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Let’s Go Racing; La Salle Speedway thrilled Kasey Kahne chooses them
By: Betty Glynn

LaSALLE, IL (April 29, 2010) - In just two days, the Illinois Valley area will echo with a familiar sound on Saturday nights. The rumble of sheer horsepower will fill the air while the lights illuminate the sky off of Route 6. To a race fans delight it is a sign of the much anticipated racing season and in the Terminators famous line “Hasta la vista, baby” to winter. 

The La Salle Speedway has become a Saturday date night for racing enthusiasts with competitive dirt track racing to satisfy their weekly craving. The 2010 schedule is sure to be full of something for everyone with even more diversity added this season. 

May Day will mark the season’s opener for the weekly divisions of Late Model, Modified, Street Stock and 4-Cylinder Hornet racers. Divisional rules and regulations can be located on the La Salle Speedway website www.lasallespeedway.com.  

The regular weekly program will run nearly every Saturday night until August 28^th.    

According to track owner, Kerry Izzo, everything has remained the same with some exciting additions to the schedule and their focus on promoting a family environment. “We want to continue to promote family fun. Children 11 and under are still free on our regular events,” Izzo said. “Racing is a family sport with generations participating and enjoying the competition, we want to keep it that way.” 

The Speedway has been able to keep the regular general admission the same price while adding three special priced nights spread throughout the season. “We have three Fan Appreciation Nights scheduled with the $5 General Admission along with prizes and giveaways.” 

On May 22^nd, the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Spring Shootout will launch the first big event with a $10,000.00 payday on the line. The best in dirt track racing have been known to light up the high banks of La Salle with flag to flag excitement. Touring drivers historically rave about the ultra racy ¼ mile clay oval at the Illinois Valley speed arena. 

Information about the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model series can be found on their website at www.lucasdirt.com. 

Thursday, June 10^th will be the 410 Non-Wing Sprint Event sponsored by Nimee Auto Sales. 

The biggest surprise of the season’s schedule has to be the return of the famous World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Car Series on Thursday, July 8^th.  Their absence from the roster since 2004 was missed by the large fan base of local WoO fans. The biggest thrill of all is that the event at La Salle is the final showdown for Bud Crown presented by Budweiser. 

Kasey Kahne’s Showdown for the Bud Crown World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series will bring their favorite drivers back to town. With Kasey Kahne in the house, it will more than likely bring out more stars who will be in the area for the NASCAR events being held at Chicagoland Speedway.  

“Having the WoO Sprint Car Series back is outstanding,” Izzo expressed. “Having Kasey Kahne choose us out of all the tracks is a thrill. I know La Salle has been one of the favorites of the WoO drivers. We expect many of the NASCAR drivers to be in attendance since they will be in Joliet that weekend.” 

Kahne talked of the upcoming event in a recent press release. “Everything at LaSalle Speedway happens so fast on the track that there’s no doubt it will be an exciting night and a great place to wrap up the Showdown for the Bud Crown,” Kahne said. “Each stop in the Bud Crown series features a different kind of track, from high-banked Bulls Gap to big Sedalia and the LaSalle bullring. It’s a good test for everybody.” 

Drivers who are at the top of their series points chase are only separated by 30 points. They include the last winner at La Salle Danny Lasoski who took the checkers in 2004. Currently topping the points, is Steve Kinser who was victorious in both 1999 & 1994.  Brad Sweet, Paul McMahan, and Jason Myers are also at the top of the chase.  

Reserved seating tickets are already available for purchase on their website and can be purchased in advance at: www.worldofoutlaws.com/tickets.

This Saturday’s kick off will boast top local talent who are geared up for another season of competitive dirt track racing.
La Salle Speedway Pit Gates open at 4:30pm, Grandstand open at 5:00pm with Racing starting at 7:30pm. For regular weekly shows pricing as follows: Adults $10, Children 11 and under free, Skybox seating $12 with Pit Passes costing $25.