
Dirt Track, St. Louis / Midwest
Battle at Belle-Clair Ready to Deliver a New Fall Classic This Saturday
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10/14/2026
Belle-Clair Speedway
Battle at Belle-Clair Ready to Deliver a New Fall Classic This Saturday
BELLEVILLE, Ill. (Oct. 14, 2026 )– Sunshine, 64-degree temperatures, the possibility of sub-10-second laps, and the world's best sprint car drivers are lining up to make Saturday's inaugural Battle at Belle-Clair one of the most anticipated dirt racing events of the season.
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series makes its highly anticipated debut at the all-new Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway, a venue that has already produced spectacular late model and midget racing since opening on Aug. 2.
Promoter Chris Blair believes all the ingredients are in place for an event that could become a staple on the Midwest racing calendar.
"This is exactly what you hope for when creating a major fall event," Blair said. "The weather forecast is outstanding, the racing should be incredible, and fans are going to see the World of Outlaws attack one of the most exciting bullrings in the country. We believe the Battle at Belle-Clair has the potential to become racing's new fall classic."
Cool temperatures and a fast-racing surface could produce blistering speeds, with competitors potentially turning laps under 10 seconds around the banked 1/4-mile bullring.
“The new Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway was designed with a goal of being able to produce exciting racing for both winged Sprint Cars and Super Late Models in mind," Blair said. "To finally bring the World of Outlaws to Belleville is something fans have been waiting for. The speed, intensity and close-quarters competition should create a night people will be talking about and will have them pumped up for what’s in store for 2027."
The action-packed program includes World of Outlaws practice, qualifying, heat races, a B-Main, and the evening's Battle of Belle-Clair championship feature. Fans will also see heat races and a feature for the NARA Winged Outlaw Micro Sprints.
The parking lot opens at 3 p.m., a live edition of ‘The Dirt Parlor Podcast’ will be filmed on a stage outside the gates starting at 3:30 p.m., spectator gates and the driver souvenir trailers open at 5 p.m., and fans can enjoy SICW Championship Wrestling midway entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. Hot laps are scheduled for 6:30 p.m., with racing beginning at 7:30 p.m. A fireworks finale will cap the evening.
"We're committed to keeping the show moving and delivering nonstop action from start to finish," Blair said. "Whether you're a lifelong sprint car fan or attending your first World of Outlaws race, you're going to leave amazed. There's something here for everyone and our partners at the World Racing Group are known for a great fan experience."
With ticket demand strong, fans are encouraged to purchase in advance at www.belleclairspeedway.com.
The main frontstretch grandstand is reserved seating only, with only a limited number of general admission and standing-room-only tickets expected to remain available entering race day.
To accommodate what is expected to be a near-capacity crowd, event organizers are bringing in additional picnic tables and video screens throughout the facility to enhance the experience for general admission and standing-room-only spectators.
The inaugural Battle at Belle-Clair is supported locally by McKay NAPA, STL Screw & Bolt and Belo Heating & Cooling.
Fans can purchase tickets and find additional event information at www.belleclairspeedway.com.
Saturday, Oct.17, 2026
2 p.m. - Pit Gates Open and Pit Pass Sales Begin
3 p.m. - Spectator Parking Lots Open
3:15 p.m. - Dirt Parlor Podcast Show (outside spectator gates)
5 p.m. - Grandstand Gates Open
6:30 p.m. - Hot Laps
7:30 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies / Racing Begins
About Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway is a premier ¼-mile dirt oval located within the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park complex in St. Clair County, Illinois. Owned by St. Clair County and opened on August 1, 2026, the speedway was developed as an economic tourism driver to attract visitors from across the region while generating positive economic impact for local businesses and communities.
Designed to host a diverse schedule of dirt track racing, concerts, festivals, and special events, the facility serves as a year-round destination for entertainment and community engagement. The speedway is leased by WM Marketing, LLC with a promotional and operational collaboration between WM Marketing and Kruse Motorsports.
As part of the historic Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park complex, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway is committed to delivering high-quality events, supporting regional tourism, and enhancing St. Clair County's position as a leading destination for motorsports and live entertainment in the Midwest.
Media Contact:
Public Relations: pr@belleclairspeedway.com
Website: www.BelleClairSpeedway.com
Tickets: https://www.tixr.com/groups/belleclairspeedway
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