Racing is making its presence known again in the Tri-State area

Written by Dylan L Ellis

As springtime makes itself known in our area, the weather is getting warmer, local high school softball and baseball are heating up, and racing is beginning to make its return in our region. Recently, in March, the Southern Illinois Center in Du Quoin hosted the 6th annual Shamrock Classic and the Midwest Winter Nationals. At the Shamrock Classic, Justin Grant took home his second Shamrock Classic victory. A week later at the Midwest Winter Nationals - In the Jr. Sprints, Brexton Busch and DRN DOTY winner Eli Holden battled it out the whole weekend. Eli did his best but it wasn't enough, and Brexton took home the title of MWN Jr Sprint Champion.

Brexton Busch and Eli Holden side-by-side on the track

Local Tracks starting their seasons and when

Southern Illinois Raceway in Marion, Illinois; even tracks in Missouri, more specifically, Doe Run Raceway in Doe Run, Missouri, are starting their seasons in the coming weeks. Southern Illinois Raceway starts its practice nights on April 9th and goes to the 16th – and their opening night is April 23rd. In Missouri, Doe Run Raceway recently started its season with the annual Small Tire Shootout which attracted drivers from multiple states and even Canada. In six weeks, the infamous Paducah International Raceway opens its doors for the first time since 2018. We have no new information available on PIR but will report on it soon.

Make sure to tune in to DirtRacingNews for all updates on racing in the Tri-State area.