Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway to Honor 25th Anniversary of 9/11 and Salute America's Military During Friday's Short Track Classic

919 9/9/2026 Belle-Clair Speedway Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway to Honor 25th Anniversary of 9/11 and Salute America's Military During Friday's Short Track Classic Raceway Gives and VetTix.org providing 500 complimentary tickets to active duty and retired military personnel. BELLEVILLE, Ill. (Sept. 9, 2026) – This Friday's Short Track Classic at Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway will be more than one of the region's premier grassroots racing events. It will also serve as a special evening of remembrance, patriotism, and gratitude as fans, competitors, and community members gather to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept.11 attacks and honor the service and sacrifice of America's active-duty military personnel, veterans, and first responders. The Sept. 11 event will feature enhanced pre-race ceremonies designed to unite the racing community in remembrance of those lost on 9/11 while celebrating the resilience, strength, and spirit that define the United States. A highlight of the evening will be a special patriotic parade lap during opening ceremonies, as race cars circle the historic Belle-Clair oval in tribute to America, its military members, and the heroes who answered the call in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001. "Sept.11 remains one of the most significant days in our nation's history," said Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway Promoter Chris Blair. "As we recognize the 25th anniversary, we want to ensure that our fans, competitors, and community have an opportunity to reflect, remember, and express our collective gratitude to the men and women who continue to defend our freedoms and serve our nation." In a special initiative to recognize and thank members of the military community, Raceway Gives, the charitable foundation of World Wide Technology Raceway, is partnering with Vet Tix to provide 500 complimentary admission tickets for active-duty military personnel and veterans wishing to attend the event. Eligible military members and veterans may claim tickets through VETTIX.org while supplies last, giving those who have served an opportunity to enjoy a memorable evening of racing and patriotic celebration alongside fellow fans. The evening's military appreciation efforts will extend beyond the racetrack. Cody Moore of Faded Father Barber will be on the midway providing free haircuts for military personnel and first responders, offering an additional gesture of appreciation for those who dedicate themselves to serving others. The Short Track Classic already stands as one of Belle-Clair Speedway's marquee events, drawing top competitors and passionate fans from throughout the Midwest. This year's event will carry added meaning as the racing community pauses to remember a pivotal moment in American history while recognizing the continued service of those who wear the nation's uniform. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to take part in the special opening ceremonies and join thousands of fellow race enthusiasts in a heartfelt tribute to America, its heroes, and the enduring spirit that emerged in the wake of Sept. 11. For more information about the Short Track Classic, visit Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway online or follow the track's social media channels for event updates. Military members and veterans interested in complimentary tickets should visit VETTIX.org to reserve available tickets. 4 p.m.: Pit Credentials 5 p.m.: Advance Spectator Gate Opens 5:30 p.m.: Box Office / Spectator Gates Open 5:45 p.m.: Driver Meeting 6 p.m.: Hot Laps *Vintage *Micro Sprints Midgets *Modifieds *Late Models 6:40 p.m.: Midget Qualifying 7 p.m.: Invocation / Anthem / 9-11 Tribute 7:10 p.m.: Vintage Group 1 - Heat Race Vintage Group 2 - Heat Race Micro Sprint Heat Races Midget Heat Races Modified Heat Races SB Late Model Heat Races Last Chance Races - 12 laps Vintage Group 1 Feature - 15 laps Vintage Group 2 Feature - 15 laps Micro Sprint Feature - 20 laps Midget Feature - 30 laps Modified Feature - USEDHOTDOGS.com ‘Dirty Dog 30’ - 30 laps Don Klein Memorial - SB Late Model Feature - 28 laps *Vintage, Micro Sprints, Modifieds and Late Models will be ‘practice/qualifying’ with heat race line-ups based on practice times. All races have a 1 minute per lap time limit in effect. 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