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MARS Championship Tours Set for 2024 Season Including New Events, New Venues, and New Big-Money Opportunities

MARS Championship Tours Set for 2024 Season Including New Events, New Venues, and New Big-Money Opportunities

FAIRBURY, IL (December 5, 2023) After a highly successful first-year campaign for the MARS Championship Tours under the ownership of Matt Curl, the 2024 season is already taking shape to be even bigger for competitors and fans alike. Many of the popular events for the tours in 2023 are back on the schedule in 2024 such as the Brownstown 100, Plowboy Nationals, Gary Gerstner Memorial, and Gary Cook Jr Memorial, but 2024 will also hold entail a great deal of change.

The newly formed Illinois Dirt Shootout, USA World 50, KerbyStrong 100, Illini 100 (for the MARS Modifieds), and the 2-night FALS Frenzy capping off the season for both tours, is just a taste of what is to come for 2024.

“With year one under our belts, we had a lot of data to comb through to begin the planning stages of 2024” stated MARS Series Director Jonathan Clayton. “One of the most reoccurring things I heard throughout the season is that the fans and teams appreciated how the schedule was crafted, so that was a priority for 2024: To continue making every weekend a minimum of two consecutive nights to help on travel.”

“Both schedules came together nicely this winter, with an overwhelming number of tracks reaching out about shows for 2024” stated Clayton. “Could we have had a 40-race Late Model schedule for 2024? Sure. But this series is meant to compliment all the fantastic shows this region already has to offer, without diluting the Dirt Late Model product by running head-to-head with each of them.”

The full 21-race MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends, and 21-race MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment schedules are highlighted below.

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends

Friday, April 26 – Brownstown Bullring – Brownstown, IL – Sievers JCB Diggin’ Dirt 40

For the second consecutive season, the tour will kick off at the Josh & Nicki Carroll promoted facility that hosted some of the best races the state had to offer in 2023. Saint Marys, Ohio resident Tyler Erb topped a 37-car field to kick off the tour last season. As it was in 2023, this will be the first of three stops for the Late Model tour on opening weekend.

Saturday, April 27 – Peoria Speedway – Peoria, IL – Gary Swibold Memorial

For the first time since 2021, the MARS tour will roll into Peoria for the 2nd annual Gary Swibold Memorial paying $5,098-to-win for the main event. With sponsor money already rolling in to organizers of the memorial event, Late Model heat races will pay $250-to-win each for this event, with other bonus money expected to be added prior to the show in April.

Sunday, April 28 – East Moline Speedway – East Moline, IL – MARS Invasion of East Moline

East Moline will mark the first track on the schedule in 2024 to hold their first ever event in the 25 years of MARS Late Model history. This event also marks the first Open Late Model race of the Chuck Hanna-promoted era. During the first half of 2023, the speedway was under extensive work including new dirt to the racing surface, plus upgrades to the facility’s fencing, signage, and more.

Friday, May 17 – Kankakee County Speedway – Kankakee, IL – Richard Craven Memorial

The inaugural Richard Craven Memorial will be held for the long-time Illinois racer that will also include the first ever visit by the MARS Modifieds to the Kankakee County Speedway. 2023 season champion, Jason Feger won the lone event at Kankakee in 2023.

Saturday, May 18 – Highland Speedway – Highland, IL

One of the most noteworthy events on the 2023 campaign was the stop at the World-Famous Highland Speedway in August. Jason Feger capped off the weekend of racing with a feature win in a tightly contested race with every inch of the racetrack used by competitors. Look for this kind of action to carry into 2024 as the track has added fresh dirt to the speedway over the winter in hopes to enhance the on-track racing product even more.

Saturday, May 25 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – Illinois Dirt Shootout

While Late Models will be on track for three nights during the inaugural Illinois Dirt Shootout weekend, their action will culminate on Saturday night for a $5,000-to-win bout. Memorial Day weekend 2023 at FALS saw Jason Feger top a 37-car field en route to another series win.

Sunday, May 26 – Spoon River Speedway – Lewistown, IL

Although Spoon River Speedway is under new management for the 2024 season, the speedway will continue to be the staple for Memorial Day and Labor Day Sunday shows for the MARS tours. 2024 will see Quincy, Illinois businessman Cloyd Barden at the reins of the speedway with many fresh ideas for the tracks 41st year of action including moving their night of weekly racing to Friday nights.

