Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Details
 

This Friday, June 21st, is the Chuck Amati 68 lapper with modifieds and hornets.
Sprints - 68 laps, caution laps will be counted up to lap 50.
*Sprints will be running a traditional format of heat races, bmain, and main feature. (Note: This will NOT be an all sprints run a feature show.)

Modifieds

Hornets - will also be running their make-up feature from June 14th.

General Admission $20.00
Kids 10 and under free

Pit Admission
11 and up $30.00
10 and under $15.00

If the track is as good as it was Friday, we are in for a heck of a race.

Sprint Feature is $3,000.00 to win and $200.00 to start.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Pit Gate opens at 4:30 pm
Main Gate opens at 5:30pm

Don't miss out on this Paragon Speedway Tradition!

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Hot Laps will begin at 6:40pm

Racing will begin at 7:30pm

Don't miss the 68 lap Chuck Amati!!!!

Are Lawn Chair spots available still, down in front of the main grandstands on the flat grassy area on the frontstretch?? Thanks!!

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Hope they run.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

I have not been to Paragon for 40 years. A few question with all this rain I hope they can get it in. If I get to the track around 2 pm can I put blankets down? I am taking my camper and thinking about going to Paragon and drop off the blanket and go to LPS and drop the camper there. I heard there was not much area for a camper and I would be worried about getting it stuck.

Thanks

Mark

A couple of suggestions...unless you have a specific seat in mind, or have a large group, you can secure seats about where you want. Paragon has some raised bleachers up top near the concession stands and many rows of seats between there and the track. Those lower seats consist of rows of metal or wood benches spaced maybe 4 or so feet apart. No backrests. Many people put lawn chairs between the rows. Be advised that your lawn chair will/may be somewhat tilted toward the track because of the incline. I don't know what time the fans have access to the seating area but I suspect it is early in the day because of the workers needing access. They probably run everyone out of the seating area before the ticket office opens. The parking area is generally good but does have some very soft grounds. Be careful where you park.

Thanks Al

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Is there any place to put a lawn chair at the top on a flat surface? Wife is disabled and can not walk very far or do steps or hills?

I think you would be fine with a flat area in the stands but the admission gate is up on top a large hill. I believe there is some parking up there though just be prepared for it.

Some helpful information for new fans to Paragon Speedway.
1) Handicapped and special needs parking is available at the top of the hill.
2) There is restroom facilities outside the main gate.
A) Restroom building is the white.
building in the special
needs/handicapped parking area.
B) Portalet facilities are along
fence outside main gate along
with a handwash station.
3) Marking of seats is allowed but once the gate opens a ticket or wristband is required.
4) Lawn chairs are strongly encouraged. And there is a grassy hillside available for lawn chair seating.
5) There is overflow parking across the street once the main lot fills up.
6) Grand Stand Concession opens at same time as main gate. Items include water/soda etc., track burgers, popcorn chicken, pretzels cinnamon/salt/plain,popcorn, fries, and many other items.

The Amati Memorial has been a favorite of mine for many years now since it’s beginning. It takes me back to the good old days when we would have special 40 lap features.
I would be much obliged, if someone will please post (in case mother nature ruins it) before I start my 3 Hour Drive there.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Hopefully the ol' One Arm Bandit's got some influence in the weather department, up there. Because everything is in alignment for a big and talented field, tonight. A 68 lap war would be a great way to get this weekend started.

Here's a trivia question for you: Why did Keith name it the "Chuck Amati 68 and make it 68 laps"?

Jerry

Because he died at the age of 68 of a heart attack while driving In Herron, IL.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Correct.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

I would like to attend this as well. I am about 1 1/2- 2 hours away. However i just looked at the radar and there looks to be a band of storms heading that way. The storms are just about St. Louis right now. Unless the storms change direction or break up its not looking good. Just have to wait and see.

Anyone know if there is a live stream? Would love to watch tonight.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Hope you get it in, but with future radar forecast for tonight, tough to justify my 2 1/2 hour drive time. Best of luck to all of the competitors.

Same here, Bob!

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Weather can always happen, but according to both Weather Underground and Accuweather, the precipitation chances for Paragon don't go above 50% until 11 pm. And don't get really high until after 2 am. I've seen a ton of great races that had more dire forecasts than that. And to be fair, gotten rained on when there was very little rain in the forecast.

Jerry

Absolutely agree Jerry. If I was as close as you are there would be no hesitation. Anybody within 1 hour should absolutely be there. Unfortunately we are not that close.

I saw the same thing also Jerry. But looking ahead this weekend. my plans were , Lps and Kokomo and both don’t look good at all.
So tonight looks like the best chance of beating mother nature to see sprints.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

I really want to attend this one. Chuck Amati was from my area and he was my first racing hero, I followed his career in my youth, mainly through Speed Sport News. Rarely did I get the opportunity to see him race in person. A few times I saw him race at Turnpike Speedway in Marion, Illinois and once or twice my dad was able to take us to Little Springfield. Later, I saw him he attempted a comeback of sorts and drove a couple of times at St. Francois County Speedway in Farmington, MO, probably when he was 60 plus years old. The weather, unfortunately, doesn't look good and I am 3 1/2 hours from Paragon. Alas, maybe next year. If it does rain, I hope they reschedule.
Edit for old brain: How could I forget his time in the white 66. Saw him at Haubstadt several times in that car and others.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Well CRUD!!!!!
I'm already to go and now it just looks terrible. Instead of dissipating here in E. Central Illinois it looks like it's building. Guess I will cancel room but wait another hour before I try this. So bummed. I love this race. And yes, SoIlSprnt, the raindate is Friday, September 13th.
:( :13: :(

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

RonMil are you gonna try?

Here is current radar 1pm Central. We are due to start raining here within the hour.

Also up here it says once it starts it won't stop until 9am Sat. morning. However I realize up here we are smack in the middle of it.

Current weather and track conditions

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

No, I am not going to attempt it. Been having back and leg problems and an epidural two weeks ago had a negative effect. I had physical therapy this morning and it has helped some, and I have a new regimen of exercises to work on. Also, a lack of a shotgun rider is a big influence. I had persuaded Earlene to come, and she reluctantly agreed. She has mobility and other health issues, so she seldom attends any races nowadays, even though she enjoyed them, especially if Dave Darland was racing.
The drive back home on virtually deserted roads with no businesses on them is more of a challenge for me than it was just a short time ago. That's a long winded way of saying I will be missing the Chuck Amati 68 for the first time. Last years race was the best one yet, and one of the best races I saw all year.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Wishing you well pal:9:

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Dang Ron! Sorry to hear about your issues.
Hope to see you at a track soon.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Ok real quick. Since some of you mentioned fond memories of chuck, here is a nice website I found awhile back on him.
I hope the link works.

http://www.wagtimes.com/driverchuckamati.html

*Also if I were closer or local, believe me I would try to make it.
So please don't let me discourage anyone from attending.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Thanks for sharing! Several of those photos were from Haubstadt, where he was a crowd favorite!

I’m as optimistic as they come but also a realist. Better move to Plan B for tonight. Hmmmm....think we’ll have some ice cream. 😜

Pizza sounds good.🏁

Was about to leave from Brownsburg. Have they cancelled yet?

Just did

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Are you there Jen? Looks like it will hit Paragon around 6 pm give or take. I wanted go but really dont think they will get it in tonight.

Re: Paragon Speedway - Chuck Amati Race - Friday 6/21 Detai
 

Just got a text from someone there it is cancelled.

No I’m not there. We are sitting on the porch waiting for the storm to hit in Bloomington.