RT 66 8-30

Route 66 Raceway Prepares for Prairie Dirt Classic.

(Joliet IL) The upcoming Prairie Dirt classic, by Chilli Man Chili, is attracting some interest from many drivers in both the Chicago area, and downstate Illinois. drivers as well.

Drivers such as Tony Izzo Jr, Bob Pohlman Jr., Garrett Slager,and Reese O’Connor are planning to attend. In addition to the local drivers who will be in attendance, several "Legends of Santa Fe" will be here as well. Jim O’Connor, Bill Knippenburg Sr., Frank Heckenast, BIll Clemmons, and many others will be participating in the festivities.

Many drivers from Illinois are planning on making the journey to Joliet for this race as well. Perrenial favorite Roger Long, will be joined by his teammate Gary May for the race, as well as Steve Hillard, who has been the hottest driver in Illinois as of late. Bloomington IL driver Billy Drake ( 1997 Prairie Dirt Classic Winner) also intends on making the journey, along with 1999 Kentucky Classic winner Kevin Weaver. Other strong possibilities include Joe Ross Jr., and Shannon Babb. Babb, who finished 2nd here in April is expected to be here, as well. Joining local drivers will also be such National superstars such as Billy Moyer Jr., and Kris Patterson.

In the modified class, Scott May of Creve Coeur IL, and Lance Dehm of Chatsworth, the 1999 Fairbury American Legion Track Champion, have both already commited to participating.

The upcoming 1999 Prairie Dirt Classic Weekend, features the Chilli Man Chili Prairie Dirt Classic at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet IL on September 3, 1999, along witha $1,000 to win UMP Modified feature. This race preceeds the Prairie Dirt Classic by Lynn Chevrolet-Buick Inc. paying $10,000 to win, and $1,000 to start the feature, at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway on September 4, 1999.

Route 66 Raceway in Joliet IL, is home to a world class drag racing facility which hosts the FRAM Nationals, amd many other drag racing events,and a 1/2 mile dirt oval suitable for many types of racing. In addition, many other events are held each year, on the grounds. For more information on Route 66 visit www.route66raceway.com

UPDATE: Aug 31

Muscatine Iowa Driver, Brian Birkhofer has committed to participating in the Prairie Dirt Classic, at both Route 66 Raceway,and Fairbury Amercian Legion Speedway. Birkhofer will join such drivers as Shannon Babb, Billy Moyer Jr., Bob Pierce, Tony Izzo Jr., Steve Hillard, and Many More....Stay Tuned for more updates as the week continues...

Darin Stewart

Darin M. Stewart

Public Relations Consultant

Route 66 Raceway