Photo by Lisa Morrison/Herald-Review
MACON, Ill. – Will Shannon Babb handle the famed high banks at Macon Speedway again? The Moweaqua Missile who lives just down the road from the legendary speedway already has four victories in the Herald-Review 100.
Maybe Brandon Sheppard will race his way into victory lane. The New Berlin native is the reigning UMP Summer Nationals champ. Bloomington’s Jason Feger has warmed up on the tour, and the Bloomington dirt ace will be a contender on the fifth-mile dirt oval.
Bobby Pierce Jr., already won here in May, when the teenager overwhelmed the field to win the St. Louis U-Pic-A-Part 100 and collected the huge paycheck. Brian Shirley of Chatham is a former Macon Speedway track champion who has a win on the Summer Nationals Tour this season, and there’s always the chance an upstart could steal the victory, such as one of the local aces who race at Macon Speedway throughout the summer. That would send the Macon Speedway grandstands into a frenzy.
The Summer National Tour is back for the 34th running of the Herald-Review 100 on Thursday, July 10 with the drivers gunning for the $5,000 to win prize. It’s the Super Bowl of racing for Macon Speedway and the crown jewel on the Summer Nationals Tour. This is one of the events that built Macon Speedway’s reputation as a special destination in dirt track racing. The Herald-Review 100 is the only 100-lapper on The Hell Tour, a collection of races spanning the Midwest. These 800-horsepower machines fly around Macon Speedway, and the talented dirt trackers know how to run the high side, the low side and even some room in the middle groove. Macon Speedway is a favorite for these drivers.
Babb won last year’s Herald-Review 100. He’s tied with Kevin Weaver and Pierce’s father, Bob, for the most wins in Herald-Review history.
The Summit Modified Nationals will also race for $1,000 to win, and Macon Speedway co-owner Ken Schrader is always tough to beat on a track he likes to call a home away from home.
The Herald-Review 100 annually is a circle-the-date race. Fans pack the stands early, and campers also arrive well before the first hot laps. It’s a carnival with some of the best racing in the Midwest. Tickets are only $25 for adults and $5 for children 11-under. Pit passes are $35.
Parking is free. Camping is available. Gates open at 4 p.m. and racing starts at 7.
For more information, follow Macon Speedway at (www.maconracing.com), Facebook (www.facebook.com/maconracing) and Twitter (@maconspeedway). It’s easy to join the Macon Speedway text service. Fans can text MSFANS to 74574 to receive fan information. Drivers can text MSDRIVERS to 74574 to receive driver information. Message and data rates may apply. Updates are also available by calling Macon Speedway at 217-764-3000. Macon Speedway is located nine miles south of Decatur on U.S. 51, then 0.6 miles west on Andrews Street and south to 205 N. Wiles.