just needs a fresh start, a fresh face to take over. We've got such a beautiful facility and we're just waiting for someone to come in and realize what's available here."

One way or another, the track appears to be headed in a new direction. Shannon and fans of the facility are just hoping it's the right path.