2010fairbury

Fairbury,Ill. (9/3-4/10) Fairbury’s American Legion Speedway concluded the 2010 race season with the 21^st annual Prairie Dirt Classic on Saturday night. Friday night the 2 time UMP track of the year took a gamble that paid off with the first ever Prairie Dirt Shoot Out. Both nights’ drivers had a well prepared track to race and fans were treated to some of the best racing of the year.

Friday night began with the UMP Late Model drivers competing for a $5000 to win prize. Brady Smith got the jump on pole sitter Jason Feger at the start of the 40 lap feature, with Brian Shirley and Feger trailing. On the 12^th lap, race leader Smith got loose in turn 4, moving Shirley into the lead over Feger and Smith. Just before the halfway mark, 10^th starting Jack Sullivan moved to the 3^rd spot, dropping Smith to 4^th. On lap 21, Feger used the top groove to make a run at Shirley, but Shirley held on. Feger tried the top and bottom of the track and on the 23^rd lap made the pass for the lead. With 5 laps to go, the race leaders began working lapped traffic. Caution came out on lap 37 for a mishap between Greg Johnson and Richie Hedrick. Feger was behind the cars and had damage to his car, resulting in a tire that began to loose air. After the caution, Feger maintained his lead with Shirley and Sullivan on his bumper. At the white flag lap, Feger jumped the cushion in turn one, allowing Shirley and Sullivan to shoot by. Shirley was able to hold off Sullivan by a half car length for the win. Feger, Shannon Babb, Billy Moyer, Smith, Dennis Erb Jr., Wendell Wallace, Bret Sievert, and Scott James completed the top 10. Frank Heckenast Jr. was fast qualifier for the night. Heat race winners were Rodney Melvin, Feger, Smith, and Sievert. Greg Johnson and Jr. Shickel won the semi features.

The UMP Modified drivers ran a 30 lap, $1750 to win special. The added money and drivers chasing UMP national points drew 17 of the top 100 drivers in the UMP point standings. Mike Harrison made his first ever appearance to Fairbury a successful one has he dominated the feature race. Harrison vaulted into the lead with Jeff Leka in second. In the early laps of the race, Leka was able to pull along side Harrison several times, but Harrison was able to hold Leka off. By the 10^th circuit, Harrison had a 10 car length lead, with Leka, Gabe Menser, and Denny Schwartz following. With 10 laps remaining, Harrison had a commanding lead with Leka and Menser trailing. The battle for 4^th was intense, Kevin Weaver, McKay Wenger, Denny Schwartz, and Clint DeMoss went door handle to door handle, before Weaver was able to claim the spot. At the checkered flag, Harrison came out on top over Leka, Menser, Weaver, DeMoss, Schwartz, Wenger, Gary Cook Jr., Nick Neville, and Jeff Curl. Leka set fast time and won the first heat, while Harrison, Curl, and Menser claimed the other heat wins. Chevy Miller and Josh Ferguson won the semi features.

The Illinois Vintage Racing Series returned by popular demand for the “Marland Riblett Memorial”. 1987 track champion in the late model class, Bill Knippenburg Sr. took the lead on the second lap and held off a late race challenge from T.J. Markham for the win. John Provenzano, Bill Stevenson, and Nick Clubb were the top 5 in the 15 lap race.

Saturday could not get here soon enough for the fans that witnessed the outstanding show on Friday. In the 60 lap, $10,000 to win UMP Late Model feature event, pole sitter Billy Moyer took the lead at the start and set a torrid pace with Jason Feger, Kevin Weaver, Brian Shirley, and Dennis Erb Jr. following. Moyer got into the slower cars by lap 8, allowing Feger to close up. On lap 14, Feger had a right rear tire go flat, bringing him into the pit area for a tire change. After the caution, Erb got by Shirley and was soon challenging Weaver for second. Weaver and Erb ran side by side for 8 laps, before Erb who was having success on the bottom got by. Erb moved up to challenge Moyer and the two former PDC winners went door handle to door handle, before Erb moved to the front of the pack. By the half way mark, Erb had a 5 car length lead over Moyer, Weaver, Shirley, and Rodney Melvin. Shirley moved around Weaver for third on lap 35 and soon was racing Moyer for Second. AS Erb was working lapped cars, he was able to put some distance between himself and the rest of the field. After a lengthy lap 46 caution for Frank Heckenast Jr.,who hit the front stretch wall, Moyer ,who could not get his car to work on the bottom, went to the top and got the lead from Erb. Two late race caution gave Erb a chance to reclaim the lead, but Erb’s tire gave away and Moyer was able to pull away for his 5^th career PDC trophy. Erb Jr., Shirley, Shannon Babb, Weaver, Wendell Wallace, Melvin, Brady Smith, Mike Provenzano, and Eric Smith took the top 10 positions. Billy Moyer was fast qualifier, while Moyer, Richie Hedrick, Feger, Weaver, and Erb won heat races. Provenzano, Babb, and Eric Smith won the semi features.

The only thing different about the 30 lap UMP Modified race was the first place money, that paid $2000 to the race winner. Mike Harrison again took the lead from pole sitter Jeff Leka and pulled away to the end and won for the race in convincing fashion. Clint DeMoss held off Kevin Weaver for second, Leka faded to 4^th, Jim Farris, Mike Spatola, Nick Neville, Lance Dehm, McKay Wenger and Jeb Friedman completed the top 10. Leka was fast qualifier, while heat race winners were Leka, Harrison, DeMoss, Neville, and Jeff Curl. Friedman, Don Kiger, and Kevin Hastings won the semi features.

Jeff Semmens survived a late race bid from Rick Thomas to pick up his 4^th UMP Street Stock win of the year. Thomas was able to pull along side of Semmens in the closing laps, but Semmens prevailed in the end. Thomas, current national point leader Joel Funk, Eric Gaus, Rick Skelton, Darrin Kohler, Mike McKinney, Cody Clubb, Cody Gibson, and Chris Prince took the top ten spots. Andrew Funk and Semmens won heat races, as Fairbury concluded the 2010 race program.

Fairbury Speedway $5,000 to win LM, $1,750 to win MO Sep 3; $10,000 to win LM, $2,000 to win MO Sep 4

A big weekend of racing is coming up on September 3rd and 4th as the Fairbury American Legion Speedway concludes their 2010 season. Starting on Friday, September 3rd, FALS will host the Prairie Dirt Shootout sponsored by Livingston Stone Company and Schahrer Trucking Inc. paying $5,000 to win for the UMP Late Models and $1,750 to win for the UMP Modifieds. Then on Saturday, September 4th, it's the 21st Annual Prairie Dirt Classic sponsored by Lynn Chevrolet Buick, Livingston Stone Company, and Schahrer Trucking Inc. paying $10,000 to win for the UMP Late Models and $2,000 to win for the UMP Modifieds. Hotlaps will get underway at 5:50 p.m., with qualifying at 6:30 p.m., and racing to follow.

