by Chris McWilliams on March 30, 2011
A bad weather forecast for the weekend has claimed another race. With rain, snow, and cold temperatures in the forecast the organizers of the 4th Annual World of Outlaws Late Model Series “Illini 100” at LaSalle Speedway have been forced to cancel this weekend’s action. The “Illini 100” had been a collaborative effort between Tru-Speed Enterprises promoter Don Hammer, the World Racing Group, and the Izzo family who owns the ¼ mile LaSalle Speedway which was to take place March 31st – April 2nd and offered a big $20,000 payday to the winner of the 100 lap A-Main. The 2011 edition of the “Illini 100” was to be the first time that the race was held at LaSalle Speedway after the first three races were held at Farmer City Raceway.
For more information of the WoO Late Models fans can check out http://woolms.com/ and fans can visit LaSalle Speedway at lasallespeedway.com.
Billy Moyer #21 On His Way to Winning The 2010 "Illini 100" (Image Credit: DE Photos)
Fans can hold onto some hope as event officials are discussing options to reschedule the race for later this season. WoO Late Model Series director Tim Christman said, “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. 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,” commented Don Hammer who is the former Farmer City Raceway promoter who has worked with the World Racing Group to present the Illini 100 since its beginning 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.”
Tim Christman said that postponing the Illini 100 to next weekend (April 8-9) was discussed but ultimately scratched. “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.” Those fans who purchased advance tickets for the “Illini 100” weekend should be receiving e-mails with information and instructions concerning their options. The WoO Late Models will now look forward to their next race which will be the 2nd Annual “Commonwealth 100” which is scheduled for April 15-16 at the Virginia Motor Speedway in Jamaica, VA. The winner will pocket a nice $25,000 check if they can conquer the ½ mile oval.
