Kankakee County Speedway News & Notes

March 04, 2010 - MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON

March 01, 2010 - RACE CAR SHOW AT NORTHFIELD SQUARE MALL IN BRADLEY SET TO GO

The Inaugural Race Car Show at the Northfield Square Mall is officially set to go on the weekend of April 17th & 18th, Saturday 10am-9pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm. The Northfield Square Mall is located just off I-57 at Exit 315, then north 0.25 miles on Route 50 on the East side of the highway.
Everyone is welcome to attend the show at no cost. The Bradley Fire Department will be on hand to monitor the move in procedure and assist us with any concerns anyone should have.

Racers interested in participating in the show should contact Paul Bayne at (815) 401-5107 or by email at bayner@comcast.net. Deadline to submit your name for consideration will be April 10th. Spots will be reserved on a first come first served basis. Only six spots remain! Hurry and get your name on the list as soon as possible.

March 01, 2010 - KANKAKEE WELCOMES NEW TRACK PHOTOGRAPHER

Kankakee County Speedway was recently informed that Joe Bright, who has taken photos for several years at the track, is stepping down due to other obligations in his professional life. With that said, KCS is proud to officially welcome Lu Mounce, of Photos By Lu, to the KCS staff. We are excited to have her onboard and thrilled with her enthusiasm she has for the sport and the drivers. Please join us in welcoming Lu to Kankakee County Speedway in 2010. We would like to thank Joe for all his dedication, time, and professionalism over the past few years, and look forward to seeing him out to the track as his time allows. For those who don't know much about Lu, she also serves as track photographer at Fairbury American Legion Speedway and her website is Photos By Lu.

February 06, 2010 - BOB PIERCE RACE CARS AND WILSON RACE CARS JOIN KCS TO AWARD CHASSIS TO LATE MODEL AND MODIFIED DIVISIONS

Bob Pierce Race Cars and Wilson Race Cars have joined forces with Kankakee County Speedway to provide a 2011 chassis to one driver in both the Court Street Ford Late Model division and U-Pull-It Modified division.

BPRC will provide a 2011 Late Model chassis to one driver at next year's banquet. Wilson Race Cars will likewise do the same for one modified driver. To be eligible, a driver must compete in 90% of all races at KCS in 2010. The selected winning driver must agree to race that particular chassis for one year, which in turn helps promote the manufacturer of each chassis. Anyone who knows the value of a brand new powder-coated chassis knows what a great value this truly is. KCS is proud to have both of these manufacturers onboard for the 2010 season.

February 02, 2010 - MPH TRUCKING TO SPONSOR SMITH REALTY I-MODS WITH $2,000 ADDITION

MPH Trucking and owner Mike Heckenast, who also competes in the Smith Realty I-Mod division, has announced that they will serve as special race sponsor for four nights of racing during the 2010 campaign at Kankakee County Speedway. The season opening date of May 7th, two dates to be determined somewhere in the middle of the season, and again on Court Street Ford Championship Points Night, September 24th.

Although final details have not yet been finalized, a total of $500 will be added to the purse from 4th on back. In addition, any driver who starts a Smith Realty I-Mod feature event from 6th position on back can collect an extra $100 at the payout window if they can pull off the victory.

We'd like to welcome MPH Trucking aboard for the 2010 season and thank him immensely for his considerable contribution.

January 27, 2010 - LANE AUTOMOTIVE TO SERVE AS VICTORY LANE SPONSOR

It was announced Tuesday, that Lane Automotive will proudly serve as Victory Lane sponsor at Kankakee County Speedway for the upcoming season. Lane has long established themselves as the leader in the high performance racing parts industry. We are very proud of our affiliation with Lane Automotive and it's divisions which include Allstar Performance.

January 14, 2010 - MORE, MORE, AND MORE SPONSORS JUMPING ONBOARD AS BANQUET NEARS

The past few days have been somewhat hectic, but have also proved to be very fruitful, as over a half-dozen new track sponsors have put their name in the hat to support racing here at Kankakee County Speedway. The names of the sponsors will be released Saturday night at the KCS Banquet at the fairgrounds, but needless to say we are very proud and excited to be associated with each them and their different levels of support. Most have commited to billboard advertising, while others have also stepped up to sponsor trophy nights and race nights.

"We've been working very hard to acquire new sponsors that will benefit us and the racing here at Kankakee. But just as important is the fact that those businesses can and will benefit from us as well. It's really been a tremendous reception from everyone we've approached thus far. I think business owners out there are recognizing that racing helps support this community, and that we need each other for all of this to work. What we've accomplished so far, with the great staff we have in place, is getting noticed around the state," said Track Promoter Tom Smith.