Format
The "original" PDC format has been revised. Format will be the same for BOTH Modifieds and Late Models.

Both classes will get 1 qualifying lap. No group qualifying. For 44 or fewer cars, there will be 4 heats, top 4 will be inverted in the heats, top 4 from the heats will transfer to A-main. 2 semis, with the top 2 from each transferring to the A-main. For 45 or more cars, there will be 5 heats, top 3 will be inverted in the heats, top 3 will transfer to the A-main from the heats. 3 semis, with the top 2 from each transferring to the A-main.

There will be NO redraw for feature starting positions. Feature starting positions will be based on qualifying times. For example: All of the heat winners will be placed into the feature based on which of the winners had the fastest qualifying time. The heat winner that had the fastest qualifying time will start on the pole of the feature. Second fastest qualifying time of the heat winners will be outside pole and so on. This same placement procedure will be used all the way through. Of all the heat race 2nd place finishers, the one with the fastest qualifying time will have the next highest starting position and so on. This will carry through to placement into the semi-features as well for those who do not transfer from the heats, and also for placement of those who transfer from the semi-features to the A-main as well.

For Friday's Shootout, there will be a track provisional based on highest in track points from this year. For Saturday's PDC, there will be a track provisional (highest in track points from last year) as well as a provisional for the highest finisher from Friday's Shootout that does not race in on Saturday.

The Late Model feature will be 40 laps on Friday and 60 laps on Saturday. The Modified feature will be 30 laps both nights. The Vintage cars will be a 15 lap feature (Friday), and the Street Stocks a 15 lap feature (Saturday).

Classes
Friday: Late Models, Modifieds, Vintage Cars
Saturday: Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks

Purse/Payout

Prairie Dirt Shootout Late Model Payout
FEATURE
1 $5,000.00
2 $2,500.00
3 $1,800.00
4 $1,400.00
5 $1,000.00
6 $900.00
7 $700.00
8 $600.00
9 $575.00
10 $550.00
11 $525.00
12 $500.00
13 $475.00
14 $450.00
15 $425.00
16 $400.00
17 $375.00
18 $350.00
19 $325.00
20 $300.00
21 $300.00

SEMI
1 ----
2 ----
3 ----
4 $75.00
5 $75.00
6 $75.00
7 $75.00
8 $75.00
9 $75.00
10 $75.00
11 $75.00
12 $75.00

*21st starting spot will be a track provisional
*$150 for fast time

Prairie Dirt Classic Late Model Payout
FEATURE
1 $10,000.00
2 $5,000.00
3 $3,000.00
4 $2,000.00
5 $1,500.00
6 $1,250.00
7 $1,125.00
8 $1,100.00
9 $1,075.00
10 $1,050.00
11 $1,025.00
12 $1,000.00
13 $975.00
14 $950.00
15 $925.00
16 $900.00
17 $875.00
18 $850.00
19 $825.00
20 $800.00
21 $800.00
22 $800.00

SEMI
1 ----
2 ----
3 $300.00
4 $250.00
5 $225.00
6 $115.00
7 $100.00
8 $100.00
9 $100.00
10 $100.00
11 $100.00
12 $100.00

*21st starting spot will be highest finisher from the Prairie Dirt Shootout,
that did not qualify for this feature
*22nd starting spot will be a track provisional
*$150 for fast time

Prairie Dirt Shootout Modified Payout
FEATURE
1 $1,750.00
2 $1,200.00
3 $950.00
4 $650.00
5 $450.00
6 $350.00
7 $330.00
8 $320.00
9 $310.00
10 $300.00
11 $290.00
12 $280.00
13 $270.00
14 $260.00
15 $250.00
16 $240.00
17 $230.00
18 $220.00
19 $210.00
20 $200.00
21 $200.00

SEMI
1 ----
2 ----
3 ----
4 $60.00
5 $60.00
6 $60.00
7 $60.00
8 $60.00
9 $60.00
10 $60.00
11 $60.00
12 $60.00

*21st starting spot will be a track provisional
*$50 for most miles traveled to Fairbury
*$50 for first car out of the feature (must start)
*$100 for fast time

Prairie Dirt Classic Modified Payout
FEATURE
1 $2,000.00
2 $1,200.00
3 $950.00
4 $650.00
5 $500.00
6 $400.00
7 $380.00
8 $350.00
9 $340.00
10 $325.00
11 $300.00
12 $290.00
13 $280.00
14 $270.00
15 $250.00
16 $250.00
17 $250.00
18 $250.00
19 $250.00
20 $250.00
21 $250.00
22 $250.00

SEMI
1 ----
2 ----
3 ----
4 $60.00
5 $60.00
6 $60.00
7 $60.00
8 $60.00
9 $60.00
10 $60.00
11 $60.00
12 $60.00

*21st starting spot will be highest finisher from the Prairie Dirt Shootout that did not qualify for this feature
*22nd starting spot will be a track provisional
*$50 for most miles traveled to Fairbury
*$50 for first car out of the feature (must start)
*$100 for fast time

Gate Times

Thursday
The main (Third Street) gate will open at NOON on Thursday for campers. Campers will be parked (with the aid of track personnel) as they arrive. NO PARKING IN THE STREETS before Noon on Thursday. The main gate will remain open all day and night Thursday for any racers that may be coming from Peoria (or elsewhere) through the night. Please park tightly/smartly. FALS reserves the right to move any vehicles/haulers in order to insure maximum capacity.

Friday
Main gate (Third Street) will open at 8:00 a.m. on Friday. Wrist bands MUST be purchased upon entry. Bleacher/grandstand gate will open at 9:00 a.m. at which time blankets may be put down in the "general admission" areas. No blankets allowed in "reserved seating" (until race time).

First Street (South) gate will open at 4:00 p.m. School (Westview) will be in session on First Street until 3:30 p.m. PLEASE avoid this street until 4:00 p.m. (use Third Street) to avoid traffic congestion.

Saturday
Main (Third Street) gate will open at 8:00 a.m., First Street (South) will open at noon.

Ticket Prices
Friday - Prairie Dirt Shootout: Adults $15.00, Kids 12 and under FREE; Pits $30
Saturday - Prairie Dirt Classic: Adults $20.00, Kids 12 and under FREE; Pits $35
RESERVED SEATS FOR BOTH NIGHTS = $5.00 additional per seat.

Racers/Haulers
The main (Third Street) gate will be open to accommodate those arriving through the night on Thursday. Please park "wisely" in the pits and be aware that FALS staff will be going door to door collecting admission the following morning.

Campers
You may claim your camping spot starting at NOON on Thursday. DO NOT park in the streets before Noon (police will be ticketing those blocking city streets). Enter through main (Third Street) gate ONLY and proceed through the pits to the south side pit gate. Camping spots will be marked (20 ft. x 50 ft.). FALS staff will "aid/supervise" your parking as you arrive. If you are camping with friends that will arrive later, you will be allowed to "rope off/save" camping spots for up to 3 additional campers (4 total spots, counting yours). HOWEVER, FALS reserves the right to fill those spots if space is running out for those arriving and campers for whom spots are being saved have not yet arrived. You CANNOT rope off a "camping spot" to park cars. Camping spots are for campers ONLY.

