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Dirt track racing's big names headed to Macon Speedway for St. Louis U-Pic-A-Part 100

MACON, Ill. – So you‘d like to see a Hall of Fame late model lineup someday. The best way to do it is buying a ticket to the St. Louis U-Pic-A-Part 100 Thursday in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series’ first appearance at mighty Macon Speedway.

You want big names? Here’s a few for you. Jimmy Owens, Scott Bloomquist, points leader Don O’Neal, Earl Pearson, Eddie Carrier, Steve Francis, John Blankenship, Chatham’s Brian Shirley and Jared Landers. That’s nine of the top 10 in Lucas Oil points standings who will apparently be making the trip to the legendary fifth-mile high-banked oval. And there’s talk Billy Moyer will be here.

Let’s not stop there, because Central Illinois has a full squadron of talented drivers ready to defend the home turf. Shannon Babb lives just down the road, a few cornfields from here. Brandon Sheppard, Kevin Weaver, Bobby Pierce, Jason Feger, Ryan Unzicker are guys who won’t have to travel far to race here. Frank Heckenast Jr., Dennis Erb Jr., and Randy Korte are Illinois racers who want to snag the money and the bragging rights for the victory in the first Lucas Oil race ever held at Macon Speedway.

Need more names. Big Ten Series late model champ Steve Sheppard Jr. knows his way around the track. Ryan Little, Brian Dively, Jake Little, Matt Taylor, Roger Brickler, John Beck, Joseph Hughes, Jeff Beyers and Greg Kimmons are local stars who spend plenty of time at Macon Speedway each summer.

They’re heading here because the St. Louis U-Pic-A-Part 100 is the richest race in the history of Macon Speedway. It pays $12,000 to win and $1,000 to the feature. They also know all about the tradition of legendary Macon Speedway. Tickets are $30 for adults, and children 11 and under are $5. Gates open at 4 p.m. Racing starts at 7.

The cozy speedway located has been planning on this one for months. There’s a fresh coat of paint nearly everywhere, including the concrete wall. The concessions stands are filled with thousands of hambuger patties, ribeye steaks, snacks and smoked turkey legs. A semi-trailer of beer pulled into the parking lot Wednesday.

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. Macon Speedway hosts racing every Saturday night, plus many weeknight specials. For more information, follow Macon Speedway at (www.maconracing.com), 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 data rates may apply.

 

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