PRESTONSBURG - Ranier Racing fans, start your engines. The Ranier Racing Museum will get the green light and go full throttle Tuesday afternoon when the Prestonsburg Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City of Prestonsburg host the facility's grand opening. The museum will open its doors Tuesday at 2 p.m. The Museum, located in downtown Prestonsburg at the tourism building also known as the old post office at the corner of Court and South Central Avenue, will host a dedication ceremony at 5:30 p.m.

The race-heavy day's festivities will include hors d'oeuvres and refreshments along with entertainment. Members of the Ranier family and the storied Racing Racing team will be present for the ceremony.

Buddy Baker, former Ranier driver and current NASCAR announcer, and Waddell Wilson, former Ranier race team crew chief and famed engine builder, each are scheduled to be in attendance. Ranier family members, including Loren Ranier, who heads the driver development program for Chip Gannassi's NASCAR team, also are scheduled to appear.

The museum will include a collection of racing memorabilia from the Ranier Racing team. Memorabilia, including the 1983 Daytona 500 championship trophy, will remain on permanent display at the museum. An assortment of trophies, photos and race team relics will fill the museum. NASCAR collection cars will be on display for public viewing.

The public is invited to attend the grand opening ceremony and celebrate the history and family of the Ranier Racing team.

Ranier Racing, which got its start here in Prestonsburg, made a name for itself in stock car racing and the NASCAR circuit as early as the 1960s.

Any parties interested in donating or showcasing their Racing Racing collection may contact the museum directly. Normal operating hours for the museum will be weekdays, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and certain weekends. For more information or to schedule a group visit, call 606/886-1341.