Campers arriving when no staff is on duty: gates will be open as much as possible to accommodate you. After Thursday enter the main gate and take an immediate right (instead of going through the pits). Park "wisely" inside marked area. There will be pamphlets available at the gates as you enter with camping information on them. Please take one upon entering so as to be informed of rules and regulations for the weekend. You will be called upon by FALS staff to collect your admission and receive your wristband(s) at some point.

Campfires are allowed ONLY in elevated fire pits. No fires on the ground.

Blankets
Blankets can be put down in the "general admission" areas beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday. Gates to get on the grounds will open at 8:00 a.m. You must purchase your admission wristband to enter the grounds. ONLY a body can claim a spot in the line to put down blankets (no chairs, piles of blankets etc. to save a spot in line). People CANNOT save (let people in line) a spot for another person in line either. One person may put down more than one blanket to accommodate their group BUT FALS reserves the right to fill spots with blankets that are not being used at race time.

Blankets may be left down from Friday to Saturday in general admission (not in reserved seating). Blankets are allowed in reserved seating ONLY during the races. They may not be put down early (until announced to do so) and/or left overnight in the reserved seating area.

Reserved Seating
Reserved seating (back stretch, top 7 rows) has been available for online pre-purchase, but with no sufficient time for mailing will only be available at the track on the day of the race. Those reserved seat orders already received (and paid for) are being mailed out early the week of 8/23. There are still many reserved seats available to be purchased at the track. The cost is an additional $5.00 per seat.

Past Winners of the Prairie Dirt Classic
2009 Jimmy Mars, 2008 Billy Moyer, 2007 Brian Birkhofer, 2006 Shannon Babb, 2005 Jimmy Mars, 2004 Dennis Erb Jr., 2003 Don O'Neal, 2002 Shannon Babb, 2001 Bob Pierce, 2000 Bob Pierce, 1999 Bob Pierce, 1998 Billy Moyer, 1997 Billy Drake, 1996 John Gill, 1995 Bob Pierce, 1994 Bob Pierce, 1993 Billy Moyer, 1992 Billy Moyer, 1991 Kevin Weaver, 1990 Snooky Dehm

Directions
The Fairbury American Legion Speedway is a 1/4 mile semi-banked dirt oval located three blocks south of U.S. 24 on Third Street in Fairbury, Illinois at the Fairbury Fairgrounds.

Website
www.fairburyspeedway.com

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be hosting a Late Model & Modified Special this coming Saturday, August 14th. Thanks to some "hardcore" FALS faithful fans and Pro Tire and Automotive of Bloomington, this week's UMP Late Model purse will be an increased purse paying $2,000 to win. The UMP Modified feature will pay $1,200 to win. The UMP Sportsman and UMP Street Stocks will also be in action Saturday night. The Raminator Monster Truck, sponsored by Heller Lincoln Mercury Dodge of Pontiac, will also be in attendance to put on a show for the fans.

Coming Up September 3-4
September 3: Prairie Dirt Shootout $5,000 to win UMP Late Models, $1,750 to win UMP Modifieds
September 4: 21st Annual Prairie Dirt Classic $10,000 to win UMP Late Models, $2,000 to win UMP Modifieds

The speedway is located three blocks south of U.S. 24 on 3rd St. in Fairbury, IL (at the fairgrounds). For more information visit www.fairburyspeedway.com. In case of inclement weather on race day, please monitor the track site forum for the latest event information.

Fairbury,Ill. (8/07/10) After losing a heartbreaker last week, Ryan Unzicker rebounded Saturday night to claim the 30 lap UMP Late Model feature at Fairbury’s American Legion Speedway. Following a caution flag on the 12^th lap, Unzicker and race leader Joe Harlan raced side by side for 5 laps before Unzicker was able to take the lead. Harlan did not give up and tried running the top and bottom of the track, but Unzicker was able to hold off Harlan to win his 2^nd feature race at Fairbury. Derek Chandler, point leader Eric Smith, Scott Bull, Richie Hedrick, Aaron Ricketts, Jimmy Dehm, Jr. Shickel, and Dick Potts completed the top 10.Chandler set fast time at a 13.27. Dehm,Shickel,and Chandler claimed heat wins, while Russ Adams won the semi feature.

Fairbury provides some of the toughest competition in the UMP Modified class and to win back to back features is a difficult task. McKay Wenger had all the competition he could stand, but held on to win his 3^rd straight race. Wenger took the lead at the start of the 20 lap race and in the early going had to battle with Mike Spatola. After two early race cautions, Wenger and Spatola were joined by Jim Farris, Lance Dehm, and Dave Porth in a race for first place. Farris soon over took Spatola for second and was able to pull along side Wenger several times, but could not complete the pass. Wenger held on, with Farris, Spatola, Porth, Dehm, Kevin Hastings, Cory Schwengel, Darcey Wey, Lake Nichoalds, and Chad Unzicker the top 10 finishers. Matt Bachman, Jeb Friedman, and Wenger took heat wins, with Chris Gaither earning the semi feature. Dehm led drivers in time trials with a 14.22.

Richard Craven took the lead at the start of the 15 lap UMP Sportsman feature and quickly built a commanding lead, to cruise to his second straight win. In a battle for the runner up position, Andrew Funk edged Joel Funk and Chris Eden. 5^TH went to Steven Mattingly followed by Craig Vincent, Scott Hatzer, Dustin Mounce, Dave Slade, and Ron Bohm. Craven and Eden won the heat races.

The UMP Street Stock drivers held a special 30 lap, $600 to win show down. Joel Funk took the lead from Andrew Funk after a lap 8 caution flag and held on for the win. Funk had a rare winless streak for him come to an end. Funk last visited victory lane on July 3^rd. the win for Funk did not come easy, as Brandon Kessinger and Andrew Funk provided stiff competition. The top 6 cars were all nose to tail at the finish with Joel Funk, Kessinger, Andrew Funk, Darrin Kohler, Don Hilleary, Jeff Semmens, Rick Thomas, Jim Quinn, Gary Barnes, and Eric Gaus rounding out the top 10. Andrew Funk set a new track record in qualifying with a 15.48. Thomas, Kessinger, Barnes, and Al Gray won heat races, with Gaus and Terry Miller taking semi features.

The Illinois Vintage Racing Series made their first appearance of the year and A.J. Laurie driving a 1968 Camaro held off former track champion Bill Knippenberg Sr. driving a 1962 Chevy.

This Saturday night the track will hold a $2000 to win UMP Late Model and $1200 to win UMP Modifed race. The Raminator Monster Truck, along with the UMP Sportsman and UMP Street Stock drivers will share the bill.

