Unfavorable Weather Forecast Prompts Cancellation Of This Weekend’s Illini 100 At LaSalle Speedway By Kevin Kovac, WoO LMS P.R. Director
LASALLE, IL – March 29, 2011 (updated on 4/5) – An unfavorable weather forecast that includes rain, snow and cold temperatures has prompted an early cancellation of this weekend’s fourth annual World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Illini 100’ at LaSalle Speedway.
A collaborative effort among Tru-Speed Enterprises promoter Don Hammer, the World Racing Group and the Izzo family that owns the quarter-mile clay oval, the Illini 100 was scheduled to begin on Thursday night (March 31) with an open practice session. Time trials and heat races were set for Friday evening (April 1) with Saturday night (April 2) reserved for B-Mains and the $20,000-to-win, 100-lap headliner.
Event officials discussed options but have announced that the weekend will not be rescheduled this season at LaSalle, which was primed to host the Illini 100 for the first time following its three-season run at Farmer City Raceway.
“It’s never an easy decision to call off a race early in the week, but considering the weather conditions forecast for the weekend we felt this was in the best interests of the race teams and fans,” said WoO LMS director Tim Christman. “The Illini 100 is a huge undertaking and it’s supposed to be filled with fun both on and off the track, but with the area experiencing freezing temperatures all week and wintry weather possible to kick off the weekend the anticipation and excitement for the event will undoubtedly be affected.
“We’ve faced cold temperatures before during the Illini 100, but the possibility of rain and snow as well this weekend creates the potential for an event that won’t be able to live up to its traditional high standards. We’re disappointed, but we’ve also already had some race teams call and thank us for deciding early in the week and saving them from making long drives all the way to LaSalle under the prospect of an unfavorable forecast.”
“Running a big event like the Illini 100 in central Illinois in early spring is always a gamble with the weather,” added Don Hammer, the former Farmer City Raceway promoter who has worked with the World Racing Group to present the Illini 100 since its spectacular inception in 2008. “We’ve been blessed with favorable conditions on both Friday and Saturday of the Illini for the past three years, but unfortunately this year we don’t have the same positive outlook for the weekend and that makes it difficult to press forward.”
Christman said that postponing the Illini 100 to next weekend (April 8-9) was discussed but ultimately tabled.
“We looked at rescheduling for next weekend,” said Christman. “But with so many tracks in the Midwest set to start racing we felt running the Illini 100 would take away from their season openers by forcing racers and fans to choose between events.”
Fans who purchased advance tickets for the Illini 100 weekend will be receiving e-mails with information and instructions concerning their options or.
The next competition for the WoO LMS is scheduled for April 15-16 at Virginia Motor Speedway in Jamaica, Va., a showplace half-mile oval that will host the second annual Commonwealth 100. A $25,000 top prize has been posted for the blockbuster event.
For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.
The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), STP (Official Fuel Treatment), Vicci (Official Uniform), VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel), DirtonDirt.com (Hard Charger Award), McCarthy’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning (Raye Vest Memorial Pill Draw Award), Chizmark Larson Insurance, Factory Value Parts and RacingJunk.com; in addition to contingency sponsors Comp Cams, Eibach Springs, JE Pistons, MSD Ignition, Ohlins Shocks, Pro Power Engines, Quartermaster, Rocket Chassis, R2C Performance, Superflow Dynos, Wix Filters and Wrisco Aluminum.
