Tyler County Speedway has scheduled a May 17 practice that will serve as a benefit for the Irvin Brown Racing team that lost virtually everything in a shop fire last month after racing at the Middlebourne, W.Va., oval.

“We’re heartsick for Sam (Irvin), Scott (Irvin), Travis (Brown) and all involved. We want to do something more than just pass the helmet through the stands, and know that race teams want to do something as well,” Tyler County promoter John Watson said. “We’ve decided to have a midweek practice night where 100 percent of the proceeds taken in that evening will go to the Irvin Brown Racing team to try and help them get back on their feet. Sam Irvin has been a big part of the Tyler County Speedway from the very start, and maybe this token of our esteem along with the support from fans, racers, friends and neighbors will help them out.”

All the practice night’s proceeds will go to benefit the Jacksonburg, W.Va., team of patriarch Sam Irvin, who has been a fixture at the track more than 40 years. Along with on-track practice, a 50-50 drawing will collect money for the team and children’s games will be part of the activities.

Gates open at 4 p.m. Pit admission is $15 and general admission is $5. For more information visit tylercountyspeedwayonline.com or call (304) 771-5661.