Fairbury Speedway Street Stock Special $600 to win & Vintage Car Night August 7

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be hosting a Street Stock Special sponsored by Pro Tire and Automotive of Bloomington this coming Saturday, August 7th. The 30-lap UMP Street Stock feature will pay $600 to win. Saturday is also Vintage Car Night. Come out early and see drivers and cars from yesteryears. The UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, and UMP Sportsman will also be in action Saturday night. There will also be a Dash for Cash for the kids ages 9-10 & 11-12.

Gate Admission: $10
Pits: $25
Gates Open: Main 3:00 p.m., Back 5:00 p.m.
Hot Laps 5:50 p.m., Qualifying 6:30 p.m.
Children 12 and under free when accompanied by a paying adult.

--
Korey

7/31/10 Fairbury, Ill. 123 race cars jammed the pit area Saturday night as the Fairbury American Legion Speedway held a regular night of racing in 5 classes.

The Hornet drivers took to the track first for a 10 lap feature race. Outside front row starter Cody Clubb took the lead at the start, survived several caution flags and won his 2nd race of the year. Nathan Lyday edged Nick Clubb at the finish for second, with Chris Burton and David Lauritson, forth and fifth. Matt Maier and Cody Clubb won the heat races.

The Street Stock drivers were next, as drivers prepared for next weekends Street Stock special. Pole sitter Jeff Semmens got the lead at the start of the 15 lap feature with Andrew Funk and Brandon Kessinger on Semmens bumper. Semmens night came to an end as on the 8th lap he suddenly slowed to bring out a caution. Andrew Funk became the new race leader with Kessinger, Joel Funk, Eric Gaus, and Ron Donaldson within striking distance. Thru the remaining 7 laps fans were treated with plenty of side by side racing, which set the course for the rest of the night. The drivers that followed Funk tried the high side and bottom in order to better their track position. Kessinger was able to stick the nose of his car under Funk’s several times, but could not make the pass. At the end of the race Andrew Funk had earned his first ever win in the street stock class. Kessinger, Donaldson, Joel Funk, Eric Gaus, Darrin Kohler, Rick Thomas, Darrel Lehigh, Al Gray, and Don Hilleary completed the top 10. Heat race wins went to Semmens, Andrew Funk, and Eric Gaus; with Nick Clubb taking the semi feature.

The first of two late model features was next, the first being the June 5th make up race. Pole sitter Daren Friedman pulled away from the field early in the race, taking a ½ straight away lead over Eric Smith, Aaron Ricketts, Jimmy Dehm, and Donny Walden. Walden was the lone driver to run on the bottom of the track and soon found him self racing with Smith in a race for the 2nd position. On the 12th lap, race leader Friedman, suddenly slowed on the track ending his night. Smith became the new race leader. Smith and Walden battled side by side for 5 laps before Smith was able to pull out to a slight lead. Derek Chandler found himself in the 3rd position, waiting for one of the leaders to make a mistake. The last 10 laps of the race, it was anyone’s guess who would take home the honors. Chandler got high in the cushion, allowing several cars to get by. A blanket could have been thrown over the cars of Smith, Walden, Ricketts, Scott Bull, and Joe Harlan in the last 5 laps as fans were on their feet anticipating the finish. As the drivers took the white flag with Smith and Walden running on the bottom, Ricketts got as high as possible in turns 1-2 and got the traction needed to take the lead and hold on for his first career UMP Late Model win at his home town track. Point leader Smith took second, with Walden turning in one of his best runs recently at Fairbury in third, followed by Bull, Harlan, Dehm, Chandler, Snooky Dehm, Lisa Shickel, and Rich Harlan.

Several early race cautions marred the 15 lap UMP Sportsman feature. In the early going, Steven Mattingly running the top, held the lead over Joel Funk and Richard Craven. Mattingly’s race ended when he slowed with mechanical problems, handing the lead to Funk. Craven tried several times to get under Funk, but Funk was able to hold off Craven. After a caution just past the halfway point, Craven was able to successfully complete the pass on Funk and lead the rest of the way for his first win of the

year. Andrew Funk, Rod Rusher, Curt Vincent, Shawn Diggs, Craig Vincent, Joel Funk slowed on the last lap and finished 7th, Ricky Bane, Mattingly, and Jerry Cremeens were the top 10. Joel Funk and Mattingly were the heat race winners.

Pole sitter Jeb Friedman took an early lead in the 20 lap UMP Modified race with Justin Delong, McKay Wenger, Mike Spatola, and Jeff Curl in pursuit. Wenger motored by Delong for second and began to slowly reel in Friedman. Delong’s race came to an end on the 4th lap as he dropped out of the running. At the half way mark, Friedman led Wenger, Curl, Dave Porth, and Lance Dehm in a tight formation. In the closing laps, Wenger got above the cushion in turn 1 to take the lead to the end. Wenger picked up win number 4 for the year, with Curl on his bumper in second, followed by Porth, Dehm, Friedman, Jay Ledford, Brian Lynn, Gary Cook Jr., Matt Bachman, and Kevin Hastings. Jim Farris, Lynn, T.D. Burger, and Friedman won heat races, while Bobby Crego and Cook Jr. took the semi features.

In the second UMP Late Model feature, Scott Bull running the top side of the track held the lead over 2010 Summer National champion Jason Feger. Eric Smith moved into the second position by lap 6, with Feger, Ryan Unzicker, and Daren Friedman following. Unzicker was able to get by Smith for second and on the 14th lap had the momentum to take the top spot for Bull, with Smith following. On the 17th lap, as Unzicker was entering turn 1, Smith got into the back of Unzicker. The cars of Feger, Joe Harlan, and Donny Walden had no where to go and were collected in the wreck. Walden’s stellar night came to an end, with the rest able to continue. Following the caution with Unzicker on the bottom, Feger moved into the lead on the 23 lap and was able to pull away in the end of a wild night of racing. Unzicker, Harlan, Friedman, Smith came back to take 5th, Derek Chandler, Lisa Shickel, Eric Vaughan, Snooky Dehm, and Rich Harlan rounded out the top 10.Steve Thornsten, Walden, and Bull won heats, and Kenny Adams won the semi feature.

Thanks to some "hardcore" FALS faithful fans and Pro Tire and Automotive of Bloomington, this week's Late Model purse will be an increased purse paying $2,000 to win. The gate & pit admission will remain at the regular prices. Again, a BIG thanks to those fans and Pro Tire for contributing and making this happen!

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be hosting a Street Stock Special sponsored by Pro Tire and Automotive of Bloomington this coming Saturday, July 24th. The 30-lap UMP Street Stock feature will pay $600 to win. The UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, and UMP Sportsman will also be in action Saturday night. There will also be a Dash for Cash for the kids ages 9-10.

