MACON, Ill. — A strong thunderstorm on Thursday blew through parts of Missouri and Illinois, leaving behind straight-line-wind damage mainly in Macon, Champaign and Vermilion counties.
In Macon, Illinois, Macon Speedway suffered severe damage just a week before what is possibly the biggest three-day racing festival in the track's history.
This is the second time the speedway has been plagued by storm damage this year. This spring, the track was hit by storms just a week before the start of the racing season. A lot of work was put into getting the track ready, according to a post on its Facebook page.
A lot of effort will also go into getting Macon Speedway ready for the Herald & Review 100 next Thursday and the Top Gun USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Cars next Friday and Saturday.
Winds caused major damage Thursday to the back straightaway as well as the backstretch's billboards, light poles and grandstands, according to a video on the speedway's Facebook page. The infield also sustained some flooding, but fortunately, other portions of the speedway remained unscathed.
Photos: Severe storm damage at Macon Speedway
Macon Speedway was scheduled to host a race Saturday for Fan Appreciation Night, but that event will likely be canceled due to damage and the potential for more storms, according to the video.
Race car driver Kenny Wallace, who used to be part-owner of the track in Macon, shared a remorseful tweet about the storm-damaged speedway. "Tears my heart out to see that horrible tornado go through there," it reads in part.
In the meantime, the crew at Macon Speedway is seeking volunteers to help rebuild the grandstands ahead of the big three-day racing festival. If you're interested in volunteering, contact the Macon Speedway by calling 217-764-300 or emailing track1985@gmail.com.
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