SPRINGFIELD MILE COMES ALIVE AGAIN SUNDAY OCTOBER 18

By Jay Hardin - Track Enterprises Staff

October 6, 2020 (Springfield, Illinois)………The iconic grandstand of the Illinois State Fairgrounds’ one-mile dirt track will reverberate with the sounds of racing engines for the second time this month.

Thanks to an agreement between Track Enterprises, the state of Illinois and the United States Auto Club, the Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear championship race will go on October 18, the 83rd time a 100-mile national championship race has been contested on the Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

A large contingent of USAC cars and stars are expected for the Bettenhausen 100, just the second one-mile track on a reduced 2020 USAC Silver Crown slate.  The COVID-19 pandemic has caused havoc with racing schedules and the Silver Crown Series is no exception.

Much to the credit of teams, officials and race fans, the 2020 Hoosier Hundred went off without a hitch at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on August 23.  Thirty-six entries attempted to qualify at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for a race that was announced two weeks prior.

The 2020 Silver Crown Series title will be decided at Springfield, which is now the last race of the year.  The October 4 race at Toledo was rained out and not able to be rescheduled, meaning that points leader Justin Grant maintains a 22-point lead over five-time and defending national champ Kody Swanson.

Grant also has a 32-point lead over 2018 Silver Crown Rookie of the year Kyle Robbins and veteran Matt Goodnight.  Swanson and Grant are past winners of the Bettenhausen 100.

The 2019 Bettenhausen 100 was lost to rain, both on the original August date and the rain date in September when it poured again.  It will exceed two years since the big cars have ripped up the Springfield clay.  Chris Windom of Canton, Illinois won the Bettenhausen 100 in August of 2018 and he is expected to return.

The 2020 Bettenhausen 100 presented by Fatheadz Eyewear takes place Sunday October 18 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.  Practice for the big cars is slated at Noon Central with the main event scheduled for around 3 p.m.

Grandstand ticket sales will be limited to 20% capacity in order to promote a safe atmosphere and allow for proper social distancing. In addition, face coverings will be required, temperatures will be checked upon arrival, and multiple handwashing and sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the venue.

To ensure a ticket, fans are encouraged to order online at www.trackenterprises.com or by calling the office at 217-764-3200.