5 Things to Know Before Visiting the Southern Illinois Raceway

Looking for something fun and exciting to do around the Marion, Illinois, area? Come experience the thrill of a night at the Southern Illinois Raceway. This clay raceway is sure to excite with its high-banked track that regularly sees dramatic three-wide battles and hairpin slides from its daring competitors. The raceway is fun for the whole family, so bring your kids for a night of high-speed entertainment. Whether you’re a Marion local or a guest passing through, you can’t go wrong with spending a night at the Southern Illinois Raceway.

Before your next trip to the track, here are five things to know about visiting the raceway.

Raceway History

“Sprint Cars in the Pit” licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 via Flickr by Mike Tewkesbury

The Southern Illinois Raceway is a club-promoted racetrack that hosts a diverse range of microsprint races. It has an extensive history of putting on weekly races. In recent years, the track has undergone several updates and changes. For example, it was updated to increase its banking in 2007.

During a recent resurfacing, the Southern Illinois Raceway changed its top section of turn four to make the banking more even around the rest of the track. This change improved the portion of the track which was previously famous for forcing cars into the wall. With this change, races have become even smoother and more exciting than ever before.

The Southern Illinois Raceway continues to host races independently. The raceway hosted The 66 Mike Phillips Memorial race in both 2011 and 2012. Starting in 2013, the Southern Illinois Raceway debuted the Highbanks Hustle wing event, and in 2014, the raceway hosted the Terry Sprague Memorial for its seventh year.

Finally, the Southern Illinois Raceway rebuilt the highbanks during the off-season in 2016. This decision led to its most exciting season yet, and the modern construction of the raceway has been delighting fans ever since. The Southern Illinois Raceway typically runs events weekly throughout the racing season, so plan a Saturday night at the track to experience all its up-to-date accommodations.

When to Visit the Raceway

The racing season typically starts in April and goes through October, so you can catch weekly races on Saturday nights from mid-spring through the fall. This makes the raceway a popular attraction for most of the year, with its peak season extending through the summer. Come by to spectate an evening race when the sun goes down and the weather cools off to enjoy in the outdoor arena. Get an exceptional view of the track under the lights and feel your heart pumping as the drivers speed through lap after lap.

If you can’t make it out on a Saturday to an official race, you can come to one of the raceway’s open practice nights. Watch the competitors test out their cars and prepare their upcoming races. Thinking about attending a race? Here’s an example of the raceway’s typical schedule, though be aware that it may change depending on the weather or other external factors:

• Pit gate opens at 4 p.m.
• Pit draw closes at 5:30 p.m.
• Drivers meeting at 5:45 p.m.
• Hot laps at 6 p.m.
• Races at 7 p.m.

Always make sure to check the schedule on the website to confirm race times and dates. For example, some special events may occur on select dates at different times from the typical track schedule.

Ticket Pricing and Information

If you’re planning on visiting the raceway, it’s helpful to know what it costs to attend a race and how to get your tickets. You can buy your tickets at the gate when you arrive at the raceway. General admissions tickets cost $8 for adults and $4 for children between the ages of seven and 12. Children age six or younger get in for free. Guests can expect seating in the bleachers of the grandstand or they can bring their own seating to use on the track’s lawn space.

Guests can also purchase passes that grant them access to the pit for a more up close and personal opportunity to view the cars and interact with racing team members. Pit passes cost $30 for adults and $10 for children age 12 or younger. Guests should also note that free passes for general admissions aren’t accepted for premier events unless otherwise stated.

General Track Rules for Guests

When attending an event at the Southern Illinois Raceway, it’s important to follow all rules. For example, the raceway doesn’t allow dogs in the grandstands for the health and safety of its guests. Any visitor who wishes to enter the pits must have a pit pass, and it’s encouraged for guests to wear their pit passes visibly at all times while in the pit area. Additionally, there are several rules in place to protect the safety and comfort of all guests. These rules include:

• No using improper language or gestures toward race officials, board members, or track staff.
• No threatened verbal or physical harm toward any person at the track.
• No competitor, crew member, or fan may approach the flagman or scorer during any race event regarding its scoring.
• Guests may not bring weapons to the track, though guests with concealed carry permits are allowed.
• Final decisions about the racetrack and its guests are left to the discretion of the board of directors.

Track Rainout and Reimbursement Policies

In the event of inclement weather, the track may suspend, delay, or cancel events for the safety of drivers and guests. The track policy for reimbursements because of weather disruptions varies depending on when the rainout occurs. For example, if the event becomes canceled or postponed before the hot laps begin, guests can expect their money back, though it’s up to the track’s discretion whether the event is rescheduled. If the rainout occurs after the hot laps but before finishing all the heat races, then guests may receive their money back or get a free pass for a future event.

These are five things to know before visiting the Southern Illinois Raceway. Are you a raceway veteran? Did you just attend your first race? Tell us all about your experience and let us know if you have any suggestions for new visitors by contacting us today.