MACON, Ill. – A rainout might have delayed the start of racing at Macon Speedway, but the legendary track will get up to speed quickly by hosting Midwest Big Ten Series late models Saturday. The fifth-mile banked dirt oval hosts racing for the 69th season and extends its long-standing tradition as a hotbed of late model action.
The Big Ten Series attracts some of the Midwest’s best late model drivers and powerful machinery, and the tour competes at four tracks in a 10-event run through the season. The series features a $5,000 prize fund. The late model loyalty promotion includes larger payouts to the feature winner. At the end of the 10-race series, driver points accumulated during the series will determine champion, who takes home $2,000. The payouts continue through the top 10.
Last season, Steve Sheppard Jr., of New Berlin, won the series title, ahead of Brian Dively (Springfield), Matt Taylor (Springfield), Greg Kimmons (Pleasant Plains) and John Beck (Springfield).
“Macon Speedway is known as a hotbed for talented late model drivers who like to compete and showcase their skills before a big, excited crowd,’’ Macon Speedway co-owner Bob Sargent said. “We can’t wait to get the racing season underway at our historic track. It’s going to be a big night.’’
Macon Speedway’s season opener also includes the unveiling of the B-mod class, a division designed to create fun, exciting racing on an economical basis. The drivers are already excited about the future of the B-mods, which will race six times at Macon Speedway with the hope of adding additional nights this season. Rules concerning tires, suspension, engine and fuel will be strictly enforced to empower the B-mod class’ growth. Area promoters expect the class to grow over the next few seasons.
Billingsley Towing Modifieds, street stocks, sportsman, outlaw hornets and stock hornets will also race. Pits open at 4 p.m., gates open at 5 and racing starts at 7.
Macon Speedway added a text service to its social media lineup. It’s simple to sign up and easy to use. Here’s how it works. Fans should text MSFANS to 74574 to receive fan information. Drivers should text MSDRIVERS to 74574 to receive driver information. Message and data rates may apply.
Macon Speedway is one of the Midwest’s most famous dirt racing facilities. Co-owned by Bob Sargent and NASCAR stars Tony Stewart, Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace, the track is a fan favorite for the layout that creates plenty of wheel-to-wheel action. Macon Speedway is located nine miles south of Decatur on U.S. 51, then 0.6 miles west on Andrews Street, then south to 205 N. Wiles.
For more information, follow Macon Speedway at (www.maconracing.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com/maconracing) and Twitter (@maconspeedway.