By: Phil Harmonik

Officials at Rockford Speedway are excited to announce the Key Dates for the upcoming 2023 racing season, the 76^th consecutive season of operations for the historic facility located in northern Illinois.

The first big event of the new racing season is scheduled for Saturday night April 22, as the Big 8 Late Model Series kicks their season off with the 46^th running of the “Spring Classic,” which is highlighted by an 88-lap feature for the “Best Weekly Warriors in the Country” and is supported by the Mid Am Racing Series and the Bandit Blast. For the second straight year, Spring Classic runs ‘under the lights,’ with race time scheduled for 5 PM.

Saturday night Weekly Racing returns to Rockford Speedway beginning on May 6 with the “76^th NASCAR Season Opener.” The Saturday night slate will see a multitude of divisions competing throughout the summer, including the NASCAR Late Models, Sportsmen, Short Trackers, Roadrunners, Bandits, Sixers and the new Super Stox class along with visits from other traveling groups and Series. The weekly points chases conclude on Saturday September 9 with “Night of Champions.”

The “Original Trailer Race of Destruction” returns on Saturday night June 10, while the “World Famous Figure 8 Trailer Race” is back and on the schedule for Saturday night August 5. The jam-packed thrill show spectacular known as “Night of Thrills” helps ring in the Fall season on Saturday September 16.

Independence Day Weekend is always a busy time at Rockford Speedway and this year is no exception. Saturday night July 1 brings “The Worlds Fastest Short Track Show” to town in the form of the Must See Racing Sprint Cars. Monday night July 3 is headlined by the NASCAR Late Models and their ‘Star Spangled 76’ along with the Roadrunner ‘Midnight Ride of Paul Revere’ race in total darkness and the 10,000 watt Fireworks Extravaganza.

The 58th Annual National Short Track Championships take center stage Friday, Saturday and Sunday September 29, 30 and October 1. The three-day mega show includes 10+ divisions competing over three days and for the third straight year is headlined by the Big 8 Late Model Series and their 188 lap National Short Track Championship on Sunday afternoon.

The 32^nd Annual Bahama Bracket Nationals is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday October 13, 14 and 15. The unique event pits over 200 4, 6 and 8 cylinder cars against each other and against the clock in “Bracket style” races and truly provides some of the best racing of the entire season.

The curtain closes on the 76^th season of racing on Sunday afternoon October 22 with the 43^rd running of the Goblin 250 enduro race for 4-cylinder cars plus the Smash-O-Lantern Demo Derby and Kids Costume Contest.

In the coming weeks, Rockford Speedway officials will release more information regarding the 2023 season, including race nights for specific divisions, special promotions and additional events which will take place at the Speedway and on the Speedway grounds.

For more information about Rockford Speedway, please visit rockfordspeedway.com or call 815-633-1500.