The state of Illinois currently is regarded as one of the most active for motorsports in the United States. The Illinois Motorsports Coalition (IMC), represents leading industry professionals at more than 50 venues, product manufacturers, parts distributors, and more than 1 million individual enthusiasts who are constituents of the state of Illinois. These events include road racing, oval tracks, drag racing venues, tractor pulls, and a variety of other forms of outdoor recreation. Our venues are not only outdoor and primarily located in rural/agricultural areas, but they cover large footprints of open space. The smallest racing venues in our state still are larger than other outdoor sporting venues. Our businesses are perfect for functional cells and compartmentalized fan groupings. The average ¼-mile short track occupies more real estate than a football, soccer, or baseball facility. The average drag racing or road racing venue occupies more real estate than the combined footprint of the state’s largest football, soccer, and baseball facilities combined. Our venues are working with the leading motorsports sanctioning bodies including the World Racing Group (WRG), National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), and others to develop industry standards to safely open our venues in gradual steps while protecting our participants, employees, and attendees from risk. The same safety standards that were developed by track operators here in Illinois have been adopted by several other states and are being implemented in a safe and effective manner.

While motorsports venues in the state of Illinois remain shuttered with no definitive date for reopening, we helplessly are watching as our participants and fans are looking to other states for options. Since May 1, we’ve watched our racers and fans take to the interstates to race in Oklahoma, Missouri, South Carolina, and Alabama...

IMC Proposed Reopening Steps

In an announcement by track owner Matt Curl via Facebook Live Thursday night, the Fairbury Speedway will put its season on hold until further notice as a result of continued restrictions put in place via Governor J.B. Pritzker prohibiting large gatherings in the state of Illinois due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are confident that we will resume racing this summer at some point, but the million-dollar question is ‘when’”, said Curl.  The original 2020 race schedule that was published during PRI has been removed and an updated schedule will be released as soon as possible. 

Fans having reserved tickets and camping for the May 9^th FALS Spring Showcase should hold on to their reservations as FALS will be rescheduling the event for later in the year.  A reminder to all fans that have or will be purchasing reserved seating and camping in the future, you will receive a complete refund or be allowed to credit your account for the 2020 reservations if a race is canceled. 

The safety of our employees, drivers, and fans remain a priority and we will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with federal, state, local, and public health officials, along with information based on the recommendations of the CDC to make the best decisions in regards to a return to racing.

We will continue to provide updates regarding any possible changes regarding racing, season ticket information, and more via our website along with our various social media outlets via Facebook and Twitter.

Take care, be safe, God Bless.

Matt Curl
Owner / Promoter – Fairbury Speedway