Friday, July 19 – Farmer City Raceway – Farmer City, IL – Jr. Kimler Memorial

After Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend stops in 2023, Farmer City will shift to a July date for their first of 2 MARS Late Model visits of 2024. 2024 will mark the 14th running of the Jr. Kimler Memorial paying $5,000-to-win for the feature winner. Frank Heckenast Jr won the DIRTcar-sanctioned event in 2023.

Saturday, July 20 – Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 – Pevely, MO – Tribute to Dandy Don Klein

The series will roll into Pevely for the Tribute to Dandy Don Klein on Saturday, July 20 for a $5,000-to-win event. In 2023 the series made their visit, on this same weekend, for the inaugural Tribute to Ed Dixon where Gordy Gundaker took home the win after a 40-lap battle.

Sunday, July 21 – Adams County Speedway – Quincy, IL

Adams County Speedway has produced some of the best racing action in the region on Sunday evenings and will look to keep that up when the MARS tour rolls in on Sunday, July 21. In 2022 Tommy Sheppard Jr put on the instant classic driving from 10th to capture the victory. In 2023 it was Ryan Unzicker winning the dual over 2023 series champ Jason Feger.

Friday, August 9 – Sycamore Speedway – Maple Park, IL

For the first time in series history, a trip to the Sycamore Speedway will be taken in 2024. The .375-mile oval, located in northern Illinois, will be in operation for their 61st season and has more recently been home to Late Model specials by series such as the DIRTcar Summer Nationals, Dirt Kings, and MLRA stops. With one of the strongest fan bases in the state, and a racy but tricky track to conquer for invaders, this has the makings to be one of the most talked about events of the season.

Saturday, August 10 – Macon Speedway – Macon, IL – KerbyStrong 100

You can’t speak about the most talked about Illinois bullrings and not mention the Mighty Macon Speedway. In 2024 they will up the ante for the series’ first ever visit with a $10,000-to-win main event as the night will pay tribute to Kerby Damery and the KerbyStrong organization. This will mark the 10th running of the event and the largest of them all with the MARS tour invading. Kerby Damery’s passion for helping others lives on through the KerbyStrong Foundation. Even while he battled his own fight against cancer, Kerby remained motivated to help others by inspiring, educating, and supporting the community.

Friday, August 23 – Tri City Speedway – Granite City, IL – Gary Gerstner Memorial

For the second year straight, the MARS tour will sanction the 3rd annual Gary Gerstner Memorial. Gary was a long-time supporter of the dirt racing community and owned/sponsored numerous Late Models over the years. He owned Gerstner Plumbing in Breese, Illinois for over 40 years. In 2023 fans saw Tony Jackson Jr win an excitement filled event over a 27-car field to take home his lone MARS win of the season.

Saturday, August 24 – Red Hill Raceway – Sumner, IL – Red Hill Rumble

Shifting from an April date on opening weekend in 2023, the 2nd annual Red Hill Rumble will now take place on Saturday, August 24 at the southern Illinois speed palace. Brandon Sheppard was victorious over a talented field of drivers at the 2023 stop over Tanner English and Drake Troutman. With limited Late Model events on the calendar for the speedway from year-to-year, this event is certainly a must-see event for fans in the area.

Friday, August 30 – Farmer City Raceway – Farmer City, IL

The second and final visit of the season to the Farmer City Raceway will take place on the traditional Friday night of Labor Day weekend to kick off an action-packed triple-header for Central Illinois. This race typically marks the final race night of the season for Farmer City, which makes this one you do not want to miss.

Saturday, August 31 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – Triple Down Shootout

The annual Triple Down Shootout will mark the second visit of the season for the tour at Fairbury for 2024. The Labor Day weekend special at the speedway will also include the MARS Modified tour and the DIRTcar Pro Late Models. This event is sure to draw a great field of competitors as it is the final show of the season at FALS before championship weekend in October for both tours.

Sunday, September 1 – Spoon River Speedway – Lewistown, IL

Spoon River will play host to the MARS tours for the second and final trip of the season to cap off the holiday weekend on a special Sunday evening event. The MARS Late Models will join the MARS Modifieds with their annual Plowboy Nationals event paying an event record $15,000-to-win for the Modifieds.

