Looking for something fun and different to do with your family on a Friday night?
If your kids like fast cars and loud engines, then you might want to check out Farmer City Raceway, a quarter-mile dirt oval track located at the Farmer City Fairgrounds.
Just 20 miles west of Champaign, Farmer City Raceway conducts racing every Friday night starting in April (some practices in March) and running throughout the summer.
Classes include Late Models, Modifieds, Pro Late Models, Street Stocks, and Hornets.
Lance Spieker, a “die-hard” racing fan and the Raceway Committee Chairman, says the races offer a family-friendly atmosphere (kids 12 and under for general admission get in free).
His best tip for families who have never been to the races before is to bring headphones or ear plugs as the races can be very loud.
He also said safety glasses might be a good idea because sometimes dirt can fly off the racetrack. Both earplugs and eye protection are sold at the racetrack if you forget to bring them.
Gates open at 4 p.m.; hot laps start at 6:30 p.m.; qualifying laps at 7 p.m.; and races begin at 7:30 p.m.
For a regular Friday night show, Spieker said racers come from a 60-mile radius but for a bigger show they come from all over the country.
Regular gate admission is $12 for adults, $5 for Veterans on general admission on regular shows, kids 12 and under are FREE. Regular pit pass price is $30 for adults, $15 for kids 12 and under. Regular night parking on Turns 1 and 2 are $10 per spot (if you park on the fence, you can bring in your own food and drink.) Season passes are also available for purchase. Special event pricing will vary.
Farmer City Raceway, which is owned and operated by the Farmer City Fairgrounds Committee, has been operating at its current location since 1941.
For more information about Farmer City Raceway and the current year’s schedule, go to its Facebook page or website. Before you go, be sure to confirm whether concessions and/or restrooms are open. Spieker said weather cancellations are usually posted on the Facebook page.