The big week has arrived

Cars prior to last year's Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury Speedway, file photo.

Let the camping and racing begin as Prairie Dirt Classic week has arrived in Fairbury.

Planning for the big event at “America’s Dirt Track” has been happening since last year.

“We are polishing things up and getting ready,” Fairbury Speedway owner and promoter Matt Curl said earlier this month.

Entertainment is planned throughout the week as this is the second year for the Wednesday race. Hundreds of campers in town means people are spending locally and buying fuel here.

Curl says they are looking to facilitate everyone while ensuring safety.

“The city of Fairbury Police Department does a great job,” said Curl. “We’ve got a really good thing going here.”

The 2023 event saw around 7500 attendees with 7600 in 2024. More than 200 golf cart permits were given out at the PDC alone last year. Between 750 and 800 camper units are anticipated in town, in addition to those parked at houses. This year's reserve tickets, camping and reserve seats have sold out.

The track crews have whatever equipment they need so the races can happen.

“We always have Sunday as a rain date,” noted Curl.

Those attending will notice rebranding with fresh logos around the speedway grounds as Popejoy is the co-title sponsor of the PDC. Curl feels it is great to keep a local business as a sponsor.

“The Prairie Central School District is such an integral part as we partner with them for their grounds,” adds Curl.  

A big plus for visitors is the fact that Verizon has upgraded service to 5G since last year. Fiber guest wi-fi access is expected by 2026.

“It’ll be a huge deal to all of our fans and drivers.”

Nearly 40 states will be represented in Fairbury this week, with some as far away as Alaska. Around a dozen people come from Australia each year before heading to Wisconsin.

Tuesday at 6 p.m. is the first time a camper can get onto the grounds but some overflow lots open Monday. At 8 a.m. Wednesday, the overflow lots start on the grounds along with tent camping. Campers must be in by 3 p.m. Wednesday due to the night races and camper admission opens again Thursday morning.

Wednesday night is the “One for the Road” race for late models. Thursday is the Shriner’s golf outing at the Indian Creek Country Club during the day and back on the grounds in the evening is the Bank of Pontiac dinner with the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital auction, FALS draw raffle and a performance from Dirty Grass Soul.

Friday features a bags tournament at noon and the racing showdown features at 6 p.m.

Saturday includes the driver autograph session in the afternoon with the big race at night.

All three racing nights are streamed online and those in the grounds will notice a satellite truck that really puts Fairbury on the map.

The week concludes with the traditional Bank of Pontiac check presentation late Saturday night after racing has concluded.

“Everyone talks about going to the bank,” states Curl.