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Sportsman part of Spring Fling season opener at Macon Speedway

             MACON, Ill. – The Sportsman class might not be running every weekend this year at Macon Speedway, but the class still plays a big role at the state’s fastest fifth-mile high banked oval. Part dirt stock car and part late model, these high powered machines will run during the Spring Fling opener Saturday as Macon Speedway opens for its 70th season.

Sportsman are a huge part of the Macon Speedway tradition.

Sportsman drivers look forward to the Topless 40 race on July 11 and the Sportsman Nationals at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in August. The Sportsman class is a part-time division at the legendary speedway, running about once a month. Nick Macklin, of Argenta, won last year’s UMP Sportsman division by 46 points over Doug Nevill. This year, drivers will get up on the wheel to take advantage of limited dates in 2015.

Sportsman are just a part of the season opener at the famed speedway. Pro Late Models head into the season as a regular class. After running for the first time last season at Macon Speedway during a two-night points fund that included a stop at Lincoln (Ill.) Speedway, the Pro Late Models is a growing class because of its affordability and exciting racing.

Billingsley Towing Modifieds, Big Ten Series Street Stocks and Hornets will also race in the season opener. After a long winter of building race cars and preparing for the spring thaw that brings warm weather and racing back to the Midwestern dirt tracks, Macon Speedway’s loyal drivers, teams and fans have anxiously awaited the drop of the green flag.

In addition to the thrilling racing action, Macon Speedway’s opener will have a Driver-Sponsor Appreciation Photo & Autograph Session and a CEFCU Kid’s Club night. Pit gates open at 4 p.m. Saturday with grandstands open at 5. Racing starts at 7.

For more information, follow Macon Speedway online (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 all fan info. Drivers can text MSDRIVERS to 74574 to get driver updates. Message and data rates may 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.

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