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71st Macon Speedway Season Begins Saturday Night

A Full Six Division Show On The Docket

The 71st racing season at historic Macon (IL) Speedway is set to go green this coming Saturday, April 16.  Fans will be treated to season opening "Spring Fling" action in the Pro Late Models, the Billingsley Towing Modifieds, Street Stocks, Sportsman, B-Mod’s, and Hornets.

                2016 will mark the second full season in which the Pro Late Models will be a regular class at the bullring. Last year the class had solid car counts and great racing.  Many are looking forward to seeing what the class brings to the table again this year, as many drivers from the area are building rides to compete in the weekly division.  The Pro Late Model class is inviting to drivers, due to its more affordable cost to be competitive.  2015 saw Guy Taylor of Springfield, IL take the season championship. A large number of competitors are set to take their shot at the championship Saturday night.

The Billingsley Towing Modifieds are back for another exciting season at Macon.  One year ago, over 80 different Modified competitors graced the Macon oval with Germantown, IL driver, Rodney Standerfer claiming the 2015 crown.  The Billingsley Towing Modified class is a staple at the track, running 19 different times this season.

The Sportsman class, a part-time division, will get a chance to race more than once a month this year, and the first is this Saturday night.  Montiello, IL driver, Timmy Dick, claimed last year's UMP Sportsman championship by 38 points over Tim Beddinger.  This year, it will be all about making the most of every opportunity, with ten races scheduled throughout the season.

The Street Stock division should be action packed for the opener, as well.  Not only is it race #1 during a 21 race campaign for the track, but it is also the first chance to test for the Big Ten Series in the Street Stock division.  Four of the ten races will be held at Macon, with other events at Jacksonville, Lincoln, and Taylorville.  59 different Street Stock drivers were on track at Macon in 2015 and many of those will be back this Saturday for the opener.

The fifth division on the card Saturday Night will be the B-mod’s. This class is in its second full season and is another cost effective race car for competitors. 2015 had 41 different drivers find the historic bullring, with Thomas Riech being crowned the champion.

Rounding out Saturday's slate of racing will be the Hornet class.  Last year, the Hornets had nearly 60 competitors race at one point or another. Last year John Bright Jr. of Decatur, IL found the winners circle and the championship at the end of the season.

In addition to the thrilling racing action, Macon Speedway's opener will have a Driver-Sponsor Appreciation Photo & Autograph Session where we will invite the fans onto the track to meet and greet with their favorite drivers. Also the CEFCU Kid's Club will be in full force with a bounce house and fun stuff for the young ones.

Pit gates open Saturday afternoon at 4:00, with grandstands at 5:00, and racing action takes the green at 7:00.  Adult admission is $12, while children 11 and under get in free.  Pit admission is $30 for adults and $15 for children.

For more information, follow Macon Speedway online at www.maconracing.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/maconracing) and Twitter (@maconspeedway). It’s easy to join the Macon Speedway text service. Fans can text MSFANS to 74574 to receive fan information. Drivers text MSDRIVERS to 74574 to receive driver information. Message and date rates apply. Updates are also available by calling Macon Speedway at 217-764-3000.

Macon Speedway is located nine miles south of Decatur on U.S. 51, then 0.6 miles west on Andrews Street and south to 205 N. Wiles. Macon Speedway hosts racing every Saturday night, plus many weeknight specials.

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