By Brian Thompson
BELLEVILLE, IL: A St. Clair County Fair tradition continues Wednesday August 11th when midget auto racing comes to the Belle-Clair Speedway for the Arnie Knepper Memorial Race.
The auto racing program is sanctioned by the Midwest Auto Racing Association (M.A.R.A) and a strong field of drivers is expected with cars and drivers from several states competing in the Arnie Knepper Memorial including Steve Knepper, Joey Montgomery, Mike Hess, Tim Siner and Justin Allgaier. The race honors the legendary midget and Indy car driver who was a resident of Belleville.
In addition to the midgets, a full program of micro sprint racing is on the card.
A special bonus for the kids has been offered by Stein Automotive, Loyet Landscape Maintenance, and Johnston Towing. Three hundred dollars in quarters will be spread out on the track for the youngsters to chase after during intermission.
The 50/50 drawing on the 11th will go to benefit Quinn McCabe, who was injured during midget competition in 2003. Nextel Cup driver Ken Schrader has donated two autographed limited edition 1:24 scale replica cars and two autographed Ken Schrader racing t-shirts. The promoters of the Gateway Open Wheel Racing Series and many drivers have put up t-shirts as bonus prizes to those who buy a ticket to help Quinn.
Wednesday night's fair fair race program will consist of heat, consolation, and feature events for both divisions. The midget feature winner will be awarded $1000. The micro sprint winner receives $500.
Spectator gates open at 5:30. Hot laps begin at 6:30. The first heat is scheduled for 7:00.
Grandstand admission is just $12. Children 10 and under are admitted free of charge. Pit passes are $25.
For more information, contact race promoters Kenny Brown at 618-476-7526 or Brian Thompson at 618-473-9512. Or visit the official website of the Gateway Open Wheel Racing Series at www.gwowr.com
BELLEVILLE, IL: A St. Clair County Fair tradition continues Wednesday August 11th when midget auto racing comes to the Belle-Clair Speedway for the Arnie Knepper Memorial Race.
The auto racing program is sanctioned by the Midwest Auto Racing Association (M.A.R.A) and a strong field of drivers is expected with cars and drivers from several states competing in the Arnie Knepper Memorial including Steve Knepper, Joey Montgomery, Mike Hess, Tim Siner and Justin Allgaier. The race honors the legendary midget and Indy car driver who was a resident of Belleville.
In addition to the midgets, a full program of micro sprint racing is on the card.
A special bonus for the kids has been offered by Stein Automotive, Loyet Landscape Maintenance, and Johnston Towing. Three hundred dollars in quarters will be spread out on the track for the youngsters to chase after during intermission.
The 50/50 drawing on the 11th will go to benefit Quinn McCabe, who was injured during midget competition in 2003. Nextel Cup driver Ken Schrader has donated two autographed limited edition 1:24 scale replica cars and two autographed Ken Schrader racing t-shirts. The promoters of the Gateway Open Wheel Racing Series and many drivers have put up t-shirts as bonus prizes to those who buy a ticket to help Quinn.
Wednesday night's fair fair race program will consist of heat, consolation, and feature events for both divisions. The midget feature winner will be awarded $1000. The micro sprint winner receives $500.
Spectator gates open at 5:30. Hot laps begin at 6:30. The first heat is scheduled for 7:00.
Grandstand admission is just $12. Children 10 and under are admitted free of charge. Pit passes are $25.
For more information, contact race promoters Kenny Brown at 618-476-7526 or Brian Thompson at 618-473-9512. Or visit the official website of the Gateway Open Wheel Racing Series at www.gwowr.com
