SPRINGFIELD, IL – the big cars of the USAC Silver Crown Championship return to one of their most historic venues, as Greenfield, Indiana’s C.J. Leary leads the series to the Springfield Mile for the 63rd Running of the Bettenhausen 100 Presented by Hunt Brothers Pizza on Saturday, August 22, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
Leary enters Springfield following a victory in the series’ most recent event on the pavement at Iowa Speedway, his second win of the 2026 season. He leads the Silver Crown championship standings by 45 points over two-time and defending national champion Justin Grant.
The championship picture could change considerably over the next few weeks as the series turns its attention to the traditional dirt miles at Springfield and DuQuoin. Much of the schedule to this point has been contested on pavement, while the historic dirt-mile events traditionally attract additional competitors and present an entirely different challenge for the championship contenders.
Leary finally broke through for his first victory on one of the dirt miles last season, winning the Ted Horn 100 at DuQuoin. His two victories this season have come at Iowa Speedway and on the big oval at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis. His seven career Silver Crown victories have him tied for 18th on the series’ all-time win list, but two accomplishments remain on his wish list — a Silver Crown championship and a Bettenhausen 100 trophy.
In seven previous attempts on the Springfield Mile, Leary’s best finish came last year when he finished fifth on one of the hottest race days in recent memory. The victory went to Kody Swanson, who has since moved from the cockpit into the USAC Silver Crown Series director position.
Among those looking to keep Leary from adding Springfield to his résumé is Grant, who already knows his way to Bettenhausen victory lane. Grant is a two-time winner of the prestigious event, taking the checkered flag in 2017 and again in 2024. Now chasing Leary for another Silver Crown championship, Grant will have an opportunity to make up valuable ground when the series hits the dirt at Springfield.
The 63rd Running of the Bettenhausen 100 Presented by Hunt Brothers Pizza takes place Saturday, August 22, as part of the Illinois State Fair. Grandstands and the ticket office open at 9:00 AM, Silver Crown practice runs from 10:00-11:10 AM, qualifying begins at 11:30 AM, and the 100-mile Bettenhausen 100 takes the green at 2:00 PM.
The Bettenhausen 100 will once again feature some of the best drivers in the country competing in the historic dirt championship cars on one of America’s most iconic dirt tracks. Saturday’s program also includes preliminary action for the 33rd Annual Illinois Sportsman Nationals.
The racing weekend continues Sunday, August 23, when the ARCA Menards Series takes to the Springfield Mile for the 64th Annual Calypso Lemonade 100, joined by the championship feature for the Illinois Sportsman Nationals.
Advance tickets are available now. Fans can save on advance reserved seating for Saturday’s USAC Silver Crown event by calling Track Enterprises at (217) 764-3200.
Fans attending Sunday’s ARCA Menards Series event can Save Big Money at Menards by purchasing specially priced $20 advance-sale general admission tickets at participating Menards locations throughout Central Illinois.
For tickets, schedules, and complete Illinois State Fair Racing Weekend information, visit TrackEnterprises.com or call (217) 764-3200.
Illinois State Fair Racing Weekend
Saturday-Sunday, August 22-23
Springfield Mile – Illinois State Fairgrounds
Springfield, Illinois