Peoria Speedway to Close After June 11: End of an Era for West Peoria Dirt Track
Peoria Speedway in West Peoria announced it will close after the DirtCar Summer Nationals on June 11. Owner Brandon Dean has promoted the track for 13 years. The Central Illinois Flea Market says it will continue operating at the venue.
The roar of dirt track racing that has echoed across West Peoria for years will fall silent after June 11. Peoria Speedway announced early Sunday that weekly racing is ending permanently, with the DirtCar Summer Nationals serving as the final event.
A 13-Year Run Ends
Brandon Dean has owned and promoted the speedway for the past 13 years. No official reason was given for the decision to close racing operations, according to the announcement posted on the track's Facebook page.
"The weekly sounds of race car engines at the Peoria Speedway will soon be silenced," the track reported in its announcement.
A Struggling Racing Community
West Peoria Mayor James Dillon said the closure came as no surprise. He told 25News Now that racing is a "very expensive hobby" amid rising fuel costs and other operational expenses.
The closing mirrors broader struggles across the dirt track racing world. Spoon River Speedway in Lewistown canceled its racing event Saturday night. The track posted on Facebook that the racing community is facing tough economic headwinds.
"The racing world is unfortunately struggling because of the economy. Tough calls are unfortunately happening all over the racing community," Spoon River Speedway said. "We are saddened to hear that Peoria Speedway is closing. We do not want to see anyone close. It is hard to see a track that has given so many people memories shut down."
Flea Market Continues
The Central Illinois Flea Market, which holds monthly events at the speedway's grounds at 3520 West Farmington Road, said it will not be affected by the end of racing. The market released a statement reassuring attendees that operations will continue as normal.
"We've received quite a few messages regarding the recent news about the closing of the racing operations at the Peoria Speedway. We want to reassure everyone that the Central Illinois Flea Market will not be affected, and it is business as usual for us," the market said.
The next flea market event is scheduled for Sunday, June 14 at the speedway location.