Friday, September 13 – Brownstown Bullring – Brownstown, IL – Brownstown 100

Kicking off the largest paying weekend of the MARS Late Model 2024 season will be the 2nd annual Brownstown 100 paying $10,000-to-win, but just as importantly one of the best racing trophies in the state of Illinois. The 50-lap feature in 2023 saw what some people considered the best racing lap-for-lap that they saw the entire season with Tanner English victorious when the dust settled.

Saturday, September 14 – Paducah International Raceway – Paducah, KY – USA World 50

For the first time since 2015, the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends will be back at the Paducah International Raceway for the USA World 50. This year’s edition will be the 32nd running and will pay $12,000 to the feature winner. Stay tuned for further details on this event as the MARS Modifieds will also be on the card for their first ever appearance at the speedway.

Friday/Saturday, October 4/5 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – Edelmans Inc. FALS Frenzy / Championship Weekend

For the first time ever, both the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends and the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment will conclude their seasons on the same night at one of America’s finest dirt tracks. FALS will cap off the MARS Late Model season with a $5,000-to-win show on Friday night with the 2024 season concluding on Saturday, October 5 with a $12,000-to-win and $1,000-to-start main event.

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends 2024 Season Schedule

Friday, April 26 – Brownstown Bullring – Brownstown, IL – Sievers JCB Diggin’ Dirt 40 - $5,000-to-win
Saturday, April 27 – Peoria Speedway – Peoria, IL – Gary Swibold Memorial - $5,098-to-win
Sunday, April 28 – East Moline Speedway – East Moline, IL – MARS Invasion of East Moline - $5,000-to-win
Friday, May 17 – Kankakee County Speedway – Kankakee, IL – Richard Craven Memorial - $5,000-to-win
Saturday, May 18 – Highland Speedway – Highland, IL - $5,000-to-win
Saturday, May 25 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – Illinois Dirt Shootout - $5,000-to-win
Sunday, May 26 – Spoon River Speedway – Lewistown, IL - $5,000-to-win
Friday, July 19 – Farmer City Raceway – Farmer City, IL – Jr. Kimler Memorial - $5,000-to-win
Saturday, July 20 – Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 – Pevely, MO – Tribute to Dandy Don Klein - $5,000-to-win
Sunday, July 21 – Adams County Speedway – Quincy, IL - $5,000-to-win
Friday, August 9 – Sycamore Speedway – Maple Park, IL - $5,000-to-win
Saturday, August 10 – Macon Speedway – Macon, IL – KerbyStrong 100 - $10,000-to-win
Friday, August 23 – Tri City Speedway – Granite City, IL – Gary Gerstner Memorial - $5,000-to-win
Saturday, August 24 – Red Hill Raceway – Sumner, IL – Red Hill Rumble - $5,000-to-win
Friday, August 30 – Farmer City Raceway – Farmer City, IL - $5,000-to-win
Saturday, August 31 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – Triple Down Shootout - $5,000-to-win
Sunday, September 1 – Spoon River Speedway – Lewistown, IL - $5,000-to-win
Friday, September 13 – Brownstown Bullring – Brownstown, IL – Brownstown 100 - $10,000-to-win
Saturday, September 14 – Paducah International Raceway – Paducah, KY – USA World 50 - $12,000-to-win
Friday, October 4 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – FALS Frenzy / Championship Weekend - $5,000-to-win
Saturday, October 5 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – FALS Frenzy / Championship Weekend - $12,000-to-win

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

Friday/Saturday, April 12/13 – Farmer City Raceway – Farmer City, IL – Illini 100

For the first time in series history, the MARS Modified tour will run alongside the WoO Case Construction Late Models and the Xtreme Midgets at the Illini 100. Each night will contest of complete shows for the series paying $2,000-to-win and presenting one of the largest total payouts for the DIRTcar UMP Modified divison ever for the event.

Friday, April 19 – Tri City Speedway – Granite City, IL

For the second consecutive year, Tri City Speedway will be featured during the month of April for the MARS Modified tour. In 2023 the two-night special was nixed due to rain early in the week, but with a later date on the calendar in 2024, officials are optimistic that the weather will turn for the better this time around. The August visit to the speedway saw local competitor Treb Jacoby win his first career series event.

Saturday, April 20 – Highland Speedway – Highland, IL

The tour will stay in the St. Louis region on Saturday, April 20 as the MARS Modifieds will invade the World-Famous Highland Speedway where the Modifieds will take center stage. Michael Long topped a 29-car field during the visit in 2023.

