Lincoln Speedway is a no-frills dirt oval located just outside downtown Lincoln, Illinois, in a quiet stretch of Central Illinois farm country. Known locally for its 1/4-mile clay surface, the track has been a staple for grassroots motorsports in Logan County for decades. It draws a regular crowd of regional racers and fans who appreciate short-track racing that emphasizes car control and close competition over high speed. The compact size of the track means fans in the grandstands get an up-close view of every slide job and fender rub, with an intimate atmosphere that larger venues can’t match. This is a place where late models, modifieds, and hobby stocks hit the cushion every Friday or Saturday night during the racing season. The focus is on weekly racing programs rather than big touring events, making it a go-to for locals who follow the regular drivers and crews. Concessions are basic but reliable—think burgers, fries, and cold drinks—perfect for a casual night out. There’s no luxury box seating or elaborate light shows, just honest dirt track action on a well-maintained oval. If you're in central Illinois and want to see close-quarters racing without the commercial spectacle, Lincoln Speedway delivers. It's best suited for fans of regional racing, families looking for affordable weekend entertainment, or anyone curious about the grittier side of American short track culture.
Watch: Lincoln Speedway
Know Before You Go
- Race nights
- Most short tracks run Friday or Saturday night events from April through October. Always check the season calendar — many venues take rain dates or holiday breaks.
- Ticket pricing
- General admission is typically $15-40 for adults, pit passes $50-100. Children are often free or half-price. Bigger sanctioned events (touring series) cost more.
- What's racing
- Local oval classes commonly include late models, modifieds, sprint cars, hobby stock, and street stock. Bigger ovals also host NASCAR Weekly Series feature races.
- Bring earplugs
- Open-exhaust race cars push 130-145 dB at the fence — well above the threshold for hearing damage. Bring foam plugs or over-ear protection for kids.
- Schedule rhythm
- Race nights follow a consistent flow: hot laps and qualifying, heat races, then feature events. Plan for a 4-5 hour evening from gates open to checkered flag.