Peterson Family Promotions takes charge at Bullring at Rock Island County Fairgrounds

Weekly

EAST MOLINE, Ill. – A family that’s cheered, raced and worked at the Bullring at Rock Island County Fairgrounds will promote the quarter-mile clay speedplant beginning this season. 

Korey Peterson, along with uncles Jeff and Todd, take charge at the East Moline track. Sunday shows under the Peterson Family Promotions banner will feature IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sunoco Late Models, Karl Kustoms Northern SportMods and, for the first time, IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks.

“We love this track. My grandfather flagged here in the 1960s so we’ve had close ties to it for a long time and we want to see it up to the best of its capabilities,” said Peterson, who raced cruisers and street stocks before ending his racing career in an IMCA Late Model.

“We like a lot of things about IMCA, especially the uniform rules,” he continued. “Sanctioning allows our drivers to be part of a bigger organization, and earn national, regional and state points.”

Opening night is April 26 with the IMCA Speedway Motors Weekly Racing point season continuing through Aug. 30.

Sanctioned Late Models and Modifieds both made their first appearances at East Moline 30-plus years ago and began running weekly at the former Quad City Speedway in 2004 and 2010, respectively. 

Northern SportMods were added in 2015. The Bullring at Rock Island County Fairgrounds becomes the first track in Illinois with IMCA Hobby Stocks on weekly cards. 

“We wanted to add Hobby Stocks for the drivers who wanted stricter rules and an affordable class of race car,” explained Peterson. “Hopefully they provide an 8-cylinder entry class and can lead to IMCA Stock Cars at our track as well.”

Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot qualifying events scheduled this season include the midweek $1,000 to win Modified Mania on July 15, the $2,000 to win Ronnie Weedon Memorial on May 24 and Greg Durbin Memorial on Aug. 2, and the $3,000 to win Running of the Bulls Sept. 19 and 20.

The July 5 SportMod Shootout pays $2,000 to win. IMCA Late Models also chase a $3,000 top check at the September special. 

“The Modified division grows every year so we wanted to reward those drivers with the most specials. Ronnie Weedon and Greg Durbin were synonymous with this track,” Peterson said. “The Running of the Bulls is going to be our pride and joy. Our goal is to have a season-ending hurrah for the drivers who support us.” 

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