DuQuoin State Fairgrounds Racetrack, racetrack in southern Illinois, United States
The DuQuoin State Fairgrounds Racetrack is an oval racing track set within the Illinois State Fairgrounds property in DuQuoin, in southern Illinois. The track is designed for both auto racing and harness racing, and sits in the middle of a large fairground that also holds other facilities.
The track was built in the 1920s as part of the state fair grounds and was first used mainly for harness racing. Over the following decades it became a regular stop for major American oval racing series and attracted drivers from across the country.
The racetrack is closely tied to the state fair, which draws people from across the region each year and gives the venue a festive, communal feel. On race days, the crowd mixes motorsport fans with fairgoers, creating a mix you rarely find at dedicated racing facilities.
The fairgrounds are reached by state highways, and parking is available on site. Racing only takes place on specific event days, so checking the schedule before making the trip is a good idea.
For many years, DuQuoin was one of the few venues on the major American open-wheel circuit to hold races on a dirt surface rather than asphalt, which made driving conditions there quite different from most other stops on the tour. This dirt tradition gave the track a following among fans who appreciated a style of racing that had mostly disappeared from top-level competition.
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