Illinois State Fair race to run

Track Enterprises of Macon, Illinois has announced that the 10th annual Illinois Fall Nationals at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Illinois will go on as scheduled, Sunday, September 16th as a tribute to those injured or lost in the tragic events in New York and Washington this week.

NASCAR's Ken Schrader will appear as a special guest at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield in his Federated Auto Parts Late Model, competing in the UMP Late Model Division. Schrader is the only man to win in three different types of racing machines at the "World's Fastest One Mile Dirt Track" in Springfield (ARCA Stock Car, USAC Midget, UMP Modified) and last won a UMP Modified feature event there in June of 1998 when he led all 20 miles. Schrader joins a stellar field of late model pilots that is expected to include four-time winner Billy Moyer. A total of well over 100 race cars are expected to be in the pit area Sunday morning.

The staff at Track Enterprises would like to extend condolences, thoughts and prayers to the victims of the recent terrorist attacks. After much deliberation, the promoter agreed with the statements made by President Bush that "we must carry on, and get back to our normal lives as quickly as possible." Thus, the decision was made not to cave in to the will of the terrorists by postponing or cancelling the event, but instead holding the 10th annual Turbo Blue Fall Nationals as scheduled as a memorial to those affected by the attacks.

The UMP Late Model race pays $12,000 to the winner, and the UMP Modified feature winner will earn $2,000. Practice begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, with Late Model time trials at 11 and the first race slated for 1 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children and can be obtained by calling 217-764-3200 or at the Illinois State Fair Box Office.

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