COURTLAND—New to the 31st annual Franklin-Southampton County Fair this year, which runs from Thursday, Aug. 11, through Saturday, Aug. 13, will be The ATV Challenge.

The event hosted by Team Deep and Wet from Goldsboro, N.C., will begin at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13. There is no extra charge to watch, however, it will cost $15 to participate.

One portion of the challenge will involve mostly club members — although open to the public — with ATVs racing through a 100-foot long, three-foot deep mud hole.

“It’s side-by-side racing,” said TDAW club member Jeff Stakes. “It’s a lot of fun. We love the sport and we want to promote the sport. We have nothing to sell and are happy to give advice.”

The club also will offer a stock class.

“There is a hill on either end of a 75-foot long, 15-foot wide (course) with about one foot of mud on either side,” Stakes explained. “One bike starts at one end and the other on other end. They run counterclockwise.”

“Our stock guys are wild and crazy,” he continued. “They ride harder then we do. We had guys in the air last year; that will be a disqualifying thing this year.”

Participants will run a double elimination timed course across the finish line.

All ATVs must be four-wheel drive. Classes will be determined by the factory sticker on the ATV.

Riders must be at least 16; both parents must accompany anyone under 18.

All participants must wear a helmet and long pants.

Two pit passes will be issued for every participant.

Trophies will go to the top three racers in each class.

Registration will take place on the day of the event.

Classes include 0-499c, 500-750cc and 751-1000cc. Tires must be marketed and made for ATV or RUV use only. No tracks or paddle, automotive or agricultural tires allowed.

ATVs must have up to 3-inch shock bracket lift of shock pipe lift, and factory frame, a-arms and a-arm locations, swing arms and trailing arms.

ATVs must have original factory engine mated to particular unit, including cases, cylinders and heads. They also must have stock or aftermarket shocks allowing suspension to travel.

No internal engine modifications are allowed. ATVs must run either a stock/aftermarket exhaust, including a muffler.

For more information, call Stakes at 435-4641.