Flag drops Saturday as season kicks off at Fairbury Speedway
In its 77th year of operation, Fairbury Speedway will open Saturday night as promoter, track and series owner Matt Curl will welcome the MARS Late Model Series.
Fans can expect to see many of the top regional and area drivers headed by defending series champion Ryan Unzicker of El Paso. The 40-lap feature race, sponsored by Varsitee Screen Printing and Aftershock Decal and Design, will offer the winner a check for $5,000.
Not to be outdone, the modified division will usher in its own new touring series, the MARS Modified Series. Drivers from across Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and beyond the midwest have indicated their intentions to follow the series, looking to become the inaugural champion.
On tap at “America’s Dirt Track” this weekend, drivers will look to capture the $2,000-to-win, 30-lap contest. Sportsman and stock cars will also be racing on this night. Gates will open at 2 p.m. with hot laps and time trials starting at 5:50, and racing at 7.
Friday night racing will take place at the Farmer City Raceway and Kankakee County Speedway. Grundy County Speedway will open its season with a rare Saturday night special and the ⅕-mile “Mighty” Macon Speedway will be in action.
Late model racer Glen Thompson of Buckingham unexpectedly passed away on April 21 at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee.
Racing for 13 years, Thompson was a popular figure with his fellow racers and fans alike. Driving his #14 Thompson Auto Wreckers entry, Thompson finished 10th in the 2022 track points at Fairbury. Although never claiming a feature win, Thompson was noted for his willingness to help anyone in need. A humble man, Thompson garnered the sportsmanship award at Kankakee in 2011 and Fairbury in 2021.
Thompson is survived by his wife Katalin, daughter Grace, son Tucker, his mother Myrna, brother Greg, and sister Ginger.
This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Flag drops Saturday as season kicks off at Fairbury Speedway
