Rockford Speedway announces 2015 schedule

LOVES PARK, Ill. — With temperatures in the 50s scheduled this week and the snow melting in a hurry, area racing enthusiasts can start thinking seriously about the coming season.

Rockford Speedway officials have released the track’s 2015 schedule, featuring over 40 events at the northern Illinois facility which is prepping to open its gates for the 68th consecutive summer.

Cars first take to the track at 11 a.m. April 4, with an open practice session for all divisions. The Stone & Double T 200-lap four-cylinder enduro takes the green flag at 3 p.m. that day.

On April 12, the 38th annual Spring Classic will serve as the season-opening event for the Big 8 Late Model Series presented by Gandrud Chevrolet and the Mid American Stock Car Series while also featuring the American Ethanol Super Trucks.

NASCAR Whelen All American Series action hits the high banks of Rockford Speedway once again this summer, with April 18 set as Opening Night. Saturday night action continues until Sept. 12, when NASCAR Track Champions are crowned in the Stanley Steemer NASCAR Late Models, Bargain Hunter Sportsman, Miller Lite American Short Tracks, Kickstart Roadrunners and the Sam’s Drive In Roadrunner Challenge.

“Wild Wednesdays” begin June 10 and continue through Aug. 5. This year’s Wednesday night slate includes nine consecutive Wednesday night programs featuring the Roadrunner Super Summer Series, Bandits, Winged Women on Wheels, MisFits, Super Cups, “Wild & Crazy” Figure 8’s and One-on-One Spectacular Drags.

Special events returning to the Speedway this summer include the Original Trailer Race of Destruction (June 13), Kid’s Day Camp Afternoon Sparktacular (June 24), Midnight Ride of Paul Revere & Fireworks Extravaganza (July 4), World Famous Figure 8 Trailer Race (Aug. 1), Beatin’ & Bangin’ Boat Race (Aug. 29) and Night of Thrills (Sept. 19).

The popular “Gilley’s Cool 5” returns for a fifth year in 2015 with “Cool 5” races being held on May 30, June 20, July 25, Aug. 15 and Sept. 5. The Illini Racing Series Midgets, American Super Cups, Central States Super Cups and Hornets are also included in the busy 2015 racing schedule.

One of the biggest events of the summer takes placeJune 27, with the return of the ARCA Midwest Tour and the running of the All Star 100. Ever since the first All Star 100 back in 1978, racing greats like Bobby Allison, Mark Martin, Dick Trickle and Joe Shear have all tasted victory in the 100-lap showcase, while legends like Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace and Alan Kulwicki have all participated in the event.

Along with the star-studded Super Late Model field expected for All Star 100, the NASCAR Late Models share the stage that evening, contesting their “Star Spangled 76” lap feature. Complimenting the “Late Model Super Show” is the Central States Super Cups, who round out the June 27th card.

The 50th National Short Track Championships (NSTC) take place Oct. 2-4, showcasing the top short track racers in the Midwest. This year’s 50th NSTC includes the return of the Must See Racing Xtreme Sprint Cars on Sunday, along with Saturday night’s Big 8 Late Model Series 108 lapper, Great Northern Sportsman, Mid-American Stock Cars, Illini Midgets, American Ethanol Super Trucks and of course the weekend’s main event, the 200-lap Super Late Model feature race on Sunday afternoon.

The 24th Annual Bahama Bracket Nationals, where nearly 200 drivers compete against each other and the clock, return Saturday and Sunday Oct. 17-18, while the Goblin 250 four-cylinder enduro closes the curtain on Rockford Speedway’s 68th season Sunday afternoon Oct. 25.

Promotional Nights such as Kid’s Nights, Scout Night & Military Night will return in 2015, their dates however are not yet decided and will be featured in the final schedule, set to be released at the end of March.

For more information, check out www.rockfordspeedway.com or call 815-633-1500.

Rockford Speedway announces 2015 schedule