Fairbury, Ill. (7/17/10) Eric Smith took advantage of Daren Friedman’s mechanical misfortune Saturday night and held on to win the 30 lap UMP late model feature at Fairbury’s American Legion Speedway. Friedman took off like a rocket ship at the start of the race and by 3^rd lap held a straight away lead over Derek Chandler, Ryan Dauber, Eric Smith, and Joe Harlan. After a fierce battle with Chandler for the second position, Smith began to reel in Friedman. With 12 laps remaining in the race and Smith trailing Friedman by a car length, Smith’s car began smoking. After a lap 22 caution, Friedman led Smith, Richie Hedrick; who appeared to have the fastest car on the track at the time, Chandler, and Harlan. On lap 26 Friedman slowed on the track, bringing out the caution and dropping out with mechanical problems. After the caution, Smith managed to hold off a game Hedrick for the final 4 laps for his 3^rd win of the year. Hedrick, Harlan, Chandler, Scott Bull, Snooky Dehm, Bob Freeburg, Eric Vaughan, Jimmy Dehm, and Gary Schalmo. Smith led time trials with a 12.98. Mike Mullvain, Hedrick, and Chandler took heat wins, while Flip Shickel won the semi feature.

McKay Wenger got the jump on pole sitter Jay Ledford for the start of the 20 lap UMP modified race and the two raced side by side for the first 5 laps before Wenger was able to pull away and record his 3^rd win of the year. Ledford took second, followed by Mike Spatola, Jeff Leka, Jeff Curl, Matt Bachman, Jim Farris, Dave Porth, Lance Dehm, and Cory Schwengel. Curl was quickest in time trials with a 14.33. Farris, Porth, Justin Delong, and Ledford won heat races, while Jared Cagley and Schwengel won the two semi features.

Jonny Garrett survived an early race battle with Joel Funk before Funk was disqualified for rough driving and won the 15 lap UMP sportsman feature. For Garrett, it was his first career win at Fairbury. Richard Craven, Andrew Funk, Chris Eden, Dustin Mounce, Dan Flessner, Curt Vincent, Rod Rusher, Darrell Dick, and Shawn Diggs completed the top 10. The race served as a Wynn’s sportsman qualifier; where as the top 4 finishers are locked in for the Springfield mile race. Ron Bohm, Garrett, and Craven took heat race wins, with Rusher the semi feature victor.

2009 UMP National Champion Rick Thomas last visit to victory lane at Fairbury was on August 15^th, 2009. Thomas’s dry spell came to an end as he came out ahead in a hard fought 15 lap UMP street stock race. Thomas, Joel Funk, and Gary Barnes raced door handle to door handle the entire race, with Thomas going to victory lane. Funk, Barnes, Andrew Funk, Brandon Kessinger, Alex Clubb, Eric Gaus, Kevin Lenzen, Jeff Semmens , and Darrin Kohler rounded out the top 10 finishers. Joel Funk and Gary Barnes came out ahead in the heat races.

The nights racing action began with the Hornet drivers in a 10 lap tussle. Nick Clubb took off at the start and led flag to flag to claim his first win at Fairbury. Allen Provenzano made a late race bid, but came up short in the end and settled for second. Cody Clubb, John Provenzano, and Tanner Tibbs completed the top 5.

This Saturday will feature a street stock 30 lap feature, with the winner taking home $600. There will action in the late models, sportsman, and modifieds. Pit gates open at 3, main gates at 5, and qualifying starts at 6:30, racing will start at 7:30.

Fairbury,Ill. (7/10/10) Shannon Babb got the Jump on pole sitter Matt Miller at the start of the 50 lap $10,000 to win UMP late model summer national race at Fairbury’s American Legion Speedway to claim his 3^rd win on “Hell Tour 2010”. As the leaders were taking the initial green flag, Babb caught Miller off guard to take the lead and went unchallenged thru out the race. Jason Feger charged from his 16^th starting position to move into the top five by the 10^th lap. Babb began lapping slower cars by the 15^th lap, enabling Miller and 3^rd place runner Ryan Unzicker to close the gap. The 2 drivers were not able to stay with Babb as he was able to pull away. The track began to take rubber around the halfway mark, making passing difficult. Babb caught up to slower cars, but was unable to move around them. Caution fell on lap 43, as Dennis Erb Jr. stopped on the track with a flat right rear tire. Following the caution period, Babb was able to keep a 3 car length lead to the end. Matt Miller, Ryan Unzicker, Jason Feger, Jeep Van Wormer, Jack Sullivan, Billy Moyer Jr., Kevin Weaver, Steve Lance Jr., and Scott Bull completed the top 10. Ryan Unzicker led the 41 drivers in time trials with a 13.03. Unzicker, Babb, Doug Drown, and Miller won the heat races. Brian Shirley took the C-Main, while Brandon Sheppard took the B-Main.

The 2010 race season for Jeff Leka has been a year of heartaches. He has had his share of engine and mechanical problems. Saturday night, Leka started on the pole and took the lead over Mike Spatola at the start of the 20 lap UMP modified feature. Leka pulled away from the field, with Gary Turpin, Dave Porth, and Lance Dehm moving by Spatola in a battle for 2^nd. By the halfway mark, Leka held a straight away lead over the field, as Dehm and Porth had their own duel for second. On the 13^th circuit, as Dehm was about too over take the slower car of Derrick Doerr, Doerr pulled into the infield unexpectedly, collecting Dehm. Caution came out and Dehm was able to reclaim his spot back with little damage. Leka was able to go unchallenged the rest of the race for his 1^st win of the year at Fairbury. Dehm, Porth, Spatola, Justin Delong, Jim Farris, Gary Turpin, Jeb Friedman, Matt Bachman, and Jeff Curl rounded out the top 10. Spatola led the pack in qualifying with a14.04. Jay Ledford, Brian Lynn, and Leka took heat wins, while Jared Cagley took the semi feature.

Terry Worth was a man with a mission in the 15 lap UMP sportsman race. Starting in the 5^th position, Worth bulldogged his way to the lead on the first lap and pulled away early in the race. An early race battle for second took place with Andrew Funk, Joel Funk, Dan Flessner, and Chris Eden looking to take down Worth. Andrew Funk was able to pull away from the group and with several late race cautions was able to challenge Worth. Worth had enough to hold on for his 2^nd win of the year. Andrew Funk, Flessner, Joel Funk, Eden, Shawn Diggs, Jonny Garrett, Richard Craven, Rick Thomas, and Craig Vincent rounded out the top 10. Thomas and Joel Funk won the heat races.

This Saturday night will be a regular night of racing, including the Hornet class. Also the Sportsman drivers will be having their Wynn’s sportsman qualifier for the Springfield mile.

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be hosting the UMP Summer Nationals sponsored by Lynn Chevrolet Buick this coming Saturday, July 10th. The 50-lap UMP Late Model feature will pay $10,000 to win. The UMP Modifieds and UMP Sportsman will also be in action Saturday night.