January 10, 2010 - LONGTIME VOICE OF CHICAGOLAND RACING PASSES

On Sunday night, the Chicagoland racing community lost an icon whose voice was as recognizable as his name. He was the very fabric of our racing landscape. Jan Gabriel, also known as Mr. Sunday for his incomparable "Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!" voice-overs on both radio and television ads all across America, crossed the Finish Line of Life late Sunday, January 10, 2010 when he passed away after a long battle with kidney failure.

Jan himself, had recently summoned a plea to the racing community for a new kidney, if a match could be found in time, but nonetheless lived everyday as if it were his last. We are sure Jan has many surprises planned for the races in heaven.

President of an advertising agency, radio and TV producer / writer, announcer of thousands of commercials in the major Chicago market, creator for radio the signature phase "Sunday-Sunday-Sunday", host of the national TV show, “The Super Chargers”, which aired in 120 markets, it was all about fast cars and super stars shot in Hollywood over a twelve year period, promoter of automobile speedway events, announcer at the Indianapolis 500. WOW! There you have it, a career that was extraordinary to say the least.

Jan was the man behind the highly successful Team Demolition Derby competitions at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL, and was also the man who spear-headed the possible revival of stock car racing on that same oval, but when his health became a concern, he had to set priorities and back down from that venture.

There will be no services, and only a memorial when it is "warmer" (by Jan's request). As information becomes available from the family, his website Jan C. Gabriel will be updated.

December 18, 2009 - IRA 410 WINGED SPRINTS DATE MOVED

Due to a previous commitment that did not transpire in our favor, the Bumper to Bumper Interstate Racing Association 410 Outlaw Winged Sprints event previously scheduled for June 18th as the second half of a two day doubleheader race weekend, has been pushed back one week to June 25th.

With the UMP Summernationals being slated at Farmer City Raceway that night and the Court Street Ford UMP Late Models having the night off, we felt it was a perfect fit to bring the WInged Warriors in on that date. Race fans will still be able to use their UMP Summernationals ticket stubs to receive $5 off adult admission for the June 25th date. According to IRA President Steve Sinclair, we can expect upwards of 30-35 sprinters to show up for the first time since June 18th, 2004.

December 16, 2009 - KANKAKEE COUNTY SPEEDWAY WELCOMES I-MOD AND HORNET TITLE SPONSORS
On Wednesday, December 16th, Kankakee County Speedway welcomed the additon of Smith Realty, Watseka, IL, as title sponsor for the I-Mod division and Indulgent Creations, a local handmade soap company from Beaverville, as title sponsor for the Hornet division. Both divisions represent and affordable entry level opportunity to compete on the track, without the burden of great expense. We are excited to welcome several new faces into each division in 2010.

We would like to thank Rich Smith of Smith Realty, and David & April Whittington of Indulgent Creations to the ever-growing Kankakee County Speedway family. Most of you know that Dave Whittington also serves as the track's flagman while his wife April serves as head scorer.

November 23, 2009 - KANKAKEE LANDS TWO MORE TITLE SPONSORS FOR 2010 SEASON

The staff at Kankakee County Speedway has been hard at work canvassing the area for sponsors and we are proud to announce that we have brought onboard title sponsors for both the UMP Modifieds and UMP Street Stocks.

U-Pull-It Self-Serve Auto Parts of Chicago Heights, Ill., has signed on to serve as the title sponsor for the UMP Modified division in 2010. The division will now be known as the U-Pull-It UMP Modifieds. In addition, long time racing supporter Ronnie Miller, owner of in Manteno, Ill., has signed on as title sponsor for the UMP Street Stocks, and that division will now be known as the Miller Hydraulic UMP Street Stocks. Click each link above to visit their sponsor page.

It should come as no surprise to racer's and fans alike, that these two sponsors have come onboard, given their level of support for racing in the Kankakee area for many, many years. We would like to thank the Spatola and Miller families for all they do to help support racing, and for all racing can do to help support them. Please support these title sponsors' if you need used car parts or any hydraulic needs.

Despite a brief break for Promoter Tom Smith, work progresses at Kankakee County Speedway with improvements to the press box/VIP area scheduled to be completed by January 2010. Also 40 truckloads of dirt were recently added and graded in the pit area. The UMP Modified division will be happy to hear some exciting news in that a title sponsor has been secured for that division as well. Details on that are coming soon.

Finally, KCS is proud to announce that we will be featuring LIVE streaming video for selected events next year, if not the entire season. We have also discussed the possibility of doing internet radio broadcasts and/or radio simulcasts.

November 11, 2009 - KANKAKEE COUNTY SPEEDWAY UNVEILS MAJOR RACE DATES FOR 2010

First off, we'd like to say thank you to all the brave men & women who are serving or have served this great nation of ours so that we may freely choose to enjoy each week throughout the racing season. Happy Veteran's Day to everyone.