Friday, April 26 – Brownstown Bullring – Brownstown, IL – Sievers JCB Diggin’ Dirt 30

In 2023 the series kicked off at the Brownstown Bullring where 43 competitors entered to see what exactly the tour would entail for the season. The feature field was one of the finest assembled over the course of the year and is always one of the driver’s favorite stops of the tour.

Saturday, April 27 – Peoria Speedway – Peoria, IL – Gary Swibold Memorial

For the first time in series history, the Peoria Speedway will hold host to the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment. The Gary Swibold Memorial will showcase a $2,098-to-win main event for competitors with additional bonus money and awards to be announced prior to the event.

Friday, May 17 – Kankakee County Speedway – Kankakee, IL – Richard Craven Memorial

Another first-time facility for the MARS Modified tour will be the Billy Knippenberg promoted Kankakee County Speedway. Driver’s will be competing for $2,000-to-win in the inaugural Richard Craven Memorial at a racetrack that draws some of the strongest DIRTcar UMP Modifieds in the region every Friday night. The mix of these drivers and tour regulars is sure to make this one of the best shows during the first half of the season.

Saturday, May 18 – Highland Speedway – Highland, IL

The final stop of 2 for the series at the World-Famous Highland Speedway will come in the month of May. The St. Louis region always produces some of the best Modified racing, which in turn elevated some different faces towards the front of the pack during the 2023 visit to the speedway. You never know who may pop in or run towards the front on any given night at this ¼-mile bullring.

Thursday/Friday/Saturday, May 23-25 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – Illinois Dirt Shootout

DIRTcar UMP Modified drivers finally have the crown jewel event they have been looking for and it is sure to be one for the record-books. The event will feature split field features paying $1,500-to-win each on Thursday and Friday while the event will culminate on Saturday with a $20,000-to-win and $2,000-to-start main event. For more info on the event visit marsracingseries.com/press/article/142781.

Sunday, May 26 – Spoon River Speedway – Lewistown, IL – Gary Cook Jr. Memorial

Back on the schedule for the 2024 season is the Gary Cook Jr. Memorial paying $2,564-to-win. This event gives driver’s a 4-day stretch of racing over the Memorial Day Weekend where over 100 competitors are expected to partake in action over that stretch.

Friday, July 19 – Farmer City Raceway – Farmer City, IL – Bill Marietta Memorial

The first race back from the mid-summer break will be a special one. The inaugural Bill Marietta Memorial will be the first of the triple-header weekend honoring one of the previous promoters of the Vermilion County Speedway who tragically passed in October of 2023. Currently the event is scheduled to pay $2,000-to-win and $250-to-start but event organizers are diligently working to add additional money and awards.

Saturday, July 20 – Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 – Pevely, MO – Tribute to Dandy Don Klein

The series will roll into Pevely for the Tribute to Dandy Don Klein on Saturday, July 20 for a $2,000-to-win event. In 2023 the series made their visit, on this same weekend, where Josh Harris took home the win in one of the series’ most thrilling feature events of the season.

Sunday, July 21 – Adams County Speedway – Quincy, IL

Adams County Speedway returns to the schedule in 2024 after holding two series events in the MARS Modified tour’s inaugural season. Kyle Steffens and Michael Long split the shows in 2023.

Saturday, August 31 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – Triple Down Shootout

The annual Triple Down Shootout will mark the second visit of the season for the tour at Fairbury for 2024 and the 4th event. The Labor Day weekend special at the speedway will also include the MARS Late Model tour and the DIRTcar Pro Late Models. This event is sure to draw a great field of competitors as it is the final show of the season at FALS before championship weekend in October for both tours.

Sunday, September 1 – Spoon River Speedway – Lewistown, IL – Plowboy Nationals

The second 5-digit payday of the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment season will take place on Labor Day Sunday with the 34th annual Plowboy Nationals. This year’s event will pay a whopping $15,000-to-win and sure to draw many of the top DIRTcar UMP Modified drivers in the country. Ethan Dotson picked up his first ever Plowboy championship belt in 2023.

