(Macon, IL) One of the most exciting races on the Summer Nationals tour will be held at the “world’s fastest 1/5 mile dirt track” – Macon Speedway – this Thursday night, July 11st. The Herald & Review 100 is an annual event that draws the top names from around the region to compete for the winner’s share of one of the season’s largest purses. Owner of Macon Speedway, Bob Sargent, believes this Thursday’s running of the Herald & Review 100 will provide fans with some of the best action ever seen at the historic facility.
This event will mark stop 24 in the 30-date Summer Nationals Late Model “The Hell Tour”. The Summer Nationals tour pays over three-quarters of a million dollars in prize money with Thursday night’s winner taking home $5000 for their win. The UMP Summer Nationals tour has quickly become one of the most anticipated dirt Late Model tours in the nation that attracts talented drivers like Dennis Erb, Randy Korte, Brandon Sheppard, Brian Shirley, Kevin Weaver, Billy Moyer and Shannon Babb. The leader of the Summer Nationals tour as of June 30, 2013 is Brandon Sheppard of New Berlin, IL. Last year’s winner of the Macon Speedway Summer Nationals was Brian Shirley of Chatham, IL.
The Herald & Review 100 came about as a sponsor was needed for a big race that was to become a summertime staple at Macon Speedway. Local promoter and previous track owner Wayne Webb succeeded in convincing the Herald & Review newspaper to put up part of the money to sponsor the race. The first incarnation of the race saw a record crowd attend to watch local favorite Butch Garner take the first checkered flag. To date Bob Pierce of Oakwood, IL and Kevin Weaver of Gibson City, IL are only 4-time winners of this race. Only one father-son pair have won the race, that being Dick (1988) and Matt (2000) Taylor of Springfield, IL. Macon Speedway’s second generation drivers (drivers whose fathers have raced there) have won the race 4 times. Joe Ross Jr. (twice), Matt Taylor, and Shannon Babb are on that list.
The 2013 DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals will also be racing that night including the Billingsley Towing Modifieds – all running for the $1,000 first place prize. NASCAR star and Macon Speedway co-owner Kenny Wallace will also be racing in the series. Jeff Curl of Forrest, IL is in the lead of the point standings as of July 3. Ray Bollinger is one point behind with Kenny Wallace in third place in the series.
Thursday night will be a big night of racing with a lot of excitement for both Late Model and Modified racing fans.
Adult tickets will cost $25 and children 11 & under are $5. Pit gates open at 4 pm; grandstands open at 5pm with the racing action starting at 7 pm.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
The Herald & Review 100 is just one of many races still on the action packed July schedule. On July 13 join us for Christmas in July – Christmas for Kids Toy Drive presented by Miles Chevrolet. Saturday, July 20 will be Kid’s Castle Night with the makeup for the 95Q Firecracker 40’s and FIREWORKS!
Macon Speedway is located 9 miles south of Decatur, IL on US 51 then .6 miles west on Andrews Street, then south on Wiles. For more information, call 217-764-3000(track), 217-764-3220(information hotline), or contact us via email at track@trackenterprises.com. Also visit www.maconracing.com or www.trackenterprises.com.