Macon Speedway

Macon Speedway, located in Macon, Illinois is one of Illinois's premier dirt ovals. It is also one of the longest continuously-operating racetracks in the state.

Macon Speedway was built in 1946 by Wayne Webb on the site of a brick factory on Macon's West side. It has been in continuous operation since its inception. The facilities have undergone many changes over the years, but the track's size has remained the same since it was first constructed. The track's length has been stated as both 1/4 (.25) mile and 1/5 (.20) mile at different times. It has been touted as "The World's fastest 1/5 mile dirt track" for many years. It was also formerly known as "The Other Brickyard" — "Other" being a reference to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's nickname, and "Brickyard" due to buried bricks rising up to the track's surface from time to time. Many famous drivers who compete on dirt tracks have been to Macon at one time or another.

Macon Speedway remained in the Webb family for many years. Wayne Webb and his brother Lloyd ran Macon under the promotional name of Webb Enterprises, which also held other events at other venues, such as demolition derbies at county fairs in the surrounding area. The Webbs hosted the most varied programs in the track's 60+ year history. Almost every kind of motor-vehicle race, from USAC Midgets and Sprints, to unsanctioned Outlaw Late Model races, were held there. Figure-8 races were also held at Macon Speedway, which accounted for the track's unique triangle-shaped judges' stand. Many "weird" events were held in Macon's past, such as a "Roundy-round Demo Derby" in which contestants had to make a certain number of laps, but also had to make contact with another automobile between the fourth corner and the finish line. Another unique event was a "Headlight Demo Derby." In that event, the track lights were extinguished, and the entrants had to compete with only the headlights on their cars; to be declared the winner, the entrant had to eliminate all other cars, while still having operable headlights. Macon also played host to many long-duration events, such as 75-lap features for the Street Cars (later to become Sportsman, and still later UMP Sportsman). Three-hour-long and/or 300-lap "Enduro" races were also held there.

One of the more notable events in Macon's history was the Herald and Review 100 for UMP Late Models. This race became one of the premier races in the Midwest. With its $10,000 purse, it drew big names in Late Model racing from all over the US.

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