Track Enterprises ROCKS! Gotta give them a lot of credit lately as I did not expect to see a cushion last very long given the weather conditions and lack of rain leading up to it. It's was so cool to see how hard they were throwing it into the corners! CJ Leary was spectacular as he pushed the cushion higher and higher throughout the race, spraying rooster tails as be backed it in to turn one. It was like watching an old Wallen video except with modern cars at night. I've never seen them run so high in turn two, almost on the wall. Once again there were 3 distinct lines they could run and it made for incredible racing. I wonder if USAC could do something about fuel mileage or maybe just the crew chiefs. I'd hate to see the drivers have to go conservative just to finish, that nullifies awesome track prep and fearless drivers putting on a show that fills the grandstands.
Looking forward to the remaining TE shows at Terre Haute and after what I've seen at Springfield and Du Quoin, can't wait for more on the miles next year. Maybe they would entertain the thought of a third race in Illinois. Call it the Governor's Cup and alternate each year between State Fair speedways. Once again, thank you Track Enterprises for all you do!

They got it run and ran a few years ago after a afternoon shower and Ballou was running high and so fast he ran out of fuel on lap 81

Great post... great race... Americana racing at its best

I think they could do a race at each track in the spring. Both sit empty except for flat track at Springfield on Memorial Day and then the fair races at both places and flat track in Springfield on Labor Day.

To finish first you must first finish. Silver Crown is a thinking mans game, to take the fuel mileage situation or the tire wear away would make it just a long Sprint car race. That is the allure of these cars, you have to conserve and also be ready to pounce when opportunity presents it self.

Bob

Sounds like a good amount of moisture was either added in track prep or it had rained (like at Springfield)! Good to hear!

I know it would be pavement, but a race at Gateway to compliment - what I hope - the again annual (appears to be) successful Indycar race, would be cool! Espcly around that time frame...an "IL Championship" of some sort could be in order...

I’ve heard others say that it’s hard for them to get into silver crown racing. I get it that it’s not like sprints or midgets where it’s hammer down around a tiny bull ring with sliders at every turn where you are constantly oooo’ing and ahhhh’ing.

It is an endurance race. Tires and fuel often play a major role in the outcome. But to see these beautiful cars come flying down the straightaways on a big mile track then slam it into the corners is just amazing, especially under the lights at DuQuoin.

Leary was checked out for most of the race and we thought for sure they were going to tag the wall every single time in turns 1&2. Windom hung back quietly anywhere from 3rd to 5th and ran a clean, consistent race. And watching Coons come from the back and pick off cars one by one was awesome too.

It’s definitely a race of patience - both as a driver and as a fan. I have yet to be disappointed leaving DuQuoin. Great job by everyone!! Oh - and the fair food did not disappoint. My elephant ear and ice cream were on point.

We’ll be back again next year....

Ok I have to ask. What is an "elephant ear"?

Fried dough covered with butter and cinnamon sugar. You haven’t lived until you’ve eaten one.

That looks good! Thanks for the info!