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Unfavorable Weather Forecast Prompts Cancellation Of This
Weekend’s Illini 100 At LaSalle Speedway
LASALLE, IL (March 29, 2011) – 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 are discussing options to reschedule WoO LMS action for
later 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.
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.
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