HITS has announced plans for a special open house event, November 10 and 11, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, CA. The event is open to the public and will feature tours of the property to highlight the renovations and refinements that are completed, or scheduled to be completed, for the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit, which begins in early January. Visitors will have an opportunity to see first-hand the new grand prix footing installed by Bart Poels (Footing Specialist for the 2008 Olympic Games), new landscaping, new rings, new paving and much more.

"I'm incredibly proud of our facility in Thermal," said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. "All year we've remained focused on our goal to ensure that the new HITS Desert Horse Park becomes the preeminent facility in the sport, and I'm confident that visitors attending the open house will walk away knowing that we are, without a doubt, committed to that goal."

In addition to property enhancements, open house visitors will also have a chance to meet Ric Orlando, HITS' new VIP chef for the Oasis Club, and sample his eclectic menu during two special luncheons from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

In addition to Struzzieri, new members of the HITS West Coast Management Team, Dale Harvey and Fred Bauer, will also be on site to kick-off preparations for the new season, which is fast approaching.

"We've been working hard on improvements to the show grounds since the summer's heat subsided, and we are excited to have this opportunity to show our exhibitors all that we've accomplished," said Bauer, VP West Coast Operations. "I hope that many of them will be able to drop in, as I'm sure they'll be pleased with what they see."

"The open house gives us the chance to showcase the dramatic improvements that have already been completed and to outline the rest of our plans for 2008," said Harvey, Technical Coordinator and High Performance Liaison. "This is an exciting time as we prepare for the new season, and I'm looking forward to being a part of the new Thermal."

Facility refinements are not the only thing new at HITS Thermal. The 2008 HITS Desert Circuit now features eight weeks of shows with the addition of the new Desert Circuit Premiere, January 9-13, and the Desert Circuit Championship, March 11-16. The new Desert Circuit Championship will feature a full week of classes culminating on Sunday, March 16, with approximately 17 different championships. Highlighting Sunday's schedule, and the feature of the 2008 HITS Thermal season, will be the $200,000 Invitational Grand Prix. Plans are also being finalized for the 2008 Desert Circuit Special Event schedule, which includes weekly parties and great "after-ring" activities for exhibitors. The 2008 HITS Thermal Prize list is scheduled to mail by the end of October.

Those interested in attending the HITS Thermal Open House should RSVP by November 5 to [email protected].