As I recall, the $10 charge for DQ is for parking only, there is no cost to walk thru the gate at the Fair unlike Springfield. $25 is for advance ticksts? $30 at the gate on race day I believe. As far as hotels Marion probably has the most selection of places and rooms. Carbondale has a few decent places, so does Mt. Vernon. DuQuoin has very little, as does Benton. Food choices will depend on where you stay. Mary Lou's in Carbondale is great for breakfast, 17th ST in Murphysboro has great BBQ, Walt's in Marion has great pizza.

Enjoy yourself. You should see this at least once. But know what you're seeing going in. This isn't Kokomo or Putnamville. This is a throwback to champ car racing of your grandfather, a place where the big cars can really stretch their legs and wind it out. If it were night, 150-160 mph at the end of the chutes wouldn't be out of the question. It's also strategy, fuel and tire management. Drivers get high speed long race experience on the miles they don't get anywhere else. I'm convinced Larson's performance in 2011 was a large factor in his move to NASCAR.