09/02/2026
FLO Racing Names Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway MARS Late Model Event the “Race of the Week”
WWT Raceway’s sister venue earns national recognition while building momentum toward September 11 NASCAR Weekend kickoff
BELLEVILLE, Ill. (Sept. 2, 2026)– In just its second race since opening, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway has captured one of dirt racing's most coveted weekly honors.
The all-new quarter-mile dirt oval in downtown Belleville was named FLO Racing's "Race of the Week" for its MARS Late Model Championship Series event held Sunday, Aug. 30, surpassing a packed schedule of marquee races across the country. The race, won by California standout Dylan Thornton, was broadcast live to FLO Racing's worldwide audience and quickly became one of the most talked-about dirt racing events of the weekend.
Featuring thrilling three and four-wide racing throughout the field and a dramatic battle for the lead among Thornton, Kentucky's Tanner English and Georgia's Cody Overton, the event showcased the excitement and competitive racing that has quickly become synonymous with the new facility.
"We knew we had an incredible event, and the feedback we were receiving during and immediately after the show was absolutely unbelievable," said track promoter Chris Blair who is also the Executive Vice President and General Manager of WWT Raceway. "When we learned we had been selected over events such as the Lucas Oil Late Model Series at Port Royal, the Gold Cup at Silver Dollar Speedway and the Smackdown at Kokomo, it really validated everything our team has worked so hard to accomplish."
The MARS Late Model event also ranked as the fourth most-watched broadcast on FLO Racing during the week, further emphasizing the national attention surrounding the new speedway.
Since the checkered flag flew Sunday night, praise has continued to pour in from every corner of the racing industry.
"Five minutes after the race I received a text from NASCAR star Christopher Bell who wanted to make sure our track crew knew how impressed he was with the racing surface and the job they had done," Blair said. "Soon after that, I was hearing from sanctioning body officials and promoters across the country asking about opportunities to become part of our future schedule."
The recognition is particularly significant considering Sunday's race was only the second event ever conducted at the new speedway, which has already earned rave reviews for its fan-friendly layout, modern amenities and unmatched viewing experience.
"While we're honored by the recognition, we're just getting started," Blair added. "We're continuing to fine-tune the facility and enhance the fan experience every time the gates open. The best part is that our next event is right around the corner, and it's shaping up to be one of the biggest short track races this region has seen in years."
NASCAR Weekend Begins at Belle-Clair on Sept. 11
That next event comes on Friday, Sept. 11, when Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway officially kicks off NASCAR weekend in the St. Louis region with the inaugural Cup Time STL Short Track Classic.
The event marks the return of Friday night racing to the historic Belle-Clair Fairgrounds and serves as the opening act to the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Nu Way 225 Powered by Bobcat and Sauced by Blues Hog races at sister facility World Wide Technology Raceway.
Fans will enjoy a full night of racing featuring:
KKM Midgets
NARA Outlaw Micro Sprints
UMP DIRTcar Modifieds
Vintage exhibition racing
Adding to the excitement, NASCAR personalities Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader are expected to compete in the Modified division, while additional appearances by NASCAR stars are planned throughout the evening.
As a special thank-you to fans helping write the next chapter of Belle-Clair history, every attendee will receive a limited-edition "My Track Is Back" commemorative decal, available exclusively at the Sept. 11 event while supplies last.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be streamed live worldwide on FLO Racing.
The excitement generated by the facility's nationally recognized MARS Late Model event has only increased anticipation for what promises to be another memorable night under the lights.
"If Sunday's race showed anything, it's that Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway has quickly become a destination for racers and fans alike," Blair said. "Now we have an opportunity to welcome thousands of race fans from across the country to the region and show them why the rebirth of racing at Belle-Clair is one of the most exciting stories in all of motorsports."
For more information, visit www.BelleClairSpeedway.com.
Tickets for the Sept.11 Cup Time STL Short Track Classic, and the October 17 World of Outlaws ‘Battle at Belle-Clair’ are available now through TIXR.com. Tickets for the NASCAR weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway are available at wwtraceway.com.
🎟️>>> https://www.tixr.com/groups/belleclairspeedway/events/-cuptimestl-short-track-classic-199702?utm_source=hive&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=hive_email_id_658345_belle-clair-friday-event