The staff of Kankakee County Speedway, who have been hard at work since the 2009 campaign came to a close a month ago, are proud to announce several major race dates for the upcoming 2010 season. Race fans will no doubt want to mark their calendars and plan their vacation time for several of these exciting race dates.

The first big bang will take place on Friday, May 21st with The Land of Lincoln Triple Crown Clash kicks-off with the Monster Midwest Series vs. Northern All Star Late Model Series vs. American Late Model Series vs. our local Court Street Ford UMP Late Models in the first leg of the Triple Crown paying $3,000 to win.

The second leg of the Triple Crown Clash will include the UMP Summernationals $5,000 to win special on Thursday, June 17th. The date set forth will also be the first stop for the UMP Summernationals "Hell Tour" in the Prairie State. That night will also feature the debut of the Midwest Modified Madness series doing battle in back-to-back nights in the River City Shoot-Out. No other divisions will be competing on this night.

The following week, Friday, June 25th will feature the Interstate Racing Association's (IRA) 410 winged sprints. This two-day series opener for the UMP Modifieds should attract many of the region's top modified pilots in an all out duel for the dollars. The regular Friday night program will also include UMP Late Models, UMP Street Stocks.

On Friday, July 16th, Kankakee County Speedway will host the Chicagoland Stock Car Old Timer's Night. Details of this event are not yet available.

The following Friday, July 23rd, will serve as Mid-Season Championship Night in all divisions. Race fans will be admitted for just $25 per carload, a feature we found to be very popular last season.

The third and final leg of The Land of Lincoln Triple Crown Clash will take place on Friday, August 13th, again featuring the Monster Midwest Series vs. Northern All Star Late Model Series vs. American Late Model Series vs. our local Court Street Ford UMP Late Models in the 2nd annual "Summer Splash Nationals", paying $9,000 to the winner. Furthermore, as an added incentive, a $3,000 bonus is possible if any one driver can win all three legs of the Triple Crown Clash.

On Friday, September 24th, Court Street Ford will present Championship Points Night/Fan Appreciation Night where one lucky fan's name will be drawn at random for a brand new 2010 Ford Mustang. Estimated retail value of this prize is over $26,000. A limited amount of tickets will be sold throughout the season for only $5 per chance, six tickets for $20. Enter as often as you like.

Lastly, October 1st & 2nd, Kankakee County Speedway will host ROCKtoberfest, formerly titled the Fall Harvest Classic. Besides big money up for grabs in all divisions, area ROCK bands will be given an opportunity to showcase their skills following the Friday evening portion of this extravaganza and heading into the night. Area bands interested in performing should contact Paul Bayne at 815-401-5107. Drivers can earn UMP points on both Friday and Saturday night as features will be run both nights for the UMP Late Models and UMP Modifeds. As was the case a month ago, purses are likely to increase as sponsors come onboard to make this event possible.

One final note, on Friday, October 15th, Kankakee County Speedway will present a full blown "Run Whatcha Brung" night of racing with all cars qualifying, then being bracketed to race according to your qualifying times similar to a Bahama Brackets type event. There are no rules for this open competition other than for safety.

Other specials are in the planning stages for our other fine divisions at Kankakee County Speedway. Those dates will be announced at a later date as they become available.

On behalf of the staff at Kankakee County Speedway, we hope that all race fans will find this schedule to their liking, as we have tried to offer something for everyone.

November 05, 2009 - COURT STREET FORD TO SERVE AS TITLE SPONSOR OF UMP LATE MODEL DIVISION IN 2010

It was announced today, November 5th, that Court Street Ford, the area's leading Ford dealership located in Bourbonnais, IL, has partnered with Kankakee County Speedway to be the official sponsor of the UMP Late Model division for 2010, with an option to continue beyond next season. This comes as huge news to all of us involved at KCS and will definitely set the standard of commitment within the communities business leaders. The division will now be referred to as the Court Street Ford UMP Late Models.

Furthermore, Court Street Ford has graciously furnished us with a brand new 2010 Ford Mustang that will be raffled off over the course of the season providing one lucky fan the thrill of a lifetime. The Ford Mustang, has been a symbol of American made muscle for 45 years, and is truly an iconic marvel of automotive engineering.
Tickets will be available from January 16th during the KCS Banquet at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds through September 25th when the winning ticket will be drawn. Tickets will be available for $5 a chance with only a limited number of tickets being sold. Any proceeds from the raffle will be used to development a driver's benevolent fund and a driver's point fund.
Needless to say we are very excited with our relationship with the folks from Court Street Ford, who have been there for us from day one.

October 14, 2009 - MAY 7TH SET AS 2010 SEASON OPENER

It was announced today that Friday, May 7th, will serve as Kankakee County Speedway's Opening Day in 2010. It is tentatively scheduled that the previous two weekends will serve as practice days. Those being April 24th and May 1st.