Campers can come in the 3rd street gate starting Thursday at 8 a.m. BUT will only be "staged" in the pit area (see track site forum for details on how to park) until 6 p.m. Thursday night. DO NOT park in the streets at ANY time. At 6 p.m., campers will be allowed on the grounds (from the pits) to claim their camping spots. Wristbands MUST be purchased by ALL, BEFORE entering to claim spots. FALS staff will be on hand to "supervise" and assist with parking campers to assure maximum capacity.

The top seven rows on the backstretch only are reserved seats which went on sale back in May. As for non-reserved seating, gates will open at 7 a.m. on Saturday to get on the grounds. Wristbands MUST be purchased BEFORE entering the grounds. The grandstands and bleachers will be opened at 8:30 a.m. to put down blankets in the "general admission" areas.

Fairbury,IL. (6/26/10) Saturday night the Fairbury American Legion Speedway held the 6^th annual running of the Curt Piercy Memorial for the UMP sportsman class. Jonny Garrett led the 18 drivers in qualifying with a 14.67. Richard Craven and Garrett won the heat races and started on the front row for the 30 lap feature that paid $600 to the winner. Craven took an early lead in the race, with Garrett, Andrew and Joel Funk following. Slick track conditions early in the evening found many drivers running at the bottom of the track, as Craven, Garrett, and Andrew Funk stuck to the bottom, while Joel Funk preferred the top. As Craven opened a small lead Andrew Funk got by Garrett for second on the 3^rd lap. After a caution flag on the 7^th lap, race leader Craven slowed on the track and dropped out with fuel pump problems. After several cautions during the middle stages of the race, brothers Andrew and Joel raced side by side for several laps before Andrew pulled out to a 3 car length lead over Joel. 14^th starting position Shawn Diggs began making noise as with 10 laps to go he was in the top 5 and appeared to have the fastest car on the track. Contender Jonny Garrett’s night ended with 10 to go as he brought out a caution for mechanical failure. Following the caution Andrew and Joel Funk running the bottom with Dan Flessner, running 3^rd at the top of the track. Diggs got by Flessner several laps later and new it would be tough to get by the top 2. With 5 laps to go, Diggs got a good run on Joel Funk to move into the second position and had his sights set on the leader. Diggs was able to close up to Andrew Funk and at the end of the 30 lap race was on his bumper. Andrew Funk scored the biggest win of his career in a hard fought race. Diggs gave it a valiant effort, but settled for 2^nd, followed by point leader Joel Funk, Chris Eden, Steven Mattingly, Curt Vincent, Craig Vincent, Dan Flessner, Terry Worth, and Dustin Mounce.

The first race of the night had the UMP street stock drivers in a 15 lap race. Pole sitter Joel Funk took the lead with Rick Thomas, Ron Donaldson, Gary Barnes, and Darrin Kohler following. During the late stages of the race as race leader Joel Funk was over taking slower cars, he was able to open up a ½ straight away lead over the field. Rick Thomas soon had his hands full as Darrin Kohler had moved to 3^rd. Thomas stuck to the bottom and Kohler was at the top for several laps before Kohler got by for second with 3 laps to go. At the checkered flag, Joel Funk had his 2 win of the year in the street stock class. Kohler, Thomas, Barnes, Donaldson, Kevin Lenzen, Eric Gaus, Jeff Semmens, Nick Montalta, and Cody Clubb took the top 10 positions.

The UMP modified class held twin races this week, with the first race a make up from the June 5^th rain out. Jim Farris debuted a new motor several weeks ago and some bad draws have prevented him from being able to flex the motors power. Jim Farris started the first race on the pole and was able to show the power of the car and motor as he quickly jumped out to a commanding lead over the rest of the field and never look back. By the 5^th lap, Farris had a ½ straight away lead with Dave Porth and Jeff Curl following. At the halfway point, Farris built a straight away lead, as Porth pulled away from Curl into second, with Lance Dehm and Mike Spatola trailing. At the end of the race Farris had scored his first win of the year in dominating fashion. Porth, Curl, Dehm, Spatola, Kevin Hastings, T.D. Burger, Matt Bachman, Jeff Leka, and Jay Ledford rounded out the top 10.

In the second UMP modified race, front row starters Dave Porth and Lance Dehm had the fans on their feet as the two veteran wheel men staged a classic battle going tooth and nail for the lead. After a caution flag on the third lap, Mike Spatola joined in the battle for the lead. Porth lost the second spot, when he got loose in turn 4, allowing Spatola to take the spot. Spatola was able to stick with Dehm until the leaders approached slower cars and Dehm opened up a lead and at the checkers, take his 3^rd win of the campaign. Spatola, Porth, Jeff Leka, Jay Ledford, Jeff Curl, Matt Bachman, Jim Farris, Kevin Hastings, and Lake Nichoalds were the top 10.

By the end of the modified feature, the track had turned dry slick allowing the UMP late model race to run multiple grooves. Outside pole sitter Scott Bull got the lead, with Derek Chandler, Eric Smith, and Ryan Dauber following. Bull held a 10 car length lead during the middle stages of the race, until he approached slower cars. Smith had taken sole possession of second, as Chandler had to deal with Dauber and Aaron Ricketts. Smith was able to run side by side with Bull, but Bull was able to slightly pull away on the straights. At the end of the 30 lap race, Bull held on by a bumper over Smith for the victory. Dauber, Chandler, Ricketts, Jimmy Dehm, Frank Heckenst Sr., Wes Steidinger, Daren Friedman, and Jr. Shickel completed the top 10.

Racing returns this Saturday night with a Full Show. The UMP street stock class will be running their makeup race from June 5^th and the Hornet drivers will also be in action.

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be hosting the Curt Piercy Memorial Sportsman Special this coming Saturday, June 26th. The 30 lap UMP Sportsman feature will pay $600 to win. The UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, and UMP Street Stocks will also be in action Saturday night. The Modifieds will race their make-up feature from June 5th.

Fairbury, Ill. (6/19/10) Heavy rain the past week created some rough track conditions Saturday night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. The track maintenance crew did their best to working on the track, but by feature time the track had developed several ruts in the track. Saturday’s race was dedicated to the memory of Pappy and Bob Allen, long time supporters of stock car racing in the Central Illinois area.

In the 40 lap, $2000 to win UMP late model feature, outside front row starter Daren Friedman took the lead at the start over Joe Harlan. Caution came out on the first lap as Lisa Shickel, Jimmy Dehm, Kerry Mathew, and Snooky Dehm were involved in a 4^th turn accident , eliminating all for the night. Following the caution Friedman again jumped into the lead with Eric Smith moving into second. While the top 2 drivers were pulling away from the field, the race for third was hot, as Dillion White, Mark Burgtorf, and Joe Harlan exchanged positions. At the halfway point, Friedman had a 5 car length lead over Smith, with White and Burgtorf trailing by a straight away. Jay Sparks had moved up into challenging Harlan for 5^th and claimed the spot by lap 22. Several late race cautions allowed Smith another shot at Friedman, but Friedman was able to pull away. At the end of the 40 lap feature, a worn out Friedman had picked up his first win of the year and second career Allen Memorial race. Current point leader Smith took 2^nd, followed by Kentucky standout White, Burgtorf, Sparks, Scott Bull, Ryan Dauber, Harlan, Kyle Louge, and Derek Chandler. Louge set fast time with a 12.94.Burgtorf, Friedman, Harlan, and Smith won heat races, while Mathew and Eric Vaughan took the semis.

