[Mud Packer]

I have numerous questions concerning some of the racing facilities in Illinois. I understand that Hammer is out at Farmer City. His big WOO Late Model race has been moved to LaSalle. Is he now helping Tony Izzo the promoter at LaSalle? Is he still involved with the Midwest Modified Series? Is Farmer City shuttered for the year? The only information that I find is a UMP Summer Nationals date in July.

What about three other tracks in the Illini state? Shepps was a track that was built in the last 5 years but their website hasn't been updated at all this year. Any idea on if/when they will be opening? They have had a UMP SN date the last two years but aren't on the 2011 schedule.

Vermilion County in Danville also is another one that I haven't heard about lately. I know that Pierce promoted some last year but now he is out as well? I realize it is a fairgrounds facility but are they not going to open this year?

Also, I don't find anything about Mt. Vernon Speedway. We were past there last month and everything is still in place but no website (that I can find) and the locals there said they didn't think it was going to open back up this year.

Any information would be helpful.

[Pat O'Connor Fan]

The local rag around here had an article about Farmer City recently. The fair board has yet to reach a decision on that one -- no promoter "leaping into the fray" so to speak. I think they did have one who expressed interest. The whole fairgrounds situation at FC is "fluid" again, still, already, yet, or some similar description.............