It’s been five years since the open wheel UMP Modified Stock Cars raced on the Illinois State Fair oval and excitement looms as the area short track machines return to the World’s Fastest One Mile dirt track August 20 for the first running of the Illini Dash. The Illini Dash is the second leg of the Modified Mile Triple Crown and the first ever appearance of the modified machines during the running of the Illinois State Fair.
NASCAR’s Ken Schrader dominated the Indyana Classic at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in May yet is not expected to compete at Springfield. This could open the door for several area drivers to capture a coveted mile dirt track win including Taylorville’s Curt Rhodes who won the 2005 Illinois Fall Nationals modified feature at Springfield. Other local stars who are possible IlIini Dash entrants include Humboldt’s Steve Adams, Palestine’s Jesse Snyder, Robinson’s Brian Shaw plus Shelby Miles and Joey Kramer of Indiana.
The inaugural llIini Dash takes the track Saturday afternoon August 20. Race time is approximately 12 noon in between qualifications for the USAC Silver Crown Series and the 50th Tony Bettenhausen 100