Over 100 teams have already filed their entry for this weekend’s 20th annual Bahama Bracket Nationals presented by TIKI. That number is expected to double to over 200 once teams start rolling through the gates Friday at 1pm for the 5pm Open Practice and Open Time Trials. Racecars from across the Midwest will take on the Rockford Speedway high banks in two and three wide racing action that many call the best of the year. All cars will qualify on Saturday (12:30pm) which will set their bracket (groups of cars grouped together based on speed rather than by division/rules). Once qualifying concludes, Happy Half Hour Qualifying will begin which is usually over two hours of teams trying to better their speed as well as collect the $100 bonus for a perfect time (14.300 and 15.600 for the 4cyl ‘B’ bracket). Once 6pm rolls around Saturday night, hang on tight as the furious heat races and Bermuda Bashes take the track to help set the feature field. Drivers will go high and low in an attempt to not break-out (going .200 seconds faster than their qualifying time) and put their ride into one of Sunday’s 50 lap features. One lucky driver will be able to take advantage of the Sing for your Start on Saturday night during the Bud Light Last Blast Race Party in the Pavilion, in order to punch their card for the big show.

Sunday racing will begin with the Last Chance Races at Noon, with the Fabulous Foo Foo Races for those unable to make the feature event to follow. Then its time for the 50 lap Championship Features in all Brackets which have dazzled short track race fans with the daring three and sometimes even four wide racing around the tight confines of Rockford.

Fans will be allowed to witness Friday night’s preparations free of charge while Saturday Adult general admission is $12, students ages 12-17 $8, ages 6-11 $5 and kids 5 and under FREE. Sunday adult general admission tickets are $15, students are $10, with ages 6-11 $5 and those 5 and under FREE. Spectator gates open at 5pm on Saturday, although you will be able to see the qualifying sessions beginning at 12:30 as well. Sunday will see gates open at 10am for the 12pm race start. For more information visit www.rockfordspeedway.com or contact the Speedway Box Office at 815-633-1500.

Rockford Speedway Invades Buffalo Wild Wings October 24

Rockford Speedway and Buffalo Wild Wings have teamed up for a fun event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Monday night October 24 at the Buffalo Wild Wings location in Machesney Park on IL 173 just west of the Speedway. Family and friends are invited to partake in the festivities from 5-8pm in which all proceeds go to benefit St. Jude.

“We are going to show some old racing videos on the many big screen TV’s they have, reflect on the season on fun we had and do some other bench racing as well.” Commented Rockford Speedway GM Gregg McKarns. “This event has a great feel to it and I am looking forward to it.”
Rockford Speedway’s season continues with the 46th annual National Short Track Championships September 30 through October 2 with twelve divisions of racing and will be followed by the October 15-16 Bahama Bracket Nationals before the Goblin 250 Enduro and Darkhorse Demolition on Sunday October 23. For more information call the Speedway Box Office at 815-633-1500 or visit www.rockfordspeedway.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Sat Oct 15-Sun Oct 16- 20th annual Bahama Bracket Nationals
Sun Oct 23- Goblin 250 Enduro and Demo Derby
Mon Oct 24- St. Jude Fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings
Sat Jan 28- Champions’ Banquet at Forest Hills Lodge