GUTHRIE, Okla. – Officials at the Lazy E Arena know team roping and production, and they’re putting it together for the inaugural Red Dirt Classic, set for Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 21, at the Lazy E.

“In the enormous industry that makes up big-time roping events, we felt like we could produce a top-tier USTRC roping,” said Robert Simpson, director of events at the Lazy E. “This production should be top notch, and the prizes will be second to none.

“We want to make this one event into one of the top team roping events in the country.”

The Lazy E is home to make of the top Western events in the United States, including the Timed Event Championship of the World and the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping.

Action begins at 10 a.m. Friday, with books opening at 8:30 a.m. It will feature USTRC-affiliate ropings for classes No. 9-11 (with 40 & Over Inc.). They will feature three full rounds. The short rounds for those classes kick start Saturday’s massive roping schedule, which begins at 8 a.m. Other events are No. 12 (with a No. 11 Inc.), Gold Plus No. 12 (with a No. 10 Inc.), No. 11 (with a No. 10 Inc.) and No. 10 (with a No. 9 Inc.). Sunday’s roping begins at 8 a.m. and will feature Gold Plus No. 10 (with No. 9 Inc.), No. 9 (with a No. 8 Inc.) and No. 8 Pick/Draw for beginner and novice ropers only.

“Our plan is to expand this into a four-event series of USTRC events, so we’re looking to build on this experience and be ready for 2014,” Simpson said.