It’s being called the Illinois River Rumble: East vs. West and it’s sure to bring out the best effort in sprint car drivers from throughout Illinois, Southeast Iowa and Eastern Missouri as the Brockway Mechanical Sprint Invaders winged sprint cars return to Jacksonville Speedway this Friday June 8th. The Invaders have long been a regular special event at Jacksonville with their 360ci sprints but rain and the water shortage forced the cancellation of their appearances last season.
Jacksonville’s Bobby Hawks raced with the invaders for a number of years winning six events with the series. Based primarily out of the Burlington, Iowa area the current invader lineup includes defending champion Matt Sutton, MOWA champion Jerrod Hull, Knoxville Raceway regular Jarrod Schneiderman, Jimmy Davies, Andy Huston and many others.
The Jacksonville regulars will be attempting to defend their home turf against the invader field with Jim Moughan leading field of locals following strong showings in his early outings in the 2012 season. Also representing the East side of the river will be the likes of Korey Weyant, Jimmy Hurley, Jordan Goldesberry, Ben Wagoner, Bret Tripplett, and Matt Harms.
Kids Night will feature many added attractions including chances to meet drivers, sit in race cars and other activities. Youngsters will take center stage during intermission with the “Stars of Tomorrow All Star Shootout” for quarter midgets. Quarter midgets are roughly go kart sized replicas of a sprint car and many local youngsters spend their summers having great success throughout the Midwest in the smaller cars. Friday will be a great chance to recognize and celebrate their talents.
Plans are to carve a smaller quarter midget track out of the infield with two classes of quarter midgets in action. Local talent on display should include Briana, Evan and Case Turner, Brock and Brayden Pettit, Austin Stewart and more.
Also in action will be Street Stocks, Micros and Hornets. Grandstands open at 5:00 with racing at 7:00. Grandstand admission is $16 with children 12 and under Free.