McKay Wenger took the lead at the start of the 20 lap UMP modified race, only to lose it to Jim Farris on lap 2. Farris quickly pulled out to a 10 car length lead only to see it evaporate with the lap 8 caution, as Paul Graf rolled his car in turn 4. After the caution, Wenger riding the top moved back into the lead, but could not shake off the challenge of Farris. The two drivers raced side by side for several laps before Wenger was able to edge Farris for his 2^nd win of the year. Mike Spatola, T.D. Burger, Jeb Friedman, Brandon Roberts, Jeff Curl, Kevin Hastings, Lance Dehm, and Bobby Crego completed the top 10. Jeff Leka, Dehm, and Spatola took the heat wins, while Ben Hulse won the semi. Spatola’s 14.10 was fast time of the night.

UMP sportsman drivers ran two features as part of the rained out features from June 5^th. In the first event, Andrew Funk used an outside move on Steven Mattingly on the 4^th lap and then had to fend off the challenge from Brother Joel to win his first race of the year. Terry Worth, Jeff Semmens, Mattingly, Chris Eden, Ron Bohm, Rod Rusher, Curt Vincent, and Craig Vincent were the top 10. In the second race for the sportsman competitors, pole sitter Joel Funk led flag to flag to claim his 4^th win of the year. Richard Craven won the race for second over Jonny Garrett, followed by Steven Mattingly, Kevin Mc Dermand, Darrell Dick, Chris Eden, Craig Vincent, Terry Worth, and Tom Legner. Joel Funk, Worth, and Craven won the heat races.

7^th starting Brandon Kessinger took the lead from Chris Tackett with 6 laps to go and won his first race of the year in the 15 lap UMP street stock race. Kessinger, Tackett, Jeff Semmens, and Joel Funk battled through out the race for the top position , but Tackett got high in turn 2 allowing Kessinger to take the win. Semmens, Tackett, Funk, Greg Brewer, Darrin Kohler, Eric Gaus, Al Gray, Kevin Lenzen, and Alex Clubb completed the top 10. Alex Clubb, Tackett, and Semmens won heat races, while Gaus took the semi.

This Saturday night the UMP sportsman drivers take center stage with the annual running of the Curt Piercy Memorial. The race will be 30 laps for $600 to win. The UMP late models and street stock drivers will have regular race programs, while the modified drivers will have double features as part of the make up races from June 5^th.

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be hosting the Pappy and Bob Allen Memorial Late Model Special this coming Saturday, June 19th. The 40 lap UMP Late Model feature will pay $2,000 to win. The UMP Modifieds, UMP Sportsman, and UMP Street Stocks will also be in action Saturday night. There will also be a Dash for Cash for the kids ages 7-8.

Fairbury, Ill. (6/5/10) Pontiac driver Tanner Tibbs stopped the win streak of the Maier brothers Saturday night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway and captured his first career victory. Tibbs claimed the Hornet special and picked up $500 for his effort. Cody Clubb made a last ditch effort to get by Tibbs, pulling along side on the last lap, but Tibbs had enough momentum coming off the 4^th turn to pull off the win. Clubb settled for 2^nd and 2 time winner Jason Maier took 3^rd. Tibbs won the first heat and Jason Maier took the 2^nd heat race.

The UMP street stock feature took to the track next. Rick Thomas, the defending UMP national champion in the street stock class, took a early lead in the race, with Joel Funk, Alex Clubb, and Chris Tackett in hot pursuit. Caution came out on the 3^rd lap as mechanical failure caused Clubb’s car to break and ride the front straight wall. Following the cleanup, Thomas moved into the lead, before Darrin Kohler moved past Thomas. On lap 5, as a slower car was pulling off the track at the turn 4 exit, Thomas got into the back of the car bringing out another caution. As track officials were getting cars lined up, promoter Rusty Allen confirmed with the Fairbury Fire Department and rescue squad that a tornado was moving into the area. The race program was immediately stopped for the night. This Saturday night will be a regular night of racing and the annual appearance of the Thomasboro,Ill. Based Raminator Monster Truck.

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be hosting a Hornet Special this coming Saturday, June 5th. The 15 lap Hornet feature will pay $500 to win. The UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Sportsman, and UMP Street Stocks will also be in action Saturday night.

Fairbury, Ill. (5/29/10) A late caution flag helped former ARCA driver Eric Smith take the lead with 8 laps to go and Smith held on to win the 30 lap UMP late model feature Saturday night at Fairbury’s American Legion Speedway. Smith started the race on the pole and led the first lap before Derek Chandler moved to the front for the next four laps. Last weeks winner Scott Bull then moved to the front, but could not hold off Chandler. The two drivers ran several laps side by side, with Smith, Joe Harlan, and Frank Heckenest Jr. following closely. Chandler powered back into the lead and was able to open up a 5 car length lead over the field. A lengthy caution period fell on the 20^th lap looked to be Chandler’s downfall. Following the caution Chandler led 1 lap before Smith zoomed by and led the remaining 8 laps and post his first win of the year at Fairbury. Scott Bull, Joe Harlan, Derek Chandler, Aaron Ricketts, Frank Heckenest Jr., Jr. Shickel, Chris Dick, Daren Friedman, and Donny Walden completed the top 10. Heckenest Jr. set fast time at a 13.33. Shickel, Richie Hedrick, and Smith won the heat races, while Snooky Dehm claimed the semi feature.

In the modified race, fans are accustomed to seeing Lance Dehm running the high side of the speedway. Due to the track being dried out pole sitter Dehm felt it would be to his advantage to staying at the bottom.Dehm took the lead at the start of the 20 lap UMP modified feature and picked up his 2^nd win of the year. Dehm and McKay Wenger raced side by side during the first 2 laps of the race before a caution fell on the field. After the caution, Dehm led Wenger and Jay Ledford. Dehm pulled out to a 3 car length lead, while Wenger and Ledford dueled for 2^nd. Ledford was able to get by Wenger and closed up on Dehm , as he worked the lapped traffic. Dehm was able to hold on to the lead and pick up the victory. Ledford edged Wenger for 2^nd, followed by Dave Porth, Matt Bachman, Jim Farris, Mike Spatola, Kevin Hastings, Bobby Crego, and Jeff Curl. Dehm set fast time with a 14.42. Heat race winners were Porth, Tim Bohm, and Dehm, while Jared Cagley took the semi feature.

