Belleville, IL: A St. Clair County Fair tradition continues Wednesday, August 10th when midget auto racing comes to the Belle-Clair Speedway for the 14th Annual Arnie Knepper Memorial Race presented by Fred Bach Auto Body. The track, located on the fairgrounds property, generally draws its largest open wheel crowd of the year for this event.
Put twenty of these race machines on the track at the same time and you'll see why watching a midget race is the ultimate county fair experience. In fact, midgets have been racing every year at Belle-Clair since 1948!
Midgets have been used as stepping stone division in the career paths of many professional race drivers such as Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Mike Bliss and J.J Yeley. In fact, Stewart and Yeley both competed at this very race early in their careers. By purchasing a ticket Wednesday night, you could be watching a future, rising star in the making!
The auto racing program is sanctioned by Gateway Racing Incorporated (G.R.I.) and a strong field is expected with cars and drivers from at least five states competing in the Arnie Knepper Memorial. 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 action packed 600cc micro sprint racing is on the card.
Wednesday night's fair race program will consist of heat, consolation and feature event races for both divisions. Substantial prize money is up for grabs. The midget feature winner will be awarded $1000. The micro sprint winner receives $500.
Spectator gates on Wednesday, August 10th open at 5:00. Hot laps begin at 6:30. The first heat is scheduled for 7:00.
Grandstand admission is just $12. Children under twelve will be admitted free of charge. Pit passes, which allow access to the cars, drivers and crews, are $25.
For more information, contact Brian Thompson at 618-473-9512 or Belle-Clair Speedway at 618-233-0052. Or visit the official web-site of B&B Promotions at: www.gwowr.com.
Put twenty of these race machines on the track at the same time and you'll see why watching a midget race is the ultimate county fair experience. In fact, midgets have been racing every year at Belle-Clair since 1948!
Midgets have been used as stepping stone division in the career paths of many professional race drivers such as Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman, Mike Bliss and J.J Yeley. In fact, Stewart and Yeley both competed at this very race early in their careers. By purchasing a ticket Wednesday night, you could be watching a future, rising star in the making!
The auto racing program is sanctioned by Gateway Racing Incorporated (G.R.I.) and a strong field is expected with cars and drivers from at least five states competing in the Arnie Knepper Memorial. 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 action packed 600cc micro sprint racing is on the card.
Wednesday night's fair race program will consist of heat, consolation and feature event races for both divisions. Substantial prize money is up for grabs. The midget feature winner will be awarded $1000. The micro sprint winner receives $500.
Spectator gates on Wednesday, August 10th open at 5:00. Hot laps begin at 6:30. The first heat is scheduled for 7:00.
Grandstand admission is just $12. Children under twelve will be admitted free of charge. Pit passes, which allow access to the cars, drivers and crews, are $25.
For more information, contact Brian Thompson at 618-473-9512 or Belle-Clair Speedway at 618-233-0052. Or visit the official web-site of B&B Promotions at: www.gwowr.com.
