La Salle Speedway
New date undetermined for postponed Illini 100
By Kevin Kovac
World of Outlaws Late Model SeriesAn unfavorable weather forecast that includes rain, snow and cold temperatures has prompted an early cancellation of this weekend’s fourth annual Illini 100, a World of Outlaws Late Model Series at La Salle 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 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 series 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.”
Officials initially considered postponing the Illini 100 to April 8-9, but decided against it because of so many Midwestern tracks hosting season openers, Christman said.
Fans who purchased advance tickets for the Illini 100 weekend will be receiving e-mails with information and instructions concerning their options.
The World of Outlaws return to action April 15-16 at Virginia Motor Speedway in Jamaica, Va., for the second annual Commonwealth 100, a $25,000-to-win event.
