The famed bullring dirt track is up for sale in Illinois
Macon Speedway is a 1/5-mile bullring dirt track. The facility is located in Macon, Illinois and hosts races from all the major touring series.
The track was born in 1946. It was built by Wayne Webb on the site of a brick factory.
In late 2022, the Kearns family took over ownership of the facility. Since then, they have brought improvements to the facility, some of those are still underway.
The track recently hosted their season-ending event. Now, the track is on the market.
They have stated that if the track is not sold during this off-season, then they’ll continue to manage it through 2024 and beyond. The right buyer is required to lift the property.
Chris Kearns explains that health in the family is the reason the track is listed for sale…
Chris Kearns issues statement on Macon Speedway
“It is with heavy heart and unforeseen circumstances in my family’s health that I must announce the decision to put Macon Speedway up for sale,” Chris Kearns opened.
“Owning Macon Speedway has been a long time dream of mine, and turning it into an exceptional facility that would make not only my family but the also the entire Macon community proud. The plan was for my wife and I to do this venture together as a promoting team.”
“Unfortunately, her medical issues are not going to allow that to happen and, I honestly can’t and don’t want to pursue this journey without her. In the brief time we’ve been here, I am very proud of the improvements that have been made.”
“I want to emphasize that if Macon Speedway does not sell in the off season to the right person, my son Blade and I have every intention and are committed to running the Speedway in 2024 & beyond, and further enhancing its facilities.”
“Despite being in the middle of the new bathroom project, I have already been making plans for our off season improvements, which include enhancements to the concession stand and fencing. If the speedway sold tomorrow, I still have every intention to host the 2023 banquet and honor the racers who have supported Macon Speedway throughout the 2023 season.”
“I want to extend my sincerest apologies if this news disappoints anyone (might make some happy lol); it certainly was not my intention. I sure didn’t work this hard, invest this much money and have my son quit his job & move to a new state with the intent of owning Macon Speedway for 1 year. Blade has turned into a great track prep guy and an asset to Macon Speedway.”
A special track
“This is a very, very difficult decision for me, I think everyone knows that I bought Macon Speedway because I love this track. In the year I have been here, I have learned things that have made me love it more.”
“I knew this race track was special and unique, I honestly didn’t realize that it’s actually one of the most unique tracks in the country. We have hosted amazing races in Micro Sprints, Super Late Models, Non Wing Sprint Cars, Wing Sprint Cars, and Midgets this year. I’m not sure if there’s another track in the country that offers that much versatility.”
“The unwavering support from the Macon community has also weighed heavily on my decision. I am always bragging and take pride in the support I receive from the City of Macon, the local fans & racers who have donated their time, as well as the generosity of the locals that have handmade me gifts, and dropped off produce from their garden, etc. It’s a great feeling that I cannot fully express!
He concluded, “I appreciate your understanding and support going forward.”
Ken Schrader, Kenny Wallace and Tony Stewart formerly owned the track.
