Mike Marlar (157) battles with Brandon Sheppard during the 2019 Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury Speedway. (Jim DenHamer photo)
Mike Marlar (157) battles with Brandon Sheppard during the 2019 Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury Speedway. (Jim DenHamer photo)

No Prairie Dirt Classic In 2020 At Fairbury

FAIRBURY, Ill. — The Prairie Dirt Classic presented by the Bank of Pontiac, which was slated to pay $50,000 to the winner for the first time this year at Fairbury Speedway, will not take place this season.

After ongoing meetings with state and county officials, the decision was made to not hold the Prairie Dirt Classic this year. The event was to be sanctioned by the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series.

“It’s disappointing, no doubt. However I am very grateful for the support and guidance the Livingston County Health Department has played in allowing us to go back to racing the past couple of weeks,” said Matt Curl, owner and promoter of Fairbury Speedway.  “In the end, it’s the right decision for our community and the long term success and well-being of the Fairbury Speedway. I have no doubt in my mind that the 2021 PDC will be the biggest racing event in the history of FALS.”

Originally scheduled for July 31-Aug. 1, the Prairie Dirt Classic will continue its tradition in 2021 with all camping reservations and reserved tickets transferring over and good for the 2021Prairie Dirt Classic weekend. All reservations are locked, and reserved ticket vouchers will be sent in the mail this fall to those who purchased tickets to date.  Fairbury Speedway will be offering a refund to any reserved ticket or camping holder for the PDC. However if a refund is requested, they will not be allowed to purchase those tickets in the future; and the tickets will be opened back up to the general public for purchase in 2021.  People requesting a refund for the Prairie Dirt Classic reservations need to send an email to [email protected].  The last date to request a refund will be Sunday August 2nd 2020.

With the news that the Prairie Dirt Classic would be postponed in 2020, Curl will be announcing details on July 7 about a two-day, $25,000-to-win event with the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series at the Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway.

The event at Kokomo will be held on the same weekend, July 31-Aug. 1, as the now canceled Prairie Dirt Classic.

“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to promote a race at Kokomo,” Curl said. “The O’Connor family has been great to work with and the combination of our teams will make for an amazing weekend.”

All the details including ticketing, camping and all race information will be released next week on the Fairbury Speedway and Kokomo Speedway websites.