East Moline to reschedule Salute to Gary Webb event

EAST MOLINE, Ill. (Feb. 1, 2023) – Last season, Chuck Hanna wanted to take a trophy home from his Sunday night race at East Moline Speedway. This season, he’ll be helping hand them out. Hanna, a long-time IMCA Sunoco Late Model driver, takes over as promoter of the 1/4 -mile dirt oval, where five sanctioned divisions return to Speedway Motors Weekly Racing programs in 2023.  “Ultimately, we want to improve this facility and work closely with the fair board to make the changes to keep it successful in the future,” Hanna said. “We’re going to add dirt to the racing surface, do terrace work outside turns one and two, and change some of the existing fencing around to help race car traffic flow in the pits,” he continued. “We will do some painting, update the signage and concessions, and are also looking at an earlier start time.”  The upcoming point season at East Moline runs from April 23 to Aug. 27 and weekly shows feature the IMCA Late Models for a 20th consecutive season.  Friesen Performance IMCA [Read More]

By Rob Hinckley  EAST MOLINE, Ill. (July 17, 2022) – Travis Denning shot from the high groove to the low early, moved to the lead after starting sixth and won Sunday’s Friesen Performance IMCA Modified 20-lap feature at East Moline Speedway.  Brandon Durbin started in the last row and wound up second ahead of B.J. Jackson, Mitch Morris and Mike Zemo. Logan Gustaf topped a record-tying IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stock field for his first career 12-lap victory. First-time visitor Luke Phillips tried to catch Gustaf in traffic but settled for second. Randy Lamar, Brandon Schneider and Donnie Cole followed. The 2022 season continues July 20 with the Rock Island County Fair Championship races featuring the Tribute to Ron Gustaf for IMCA Sunoco Late Models plus Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMods and IMCA STARS Mod Lites.

By Rob Hinckley EAST MOLINE, Ill. (May 16) – As he peeled the 13th tearoff from his very moist and splattered helmet face shield, Jim Sandusky saw the checkered flag.  The longtime veteran’s biggest competition was the persistent drizzle of rain. He dominated the rest of the IMCA Modified feature Sunday evening at East Moline Speedway, leading all 15 laps.  “Gratifying,” Sandusky described the victory in the winner’s circle. “I’m just fortunate to have the friends and family to help me get here.” The Coal Valley pilot jumped from the front row and was really never challenged. He held off Brandt Cole through some lapped traffic on lap 12 and then reopened a big advantage for his first 2021 win. Cole slipped up the race track but gathered it back for second place. Jeff Larson, Casey Franks and Bran­don Durbin rounded out the top five. Sandusky kept the string of different 2021 Modified winners at EMS intact. The new lineup format for the IMCA STARS Mod Lites did not deter point Mike Zemo Jr. He [Read More]