Published on
September 4, 2026
Byjdearing
Tribute to Speedway Legend “Dandy” Don Klein Added to Program Featuring KKM Midgets, NARA Outlaw Micros, UMP Modifieds, Veterans Ticket Initiative and More
BELLEVILLE, Ill. (Sept. 4, 2026) — Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway today announced that the prestigious Don Klein Memorial for the Outlaw Steel Block Late Model Series will move to Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway and become part of an action-packed racing program on Friday, Sept.11, 2026
The addition of the Don Klein Memorial further strengthens an evening that serves as the official kickoff to NASCAR Weekend in the St. Louis region, launching a weekend of motorsports festivities leading up to the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 on Sunday, Sept.13, at World Wide Technology Raceway.
The Sept.11 program at Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway will feature:
- Don Klein Memorial for the Outlaw Steel Block Late Model Series
- KKM Midget Series
- NARA Winged Outlaw Micro Sprints
- UMP DIRTCar Modifieds featuring NASCAR racing legends Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader
- Vintage race car exhibitions
- Special fan and community activities throughout the evening including guest appearances by NASCAR drivers
The Don Klein Memorial honors one of the most beloved competitors in Belle-Clair Speedway history, “Dandy” Don Klein. The feature event will consist of 28 laps in honor of Klein’s iconic No. 28 race car. Adding to the tribute, two of Don Klein’s historic race cars will be displayed on the midway, allowing fans an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of one of the track’s greatest champions.
“Don Klein’s name is synonymous with Belle-Clair Speedway,” said Belle-Clair Speedway Promoter and WWT Raceway Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Blair. “Bringing the Don Klein Memorial to Belle-Clair allows us to honor a true racing legend at the track where he built his legacy while giving fans an incredible start to NASCAR Weekend.”
In a special effort to recognize and thank America’s military community, Raceway Gives, the charitable foundation of World Wide Technology Raceway, is partnering with Vet Tix to provide complimentary admission tickets to active-duty military personnel and veterans for the Sept. 11 event. Interested recipients can claim tickets through VETTIX.org while supplies last. In addition, Cody Moore of Faded Father Barber will be providing free haircuts to military and first responders on the midway. Please be ready to provide proper identification.
“This event celebrates much more than racing,” Blair added. “It’s about honoring local legends, recognizing those who have served our country, and bringing the entire motorsports community together to kick off one of the biggest weekends of the year in the St. Louis region.”
As an added keepsake, every fan attending the event will receive a limited-edition Belle-Clair Speedway ‘My Track Is Back’ souvenir decal, commemorating the resurgence of one of the Midwest’s most historic racing venues.
With five divisions of competition, appearances by fan favorites Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader, vintage race cars, military appreciation initiatives, and a heartfelt tribute to Don Klein, the Sept.11 program promises to be one of the most memorable nights of racing of the season.
Advance tickets are available at TIXR: https://www.tixr.com/groups/belleclairspeedway/events/-cuptimestl-short-track-classic-199702
Complimentary tickets for active duty military and veterans are available at: www.Vettix.org
Friday’s event will be televised on FloRacing.
Event Information
Date: Friday, Sept.11, 2026
Location: Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway, Belleville, Illinois
Featured Events: Don Klein Memorial (Outlaw Steel Block Late Models), KKM Midget Series, NARA Winged Outlaw Micro Sprints, UMP DIRTCar Modifieds, Vintage Race Car Exhibition
Military Tickets: Complimentary tickets available for active-duty military and veterans through VETTIX.org while supplies last.
Schedule:
4 p.m.: Pit Credentials
5 p.m.: Advance Spectator Gate Opens
5:30 p.m.: Box Office / ‘Day of’ Spectator Gates Open
5:45 p.m.: Driver Meeting
6 p.m.: Hot Laps
*Vintage
*Micro Sprints
Midgets
*Modifieds
Late Models
6:40 p.m.: Midget Qualifying
7 p.m.: Pre-Race Show
Invocation / Anthem / 9-11 Tribute
Vintage Group 1 – Heat Race
Vintage Group 2 – Heat Race
Micro Sprint Heat Races
Midget Heat Races
Modified Heat Races
SB Late Model Heat Races
Last Chance Races – 12 laps
Vintage Group 1 Feature – 15 laps
Vintage Group 2 Feature – 15 laps
Micro Sprint Feature – 20 laps
Midget Feature – 30 laps
Modified Feature – 30 laps
Don Klein Memorial – SB Late Model Feature – 28 laps
*Vintage, Micros and Modifieds will feature practice time trial qualifying to determine heat race line-up.
Time limits will be enforced on all races.
About Don Klein
Known to generations of racing fans as “Dandy” Don Klein,” Klein was one of the most successful and respected drivers in Belle-Clair Speedway history. His legendary No. 28 became a familiar sight in victory lane and remains an enduring symbol of the speedway’s rich racing heritage.
About Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway
Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway is a premier ¼-mile dirt oval located within the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park complex in St. Clair County, Illinois. Owned by St. Clair County and opened on August 1, 2026, the speedway was developed as an economic tourism driver to attract visitors from across the region while generating positive economic impact for local businesses and communities.
Designed to host a diverse schedule of dirt track racing, concerts, festivals, and special events, the facility serves as a year-round destination for entertainment and community engagement. The speedway is leased and operated by Curtis Francois, with event promotion led by veteran motorsports executive Chris Blair and day-to-day operations managed by Toby Kruse.
As part of the historic Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park complex, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway is committed to delivering high-quality events, supporting regional tourism, and enhancing St. Clair County’s position as a leading destination for motorsports and live entertainment in the Midwest.