(DuQuoin,IL) The picturesque Duquoin State Fairgrounds will come alive with the thrills of speed, as The ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards rolls into the Magic Mile for “The Southern Illinois 100”. Fans will be treated to this rare October event as the original Labor Day race had to be re-scheduled due to inclement weather.
The event is the second dirt track stop in the state, with the Springfield Mile race completed just a few weeks ago. ARCA president Ron Drager stated, ”The Illinois State Fair mile venues are vitally important to the character and identity of the series. It’s a conscious effort on our part to recognize the role non-paved tracks played in the development of our series, and the role dirt racing continues to play today”.
Consequently, the 60th running of the event co-insides with the 60th anniversary of the ARCA Series, which has toured over 200 race tracks in 26 states since it’s inception. The series has tested the abilities of drivers and race teams over the most diverse schedule of stock car racing events in the world. “The Southern Illinois 100” is a marquee event with a past driver’s list that includes the likes of A.J. Foyt, Tony Bettenhausen, and Mario Andretti.
On Sunday,October 14th, it’s the main event “Southern Illinois 100” for the ARCA Series stock cars. A tight points battle is shaping up there as well with Chris Buescher and nine time ARCA Series Champion, Frank Kimmel. Kimmel, fresh off a record eighth victory at the Springfield Mile dirt track, has closed within 15 points of Buscher for the championship points lead. Opening up for the days events on Sunday will be the radical UMP Open Wheel Modifieds for their feature around the Magic Mile. Last year’s winner, Ken Schrader is on the driver’s list and set to do battle in his familiar #9. Gate will open on Sunday in the pit area at 6am with the grandstand ticket office opening at 8:30am. Practice begins at 10 am. ARCA series stock cars will qualify at 12 noon, and the modified feature will begin at 1:15. “The Southern Illinois 100” ARCA event will see the green wave promptly at 2pm.
Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance for $20 at Track Enterprises (217)764-3200 or DuQuoin State Fair Ticket Office (618) 542-1535 or $25 on the day of the event. Children are $10. Pit Passes are $35 for each event. Don’t miss this exciting two day event at the Magic Mile Dirt Track at the DuQuion State Fairgrounds. For more information go to www.trackenterprises.com