Macon Speedway, Lincoln Speedway, and Big Ten Champions Honored This Past Weekend
(Decatur, IL) Drivers, teams, officials, and fans converged in Central Illinois this past weekend for the 2018 Champion Awards Banquet at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel in Decatur, IL. Top finishers from the previous season were awarded trophies and checks for the success that they had at Macon Speedway, Lincoln Speedway, and the Midwest Big Ten Series. A large turnout was on hand, the food was great, and a good time was had as it was the first time the two tracks had a combined banquet.
Taking home the most hardware was Springfield, IL driver, Guy Taylor. The second generation driving veteran took top honors in the Pro Late Model division for the Big Ten Series, Macon Speedway, and Lincoln Speedway. Taylor had one win and five top fives at Lincoln to go along with two Big Ten wins and six Macon victories.
Another driver that made a lot of trips on stage was Carlinville, IL’s Cody Maguire. Maguire, who had a career year, was sixth at Lincoln and third at Macon as well as the Big Ten Series in Pro Late Model competition. To top things off, Maguire finished fourth in the Big Ten Super Late Models.
Other Lincoln Speedway champions were Decatur, IL’s Jeremy Reed, who also won the Hornet national championship, Andy Baugh, of Mason City, IL who took top honors in the Nutech Seed DII Midget class, and Brian Lynn, of Mason City, who squeaked past his son, Austin, on the last night to take the Modified title.
At Macon Speedway, Springfield, IL’s Mike Eskew took the Hornet championship, garnering two feature wins. The tightest point race of the year had Tim Bedinger of Taylorville, IL and Scott Williams of LeRoy, IL end in a tie, however, the tie-breaker went in Bedinger’s favor and the veteran took the trophy. Cody Stilwell, of Godfrey, IL, won the B-Mod championship, while New Berlin, IL’s Tommy Sheppard claimed the BillingsleyRewards.com Modified title.  Boody, IL’s Shawn Ziemer claimed the Macon Speedway Street Stock championship.
In addition to Taylor’s Big Ten Pro Late Model championship, two other series titles were awarded. In the Midwest Big Ten Street Stocks, Lovington, IL’s Jeremy Nichols continued to remain nearly unbeaten, winning seven features in nine starts and the championship. Rounding things out, New Berlin, IL’s Jose Parga claimed the Super Late Model championship with four top fives in seven starts.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious dinner that included salad, roast beef, fried chicken, potatoes, green beans and dessert. A large number of door prizes were given out as well as plenty of contingency awards for the loyal drivers.
Up next will be the 2019 racecar show at the Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth, IL. Several openings remain for those who would like to display their cars, at no cost. The cars will be on display Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17. To enter your car, contact race officials via facebook or by calling 217-764-3200.