Top 5 Illinois tracks

[Mister Ricochet]

I haven't seen enough of it but wonder what folks who have been think about the 1/4 Highland? ........... Before it closed Bureau County Speedway's 3/8ths, and a true D shaped track, was interesting. That turn 4 wall was like the Bermuda Triangle and sucked cars right into it.

[Pennsboro32]

Because there are only 5 slots. Lincoln is, IMO, vastly underrated. It's very similar to Fairbury. These 5 tracks are consistently prepped very well and put on great races. Admittedly, I've only made it to Fayette County once, so maybe it's better than I think it is. There's just too much quality in Illinois to fit in a top 5 list. Farmer City would probably slot in 6th.

Fair enough, good info.

[Mister Ricochet]

Macon to me is gimmicky. Not a fan of 22 cars crammed into a 1/5th but the facility is really cool and you're literally on top of the action. The sun is absolutely brutal until it goes down and the place is painted the same color red as that Clint Eastwood movie where he makes the towns folk paint the whole town red.

[Dlmfan123]

Never been to IL, but Jacksonville is always a track I get exited to watch. Whether it's winged sprints midgets or late models.

[cgrace]

IMO -- Macon - always prepped well, always two or three wide for the feature, Jacksonville, Fairbury -- is hit or miss -- people love it because of the outstanding promotion and fun at the track, Farmer hit or miss as well, but getting better all the time. Spoon when it is prepped right. Peoria can be very racey as well. LaSalle used to be in the top five, when prepped correctly. Lincoln can be very good as well. In reality, I've seen great racing on nearly every track in Illinois when the conditions are right. Kudos for all the track prep guys who work hard at it.

[kazual]

Haven’t been to all but of the ones I’ve watched more than one race at and in order; Fairbury, Spoon, Farmer City, Belleville, Jacksonville. Honorable mention to East Moline (may catch flack for that one) and Peoria (inconsistent though). Number of years since been to F.C., seeing some rain being thrown on its parade. Like Highland, but sometimes the best show was in the stands.

[chathamracefan]

Illinois goes probably 8 deep before you hit a track that is not at least pretty good most of the time. I've seen good to great racing at all the below on a pretty consistent basis:
FALS, Macon, Lincoln, Jacksonville, Spoon River, Tri City, Belle Clair, Farmer City. FALS is the best, but others in no particular order. Only been to LaSalle a couple times. It was pretty good as well. Same for Peoria.

Also, special mention for the indoor venue at DuQuoin for the USAC midgets. It is a thrill show twice a year.

[CIRF]

I regret having Little Belleville slip my mind. First rate facility, very well managed and organized and the racing is superb. Little Belleville could easily be in anyone's top 5.

If I was to come up with a pick of my personal opinion as to the best racetrack in Illinois, when quality of promoter and organization, facility, track prep and quality of racing are the deciding factors, the place that first comes to mind is Jacksonville.

Have attended late model events at both Highland and East Moline but only a couple times each so I really can't rate those places with any accuracy of experience. We enjoyed our visits to both but it's tough to see the big picture having attended a track that sparingly.

[Pennsboro32]

If a man were to move to Illinois to hunt trophy white tail deer and watch racing, which track or tracks would he live near? I know Fairbury did not look like good white tail deer country.

[CIRF]

Also, special mention for the indoor venue at DuQuoin for the USAC midgets. It is a thrill show twice a year.

Anyone who's ever attended a show at the Mini Magic Mile in the Southern Illinois Center will agree with you, crf! Some of the best racing you'll see all year!

Unfortunately it used to be a twice a year happening. When the guy who runs the dome deal made the move to include the invitational midget events and then schedule squarely against the mid-December Junior Knepper 55 that was traditionally run at Du Quoin it immediately killed the Knepper 55. I was told by one of the top USAC officials at PRI that was the exact reason the Knepper family did away with the Knepper 55.

Luckily Lauren Stewart still promotes the Shamrock Classic in mid-March at Du Quoin without having it stepped on by another event.

[LM1M]

Is the secret to the great racing in IL due to the dirt that retains moisture so well?

[CIRF]

If a man were to move to Illinois to hunt trophy white tail deer and watch racing, which track or tracks would he live near? I know Fairbury did not look like good white tail deer country.

Pennsboro, I live well within an hour of Fairbury and you wouldn't have to go far from the track to find prime deer hunting land. In fact, just a few miles north of town on a county road there is an area that is famous for deer hits. They're thick in that particular area.

[Mister Ricochet]

Is the secret to the great racing in IL due to the dirt that retains moisture so well?

Great question not only for IL tracks but which dirt/clay is best for dirt racing, why and here does it come from. Hope some of the sharp ones weigh in.

[Pennsboro32]

Pennsboro, I live well within an hour of Fairbury and you wouldn't have to go far from the track to find prime deer hunting land. In fact, just a few miles north of town on a county road there is an area that is famous for deer hits. They're thick in that particular area.

Thanks for the info.

[Mister Ricochet]

I regret having Little Belleville slip my mind. First rate facility, very well managed and organized and the racing is superb. Little Belleville could easily be in anyone's top 5.

.

20 yrs ago when I was exposed to dirt racing I met a guy at Kankakee who taught me a lot about the sport. He'd drive every week from Kankakee down to Belleville. He said simply there is a no better local show in the state. So much so he drove a few hundred miles every weekend to see it.