The 15 lap UMP sportsman race was a caution felled event. Terry Worth took the lead on the 3^rd circuit and led the rest of the way. However during a post race inspection, track officials found Worth’s car did not comply with UMP rules and the win was stripped from Worth. Joel Funk was in the right spot at the right time and was awarded his 3^rd win of the year. Andrew Funk, Curt Vincent, Richard Craven, Chris Eden, Steven Mattingly, Rich Rich, Ricky Bane, Craig Vincent, and Scott Hufford were the top 10. Johnny Garrett and Dustin Mounce won the heat races.

Jeff Semmens battled with Alex Clubb during the opening lap before pulling away from the field and winning the 15 lap UMP street stock race. For Semmens it was his 2^nd win of the year at the American Legion speedway. Rick Thomas and Joel Funk had a spirited duel for 2^nd, with Thomas edging Funk out. Alex Clubb, Darrin Kohler, Jerrad Krick, Darrel Lehigh, Don Hilleary, Nick Clubb, and Gary Barnes rounded out the top 10. Alex Clubb, Semmens, and Thomas won heat races, while Nick Montalta picked up the semi feature.

The hornet drivers opened up the race program with a 10 lap feature race. Polesitter Jason Maier led flag to flag and scored his 2^nd win of the year. Cody Clubb, Nick Clubb, Tanner Tibbs, and Matt Maier completed the top 5. Jason Maier also claimed the lone heat race. Racing returns to Fairbury this Saturday night with the hornet drivers headlining the program with a $500 to win special.

Fairbury,Ill. (5/22/10) 137 racecars from 4 states converged Saturday night at the ¼ mile Fairbury American Legion Speedway. It was Fan Appreciation night and the track also held their annual running of the Gary Eden Memorial for the UMP Sportsman division. In the 30 lap sportsman race, polesitter Terry Worth got the lead at the start and went to the top of the track with Dustin Mounce and Dan Flessner following. Flessner’s night ended on the 4^th lap ass he hit the wall on the back stretch. Following the caution, Worth, Mounce, and Joel Funk pulled away from the rest of the pack. Funk got by Mounce and maneuvered by Worth on the 11^th lap. As Funk handled the slower cars, he was able to distance himself from the field. Andrew Funk soon joined in the hunt and was able to take the 3^rd position from Mounce in the closing laps. At the checkered flag, Joel Funk had a straight away lead over runnerup Terry Worth. The remainder of the top ten were, Andrew Funk, Dustin Mounce, Curt Vincent, Richard Craven, Steven Mattingly, Shawn Diggs, Craig Vincent, and Jim Bailey. Dan Flessner set quick time with a 14.56. Curt Vincent, Jim Bailey, and Terry Worth took heat race wins, while Craig Vincent won the semi and hard charger of the race award.

In a caution marred 30 lap UMP late model race, which was a survival battle, pole sitter Scott Bull took the lead, with Eric Smith, Derek Chandler, and Daren Friedman running nose to tail. 4 cautions fell in the first 9 laps of the race. The top 4 drivers were able to pull away, while Richie Hedrick and Ted Loomis had their own duel for 5^th position. Smith tried several times to relinquish the front spot from Bull, but Bull was able to hold on to the lead. About the halfway mark, 4^th running Friedman got in the cushion allowing several cars to squeeze by. 3 cautions came out in the final 7 laps of the race, including Ted Loomis running 4^th at the time backing into the wall on the front stretch. With 2 laps to go, Derek Chandler, running 3^rd, tagged the wall in turn two, which allowed a hard charging Jimmy Dehm to get by. At the finish of the race, Bull was able to hold off Smith by a half car length and take his first win of the 2010 campaign. Jimmy Dehm came on strong in the closing laps and took 3^rd followed by Chandler, Hedrick, Jr. Shickel, Daren Friedman, Curtis Roberts, Jay Sparks, and Pete Parker. Dehm won the hard charger award. Chandler set fast time at a 12.75. Heat victors were Guy Volk, Donny Walden, Jimmy Dehm, Scott Bull; with semi features going to Pete Parker and Curtis Roberts.

In the 20 lap UMP modified race, outside front row starter Jeb Friedman got the lead at the start with McKay Wenger and Jay Ledford distancing them from the field. The race was a torrent pace and the driver’s soon encountered lapped traffic. Friedman and Wenger broke away from Ledford and had a duel for first. As the two drivers were approaching the white flag, Friedman suddenly slowed in turn 4. Wenger after brief contact with Friedman’s bumper took command and won the race. Jay Ledford, Jeff Leka, Jeff Curl, Jim Farris, Lance Dehm, Dave Porth, Matt Bachman, T.D. Burger and Lake Nichoalds completed the top 10. Jeff Leka took the hard charger honors, while Jeff Curl was fastest in time trials at a 13.94. Jim Farris, Jeff Leka, Mike Porth, and McKay Wenger won heat races, while Kevin Hastings and Matt Barker took the semi feature events.

In the 15 lap UMP street stock race, Don Hilleary took the lead at the start of the race. Rick Thomas, Darrin Kohler, and Joel Funk were in a clash for 2^nd place which enabled Hilleary to build a straight away lead. At the halfway mark with Hilleary holding a commanding lead, Kohler was able to breaks away from Thomas and Funk and set his sights on the top position. After a caution with 6 laps to go, Hilleary once again pulled away with Kohler having to deal with Joel Funk and Jeff Semmens. At the finish, Hilleary took his first win at Fairbury, with Kohler, Semmens, Funk Thomas, Kevin Lenzen, Alex Clubb, Joe Hillman, Al Gray, and Nick Montalta rounding out the top 10. Lenzen was the hard charger. Thomas, Hilleary, Hillman, and Gray won the heat races, with Lenzen and Cody Clubb took the semi features.

The nights racing action ended with the Hornet drivers in a 10 lap feature. After Tanner Tibbs was involved in an opening race incident, Eric Wilson assumed the lead for 1 lap before Jason Maier took over the lead for the remaining 9 laps. Maier cruised to the win over Eric Wilson, Tyler Griswold, Jim Wilson, and Cody Clubb. Clubb won the hard charger award, while David Lauritson and Jim Wilson took heat wins.

Action returns this Saturday night with a regular night of racing,along with the Hornet class.

After being rained out last week, the Fairbury American Legion Speedway has rescheduled the Gary Eden Memorial UMP Sportsman Special, sponsored by former racer, Jerry Cremeens, for this coming Saturday, May 22nd. The 30 lap UMP Sportsman feature will pay $500 to win. The UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and the UMP Hornets will also be in action Saturday night. The full Sportsman payout is available by clicking the "payouts" link on the track site. In addition, it will be Fan Appreciation Night with a reduced admission price. Also, there will be a Dash for Cash for 5-6 year olds.

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be hosting the Gary Eden Memorial UMP Sportsman Special, sponsored by former racer, Jerry Cremeens, this coming Saturday, May 15th. The 30 lap Sportsman feature will pay $500 to win. The UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, and the UMP Street Stocks will also be in action Saturday night. The full Sportsman payout is available by clicking the "payouts" link on the track site.