Friday, September 13 – Brownstown Bullring – Brownstown, IL – Brownstown 100

A new event on the schedule for 2024 will be the Modified portion of the Brownstown 100. $3,000 dollars and one of the best trophies in Modified racing will be up for grabs as the MARS Modifieds will battle for 50-laps. Tyler Nicely took home the DIRTcar UMP sanctioned event win in 2023.

Saturday, September 14 – Paducah International Raceway – Paducah, KY

After battling inclement weather both times the series was scheduled to visit in 2023, track and series officials are hoping that the third time is the charm for PIR. In conjunction with the USA World 50, the MARS Modifieds will pay $3,000-to-win and $500 just to start the main event. Many of the series regulars will have this one circled on the calendar as it is one of the closest, and best paying, events on the schedule in 2024.

Friday/Saturday, October 4/5 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – FALS Frenzy/Championship Weekend

For the first time ever, both the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends and the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment will conclude their seasons on the same night at one of America’s finest dirt tracks. FALS will cap off the MARS Modified season with a $2,000-to-win show on Friday night with the 2024 season concluding on Saturday, October 5 with a $3,000-to-win main event.

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment 2024 Season Schedule

Friday, April 12 – Farmer City Raceway – Farmer City, IL – Illini 100 - $2,000-to-win
Saturday, April 13 – Farmer City Raceway – Farmer City, IL – Illini 100 - $2,000-to-win
Friday, April 19 – Tri City Speedway – Granite City, IL - $2,000-to-win
Saturday, April 20 – Highland Speedway – Highland, IL - $2,000-to-win
Friday, April 26 – Brownstown Bullring – Brownstown, IL – Sievers JCB Diggin’ Dirt 30 - $2,000-to-win
Saturday, April 27 – Peoria Speedway – Peoria, IL – Gary Swibold Memorial - $2,098-to-win
Friday, May 17 – Kankakee County Speedway – Kankakee, IL – Richard Craven Memorial - $2,000-to-win
Saturday, May 18 – Highland Speedway – Highland, IL - $2,000-to-win
Thursday, May 23 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – Illinois Dirt Shootout - $1,500-to-win X 2
Friday, May 24 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – Illinois Dirt Shootout - $1,500-to-win X 2
Saturday, May 25 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – Illinois Dirt Shootout - $20,000-to-win
Sunday, May 26 – Spoon River Speedway – Lewistown, IL – Gary Cook Jr. Memorial - $2,564-to-win
Friday, July 19 – Farmer City Raceway – Farmer City, IL – Bill Marietta Memorial - $2,000-to-win
Saturday, July 20 – Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 – Pevely, MO – Tribute to Dandy Don Klein - $2,000-to-win
Sunday, July 21 – Adams County Speedway – Quincy, IL - $2,000-to-win
Saturday, August 31 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – Triple Down Shootout - $3,000-to-win
Sunday, September 1 – Spoon River Speedway – Lewistown, IL – Plowboy Nationals - $15,000-to-win
Friday, September 13 – Brownstown Bullring – Brownstown, IL – Brownstown 100 - $3,000-to-win
Saturday, September 14 – Paducah International Raceway – Paducah, KY - $3,000-to-win
Friday, October 4 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – FALS Frenzy / Championship Weekend - $2,000-to-win
Saturday, October 5 – Fairbury Speedway – Fairbury, IL – FALS Frenzy / Championship Weekend - $3,000-to-win

For more information about the MARS Dirt Series, please contact Jonathan Clayton at 731-467- 1316, visit the tour’s webpage at marsracingseries.com, or visit @MARSDirtRacing on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends and MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment would like to thank the following sponsors and marketing partners for their support: FK Rod Ends, Summit Racing Equipment, Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts, Flo Racing, Racing Electronics, Hoosier Racing Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Illinois State Rifle Association, Pontiac RV, Allstar Performance, O’Reilly Auto Parts, DIRTcar Racing, Driscoll Motors, Woods Basement Systems, MD3, Josh James Artwork, MWD Signs & Graphix, Fairbury Fastener & Supply, King’s Graphix, Dirt Draft, Digital Copy Systems, Whelen, Multi Fire X, Budda Bert Transmission, Dyer’s Top Rods, Fast Shafts, Wilwood Brakes, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Out-Pace Racing Products, Keyser Manufacturing, Varsitee Screenprinting, Willy’s Carb & Dyno, Mackinaw Valley Powder Coating, Trackside Racewear, and Hooker Harness.

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