August 29
Peoria Speedway,
Peoria, IL
Sanction: MARS Racing Series (Illinois State Championship ) - $5,000
Information provided by: Series and track reports (last updated August 30, 10:18 pm)
Shirley secures weekend sweep at Peoria
Illinois State Championship
- Brian Shirley
- Jeff Herzog
- Dennis Erb Jr.
- Todd Bennett
- Jason Feger
- Shannon Babb
- Charley Hess
- Ryan Gustin
- Mike Chasteen Jr.
- Jeremiah Hurst
- Myles Moos
- Frank Heckenast Jr.
- Jason Papich
- Ryan Unzicker
- Blaze Burwell
- Matt Murphy
- Bob Gardner
- Kolby Vandenbergh
- Roger Rebholz
- Billy Drake
- Curtis Radke
- Rich Bell
Brian Shirley celebrates his $5,000 Illinois State Championship at Peoria.
What won the race: Running away with the weekend sweep in the MARS Racing Series doubleheader, polesitter Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill., outran Jeff Herzog in Saturday night’s Illinois State Championship at Peoria Speedway. He pocketed a $5,000 payday for his 16th career series win.
Key notes: Shirley’s victory completed a weekend sweep in MARS action at Peoria, where he also captured Friday’s $5,000-to-win opener. … Shirley captured his second career Illinois State Championship. His first win came in 2018. He finished third last year. … There have been 38 different winners in Peoria's marquee event, which began in 1952. … Illinois drivers have now won 60 of the 66 Illinois State Championships … The series closes out it’s first year under the direction of Tony Izzo with a Labor Day Weekend tripleheader, with two $5,000-to-win races at Farmer City and a $10,000-to-win race at Fairbury.
Winner's sponsors: Shirley’s Bob Cullen Racing Rocket Chassis is powered by an Andy Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by Thomason Express, Cheap Cars, KBX Graphix, Kid’s Castle Learning Center, Skateland South, Jayco Construction, Kim's Autobody, Vallejo and Popejoy.
Points chase: Entering the weekend, Frank Heckenast Jr. (145 points) of Frankfort, Ill., leads Bobby Pierce (125), Chris Simpson (120), Ryan Unzicker (103) and Daryn Klein (101).
Current weather: Clear, 61°F
Car count: 32
Fast qualifier: Ryan Gustin
Time: 12.229 seconds
Polesitter: Brian Shirley
Heat race winners: Brian Shirley, Todd Bennett, Dennis Erb Jr., Jeff Herzog
Next series race: September 3, Farmer City Raceway (Farmer City, IL) $5,000
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.