Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway Set to Close Out 2026 Season with Russ Wallace Memorial Weekend

45 10/20/2026 Belle-Clair Speedway Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway Set to Close Out 2026 Season with Russ Wallace Memorial Weekend BELLEVILLE, Ill. (Oct. 20, 2026) – Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway will bring the curtain down on its inaugural season with the Russ Wallace Memorial, a two-day racing celebration Oct. 23-24 featuring top-tier dirt track competition, family activities, live entertainment, and one final opportunity for fans to experience the excitement of racing at the historic facility in 2026. The season finale weekend honors one of the most influential figures in Midwest dirt track racing history. Russ Wallace was the patriarch of the legendary Wallace racing family and helped establish a racing legacy that continues today through his sons, Mike Wallace, Kenny Wallace, and NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace. Long before the Wallace name became synonymous with success on NASCAR's biggest stages, Russ Wallace built his reputation as one of the St. Louis region's most respected and accomplished racers. A multi-time champion at tracks throughout the St. Louis area, Wallace became a fan favorite for his competitiveness, sportsmanship, and passion for racing. His influence helped shape generations of drivers in the region and laid the foundation for one of motorsports' most recognizable family names. Russ’s son Kenny is scheduled to compete in Saturday night’s Dirt Car UMP Modified feature after claiming his first win at the new venue on Sunday, Oct. 11. "Russ Wallace's contributions to racing in the St. Louis region cannot be overstated," said a Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway’s Toby Kruse. "His accomplishments on the track, combined with the incredible success achieved by the Wallace family, make him one of the most important figures in our area's racing history. We're proud to honor his legacy as we celebrate our 2026 season finale." The weekend begins Friday, Oct. 23, with an open practice session for all divisions. Pit gates open at 5 p.m. with practice scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Grandstand admission is free, while pit admission is $20. Following practice, fans and teams are invited to stay for a live performance by Flat Broke in the midway from 9 p.m. until midnight. Concessions will remain open throughout the evening. Action returns Saturday, Oct. 24, as racers compete in the Russell Wallace Memorial. Pit gates open at noon, and families can enjoy a free Trunk or Treat event in the midway from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Grandstands open at 3 p.m. with racing scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. General admission is set at $23.51. Featured Divisions • Dirt Car UMP Modifieds - $1,500 to Win • Dirt Car Factory Stocks - $500 to Win • NARA Outlaw Winged Micros • NARA Limited Modifieds • Dirt Car Hornets - $200 to Win Race fans couldn't ask for better conditions to close out the 2026 season. The forecast calls for sunny skies and a high of 76 degrees on both Friday and Saturday, creating perfect weather for a weekend at the track. As the sun sets and the action intensifies, temperatures are expected to settle into the comfortable mid-60s by the time the final checkered flag flies each night, with overnight lows dipping to just 55 degrees. Whether you're in the grandstands, the midway, or the pit area, it's shaping up to be an ideal fall weekend to enjoy dirt track racing at its finest and celebrate the season finale at Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway. A racing parts trailer will be on-site throughout the event to support teams and competitors. Fans are encouraged to witness the action in person. If you want to feel it, hear it, and enjoy the adrenaline rush, we'll see you at Belle-Clair. The Russ Wallace Memorial will not be televised, making a ticket to the speedway the only way to experience the sights, sounds, and excitement live. Official event merchandise will be available for purchase throughout the weekend. Friday, Oct. 23 – Open Practice • Grandstand Admission: FREE • Pit Admission: $20 • Pit Gates Open: 5:00 p.m. • Practice: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. • Flat Broke Live in the Midway: 9:00 p.m. – Midnight Saturday, Oct. 24 – Russ Wallace Memorial • Pit Gates Open: Noon • Trunk or Treat: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Grandstands Open: 3:00 p.m. • Racing Begins: 5:00 p.m. • Adults: $20 Advance / $22 Day of Event • Children (6-12): $10 Advance / $12 Day of Event • Children (5 and Under): FREE • Pit Admission: $40 For tickets, event information, and updates, visit Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway social media channels and www.BelleClairSpeedway.com. 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 Back to News